A break to Barcelona!!

Two weeks ago I headed off to the popular city break destination, Barcelona. Over my three day stay it was clear as to why it's is such a sought after place to be. There's just this constant buzz and a feel good vibe about it. With so much to offer from tourist attractions to famous art museums and of course the fantastic food and nightlight, there really is something for everyone. I stayed in a gorgeous modern hotel in the most perfect location, which is exactly what you look for when you are away. H10 Universitat was in walking distance of pretty much everything and also just around the corner from Las Ramblas itself. 

Barcelona is a city that's renowned for its spectacular architecture and is home to the many wonderful works of art by the genius himself, Gaudí. First things first, you've got to pay a visit to Sagrada Família in the very heart of the city. This incredible wonder will undoubtedly leave you speechless and may also give you a creek in your neck as you stare up into the sky mesmerised. It truly is something else!! To enter you'll pay a rather expensive fee of about €30 which won't include roof top access to view the city from a high. Some of Gaudí's other worthy sights include Park Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Balltó. Do try and at least two of these. We also stumbled across the breathtakingly beautiful, Barcelona Cathedral in el Gótic which is free inside and is most definitely worth seeing too if you've got the time.

Unfortunately, when we went to the Picasso museum they had stopped letting people in. As it turned out, the first Sunday of every month is free entry so as you can imagine the queues were crazy and they had to turn people away. We did however go to the Dali museum which is incredibly quirky and only costs €10. Both museums are situated in the  infamous Gothic Quarter, a place you must tick off your list while in Barcelona. It oozes character and culture around every corner and gives you a huge sense of appreciation for the gothic era. Because of its authenticity it was definitely my favourite part of the city. Another fabulous spot especially at night is the port down by the beach. A stroll along here after dinner is blissful. 

For dining and dancing I absolutely adored Barcelona. During my stay, I had some truly memorable dishes so you should take my advice on this one. Trust me! For the best burger in Barcelona, Bacoa wins hands down! A super cool build your own burger joint situated just off Las Ramblas on Ronda de la Universitat. (Two doors up from our hotel). Another amazing place worth visiting for dinner is called Sensi. They have four different restaurants, each with their own unique menu, all just a stones throw away from one another in The Gothic Quarter. The one we ate in was called Sensi Tapas on Carrer Ample but you'll be in for a treat no matter which one you choose if this one was anything to go by. The vibe was spot on for the perfect date night or get together so you may need to make a reservation before hand. Sip away on some beautiful wine and try their Chiefs recommendation of the wild bore. It's up there with one of the nicest dishes I've ever tasted.... EVER!! A quaint, candle lit space with the most magical mini dishes, it's without question worth a try.

If you love your cocktails like myself then make it your business to pop into Paradiso down in the free spirit area of el Bourne. There's no better way to describe this place other than a hidden gem. Don't be fooled by appearances when you arrive at this tiny food counter off a small side street. We were confused like many, until the coolest cocktail bar was revealed behind a secret door. A real Alice through the looking glass moment when someone opened what appeared to be a fridge. After a few drinks, of course we were feeling giddy so we made our way down to Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta just a ten minute taxi away. Here, we were spoiled for choice and went to tap our toes in Carpe Diem nightclub. The plush Moroccan vibes inside were insane and the music really didn't disappoint either.

On Sunday's you won't be able to buy a pair of socks in the city. Every store from high end to high street shuts up shop for the entire day. So if you're thinking of doing any shopping make sure you plan around knowing this information. Instead, keep some of your sight seeing saved for this day like going to see the Arc de Triumph or the world famous football stadium, Camp Nou. If you can be flexible with your dates try and plan around going to see a match here. I'm not exactly a football fanatic but I really enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely recommend going to watch a match. 

I could literally write an essay on this electric city but I'll leave it at just that and let you be the judge for yourselves.

Barcelona you absolute babe, you'll be seeing me again soon. 

I'll drink to that!! 

Ashley X

  

The Sharleen Collins Academy

There's an exciting new business in the heart of Dublin city that's got all of us make-up fanatics talking. It's a brilliant new opportunity for anyone who's been wanting to get into the trade of being a make-up artist or simply if you'd like to have your glam done for any occasion. I popped into Sharleen Collins brand new academy in the most gorgeous bright space on Lower Leeson Street last week to have a sneak peak at what this amazing artist has been getting up to these past couple of months. I was absolutely blown away by how luxurious the studio is and I think everyone else will agree.

The Sharleen Collins Academy has now officially opened and is an ITEC International Make-Up College that is recognised worldwide with reputable tutors from both Dublin and London. Sharleen herself has gained a staggering amount of experience in the industry over the past 12 years, working for mac brown Thomas Dublin then turning Mac Pro in London Covent Garden. She's also worked on some of the biggest shows in London including VOGUE, X-factor, Strictly Come Dancing and The Brit Awards. The list really is endless when it comes to this ladies experience and now she's sharing her talents through The Sharleen Collins Academy.

The artist, now turned tutor specialises in bridal make-up and has some beautiful shots in her portfolio on her website that will make you seriously swoon. So for all the new brides to be, you can now book in for trials in the glamorous studio on Leeson Street.

With there being day time, evening time and Sunday courses available it makes it so accessible for those who can only attend in between their busy working schedule. The academy is now enrolling students and is set to have a busy and exciting year ahead.

We just can't wait to see this fantastic venture blossom for the new #GirlBoss. Watch this space!!! 

Ashley x 

For further details see below:

• www.sharleencollinsacademy.ie

• Mobile: 0860629536

• info@sharleencollinsacadmey.ie

SS17 with Arnotts

This morning I had the absolute pleasure of attending Arnotts SS17 fashion show. The venue? Of course, the fabulous department store itself. Some of their gorgeous new picks for this coming spring/summer collection were showcased by striking models and left every single person in the audience wishing for warmer months! Housing amazing labels such as Whistles, Coach and Ralph Lauren the show was set to be a banging success.

We were greeted with an array of tasty breakfast treats including healthy smoothies, delicious mini pastries and wait for it... Jar's of sticky bacon! Yes, you heard me correctly!! What more could you possibly need to kick start your day?! With a green juice in one hand and my camera in the other, I was more than ready to see what Arnotts had in store for us. The models began to walk their walk 9am sharp, giving us a great taste of what to expect next season!! 

There were seven different themes such as Free Spirit, Tropical Pop and New Nautical. The tittles alone ooze summer time and pretty much speak for themselves. My favourite pieces all belonged to Ganni's collection which was strutted on the catwalk in the last theme, Thread & Needle. I'm a big fan of sequins and sheer lace so of course, I was crazy about everything I saw from this particular label this morning. I loved it that much, I even forgot to take some good snaps because I was so fixated on these fabulous glitzy garments. That's label lust right there!!

Between all of the brands there was more than enough inspiration to go around. With lots diversity between print, spots, stripes and a splash of bold colour there was something to tickle everyone's fancy. The store has welcomed some brilliant new brands including Maison Scotch, Suncoo and a favourite of mine, Karen Millen which will step up the stores game big time. 

Another stunning piece that really caught my eye was in fact a jumpsuit from the high street brand we all know and love, Miss Selfridge. Everything from its heavy beading and cut out detail was jaw dropingly beautiful. This black and white beauty retails at only €105 which honesty, I  think is a bargain!! Between all the bright colours and whimsical florals it's safe to say that I'm excited to pack away the jumpers and start spending my hard earned cash on what's truly important, new clothes to add to an already over-flowing wardrobe. 

Not a bad Tuesday morning if I do say so myself!! Spring/Summer17 bring it on, I'm more than ready for you baby! 

Ashley x 

Lets talk lips!!

I think it's safe to say that Kylie Jenner is still to blame for all of us gals wanting super juicy lips. It was only a matter of time before the girl had to fess up to having a little surgical enhancement... Or maybe a lot!! For so long her sworn by secret was down to 'contouring' her lips with her secret weapon of choice, lip liner! Although she has had lip augmentation she wasn't lying when she said that by contouring your lips, you can make them appear bigger. Unlike Kylie (or me), some people won't go as far as to having any medical procedure's done to enhance their lips so it's down to the wonders of make up and the illusions that it can create to help them achieve that killer pout.

Yes, I'll throw my hands up and admit to having lip fillers and in fact I talk openly about doing so. As I mentioned previously, there are some people that just aren't brave enough to do the same. I'm definitely a huge fan of using liners and lip sticks to help give the appearance of fuller lips along side having fillers. I've got a couple of favourites that I constantly rotate between. They include some inexpensive brands as well as a few high end pricy labels too but I'm all about the budget brands lately!!

There must be a million and one shades of liners and of course we all want every one of them but with that being said we still need to watch our pennies so that we can invest in every other make up bag necessity that a girl just has to have in her life. My all time favourite brand has to be Mac but I recently discovered some other bargain brands that are pretty damn good and come without the hefty price tag too. At the moment, I'm absolutely loving lip liners from labels like Catrice, Flormar & Essence, all of which can be purchased from most pharmacies and Penney's stores. Penney's also have their very own PS. range of beauty products which are that cheap it would be utter madness to pass up a purchase. With their lip liners coming in at only €1.50 it's an impossible task to just pick up the one. Seriously, I'd like to see you try!!

I myself am a huge fan of nudes and browns on my lips and so I adore all of the shades available in the above brands I've mentioned. I love how I can mix most of my lip sticks with any of the liners to create a different look each time. Blankety by Mac and 404 matte nude by Inglot are my ultimate faves to wear with nude lip liners. You'll never not find these in my make-up bag. If you're going to splash out on a luxury liner I swear down by 'spice' or 'whirl' both by Mac cosmetics but until it's a 'treat yoself Tuesday' I would highly recommend the brown liner from the Ps. range in Penney's. I always carry at least three of these in my bag just in case of a make up emergency.

I'm frequently asked what colours I wear on my lips (see photo above) so now you've got the low down on what products I've been wearing to create the perfect nude lip. You won't have to break the bank either! YAAAAASSSS..! 

Ashley X 

A trip to Milano!!

When you think of Italy, what's the first thing that springs to mind? Tiny, winding cobbled streets with ineffable beauty catching your eye around every corner you turn? Great food and even better wine that will satisfies you beyond all your expectations? Well, you wouldn't be the slightest bit wrong! My recent trip to Milan had all of this to offer and so much more. We stayed in an amazing location, via Broletto which is just a stones throw away from the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo. This absolutely magnificent cathedral is a vision I still can't get out of my mind. It's no wonder it took over a staggering 400 years to finish!! 

Renowned as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan did not disappoint for shopping and window shopping alike. If you've got expensive taste like myself, you just can't miss a stroll down via Montenapoleone. Included as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, you'll walk along side the shop windows with jaws dropped and eyes wide open. I can recall my heart skipping a beat or five, when we arrived at the Gucci Milano flagship store. Not to worry if you're not prepared to fork out a small fortune because the high street shopping district has just about everything to offer too. Well, all expect for Penney's. Sorry gals!! 

Part of such an incredibly historic country, it would be a sin not to immerse yourself into the fascinating culture. I would highly recommend going on a walking tour of Milan to do just that. At first, the thought of four hours walking around the city didn't have me overly excited, I'll admit. I had never really been one to do these sort of tours but my opinion about them has completely changed since. We roamed around the streets, listening and learning all about the city's enchanting tales, of all its trials and tribulations that has made it the magical place it is today. One of our stops brought us to marvellous Sforza Castle which dates back to the 15th century. Housed inside the museum here you'll find Michelangelo's last very last work of art, Rondanini Pietà, a remarkable marble sculpture.  

You'll be in food heaven and wine nirvana no matter where you decide to eat. My top spot for dinner and drinks has to be around the ever so bohemian, Brera district. Here is where you'll find those tiny cobbled streets laden with beautiful quaint restaurants. Of course you'll eat your own weight in pizza and pasta but make sure you try out some local cuisine such as risotto alla Milanese or their famous veal dish, Cotoletta alla Milanese. "Truly scrumptious"!! Another cool spot worth a trip is the Naviglio district, Milans canal area. A little insight as to what the city looked like many, many years ago. I bet you didn't know that at one point the city resembled Venice. There's plenty of buzzing bars and worthy restaurants along here to tickle your tastebuds. 

The pinochle of my trip had to be non other than getting to see the master piece that is 'The Last supper' in the flesh. Being a lover of art history and of course a huge fan of Leonardo da Vinci himself, I was in my element. It stirred up emotions that did in fact make me tear up. (Yep, I ain't ashamed to admit it) Every person in the room stood silently and gazed upon what can only be described as a sensational wonder. A stand still moment I won't ever be able to forget. If you visit Milan and just tick this off your list, your trip will still have been well worth it. Be sure that you book online before hand as there's only a strict number of people per day that are allowed to view the beautiful fresco which is housed in the Dominican Convent adjacent to the famous church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

Some other sights worth seeing include the contemporary work of art L.O.V.E. by Maurizio Cattelan. This giant middle finger situated in the very centre of Piazza Affari, the financial district of Milan is definitely a controversial piece that may just give you the giggles. Try and plan your trip around an Opera or Ballet in the world famous Teatro alla Scala. Although the outside of this building may not get you overly excited, it's a completely different story once you step foot inside. Lastly, don't leave without visiting Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. An extraordinary mall housed in a glass covered 19th-century arcade with luxury clothing brands & upscale dining. This place oozes elegance and style!

The next time I take a trip to this wonderful city I'll make sure to designate a day entirely to visiting Lake Como which is only an hours train ride away. If you've got the time to spare definitely plan this into your itinerary too. So there you have it! If you're looking for an enjoyable laid back long weekend away, Milan is most definitely the perfect city break destination that will not disappoint!!

Happy travels,

Ashley x