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24 Hours In Barcelona | A Barcelona Travel Guide

barcelona travel guide

Having friends in different countries can be heartbreaking at the worst of times, but incredibly exciting at the best of times. So when one of my close friends moved to Barcelona last year, I kept telling myself – this is just another excuse to travel. And I wasn’t lying, because this Summer we headed over to Spain to pay them a visit. It was my first time in Barcelona, but luckily I had the best tour guides in town. So here’s my Barcelona travel guide to 24 hours in Europe’s hottest city!*

barcelona travel guide

24 Hours in Barcelona: A Barcelona Travel Guide

  • The only place worth brunching
    • Caravelle is renowned for their brunches – and coffee – in Barcelona. If you love food, this is where you should start your day. I found them via BCN Best Coffee (they do other guides too).
  • Wander around Las Ramblas
    • It may be a bit touristy, but Las Ramblas has some great shopping, and even better markets.
  • Sip coffee with the Devil
    • Satan’s coffee corner is the perfect pit stop. Great coffee, and some interesting Japanese-inspired food.
  • Take a wander around the back streets
    • Satan’s coffee is perfectly located amongst some gorgeous back streets and alleys. Take a wander, you never know what you might find.

barcelona travel guide

  • Breathe in some art
    • Everyone and anyone knows Gaudi. So whether you’re a fan of art, architecture, or you just fancy walking around some pretty cool surroundings in the sunshine, Park Guell is a must-visit.
    • Tip: Book your tickets online before you leave. You’ll need to turn up at a specific time slot, and tickets sell out hours beforehand at the park itself.
  • Basque in your dinner
    • And your beautiful surroundings at El Nacionale. The Instagram worthy building features a selection of Barcelona’s best food. You’re spoilt for choice here.
  • End the night with a view
    • …and a gin and tonic, at Barcelo Raval Hotel’s 360 Terrace. Walk around and take in the whole of Barcelona by night.

Feel free to leave your own Barcelona travel recommendations in the comments.
And don’t forget to check out my other travel posts!

*As much as I’d like to, I can’t genuinely confirm whether this is the hottest city in Europe or not…it probably isn’t.

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How to Create a Hygge Home – In a Nutshell

hygge homeHow to Create a Hygge Home

What is a Hygge Home?

A home that is inviting. Not pretentious, ostentatious, or any other kind of -ious. It’s a place you can come back to and forget all your worries. It may sound silly, but it’s about creating a space where you feel safe and comfortable. Having a space where you are able to drop all of your work and social worries is tough. But I truly believe that your home can be a safe haven from this kind of stress. After a long day at work, I look forward to coming home to a hot chocolate, a comfy sofa, and some good food…with the occasional cuddle thrown in for good measure. That’s hygge.

Interiors and design obviously play a big part in this too though. If you have a home that looks good, you feel good. And no that’s not shallow or fickle. It’s scientifically proven that pretty things make us happy. They can even de-stress us! That doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a ton of new stuff, or redecorate your entire home though. I’ve put together some some useful tips,

How to Create a Hygge Home – Tips

  • Functional, but stylish
  • Quality over quantity
  • Good food, good drink, good company
  • Craftsmanship – choose items with a story
  • Lots of plants – bring a little nature into the home
  • Lighting is very important! Keep it soft, and comfortable.
    • Yes, that means lots of candles…
  • Natural fabrics and materials
    • E.g. wood, cotton, stone, glass, wool
  • Soft furnishings
    • Go on, go buy that cosy throw you always wanted

There you have it. My how to create a hygge home…in a nutshell! This is definitely not the be all end all of guides, but it is a handy go-to for those who want to bring a little hygge into their home. Don’t forget though, it’s as much about the ‘feeling’ as any material object. And now is the perfect time of year to invite people over, and spend more time with your loved ones.

Check out the rest of my ‘How to Hygge’

Read more How to Hygge

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hygge home

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Christmas Wrapping Guide with Marks and Spencer

Christmas Wrapping GuideChristmas Wrapping Guide with Marks and Spencer

Wrapping has always been an issue for me. I actually dread it every birthday, Christmas etc. Mainly because my best friend makes so much fun of my wrapping skills. I’m not that terrible, but I’m not great either. So I guess over the last few years I’d just given up trying.

So when Marks and Spencer invited me to a Christmas Wrapping event I automatically to yes. Whereas inside I was screaming “please help save my friends and family from poorly wrapped gifts this year”. And save them they did, because I picked up more than a tip or two, and I’ve decided to share them (ain’t I nice) with you below.

Christmas Wrapping Guide Tip 1

Create a gift bag out of wrapping paper, for hard to wrap gifts.

You know the kind of gift. The one with bits sticking out of it, rounded corners, it may even be fragile. Yes they’re also the bane of my Christmas too. Well they were, until Geraldine and Marks & Spencer teamed up to teach me how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper. This works for literally any kind of gift. And it also means you don’t have to pay extra. Because let’s be honest, we all have a ton of spare wrapping paper lying around at this time of year.  Check out my attempt at a wrapping paper gift bag below, with an awkward soap and lotion set. No bad, ey?

Find out how to create your own with the Marks and Spencer wrapping guide.

Christmas Wrapping Guide Tip 2

Buy gift wrapping sets, to make it look completely effortless.

Following on from my previous comments; don’t you just hate it when you have a load of spare wrapping paper, but you don’t have any matching ribbon, bows etc. Well yes, I do actually have that issue sometimes. But not anymore! Because I have discovered wrapping paper sets. Sets of complimentary paper, ribbons, tags etc. Yes these are actually a thing, and they’re available at M&S. It’s definitely the easiest way to give your friends and family stylishly wrapped presents.

Christmas Wrapping Guide Tip 3

Make it personal.

We all know that a well wrapped gift will get anyones attention, and rightly so. But why not make it personal. After all, we do the same with people’s gifts. Why not go the extra mile and match the wrapping to the person too? My personal style is uber minimalist, and I know that works with some friends. However some of my family/friends like cute packaging, others super seasonal. So this year I’ve decided to match my gifts with their wrapping. Making sure I go the extra mile. You know, for those bonus points from Santa.

Check out more photos from the event, and my attempts at gift wrapping at home below.

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This post is in collaboration with Marks & Spencer however all views, photos and words are my own.
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How to Hygge: Slow Yourself Down | Lifestyle

how to hyggeHow to Hygge: Slow Yourself Down

Everywhere I look lately I see “hygge” plastered alongside articles and products that leave me imitating the thinking face emoji. I’m looking at you Deliveroo (yup, shots fired). No but seriously, this sudden trend must have a lot of Danes scratching their heads. Why has it taken us Brits so long to catch on to “hygge” and why now?

Well if I had to sum it up with an educated guess: I’d say it’s partly to do with our long relationship with our Scandinavian cousins, and a mix of people just generally needing some warmth and security in their lives right now. Thanks for that Brexit/Trump.

Take Some Down Time

I wasn’t sure where to start my How to Hygge series. I’ve known of the concept for a while, but only started really paying attention when I realised that I was actually already living a rather hyggely (apparently that’s grammatically correct) lifestyle. One aspect that has been pretty prominent for me lately is slowing myself down. A relaxed and comfortable lifestyle is key to hygge. So I figured where better a place to start, than with some self improvement?

How to Hygge: Slow Yourself Down

London life can be pretty hectic, especially when you’re running a full-time job, and a blog on the side. I’ve discovered this first hand. My week days are made up of a 9-5 job in marketing, and then cramming in as many press events as possible in the evening. Sometimes I’d even fit them in the middle of the day! How crazy is that?!

I soon realised that I was tiring myself out. Both mentally and physically. I needed to stop, slow down, and prioritise my health, as well as my family and friends. It’s so important that we are aware of our bodies and our minds, and what we’re doing to them. I like to think I’m pretty self aware, yet I found myself still saying yes to every opportunity (I’m terrible for this).

And now?

Something had to give! So I stopped. All those amazing press event invites? I pick out my favourites, and decide on 2-3 a week, rather than 5-7. After all, what’s the point in doing something if I only feel lukewarm about it? It’s not fair on myself, or others.

I no longer stay late at work, unless it’s absolutely necessary. This may not be overly popular with my colleagues, but if I’m not being efficient with my time, that’s even worse. And instead of being busy 6-7 days a week, I have most of my evenings back. I also make sure I have at least one day of the weekend where I’m doing absolutely nothing. I save these for time with my fiancé, friends and family.

Now I only do the things I really love and want to do, rather than stretching myself thin. Slowing myself down begins now.

Read more of my How to Hygge series.

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Danish Architecture: A Copenhagen Love Story

Danish ArchitectureDanish Architecture: A Copenhagen Love Story

If you hadn’t already picked up on it, I’m a bit of an architecture geek. Unfortunately not the kind that has any knowledge on how to build a structure etc. Rather the kind that stands outside pretty (art deco, brutalist etc) buildings with my mouth gaping open – and my camera shutter clicking. I love spending my travels walking down streets and alleys. No I’m not up to anything dodgy, I just want to check out the buildings! Promise.

Danish Architecture: Why?

One of the main draws of Copenhagen – for me – was the architecture. It’s not as if Danish architecture is anything new. From traditional red roofed town houses, to contemporary glass structures, Danish architects are world renowned. The Sydney Opera House? Danish architect. The best house in the world? Danish architect. You catch my drift.

However I was eager to discover some of Denmark’s best structures, at home in Copenhagen.

Danish Architecture: Love or Loathe?

The residential buildings in Copenhagen are charming. They reminded me of Japan a little bit. But instead of having to look up, you also have to look down. You’ll often find cafes, shops and studios located in the basement of a building, if not at ground level. There’s also lots of space. It seemed as though the buildings in Copenhagen were built with space in mind. Or maybe this is just some of Scandinavia’s well loved interior design at work.

As for more formal structures, I was interested to learn (from the help of the internet, and a tour guide) about the methods and meanings behind them. From “blue buildings” with windows that reflect the sea, to diamond structures that reflect the sunlight and glisten, well, bright like a diamond. It’s hard not to fall in love with a city this transfixing.

See more of my Copenhagen travel guides.

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Naples to Sorrento | Italy Travel Diary

naples to sorrentoNaples to Sorrento | Italy Travel Diary

Travelling with a friend for the first time is always a bit daunting. The most difficult task being, where do you go? You may have conflicting views as to what makes the perfect Summer holiday. One of you may be a city type, the other a beach type etc. etc. You both want to make the other person happy, but ultimately come to a compromise.

So when Eva and I decided to take a short break together recently, we spent a lot of time deciding on the perfect location. Oddly enough, it wasn’t because we couldn’t agree, but because we had too many places we wanted to visit together! Finally though, we decided to pay a visit to ancient Napoli, and the gorgeous Sorrento.

Naples to Sorrento… Why?

One of the things that cements mine and Eva’s friendship is our love of culture. I knew this wasn’t going to be a sit down and chill by the pool holiday. Oh no. This was a get up and go, and travel across Italy kinda holiday. The kind where you pop in and out of museums, art galleries, bars and restaurants all day. But that’s fine, because I’m all about cramming in as much as possible. Naples itself has a lot of history, and I was eager to explore it.

Naples to Sorrento… How?

The trip from Naples to Sorrento is relatively easy, and incredibly inexpensive. It costs around €4 for single ticket from Naples main station (Napoli Centrale). Sorrento was the last stop, so we were able to sit back and enjoy the ride, albeit it a very hot one. The journey is beautiful, passing Pompeii (Mount Vesuvius) and the coast. I’d happily do it again just for the scenery.

Would I go back?

The streets in Naples are lively, and filled with stories. However my favourite places were the old town – stunning. And Piazza Vincenzo Bellini – amazing nightlife. Not to mention, the food is great. Fresh seafood, pasta and pizza (try a ‘deep fried pizza’) is easy to find. Whilst the prosecco and bellinis were the best I’ve ever had. I’d go back just for them!

Sorrento on the other hand is a little too touristy for me. If you don’t mind putting up with overcrowded streets full of tourists, then go for it. Because Sorrento is genuinely beautiful. In all fairness, we did go during peak season. I’d love to go back at a quieter time of year, to experience it a little differently.

Read more travel posts here.

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What is Hygge, And How Do I Get It? | Lifestyle

What is HyggeWhat is Hygge, And How Do I Get It?

I have an odd fascination with words that don’t translate. It all started years ago,with 気持ちいい (kimochi/ii); a Japanese word that relates to a particular feeling of enjoyment. So when I heard someone talking about the Danish word hygge, I knew I had to investigate further.

Luckily enough my investigation coincided with a rather interesting email. An email asking if I would like to attend a talk with Not on The High Street and Signe Johansen – author of How to Hygge. The panellists included Skandium’s found Magnus Englund, and Not on The High Street’s director Sally Bendelow. I was eager to hear more, so I jumped at the chance. Little did I know it would lead me down a very interesting, familiar rabbit hole. One that would leave me asking ‘what is hygge?’

What is Hygge?

Hygge is not about buying a new throw for your sofa (although Wool Couture‘s is tempting). Nor is it about lighting a bunch of candles. Although both these things can contribute to a sense of hygge. Confusing, right? Well that’s because hygge is more of a concept, than an entity. It isn’t about material objects, it’s the sense of comfort you get from them. Well, amongst other things.

It’s about creating a comforting atmosphere. A place where you feel at home.

what is hygge

How Do I Get It?

For those that fancy a little Danish in their lives (no I’m not talking about pastries or Mads Mikkelsen), hygge is relatively easy to achieve. It’s about taking a step back from our hectic lives, and taking the time to appreciate the little things. Simple things such as spending time with our families/friends, or trying out that recipe for cinnamon rolls that you always wanted to bake. During the colder, darker months, a lot of Danes spend more time at home. They invite friends and family over, enjoy some good food and drink, and relax. And yes, there may be a candle or two involved.

Can We Really Get Hygge?

Hygge is not a new term, however it is having it’s moment in British culture right now. Autumn and Winter in the UK are characteristically dark, cold, and damp. Something our Danish cousins know about all too well. It’s at this time of year that people like to cosy up at home with their loved ones, pop on Netflix, and snuggle into the sofa with some comfort food. Not much different to what I was talking about before, right?

Denmark is well known as being the happiest country in the world. So it makes sense that us Brits would want in on it too. What with current political and economical events, we’ve all been left looking elsewhere for comfort. And I think hygge may just be it.

I’ll be writing a more in-depth guide on How to Get Hygge soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

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