The 3 Beautiful B’s of Belgium

Whilst on my travels around Europe, circa 2007/2008, I passed through Belgium on my way to Berlin from Paris – but I always regret not jumping off the train in Brussels to explore around this (slightly petite) country.

Image: startmaps.com

Saying this – Belgium is a place with so many things to see and do per square mile, that it’s the perfect example of quality and not quantity. With English being widely spoken throughout the country, Belgium is also split into two ethnic regions – Dutch Flanders in the North and French Wallonia in the South. Trip Advisor offers a range of suggestions for things to see and do in Belgium, but I have gathered my 3 beautiful locations.

Brussels 

This is such a beautiful video by Jono Renton, who surprised his girlfriend with a trip to Belgium. This video captures perfectly all the beautiful things that I would love to see and do here.

Bruges

 
Nicknamed the Venice of the North, Bruge has a beautiful medieval feel to it and not to mention some pretty epic river tours.

Bastogne

 

A perfect place to visit for the history buff, this is a place where thousands of American soldiers fought in the WW2 Battle of the Bulge. 

Traveller info: 

There are numerous ways of getting to Belgium – by sea you can travel from Hull to Belgium* with P&O Ferries, on land you can travel throughout Europe by Inter-rail train or use a flight comparison site with Sky Scanner. 

Image: www.expatica.com

Depending on your budget – from Hostel Bookers to Hotels.com – you can choose from a range of beautiful accommodation rooms.

So, wherever you go in  Belgium, I hope that you have a great time. 

Wedding Tips: Will you be my Bridesmaid Invites?

So! We've found the wedding venue and now the serious planning starts. Now, this isn't my usually kind of post but I thought it too cute not to share with everyone.

For me, as I'm sure with most brides, my bridesmaids / maid of honour are like the sisters I never had. They are my world - over the the years we've lived together, cried together and travelled together to a number of places.

Therefore, I wanted to make the occasion of asking them to be my bridesmaids / maid of honour a meaningful event and so I decided to make these little keep sakes for them. 

In total I will have four bridesmaids and a maid of honour (the beautiful inthefrow).

Starting with 5 jam jars and 5 luggage tags (a popular theme throughout my wedding...of course) I decided to fill them full of silly love heart and tutti fruity sweets. 

Next up, I added little messages on the front and back of the luggage tags. One side had their names and the other side asked for them to be apart of my special day. 

Overall, this didn't cost a lot of money to do. In fact, I popped into my local Wilko store to purchase the sweets, mini jam jars, luggage tags and gel pens. The total cost came to around £10. 

Summer Time Happy | Solomon Yogalates

Around 9 years ago, I wanted to try out the new 'craze' of Yoga and Pilates. I loved the idea of creating a peaceful and relaxed mind, whilst exercising and toning up my body. 

Initially I didn't want to attend a class, as I felt self concious of my lack of flexibility. So I began researching online, I found a DVD by an instructor called Louise Solomon who created a programme called Solomon Yogalates [In case you hadn't guessed, this is a combination of the two practices] that I could try at home. Ever since, I have used these DVD's a practice Yogalates as much as I can - even when I'm travelling, it's a great little workout that is quick and doesn't require a lot of space. 

Solomon Yogalates is located in the stunning Byron Bay of Australia and the DVD setting incorporates this stunning landscape into it. After an initial talk through on how to align your body and breathing, the DVD then has three levels / stages that helps to build your bodies strength and tone your body.

When I visited Australia back in 2009, I searched for Louise's studios to take part in one of her sessions, but found it on my last day there - which was obviously too late to book a class. Instead, I watched the locals on the beach (and tried) to follow daily yoga routines / techniques.

Benefits of Yoga and Pilates 

Of course with Yoga and Pilates, like any form of exercise, there are great benefits to your mind and body. Rather than explain it here's a cute little infographic on it. 

  

So, if you're looking for a little summer time health kick then I highly recommend taking this up!

An Italian Inspired World Cup Feast with Waitrose

With World Cup sweeping the nation, I have seen endless amounts of people throwing football themed parties or meals before a match. So when the guys over at Waitrose* got in touch about throwing my own football party, I jumped at the chance.

Image: www.karaspartyideas.com

I decided to go with an Italian theme in preparation for today's Italy vs Costa Rica game. Mainly because I feel in love with Italian food when travelling around Rome, Venice and Milan a few summers ago. One thing I will cherish is added olive oil onto my pasta dishes - heaven.

Image: food-hacks.wonderhowto.com

My first steps were to head over to the Waitrose football fever food hub to find some Italian recipe inspiration. Here you will find a range of different recipes from the participating team countries and o chose to make these yummy dishes! Safe to say, I went a little to town in my Italian dishes.

So whilst waiting for my Italian feast to cook, me and my fiancée began decorating the flat with our World Cup goody pack to add a little more football spirit to the event. 

It's safe to safe that this Italian feast will/has gone down an absolute treat. 

Thank you Waitrose. 

Festival Season: Park Life

Last weekend I attended Park Life Festival in Manchester with two of my best friends and it was brilliant!

Image: Park Life Facebook Page

Held at Manchester's Heaton Park, the day turned out to be every weather forecast going - minus snow - we arrived in the pouring rain and ended the day watching the sun set over the giant Ferris wheel. 

Around 2pm, we decided to avoid the canary yellow tram to Heaton Park and jump in a local taxi - which cost is the same amount anyway. When we arrived at the gates, thousands of people sang, danced and drank cans of cider, as they all began to get into the rainy festival spirit.

Over the years, I have been lucky enough to go to numerous of music events around the world. From Leeds Festival to a New Orleans Jazz Festival, I love to chill out with my friends and just have a dance until the sun sets. Coachella, always strikes me as the perfect place to do this in.

Park Life 2014 Line Up

Luckily, I have been to Park Life festival before. However, due to their growing popularity as a festival and their fun line ups, this will be the first time that I attend their festival at the grand Heaton Park. 

 

This years line up was also brilliant. Snoop Dog, Bastille, Rudimental, Disclosure, London Grammar, Sam Smith... this list of my favourites just goes on and on.  

I also managed to grab a few silly snaps in between watching my all the different acts. 

I hope you enjoy! 

5 TV Shows to Watch Whilst Travelling

From 19 hour bus journeys in Central America to long haul flights to New Zealand; when taking part in any travel adventure a key thing on my packing to-do list is to make sure I have some good TV series to watch.

So when the guys at Mecca Bingo* challenged me to make a list of my ultimate TV shows, I knew it would be a no-brainer.  Re-runs or a hit new show, I like to create a balance in what I watch when I have some down time on a bus, train, boat or plane.

Breaking Bad 

I began watching Breaking Bad whilst travelling around America and finished it off on my return to the UK.

Well... What can we say about the suspense ridden adventures of teacher and cancer patient Walter White and his drug addict ex student Jessie Pinkman. This 5 series drama is perfect if your in the mood for a dark and thrilling TV series. 

Sex and the City

I have watched this series on long communities and all around Australia. Using the breathtaking NYC as their backdrop, Sex and the City hosts the perfect balance of girl friendship, amazing fashion and the every day dramas of a woman's life. 

If you're missing your besties when travelling, then you can immerse yourself in these four single ladies world. Just avoid the films - they are no where near as good. 

American Office

For (few) times that you start to get withdrawal symptoms from the from the 9-5 world and the hustle and bustle of the 'office environment, then tune into the award winning American Office.

This mock-umentary zones in on all the characters you will find in any office work place and the - hilarious - every day situations they get themselves into.

Happy Endings

Think Friends but 20 years later, this sit-com follows the lives of six 20 something people as they go about their every day lives in Chicago.



I watched the whole three series of this whilst travelling around Chicago, which made me love it a little bit more. They are short 30 minute episodes and perfect to watch whilst waiting for your bus or flight. I'm not going to lie - I was gutted when ABC cancelled it after three seasons - boo!

Game of Thrones

Based on the exceptionally detailed and very graphic books, Game of Thrones is a perfect escape into a world of mythical creatives, endless gore and a lot of boobs. 

Currently within their fourth season and with each episode lasting around 45-50minutes - you left in anticipation and wanting more at the end if each one.

So what are your must-see TV shows when travelling? I'm running out of ones to watch - so please feel free to tweet me @eattravellove.

Wanderlust Fashion: Summer Whites

From a simple white linen skirt to a classic striped top, I love to include a variety of white items of clothing when travelling round the world. I think that white is a colour that works on everyone, it looks great when you have a nice tan and if you choose to wear a white linen or cotton item of clothing, then it will help to keep you cool in the heat.

Summer Whites 

With the summer months arriving, I've decided to gather my favourite 'Summer Whites' from on the high street.

Printed Play Suit: I love a play suit for travelling – especially this white floral print one from Topshop. Perfect for a beach cover up or a night time outfit to go dancing in.

Ray-Ban Clubmaster: Who doesn't love a pair of Ray Bans sunglasses?! – especially in the summer months. Recently, I spotted my bestie IntheFrow wearing her rose club masters looking fabulous.

White Striped Tee: I love a striped tee from New Look, especially when it’s in white and navy - Perfect to dress up with a cute skirt or keep causal with some denim shorts when you’re out and about.

Yumi White Skirt: I recently purchase a skirt very similar to this one from House of Fraser. Perfect for a city break or festival – a white skirt is a classic travel item.

Jungle Print Bikini: I love the style and print of this bikini from ASOS - you could even dress it with a long maxi skirt and wear it to a secret beach party.

White Shoes: You cant beat a fresh pair of white shoes - especially in the summer months. Here I have added in some simple flat Vans shoes - they work with jeans, dresses or shorts and are great for any backpacking adventure. Next up are these cute Trina flats from 2 B Bebe - great for a sunny city break and an absolute bargain at £12.

Summer White  Accessories 

This item is a little more luxury than backpack travel, but I love this Michael Kors travel tote. I love the simplicity of this Nixon Kensington watch - I've had my Nixon Player watch for 6 years now, it was a great birthday gift from two of my best friends. This floral headband from Miss Selfridge is adorable for a beach holiday or festival outfit 

Welcome to Wayne Manor | Wollaton Hall

With such beautiful sunshine and warm weather outside, myself and my fiancée wanted to take a little (local) adventure around Wollaton Hall in our local home town of Nottingham.

Wollaton Hall and Park is a picturesque period property that dates back to the 1500's. Admission to the grounds, deer park and hall are all free, but they do charge for car parking and they have a cute little cafe in the the courtyard where you can enjoy sandwiches and scones.