Chamonix Travel Diary: Part 3

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Yesterday we decided to go on an adventure. We wanted to visit the George de la Diosaz in Servoz as we missed it last year. So we headed to the town hall to get our guest passes for the train. Unfortunately the town hall closed at 12 (for lunch) and we arrived at the office at 11:59. In a typically French fashion we were turned away. So we healed our wounds with a thick Italian hot chocolate at Green Soft Bar, where the charismatic waiter spoke to me completely in French. You may be thinking “What were you expecting Emma, you’re in France.” That’s very true, but it so often happens that when they catch even the slightest glimpse of an accent here, they reply in English. That’s actually really kind, but it’s also a little disheartening when you want to practise a language other than your own. So I laughed and chatted with the waiter as he asked me if I wanted a ‘proper hot chocolate – so thick you have to drink/eat it with a spoon’. My favourite kind!

We soon decided that instead we would hike to Glacier des Bossons – we have a thing for glaciers. Off we went walking through the woods, passing perfectly blue lakes with hidden caves and old ruins. It felt like we were in a fairytale. Once we arrived to Les Bossons Ben decided we would take the chair lift up to the glacier. I have a real phobia of chair lifts after being stuck at around 60 foot in the air above a lake when I was 12. I decided I would power through though and fight my phobia…guess what happened? Yep, half way up, it stopped. I have the worst luck! After a little cry and managing not to throw up (go me!) we were on our way again. I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to have my feet on solid ground. It was all worth it though (at least I’m telling myself that now) as the view was beautiful. The small chalet offering food and coffee next to the glacier was perfectly placed, so we sat in the sun looking on at the slowly disappearing natural beauty.

Oh yeah we walked back down, and I rewarded myself with a gigantic burger at Monkey that evening.

Chamonix Travel Diary: Part Deux

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Admittedly our first full day in Chamonix was always going to be a lazy one. That didn’t stop me waking up at 8am though to go to the boulangerie for baguette and croissants (you gotta be early to get the pick of the best). It did mean that I took a rather leisurely stroll back to the apartment, making sure to take a few photos here and there. Each chalet in town seems to be unique to it’s owner, baring marks of their personality and history. As someone who admires architecture this is perfect for my holiday snaps. After devouring my croissant amande we took a stroll into town and did a bit of window shopping.

It was intended to be an actual shopping trip, but Ben (he’s after some new kicks) can never decide when it comes to clothing. Usually it’s me who is after a new outfit or the latest beauty product, but I’m actually pretty content right now. I guess I want to remember this holiday through experiences, rather than material items. That’s why we had to stop off at one of the best sandwich places in Chamonix. The hole-in-the-wall food vendor is usually populated by skaters and snowboarders (depending on the season), taking me back to my high school days. Good nostalgic comfort food. Whilst we were sat enjoying our poulet frites baguette, a sudden cheer erupted in a crowd that had somehow gathered around us without our knowledge. A marathon was happening, and the stars were the waiters and waitresses from the local bars and restaurants. Their task? To carry a tray of filled glasses and bottles around the town as quickly as possible. Not something I’d personally want to partake in, especially in the hot sun. Yet everyone was smiling as they competed against each other.

Chamonix Travel Diary: Part 1

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Yesterday morning I woke up at 4:30am and hopped on a night bus to Victoria station. No I wasn’t going on a still-drunk adventure, I was off on holiday! We caught the train to Gatwick with our gigantic suitcase and were whisked through drop-off and security pretty quickly. In fact everything went very smoothly and before we knew it we were sat on our Easy Jet plane bound for Geneva (with a spare seat beside me – score!). Our travels didn’t stop at Geneva though, as we boarded the Alpy Bus to Chamonix.

If you were reading my blog this time last year you may have noticed a slight similarity. You see, we have a family apartment in Chamonix and Ben and I love nothing more than running away to it in the Summer. Ski season is wonderful in Chamonix, but the weather in Summer is amazing (clear sky and a hot sun), and it’s much more relaxing not having to fight the hoards of skiers/tourists for the last baguette every morning.

As I type this I am currently sat outside on the porch looking directly at Mont Blanc (the third most visited natural site in the world behind Mount Fuji and the Niagara falls), and I realise just how lucky I am.

I really want to share my travels with you as it’s not something I get the chance to do often (due to work and life in general). Therefore I plan to bring you a daily travel diary complete with photos and a summary of what I’ve been up to (more than likely from the previous day). I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Travel Diary: Countryside Escape

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I love London, but sometimes travelling outside of the big smoke is just what the doctor ordered. This time we headed off into the Welsh countryside for a long weekend. I only discovered Wales about 5 years ago when I met my fiancé, yet it has quickly become a second (third?) home for me. The scenery is beautiful and the people are welcoming, what more could you ask for?

Whilst I’m in Wales I enjoy taking long walks in the hills, making friends with sheep as I go by. Sampling the amazing local food at home (and in restaurants) is always a must, as is having a good catch-up over a glass of wine. Unfortunately the rain may have got in the way a little this past weekend, but we still managed to fit in: a 15 mile bike ride, a trip to a manor house and a stroll around the local castle ruins. Relaxation success!

Turning a Photograph Into a Piece of Art

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When my parent’s told me they planned to redecorate their lounge I knew I had to send them a little gift, and by ‘little gift’ I mean a gigantic canvas print of our family dog. It was the one item I could be confident they would make use of. Thankfully The Print Foundry were on hand to do all the hard work. All I had to do was sit back and choose a fitting photograph.

The one I finally went for is a personal favourite of mine, which was taken on the beach at Walcott, Norfolk. Now I realise that I’m biased, but I do happen to think my dog is pretty darn handsome. This photo of him just seems so majestic and regal that I couldn’t resist having it blown up for all to see. When it arrived I was in half a mind to keep it for myself. The quality of the canvas and printing is superb, it almost looks like an oil painting when the light hits it. As for the size, it was bigger than I had expected, but that certainly wasn’t a bad thing. I had been secretly hoping it would be large enough to take pride of place in my parent’s lounge. In fact my parent’s adore it so much that they have already put it up, even though they haven’t even started decorating yet. They told me that they fell in love with it as soon as they laid eyes on it, which makes for one successful gift if you ask me. Apparently my grandmother has plans to steal it and put it on her staircase…that’s one less Christmas gift to think of anyway.

You can turn your own photographs into works of art at The Print Foundry.

Photo Diary: Culture, Peanut Butter, Skincare and Me

If I ever had my own autobiography it would probably be named something close to the title of this post. The past week or so I’ve really been doing a bit of everything I love, which has been really lovely. The change in weather has given me a bit of a boost and it also means I can get out a bit more. Friends and family have also been visiting, so I get to do lots of stuff I wouldn’t usually do.

I’ve been visiting lots of museums, restaurants and art galleries. I live for culture, probably even more than I live for beauty products – shock, horror! It’s been fun being able to indulge in that particular passion, and I know it won’t end soon. I’ve also been receiving some exciting items in the post, which I’m sure you’ll see on here, no doubt. I thought my love of photography might suffer, what with my camera being sent back for repairs. Luckily that hasn’t been the case, and even though my iPhone 5s isn’t as good, it does the job.

You can follow me on Instagram @bloomzy

Photo Diary: Hot Dogs, Street Art, W♥C & Polaroids

Looking at these photos makes me so happy. I’ve been having so much fun lately, and I’m so glad to share it on here. I went home to Norwich for a couple of days to sort some stuff out and see family. Whilst I was there I really started to feel like it really was going to be Christmas soon. I brought out my Nuxe travel set and fell in love with practically every item inside of it. I also brought out an old polish that felt slightly seasonal and got tons of compliments. I’ve been experimenting with layering shirts & sweaters at work, thanks to the recently chilling weather. I also popped along to the launch of the Drop Dead Winter Collection in their Soho store. That meant I got to bring a plus-one so Laura and I finally got to meet up – love her! My friend in Japan sent me some of the new W♥C items that have just come out. It really took me back to my time living in Tokyo and made me miss everyone so much. This weekend I also took a walk around Shoreditch and caught up with Anna over cake and coffee. I’ve really sucked at keeping in touch with friends lately (due to work), so I’m trying to remedy it. Also food. There was lots of food. Always with the food.

You can follow me on Instagram: @bloomzy