Birthday trip to Paris

 

On Friday 12th November, my boyfriend and I made the journey to Paris to celebrate my birthday. It was a jam packed weekend with lots of walking but it was one of the best birthdays ever! 

I had been to Disneyland Paris before but never been to Paris Paris as I kept calling it.  A few weeks before we were set to go, we both had a look at the different sites and attractions we wanted to see and booked them via get your guide.  Not only did this enable us to get good deals and packages, it was all done on the app so I didn’t have to carry around lots of paper. 

We also decided to get a travel debit card as a few people had told us they may not accept cash abroad. We decided to do this via Sainsbury’s as there was no additional charge and an app to track everything. We did take out a little bit of cash to use for tips, however, most places accepted cash anyway, so we didn’t necessarily need to get a travel card.  But I found using a travel card a lot easier than faffing about with cash and it meant I didn’t need a big purse being waved about every time we bought something. 

I always get anxious at airports and this wasn’t helped with the added worry of COVID documents and other forms that needed doing.  In hindsight, it was only really 3 forms and a day 2 test but if you are like me, you always worry there is more haha! But we got through and landed safely in Paris. 

Day 1 was a busy one!  We dropped our bags at the hotel and went straight to the Louvre. It is a huge building that takes your breath away before you even go in.  We were in there for a good 4 hours but it could have easily been longer if we hadn’t got hungry haha! There was a mix of statues, paintings and other items to see including the Mona Lisa which had a slight queue but it moved pretty fast. It sounds really odd but the ceilings were my favourite, they were so detailed and just beautiful! 

We then took a lovely walk along the river Saine where we caught a cruise to see the city all lit up at night.  It was gorgeous and I would definitely recommend doing it at this time! We got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, the Notre Dame, some gorgeous bridges and an amazing building that reminded us of Hogwarts! 

On day 2 we walked to see the Notre Dame which although was closed due to the restoration of it, was still one to see. There was lots of information around the outside explaining the history and how they were planning to restore the building. Around the corner was Saint Chappelle, a building which I had never heard of before but came across it on the Get Your Guide app when searching for the Notre Dame. I know I will probably say it about everything we saw but it was my favourite thing! As soon as we came up the stairs my breath was taken away and it felt like I was in the castle from Beauty and the Beast.  The colours and detail on the stained glass windows was incredible as they told the whole bible story.  

Day 3 was my birthday and after a yummy breakfast we made our way to the Eiffel Tower.  When booking, it was cheaper to take the stairs and so me being me, I thought yeah why not it won’t be that bad! Although the thought of climbing 674 steps does not sound fun, it was done in two parts as you got a break at the first floor. I also think this may have helped distract my boyfriend as he was too busy trying not to fall up the stairs to realise how high we were (he is terrified of heights and I wasn’t sure he would make it up there at first!).  Our tour guide was so lovely and we learnt so much about the creation of the tower, the history of it and how they are planning on getting it ready for the Olympics. We got very lucky with the weather and the views from the top were amazing and you really could see for miles! 

We then went to the catacombs which I didn’t really know much about but my boyfriend was very interested in seeing. It was essentially massive tunnels full of skeletons after their original cemetery went bad. I thought it was going to be scary at first but it surprisingly felt peaceful as if they were finally at rest there which was quite nice. If you are looking for something different to see I would definitely recommend! 

We spent the rest of our time there in lovely walks, shopping, eating and drinking cocktails - it was such a great trip and I would definitely recommend it for a cute weekend away!

It's Time for a Catch Up

Hello everyone!  Long time no blog...

Okay, i'm not sure what that intro was but it has been a fair while since my last post and I feel a bit rusty haha! Since restrictions in the UK have been lifting, we have been able to see more people and do more things and I have made the most of it! 

I forgot how busy life was before COVID and now things are opening, I feel like I don't want to turn anything down with the fear I will regret not doing it if anything like this were to happen again. So, I have said yes to pretty much everything and boy has it been busy which means I have not had time to sit down and really get into a blog post. This week I have had a rest week which has certainly done me good. I have been thinking more into the whole work, life, hobbies balance and decided to not take on too much at a time as it burns me out (as it did last week). I am going to try and get a new routine which allows me to do some things but also have me time and work on hobbies and projects too - i'll let you know how I get on in a future post.  But, for now I thought I would share with you some of the things I have been up to over the past 2 months as a kind of catch-up blog.  So, grab a cuppa, and a biscuit and get comfy! 

I would say it was May where things for me began to change and life got busy as we could meet up with family and friends and do more than just go for a walk.  On the first weekend of May, I met my parents and sister for a trip to our favourite zoo to celebrate my sisters birthday.  It was so lovely to be able to go out and celebrate somewhere, especially as on her last birthday we were only allowed out for a daily walk. Luckily it was a sunny day and all of the animals came out to say hello and if you ask me, I would say it seemed like they missed seeing people as they were all showing off and looking their best. It felt nice to be out again and as we were outside we did not have to wear our masks which at some parts did feel very strange as I felt very aware of people, space and how close people were to me when standing by the enclosures. But I think as we have been going out more and life returns to a some what normal I have become used to small crowds and people standing next to me. 

I have also enjoyed meeting up with friends and going out for dinner and drinks whilst sitting indoors at our favourite restaurants/bars and trying new places too!  It has been so lovely to get all dressed up and see each other for a good catch up and I can't to do it more. 

Another trip I have done for the first time in.... well I can't even remember, is to the cinema.  I went with my boyfriend and his family to watch a horror film (my first horror at the cinema) and i'm proud to say I didn't have my eyes closed and fingers in my ears for the whole thing haha!  Some things have changed about how everything works now with food orders done at the same touch screens you buy your tickets, masks worn until in your seats and of course social distancing.  But it felt good to be back and I really enjoyed it!

If you follow me on Instagram (@sweetpea97.blog), you will have seen that my boyfriend and I also took a little trip away to Bournemouth to see his sister.  It was so much fun, we got to go to the beach, shopping, bowling, an escape room and played mini golf (which I didn't loose at haha!).  It was a jam packed weekend but it was great fun and although a little grey it was very warm.  

I have also been working on some projects behind the scenes of my blog which I have loved! One of these is writing and recording a song with my sister.  If you follow me on Instagram you will have sen that over the past 2 months my sister and I have been writing and recording a song with Chart House which hopefully will be released soon- stay tuned!  It has been so much fun coming up with lyrics and a tune and getting to to it together has been amazing.  My sister has been singing and writing music with them for about a year now and when she asked me to do a song with her I couldn't wait (even though I was very nervous).  

Another project I have been working on is setting up my own business.  I know crazy right!  I still can't quite believe it either but I will soon be launching Sweetpea Designs - bespoke handmade table signage for weddings and events.  I have absolutely loved working on this especially working with the lovely Beth from @BeingBethDesigns who has been amazing at helping me with all of branding for my new business. So, keep your eyes peeled for the launch over on Etsy and Instagram. 

One of the best things I have done since restrictions have eased is go and visit family members indoors and give them a hug! It has been so strange only seeing people on a screen, from outside the windows or stood in the doorway that being able to go into the same room as them and hug them has felt amazing! We have all had such a laugh with shopping trips, cocktails and catching up on big announcements.  I wish each visit could have lasted longer but hey, it gives me something to look forward to. 

I have also been accepted to do an events internship which means a change in my career back into the events industry! I am really going to miss my friends at my current job and feel so grateful they took me in a year ago, after being made redundant as a result of the firs lockdown. But, I have really missed the event industry and can not wait to learn more and grow in my dream industry.  

So, I have had a pretty busy 2 months and I have loved every second of it!  We still have a way to go until all of this crazy is over, but I have had my first vaccine and I am ready for weddings, family gatherings and holidays when we can.  But for now I am going to enjoy every minute of the things we can do now and I hope you do too. 

April favourites

I haven’t written a blog post in what feels like forever!  I have just been so busy this month as we are now allowed to go out more and actually see people, which has been lovely and I have really enjoyed.  But, I miss being creative and writing so I thought it was about time I get back to it.

 

I have always loved nosy blog and vlogs where people share what they are loving or doing as I always find these things so interesting to look back on and a good way to discover new products or places. So, I thought I would do a classic April favourites!

Food and Drink

• Nomo Fruit & Crunch Choc Bar – This is going to sound dramatic but omg, this chocolate has changed my life!  If you have been keeping up with my Instagram, you will know I am now dairy free.  I have struggled with dairy for a while and have finally decided enough is enough and I need to stop eating it.  My first thought was what about chocolate (as I much prefer chocolate to sweets) and after trying a few different brands, I discovered this one which is also nut free!  I am honestly in love, the biscuit bits and raisins add more flavour and texture and it doesn’t give me a stomach ache after eating it.  My mum even found an easter egg in this flavour too which was AMAZING!

 

• Water melon gin – I have always been a gin lover and this month I discovered this watermelon gin in Tesco which is only £ - BARGIN!  It is fresh and fruity which is perfect for this time of year.  I like to have mine with lemonade but, if you have tried this with Tonic water let me know if it’s any good.

 

• Pimms – another classic cocktail and since we have been allowed to meet people outdoors, I have been loving having a pimms with strawberries and cucumber!  To me, this is another drink perfect for spring and is a nice easy cocktail to make at home.

Pamper and makeup

• Too faced wash the day away – I have been using this for a little over a month now to take off my makeup and I can honestly say I am hooked!  It smells incredible and leave my face feeling clean and soft (although the ewater looks grim with all my makeup in it haha).  I also feel good when using this as I feel it is better for the environment rather than using wipes.  Although at first it may seem like a lot of money, you only need a small pea size blob to take the day off so it lasts AGES!

 

• Blusher – I say this as a general term because I have been using a few different ones from NARS to Revolution, but I have been loving adding a bit of colour to my cheeks for spring and making my skin look more alive. 

 

• White nail polish – I have always been a lover of white nail polish but I have found this month in particular is has been a subtle way to brighten my outfits without having a major colour clash.

 

• Face masks – I have never really been a big user of face masks as I have always said I don’t have time.  But this month I have made the discovery of wearing a face mask whilst cracking on with other tasks.  I know this isn’t ideal for a chilled pamper session, but when I have stuff to do but still want to give my skin some tlc it’s perfect.  I have found sheet masks are easier if I am having a chilled pamper night as they tend to slip off, but I need to fold washing or something then a classic charcoal mask is great!

Style

 

• Bodysuits – I love spring, however I always find it so hard to choose what to wear as we are in that awkward is it hot or cold?  So, I have been loving bodysuits as they are a perfect layer with a cute cardigan or even under a jumper and if its hot remove the outer layer and you still have a cute top!  Another bonus (which is going to sound rather odd) is that I find with the fabric tighter around my body, it keeps me warmer. 

 

• Cardigans – A spring essential for me is a cardigan!  It is such a cute layer that can keep you warm but can be left undone if too hot.  You can also get them is so many cute colours and thicknesses depending on how much you feel the cold.

 

• French plaits – This has been my go to ‘updo’ style this month.  It is a perfect way to get your hair out of your face without giving you a headache and if left in over night gives you heat free beach waves – another cute look for spring!

Lifestyle 

 

• Reading – I don’t do this often, but when I do I really get stuck in.  I have tried to read in the evenings before bed as a way to wind down and get of my screen after staring at a computer all day my phone in the evening.  Like I say I don’t get to do this often but when I do I feel so relaxed and wake up feeling great! Sometimes it’s nice to just dive into another world, especially during these crazy time haha! I would love to know what you are reading right now as looking for my next read so leave a comment with your suggestions. 

• Running - I never thought I would be a runner, but here we are! I am actually training to take part in the Great South Run in October (more in a future blog post) but although running started out as a training thing, I have actually really enjoyed it.  Now that evenings are lighter and it is warmer it has been lovely to get some fresh air , especially after being stuck in the office all day and I feel amazing afterwards. 

• Being outside - As spring and the sun has made an appearance I have loved being outdoors.  I don’t know what it is but the fresh air just makes me feel so relaxed and if the sun is out too, bonus! Now we are allowed to meet groups of 6 outdoors it has been so lovely to finally see family and friends for a good chin wag and a cocktail! 

• The Queens Gambit - This is a series my mum actually found on Netflix about an orphan who becomes an amazing chess player! I don’t know what it was about the series but I was hooked and would definitely recommend. 

• Stranger things - I have watch this since the beginning but with the idea that a new series may be coming out soon I have started to rewatch all the old series and again I’m hooked! Every episode is a cliff hanger and I want to know more.  I also love the fashion and bright colours! 

• YouTube - i have really gotten back into YouTube and watching videos whilst doing my makeup or eating waffles on a chilled Sunday morning!  My current favourites are Charlotte Morrell ( I love her chatty videos and was inspired from her favourites videos to do this post!) and I am also loving Jess Sheppard’s styling videos - would recommend checking out both of these channels

• Calming music - my anxiety and stress levels have been all over for quite a while now, so I have found my Spotify has been heavily dominated by calming music, especially to fall asleep to.  My go to is the Keystone Nature Sound Piano guys relaxing music with ocean waves.  The sound of the waves with the soft piano really help as I can close my eyes and pretend I am in a relaxing beach somewhere with no worries. 

So, that is some of my April favourites!  I would love to know what you have been loving this month and if you have tired any of the things I have mentioned in this post.