The Monday Piece - Christmas Markets For Young Couples

Christmas markets for young couples

This week's Monday Piece is on Christmas markets for young couples! Christmas is just around the corner, but that doesn’t stop us from getting in the festive spirit now - plus time escapes me at this time of year so it's great to make the most of it.  Whether this is your first Christmas together or your tenth, throw on your Christmas jumpers and get out there — there is something for everyone to enjoy.

At Stagecoach, they understand that young couples don’t want to break the bank, so they have created a list of some of the best yet affordable Christmas markets around the UK with bargain bus fares. which i'd love to share. Wrap up warm and remember to capture plenty of selfies for Instagram!

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle transforms into the Christmas Capital during December and you don’t want to miss it. If you’re a lover of great architecture, this market is located just under Grey’s Monument at the top of a long and narrow street with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants close by if the cold gets a bit too much - Christmas is all about getting cosy with a glass of hot mulled wine or gingerbread latte!

If you want to experience different cultures, this is the market for you. Retailers from across Europe come to Geordieland to sell their traditional dishes, delicious treats and unusual beverages in romantic wooden huts that are decorated to get you in the festive mood. Once you’ve indulged in enough food from around the world, why not look for a unique gift for your other half – just make sure they’re not looking when you buy it! 

After looking at the trinkets and treasures on offer, head to the ice rink next to the Centre For Life to burn off all the yummy Christmas food you've been nibbling on - this is the ideal place for a couple selfie and a great opportunity to mess around and have fun with your loved one. I can kind of skate but it's definitely nothing fancy, but i love wrapping up in coats, scarves, gloves and bobble hats to get out on the rink and in the cosy Christmas spirit!

Open: 11th December – 17th December

Birmingham

The Germans are known for their beer festivals, and they always make their way to Birmingham for Christmas! Located in Victoria Square, the market makes a great setting for any Instagram post – with bright lights, big trees, fountains and the must-ride iconic carousel. The market takes over the centre of the city full of stalls and street food.

There are over 180 stalls for you to visit , and you’ll definitely see something that catches your eye, whether it is a gift for your parents or bespoke jewellery that will represent your relationship. I love picking up Christmas tree decorations and the flavoured nuts too, they're so good!

Nick and I go to this market every year, it's so convenient with the train station pretty much in the middle of the market so you can hop off and not worry about parking. It's always so busy but it adds to the Christmas spirit as everyone is always really excited and loving the Bailey's hot chocolate! If you're a Nutella fan (like me) then definitely check out the Nutella pancakes and waffles, SO tasty.

Open: 17th November – 29th December

Exeter

There’s nothing more magical than a lit cathedral towering over a Christmas market on a cold winter’s night. The wooden huts are taken over by different continents of the world, making for a fun evening of food tasting from different cultures and a unique date night for you and your partner!

If you both love music, this Christmas market has a bandstand which will be full of entertainment. You can even join in and sing some of your favourite Christmas carols – we know that it can be too hard to resist!

Once you’ve explored the Christmas market, there are two more close by, one on Castle Street and the other on Fore Street. Make sure to grab a hot drink to keep you warm for the walk and of course a Christmas cookie won’t hurt either...

Open: 16th November – 17th December

Lincoln

If you’re a fan of scenes that you see in the movies, head to Lincoln to make it a reality – this market’s backdrop is iconic, with both a castle and cathedral towering over the 280 stalls. It looks so beautiful and has heaps of history too if you're a historian like me. If you’re a fan of yummy freshly baked goods, look no further and if you want something more than a Christmas tipple or nibble, hot food is the market’s speciality - the Bratwurst sausages look delicious. You’ll definitely want to make a return next year!

In addition to the wooden huts, stores along the cobbled street make their way outdoor to add a little more magic to the Lincoln market, allowing you to shop at places you might not have dreamt of entering before - wear some comfy warm footwear!

Take your relationship to new heights by taking a trip on the big wheel and other fairground rides, remembering to capture that perfect selfie towering over Lincoln. Although the duration of this market isn’t long, it’s worth going!

Open: 7th December – 10th December

London

If you’re looking for something a little more populated with lots of activities, London is definitely the place to go to. Why not take a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park? You won’t regret it as there is nothing that you can’t do, whether you want to go ice skating or visit the circus! London is mega romantic at this time of year (and is just like Love Actually), so it's ideal to just walk around and enjoy the Christmas vibe - we love going down to check out all of the Christmas window displays in the shops and do some Christmas shopping too.

Even if you can’t make it in time for Christmas, Winter Wonderland stays open after the Christmas period has cooled off. Finish off your day in the capital with a trip to Buckingham Palace and take a selfie outside of the iconic landmark.

Booking is strongly advised for Winter Wonderland in London, just to be on the safe side given the event’s high demand.

Open: 17th November – 1st January

There you have it — what market are you and your loved one going to this year?

Sources:

https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/exeter-christmas-market-on-cathedral-green-p1432623

http://visitbirmingham.com/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market/

https://www.skyscanner.net/news/the-uks11-best-christmas-markets

http://www.instyle.co.uk/celebrity/news/best-christmas-markets

http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

A Guide To Choosing Your Bridesmaids

A guide to choosing your bridesmaids and why you need them

Choosing who you want to be a part of your big day can be a hard choice. You want your bridesmaids to be fun-loving enough to keep you cheery through the stressful days but responsible enough to help with the organisation. A 2016 survey conducted by hitched revealed that brides have on average 3 bridesmaids by their side on the big day. But what are the different types of bridesmaids and what makes them so great?

To give you an idea of the different bridesmaids that are out there, The Waterfront Hotel, a wedding venue in Bedfordshire, has brought you this fun guide.

The wedding specialist

This girl’s a serial bridesmaid and she’s been to more weddings than you can imagine! She has the ability to spot the warning signs of a wedding faux pas before they occur – perhaps someone at the party is getting too tipsy or she knows that two guests don’t get along and shouldn’t be placed together in the table plan…

She knows a wedding schedule off by heart and won’t be asking any questions about where she should be standing at the ceremony. In fact, you’re likely to be asking her some questions to see how other brides have done it. She knows the local suppliers that you should get in touch with, and the ones to avoid – an ideal friend to have around pre-wedding!

The social media diva

You’ll usually find her face down on her smartphone and if not, she’ll be choosing the perfect angle to snap photos of her meal. She’s been stalking the photos of her newlywedded Facebook friends to find some of the best suppliers around for flowers and décor. She’s set up a hashtag of your surnames after the engagement party and has been using it when adding photos of your wedding planning progress ever since – a perfect memory bank for you to look back on.

If you want a Snapchat location filter for guests to use on the big day, she’s the one to ask. You should warn her first if you’re wanting a private affair though because she’ll have your first dance on a live stream and will have Instagrammed your wedding rings before they’re even on your finger…

The emotional friend

She’s been your close friend forever and you couldn’t imagine the day without her. But please stop crying, you’re ruining the photos.

As soon as you walked down the aisle, her eyes started to water and after a glass of champagne it escalated from there… This bridesmaid is the one to consult when you’re trying to write your wedding vows – she’ll know all the right words to say. She’s definitely a valued member of your bridal party — just don’t spend too much on her makeup…

The funny friend

Put this friend in charge of the hen do organisation. She’s creative and hilarious and will organize a night that’s guaranteed to get your bridesmaids to know one another.

Guests want some entertainment at the wedding breakfast. You should let your comedienne bridesmaid make a speech on your big day (or at least let her help write it) – she’s got the funniest memories to share and has a way with words that is guaranteed to make your guests giggle.

The top organiser

According to one study, the average wedding has 75 daytime and 101 evening guests. With all of these people, you need someone to help keep things in check on the big day whilst you mingle with family and friends. That’s where this bridesmaid comes in to help.  

From birthday parties to baby showers, she’s always the organiser. She bought you your own wedding planning book but probably used it more than you. This bridesmaid will be the first to make sure everyone is the right place for photos and gathering guests around the dancefloor for your first dance. Once the wedding day is over, you’ll wonder how you could’ve done it without her!

Sources

https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/wedding-survey-2016_1193.htm 

The Monday Piece - White Want List

This week's Monday Piece is on white want list! A quick update on what's catching my eye online - lately i'm loving all things light, whether it's beige, white or cream, it looks so chic and when worn head to toe it's mega luxe and interesting. Although it's summer in Australia, i can't help but stalk all of the cosy autumn winter knitwear and accessories that everyone is layering up in the UK! Silky textures like the v-neck cami top are ideal for layering underneath something snuggly, and also look great worn with some tailored white trousers for a smart but sassy outfit. I'm loving all of the different kind of knitwear like the cropped roll neck jumper, plus it's still classic and versatile too - i'd wear it with a knitted beanie hat for added warmth. I've also added some designer accessories, a little white Gucci bag or Saint Laurent wallet on a chain is an investment but definitely something that can be worn over and over that will make any outfit special!
X

Zaful Embroidered Cactus Top

This cactus embroidered top is just so adorable i can't contain myself! With its off the shoulder style and short balloon sleeves it's mega cute, but then the tiny embroidered cacti add another dimension of sweetness - so yeahhhh i love it, it's worth wiggling my arms and shoulders around all day for due to the elasticated shoulder situation - if you have a tip on how to keep off the shoulder tops in place then please help a girl out... Also it's only £14.00 which is amazing as the quality is not bad at all. I've worn it with some Zara jeans, heeled sandals and my Furla studded bag for a day out in the city, shopping, and eating out in Chinatown. Check out the cactus top here if you fancy one for yourself, the Zaful site tends to sell out of things fairly quickly so hop on over to take a look!
X

*c/o Zaful embroidered cactus top, here*
*Zara jeans*
*ASOS shoes*
*c/o Glasses Shop sunglasses, here*
*Furla bag, similar here*
*Hong Kong bag charm*
*Necklace, gift*
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Melbourne City Outfit

This week's Monday Piece is on Melbourne city outfit! We moved to Melbourne a few week's ago so i'm getting used to the city life, i wanted to get a quick outfit post up from this weekend too as it's been a little while. The weather is more unpredictable than the Gold Coast, but this weekend it was pretty hot so i kept it simple with a mini skirt and loose top - we spent the weekend at the city library, browsing the Victoria fresh food market, and eating out at a chocolate restaurant which was mega tasty!
X

*Boohoo top, similar here*
*Zara skort*
*Melbourne boutique shoes*
*Chanel sunglasses, similar here*
*Alexander Wang bag, here*
*Necklace, gift*
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Comfy Autumn Lust List

This week's Monday Piece is on comfy autumn lust list! As the weather turns chilly, autumn is ideal for layering all of those comfy cosy pieces - i've picked out some of my most wanted luxe pieces to get in the snuggly spirit. I adore cashmere for it's warmth and softness, a pair of grey cashmere jogging trousers are great for layering plus they are mega versatile and can be worn with trainers and a chunky knit for a chilled out weekend vibe, or chunky boots and a leather jacket for a more fancy look. River Island always nail the knitwear in autumn/winter and this season is no exception, the black cold shoulder roll neck jumper has a little something different and looks so chic, i'd wear it with some skinny jeans and glittery slip on furry mules! I always like to finish off my layering look with a bit of an over the top accessory, the Alexander McQueen box bag is definitely a splurge item but i love the mix of it's grunge/tailored style...what layering pieces do you have your eye on?
X

Bali Photo Diary

I took a trip to Bali for 10 days with Nick and got back this week, so i wanted to pop up a couple of photos from the holiday! It was only a six hour flight from the Gold Coast, which isn't too bad considering how far away Australia feels from everything and everywhere - we split our time between the beautiful Ubud and the seaside town of Candidasa. Each had their own vibe and scene, we loved Ubud for the culture and very relaxed atmosphere, each street is filled with warungs, shops and things to see including stunning ornate temples integral to the Balinese Hindu community. Plus the markets are amazing so i picked up a few treasures to bring back with me! We stayed just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Ubud, nestled in the rice paddies with nature in a traditional wooden tree house - the accommodation is really cheap so we wanted to look for something a little different to what we'd usually go for and make the most of experiencing the Indonesian culture.

Candidasa is more remote and apart from a few small resorts it's much less 'touristy' which is reflected in the scenery and culture - we stayed in a small boutique style resort in a garden bungalow where we spent most of our time at the pool as we'd had a hectic few days doing all the touristy things in Ubud. Bali is really magical, beautiful and serene, we didn't go anywhere near the party resorts like Kuta, Legian or Seminyak as these have had pretty much all of the culture and heritage sucked out of them, i definitely recommend Ubud for lots to see and do - the food there is totally delicious and you can pick up a delicious freshly made main meal and drink in a restaurant for the equivalent of £1.50...which is madness. Candidasa is also amazing if you're looking for a few days of relaxation where you can enjoy a Balinese massage and crisp sea air, and again lots of tasty Indonesian dishes like the staple Nasi Goreng which i ate almost daily!
X