A Week in the Costa Blanca, Spain

Today, I've been wishing I was back in Spain. Sat on the beach with churros, fresh watermelon and a Pina Colada, to be precise. I spent a girly week on the Costa Blanca with my Mum and sister at the beginning of the month. We had the best time snorkelling at La Zenia beach and exploring both Torrevieja and Alicante in our hired Fiat 500. It was such a chilled out week - just what we all needed.


I personally preferred Torrevieja. The tiled benches and flower beds were a lovely touch and everything just seemed friendlier. We enjoyed an amazing sharing platter of fishy tapas at Tasca Nueva Bahia, followed by a tub the best cookie ice cream at a nearby heladería. The walk along the promenade offered sea views aplenty and I managed to spot some rocks with cheeky faces! I'm a bit gutted I didn't get more photos of the graffiti I saw in Spain; it's so vibrant and playful.

We made it to one street market while we were there, in the town of San Miguel de Salinas. We snapped up some local peaches, cherries and olives for lunch that day. I was really sad that I couldn't bring home any of the baby succulents that were calling my name! I really like the area we stayed in. A drive to the lilac salt lakes at Torrevieja and the Pedrera reservoir are both musts. La Zenia Boulevard is also a great place for eating, shopping and evening entertainment. If you visit, Miss Coffee does fantastic ice cream - oh and ice cream cocktails. Need I say more!

Things I Want To Do In London This Summer

I'm off on my holibobs to Spain next week, but there are still lots of things that I want to do closer to home over the summer.  London is just over an hour away and I really don't visit enough.  There are loads of great things to do in London over the coming months.  Here are the ones I'm making spaces in my diary for!

UP AT THE O2
I last visited The O2 when it was the Millennium Dome.  It was only recently that I discovered that you can walk over the top of it!  Although this seems particularly scary (...I'm scared of climbing ladders) the views of London from the summit promise to be spectacular.  You can even do a sunset, or after dark walk - perfect for a date with a difference!  It's a great location too, as afterwards you can grab a bite to eat and watch a show.  Ant & Dec's Takeaway on Tour sounds perfect for the more adventurous as audience participation is encouraged and you can even end up as part of the show!

PLATFORM 9 3/4 AT KING'S CROSS STATION
This is surely a must for any Harry Potter fan.  Snapping a selfie whilst posing at the disappearing luggage trolley is something I definitely want to do!  It'll be a fab addition if you're making a scrapbook of your summer!

HOT TUB CINEMA
Something I've wanted to do for ages is go to an open air cinema.  Now add in hot tubs, your best friends and 80s film classics and you've got the perfect night out!  Screenings take place throughout July.  I wish I'd found out about this sooner as I'm pretty booked up for July.  I'll be pencilling this in next year's diary, for sure!

VIRGINIA WOOLF AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
For one of my final year courses at uni, I studied the entire works of Virginia Woolf and I kind of fell in love with her.  The National Portrait Gallery are holding an exhibition exploring her life and work between 10th July and 26th October.  I'll certainly be popping along with my Mum for an afternoon of culture.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB
I'm possibly the only person who hasn't enjoyed a morning meal at any of The Breakfast Club's establishments.  The thought of pancakes or eggs benedict or french toast is making me hungry just typing this!  Recommendations of what to try first on a post card please.

NB: This post contains a sponsored link.

Virgin Holiday Cruises Competition #deckedoutondeck

1. Topshop Sunglasses   2. Hollister Crop Top   3s   4. New Look Pencil Skirt   5. Warehouse Statement Necklace   6. Topshop Boutique Silk Bralet   7. ASOS Highbury Heels

Packing for your summer holiday can be stressful.  Picking versatile items is the key!  Virgin Holiday Cruises are looking for the ultimate holiday outfit, that can take you from day to night.  I went for this gorgeous tribal print skirt as the base of both looks.

For daytime strolls around new cities, comfort is key.  A pretty crop top and classic white Keds transform the skirt with a sports luxe feel.  Cute cat-eye sunglasses inject glamour and a give a nod to the '50s when paired with the pencil skirt.  Perfect for lazy lunches and soaking up the sun!

A silk black crop top makes a lavish addition for the evening.  It's the perfect holiday staple and would look great with denim shorts and a kimono for during the day too.  White simple heels and a statement necklace finish off the look.

You can vote for your favourite look here.  Let me know if you enter the competition - I'd love to see your looks!