Lifestyle | How to prepare for an Adventurous Campervan Holiday

Planning your campervan adventure is one thing, but preparing for it is another. They may seem like the same thing, but the planning stages include key steps such as planning your route and figuring out the best ways to go, whilst preparing is all about ensuring you have the essential items to ensure your trip is as good as it can be.
My friends and I attended a few festivals in a campervan, with each of us being picked up along the route, creating a massive adventure. We would drive and collect people during the day and park up and have adventures by night. The campervan could sleep 8 and we would fill it to the brim with people and supplies.

There are a number of key things to consider when preparing for your adventure, and it’s important to check them before setting out on your trip.

Documentation Requirements 

It may seem like a boring, pointless task, but it’s really important to ensure you have all of the documentation needed to go out on your campervan trip. There are a number of documents that must be onboard with you throughout your trip, which many people overlook or forget to pack. These documents include: VSC, travel insurance, breakdown cover, passports, driving licence, EHIC card and campervan instructions. If you do forget to pack any of these into the glovebox before you head off, you may find yourself in a bit of an awkward situation further down the line, so it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Campervan Checks 

You want to ensure that your campervan is fit and ready for the adventure ahead, as there’s nothing worse than breaking down or finding something that doesn’t work when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Take your campervan to your local garage to have a quick service, double checking that everything is in working order. This will also help to save you some money further down the line. You can then carry out your own checks throughout the campervan, such as making sure all cupboards are empty and the vehicle is ready to be stocked up with the essential items for your next trip.

Legal Requirements 

Just as other vehicles do, campervans have certain legal requirements that must be included. The legal requirements to differ slightly from country to country, so it’s always worth checking before you set off. For the UK, it is a legal requirement for campervans to have an emergency warning triangle, high visibility jacket, GB sticker, breathalyser, spare bulb kit and headlight converters. If your vehicle does not have these, you may find yourself facing a fine, so it’s always worth checking and stocking up on these key items.

Travel Essentials 

There are so many different features now available for travelling via T5 campervan, so it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what you need. Some key items for the actual travel aspect of your journey include paper maps (as you can never solely rely on technology), a satnav, area guides, compass and points of interest books. These items will help to make your travelling go much smoother, as well as help you to plan ahead for your journey.

General Items 

Packing essential items to get by throughout your campervan adventure is a very important step, as you want to ensure you have everything you need to have the best time. Start with the basics, such as clothing, shoes, waterproofs and cosy clothing. Then you can figure out which additional items you’ll need, such as BBQ tools, a picnic kit, camping chairs and table, torches, plastic bowls and plates, cups and so on. Try to think of the essential items you need every day, then you can find an alternative travel style to add to your campervan and help you on your trip.

Have you ever gone on a Campervan holiday?

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Travel | Getting ready for Croatia

As I type this morning, I am blessed enough to be in my second home in the hills of Estepona, sitting on a balcony terrace overlooking a valley, in the gorgeous sunshine. Although, I’ve just arrived my mind is already thinking of my next trip, a three day get away to Dubrovnik for my sister’s hen party.

Having never been to Croatia before, I am looking forward to exploring somewhere new. I’m a big Game of Thrones fan, and totally thrilled about visiting the fictional city of Kings Landing, and hope that I’ll sit on the Iron Throne. Hopefully I can find another GOT fan among the group to come with me!

 When deciding where to go on the hen, we looked at several destinations, but decided to get a villa in Croatia. The girls have previously been to Split and really loved it, not only is it a beautiful country, filled with history and culture, it’s also one of the few remaining cheap destinations to visit, with a pint costing around £1.45, depending on the exchange rate.

I must say planning this has been fun and given me major wanderlust, Croatia has been growing in popularity with British tourist in the last few years, largely due to it being one of the sunniest places to escape to in Europe. I can’t share what we’ll be doing on the hen as it’s a surprise for Tash, but will share some of the interesting things that I’ve discovered while planning our trip.

Croatia, has several surrounding islands, perfect for island hopping. Day trips to Lokrum Island seem to be a popular choice, especially as it’s a short boat trip from Dubrovnik. Known for it’s stunning botanical garden from the 18th Century, it also has a small salt water lake that has similar properties to the dead sea.

 Visiting Dubrovnik also puts you in a prime position for day trips to Montenegro to do white water rafting or visiting Waterfalls in Mostar and Kravice. Similarly, they have a host of wine tours, boat trips and multiple Game of Thrones themed tours.

If you are thinking of visiting a different part of Croatia, away from Game of Thrones sets, then Porec is an extremely interesting city. Now a world heritage site, the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with it officially becoming a city in the 1st century under the Roman emperor Augustus. In more recent times, it was considered part of Italy, until 1947 when it became part of Yugoslavia, and then joined Croatia in 1991 when it became an independent state.

I’ll continue to countdown the days (17) until we fly away to Dubrovnik, and will let you know what we got up to on our Croatian adventure, most importantly I will keep you posted as to whether I managed to sit on the Iron Throne. If you’ve been to Dubrovnik and have any recommendations then please share them with me, we are open to anything!

 

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Lifestyle | Are you holiday ready? #HolidayHype

I may not be the biggest jet setter, but I do try to go away at least once a year - whether it's a City break, staycation or something a bit more. I am 'THAT' person, who is aways really excited well in advance. Which I guess is why I was surprised to discover that in a recent You Gov poll by Europa Pharmacy found that only 31% of people get excited when packing.

Possibly even more surprising is that 1 in 3 women worry about their weight every day they are away. Despite not being completely happy with my weight, when I go on holiday I want to be able to forget about all my usual stresses and enjoy myself.

I guess part of the reason that I get so excited is that I have some pre-holiday rituals that get me in the mood, they are:

The Researching

The second a holiday is booked I start researching. I'm not an itinerary sort of girl -I don't plan every minute or meal, I just like to know the options. I prefer to try and find more unusual places or activities to do, rather than stick to the main tourist bits. I like my tech too so I always look for handy apps for the area.

The Lists

I love list writing. When I am excited about my holiday but is way too early to start packing, I start to list what clothes, shoes, accessories I am going to take. This list then re-written several times - I don't know why is needs to be perfectly neat or why things need to be categorised, they just do.

The Weather

As soon as I can possibly look at the weather, I start obsessively checking every site and app possible at regular intervals. If the weather is good, then all is well. If not then I go back to steps one and two, no reason to let the weather ruin your fun.

The Pampering

I guess this is normal behavior. Before jetting off, I go stock up on holiday supplies - travel toothpaste, suntan lotion the essentials. Then I go and get waxed, grab a Mani and Pedi - I usually go for Shellac to avoid chipping. I also like to get a lash lift before I go, so that I can have great lashes by the pool.

The Packing

By this time, the lists are long gone! I am generally throwing everything into my suitcase. I have to talk myself out of packing 10 pairs of shoes when I'm only going away for 7days. Slowly the amount that I pack gets reduced as I start thinking more rationally. I end up packing and repacking, with various methods; rolling, folding, stuffing things in my shoes.

Do you have any pre-holiday rituals or packing tips? I'd love to hear them!

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Travel | #ILeftMyHeartIn Marbella

I left my heart in Marbella. Wait! Don’t click away; I’m not a ‘No carbs before Marbs!’ girl, although we often laugh about it.

You see, I am not the only person I know who has fallen in love with the Costal Del Sol. This infatuation is something I was born into. My Grandad and wife no. 2 had a flat there when I was really small and we would go visit them there in the summer.

The most notorious part of the area, has to be Puerto Banus. Locals, tourists and the ridiculously wealthy all flock to the marina, browsing designer shops, like Louis Vuitton, Hermes or Jimmy Choo; visiting notorious night spots, like Pangea or Sinatra’s for the older crowd. Other favourite activities include seeing how the other half live. Although slightly more expensive, the bars and restaurants located on the front row of the port, provides fantastic people watching spots. Enjoy a delicious cocktail, while watching international playboys show off their supercars, the filthy rich come off their super yachts or if you go in the height of the summer you are practically guaranteed to spot Z-List Celebrities reality star.

I learnt to swim in the sea next to Puerto Banus, and once as a cheeky and adorable toddler, ‘borrowed’ some money from wife no.2 and went and bought myself ice cream, she was outraged. However, nowadays tourist tend to move away from this beach, instead lying in luxury, choosing from a plethora of beach clubs, such as  La Sala (pictured above). Both of which are frequented by footballers, celebs and the beautiful. These clubs, usually located close to the beach, have restaurants, bars and the most extravagant sunbeds ever seen. As well as, having at least one pool, there is usually also a hot tub and a good DJ. While people come for the day, they often stay for a night of partying as well.

Having been a few times, it can be expensive, but if there is a group of you get a bed between you, if there are loads of you treat yourself to a four poster. They usually do some sort of package where you get some food and maybe a bottle as part of the cost. Also in the ladies, there are the best ever vending machines, designed to help you go from a day of lounging to being fully prepared for a night of dancing.

I started to fall in love with it Marbella, in 1999, when we flew out to spend the millennium with my, now single Grandad. Even my Nan (wife no. 1) who had not spoken to him since he left her 30 years before, came along. A typical family argument over ice cream (seems we have a theme) a well-aimed can of beer and thirty years of anger, created a fresh start between my Grandad and my Nan. This blossomed into a good friendship. We spent the Y2K countdown at the once prestigious El Paraiso Hotel. While it is still there, it has been taken over by a Spanish hotel company, making it more of a family destination. But if you are still looking for a luxurious hotel to stay at, you needn’t worry, Marbella is full of them. Notably The Marbella Club, The Puente Romano and The Gran Melia Don Pepe.

My heart was repeatedly left in the city each time I went to Grandad, often on my own, which was something the two of us had done since I was 8. We’d go out for food, the cinema, open air concerts and piano bars in the port. I built friendships with ex-pat teenagers, who would take me to house parties, sneak me out of the villa and let me ride their motorcycles on the remote roads. There is plenty to do in the area if you tire of shopping and sunbathing. The Cinema close the port, screens films in English, yes you probably haven’t gone to Spain to watch the latest blockbuster, but depending on the time of year that you go, it is always good to have a plan for a rainy day. Equally, about a 20 minute drive from Puerto Banus, there is another shopping centre called La Cañada, which houses another cinema, a bowling alley and even a Marks and Spencers.

If you have young ones with you, a day at Funny Beach is a must, between go-karting and the bouncy castles, all located on a beach, they will be in heaven. My youngest sister used to be crazy about the place and once threw the mother of all tantrums at a chiringuito when my dad said we couldn’t go there, my mum wasn’t with us so she thought she’d try her luck!

Speaking of chiringuitos, if you are looking for a more authentic experience of the area, then drive in either coastal direction away from Puerto Banus and you will soon find the beaches that the locals go to. They still have sun loungers, but the prices are a lot more reasonable. One that we like to go it is Andy’s beach just down the road in an area called Cabopino. There is a lovely beach restaurant, serving the freshest fish, lovely Spanish classics like Paella, as well as simple foods like Pizza or chips for the less adventurous diners out there. You can also jump on a banana boat or rent out a slide pedalo.

Sadly in 2006, my heart broke in Marbella the day we arrived at the Villa knowing that he wasn’t going to be there, knowing he’d never be there again and wondering if we would ever be strong enough to return. Despite it being the height of summer, it felt cold and the familiarity of the place no longer felt special.

A year later I ventured back, with new friends and slowly my heart started to mend. I began to fall in love, not only with the city, but with a boy. We stayed up drinking on the terrace, explored new bars, new restaurants. I showed them parts of the Marbella I knew, and we discovered places I’d never been, like the now gone TGI Fridays or the more recent addition of Hard Rock. The more we went back, the further we ventured from the tourist attractions and the more we saw of the area from the locals’ eyes.

By this point the family’s’ association to the Costa del Sol had grown. The first family holiday my new boyfriend came on, was not just the 6 of us, but a party of over 20. My sister brought her friends, my dad’s sister and her family joined us, along with his best friend and his family. My mums uncle, aunt and her cousin joined with her family. Not only was this the first time a lot of them had met Joe, but it was his first real insight into my family, and he survived. The memories from that trip will always be some of our favourites.

7 years later, we got married in Estepona, surrounded by nearly all our friends and family and it was magical. People came from all over the world to share our special day, we were united in love. Despite rain falling all around the Villa, not a drop touched us and once again it felt like the Marbella I knew as a teen.

We spent a few nights at the glorious Kempinski hotel as a part of a mini honeymoon. Everything about that hotel is the epitome of luxury. The breakfast spread was overwhelming in size and delicious in taste, only made better by the option of having Champagne with it. The service is second to none.

My heart is still in Marbella, it’s always there and that’s why I return year after year, because for those short weeks I am whole again.

Have you left your heart in a magical city? I'd love to hear where.

This post is my entry to #ILeftMyHeartIn competition, see other entries at Get Your Guide.

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TRAVEL | La Alcaría de Ramos Restaurant, Estepona

We have been going to the family villa for about 15 years, ever since my granddad first moved in to his house. Now I'm not sure that La Alcaría de Ramos has been there the whole time, but I know it's been open at least seven/eight years. But, even though the restaurant is just 5 minutes up the road I didn't know it was there and had obviously never eaten there before.

We discovered it while we were staying at Casa Katanga for our wedding. A lot of our friends and family were staying the hotel next door and rather than eat at the hotel, they decided to go to La Alcaría de Ramos, as it is the only restaurant close by, otherwise you have to walk down the road to more bars and restaurants.

Every guest who went there said the food was amazing and that it was reasonably priced. The only downside being that they were often fully booked, so last year Hubs and I missed out. But we didn't forget and were very eager to go there.

The night my sisters were arriving Hubs and I decided to go for a little romantic dinner, while my parents relaxed in the villa. We didn't ring and book in advance, because we thought that as it was late September and the hotel was practically empty as it was end of the season that it wouldn't be busy.

We were wrong, but luckily there were three tables left, and the last two were gone shortly after we sat down. We immediately noticed a lot of the patrons were Spanish, which always a good sign, especially in areas of the Costa Del Sol that are loved by tourists.

When we sat down we were immediately given a complimentary glass of wine and bread rolls (a lot of the restaurants in Marbella will bring over bread but then charge you for it - often only a euro, but that's not the point).

Once we had ordered, they also brought us over a complimentary shot glass of their Gazpacho (a cold and refreshing tomato soup) and a cracker with melted cheese on it. For starter Hubs got the Iberico Ham and Melon, it was wise of him to start light. The melon was fresh and tasted wonderful, like all fruit and veg in Spain, it just tasted so much better than in the UK. The Jamon Iberico was great too, obviously as it is a Spanish cured me, Hubs was in the best place to try it.

I, on the other hand ordered their Homemade Pâté, which was lovely and tasted justly like my grandmas stuffing. It was plated up with a lovely cranberry coulis, which complimented the meaty flavour perfectly. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a few pieces of bread or toast, rather than the basket of assorted bread sticks.

For main Hubs and I both went for the Fillet Steak - I went medium-rare, while he went medium. I love steak, and for me the steak that always sticks out in my mind was one I had in Mexico over ten years ago. I never expect a steak to even come close, but this one was divine. It was cooked perfectly, practically melting in my mouth and it was swell seasoned - nothing too complicated so you could really taste the flavour of the meat. Also the potato served with it was delicious, slightly roasted on the outside, but fluffy and smooth as mash on the inside. 

Now quite full we decided to take the plunge and get dessert. Hubs looks sweet, but does not really have a sweet tooth, also he has a weakness for cheese (or maybe that's me!), so he ordered the cheese board, which actually defeated him. They were very generous with the portion, he had blue cheese, goats cheese, Brie and manchego. I on the other hand went for the sorbet - they had a great selection of cakes, pies and ice creams, but they all felt too heavy. The sorbet came in Lemon, Raspberry and Mango, all were very refreshing and the lemon was particularly tarte which I love.

When we asked for the bill they then gave us a complimentary lemon cake and a chocolate cup with a mint mousse as well as drink on the house.

 I was definitely not disappointed with our experience here, it really has lived up to our expectation and the hype created not only by our wedding guests, but also Tripadvisor. If you are ever in Estepona, Marbella or the surrounding areas I would say that a trip to La Alcaría de Ramos is a must.

Where is the best place you have eaten abroad?

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TRAVEL| Marbella Hard Rock Cafe with Key Banus

Top / C/O New Look  Trousers/ C/OSimplyBe Shoes/ C/O Duo Boots Necklace/Old Charm bracelet/ Jeremy Hoye

I've been going to the Marbella area, ever since I was about 2 or 3. My granddad had a flat in Puerto Banus, and after living in L.A. for many years he finally settled near Marbella about 17 years ago. Ever since then I have been there almost annually, and Hubs and I even got married there, in the family villa last year.

Marbella or more specifically Puerto Banus, is known to be a millionaires playground, with the massive private yachts and designer boutiques. So it's not surprising that it can be very expensive, especially if you are hitting the clubs. Which is where Key Banus comes in very handy, I don't know why I had never heard of it before but it is great. It's only £25 for a membership that lasts for the whole of 2014 (obviously there will be a new on in 2015) and offers loads of great exclusive offers to all the most popular places to go including La Sala Beach, the La Sala Restaurants, Pangea and Agwa Mist.

My latest trip to the area was with my family to celebrate my parents 30th Wedding Anniversary, so while we did go out and had a party, it wasn't a trip where we were out clubbing. We did however, go to the Hard Rock Cafe in Marbella as a family. With Key Banus you get 20% off of your food and drinks bill, which is more than the card cost when there are seven of you dining and cocktails are involved.

Hubs and I started off with cocktails, he got the Long Island Ice Tea and I got a a Berry Margarita (I LOVE Margaritas!). We shared the Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings, as we are wing addicts and went for the hottest sauce which is called "Heavy Metal". While the sauce could have been hotter, Hard Rock wings never fail to please and are served with blue cheese dip and celery - winning combination.

Hubs, true to form got the Texan -  hickory-smoked pulled pork with chipotle barbecue sauce, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, crispy fried jalapeños and onions, piled high on toasted brioche. This came with chips and coleslaw.

Now, usually I would get a burger or one of their sandwiches, but I was feeling a bit bloated and my sister had been raving about the salads, so I got the Grilled Chopped Salad, which consists of mixed greens, topped with thinly sliced grilled chicken, tomatoes, spicy pecans, carrots, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, roasted corn and red peppers, tossed in home-made white balsamic vinaigrette and drizzled with tangy barbecue sauce. I have to admit that I was really surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did and that I didn't get food envy!

Do you have a regular holiday retreat/ place that you go to? Or have you been to Marbella, what do you love about it?

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TRAVEL | ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

I honestly can't believe a year has already past since Hubs and I got married. It's been a busy year filled with fantastic highs (second wedding in Spain, a trip to Amsterdam and just small happy moments) and one notable low (when Hubs's dad passed away) all of which we provided each other with strength and support through.

As we had already lived together for six years, not much has really changed. I was already aware that he was unable to close cupboard doors when he was finished with them, and he has learn't to live with my messy side of the bedroom. But oddly (despite spending all my teenage years saying I would never get married) it does feel like something has changed. Maybe because of the official commitment that we have made to each other we are sub-consciously closer, happier and stronger with each other. I find that Hubs can be more affectionate, there is more hand holding and random unexpected cuddles and I find myself looking at him and just smiling (I'm such a sap).

After the wedding last year we spent the weekend in Chelsea. On our last morning we were sitting in a lovely cafe people watching when we stated to notice people in AMAZING costumes and head pieces. That was when we realised that we should have stayed another day so we could go to Notting Hill Carnival and made a promise to go this year.I've never been to Notting Hill Carnival before so I didn't really know what to expect.

It was fantastic, the atmosphere was completely infectious and I couldn't stop smiling. I usually take my trusty iPhone with me rather than carry around a DSLR that I don't really know how to use! but I kinda broke it ;( So I've temporarily been given a LG G3 which is completely different for me. I've never used an Android phone before but it was surprisingly easy to use and user-centric. I used the phone to take all the pictures at Carnival and was really happy with the quality of the pictures and the clarity of the screen. I was also really impressed with the battery life!

Have you ever been to Notting Hill Carnival?

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TRAVEL | Easyjet? Not so much.

The useful response when asking from the plane if they knew why we were still waiting to take off.

When a customer frequently users a provide, I think it is fair to say that a relationship is formed. But as you learn in life, some relationships are toxic and then it is time to cut the cord and end it.

I have been flying easyJet for at least 10 years, mainly going back and forth from Malaga and Gatwick to visit my granddad and then to the villa once he was gone. So when Hubs and I went to Amsterdam booking with easyJet was obvious.

Our flight was due to leave Gatwick at 14:25 on 25th July 2014, unfortunately we didn't board until about 3pm. This was due to someone falling ill on the flight before and needing medical assistance, which is fair enough. I'm a reasonable person, this is unavoidable and what is a 30 minute delay really?

However, after boarding we were stuck on the plane with no information for about 45 minutes before the pilot told us there was a "technical issue" and we would be heading back to the terminal.

Once we got there the police boarded to remove a bunch of "disruptive" passengers; a group of men on a stage do who played Jolene by Dolly Parton on loudspeaker and another song. I cannot say for sure if this was the reason they were ejected, easyJet will only say the reason the flight was delayed was because of disruptive passengers. This is considered to be out of their control and therefore they are no liable to pay compensation.

Once the passengers were removed we then waited inside the plane for a further 90 minutes, with no offer of food or drink, while the police finished their paperwork and the captain re-submitted the flight plan. We were then told we would have to wait on the plane for a further hour and half before we could take off. Although, luckily we only had to wait 30 minutes.

During this two hour plus waiting period we were hardly explained anything (the pilot jovially explained how this was his first time calling the police to remove passengers), offered no drinks or food, or reassured about the situation.

When we did finally take off, we were finally offered a complimentary drink and snack. As we were sat in the middle of the plane and the trolleys started at either end, nearly all the stock had already been chosen and there were no suitable snack left. This meant that my Hubs and I received an apology for the delay in the form of a 500ml bottle of still water and a can of diet 7UP.

 Also by this point the staff were less than interested in us and were busy laughing and joking with each other about the men they had removed, completely nonplussed about the inconvenience we were all caused.

We were only going to Amsterdam for the weekend as a press trip for the blog, which meant we had a very full itinerary. As a result of our overall 3 hour delay, we were unable to make it to the Tourist office to pick up our press passes and iAmsterdam cards on Friday, which meant that we missed our appointment at the Anne Frank Museum and then had to skip the Van Gogh Museum because the queue was too long and we didn't have enough time before it closed.

Additionally we had to buy tickets for public transport on the Saturday morning and for a Taxi on Friday night as we had not been given our iAmsterdam card - which entitles us to free public transport and we could not find anywhere to purchase a GVB ticket.

Once I returned home I wrote a complaint to easyJet customer service department via email. I was sent an automated response that I would get a reply in 7-10 days. Considering the size of the company and their operation I think that is a reasonable amount of time. However, after 11 days I am yet to get a response to my email.

Hubs and I are going to Marbella in September, and before I booked our flights, I wanted to give easyJet the chance to rectify the situation, so I approached them on Twitter asking how to get my issue resolved. They politely asked me if I had sent it to the customer service email address.

After that I decided the next approach was Facebook. I DM'd the page and left a comment, after 2-3 hours I finally had a response. See below.

As you can see easyJet were unwilling to even try to rectify the awful service we received. Apparently my custom is not at all important to them and my time is only worth can of Diet 7UP which I can pick up in my corner shop for 65p. If anything there response is an insult. 

After this conversation I tweeted about my dissatisfaction and was followed by easyJet who asked me to DM them my issue so they could looking into it. I declined their offer with the following response and heard nothing back.

Whether the delay was easyJets fault or not I don't think that a 50 minute flight turning into close to 4 hours on a plane is at all acceptable, we may have paid easyJet prices - but the flights still cost over 10% of my monthly wage and to be honest easyJet is not actually that cheap any more (had I flown with another provider the flights would have cost £20 more).

So here I am ending my relationship with easyJet. I am no longer going to put up with a one way relationship, one where you take my money and deliver an embarrassingly disappointing service. I will no longer be looked down on by your less then friendly staff in vile orange and I will not be forcing myself into your ridiculously small seats with my knees firmly digging into the seat in front of me.

Hubs and I will be flying BA or Monarch in September.

Have you ever experienced awful customer service?

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TRAVEL | #BrightonOTB Alan Partridge, Big Screen, Burritos, Pampering and Pottery

Last Friday I was really lucky to have been invited to an AMAZING blogger event by OnTheBeach. The event - dubbed Brighton On The Beach or #BrightonOTB, was a two day event bringing together some of the regular Brighton girlies and some lovely London bloggers. 

Although I have been invited to blogger events before, I have never had an overnight stay before. While it did feel a bit weird to be staying in a hotel in my home town, I wasn't going to complain about staying at the Brighton IBIS and not having my beloved cats wake me up at 5.45am for breakfast! 

When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the room, the hotel is relatively new so it is clean, crisp and quite modern. The bathroom was basically a pod/wet-room installed into the room. Waiting for me on my bed was a pack of delicious macaroons (which were immediately scoffed!) and a lovely welcome note from On The Beach.

Once settled in a few of us made our way down to the Brighton Big Screen to meet the other bloggers and the lovely people from On The Beach and Epiphany PR.

When we arrived we were given a £10 food voucher that entitled us to either MEATLiquor or DeadGood Burrito. Hubs and I are Bright Burrito connoisseurs, so I chose my regular Beef Burrito with everything and their very own Berry Hot Sauce. This also came with a side of nachos!

Before the film, Alpha Papa, started there was a Q&A session with Steve Coogan and the director, which was very interesting. We even managed to get a group shot with the man himself, before sitting down with a couple of glasses of wine and some yummy popcorn!

After the film we took a casual stroll back up to the hotel, where we were surprised by customised robes, loads of Lush products, cupcakes, sweets and Prosecco. It was so fun to put face masks on and trial the foot products with the other girls, and then get engrossed in conversation over Prosecco, although it meant that I didn't get back to my room until about 1.30am.

The bed was really comfy and everything was great, although it took me ages to fall asleep, as I am so used to sleeping with Hubs next to me. Once up I had a lovely shower, the shower head was so powerful, it was a real treat , and then and went downstairs to meet everyone for breakfast.

There was a lot of choice for us to start the day, from yogurt and fruit, pastries and muffins and a cooked breakfast buffet.

Once we were all fed and watered we made our way down to the Painting Pottery Cafe, where we all chose a piece to paint. We had a choice of mugs, plates, bowls, pots and a cute milk jug. I ended up going for a cute mug with a heart shaped handle area.

My inspiration, as always, were my cats and Harry Potter, so I managed to trace a cat silhouette on to the mug and attempted my favourite HP quotes - "Always..." at the bottom of the mug and

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” on the side. Unfortunately I am not a very arty, but I was really pleased with how the mug turned out once I picked it up.

Sadly, this was the end of our lovely adventure with On The Beach, so we had to say goodbye. It was so lovely to be able to have a sleepover with some of the Brighton bloggers and to meet some new blogger friends! Everyone who took part are listed here:

Fifi McGee | Belle Du Brighton | Cider with Sophie | Lola and Behold | Fizzy Peaches | Carrie Brighton |Lemonade Lies | What Olivia Did | Lela London | Daisy Butter | I want you to know |

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TRAVEL | Amsterdam City Break - What’s in my suitcase this Summer?

Later on this month I am going to Amsterdam for a weekend with Hubs, so if anything this post is a bit premature. When I am excited about going away I end up planning what I am taking weeks in advance, this often means writing list after list.

Hubs has always said he would take me, but in the close to eight years we have been together he's ended up going twice with his friends. We are going on the Friday and coming back on the Monday morning, so I am only taking hand luggage with me. Obviously, I will take my day to day stuff and my make up bag, with some additional lippies and eye-shadow to glam up in the evening.

Our hotel doesn't have a pool, but I am packing a swimming costume as I am hopping to go to Sauna Deco- Spa on evening, although I would love to say that I am comfortable in my birthday suit, I think I'll enjoy myself a lot more in a bikini. Which let's be honest is a bit of a brave move for me anyway! This bikini* is from George's swimwear collection. I have to say that I was surprised at the size range as usually it is impossible for me to find a bikini top in my size on the high-street, let a lone a supermarket! What shocked me further was that it was actually very supportive and well fitting. I decided to go for a mix and match look with the navy blue and white stripe halter top and black bikini shorts.

Bikini c/o George at Asda

 We aren't in Amsterdam long, but I am hoping to attend a few museums, have a ride on a canal boat and also visit the Ice Bar as well as just take in the beauty of the city. I have planned three outfits, which can be interchanged to some degree so that I can have day and night outfits if need be.

My first outfit consists of my SimplyBe Duster Jacket - It's light enough to wear on a warm day or on a chilly evening. While the jacket isn't a mix and match item, I could always wear my jeans with either of the other tops, or swap my sandals for boots to dress up the look.

Duster Jacket - C/O Simply Be, T-shirt and sandals - H&M, Jeans - Milla Grace

 My second outfit is quite simple, but the statement sequin print trousers make it pop (although hubs thinks it looks like penguin print?!?!). I have teamed this with a simple dip hemmed top and my platform sandals. If I'm going to be walking around a lot, I will probably switch to my sandals for comfort and take along my denim jacket.

Dipped Hem Top - Primark, Sequin Print Trousers - C/O Simply Be, Shoes - C/O ShuSole, Necklace - Old

My final outfit is quite a relaxed look, I'd probably wear this out in the evening if we end up going to one of the live sex shows (I am really intrigued!), our out for some drinks.

Denim Jacket - eBay, Floral Sports Vest - River Island, Control Tights - M&S, Boots - Boohoo

 What are your key things to pack in your suitcase this summer?

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