Category Archives: Travel

Travel thoughts: Christmas markets

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I lived in France for ten years where the Christmas hype started much later and was much more low key. So for me, the Christmas markets signify the beginning of the festive period. Being cocooned by the closeness of the beautifully decorated stalls, almost suffocated by the homely aroma of vin chaud and heartened by the promise of melted cheese on bread, was an event worth attending even if I didn’t have a shopping agenda.

A tradition which originated in Germany in the late middle ages to mark the four weeks of Advent, the popularity of the Christmas market soon filtered through Europe to Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain. Surprisingly, even though local markets have occupied a place on the town squares of England for many years, the extravagant English Christmas fayres of the past didn’t return to our cities until the 1990s. Banned by the puritan leaders of Cromwell’s reign for being, an icon of a wasteful festival that threatened Christian beliefs and encouraged immoral activities, Christmas markets in all their glory took a long time to re-emerge. Festive products and foodstuffs eventually found their way back onto the English market stalls in the Victorian era. And thankfully now the dedicated Christmas markets of the past are once again popping up all over the country offering an abundance of tempting treats handmade gifts and a chance to meet the maker.

More popular than ever, festive markets are now regular events in the larger cities of Scotland (Edinburgh & Glasgow), Wales (Cardiff ) and England (London, Manchester, Leeds & Birmingham). Smaller towns and country estates have also eagerly adopted the unique yuletide shopping opportunity. York, Bath and Blenheim Palace are amongst the most popular heritage sites to make use of their elegant architecture as backdrops for complex projections, spectacular light manifestations and laser displays to wow the shoppers as they browse the stalls for festive goodies.

 

christmas treats

 

The best Christmas markets still take place within the leading countries of Europe. Cultural styles dominate the handcrafted objects on sale, varying the design of the jewellery, ceramics, and toys from region to region. The geographical differences don’t stop there, the choirs, the minstrels and vibrancy of the dancers who entertain the crowds all vary dramatically too.

Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Nuremberg still attract the highest numbers of visitors every year and are the biggest Christmas markets. Hot Bratwurst and gallons of beer are amongst the tempting treats at the german street stalls. Further east, roasted hams and hot sugar-coated cake entices shoppers to the markets in Prague. In Bologna, it’s festive nougat made with almonds and honey that is a winner with the crowds. However diverse the flavours may be, there is always one tempting aroma that dominates – roasted chestnuts. And just writing about it is putting me in the festive mood, which reminds me, I must buy some more cinnamon!

 

Christmas treats

The Perfect Tea Gifts: Christmas at Mariage Frères

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Stepping inside Mariage Frères is like being transported into a bygone era. Mariage Frères is exclusively one of France’s oldest tea shops and we are fortunate enough to have their flagship store open on our doorstep in the heart of Covent Garden. This is also the brands largest tea emporium to date, boasting five storeys of tea history. The ceiling to floor tea wall is filled with all the teas you can imagine and is definitely worth a visit just to marvel at the longest tea wall in the World featuring over 1000 varieties of tea. The shop also features a Tea Museum on the second floor showcasing tea antiques from around the World as well as providing you with a lowdown on the history of tea and of course, the pièce de résistance has to be the Salon de Thé. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner each dish is expertly created to feature, you’ve guessed it… tea. We heavily recommend their tea infused cocktails! There really is something for everyone here. 

The emporium is a stunning addition to Covent Garden and like everywhere else at this time of the year, we thoroughly recommend paying this place a visit over the festive period. Tea lovers will be blown away by the quality of the products and we promise you will not be disappointed by their incredible collection of luxurious and stunning Christmas gifts and cakes to impress your guests! 

Our personal favourites had to be…

Mariage Frères Gold Cake £66

Not only is this completely show-stopping, but the Gold Cake is scrumptious. Covered in shimmering gold, this chocolate marbled cake is infused with Marco Polo black-tea and flavoured with festive spices with a core of gianduja and hazelnut. The Gold Cake will serve around ten guests and if you’re in my house, will last about 5 minutes! 

Noël Fruit Tea: £49

This stunning fruit tea comes packaged in a hand-blown glass bauble design. The tea itself is fruity and spicy and festive and can be enjoyed hot or cold and like any, would make a great infusion  perfect for a Christmas cocktail. 

Opera Musical Tea-Box £65

Now this really is a unique and extraordinary present. A beautiful, illustrated musical gift box is filled with four packets of tea and when opened, each plays a different operatic tune. This really is the kind of gift one would have been presented with many years ago and we are so thrilled to see that it is still possible to buy such a traditional gift. 

Soho Bohème Teapot £299

For the tea-lover who has everything. We guarantee they won’t have such an exquisite teapot. This expertly hand-blown glass teapot is sculpted into a soufflè shape and can be bought with a gold or silver lid. This teapot really oozes class and sophistication. 

NOËL SUBLIME® £39

Nestled in an elegant gift set, painted in black & gold and decorated with silver stars, this NOËL SUBLIME advent calendar beholds 25 tea-inspired Mariage Frères treats to make the countdown to the holidays all the more pleasant.
The clock, symbolised by a hanging Christmas ornament, ticks while imaginary windows, opening day after day, glimmer under the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem.

All gifts are available to buy in Mariage Frères flagship store in Covent Garden or in Selfridges London.

www.mariagefreres.com 

BAR + BLOCK ALDGATE: A RESTAURANT TO BLOCK OUT SOME TIME FOR

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As soon as you enter Bar + Block you’re immediately enveloped by this cosy, atmospheric and bustling steakhouse – mood lighting included! We took a trip to this humble favourite and are here to give you the lowdown.

THE FOOD

If at first you’re intimidated by the extensive menu, you’ll soon  be put at easy by the modest, and ‘so-not-London prices’. Everything about the menu screams comfort and big flavours, from the pulled beef tacos, aromatic crispy mushroom pancakes and middle eastern king prawns through to the hispa cabbage and beef dripping triple cooked chunky chips (heaven). And that just scratches the surface. The quality of the steaks at Bar + Block rivals the best steakhouses in town. Choose from classic cuts like rump and ribeye or specialty steaks like the spiral cut (marinated in garlic and parsley) or the Tira De Ancho (similar to the spiral marinade but with a chilli kick and chimichurri sauce).

Steak not whetting your appetite? Don’t worry, you can choose from handmade burgers, grills or fish. We hear that the grilled veg and burrata burger, lamb souvlaki and grilled salmon are excellent choices. If you think you’ve got room for appetite, we struggled but made it through, the Chocolate Toffee Fondue Sharer is the perfect sweet ending. Made up of warm churros coated in cinnamon sugar, triple chocolate brownie chunks, fresh strawberries, banana and apple served with a chocolate toffee dipping sauce – you’re welcome.

THE DRINK

As with the food, the drinks prices are much more appetising than that of other steakhouses. Cocktails start at just £7.99, swoon, and specialty gins come in at £4.95. Take your pick of wine, beer or soft drinks if you’d prefer – the welcoming prices continue!

THE ATMOSPHERE

Warm and welcoming would be how we sum up the atmosphere at Bar + Block. There’s a constant buzz about the large dining area and it’s packed with a mix of corporate singletons grabbing dinner, groups of friends, date night couples and families.

THE PRICES

Starters begin at £3.95 for the creamy mac and cheese bits and steaks begin at £12.95 for an 8oz rump. A steak sample will cost you £27.95

THE OFFERS

Half price cocktails Monday to Thursday – 5pm – 7pm

LET ME BOOK

To book, visit https://www.barandblock.co.uk/en-gb/locations/london-aldgate/book

 

 

 

 

Travel thoughts: Interior design for holiday homes

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Interior design

 

A property with the WOW factor doesn’t happen by magic. It takes imagination and skill. But if you haven’t got the money to employ a qualified interior designer, there are plenty of good tips on the web. A savvy hotelier or holiday homeowner with a good eye for design can easily use this free information to improve the look and feel of their property for a fraction of the cost. So why don’t they?

I travel a lot for my job, so I am in and out of spaces all the time: hotels, apartments and villas. I have rented them all. I’ve also used big and small agents: Airbnb, Booking.com, James Villas’s and independent owners. Depending on where I am and what suits my needs, I select a property on a mix of location, size, facilities and look Location and size can’t be changed, but the amenities and interior design can. Facilities are a blog post for the future, but for now, these are my top tips for achieving attractive holiday home spaces.

 

Space

Cramming the communal areas with too much furniture, especially in open plan living arrangements is one of the biggest mistakes to be made. In large properties, sofas and armchairs should be clustered together to create cosy areas. And the use of different colours, textures and patterns in specific areas such as sitting rooms and dining rooms can add appeal and intrigue.

 

Light it up

Lighting sets the mood and ambience of a room. Too little and the place is gloomy and depressing. Too much, and it feels sterile and unwelcoming. If you are going to invest time and money, to improve a room, lighting is an essential element to get right. When natural light is weak, use cleverly positioned mirrors within a space to highlight the colours, textures and patterns. When an interior space is too bright, soften the area with textural curtains or blinds.

 

Add Colour

Colour sets the tone and mood of property just as much as the lighting. So it’s worth researching the psychology of colour. However, bear in mind that not all the design tips for using colour will suit your property. For instance, in chalet interior design, where wood tones tend to dominate the palette, red may not be the best choice for a dining room. And green may not be ideal for a small bedroom.  

 

Fabric softener

Fabrics are perfect for adding interest, texture and colour to a room. They can be employed used to create character and style by either complimenting or contrasting depending on the feel you want to achieve. A classic interior design styling tip for integrating soft texture within a bedroom is the use of cushions and bedspreads. And rugs are ideal for adding depth and warmth in a living space. The overall number one interior design tip for creating harmony within a room is accessory repetition. And three is always the magic number.

 

Maintenance

Above all, remember there is no point creating unity of colour, texture and pattern if the windows are dirty or curtains are unevenly hung. A good cleaner is worth their weight in gold. And no one likes shabby furniture or broken appliances, so please owners – stay on top of the maintenance!

For a more in-depth knowledge of a chic home environment and other themes, here’s how to become an interior designer, so you won’t need to hire a pro if you need one.

Revised from a blog written for the OVO network

 

Sam stone is a freelance writer with an enviable job of being a travel and lifestyle blogger After working in the publishing industry for 15 years, she now travels the globe documenting her experiences for commissioned blogs and specialised web content. Based in Cornwall she unapologetically confesses to being a beach bum and obsessed foodie who is always on the lookout for her next big adventure!

Know these 5 Easy Travel Hacks

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from https://unsplash.com/photos/SaVlzqe9068 free Travelling can get insanely overwhelming. Just when you get to the airport, you might realize you forgot your air ticket or even your credit cards. The thrill of traveling can quickly get under your skin and cause a lot of confusion.

Whether you are traveling alone or not, how you travel matters. Even though it is just for a few days, some tips can help you travel better and remain happy throughout your trip. Here are five simple and easy travel hacks that should make to your checklist before you leave your house:

1. Pack early enough

Trying to get everything done last minute is the reason you end up forgetting a lot of your stuff. If you know you have to travel, pack your items a day or two in advance. It is a great way to make sure you put some thought into what you are packing for your trip. Besides, if you find that you do not have some of the things you might need for your journey, you will have ample time to go shopping and get everything you need.

Make sure you start by packing the most important items before anything else. This includes tickets, passports, to mention a few. You also want to separate the items you will need to retrieve along the journey and those that can’t wait until you get to your destination.

2. Use See-through packing bags

 

The one way to make sure you have packed everything before you leave is by checking what you have in your suitcases or bags. However, this can be problematic if you used the typical colored packing bags. It takes way too much time to check through every packing bag to account for all your items.

Instead, see-through packing bags makes it a lot easier for you to see what is in your bags without having to disorganized everything and start from scratch. It may also help to have a list of what you need to pack for your trip way in advance.

3. Pick a Travel Jacket with Lots of Zip-Shut Pockets

A lot of the forgetfulness comes when you have to pack too much but do not have enough space for everything. Every time you have to reopen your bags to add or remove another, you stand the risk of forgetting some of the most important things.

Regardless of how many bags you plan to carry with you, consider a travel jacket with several zip-shut pockets. This will create more storage room for the tiny items that are still important for your journey. It is also the best way to make sure you can easily trace the small stuff, including the best dog shampoo for dry skin, if you are traveling with your dog.

4. Park in the Same Area at the Hotel

The last thing you need is to spend hours finding where you parked your car in a foreign place. At the hotel you stay at, make sure you establish a routine on how and where you park your car. This is very important especially for big hotels that have people coming in and out from different places. It is even more important when you have a rental car. Since you are not used to how the rental car looks like, avoid any mishaps and confusion by parking in the same area all the time.

5. Mark your stuff as fragile

If you are flying to your destination, the way your luggage is handled at the airport can be annoying. Trying to protect your designer clothes, bags and shoes may not sell it at the checkpoints. Instead, mark your items as fragile. This does not mean they will not be checked, only that they will be handled carefully. Airline workers will not want to break any stuff, which means the fragile marking will be worthwhile.

 

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7 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tulum

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As one of Mexico’s most historic and stylish retreats, it’s difficult not to feel swept up in the magic of Tulum. Tucked away on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the area attracts visitors from all over the globe due to its top-tier restaurants, luxury condo rentals, gorgeous beaches, and remarkable historical sites. Here are just a few great places to visit on your next trip to this remarkable location.

1. El Castillo

Perched over a rocky sea bluff, El Castillo (“The Castle”) is an ancient Mayan ruin that has captivated visitors to Tulum for generations. Said to have once served as a beacon for Mayan turquoise traders traveling by canoe, the structure reminds us that Tulum was once a key trading port for this ancient civilization.

2. Temple of Frescoes

Like El Castillo, the Temple of Frescoes whisks visitors away to the world of ancient Mayan traders and everyday citizens. Named for its painted depictions of Mayan gods, the temple is a wonderful stop on any tour of the region’s historical sites. The building’s otherworldly carvings of scenes from Mayan myths also provide visitors with a glimpse into another age.

3. Luxury Rental Condos

For a home base in Tulum, it’s difficult to top a stay at one of the area’s luxury condos. Known for their amenities and stylishness, Tulum luxury condos offer visitors a first-class way to experience the good life in this wonderful region. Close to Tulum’s fine-dining establishments, compelling local arts scene, and vibrant nightlife hotspots, these condos are a must for people who love to travel in comfort and style.

4. Playa Ruinas

With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and proximity to some of the region’s most beautiful Mayan ruins, it’s easy to see why the Playa Ruinas has become immensely popular with in-the-know travelers in recent years. Still one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, the Playa Ruinas is a relaxing oasis from the workaday world.

5. The Tulum Restaurant Scene

With their gorgeous outdoor settings and remarkable takes on Mexican cuisine, Tulum’s restaurants are justly treasured among travelers to the area. Aficionados of local restaurants cherish the hearty breakfasts served up with a smile at Don Cafeto, and late-night eateries like Antojitos la Chiapaneca offer travelers a chance to choose from a delicious selection of tacos and other items.

For haute cuisine options, travelers can enjoy winning takes on Latin favorites at Kitchen Table or take in the open-air splendor of Bal Nak and its truly stunning approach to Mexican seafood.

6. Cenote Dos Ojos

Extremely popular among travelers to the region, cenotes around Tulum are natural sinkholes and cave systems where visitors can swim and snorkel in wonderful natural surroundings. In the grotto-like natural structure of the Cenote Dos Ojos (“Cenote Two Eyes”), visitors can explore a remarkable underwater world that seems straight out of a fairytale; it’s a perfect spot for people who love snorkeling and diving in beautiful surroundings.

7. Playa Paraiso

Another one of Tulum’s most beautiful beaches, the Playa Paraiso is tucked away in one of the region’s most gorgeous areas. With fewer visitors than the Playa Ruinas, it also makes a perfect picnic location for travelers who like to get away from it all and take in the best that Mexico has to offer.

Without a doubt, Tulum offers visitors a wide variety of magical experiences to remember for a lifetime. With its ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, stunning rock formations, and a cultural scene that is both charming and inspiring in equal measure, Tulum will likely retain its status as the place to be for true travel connoisseurs for the foreseeable future.

 

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Make travelling with children easier

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Travelling with children can be a trying experience. Tears and tantrums are a regular fixture and little ones tend to get easily bored. To help you make your next journey go more smoothly, follow our handy tips to ease your frazzled nerves.

The first – and arguably most important – step is to decide where to go. When the children are older, you can be more adventurous with your choices, but while they are young, hotels with childcare are invaluable. For older children, it is a good idea to book a hotel which has a variety of activities available that will keep them entertained – tennis courts, swimming pools and games rooms are all great options.

Think about what you can do when you get there. What does your destination have? If your children are toddlers or pre-schoolers, you might want to make sure there is a playground nearby. Select hotels even have toys available for kids to use. If there is a beach at your destination, then make sure you pack a bucket and spade. 

For the journey, as well as the holiday itself, essentials include books, crayons, paper and favourite toys. By downloading TV shows and cartoons from iPlayer or a similar streaming site before you leave, you can access them while you’re away, even if you don’t have an internet connection.

Packing for children can create its own list of complications. With only two adults, it can be a lot to carry. My husband and I usually take backpacks as that leaves our hands free. If you have a pram utilise it as much as you can but know that it will have to be folded down to be put in a car or plane. You can give children little backpacks if they want. It can carry a snack and a favourite toy. Suitcases with wheels are also handy. If you have a baby, I find baby slings invaluable. You can then have a rucksack too: I find it balances out the weight nicely. 

When my husband and I go on holiday we try to pack as little as possible. Sure, it would be nice to have a lot of outfit choices but space is limited so I find a pair of jeans with lots of t-shirts work. I usually bring one dress. A pair of sandals and a pair of trainers work well too. Minimalism is your friend when you have children.

Book your transport to the airport. Check out these airport transfers from Liverpool to Manchester and book in advance. The easiest way to make travelling with children easier is to be as organised as possible. It is also helpful to have any liquids in clear plastic bags before you get to the airport. A freezer bag works well. Another tip I have might be a little controversial but bribery is your friend when it comes to your kids! Have biscuits or chocolate on hand to help with any meltdowns. You might not let them have those kinds of treats usually, but, hey, on holiday different rules apply.

Make sure you have packed enough nappies and bottles. I find taking a training seat is a very good idea. This helps children go to the loo when they are somewhere new. This is especially important if you have just started potty training as little things can set children back.

Good luck on your travels. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

 

Collaboration with Cyllenius.

Celebrate Bastille Day at Brasserie Blanc with Boeuf Burger’gnon

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Salut… and do we have a Bastille Day treat for you!

From 8-19th July, Brasserie Blanc have a special main course of pure culinary genius to help celebrate. They have transformed their top rated Boeuf Bourguignon sauce into a delicious burger aptly named ‘Boeuf Burger’gnon’ and will be serving it up to willing diners across all of their sites this month. 

We tried the twist on the traditional French dish for ourselves in the Chancery Lane branch of Brasserie Blanc slap bang in the lunchtime rush and we were blown away. A perfect blend of bold, upfront flavours of a burger balanced well with the slow cooked spices of their famous Boeuf Bourguignon served alongside some tasty skinny fries. 

We decided to start our meal with a quintessentially French dish, a cheese soufflé, which was like eating a delicious cloud.  But what I must say is that although the special, nicknamed the “dirty burger”, appears petite and unassuming at first glance, this packs the punch of a rich fillet steak. The burger itself is deliciously tender and well seasoned. The meat is top notch and the Bourguignon sauce which subtly brings it together is not overwhelming at all. We did have to get our knife and fork out for this one to break up all the components equally but the burger was not uncomfortably packed to the brim. The onion rings were well cooked and the bacon naturally salted the burger. As for the bourguignon sauce, i’m surprised it’s taken this long to come up such a concept as the two are so well suited. As for the case of Man V Food, food certainly won us over – but nicely. I definitely regretted filling up on bread for this meal but if you’re hoping for bang for your buck you will not be disappointed and you will not leave hungry. This is something that has to be tried for yourself though and we can honestly say “Bravo” to this novel and inventive treat. If you still have room for dessert, Brasserie Blanc’s summer menu is full of decadent treats that it’s hard to pick just one thing. One thing’s for sure, they’ll definitely execute it well and with a fine French finesse. 

Boeuf Burger’gnon is available from now until the 19th July at all Brasserie Blanc branches and what’s more – if you decide to dine on July 14th Bastille Day itself and are dressed in the famous red, white and blue colours of the French flag, you will get your Boeuf Burger’gnon for HALF PRICE(£7.50)

You will be foolish to miss out so make sure you make those reservations now.

http://www.brasserieblanc.com