OOTD: Floral Culottes

Outfit:

Black leather jacket: Zara (similar)

Multi coloured tropical culottes: New Look

Black jersey top: ASOS (similar)

Black pony haired sandals: New Look (similar)

In less than three weeks I’ll be jetting off to Barcelona for a week to bask in the sunshine, eat lots of tapas and soak up the sights. I’m a fairly casually dressed flier and I have to be comfortable. I usually wear lots of layers as I’m always a little bit cold on the aeroplane - air conditioning is not my friend! I wear the jacket I take on holiday to save room in my suitcase. Patterned culottes like these feel like I’m wearing my pyjamas so they’re great for getting cosy on a plane. They’re made from a lightweight, thin material so they won’t be too sticky on the other side as you struggle to cope with the heat. Am I the only one who loves that first feeling of the heat hitting you as soon as you step off the plane?! I like shoes that are easy to take off because I like to air my feet while I'm flying. I've worn these sandals as we land in the morning, that way I don't have to root around in my luggage for things to wear when we get to our apartment. I can head out as soon as I've dumped my luggage.

Purple Parking have a cracking table on hand luggage requirements so you don’t have any nightmares at the airport. They’re so fussy now! I usually go make up free on flights because I’m always napping on and off and plus who can be bothered to do a full face of make up when you’re so excited?! In my hand luggage I always keep my favourite lip balm, some moisturiser and some hand cream as flying can take it’s toll on my skin. It gets so dry and needs a pick me up as soon as I land. I have my camera, iPad, phone, kindle, money, travel documents and passport all tucked away safely in a side pocket for easy access. Getting stuck at customs is never fun!

What do you take in your hand luggage when you travel?

This post was written in collaboration with Purple Parking. Thanks to Sarah for snapping these pics!

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Review: Bills Summer Menu

If you scroll through my Instagram, you'll see that I'm a massive fan of Bills. No matter which branch I visit, I've never had anything less than brilliant service. I couldn't say yes quick enough when an email landed in my inbox asking me if I wanted to sample their summer menu. Certainly didn't need to be asked twice!

When I arrived I took a seat at the end of a very long table and ended up being seated next to Sarah  - who I'd met at the Strada event, Che and Rosie. One of the things I love most about blogging events is having a giggle and a chat with like-minded people. Plus they don't mind you leaning over them scrambling to get that perfect shot of their dinner!

We nibbled on delicious flat bread, carrot batons, cucumber sticks, tasty hummus and yummy tzatziki as we eagerly looked over the menu to fill our tummies.

To start I went for the crispy lemon squid with a smoked chipotle mayonnaise. I was very impressed with the portion size and proudly scoffed every last one. I'd have liked the mayo to have a bit more of a kick but it went perfectly with the batter. It was a good choice!

For the main I opted for the creamy halloumi and hummus burger with moreish sweet potato fries. Served in a sesame seed bun, it comes smothered in a sweet chilli sauce and topped with gem lettuce and roasted peppers. It feels just as indulgent as a beef burger and is perfect of you want something substantial but still feels a little lighter. The generous helping of halloumi won me round - I hate it when you're served tiny silvers of cheese and can barely taste it in your dish.

I was full to the brim and sadly couldn't manage a dessert. I'll make sure I do better next time!

Have you tried the new Bills summer menu yet?

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Beauty: Men's Skincare

I like to think I know my skincare but I don't know men's skincare too well. So I'm handing the reins over to my dear dad to offer his pearls of wisdom. Welcome to the blog dad!

Hello!

Over the years I've seen Sophie reviewing some cracking things on the blog so when she mentioned she needed someone to offer their skincare routine, I elbowed her boyfriend out of the way and put myself forward! As I spent all of my time working outside through the wind, rain or shine, my skin takes a battering so I like to offer it some TLC. I like to think it helps me to keep looking young! 

This Clinque For Men Charcoal Face Wash* is a god send. I can really feel the charcoal drawing out the day's dirt. I work quite a messy job so it's well needed! My face feels so refreshed and smooth. I use it three times a week when I get home from work - it makes all the difference. It's fragrance free so it's great for sensitive skin. Keep in mind it does give your skin a tingling feeling but it's nothing to be alarmed about!

I sadly suffer with quite dry skin so am constantly on the look out to help keep it under control. This is where Kiehls Facial Fuel* comes in handy! Packed with SPF 15, it helps to protect my face while I'm trying to hide from the sun on the roof. It helps to lift my dull skin and makes me look so much more awake. I apply in the morning after I've given my face a quick wash with soap and water. - simply rub in with clean hands. Even my wife has noticed a different so it must be doing it's thing!

One of the main perils of having dry skin is that shaving can sometimes be painful. Ouch! But Clinque For Men Post-shave Soother* helps to soothe razor burn and stop the redness from appearing. The cool, aloe formula feels amazing on my face. I don't mind shaving so much now!

This post is written in collaboration with House of Fraser.

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