Thursday 4 February 2016

A Girl's Guide to Roma!

When we first planned our trip to Rome we planned all the normal things, trips to the Colosseum, to the Vatican but while walking the cobblestone streets I realised there is so much more to the eternal city! Here are the top 4 things about this Italian experience. 

1.       The Carbs.

There is nothing the Romans do better than pasta. Pasta in creamy milk sauces with chicken hiding underneath layers of parmesan. Or pasta with a rich tomato sauce and little bits of crispy bacon surprising you every now and then (also covered in parmesan whoops). The choices of pasta can be overwhelming when an Italian waiter asks you if you would prefer the fettuccine, linguine or rigatoni, just take a guess the truth is they all taste better than the spaghetti that you overcooked back home. I wish I could say I tried the pizza, or the fish which seems to be quite popular, but my love affair with the pasta in the city got in the way. All I can say is that you might need to go up a jean size when you get home...When dining in Rome its always best done outside, I have never before enjoyed the experience of eating dinner outside in winter, but pick a seat outside a nice restaurant and you’ll be greeted with candles, flowers and fresh air. Of course there were also patio heaters. It is January afterall.



2.       Gelato.

Keeping on the food trend, what I must admit is the pasta is not the only thing that is mouth watering in Roma. Despite the cool evenings and mornings the afternoons in Rome were sunny and that called for gelato! A walk around Piazza Navona in the sun with a carboard cup holding a heavenly desert. No one could resist. Every other shop was an ice cream shop, they were everywhere and I was grateful! The first night it actually ended up raining as we retreated back to the hotel, but I couldn’t resist. I had ice cream anyway and then every day after that. I tried mango, summer fruits, cherry, cheesecake, Oreo, Kinder. Every flavour is delicious and will leave you wanting more, and more. One shop even sold Viagra gelato, that one was not really my cup of tea though!




3.       Sights.

There is always something interesting to do/see in Rome. Tours to the Vatican and the Colosseum may be long but they are definitely interesting! The Vatican museums hold brilliant white marble sculptures, and we found out that they were actually all painted it had just worn off over time! Large tapestries that hold the stories of Moses and Jesus, and maps of Rome perfect in proportion yet made before the time of helicopters and drones. The stories behind the intricate paintings inside the Sistine chapel and the pope that had himself painted as Peter to boost his ago is enough to keep anyone entertained, and the best part is the end when you reach St Peter’s Basilica. It took 120 years to be rebuilt into what it is today. Everything is so grand and holds so much detail it is hard to not be amazed. I would advise to go during mass as well as that adds to the experience. Hearing the hyms that are being sung resonate around the whole of the basilica is peaceful and leaves you feeling truly touched. The colosseum is also a great visit, and be sure to get a pass to the underground dungeons! Learn about the shows that the emperors would put on, how the women had to sit at the very top away from the alluring gladiators and that actually the darker corners of the inside of the colosseum may well have just been called brothels. Who said history couldn’t be interesting? There’s the Castle St Angelo which has the most perfect views the higher you climb with little tables that offer you the chance to dine and look out over central Rome. Then there is the pantheon, the Spanish steps (which were unfortunately closed the whole time we were there and the Trevi Fountain all a few minutes from each other. While you are in Rome you can’t deny the chance to throw a coin into the Trevi, it ensures your return to the beautiful city. I never thought something like the Trevi Fountain could blow me away. The Sistine chapel, maybe. The pantheon, maybe. Well nothing left me lost for words like the Trevi fountain did. Don’t underestimate its size, or its beauty. Fun fact it is the end point of an ancient Roman aquaduct! The best time to visit is the early hours of the morning after one too many glasses of Rose, but don’t get your hopes up about going paddling because its closely guarded by the polizia at all times.





4.       The Beauty

Visiting the sites of the city can be amazing, but once you’ve been there done that it can seem pointless to return but the beauty of the city will keep you returning. The cobblestones may start to hurt your feet after hours of walking but the little shops and restaurants decorated with fairylights (and surprisingly a lot of Christmas lights still) make it worth it. The Piazza Navona with its four beautiful fountains and multiple painters with breathtaking watercolour paintings of the flowers hanging from balconies and the light coloured stones of the buildings that compliment the carefree happy feeling in the air when you take a walk in the afternoon sun will keep you inspired. Keep you delighted. Keep you coming back.

It's been a while since I've been back from Rome and a while since I have planned to write this post, but here it is finally! Hope you enjoy it!

Monday 1 February 2016

When payday can't come quick enough...

It's been a pretty bad week, and I just want to do some internet shopping. The only thing on my wishlist is a new bikini and pair of sandals in preparation for my trip to Spain in two weeks time but even that can't make me happy right now because... Well, because I just realised exactly how much I ate over Christmas and I really am not in the mood for bikinis. So instead I am burying my head in the sand, crying at non-emotional parts of don't tell the bride and dreaming of makeup and supporting other bloggers. Here's what I am really lusting after right now..

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in Beige

I first had my eye on this foundation maybe 2 years ago, when Fleur de Force a blogger/vlogger mentioned it in quite a few of her videos along with the other Lumiere foundations. I found this at a chanel counter in Sephora (heaven) in Rome and now I have my eye on it again and its only £32 which is a lot less then I originally thought which makes me want it even more. Compared to my £10 Loreal foundation it seems a bit excessive but I just haaaave to try it.

2. Nars lipstick in Vera

This is something I have heart eyes for after also spotting it in Sephora and although £24 is a hefty price for a lipstick, something I wouldn't use very often but the colour is so beautiful! A girl can dream.

3. Anna Saccone Zodiac Collection in Gold

I love Anna, I love her family, her kids, and her vlogs. When I heard she was bringing out a necklace collection I was so excited. I have not yet got around to getting one, but I saw Abbie's necklace the other day and I am extremely jealous. This is something that is at the very top of my list, the price tag puts me off slightly, but I know it will be worth it. There is also some amazingly cute packaging for Valentines day orders!

4. Hey June January Birthstone Bracelet

I say January even though my birth month is July because the stone is a lot prettier. This jewellery line comes from another wonderful blogger I love, Life of Bon. A cute dainty 14k gold bracelet named after her cute new family addition June. The January stone is a garnet stone and a gorgeous deep red.

5. Sorry I'm Late I'd Rather Be At Home t-shirt

Another blogger? Yeah I know, but they make cool stuff! I can't help myself. This is part of Daily Tay's Talk Herbie To Me line and if I could have all of it I would just to steal some of her sarcastic wit and lock it into a t-shirt. A t-shirt that's cosy af and would be great to wear to college!

Right now I have obsessed over things I can't buy yet, I have an essay to write. Dreams only last for so long!

Let me know what you've been lusting after, you can never have too long a wishlist!