Reasons to visit Catalonia

I haven’t been to Spain for about 15 years, so it's come back around on my travel wish list having heard great things about Catalonia in particular. Catalonia is surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean Sea - however it’s worth bearing in mind that you probably need to rent a car to get around also because the areas that I want to visit are all pretty far apart - so just for the convenience factor I think it would be the best choice.

Blonde Hair Care - Getting Rid of Brassy Tones

I love love love being (bottle) blonde, but a big problem I suffer with is brassy tones and dull/dry hair. This month I've been trying out a couple of new products to get my hair looking ashy and glossy.

The first product is  ‘BlowTones’ by Pimps and Pinups which is exclusive to ASOS and helps to eliminate brassy tones. This product is multipurpose - not only is it a heat protector spray but it also has a non-permanent colour toner (in a light purple to combat those yellowy/orange tones) as well as conditioning the hair and adding shine. What I love about this range is that they are ammonia free, affordable, and the bottles are a pretty good size at 150ml each so that will probably last me a couple of months.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser Review

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser is the must have all in one skincare product. It's a primer, moisturiser, makeup-remover, repairing mask, and after shave cream.

This moisturising cream is primarily made from natural ingredients that are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins to provide nutrients and moisture to help your skin appear more supple, and improve its elasticity.

Hempz Original Body Moisturiser

I suffer from very dry skin, and occasionally break out in small patches of eczema, so my body moisturisers not only have to be super nourishing but they also need to be gentle on my skin.

Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturiser is enriched with 100% Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oil and is blended with natural extracts which are gentle on the skin, but also deeply hydrating.

Hemp oil is made by pressing the raw seeds of the hemp plant, scientifically called Cannabis Sativa (which explains the Cannabis leaf logo). Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fibre which are a good source of Vitamin E antioxidants.

Furthering your education in your 20's

There’s something a bit daunting about furthering your studies as an adult - but really there shouldn’t be. Aged 27 I certainly know a lot more about the direction I’d like to take my life in than I did at 17. A few of my friends have recently moved abroad for work, some continuing on their current career paths of teaching - and others stepping into entirely new adventures, and I can’t help but feel inspired.

I’ve always loved art and design, if you’ve been reading my blog for a while you’ll see that some time back I took evening Art Classes - and really enjoyed myself. I’ve started having a look to see what extra courses I could do myself, things I’d love - but that could also boost my career prospects.

Young or old(er) if you want to make a change to your career - it really is up to you. Get yourself a qualification, and even see a bit of the World whilst doing so? That’s one thing that I regret about my degree - the fact that it didn’t have the option to study abroad for a year, and now all I want to do is see the World.

I was lucky enough that I loved my first job, and that Marketing was for me - but I have been wanting to expand my experiences and have been trawling the internet for courses. I perhaps should have done this 10 years ago, but I really don’t think websites were as easy to use back then. For example, now I can quickly view design courses, such as those at The Istituto Marangoni, where you study interior, industrial and visual design. I can read blog posts about the courses, see the possible design connections I could make and really get more of an idea as to where my career could go.

When I was originally choosing a degree, there just wasn’t this depth of information available online. If you want to work in the design or fashion industry you need to be quick to notice emerging trends, it’s about the experience of University as well as the core principles that you’ll be taught.The thriving creativity of Paris could be the perfect place to gain thorough technical knowledge and apply what you learn.

Have you ever studied or worked abroad? I’d love to hear about it!

Snapchat: Liz.Holiday

The Museum of Broken Relationships - Zagreb

I visited The Museum of Broken Relationships expecting a jovial time, of bitter ex's and hilarious stories - boy was I wrong. Of course there were some funny gems amongst the exhibits, however the majority were heart-wrenching.

The museum is located in the beautiful baroque Kulmer palace (1776, a national heritage) in the Upper Town – a historical part of Zagreb, full of museums and tourist attractions. It's a little hard to find the entrance to the museum, I actually circled the building twice in confusion. The entrance looks like you're entering the restaurant (see below). 

Transformulas Line Filler Review

Aged 27 myself, I'm starting to notice more fine lines appearing on my face - particularly around my eyes where the skin is thinner. I'm not at the stage of wanting to try anything too invasive - so I've been giving Transformulas Line Filler a go. Transformulas Line Filler is an anti-line and anti-ageing skincare product which aims to target, fill and erase facial lines. 

Coconuts with Holland and Barrett

Yesterday was officially the first day of the British Summer, but it certainly didn't feel that way!

Luckily for me, the kind PR team over at Holland and Barrett had sent me a parcel full of coconut goodies - perfect to test out on a rainy day. Doesn't the smell of coconut just remind you of Summer? 

BD Trade Secrets - Radiant Bronze Dream Shimmer Highlighter Review

I've been wanting to get on the highlighter bandwagon for quite some time now, but a lot of palettes I've tested in the shops have been a little too iridescent for me, or the bronzer has been that bit too dark for my pale skin.

What it says on the box: This shimmering highlighting powder will illuminate your skin for a radiant celebrity glow. Sweep a brush into the collective colours and apply to the top of your cheekbones or your entire face. Use colours individually over eyes for a shimmering touch.

Sicily - Entertainment, Art and Gastronomy

I spent some time in Sicily on my travels - this Island is known for entertainment, the arts and incredible food. 

Sicily is soaked in culture, with many festivals taking place in the towns around the island, each with their own unique history and traditions that go back thousands of years. I was there for a week, and came across 2 different festivals/street parades.

Ljubljana Boat Ride

Slovenia is 2/3 forest, and its Capital City Ljubljana is also very green with large parks including the expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes and benches, perfect for a summer picnic. The river divides the City's old town from its commercial hub. The best way to view some of what the City has to offer, is by boat.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Day Trip from Dubrovnik including Medjugorje and Mostar

Whilst you're in Dubrovnik, a variety of tours are available in neighbouring countries. I opted for the Bosnia and Herzegovina Day Trip from Dubrovnik including Medjugorje and Mostar - several friends of mine had mentioned Mostar to me before I began my travels, and sending a postcard from Medjugorje to my Nan would definitely brighten up her day.

The day started pretty early, I was the first pick up at 7.10am, by the time we'd gone round to all the other hotels it was approx 8am as we headed across the main bridge in Dubrovnik and stopped for a photo opportunity.

Beautiful Dubrovnik

Despite the terrible weather over the past few days, nothing was hiding just how beautiful Dubrovnik's Old Town is. Dubrovnik is a small City, with a population of around 40k - in 1979 it joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The prosperity of the city was historically based on maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, as it became notable for its wealth and skilled diplomacy. [source Wiki]

Photos from Sarajevo

Today I spent the day getting lost in Sarajevo (albeit not on purpose, but I did stumble upon some very beautiful areas).

Belgrade Free Walking Tour

Today was cold, wet and windy - but as I am only in this beautiful City for a few days I decided to go on the walking tour regardless. I'm so glad that I did, here are a few photos:

 

Sofia to Belgrade by Rail

... I made it to Belgrade!

I thought the journey would take 8.5 hours, but with the time difference between Bulgaria and Serbia it's actually 9.5 hours - and thanks to train delays it took me almost 12 hours!

Hotel Anel, Sofia - Review

The 5* Hotel Anel in Sofia is located in the Centre of the CIty - just a short walk from the Natsionalna Khudozhestvena Galeriya art museum and 2km from Central Railway Station Sofia. 




All of the rooms and suites come with free Wifi, TVs, coffee making facilities and mini bars - and room service is available 24/7. The mini bar is actually really good value, you can have a small bottle of wine for around £4-5, or a soft drink for around £1/£1.50.

Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine, Sofia - Review

Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine is currently rated the #2 Restaurant in Sofia - and with it being just a 15 minute walk from my hotel I decided to go there for dinner.

Moma Restaurant's concept is to combine a delightful culinary experience with authentic recipes as a nod to times past. The modern interior blends the beauty and purity of the Bulgarian maidens of yore, as seen through the various photos, indulgent embroidery and overall décor.

"The colours of the interior are traditional for the lifestyle of Bulgarian women of the olden days: white – symbolising the purity of maidens, red – symbolising the blood of the mother and the power of the fertile soil, green – symbolising the eternal rebirth and revival, golden – symbolising the Sun, the light and prosperity."

Sofia Free Walking Tour - Bulgaria

Every time I visit a new City, the first thing I do is check out if there is a free walking tour. Walking tours are a great way to get to know an area, in a comfortable and informative environment. The local guides/experts can point out to you not only the history of the City you're in, but also any cultural nuances to be aware of.

The Free Sofia Tour did not disappoint, our guide Stefan was witty and knowledgeable with a true passion for the City. The tour runs twice a day, everyday of the year including Christmas and New Years at 11am and 6pm. No reservation is required, just turn up at the Palace of Justice (you can't miss it, 2 huge Lions either side of the steps).

 

Tips for Solo Travel to China

It’s normal to be anxious when you're planning a Solo trip, but there are many steps that you can take to make things a little easier! I'm usually OK with travelling alone, however next year I'm looking at travelling to Asia - and I think I will probably do this via a travel company as its a bigger step than my usual European adventures.

Image Source: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707 

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre - Review

Her name was Lola... she was a show girl...

Kinky Boots tells the story of a failing Shoe Factory in the North of England (Price & Son). When the owner passes away, he leaves the factory in the hands of his son Charlie who has to find a way to turn its fortunes around or face firing all his staff, many of which are his childhood friends. 

Hand to God at the Vaudeville Theatre - Review

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not.

The plot centres around widow Margery running a puppet making course at her local Church as she struggles to cope with the recent death of her husband. Jason, Margery's son is an outcast amongst his peers and uses his puppet as a way to voice his growing anxieties. The issues begin when Jason's puppet Tyrone appears to have a life of its own, he becomes jealous, aggressive and possessed by the devil. Things get pretty gory, I had a few moments where I was hiding behind my hands!

Flaked - Netflix Original Series Review

Arrested Development is one of my favourite American TV shows - so when I logged into Netflix earlier today and saw there was a new Netflix Original Series 'Flaked' starring (and produced by) Will Arnett I didn't even need to read the bio before clicking play.

The intro into episode 1 was pretty deep... Chip (Will Arnett) is at an AA meeting, and gives us (the audience) a quick bio as to how he got to where he is today:

"I came to Venice (USA) by accident, let me rephrase that, I came to Venice because of an accident. 10 years ago I killed a man, it was my fault - there was no excuse for it. See when its left up to me - my best thinking, well, my best thinking thinks its okay to get loaded and get behind the wheel of a car and that's what I did. I took another human beings life, and in the process - destroyed what was left of mine"

7 Day Sleep Challenge with Holland and Barrett

I tend to be a pretty good sleeper, and whenever possible I try and get at least 8 hours in. Recently however I've been feeling more anxious than usual, and one of the first things to fall out of line was my sleep pattern.

When I got an email to ask if I'd like to partake in the Holland and Barrett 7 day sleep challenge, it could not have come at a better time! 'The Sleeping Bag' from Holland and Barrett contained a variety of products, from bath oils to vitamin supplements and herbal teas. I couldn't try them all in 7 days, but here are a few of my favourites:

Beauty Bargain: Detox Pamper Pack from ASOS

January Detox? With the best will in the World... that never happened. Hello February, and a Detox we can all partake in, a beauty one! The Detox Pamper Pack from ASOS is currently on mark-down, at just £6.

The 4 sachets all have really cute designs, are all a pretty generous size too, apart from the hair mask (I have thick long hair) there was enough for 2 people to use each of these.

Eloquence Pure Luxury Collection Skincare Review

I've been trialling the new luxury skincare brand Eloquence for the past month. Everything in the Eloquence beauty line is perfume and colour free, contains no parabens and no harsh chemicals - even better, they're totally cruelty free.