MOROCCO// HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND ESSAOUIRA

DAY THREE// ATLAS MOUNTAINS

We decided to book the Atlas Mountain trip through a excursion company and stumbled across one while exploring the souks in Marrakesh through a hostel 'Marrakech rouge hostels' the whole trip cost us around £20. I did a lot of research from home and remembered from my previous trip which would be the best place to visit. We wanted to see waterfalls so went for the Ourika Falls based in the town of Setti Fatma. The trip was a little slow setting off, but after swapping mini buses 3 times we were on our way with 3 other couples. The mini bus stopped off a few times on the way to take pictures of the view, have a camel ride and to see how Moroccan beauty products were made. Finally we reached the bottom of the mountains and were met by a unofficial guide, we thought about trying on our own to find the waterfalls but were gently persuaded to follow the group.The trek took a couple of hours to do including a tea break at the top. The waterfalls themselves were nothing spectacular but the atmosphere made the trip something to remember, following the guide up we passed rows of restaurants and market stalls, some even in the river itself. I highly recommend this as a day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life and relax with mountain air.

DAY FOUR//ESSAOUIRA

Our final day *sob sob* we had been looking forward to our trip to Essaouira the most, and it certainly didn't disappoint. We boarded a supratours coach from Marrakesh bus station for a mere 150 dirham ticket and were on our way. At first it could be mistaken for a little French town, with its high walls and white buildings, but as soon as you get into the town centre the typical Moroccan culture comes shining back through with dark market style shops bursting with different coloured treasures waiting to be found in all the narrow winding alleyways. Essaouira is the perfect place to visit for the avid kite boarders, which we wanted to try out if there was more time and for the Game of Thrones fan (Khaleesi's journey in Astapor was filmed here) We didn't have anything specifically planned for our visit here except to try fish from the fish market, so instead spent our day exploring. The harbour was our first point of call and walked along the wall taking in the sea breeze and smell of freshly caught fish stopping every now and again to let a wave break over the barrier. Next we headed to the beach which stretched for miles along. A perfect relaxing day spent in the sun to finish of our trip.

    

MOROCCO// MARRAKESH

Day one and Two//Marrakesh

It won't take you long to realise why Marrakesh has been renamed the Red City, a city of great beauty towering below the high peaks of the Atlas Mountains. A city where during my gap year I spent 3 months working and wanted to return. A perfect place to go to recuperate after the Christmas and new year rush, and extremely cheap to stay. All these reasons are exactly why Dy and I decided to go.

Where to stay: After a lot of research we settled on Chambre Safron/Dar Mouassine)(booked through Air BnB) and it was the perfect choice, David and his staff were the most welcoming hosts and made our stay extremely pleasant. With that and the location we couldn't of asked for anything better, situated just 5 minutes away from the Jamaa el Fna and a beautiful roof terrace which looked across the maze of the hustle and bustle beneath.

Chambre Safron

Where to visit: Day One// A number one must see is the Jamaa el Fna (the main square) in the day primarily a big empty space with a few snake charmers, ladies wanting to decorate you with henna, and rows and rows and rows of stalls full to the top with dried fruits and nuts, be sure to taste the freshly squeezed orange juice, perfect to quench your thirst. However at night the square comes to life, the air is filled with delicious aromas and smoke bellowing up into the air from the food stalls, groups start to gather and you will soon find your self joining in and watching the array of different entertainment from musicians, story tellers and acrobats to boxing matches and magic shows. You will always find something different and there is something for everyone-it will be sure not to disappoint. This was the centre point for our trip finding ourselves hear every evening looking for something to eat or somewhere to rest our aching feet and enjoy a cup of mint tea. Towering over the square you will see The Koutoubia, this is the highest mosque in Marrakesh and the point that helped Dy and I many a times when we got lost!

The Koutoubia

Jemaa el Fna

We had set ourselves 1 and a half days to see everything we wanted to see in Marrakesh, so a lot of walking and taxi rides we had seen everything we had wanted too (I think!) Our first afternoon we walked down to the Southern Medina to see the palaces and Agdal Gardens. However this didn't go to plan after taking a few wrong turns and the walk being slightly longer than we first thought, we only managed the Agdal gardens, the gardens stretch for 3km and inside the gardens everywhere we looked was rows and uniformed squares filled with orchards growing oranges, figs, lemons, olives and pomegranates  In the centre lies a man made pool- The Sahaj el Hana or "The Tank of Health" and an old summer pavilion, locals where gathered here resting there fit while groups of boys played with the fish on the waters edge. Being in the centre of the gardens you wouldn't have known there was a busy city surrounding.

Agdal Gardens

Day Two// After an early start we got into a taxi and headed to the Majorelle Gardens which is situated in the Ville Nouvelle quatre of Morocco (outside of the Medina). The garden has a sense of tranquillity and calmness as soon as you entered. All the walls painted a striking Cobalt blue- a lot different to the red colours filling the rest of Marrakesh. The blue warmed the garden which was full with walk ways of bamboos and beds full of cactus ranging in all different heights and thickness. A surprise at every corner with a giant pool or fountain until you reach Yves St Laurent's memorial. You can see why he fell in love with these gardens and why he bought it upon himself to buy it off french artist Jacques Majorelle to save it from destruction. In the centre is the Berber museum which gives you a great insight to there culture, language, textiles and fashion. 

The Majorelle Gardens

We then walked back into the Medina trying to find the Jamaa el Fna (our centre point) while trying to fit in as many sights as possible, from the Ville Nouvelle we walked through the Northern Medina. Although not a lot to go into see in the Northern Part of the medina we definitely saw how everything in the main souks were made, walking past schools, workshops and fountains were children gathered to drink the water.

After a long walk and a quick pit stop for some mint tea and orange juice we were back in the Southern Medina, unfortunately the El Badi Palace was closed for renovation, but there was still plenty more to see. Situated in a hard to find entrance from the Kasbah mosque the tombs lie. If nothing else you should go to see the art work of the tiles and carving in the woodwork.

The Bahia Palace

Next we visited The Bahia Palace which name means 'Brilliance' and you can sure see why. The chambers have a certain echoing feeling while walking round and a sense of sadness, But again you can't help but to take in the beautiful décor with the colourful mosaics and woodwork. The palace consists of two riad's and joining the two together is a large courtyard and situated in the centre a fountain which can be seen from each side. South of this is the larger riad which courtyard is filled with beautiful fruit tree's. Offering a sense of peace.

Finishing off our Marrakesh experience we decided to go to the Dar Si Said, a smaller version of the Bahia Palace which also houses the museum of Moroccan Arts. The security guard took it upon himself to give us a personal tour which for once we didn't argue against (expect to have to pay a tip for these services) and told us the history behind different types of Moroccan woodwork and carvings . Although very interesting we both had the same agreement that it was all a bit samey to the Palace.

By the end of this second day we both had felt that we had warn Marrakesh out and although had both enjoyed ourselves we were looking forward to our trek in the High Atlas Mountains and visiting the beach in Essaouira.

POSITIVITY

Firstly I want to apologise for not blogging recently... But I am back!! As my first post back in over a month and as ive been feeling extremely negative, I thought I would share with you the ways I try and be more positive and ways to make your day better :) because let's be honest who doesn't want to feel happy...

Family Time... We all know they can be annoying, but you wouldn't have them any other way, take an evening out of your week to all watch a film or cook dinner together and it will make you instantly happier... You can be yourself around them so it's the perfect way to relax. 

Friend time... Surround yourself with your favourite people, these are the people who you have chosen to be in your life and the people who know exactly how to cheer you up... Mine certainly do and I am very grateful towards each one of them, even if you have been a horrible person the ones that matter are still there. 

Book a Holiday... Even if it's for a couple of days, a quick getaway is all you need to take your mind of your woes and have something to look forward to. Go with someone who you know won't bring you down and will give you the best experience.

Cute Animals... Nothing can cheer me up more than a small fluffy animal, even if it is for a few minutes it is a quick up lift! Pinterest works wonders for this... Trust me this works miracles! 

Yoga... Yoga works by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels-the natural opposite. It benefits 3 aspects of ourselves- body, mind and breathing. I highly recommend yoga once a week to help rest your mind.

Meditation... Don't knock it before you try it- as soon as I started to feel stressed and upset my sister made me try it and I know swear by it. You don't even need to have nature music or someone talking to you to make this work, just lie in a dark room and let your mind take you somewhere else. 

Sleep... We all know how important sleep is and we all know how horrible we can be without it. 

Excercise... Get your blood pumping and release all your good endorphins. You may feel horrible while doing it but when you stop you'll feel so much better. It's also a good time to get some alone time. 

Listen to Music... Put on your favourite album and dance your troubles away. For me Beyonce works wonders!! 

Positive Thinking... Try and forget the things that are bringing you down, I know  it's easier said than done but try focus on something else. There's a lot of people out there who love you and everything will be ok in the end. 

Be Happy... I know we all have our bad days, but try not to let it get you down. Just think about all the wonderful things that could happen and that there is people out there a lot worse off than you. 

Be Kind... Even the small gestures, look the person who serves you your morning coffee in the eye and wish them a good day. Hold the door open for someone they are all little things which will make your mood instantly lift. 

You just need to remember that everything happens for a reason and peoples path cross for a reason. No matter how bad you think it's got life will always get better in the end. 

:) 

SPRING FLOWERS...

I couldn't wait to blog about my new Native Rose dress, and have been saving it up for a sunny day to show it off! I love the contrasting prints and patterns and my favourite swing style. I picked this up in the ASO's sale for an absolute steal and now have fallen in love with this brand and have the top and another dress ready to buy on payday.  Unfortunately it's still too cold for me to be brave enough to remove my coat, to show off it properly but I am going to another post soon featuring it. I decided to pair up this dress with my Doc Martin's as they are so comfy and my go to fringe bag.

(Dress: Native Rose on ASO's)

(Bag and Glasses: Thailand)

(Leather Jacket: Topshop similar here)

(Scarf: eBay)

(Boots: Doc Marten)

50 SHADES OF GREY...

I don't know why I decided with a grey theme, as normally my outfit choice is a little brighter, I don't know if it was because of going to see the new Fifty Shades on Friday or if I'm just trying to match my outfit with the weather! 

 

(Jumper: Next)

(Top: New Look)

(Jeans: Topshop)

(Boots: Dr Marten's from Urban Fox)

(Fedora: New Look)

(Bag: Thailand)

(Necklace: Urban Outfitters, similar here)

(Rings: Glastonbury, Fabulous & Frome market) 

I love roll necks at the moment, but struggle with the tighter neck design as if I get too hot feel like I can't breath, this one however is perfect for a cold winters day. I have a confession to make in the fact that I stole it from my mums wardrobe-shhh!! However I did spot it in Next first she just beat me too it!! I think high necks are so easy to wear and I love the fact that they bring any outfit bang up to trend. 

To finish off this outfit I kept it casual with my Topshop Joni jeans, Dr Martens which I snapped up from a vintage shop in Bristol for only half the price!, my trusty black fedora and dreamy new bag I treated myself too in Thailand. I also added my Urban Outfitters necklace which I got in the sale for an absolute steal - although reminds me slightly of something Harry Styles would wear!! 

Now to Fifty Shades, I was a little dubious to watch it to start with as I hadn't heard good things, maybe this was a good thing, because I really enjoyed it. Yes of course some bits where slightly embarrassing/cringey to watch, even if I had only gone with a group of girls and not my mum, but any film where you get to see Jamie Dornan Topless must be good right!? 

Have any of you seen the Fifty Shades yet?

and What did you think?

P.S: sorry about the image size and quality, a slight mishap in my equipment - hopefully they will be better next time :(

TOP 5 LIPSTICKS

The picture's don't do these as much justice as it could do, but having lipstick as my favourite make up staple - I never leave the house without it I thought I would share my Top 5 shades at this moment in time.

They all look pretty similar but are a perfect way to brighten up your face, with the classic red pop with the Chanel Passion or the vampy purple of the Topshop. All others are lovely shades of nudes with an added tone of purple or pink perfect for a natural look.

Working from Left to Right

(Chanel Rouge Allure Passion)

(Clinique Pink Toffee)

(YSL Rouge Volupte Shine 08)

(Topshop Role Model)

(Chanel Rouge Coco Destinee)

PINK TO MAKE THE BOYS WINK...

While visiting London last week, we couldn't help but have a sneaky peak in Zara's sale on Kensington high street, and of course with 70% off it would have been rude not too buy anything!! I have wanted some printed t-shirts for a while, but could never find the right ones or if I did they would be the wrong size - sigh! Zara of course didn't disappoint  I got two lovely slogan tee's, one that I have pictured with a French address and "Rendezvous filius tard" - (I think...!) and another saying "My Style My Rules" which I think is perfect for fashion blogging, and for only £5.99 each- Bargain!! Next I picked up these beautiful pink trousers, I LOVE these, and think they add in a pop of colour to any miserable winters day, I also love the fact they are so versatile looking fab in heels or Converse! I decided for this post to style them up (because what girl doesn't like to dress up?!) and paired them with my favourite caged boots from ASO's, French Connection blazer and The White Pepper cat bag which I think is so adorable!  

(T-shirt and Trousers: Zara)

(Boots: ASO's)

(Blazer: French Connection)

(Bag: The White Pepper)

(Watch: Nixon)

(Sunglasses and Lipstick: Topshop)