Exploring Europe: Day one in Cologne, Germany

Last October I stumbled across £20 flights on Ryanair to Cologne. This German city wasn't really on my radar but I was desperate to visit Germany again so I snapped them up. After all, the flights cost the same as my weekly bus ticket to work. How could I say no to that? I never realised that Ryanair offered £20 flights to so many different places. A whole new world has opened up to me and boy am I going to take advantage in the future. So what did I get up to in Cologne?

We arrived around midday and after checking in Hotel Lyskirchen, headed towards the towering cathedral. What a beauty it was. As someone who isn't religious at all, I have a fascination with places of worship. They're unbelievably stunning, peaceful and just have me in awe. Cologne Cathedral was no different. I couldn't get over the sheer size and the detailing in every corner of the building. A sucker for a view, we decided to climb the 509 steps to the very top. A quarter way up we were regretting it but I'm so glad we powered on as we were rewarded with the most beautiful view over the city. One that made us feel on top of the world.

After all that walking our tummies started to rumble and after a quick look in our guide book, we opted for a quick lunch in the Fruh Am Dom beer hall. This was by far my favourite beer we had the whole trip. Most beer halls use different breweries so you'll get to try a lot. I opted for a classic pork schnitzel with a mountain of chips for my first German meal. Just what I needed to start the holiday with a bang. Waiters keep piling you with beer as soon as your glass is empty. Simply place your beer mat on top of the glass once you've decided you've had enough.

After our meal we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap before heading out to a Lebanese restaurant called Beirut for dinner. This unassuming little restaurant tucked down a side street was the perfect dinner for our first night in the city. After stuffing ourselves silly on meze we retired to the room for an early night for yet more exploring the next day.

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OOTD: Palm print shirt

Outfit:

Black coat with a fur collar: Zara (similar)

Green palm print shirt: Topshop

Ankle grazer skinny jeans: F&F (Similar)

Burgundy leather ankle boots: Next (similar)

Poppy red Lily: Mulberry

Since getting back from Cologne last weekend it's all been a bit of a whirlwind. For some reason everything has seem to come at once and it's been manic. I feel like I haven't stopped. I think the earliest I got home last week was just before nine pm. But amongst the frantic running around, there was some amazing news thrown in there. From the 1st April I am no longer freelancing but a full time employee. I'll be a member of the Homes & Property team at the Evening Standard, somewhere I've been freelancing since November last year. It's made me week that it's finally official. I genuinely enjoy going into work every day and am so pleased that I can carry on! Obviously lots of celebrating was done with a cider, ramen and fried chicken. As all good things should be celebrated!

After being on a saving mission for February, come March payday I went a little crazy and treated myself to a few things. Two things being these skinny jeans and this palm print shirt. I just felt like I needed a complete refresh and more casual clothes in my wardrobe. You can never have too many pairs of jeans right? Of all places, Tesco do the jeans that fit me to a tee. They're high waisted, don't sag and don't cost the earth. Perfect right?

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Three top tips for a girls night in

Let's face it, nothing beats a cosy night in with your favourite girl or two putting the world to rights, scoffing endless snacks and lusting over Ryan Gosling, wondering when on earth he is going to ask you out. All fun girly nights have three main ingredients. Include these and you'll end up having the best night in. I promise.

1. Pampering
I love a good pampering session but due to a busy life, I rarely make time. Something I need to work better on! But a girls night provides the perfect excuse while giving you a chance to natter. I'm loving sheet masks at the minute - thanks for introducing me Michelle! - and they really do work their magic. Worth it too for the comedy factor of having it on your face and pretending to be a ghost. Just me then... So pull together your favourite nail polishes, moisturisers and face masks to give each other some much needed TLC.

2. Food
Food is probably the most important aspect of any meet up or any occasion really. But pigging out doesn't always have to mean shoving a 20 inch pizza, a bowl of nachos and 25 chicken wings down your throat in less than ten minutes. Luckily Go Ahead!* have the perfect snacks that allow you to indulge but feel a little less guilty too. My favourite are the cookie bites - especially the sweet white chocolate and raspberry nibbles. They're the perfect treat to make sure you indulge your sweet tooth and less than 100 calories. Perfection right?!  The crispy fruity yogurt breaks also get a massive thumbs up for me. I'll be making any excuse to eat these!

3. Films
Finally you need films. But not just any old films. Films that make you cry with laughter, smile until your face hurts and make your heart swell. So obviously any films with Ryan Gosling in. Light-hearted, funny films that you don't have to concentrate too hard on. Because let's face it, you'll be doing a hell of a lot of chatting throughout. If only to discuss THAT scene in The Notebook...

What are your top tips for a girls night in?

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