A Weekend in Paris: The Sights

Ahhh Paris, let me take you on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful city...

This is the last in my series of Paris posts (crying emoji). I've taken you to the majestic Versailles, waffled on about how I wish I was French and pretended to be a bit of an art boffin. This time get lost in the city with me as we check out the sights!

Paris is a city that's all about sight-seeing. Every corner you turn you're delighted with a new view that you've seen stamped on black and white postcards or in the pages of fashion magazines - it sometimes feels like you've just stepped into a film. So many of the spots have been admired for so long that they really should be cliche by now, but I can promise you they're not. Every stop is wonderfully romantic and charming in itself. It's just a place to fall in love with.

We arrived in the evening and as soon as we'd dumped our bags we decided to get lost along the moonlit streets.

We strolled out under the stars into the magical atmosphere of Paris at night. Notre Dame wasn't far and the medieval cathedral is kind of enchanting. Lit up at night you can see all of the intricate details and all of the elaborate carvings of the gothic structure.

We then wandered along the banks of the Seine. Just don't forget to look back and enjoy the spellbinding view. Pause for a minute and watch the restaurant boats float by and imagine the love stories that are bring written that very moment.

When daylight comes you have to head to Montmartre!

This has to be one of my favourite areas. It's a little bit away from the centre and all of the hustle and bustle. It's just a little quaint french bubble to get lost in and it feels like it's a little place all on its own. You've got to just embrace it and accept all its adorableness! The area is named after the hill which stands tall above the city and once you've climbed up all the steps you can see for miles over the whole city. Grab a spot and point out all the sights that you can see. The atmosphere is contagious and you just feel like you want to join in and get carried away in the whirlwind of Paris. Once you've finished gazing at the view get lost wandering around the lively, cobbled streets.

The area is filled with lots of cafes and bars and you can't walk far without being tempted by a wine stop.

My favourite thing about France is how all of the cafes are set up for people-watching - my favourite holiday hobby. There's nothing better then sipping a chilled glass of French white wine and watching the world go by. It's a really buzzy spot and as you taste all the wines on offer you can watch the buskers, street artists and general french entertainers. Just keep your glass filled up and you can lose hours...

Before the wine takes too much of a hold don't forget to visit the Sacre Coeur that sits at the top of the hill.

'The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris' is a beautiful church that almost takes your breath away. From its doors you can see all over the city. It looks so majestic watching over Paris and standing tall against a beautiful blue sky.

I adore how all the architecture is just stylishly french. I love the quaint shutters, the wrought iron railings and the tall french windows - home goals. It is just such a pretty city and so charming. I would love to throw open the shutters every morning and greet the Eiffel Tower with a croissant in hand. One can dream.

The following day we actually stumbled upon the Arc de Triomphe after walking off a long Parisian lunch. We were delighted to find a complete fanfare going on. Crowds had gathered, military-dressed French men lined up on horses and the audience cheered as dignitaries arrived, waving to them. Again, the amazing city had surprised us at another turn.

The famous Arc honours those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic War and the grand monument stands proud at the end of the Champs Elysees. It really is an iconic structure and a typical stop on the sight-seeing tour of Paris. It was just lovely that we got to see it surrounded by all of the excitement!

Last, but certainly not least, the most famous sight in Paris - the Eiffel Tower!

You simply can't go to the city of romance and miss out the Eiffel Tower and it's almost always in sight. You can go up to the top but I just quite looking up admiring the structure. Gazing up through the wrought iron lattice the criss-cross pattern is almost mesmerising. Built between 1887 - 1889 it's a cultural icon. It was originally condemned as an 'eye sore', but since then it has become pretty beloved, even if it it just by the tourists. Fun fact - it was originally intended for Barcelona!

Just make sure you see it glittering at night as well! It comes to life once the sun has set adds a touch of magic to the night sky. There's no better way to finish a trip in the city of love.

Paris I'm just a little bit in love and can't wait to go back!

x x x

Beauty Review - Norvell Tanning

There's nothing wrong with a bit of Strictly glamour...

I love a little tan. I'm very pale, almost translucent and I burn, so for me it's better out a bottle! You just feel better with a sun-kissed glow - plus you can make believe you've been stretched out on a yacht just of the south off France. And a tan shouldn't just be reserved for summer, a golden glow gives you a little sunshine hit in the grey winter months.

This is where Norvell Tanning comes in.

Norvell have been at the forefront of tanning for 30 years and has become a name that you can really trust. Previously their products were only used in salons, but now you can get your hands on the perfect tanning formula. They've just released a Strictly Come Dancing range that was actually used on the show by the celebs and their dancing partners - and we all know how much they love a tan!

I tried out two of their products - the mousse and the airbrush spray.

NORVELL TANNING MOUSSE

I must admit I really enjoyed using the mousse. It's really lightweight and has a soft velvety feel that just glides on to your skin. To get you going Norvell recommend that you lightly exfoliate before you use the tan then pop it on with a mitt. At first I didn't feel like you could see the colour, which is a bit unnerving when you're used to seeing more of a deep brown colour straight away. But, as per the instructions, I left it to develop for 8 hours - so I really popped on my pyjamas and got some shut-eye.

When I got up in the morning I was really delighted with how the tan had developed. It was quite a nice just golden glow, that really didn't look to fake and just gave you that sun-kissed look that's so sought after. I think this could be because the blend of violet and brown tones used are said to neutralise any orange hue. The tan also deepens over the next day and overall I felt the colour lasted pretty well - it's the perfect Thursday night tan if you're after a glow at the weekend!

NORVELL PERFECT 10 AIRBRUSH SPRAY

A perfect 10 is what the judges would give this tan - get it! My dancing skills definitely wouldn't be getting a 10. But enough of that nonsense, lets get down to tanning business. This tan is complete with a "micro-spray that sashays over the skin" and it does spray on pretty easily and lightly like a magical golden mist. Make sure you exfoliate before you use it then as you apply keep moving it and spray in a sweeping motion, then similarly leave it to develop for 8 hours.

I have to confess that I was a little nervous about using the spray, as I'd only ever had a 'spray' tan professionally done and had never used one at home. But I was delighted with how easy it was and I ended up just smoothing it over with a mitt. Pretty much straight away it went into a deep tan, don't panic it is pretty dark at first! Again, I put it on at night then when I showered in the morning it did wash off a tad and then left a gorgeous golden tan. It's definitely going to be my go-to for if I'm getting dressed up for a wee night out!

Thanks so much to Norvell and Alex Silver PR for sending me out the mousse and spray to try - I loved them!

x x x 

** These products were sent to me for review purposes, but all glowing reviews are my own 

Add a Frill and I'm Happy

Oh the humble jumper how I adore you.

We all love a good jumper. Don't lie to me, I know you do. They are cosy, practical, and now there's so many variations about they're definitely chic. I could live in jumpers and jeans and I have a wardrobe stuffed with woollen delights. They are probably the easiest item to pull on in the morning and all they need is a little stripe, a bright slogan or bit of sparkle to look fabulous. I just can't resist when I see a new one that I fall in love with!

This is one of my favourites at the moment.

The frill sleeve is just fabulous. It's just a simple grey jumper and then 'ooooh la la' check out the sleeves. And that's what is so good about jumpers, they may seem like the simplest of wardrobe staples, but with just a little extra detail added they turn into an amazing statement piece.

Complete with two tiers of frills they really catch your eye, and as you probably know tick the trend boxes. I love how they swish about making you feel all sassy. (Just to note though they are difficult to fit through coat sleeves!)

The soft grey colour is also just lovely and so easy to wear with anything. Dress it down with jeans or add some skinny leather trousers for a more dressed-up look. The touch of fabulousness means that a jumper can in fact be dressy.

Here it's just dressed for a simple Saturday with 'Mom' jeans and black boots.

Awww jumpers I love you!

Jumper - River Island 
Jeans - Topshop 'Mom' Jeans
Boots - H&M

x x x

Treat Yourself to a Face Mask

There's nothing like a good ol' face mask to give your skin a good pamper.

I've never used to be one of those people that would just slap on a face mask every so often, I've just never got in to the habit, but after trying out some new ones I've definitely come round to them. I used to think they took time and were a bit of a faff, something that should only be reserved for extra special pamper nights. But I was wrong. They are a fabulous little invention that you should definitely incorporate into your skincare regime. They are so easy to use every now and again, whilst still feeling wonderfully indulgent and giving yourself a treat.

So which two face masks are my favourite at the moment....

L'OREAL PURE CLAY BRIGHT FACE MASK

I'd spotted these colourful pots everywhere and I was very intrigued by them. After watching the hype from a-far I eventually decided to give them a go.

Each little pot of loveliness is a blend of three clays, plus its own unique ingredient that gives your skin what it needs. My skin had been feeling awfully dull after the winter months, so I went for the 'bright' mask. It "clarifies skin tone and helps to freshen and illuminate the skin" with a Yuzu lemon extract that works to even out your skin. It's also packed with natural exfoliators to deeply cleanse and remove dead skin cells, which is what brightens your skin.

I left it on for 5-10 minutes, the texture still stayed quite 'mud' like and it didn't dry out too much. Immediately my skin felt smoother and softer, but it was really the next morning when I felt like I could see a difference. It's just a little tub of sunshine which gives your skin a lovely boost.

THE BODY SHOP HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL PURIFYING MASK 

I've always been a fan of Body Shop goodies, from their shampoo to their body butters they create beautiful and natural products. But I'd never tried their face masks...

The Himalayan Charcoal Mask helps to purify your skin with its refining and reviving qualities. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, a system of medicine that has its historical roots in India, it is made up of bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan Foothills, green tea leaves from Japan and organic tea tree oil. It works as it "draws out impurities and refines the appearance of pores for healthy-looking skin with a glow that shows." With an inbuilt exfoliator it draws out the dead skin cells, whilst the green tea acts as a antioxidant helping to clear up you skin.

Again, I left it on for 5-10 minutes. Its a thick, grainy, mud-like texture, that I do quite like, it feels earthy and natural. This one definitely did dry out quite a bit more, but I quite like this tingling and tightening feeling as it makes me think that it's really doing its job! My skin was beautifully soft and smooth after and I did feel with this one that I noticed straight away.

Two fabulously masks to give your skin a little glow!

x x x 

The Red Boot Brigade

In case you haven't noticed red boots are everywhere - and I love them!

Red boots are in.

In fact, bright red is 'in' in general. The bright, vibrant, cherry hue is everywhere, from stylish berets, to knitted, oversized cardigans and, of course, brilliant boots. There's just something about injecting a bit of bright colour into your wardrobe that makes you smile. Plus, it doesn't just have to be saved for Christmas time, it's the loveliest way to add a pop of colour into any grey, cold winter month. Even if your wardrobe is mainly blacks and greys a pop of red can transform your look - and put a smile on your face!

Red boots are one of the best ways to buy into the trend. There's so many variations out there, but I fell these amazing ankle boots, complete with the perfect height, block heel. I don't know why, but especially when worn with stripes, there's something a little french about them (yes, I'm obsessed with trying to look French).

There's just something a little more special about them than the failsafe black boots.

I paired them with a super comfy weekend outfit.

Everyone needs a good selection of knitted jumpers. The cosiest and easiest thing to pull on on a chillier winter day. I found this one in the H&M sale and I loved it so much I had to buy it in navy blue as well! The cream colour though is the one I find myself wearing the most, it's just easy. I love thicker, bulky style and the round neck just finishes it off.

Underneath I wore what's affectionately known as my 'flamenco' top. It's got these amazing balloon sleeves that billow out and make you want to dance and click some castanets. They look fabulous with just the top on its own, but I love the way they erupt out of the sleeves of a jumper, just making it look a bit more special. There's also something about black and white polka dot tops paired with some beautiful bright red boots! I'm also slowly coming round to the idea of spots over stripes...

Wrap around your favourite camel coloured coat (you can't go wrong with one of these!) and pop on a pair of skinny jeans then you're sorted!

Have you joined the red boot brigade yet?

x x x 

Coat - Primark 

Top - Topshop 

Jumper - H&M

Jeans - Topshop 'Jamie' Jeans 

Boots - Primark