A Trip To Spain!

Ey up! Me again, don't get too excited!!

I recently went to Spain for five days or so, and thought I would write what I got up to. Starting off with a tip; do not go to a neighbours cocktail evening a few hours before you have to go to the airport and bearing in mind you haven't yet packed. Yes I did do that, and no I would not recommend it unless like me you are already disorganised and far too laid back. Whoops!!

I went with my cousins and dear friends of mine. Here we have my cousins Kim (my giggling partner in crime), Franco the most wonderful cook and hugger, and friends Jack our newly designated and very skilled driver (you can pay me later for saying that....I'm joking!! he really was very good. #betterdriver) and my wonderfully talented twin Sophii.

We flew into Valencia airport, I wore my flowy trousers from Boohoo and a white woolly jumper, which again I would not recommend because it is actually pretty hot in Spain! The airport was really big and easy to get out of.. Remember 'Salida' means exit. Always follow SALIDA. Once we arrived at the Villa I was absolutely gob smacked. The view was breath taking and I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to spend the next few days there. The area surrounding the villa was called Benitachell and was a quiet place in the mountains. The mountain view opposite was called 'Mongo' because it looks like an elephants trunk. See?

Clever right? We ate an English breakfast everyday at a place called Scallops in Javea (Yes I am currently on a detox), and believe it or not it cost a few euros, a small total of around £1.70 in English money.

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  The beach was absolutely beautiful in Javea, I have never seen such crystal clear waters. I dipped my feet in and it wasn't even that cold! We enjoyed a nice drink at the Parador Hotel along the beach front, it was pure bliss.
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
    Every night the wondrous cooks Franco and Jack cooked us lovely meals, so I thought I would show some sort of appreciation with lots of pictures of our evening meals etc. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SKILLS.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Another place we went to was called Moraira (I call it Mariah like Mariah Carey..) and again this was another gorgeous place. Calm, peaceful, friendly people and it was nice to have a breeze when the weather was so hot. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Of course we had to go shopping because Spanish shops are so beautiful and who doesn't love a bit of shopping? We went into a place called La Marina in Ondara. It was one of the biggest shopping mall's I think I have ever been in. I bought some bracelets for my Sister, Sophii and I as well as some sweets for the family and some minion toys for my little brother Freddie. It was nice to go on the day that the weather wasn't that great, as we did get a random spout of rain on one of the days. Here is Jack in a random kart they had in the middle of the mall!
  
  
  
  Sophii and I at the cafe at La Marina. 
  
  
  A collection of random pictures throughout the holiday...
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  The weather and views were admirable, and to take full advantage Jack drove us up to the top of the Cumbre de Sol (much to Kim's dismay!!) where you look over the whole of the nearby area. If like Kim you hate heights, not a recommendation for you! It is safe though, I promise. The sun had gone down and the sky had the most beautiful range of colours. It is something I will never forget!
  
  
  
  
  On the last night I had my first ever tapas in Javea in a place called 'La Trastienda'. I am now a huge fan of Tapas, it was sooooo yummy! The waitress (who looked like Jessica Alba) made me a Mojito cocktail too, so all in all it was a wonderful evening.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  We flew back the next day form Alicante airport and I think I may have cried a bit! I just didn't want to leave!! We shared some lovely nights on the balcony looking over the spectacular views, Sophii playing her guitar and us all singing. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about how happy it made me out there, and how much I will never forget the memories made for the rest of my life. Thank you to the wonderful Negus family for letting me tag along, and to my gorgeous family Kim and Frank for looking after me. I love you all dearly!
  
  So, if you are jetting off soon I hope you have a great time. I'm jealous!! Remember to wear suncream people, and especially remember to top it up after you come out of the pool unlike I did, resulting in a bright red and patchy pink complexion and at least a bottle of aloe vera. *facepalm*.
  
  
  
  Bon Voyage!
  
  Soph x

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Bournemouth and Friendship!

Hello my sweet ones! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and getting excited for summer. This post is about my recent first visit to Bournemouth, and the importance of friendship.

My friend Isabelle lives there, and I have been meaning to visit her for such a long time now. I'm sure people can relate; your lives get busy, things are pushed aside. Nevertheless, you should always make time for those special people who make time for you. So, after what feels like one hundred Skype and FaceTime sessions I finally managed to see her in person! The train journey was surprisingly calm, I made friends with a man who was an interior designer and we chatted about the weather and all those other awkward conversations train buddies have! (Remember kids; stranger danger!) When I arrived at Bournemouth station I got lost and couldn't get out, I felt like Alice in Wonderland but instead of talking/singing flowers overcrowding me it was just people bustling about trying to make their trains on time! The sun was shining, and when we were reunited it was the most exciting moment! Hearts pounding, tears forming, big hugs, just pure joy. We got in our Disney pj's, had a mahooooosive catch up and a good nights sleep before the jam packed fun events we had lined up for the few days ahead.

(Isabelle is wearing Little Mermaid and I am wearing Frozen pyjamas!) 

The sea is a huge love of ours, so myself and Isabelle took a trip into town where they had beautiful vintage boutiques, crystal shops and of course the famous sea front. The weather wasn't brilliant, but despite this the beach was gorgeous.

                                                  

We realised after about twenty minutes of snapping random pictures that the Harry Ramsden's restaurant was facing right out to us, and the people inside probably had a bit of entertainment whilst enjoying their meals because we were flicking our hair and numerous amounts of nonsensical things in their view line. You're welcome people!

    

They had the most beautiful little mini garden with flowers, trees and an old wooden bridge. It looked like something out of a fairytale so I just had to take pictures. If anyone out there can paint and draw.. PRIME opportunity right there!

On the evening we made some super tasty lemon shortbread treats. 

I have written about the making of them on a previous post, click here to read it! 

We also tried out a LUSH face mask for the first time. It was called 'Catastrophe Cosmetic' and smelt like blueberries and violets. It was kept in the fridge so was freezing cold on the face, was really fresh smelling and soothing on the skin. The only downside is when it dries it flakes off EVERYWHERE. Hilarious to watch but pretty annoying to get out of carpet. It left our faces feeling smooth and revitalised and was pretty funny to look at. 

 On another day, we went to see Isabelle's book displayed in an art gallery. For those of you who don't know, she is the most talented artist you will ever lay eyes on. Her work is absolutely breathtaking and you can now view her portfolio online by clicking this link- Isabelle's Wesbite and even buy some of her work if you wanted. Her work primarily draws upon the mystical story worlds of fairytale, folklore and mythology, but also has a very strong meaning behind them. An example being her most recent book which made me ball my eyes out when reading. Being the incredible friend that she is, Isabelle based her book on myself and named it 'Flight to Wonderland'.  Everything was illustrated and written by Isabelle...awe inspiring if you ask me! The time, effort, thought, attention to detail, just absolutely everything put into this book is clear from the finishing piece. It's hard to put into words how much this means to me, and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. 

The book will be available to purchase in the near future, and I will be sure to inform you all when and how nearer the time because it'll be darn worth it!!  The art gallery had some amazing pieces in, and it made me realise how powerful it is that thoughts and opinions can be expressed in art form.

Isabelle if you are reading this, I want to thank you again for letting me stay with you in Bournemouth, I had a wonderful time! I'd also like to thank you publicly for everything you have ever done for me. You have stuck by my side through every bump in the road. You have been there when I have hit rock bottom, and you showed me the way back to the top. You saw the pain in my eyes when everyone else was seeing my pretend smile. Your bright light has shone and guided me through the dark times, and I can't ever thank you enough for helping me become the person I am today. I love you dearly, and I am blessed to have a friend like you in my life. Never let anyone dull your sparkle.

And to everyone else reading this, if you are lucky enough to have a friend like Isabelle in your life don't forget to show them appreciation and time. Because ultimately, friends are so precious to have in your life. They are just like stars, they come and they go. But the ones that stay are the ones that glow.

Soph x

Lemon Fairy Shortbread!

I have never really written about this kind of thing before, but I want to include a lot more foody stuff on my blog! And what better way to kick start it, then with a naughty little recipe for shortbread?

No, this isn't in the slightest bit healthy... BUT its tasty, easy, fun and they look pretty cute too. We added lemon to ours to give it a zesty kick, and did them with a fairy like theme.

Ingredients needed for shortbread:

150g Plain Flour
100g Butter (Softened)
50g Sugar



Ingredients needed for decoration (optional and can be adapted anyway you like!) 

Hundreds and Thousands
White Cooking Chocolate
Pink Food Colouring


Method

1. Preheat the over to 150 degrees celcius

2. Put the butter, flour and sugar in the mixing bowl.

3. Mix together, until it forms a dough like texture. Hands may be required for this step!!

 





4. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface.

5. Cut out the shapes using your chosen cutter.
(Excuse me in my Frozen pj's!)

6. Place on a baking tray and leave in the oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

7. Let the biscuits cool before decoration!

For decorating

1. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave/hob until runny. Don't overcook the chocolate!!

2. Add the food colouring of choice until it is the colour you desire.

3.  Lightly wave the spoon of chocolate over the shortbread to get the splattered effect.

4. Add the hundreds and thousands. Of course you can decorate them however you like, especially if you are going with the fairy like theme. You could add edible shimmer, glitter, edible petals, cut them out in flower shapes etc! The shortbread is your oyster!!

ENJOY!! 

Soph x

P.S Please do let me know if you recreate the shortbread, I'd love to see!

"You Shall Go To The Ball!"

Greetings friendlings! 

I thought I would share with you my thoughts on a recent film that I went to see; a modern interpretation of Disney's classic tale Cinderella. For those of you who don't know the story behind Cinderella (Where have you been?!), it tells the magical story of a young girl who loses her parents and consequently is brought up by her evil step mother and two ugly step sisters. They treat her as a servant, forcing her to cook and clean up after them. She is even banished to the attic room after the step sisters complain their room isn't big enough. Harsh right?

Cinderella or 'Ella' was told by her mother one piece of advice which would evolve her into the kind and gentle being we see her as in the film; " I want to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind". So despite her evil in-laws, she keeps this in mind and powers through these 'trials' in her household. She encounters the Prince of the land, (who conveniently is looking for a wife) and when he invites the whole kingdom to the ball poor Ella is trapped in her home and forbidden to go by her evil step mother. EVEN harsher!! 

Helena Bonham Carter plays the Fairy God Mother, who appears to come to Ella's rescue in the back garden. She brings an excitable wit and charm to the role, and is beautifully encompassed in a sparkly gown designed by the film's costume designer Sandy Powell. The costumes look absolutely incredible, my favourite being Ella's blue ball gown and glass slippers. Downtown Abbey's actress Lily James conveys the pure innocence and kind nature to Ella's character, bringing forward the classic damsel elements from Walt Disney's 1950's version. I would recommend to any Disney fan, although there are some scenes I feel children could find slightly distressing. (Passing of her parents/ The animals morphing into coachmen but still looking part lizard...quite creepy!) 

(Photo credit tumblr,inc)

Lastly a quote which proves so true, I wish everyone would abide by this day to day. 

"Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic."

So please remember to be kind, be good, and most importantly stay magical. 

Soph x