Dressing for the first day of spring

Outfit:
Leopard print jersey midi dress: ASOS
Mid heel black pointed courts: Primark (similar)
Faux leather jacket with fur colour: New Look (similar)
Poppy Red Lily across body bag: Mulberry

Gosh wasn't this weekend's weather beautiful? These pins came out for the first time all year and it was glorious. Although looking back it seems they could do with a bit of fake tan to help brighten them up...

I've recently given my wardrobe a bit of a overhaul. I've not been quite feeling myself lately thanks to gaining a bit of weight and my clothes not quite fitting how they used too. All those meals out are starting to catch up on me. But I'm hoping I can start getting back to myself once I properly move out and start cooking home cooked meals in my house. I've been wearing the same outfits over and over again, being stuck in a dreaded style rut and just being so unhappy when I look in the mirror. I have all these clothes hanging in my wardrobe taunting me and yet my motivation seems to be at rock bottom.

Instead of losing the weight as I probably should - but you know burgers - I've decided to treat myself to some new clothes. This dress has made me feel like myself again. It's makes me feel confident and given me a spring in my step. It's everything I adore about a dress. A loud print, a long length and short sleeves. This type of dress is my jam, it's what looks best on me and has been my style staple for the past decade.  I've neglected the midi dress recently, preferring to hide away in jeans and a blouse. But here's to gradually climbing out of that style rut. And maybe losing that stone that consists of pizza, cake and burgers. Eventually.

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Five European cities I'd like to return too

1. Bratislava
Oh Bratislava, the city I wax lyrical about whenever someone is asking for suggestions of places to visit. I shouldn't really as I almost don't want anyone to visit so it stays perfect forever! It's not a big city but it certainly packs a punch thanks to a fun cafe culture, picturesque old town, easily navigated streets and great Slovak wine. It's the perfect place for a lazy weekend break, offering the ideal of mix of culture and food. I honestly couldn't recommend it enough and it's up at the top as my favourite European city. I'd love to go back in the winter for the festive Christmas market.

Picture credit: The Intrepid Guide via Pinterest

2. Berlin
Ah the city that sparked my travel addiction. We spent three solid, tiring days seeing all the sights and soaking up the history. But what we didn't do was really get to know the personality of the city. We never got to see what the locals loved and where they chose to hang out. I want to get deeper under Berlin's skin and see what really makes it tick.

3. Copenhagen
Ah Copenhagen makes me wish I was Danish. So much. As soon as I got of the train in the city centre, I fell head over heals. It's such a cool, vibrant and happening place. It feels so laid-back yet absolutely buzzing. The food scene is incredible, the architecture is stunning, the social life is fun and the people are just so darn beautiful. Copenhagen has it all!

4. Vienna
Our whistlestop tour of Vienna was no where near enough time to fully appreciate the city. We only scratched the surface and didn't get to investigate properly. I was in awe of the architecture so would love to delve deeper into the history of the city. One major error was not being having enough time to discover the food scene, we didn't have the best meals - apart from some incredible ribs - so I feel there's so much more I could eat. How do you truly know a city unless you overindulge in the local food eh?

5. Barcelona
Barcelona holds so many fun memories for me. I spent a week in the city with friends getting up to mischief, eating the most amazing tapas and gazing at stunning architecture. Its the perfect city break offering both culture and a beach holiday. I never got to go inside to the Sagrada Familia after *ahem* being too hungover so I'd love to go back just for that. I also feel I didn't eat as much tapas as I should have so I want to spend a few days filling my belly.

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Hotel review: Maldron, Derry, Northern Ireland

When we were planning our trip to Derry, we wanted to spend a few nights in the city centre as we had lots of trips catching up with family when we first arrived. Derry was a city that we both hadn't really explored despite visiting a few times So we were keen to have a few early starts to really find our feet before catching up with everyone after lunchtime. The Maldron Hotel was the perfect base - bang within the City Walls.

From the moment we checked in, the Maldron was a dream. After checking into our room without a hitch, we went upstairs to the third floor to be greeted with a ginormous fluffy bed and a view of the Peace Bridge. With handy bathrobes, gorgeous smelling toiletries and a delicious box of chocolates on the pillow, it was the perfect home away from home from which we could explore the city. It was a joy to come home to each night and get a much-needed good night's sleep before doing it all over again the next day. The breakfast buffet was fit for a Queen with a ridiculous amount of food on offer. With fresh yogurt and cereal for those more health-concious to a full fry up on offer for those preferring something a bit more hearty.

If you ever find yourselves in Derry, the Maldron is the place to be thanks to its friendly staff, central location and comfy beds. We were kindly offered a media discount but I'd stay here in a heartbeat and pay full price. I really don't think the location can be beaten - every attraction is within walking distance and you're never too far from stuffing your face at one of the tasty restaurants in the city.

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