Exploring the UK: Whitstable, Kent

Last weekend we decided to have a spontaneous trip to the Seaside for some fish and chips. Not really knowing where to go, we had a handful of places in Kent that were possibilities. As we were driving down the motorway, we saw a turn off for Whitstable and decided to take a chance. What a good decision that was!

Whitstable is such a quaint little seaside town full of pastel coloured houses, oyster shacks and cute, quirky boutiques. We only ventured down to the harbour which wasn't the most picturesque of seafronts but realised there was a whole other beach that we didn't discover as we drove home. Next time!

We stuffed our faces with the most delicious fish and chips at VC Jones. The crispy battered haddock, chunky chips and the curry sauce were the perfect Saturday afternoon treat. After a wander in a few of the boutiques, a quick browse of an old fashioned sweet shop for some strawberry bon bons and a pitstop for some salty cockles, we headed back. October isn't too warm by the seaside!

It was such a lovely afternoon and made me realise just how much I loved wandering along a seafront soaking up the salty sea air and gazing out longingly at the coast. I often forget we're a tiny little island in the middle of North Sea! The trip was short but sweet so I'll definitely be back as soon as the elusive sunshine appears!

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Why I love travelling to Europe

Paris, France

Up until a couple of years ago I was turning my nose up at travelling around Europe. Sure I still went but that was only because I couldn't afford to venture outside. I was desperate to go further afield and yearned to have that elusive stamp in my passport. So two years ago I booked the trip of a lifetime to New York City and thought I'd finally I'd popped my 'outside Europe' cherry. The world was my limit. I absolutely adored the States - if there's anywhere I should live, it's there. But going to America made me realise just how lucky I was to be based in Europe.

Bodrum, Turkey

Derry, Northern Ireland

Europe is easily accessible yet so culturally diverse. That's what makes travelling around Europe so bloody amazing. My trip to Poland was unbelievably different to my recent holiday in Barcelona. No two countries are ever the same.  We have the ancient Greek ruins in Athens, the beautiful Spanish islands, the rich history of Berlin and gorgeous vineyards of France all in one continent. 

I am so lucky to have such diversity literally on my doorstep aka only a few hours away by plane. If I really wanted too, I could even pop to Rome for the day if the flights were perfectly lined up. Mental! It already amazes me how people frequently just pop on the train to Paris for the day. Once you reach the mainland, you can easily drive through country to country in just a few hours. 

Thanks to budget airlines, it's so cheap. If you book well in advance, you can easily flit between countries for under £100. Crazy when I tried to book train tickets to Wales and it came up at £75. Thank the lord for EasyJet!

After speaking to people from outside of Europe, I've realised just how lucky I am to live on such an incredible continent. I'll never take it for granted again. It's pretty darn special. You're not so bad Europe!

Barcelona, Spain

Right, what country should I add to my must-see list for Europe?

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Recipe: Roast Chicken Wraps with Harissa Roasted Veg, Feta and A Mint and Yogurt Dip

I'm always after quick, filling and healthy lunches - especially now I'm at home a lot. It's all so tempting to pick at rubbish food throughout the day. Luckily Alex Hollywood has put together a delicious lunch time recipe with Mission Deli Wraps. I made a slight few tweaks as it's what I already had in the house.

Serves: 2-3 - depending how hungry you are!

Ingredients:
Leftover roasted chicken
Selection of roughly 200g of roasted vegetables. I used a leek, mushrooms, an onion and a courgette.
1/2 pack of feta cheese
1 tsp of Harissa paste
I tbsp of olive oil
Some rocket leaves
Half a lemon
Salt/pepper
175ml of plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp of mint sauce
2-4 Mission Deli Mediterranean Herb Wraps*

Method:
1. Whisk the Harissa paste, olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl before coating the vegetables in the sauce. Make sure you season well.

2. Once the vegetables are roasted, spoon a small mixture into the middle of the wrap.

3. Next pop the roast chicken on top and a small handful of rocket leaves. Then crumble the feta before wrapping.

4. Mix the yogurt and mint sauce together, season to taste and use as a dip on the side.

I'd love to know if you decide to make this - make sure you drop me a tweet!

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