South of the border, down Mexico way

I think you know by now I just love Mexico and want to continue to visit every year if I can.  The weather is all but guaranteed, the food is fabulous and the people are friendly .. what more could you want for a vacation from your working life?!!

Having been to Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose, we had the opportunity to join friends further south on the West Coast in Nuevo Vallarta which is situated just north of Puerto Vallarta, a thriving tourist town due to it's climate, tropical beaches and mountains and rich cultural history.  It has a rainy season from July through September so I would not recommend you go at this time as it can be very hot and humid!

There is so much to do in this area - horse riding, whale watching, zip lining, sailing, scuba diving - the list is endless.  Or you can just relax on the beach or by the pool and watch the pelicans fly over looking for their fish dinner. 

Las Caletas

The American director John Huston filmed his 1963 film 'The Night of the Iguana' in Mismaloya, a small town just south of Puerto Vallarta.  Situated nearby is the cove of Las Caletas which is accessible only by boat.  Here you can swim, snorkel and kayak, and have a beachside buffet lunch.  At night the cove is transformed into Rhythms of the Night which features a Cirque de Soleil inspired contempory dance performance reflecting stories and folklore of civilizations past.  On our last night in Mexico we boarded a large catamaran at the Maritime terminal at Nuevo Vallarta taking a sunset sail of approximately one hour to the cove which glowed with torches and candles in the darkness as we approached.  On disembarking we could hear the sounds of drums and flutes summoning us through a jungle setting leading to an amphitheatre where the spectacular show took place.  Afterwards we made our way to the beachside candlelit dinner with the backdrop of waves lapping on the rocks and shore. Simply devine!  The food was a buffet style myriad selection of sumptuous dishes which did not disappoint and the service was second to none!  Then at around 11pm we were called back to the boat where the crew put on a show of their own keeping us entertained and plied with rum punches and margaritas!  A fantastic night and one that should not be missed if you venture to this part of Mexico.

There are no direct flights to PV from the UK so we went via Los Angeles stopping over for a couple of days either side to break up the journey.  Flight time from LA is 3 hours.  Other options could be via Mexico City, Chicago or New York and I would suggest a stopover if you can and have the time .. or your could brave it all the way which would take the best part of a day to get there.

Next stop New York and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival .. watch this space!!!

Music and movies to brighten up a rainy day in LA

 

As the song goes, it never rains in California, but man it pours!!  And that's just what it did on my recent trip to Los Angeles, topping and tailing it around a glorious week in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Almost every trip I've ever done to the city of angels at varying times of the year has always produced sunny days, even in the 'winter', so it was quite a change to see the rain lashing down at a 45 degree angle, flash flooding in the streets and literally torrents of water channeling down the gutters of the roads at a rate of knots.

A great place to visit on such a day is the GRAMMY Museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd. in the LA LIVE district.  'It is an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music occupying a vibrant new space in downtown Los Angeles. Four floors of cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience — engaging, educational, celebratory and inspirational.'  Tickets are $12.95 for adults - other prices apply for students, seniors, military etc. and is open seven days a week till 7.30pm. It was a fascinating exhibition and a great way to spend a couple of hours or more if you interested in the music industry.  For more information visit the website http://www.grammymuseum.org/

Costumes from 'The Artist'

Not too far away is the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) which has its own museum and galleries.  Admission is free and opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm.  The current exhibition and one which I highly recommend if you are interested in costume design for film, is the Twentieth anniversary Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition.  It features over one hundred costumes from twenty films released in 2011 and includes a selection from all five Academy Award Nominees for Costume Design and runs till the end of April.  There are also costumes from past classics including those for Rudolph Valentino and Marlene Dietrich amongst others.  It was a special treat to see the costumes from 'The Artist' in full colour as you can only use your imagination as to what they might be in a black and white movie! 

The next exhibition which will run from July 24 through September 22 is 6th Annual Art of Television and Costume Design.

FIDM http://fidmmuseum.org/

Nuts about Brazil

Here is another fabulous travel piece written by my friend Nigel about his recent trip to South America ... enjoy!!! 

I always knew that Brazil was famed for its beautiful sun-kissed beaches, a colourful, lively party-time atmosphere and a rich swirl of samba dancing and bossa-nova music, but I don’t think any preconceived notions of what to expect in the land of carnivals and coffee beans could have prepared me for just how much I have fallen for this incredible country on my recent jaunt there. It was lush, rich, vast, impressive, sexy, heated, bright, beautiful and a thousand other descriptive words which could fill this blog and beyond.

Our journey started, after three flights and 35 hours of travel (not strictly necessary – but always check that your travel agent is booking a direct flight to Rio and not a ‘hidden direct’ which seems to give them free reign to transport you via Siberia should they wish!) at the glorious Iguacu Falls, one of the recently named New Seven Wonders Of Nature. Situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina the Falls make most famous waterfalls look like a leaky tap. Comprising of over 270 Falls including the awesome collection at The Devil’s Throat, it is a destination that I would recommend for anyone who just wants to open their eyes in wonderment, walk into the misty sprays of the Falls and marvel at the sheer magnitude and force of the waterflow. Walkways out into the spray and a bouncy boat trip bumping you into the Falls as near as Mother Nature will safely allow are a must for any visitor – just prepare to get soaked! We spent one day looking at the Falls from Brazil and one day from Argentina and loved every watery minute.

As my best friend now lives in Brazil, our next venture was a flight to Sao Paulo to meet up and then pack up the car to head off on our Brazilian road trip. First port of call was the idyllic coastal village of Paraty, located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast). Famed for its historic buildings, colourful streets and jaw-dropping mountainous surroundings, it’s a place I could happily live out my days. And the food on offer is a dream, especially if you love the tenderest sea bass that is ever likely to swim your way.

Next up we headed to the place that has to be the number one hot-spot for most party-goers heading to Brazil – the wonderful Rio De Janeiro. I squealed with glee as we caught our first microscopic glimpse of Christ The Redeemer (another of the New Seven Wonders Of The World) perched high above the city and I will relive and re-love the expedition to see the amazing statue close up until the day I pack away my Havaiana flip-flops for good. Whether you’re religious or not, the total thrill of seeing this huge statue perched protectively on a hill above Rio’s bay is just out of this world. The only thing that capped standing underneath it was a helicopter ride we took from Sugarloaf Mountain around the Redeemer itself. You literally look into the face of Jesus. I adored it.

Other must-do’s in Rio are watching the sunset as you knock back delicious caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) on Sugarloaf Mountain and a trip to Ipanema Beach where the beautiful people reside. I defy any UK tourist not to pull in their belly and puff out their chest as you watch a flotilla of perfectly curved ladies and and pec-powered guys sexily sauntering across Ipanema’s wondrous sands. We consoled our out-of-shape selves by ordering grilled cheese on a stick and more cocktails from a passing beach vendor.

Keen to avoid the madness of Rio in full carnival-swing we headed to the countryside for our celebrations to spend five days in the Minas Gerais region at the picturesque village of Tiradentes. By day it was time for relaxation around the pousada (your best choice for good accommodation) pool or marvelling at the multi-hued objects literally hanging out of every shop – it is a souvenir buyer’s dream – but by night…bring on the Carnival! Held to celebrate the end of Summer, the Carnival is five days when the whole of Brazil goes loco. Feasting on the fiesta away from the major tourist spots was a definite winner in my book. As the costumes are fitted, the wigs go on and the make-up gets applied, you can really get closer to the happy hysteria and watch the never-ending processions go by. For five days the whole population of Brazil seems to swap sleeping for dancing. It’s a great way to live…even if your eyebags and hangovers tell you otherwise.

Our final destination was back to Sao Paulo for a look at one of the largest cities in the world. Beautiful it may not be but capitivating and impressive it certainly is. The endless traffic is horrendous but buses and the underground system (soon to be mercifully expanded to cover more of the city) allow you to visit delights like Ibirapuera Park and the dynamically decadent Hotel Unique with its divine rooftop bar.

Brazil shocked me – in the most wonderful way. The people were smiley and happy, the scenery was some of the lushest and healthiest I’ve ever seen and everywhere was a riot of colour. Even the flash thunder storms were warm, wet and wondrous. Our heartfelt obrigados (thank yous) to the Brazilian ‘Crew’ – Mikey (for itinerary and merriment as always), Marcellino (for driving above and beyond the call of duty) and to the fabulous Myles and John for sharing their Dynasty-esque home with us. We loved it, we loved you, we loved Brazil…now we just need to book our next trip!

Thanks for letting me share this on my blog Nigel!! xx 

Nigel's blog http://www.nigelmay.net/blog

Beautiful Feet for your Destination Beach Wedding and Beyond

During the winter and colder months our beauty regimes change and it is easy to become lax in the areas that don’t see sunlight due to the cold weather.  I am guilty of this, especially my feet who have been snuggled away in soft socks and tights, sheltered from the elements and out of the lime light.  But if you have booked your holiday or destination beach wedding, how do you make sure that you feet are picture perfect and will dazzle on the yellow sandy carpet?

The answer is simple - your feet need to have their own beauty routine and then to make sure they are not left out on the big day, add some beautiful foot jewellery. (Written by Monique from French Wedding Style Blog - my sentiments exactly! .. thank you!!)

French Wedding Style Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012

Carey (Carey Hawkins Make up) has been working with brides for over 8 years and lets us in on her exclusive tips to achieving beach beautiful feet and her favourite products and colours for 2012.

Carey: There is nothing prettier than the sight of your tanned and perfectly polished toes peeking out of your favourite strappy sandals or sparkling on the beach.  Spring is nearly upon us and if you are one of the lucky ladies who are getting married this year, it is time for a girl to turn her mind to all things ‘beauty’ ready for the big day.  But ‘quelle horreur!’.  If your feet are in need of some serious attention – here are some top tips to get those tootsies into shape……

• Start from the ‘inside out’.  Eat lots of Omega 3 rich food (oily fish, flax seed) or take a good supplement.  This will benefit the skin not only on your feet but on your whole body!

• In the run up to the wedding treat yourself to some professional pedicures which will give you a great start to maintain the health of your feet.  If you have any serious foot complaints (corns, bunions etc) see a Chiropodist who will help you back into your ‘Choos’. 
• Maintain daily with regular filing and buffing.  Invest in a good foot file (the cheese grater style ones are fab!) but go gently!  Less is more and you can even use an old nail file to gently buff away the hard skin from the day.
• Take some time out to get to know your feet through massage – not once a week but every evening before bed.  Slather on a rich cream Weleda concentrating on the heels and drier areas.  Not only will your feet love you for it, but your body will benefit from your own reflexology.  For the ‘green’ girl – the  foot balm is fabulous.  Then pop on some socks and awake to soft, fresh feet.

• Have fun with polish on your toes.  For Brides there are so many beautiful pastel shades this year – or you may wish to be a little more daring! Just don’t forget to use a clear base coat to avoid staining the nails.  Some of my favourites for 2012 are:
• Becca – Bright Sunset Coral – perfect for tanned toes
• Butter London – Slapper – bright teal green
• Chanel – June – gorgeous shade of apricot
• OPI – Thanks a Wind Million – duck egg blue and Pedal Faster Suzie – a pretty pale rose

So your feet are looking beautiful but now to make them sparkle ready for your beach wedding.

Celebrity jewellery designer Allie has a sparkly practical solution with her Swarovski Crystal barefoot sandals.  Women have always known that there is something essentially feminine about decorating their feet.  The Crystal Barefoot Sandals are a glamorous and very beautiful way to finish your Bridal Attire.

What is so special about Barefoot Sandals?  The Sandals do not have a sole on them and they sit on the top of the foot securely.  These Barefoot Sandals are perfect for walking on the beach in the sand for a wedding.  Not only for weddings but honeymoons, cruises or even pool side!

The Sandals themselves are made with Swarovski Crystals and Freshwater Pearls.  There is a little loop that fits on to the second toe and then they do up at the back of the ankle.  The finished look is stunning, almost like the Crystals are dancing on the feet in the sunlight!

If you have Bridesmaids, why not treat them to a pair of these Sandals as a gift to say thank you!  You could have them designed in whatever Crystal colour you wish that goes with your wedding theme.

There is something very alluring and exquisite about wearing these beautiful handmade Sandals on your wedding day!  The Swarovski Crystal barefoot sandals and Allie’s other jewellery can be seen at http://www.alliehandmadeoriginaljewellery.co.uk/

Many thanks (merci beaucoup) to Monique and Carey for allowing me to share this on my blog!!

Of course you don't need the excuse of a wedding to have beautiful feet.  I will definitely be using Carey's tips to get my feet into tip top shape for my vacation to Mexico next month!!!

Dreams to Reality

January can sometimes be a miserable month .. even though technically the days are getting longer it's usually dark, dismal and cold.  So far this year that arctic weather we've been promised for so long has not yet materialized so apart from the fact that the holidays are over there's much to look forward to in the coming year ... now is the time to think about it.

As soon as the new year kicked in I was online booking my next holiday.  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the next destination in mid March, only 9 weeks away!  Flights to Los Angeles are coming in very cheap at the moment so they're all booked!  I find it's good to chill for a couple of days in LA before flying down to Mexico a mere 3 hours away .. and the same on the way back.  So vacation number 1 is in the bag and the flip flops are itching to get out of the closet again!  

Trip number 2 will be a little jaunt over to New York to meet with friends before flying down to New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the end of April.  It has a fantastic line up this year including a Beach Boys reunion! I can't wait to sample the delights of NOLA - the food, culture and people.  Another long time dream coming true. 

In the meanwhile, I am enjoying little trips around the UK with work, nowhere too exciting but good to get out of London and experience another part of the country ... Ill let you know if there's anything of interest along the way!!  

Cheers and Happy New Year 2012 ... may it be your best ever!!

My top ten make up products this year

As we near the end of 2011 and the winter solstice in just a few days, my thoughts go forward to longer, brighter days and a brand new year .. hopefully full of happiness and good health for everyone. I know we still have the worst of the cold weather yet to come in the northern hemisphere but there's always light at the end of that tunnel!

Here are my personal top ten products that I wouldn't be without .. some I may have mentioned before but always worth a reminder .....


Smashbox Brow Tech To-Go is my absolute favorite .. Everyone I have recommended this product to is blown away by it but I have read some negative reviews about it.  Being a make up artist doing this every day, naturally I find it very easy to use.  As with everything, practice makes perfect and the best way is always to start off lightly, feathering natural strokes into the brow and building on it until you have the shape and colour depth that you want. The more you do it the easier it will become .. it's all in the technique.

M2Beauté Eyelash Activating Serum - If you want gorgeous long, lush lashes this product definitely works!  Applied every night like a liquid eyeliner at the base of the lashes it takes 4-6 weeks before you will notice a difference and at around 16 weeks they will achieve their natural growth potential.  However, if you want to keep your lashes this way, you will have to keep using this product. When used correctly it will last for about 6 months but it is not cheap at £128 for 5ml!  When you compare this to the price of eyelash extensions, this definitely is the cheaper and more natural option in the long term.

Elemis Lip Revive 7ml - This is a rich petroleum free lip balm which moisturizes and conditions your lips leaving a subtle taste of mint.  I found it particularly good whilst flying as this is when dehydration is most noticeable in lips, skin and nails.


Kiehl's Lip Balm No.1 15ml - Another favorite of mine, this helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather with SPF 4 sunscreen.  Contains petrolatum and lanolin so if you are sensitive to either of these ingredients it's probably best avoided.


Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Fluid Make up SPF 15 - I use this foundation almost every day as I like the light to medium coverage and the natural dewy finish it gives. As my skin is a little on the dry side it's perfect for me.  If you have a slightly oilier complexion I would suggest trying the Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-light Skin Perfecting Make up.


Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow - I am a huge fan of this product.  I love the soft, long lasting powder-cream texture and can absolutely confirm it does what it promises.  It lasts, does not crease and can be applied with ease.  You can go for an ultra sheer hint of colour or build on it to give a more intense look if you prefer.


Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner - I have been using this eyeliner for a number of years both on myself and my clients. It gives the appearance of a liquid liner but the gel formula makes it easier to apply and you have a few seconds to rework it before it dries.  It can also be smudged a little (before it sets) to give a smokier look.


Benefit the POREfessional pro balm - this silky gel cream minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. It can be used under or over make up but I use it as a primer as it gives a perfect base for make up application.  It gives the skin a youthful radiance which is something we all want!


Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer - I use this regularly on men and women as it gives a perfect shine free finish .. it can be worn alone or as a primer for make up base application. It has been a staple in my kit forever and I'm not surprised that it is a best seller for the Smashbox brand.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for Face & Body SPF 15 - A perfect product for concealing imperfections.  It is long lasting, water resistant and a little goes a long way.  It's great for covering thread veins, blemishes and birthmarks. (I find if I mix this sparingly with a little photo finish primer, it is the perfect texture and density for concealing under eye dark circles!) This has also been a long time resident in my make up kit therefore well deserved of making it into my top ten.

There you have it!  Of course there are many other products I wouldn't want to be without, but I don't want to be here all night or bore you with too much information overload! 


Thanks for all your support and encouragement over the past few months. See you all next year for more of my flip flop travels, guest blogs and hair and make up tips!!


Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!!

The Taming of the Frizz

While I was in Barbados I trialled a few products to see if they actually worked on my curly, coloured hair.  I had heard about and been recommended by a friend who runs the Gidore website to try the Philip Kingsley range of products particularly the Swimcap and decided to invest in a tube.  At £18.40 is is not cheap but the results speak for themselves.  I applied it to my hair before heading out each day and I can honestly say my hair felt softer, less frizzy, did not fade (despite the red tones which fade with every wash as a rule) and was easy to style out in the evenings. Before blow drying I used Original Sprout Tahitian Hair Oil, applied to damp hair .. you can also use it on your skin!  It's great for detangling, smells gorgeous, is 100% vegan and doesn't leave an oily residue. I would highly recommend both of these products. Product description for Swimcap as follows ...

Suitable for all hair types. Originally developed by Philip Kingsley at the request of the first US Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team, Swimcap’s formula is both a summer saviour and a must-have for swimmers. Containing UV protection, Swimcap cream protects against the damaging effects of the sun which leads to hair breakage and colour fading, making it a holiday essential for healthy, beautiful hair. It also protects against the drying and damaging effects of both chlorinated and salt water, as well as discoloration from swimming pool water. 
Swimcap deeply conditions your hair as you wear it, leaving it in better condition than before. Finer hair types may worry about the conditioning element but due to its unique formulation it washes out without leaving the hair heavy or greasy. 

I also tried the same brand of shampoo in the Smoothe and Shiny Jet Set Kit for £19.50 which I also loved.  I alternated with the Kiehl's Superbly Smoothing Argon Shampoo and Conditioner and although I normally love the Kiehl's brand I wasn't overly impressed with it and personally preferred the Philip Kingsly for my hair.  Product description below ...

For coarse, curly or frizzy hair types. Leaves hair soft, shiny, smoother & more manageable. The combination of products in the Smooth & Shiny Jet Set, reduce frizz and add moisture, making styling easier. They also deeply condition the hair, improving its elasticity, tensile strength and texture. These products are approved for airline liquid carry-on.

As for make-up, I would be bare faced during the day with only my Dr Nick Lowe Anti Age Super Charged SP15 Day cream protection liberally applied every day and I'm happy to say I did not have a problem with any sunburn. I did top it up with a factor 55 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock which is not available in the UK but I buy it in the USA in quantity as I'm a big fan of their range of sunscreens. 

After a day in the sun my favourite body cream is most definitely Kiehl's Creme de Corps ..again at £44 for 500ml it's not cheap but a little goes a long way and it really does work when it comes to keeping the skin hydrated and silky smooth.

It's no wonder I'm always just skimming in under the maximum weight allowance when I travel with all these products in tow but a girl has to try to look her best wherever she is in the world!!

Winter sunshine and tropical rain

Bridgetown

My recent week in the Caribbean is almost a distant memory now as the end of 2011 approaches!  December has only just begun and I feel like I am being pushed headlong into 2012 .. busy times ahead but I'm making the time to write while I can!  There's always a chance of rain and we had the odd shower during the week and a full on downpour on the Friday before we left. It all adds to the experience of a tropical paradise and is the reason why the island is so green and lush.
Having been to the gorgeous island of Barbados before, going back for another visit was no disappointment. We stayed at the Crane Beach Resort this time .. the first operating hotel on the island, which was established in the nineteenth century and situated on the South West coast. In the "Red Book of the West Indies" it was described thus ...

"The Hotel occupies about nine acres on top of a high cliff on the Southeast of the Island and is swept by fresh, invigorating breezes from the Atlantic. From its windows is displayed the beautiful sea, fringing with exquisite colors the white soft sandy beach of the hotel's superb bathing place, that has no superior anywhere in the world."

Our accommodation was superb. It was essentially an apartment by any other name .. two bedrooms, three bathrooms, sitting room, kitchen (fully fitted) a balcony on each side and a private plunge pool. For three of us it was more than enough space - truly a home from home - only set in a tropical environment. The Crane is like a village in itself and if you choose, you could stay there and not leave the grounds as everything is provided. The restaurants are diverse .. Italian, Japanese/Thai fusion and Bajan cuisine. There is a general store and a duty free shop offering a wide selection of goods.

Crane Beach

The beach is accessed by an elevator or a few flights of stairs.  It never gets too crowded as it is mainly used by Crane residents although it is not a private beach.  The beach attendants are extremely helpful and friendly .. which is actually the Bajan way all over the island .. and if you like a fun beach with waves to play in, it's great for boogie boarding and body surfing.  If this is not your thing, there are beautiful swimming pools on the resort or you could go to the west of the island where the seas are calmer.  I enjoyed waking at sunrise and watching the day begin before going down to the beach to jog or walk and take in the gorgeous fresh air before breakfast.  Something I could definitely get used to!!


We took a day trip to the city, Bridgetown which is colonial in style and has an abundance of duty free goods again on offer as it's a major cruise ship stopover.  There are also safari trips, round the island tours which include the St Nicholas Abbey Plantation house where they produce Rum, a major export.

Oistins

All of the restaurants we tried were exceptional .. and of course the highlight of any week in Barbados is attending the Friday night fish fry at Oistins. There are countless vendors grilling or frying fish, lobster and chicken in the outdoors .. along with music, dancing and art and craft stalls.  The atmosphere is fantastic and definitely should not be missed. Don't forget to try the famous Rum Punch ... mostly they have a mixer already prepared which I personally don't enjoy as much as a 'start from scratch' original preparation or if you're not into rum, there's the locally produced Banks beer which I hear is very mellow.


This is one place that I definitely will be returning to as often as possible .. I love it!!  Oh, just one more thing .. don't forget to take insect repellent or you are likely to get eaten alive!

Southern Italy - Bari (Puglia) and Matera (Basilicata)

Here's another guest spot from Karen B. who has been sampling the delights of a region you may or may not have heard of.

The Sassi

Here I am again sharing two more off the beaten track cities in Southern Italy. Perfect for a long weekend .. Bari and Matera where the old town The Sassi is a Unesco World Heritage Site. I was lucky enough to stay there with a friend's family .. a little insider knowledge comes in handy!!

To get there you fly into the city of Bari then a short hop on the shuttle bus takes you into the city which is situated on the port.  Bari was invaded by the Germans in the 13th Century (and others over the centuries) so today you still see tall Italians with blue eyes .. something I wasn't expecting.

The city is compact and everything is within walking distance. Like most Italian cities it has the old and the new. However, until approximately ten years ago the old city was out of bounds due to gun violence.  Grants were giving, the old town was restored and it is now full of life. As you would expect from southern Italy, the food is amazing.  We stopped off for lunch (sitting outside in late October without heaters) in the old town at La Cecchina. The owner and the waiter speak English but this is where the locals eat.  Their first question is always 'do you prefer meat or fish?' They only serve ingredients that are in season and fresh .. another reason why the food is buono.

The shopping is also good and it has the same variety as Milan but a lot cheaper.  Check out the shop Donna.. this woman is like a stylist and she stocks a lot of Italian designers ..great designs without the price tag! I had just met her but on leaving gave her a big hug. I also noticed the men were impeccably dressed .. they love cashmere and quality suiting. My friend told me it's important to look smart .. my head just kept turning!

The town of Matera is only 1 hr 15 mins by train from Bari but well worth a visit.  The Sassi the old town is famous for its cave dwelling. This link gives you a good insight into the town. http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/basilicata/matera.html 

For me it is a great place to sit, eat, drink wine and people watch!

I'm already planning my next trip back and will take a bigger suitcase to bring back more oil, cheese and biscotti. Hmmmm .. I think I may have to diet before I go which will allow me to sample even more of the local cuisine.  Buon appetito! 

Fly into Bari Airport  http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/default.asp?idlingua=2&idcontenuto=25

Visit Giovanna Caivano at Donna, via Principe Amedeo 77, 70122 Bari

Le Cecchina Ristorante Pizzeria - Piazza Mercantile 31, 70121 Bari 

Tel - 080 5214147

Caribbean Queen

Only a week to go and the flip flops can make their escape from the confines of the shoe closet! 

Sunset on Accra Beach

The Holiday Queen is jetting off again for some winter sun on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados! I visited there last year by default having originally booked to go to St. Lucia, a place I always wanted to visit.  However, nature had other ideas when Hurricane Tomas hit the island at full force just days before the trip, killing 14 people and generally wreaking devastation on a large scale. Three days before the departure date the hotel called saying there was no running water, no restaurants open and no beach - so recommended that we not go! Quel désappointement!! The airline also called advising us not to go but thankfully offered an alternative flight to Barbados. There was literally no inconvenience at all as the flight left around the same time and they organised accommodation which we gratefully accepted! It was such a fabulous place it's definitely worthy of another visit!

Thankfully the hurricane season is at an end for another year but Barbados usually avoids them anyway - it only tends to experience occasional tropical storms. The climate is sunny and warm year round with cooler nights and sea breezes making it the ideal place for a relaxing winter getaway. 

Can't wait!!

(A more comprehensive blog will follow soon!!)