LONDON

Just like the time swish through, London Fashion Week is over, and it is passing to another fashion capital - Milan.

London's designers, both international and emerging have showcased their outstanding Spring/Summer 2019 collections with self-expressive pieces. From romantic gowns full of embellishment and laces to wearable bohemian sophistication. We saw collections from Erdem, Simone Rocha, Richard Quinn and others. However, the most buzzed words and expectations were awaiting for Riccardo Tisci's debut at Burberry and Victoria Beckham's first London show to celebrate 10 years of the brand. Whether you have been watching it all, from catwalk reports to street style pictures, we should not forget to mention the talented emerging designers showcasing their work alongside the main LFW schedule.

Time to reset your wardrobe and note down some key trends that have been spotted on catwalk for next season. Think beyond pastel colours and flowers for flowers, we saw a lot of bold neon colours, a lot of white, sheer, polka dots, knit, feminine suits and bold shoulders. What are your favourite picks for the next season?


Each year, I have less and less time to run around shows and presentations, especially when trying to fit in meetings and catch up. On my first day out to Fashion Week, I have worn this Boohoo long sleeve leopard wrapped dress and a Dune ankle heeled boots. Full outfit was paired out with asymmetric golden earrings and Prada gold hand bag. So glad that this September is pretty warm in London, so didn't need to worry about coats, jackets and layering.

Linked up similar products for you to shop my look below.

In collaboration with Hotels.com, I have prepared a London neighbourhood guide, focusing on Covent Garden this time.

Covent Garden is located in the West London and is known for the market piazza, theatre and entertainment area. Tourists and locals are hanging our around during the day time and night time to enjoy what London center can offer. Home to many fashion stores, boutiques, Apple Market, Royal Opera House and museums. The Covent Garden district is divided by main Long Acre street, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials and the Piazza itself. Did you knew that Covent Garden is the only district in London to have a license for street performers and entertainers? Hence that's why you will see many usual and unusual performers around here.
                              

How to get here?

The Covent Garden is served by Picadilly line. Moreover, if you are around Charring cross or Leicester, is it about 10 minute walk to get to Covent Garden. In fact, the shortest tube journey is from Leicester Square to Covent Garden. Taking an account the time getting into the tube and up, it may be even faster to take a walk. Alternatively, Covent Garden is surrounded by numerous buses. 

What to do and see?

1. Covent Garden Market and Apple Market Once home to the world-famous fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden continues the vision by offering the audience with unique handmade crafts, independent and franchise shops, pop-ups and more. 
2. Neal's Yard Colourful hideaway from a busy streets. Neal's Yard is known for bold coloured houses, Neal's Yard remedies and a cute court yard for dining and drinks.
                             
3. St. Paul's church Parish church located just on Covent Garden piazza is designed in 1631 by Inigo Jones. The church got a nickname of "the actor's church" by a long association with a theatre community. 4. Freemason's hall Freemason's hall is a headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England, up until now it has preserved classic Art Deco style. Parts of the building is now open to the public and events. 

5. Royal Opera House A major opera house showcasing majestic performing arts is a home for The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. 
6. London Transport Museum Explore the London Transport Museum for transport heritage of Britain's capital. The museum covers all kind of London Transport, including Transport for London (TfL) which was established in 200. This museum is a parent institution, they have another branch in Acton. 

7. Watch theatre plays Within easy walk-able distance from Covent Garden, you'll find yourself surrounded by many theatres where they play worldwide known plays to smaller ones. This are is a huge theatre and entertainment district. To fully experience London, you should get to see a play! The best way to get the best deals, check numerous sites for comparison, such as Ticket Master, Time Out or its official websites.
8. The Neal's Yard Water Clock Just around the corner of Neal's Yard, look up and don't miss the water clock. Running hour by hour, as the water rose in a tank, green man will water the flowers, making them to rise. And occasionally, drop the water down to passengers passing by. 

9. The secret comedy club Looking for more things to do? How about spending a night laughing out at a secret comedy club. Every evening there is someone showcasing, so book your seats early, because tickets are for free.
10. London film museum Hidden away from the piazza, but not far away, there is London film museum. Opened in 2008, but moved to Covent Graden location in 2012, the musuem is dedicated to British film industry.

Where to shop?

Covent Garden is a hotspot for shopping unique, mid-range or luxury products, ranging from fashion, beauty, lifestyle, stationery or gifts. Don't limit yourself walking around the main streets, only, try to turn to side streets, as in every corner there is a unique something to explore!
1. St. Martin's Courtyard 2. Long Acre 3. Covent Garden Piazza 4. Seven Dials 5. Bluebird concept store 6. The florist at Petersham nurseries 7. Benjamin pollock's toyshop 8. Galeria Melisa 9. Whittard tea shop and cafe 10. kikki.k
                         

Shop my favourites from Covent Garden

Where to go for a drink and eat?

1. Abuelo coffee shop A small cozy coffee shop for quick break.
2. Le Garrick restaurant Classic French restaurant.
3. Laduree
4. Pierre Herme
5. Canela cafe Portugese cafe bar for speciality cheese, dining and wine.
                               
6. Royal opera house rooftop cafe
7. Avobar Newly opened all-avo casual dining, perfect for breakfast and brunches.
8. Champagne + framage Love wine and cheese?
9. Farmstand Healthy, fast dining spot.
10. By Chloe Plant-based fast-food eatery from US.

                         
11. Abeno Too Japanese cuisine restaurant.
12. La goccia Bar and a restaurant located in Petersham Nurseries, specialised in Italian cuisine. 13. L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon 3 floor luxury French restaurant with a terrace.
14. Bathazar boulangerie Artisan modern European brasserie.
15. Shake shack American fast casual burger place.

                                             

Where to stay?

Whether you are looking for an old school English hotel, modern place or aparthotels, check hotels near Covent Garden for a central and pleasant stay, easily walkable to anywhere. Within short walking distance from Covent Garden you can get to Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar or to Oxford Street.                         

As seen on Instagram

* The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own

SANTANDER

Santander is a port city and a capital of Cantabria region situated in the north coast of Spain. Located east of Gijon and west of Bilbao, Santander is popular among Spanish visitors, but also with foreigners due to the sandy beaches, mountains and green spaces. Overall, Santander is not as crowded and popular among international visitors. Hence, it is a good time to visit the quiet authentic hidden gem of Spain. Did you also know that Santander is a pilot city for being smart city? Embedded with over 20,000 sensors around the city, Santander is working through a strategic city program developed by a government and funded by EU.

Things to do and see in Santander

1. Shop locally at Mercado de la Esperanza Located behind the city hall, Mercado de la Esperanza is a 19th century iron building important for locals. In this bustling market which is open everyday apart from Sunday and Monday, you will find many authentic products, from seafood, meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables or local specialities.  2. Visit the neoclassical square - Plaza Porticada The Plaza Porticada or known as well as the Plaza de Pedro Velarde, is a square in Satander's city center, built in neoclassical style with beautiful statues. The plaza is now used for social and cultural entertainment.

3. Admire the grand historic catholic complex of Santander cathedral This Roman Gothic complex of Santander cathedral was built back in 12th-14th century. Visiting this cathedral is unlike other cathedrals that we are used to. Santander cathedral has some nice ancient statues and majestic courtyard. Just in front of the cathedral is a cute coffee shop where you can sit outside and admire the views on the cathedral.
4. Get inspired by modern art at Centro Botin  Centro Botin is an arts centre located on the waterfront of Santander. This modern building designed by Renzo Piano is a museum displaying modern art as well as gorgeous views from its rooftop. The place serves as well as an education center for arts, culture and science. The entrance fee for an adult to a museum is just 4 euros. 
5. Have a walk or hire a bike around the Paseo de Pereda promenade Pase de Pereda promenae is a long main street at the waterfront of Santander. Connecting the art museum, old city center all the way to the port. Don't forget to stop by the Los Raqueros statues, designed by Jose Cobo. These statues of children indicated orphans or designates marginal children who are jumping to the sea whenever someone threw a coin into the sea, and this is how they are making their living.
6. Make a circle around the Magdalena Peninsula The Magdalena Peninsula is located near the entrance to the bay of Santander. The historical Palacio de la Magdalena is located in the peninsula surrounded by gardens, mini zoo, two beaches and a lighthouse. All is designed as a cultural heritage site.  The Palacio de la Magdalena is a palace built in 1909 and 1911, serving as a Spanish Royal Family summer palace, now used as a place for cultural and entertainment events.
7. Stroll around 2km long sandy Sardinero beach Despite of many other beaches that Santander has, Sardinero is one of the popular and longest beach in the city. Spinning across 2km, it is divided by the gardens of Piquio along the way. The beach features sandy beaches and moderate waves, popular my locals due to many hotels, restaurants and casino running on the entire length of the beach promenade.                                                    
8. Hike up to Faro de Cabo Mayor lighthouse The Cabo Mayor lighthouse is located far west from the Sardinero beaches. Hike up for beautiful scenery and atmosphere, located with public parks, golf, cliffs and beaches.
9. Visit Santander's beautiful parks Santander is such a green city. Not only it is located near the sea, but it has so many public gardens and parks that are taken care of. Such as Matalenas park, Mesones park or a park behind Camello beach. 
10. Eat Cantabrian cuisine Santander is a capital of Cantabria, hence you should try some of its typical dishes, like fried squids, marmita or cantabrian anchovies.
                            

How to get around?

Central of Santander is easy to explore on the foot. However, the city is well connected by buses, which you can take to El Sardinero for 1.30 euros one way. Buy your us ticket directly in the bus. Hence, get your cash ready for travelling.

In order to get to or from the airport to the city, there is an airport bus running every half an hour. From about 6:30 to 11pm. If you will arrive later or earlier, you will have to get a taxi. 

The airport is running every full or half o'clock or every 15'' or 45'' from the main bus station in the city, near the train station. The cost of the journey is 2.90 euros for one way. There is no two ways tickets available.

Where to stay?

During our stay, we stated in a hotel just on the main street of Santander - Calle Burgos. Airbnb or hotel choices are a bit limited in Santander. However, check Booking.com or Hotels.com for places to stay. 

Where to eat and drink?

Cantabrian cuisine includes a lot of seafood from the sea or typical Spanish tapas. Listed are few suggestions where to have your lunch or dinner:

• Bodega Fuente De - a local Spanish restaurant
• Bodega Del Riojano - a wine and tapas bar
• Bar Abel - Mediterranean restaurant
• Tabernna El Machi - a seafood restaurant
• Restaurante La Cania - a restaurant located nearby the beach promenade
• Regma - Ice-cream chain
• Monerris - independent ice cream place
• La Gallofa & Co - Great spot for bakery, coffee spot or brunches

As seen on Instagram

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In this busy day and age where you barely have time for anything but meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities, the most important thing you can afford is self-care. This is something we often overlook because there’s simply no time. We do this without realizing that a little self-care makes us more relaxed, happier, more comfortable in our own skin, and more productive. Detox is one of the keys to that, even though many would lead you to believe it’s just a hoax. In truth, detoxing your body the right way does wonders for the peace of your mind.

1. Hot towel scrubbing

Rarely anyone today has the time for a real spa experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a spa treatment at home. It’s a very simple procedure, requiring only for you to dip a washcloth in a sink full of hot water. You should scrub your body twice a day for maximum effect. This way, you’ll start your way relaxed and end it that way, too. On top of that, you’ll notice how radiant your skin has become.

2. A special bath

There’s nothing better than taking a nice hot bath after a long day. To make it more special, you should try setting the mood. This can go as far as just lighting a few candles, but adding something to your bath makes it all the more special. Instead of buying commercial soaps and bubble baths, try adding flowers. This is a natural and therapeutic detox method used in many traditions throughout the ages. Pick the flowers you are drawn to, make them a part of your nightly bath, and enjoy.

3. Meditation

We often only detox our body, and while that has a positive effect on our brain, it’s important to set time aside for it, as well. If classic meditation isn’t something you’re after, you should try tea meditation. Tonic herbs help us deal with stress more easily and heal us from within. Make yourself a cup of natural herb tea and enjoy some moments of relaxation while you drink it. It will make your internal organs healthier, mainly affecting your liver and lungs. So if you want a relaxed and detoxed attitude with a healthy body, tea meditation is the way to go.

4. A good skincare routine

We often neglect our skin, but the truth is, it absorbs most of the toxins throughout the day. There are various tips for a good skincare routine, but the best remedy is probably argan oil. It’s full of antioxidants and vitamins, suitable for every part of your skin- and even hair. It also protects you from sun damage and other toxins, while making your skin softer. Since this isn’t something you can make at home, you should choose an organic and trusted company. One of such is definitely Akhal Beauty, which provides organic cosmetics for everything you need, including, and especially, argan oil.

5. Refreshing beverages

A very simple way to stay detoxed and relaxed is to form a habit of always having a refreshing beverage with you. This doesn’t need to be anything fancy. In fact, the simpler it is, the better. Water is good for our skin, internal organs, normal bodily functions, and overall health. Adding some lemon to it gives you a kick of energy and leaves you feeling fresh. Additionally, you could put some mint leaves in your bottled water.

Conclusion

As you can tell, there are some easy yet fail-proof ways for detoxing that will leave you feeling fresh and new. It’s just a fact that we’re exposed to a lot of toxins on day to day basis due to the modern lifestyle, but that doesn’t have to mean anything if we don’t let it. These simple routines are convenient because they don’t take a lot of time to prepare. Most importantly, they give you the excuse to take some time to yourself, even if just for a few minutes.