Holiday

As part of my catch up posts I have decided to dedicate an entire post to my holiday in August. There was just too much to put into the monthly catch up post.
As I talked a little about earlier in the summer my younger sister travelled to Barcelona for the months of July and august to Au Pair for a Spanish Family. Of course being as close as we are my other sister and I couldn't do the whole two months without seeing her so we decided to take a long weekend trip over to Barca to visit.
Here is our trip in picture form

After travelling on the early plane from Ireland we landed in Barcelona just after 9 and the weather was already hot. I was silly enough not to wear the best travelling clothes and after getting the bus and the metro to our hotel I was ready to collapse in the heat. A jumper and jeans were definitely not the best choice. After a quick change we headed to the local park for a refreshing lemon drink. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.

After taking a look around the park and availing of the beautiful scenery for some photo opportunities we headed over to the pool at the apartment block where my sister was staying.

 That evening we headed to The Magic Fountain of Montjuic which is an amazing display of colour, light, motion, music and water acrobatics. It was so pretty to watch the lights within the water all in time with the music.

The following day after a morning of chilling out by the pool we went for a look through the old city. All the winding streets and fabulous architecture were so enchanting. And of course surrounded by fabulous company always helps. How beautiful are my sisters, seriously!

 

On the Sunday we decided to get the metro out to the beach. To say I was in heaven was an understatement. We tanned and swam and basically just chilled out.

So that was it. Of course there were alot more pictures but I didn't want to get over excited with the post. Barcelona is my favourite place in the entire world. If you haven't been there yet I suggest you do something about it. I can't wait to go back there again. My husband and I are even talking about going there next year as he has yet to visit the gorgeous city. Ah I want to be there now!!!

Looking Forward

 One of the best things about Facebook for me is when you "like" one of your favourite brands or stores or celebrities you get sneak peaks of things to look forward to. As a massive fan of Winter Kate I always look out for all the sneak peaks and inside info that their facebook page shares. And this beaut arrived last Friday courtesy of Fabsugar. The Winter Kate Spring 2012 Collection. I could literally die!!

There is nothing, and I mean nothing that I don't absolutely love about this collection. The boho style, the floaty silk fabrics, the north African style prints and embellishments and the neutral colour palette. This collection from beginning to end is perfection. Even the styling, accessorizing and backdrop to the gorgeous model is completely spot on. I love the relaxed ethereal intensity behind the pictures, like the model is contemplating the roads in life. Nicole Richie is on FIRE when it comes to her brand and I for one am so completely excited about every season if this is the calibre of clothing that we are expecting. Looking forward to the future of Winter Kate.

Honorable Mention

For this weeks honourable mention I have chosen the beautiful Queen B. Beyonce was papped getting out of his Major Mobile in New York. I have to say pregnancy really suits her. She is absolutely glowing. For someone so high profile I love the fact that she's pushing boundaries in fashion during her pregnancy. She not resigning to living in a tracksuit and uggs (like I did ;) )

I love everything about this outfit from the blue jeans to the stunning red jacket and the oh so gorgeous Alexander McQueen Scarf. Everything looks so beautiful together and there is nothing like a bright red jacket to ensure you're spotted in the crowd. Not that Beyonce has any problems in that regard. And those heels, WOW! The Alain Quilici heeled hiking booties, TO DIE FOR!! As high as they are they actually look quite comfortable.
Who was your style star for the week? Did anyone stand out enough for an Honourable Mention?

A Quick Catch Up ~ August

Because I missed so much by not blogging I have so much to catch up on. Like I said on my To Smile post back in July I bought a new camera and I have been trying very hard to upgrade my calibre of photos and to also simply take more. In August I had quite an eventful month, between my birthday,a trip back home to my holiday of this year. A long weekend with my gorgeous sisters in the Amazing Barcelona. I will do a separate Barcelona Holiday post as there was so much packed in to the four days. So in photo form this is my catch up for the month of August. These are the photos which would have gone into my To Smile posts over the time I was on a blogging break.

A Manicure with the new 2 Week Manicure Colours I had added to my kit. The colours were perfect for an old dress I had. I then bought some fabulous jewellery from "Bellerina" at The Ivory Closet to wear with the dress too. See here to see more Sparklies from The Ivory Closet (As Amina calls them) New Jewels for an old dress.

I have talked before about my Aunt's Allotment, here are some pictures I took while I was looking after my cousins. The allotment was awash with colour during the summer with all the various beautiful flowers on show. My cousins spent so much of their summer hanging out in the allotments, playing games, making potions and their own perfumes. It's lovely to see the kids playing outside instead of being stuck in on computers or watching t.v.

While minding my cousins we went to look at a display of Quilts made by the Quilting Association of Ireland. I love this craft and I can't wait to get my sewing machine to get stuck into it myself. I have so many ideas, mostly for Amina's bedroom. The quilts that were on display were amazing. The technical ability required to finish such intricate pieces is only something I can aspire to have.

We hung out alot at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin getting the most out of the warmer and drier days which were so far and few between. These gardens in the heart of dublin are such a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle that city life brings.

I celebrated my birthday in style. A picnic on the floor of my sitting room with my mum, my aunt, 3 out of the 4 sisters and Amina. You don't get much better than that.

My friend and I decided to take out girls for a trip to the woods in the Dublin Mountains in search of fairies. We didn't find any fairies but we have a lovely day out in the fresh air and magical surroundings.

And lastly for August I perfected my home made hummus recipe and even started combining different flavours to switch it up a little. I have turned into a hummus addict, literally. Made with the juice of lemons and some creamy Greek yogurt along with the necessary chick peas and tahini paste, it has now become my staple food. I will put up the recipe soon on a Sunday Sample once I get back to my regular postings.

I will continue with my catch up posts next week in the place of my To Smile posts. Next week I will concentrate on my fabulous weekend away to Barcelona with my sisters.
So what have you all been up to? Did ya'll have a lovely summer?