“Go to Barcelona…?”

Architecture, Fun, Travel

…OKAAAAYY!

I first visited Barcelona during the summer of 2003. It was one of the stop offs on a Mediterranean cruise I went on with my first ever boyfriend. We had a measly 4-5 hours to mooch around this popular city, soaking up a teeny tiny handful of the sites on offer before heading back to our miniature cabin on board the ship, just in time for dinner.

I typically like to venture to new places rather than anywhere I’ve been to before but I had always planned to head back and spend a decent amount of time there. Some 10 years on I figured, now’s as good a time as any.

Less than a two-hour flight and a cab ride through rush hour traffic I arrived at the delightful Melia Sky. On check-in I was told that they had decided to upgrade me for free to a Grand Premium Junior Suite. Boom! Surprises like that are always a great start to any holiday and this treat meant that all drinks and daytime snacks were freeeeeeee. Naturally I celebrated with a glass of fizz and a yummy cookie, (okay, three cookies!) and pondered on what a great weekend this was going to be.

Nestled up in my lovely room on the 28^th floor I was totally smitten with the panoramic views of the impressive skyline right before my eyes. StarArchitect Gaudí’s famous work in progress, La Sagrada Familia cathedral was in the distance whilst the Gherkin lookie-likey, Torre Agbar, was literally in full view. Way down below was the Parc del Centrede Poble Nou, a landscaped haven designed by architect Jean Nouvel. **I am a right geek when it comes to buildings.*

I spent a few days covering some ground visiting a couple of Gaudi musts. La Sagrada Familia blew my mind and made me cry when I walked in. My inner Catholic girl came out in force and there I was sitting in the quiet zone doing a little prayer. We all have wishes in life and this seemed like the perfect place to ask for it to come to fruition. Sounds daft but that little memory will stay with me forever.

My jaunt took me to the famous Park Guell, which had been recommended. The views across the city, the ornate and lovely colourful houses were pretty spesh but I couldn’t really see what all the fuss was about. Maybe I missed something? The guy that owns the pit stop café just before you get to the park was a complete legend and let me into a tiny secret that I promised never to divulge. Sorry, guys, you’ll have to visit yourselves.

I ventured into the tourist trap area of La Ramblas for a few drinks and to watch Spain play their penultimate game in the World Cup. It was quite tricky to find a typically Spanish pub that was playing the footie so in true ‘Brit abroad’ fashion I settled for an atmospheric back-packers bar down one of the back streets. I sat slap bang in the middle of the room – half watching the game and half watching the ridiculousness of the hundreds of 20-something gap year kids, taking me back to the days of my own travels over 10 years ago. I’m sure I wasn’t as groomed as these kids? In fact, I know I wasn’t. Three months away from home turned me into a wilder beast!

One of my absolute favourite bits of the weekend was the jaw-droppingly fabulous Dry Martini Speakeasy restaurant/cocktail bar I found halfway up the Diagonal. Once it filled up and the food and cocktails came rolling in I was in prohibition paradise. The place had a real sense of privacy and secrecy, a true testament to the New York and Chicago scene during the 1920’s. It was stocked wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling with booze and the food was terrific. The personal touch I received from our maître d’ David was the icing on the cake to this special evening. After dinner I indulged in a tour of the building. Spying the ‘secret’ door that the somewhat more ‘theatrical’ guests like to use. I conjured up vivid images of the Spanish equivalent of Cirque De Soleil rocking up in the early hours and chowing down on paella whilst swinging from the chandeliers.

My tour ended in the attached cocktail bar where the resident mixologist came over to introduce himself. This little ledge treated me to a one on one cocktail making lesson. I had a whale of a time shaking and stirring up some of my faves like a pro. A skill I will one day be showcasing to all of my friends.

With the coolness of my hotel, the spectacular sites, the delicious food and the overall happy times I had in Barcelona, I 100% recommend that you all go and visit. This city really does have it all …and more.

What are you waiting for? Life’s too short. Book that flight.

MC x

Giddy Up!

Days Out, Fashion, Fun

My wonderful Mama and Papa surprised us all with tickets to Ladies Day at Epsom Derby Races last week. The women in my family all love to get dressed up and dandy around in hats and the men relish the opportunity to go all Soprano and spend loads of dosh on booze and betting – so what better way to spend the first gloriously sunny Friday in June.

We kicked off the day by quaffing champagne and meandering around the grandstand pretending to have a scooby what we were doing! Within minutes of arriving I spotted a girl in a lovely ASOS red peplum dress and hailed her as the best dressed lady I’d seen so far. Later that day she went on to win the official Investec ‘Best Dressed’ award scooping a whopping 5k and Harvey Nic’s spend-up! Lucky girl!

I don’t think there was an official lads category but if there was – this slicker than your average dude would definitely get my vote! Whilst I plucked up the courage to ask to take his pic, I didn’t get round to asking him where this beaut of a suit was from. #fail

I opted for a fitted pale blue ASOS number with mesh detail on the sides and bottom and teamed it with a nude/lace mix hatinater (half hat/half fascinator!) from House of Fraser. My old faithful favourite shoes from Zara finished off the look. A little boxed handbag that I picked up in Primark added a bit of pop to my outfit and having a strap was a god-send – juggling drinks, money, betting slips and a clutch would’ve ended in tears, I’m sure. The boy wore a classic navy three-piece with tan brogues and a very summery aqua tie and socks. He does love a bit of colour coord!

When it came to picking winners on the racecourse – I was, er surprisingly on fire! My motto was that if I liked the name of the horse – I’d back it! ‘Farraaj’ and ‘That’s the Spirit’ came up trumps and my winnings from those two races alone pretty much paid for my day out. Maybe I’ve found my calling in life or perhaps it was just beginners luck. In the words of Harry Hill… ‘There’s only one way to find out!’

I don’t have many spare weekends this year but 2015 is GETTING IT. We’re considering Aintree, Goodwood, Ascot and of course, good old Epsom Derby is certainly becoming a yearly family fave.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day hanging out with your nearest and dearest or maybe sourcing ideas for the perfect hen do with your lady friends, I thoroughly recommend the races. There is an abundance of events just outside of London and beyond so find yourselves a fabulous frock and milliner and have a ruddy good time!

Here’s a bunch of some of my favourite outfits.

MC x

P.S I know I’m biased but just look at how super cute my Mum and Dad are!