Looking Sharp (and sweaty) in Ses Salines' Cactus Botanical Garden.

Botanicactus

We may have had something of a heatwave this year in the UK, however as I look outside at the grey skies drizzling I'm turning my memories (and clearing out my iPhoto) to last year's trip to Mallorca, and its Botanical Garden serving as a shrine to cactus: Botanicactus (got a ring to it, hasn't it?).

On our last day in Spain, Clare, Laura, Kate and I headed to this sun-trap to have a browse of what our future gardens could be like if we inherited a few acres of land and global warming kept going. A wide expanse of land dedicated to cultivating as many species of cactus and Mediterranean plants as possible, this was definitely Clare's suggestion, and I'm glad we went - even if my face looks a little grumpy thanks to the sticky heat!

Botanicactus is a bit of a trek if you're staying in Palma, however it wasn't too long a drive from where we were staying in Ses Salines. If you've got plenty of time to spare when on your holiday, then I'd definitely recommend a visit, however you're more than welcome to come round my flat if you want to see a lot of cactus in a small space of time.

There aren't currently any holiday plans for me this year - bar mine and Laura's trip to Paris a few months back - as frankly I'm skint and probably ought to spend some time in the flat I've spent years saving for. However, there is a lot going on at home with the (very imminent!) arrival of Clare and Joe's little one, Harriet and David's new arrival and wedding next year then a trip to Ibiza for Em's wedding next June - probably for the best that this year's a quiet one. brb, putting the kettle on and locking my purse away.

Read more

Not being up to date.

The Classics

Another Dublin throwback, while I sit here wearing several layers watching Sunday Brunch with rain gently (for once) falling outside. If there's something I love about the Irish city, it's its architecture. I love all the red brick in Manchester (I mean, I ought to, as I've just bought an exposed brick dream), but I am a massive sucker for Georgian architecture and its symmetry; handily, this is available by the bucketload in Dublin. We had a little wander around St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square, paid my dues at the Oscar Wilde House (sadly closed)

To complement the classic architecture, I wore my old classic combination of a wideleg culottes jumpsuit and a silk blouse. If you believe I planned this, then you're a sorry naïve fool, but I'm happy that the two so serendipitously combined. I'm still umm-ing and ahh-ing as to whether I can get away with wearing this to my Christmas party, whilst also wondering whether I should just go out and buy all the sequins: life is so darn hard. If you've seen anything standout, please do send me a link on twitter @rebeccacohen!

Other than the work christmas do, most of the festivities this year are currently pretty lowkey, taking place round people's houses or mine. Mince pies and christmas trees a'plenty, and maybe a bottle of mulled wine or five too. I've been spending a lot of time with Laura recently, which has been great, but looking forward to catching up with my girls when I'm back down South (including ones you know, like Jazmine and Kavita!). It's all been very go, go, go recently, but somehow I've managed to not make plans this weekend so I've been enjoying eating everything and can confirm I'm up to date with vlogmas - something I never thought I'd say, particularly when I'm still posting photos here from August...

I'm considering writing up a "year in review" style blog post before 2017's up as it's been a very busy one for me, so if I get another chance to have an hour or so typing up, expect to see that soon!

What I Wore.

Warehouse culottes jumpsuit. Warehouse silk blouse. Claudie Pierlot chelsea boots. Urban Outfitters bag.

Read more

An englishman walks into a (temple) bar.

A long weekend in Temple Bar, Dublin.

I'm not even going to pretend these photos are recent, but here's a little snapshot of a weekend spent in Dublin a while back. I've been across to Dublin a few times now (you can see photos taken on a reliable disposable camera from my first trip here), but as Laura had never been we decided on a long weekend in Temple Bar. The less chat about the delayed flight the better, but the actual flight took no time at all.

If you've never been before, Temple Bar is the main touristy area of Dublin. Prepare yourself for plenty of pubs, souvenir shops and stag dos as you wander along the cobbled streets. I can definitely see some similarities with Manchester's Northern Quarter, but as Manc lacks the tourist-factor that Dublin's got the vibe is a lot more local. That said, when you're out everyone's very chatty and it's not hard to get to know people from all over when you're waiting to be served at a bar. 

On a slightly more up-to-the-minute note, things have been very busy up in these parts. Then again, when are they ever not? Since my last post, I've started a new job, moved house and invested in a lot of expensive skincare which have all been very stressful. Things are finally starting to calm down, and when they do I'll share a little more, but there's still a part of me that's thinking I'll jinx things by speaking out load (or typing on the internet) about it so I'm keeping kinda schtum about things for now. And somehow it's December, which means it's my birthday on Wednesday, so the perfect time for a little reflection and a chance to stand back and see how the last year has gone - something I know plenty of us don't make time to do.

What I'm Wearing.

Uniqlo culottes. Uniqlo jacket. Olivia Burton watch. Adidas Superstars.

Where I Went.

On the Gram.

Looks like exposed brick's a thing in places other than Manchester then 🔨 #ootd #outfit #misspapped #dublin #style

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 9, 2017 at 2:01pm PDT

Because there just aren't enough burger photos on instagram 🍔🍔🍔 #bunsenburger #dublin #burger #food #Ireland #templebar

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 3, 2017 at 10:24am PDT

Read more

Sunshine in Ses Salines.

Ses Salines, Mallorca

Last minute sun? Oh, go on then. As I was owed some hours in lieu from work, Laura, Clare, Kate and I's plans to take a little trip somewhere (v) hot came to quick fruition and we were boarding a plane to Mallorca in Spain quicker than you could pour a glass of prosecco.

We'd been weighing up the pros and cons of going either all inclusive or opting for something a little more DIY. In the end, we went for our own villa (on airbnb, obvs) in a small town on the south of the island. Ses Salines in Mallorca is known for its salt marshes, so instead of hoards of crowds everywhere we stepped, things were a little more chilled: i.e. exactly what this chick was after. If you're after party ville then I'd suggest you avoid it, but it's a lovely town with a few decent restaurants (more on that below!) and about 10-15 minutes drive to Es Trenc.

Where to eat

Cassai gran café - Let's just say Shoreditch might have hit Ses Salines a little bit. All pastel green, succulents, exposed brick and copper accents, Cassai is a pretty place to while away the evening, serving up instagram fodder that'll fit your feed, no problem. The paellas are massive and very well received, however I opted for the cod loin with potato turbet (apparently a kind of ratatouille, but I thought it was just potato cooked in a tomato sauce with aubergines) which was perfect, without being too heavy.

Mon de Vins - Did someone say tapas? Everyone loves trying as much food as possible, so we treated ourselves to tapas on our final night at Mon de Vins. From the front it looks like a (very nice) wine shop, however step through and out the back and you'll find yourself in a private garden with tables made from old wine barrels, obvs. The beautiful location was matched with just as beautiful food, and I would very much like the pan amb oli shipped over as soon as this can be arranged. Also, wine was €4.50 a glass, which was great.

Where to shop

Cassai - Not content with just being a restaurant, oh no, Cassai have their own homewear and fashion shop across the road. Not great when you're just working with hand luggage (cactus print wallpaper, miss u xoxo), however the perfect place to browse a little, and nab some interiors inspo.

There was also a little gift shop next to the pharmacy who's name I can't remember, helpful I know, but if you're looking for gifts it's a great place to look as I picked up some tiles that I know my mum's gonna love.

What I Wore

H+M cami top, £9.99 (similar here and here). H+M denim shorts: £12 (sale, similar here). Topshop lace up sandals: £10 (sale). Charity shop basket bag: £4. Accessorize tortoiseshell sunglasses: £12.

Photos by Laura.

Read more

This French life.

Picnic perfection in an asos midi dress.

If the French are known for anything, it's their food. Of course, diets were abandoned on first mention of the word baguette, so a picnic in the grounds was one of the most anticipated parts of the entire trip. As it was bloody boiling a bit hot, I'd decided to go for an asos midi dress (meant to have a bardot neckline, but anyone else find them constantly slipping off their shoulders?) and some courts. I think I've reached that point in my sartorial life where shapeless dresses are King, and can 100% see me buying this in every colour, 'cause easy. But, as always, I'm getting a little carried away...

Our day started with a trip to the rooftop for a series of talks named "Life Lessons" with Stylist France Editor Audrey Diwan and blogger Freddie Harel. I, of course, knew Audrey's book "How to Be Parisian" from seeing it on every coffee table across the country, and I'd previously worked with Freddie on a work project, but it was amazing to see these two women so at ease at commanding a room.

We then sat in on the Stylist editorial meeting, where we had a group chat about what sort of things we'd like to see in the issue (that came out last week). As someone who's only really written for online titles before, it was interesting the see the differences between the two, and see the issue come to life via the flat layout on the easel in the corner. 

We then headed into the grounds to sample some more of that French life: cheese. Rather than the ol' buy something from M&S and then sit on the plastic bag trick I've perfected over the years, this picnic was definitely more refined. Tables guys, tables. We sat among the citronella candles accepting I was to be bitten within an inch of my life, but dampening the pain with the taste of brie. So much brie, so little time.

The afternoon was dedicated to exploring the castle and its grounds, where we headed off (covered in insect repellent) to find an old folly full of bats, before heading back to sit poolside and make the most of the sunshine. That evening we were welcomed into the chapel to watch a film, however Laura and I decided to chill on the roof terrace instead.

The next day we headed back to Nantes to catch our flight to London. Thankfully, the sun had travelled across the Channel with us, making the bump back to reality that little bit easier (to be honest, the gin and tonics probably helped with that too). Monday's inbox could wait until then, because I was too busy dreaming about the last week.

What I Wore.

Asos midi dress: £38. Public Desire Katie shoes. Urban Outfitters half moon bag: £15. Urban Outfitters sunglasses: £10 (now £6).

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Well, this beats my normal meal deal picnic. #thisfrenchlife #theeverydayproject #thehappynow #thisjoyfulmoment #publicdesire #pdbae

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:50am PDT

Now I've personalised my @chambordchannel, no one'll be stealing my drink 😉 #thisfrenchlife #chambord #france

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:14am PDT

Eating my feelings whilst checking BBC news. Making the most of this France malarkey while I can 🇫🇷 #thisfrenchlife #breakfast

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

Back in England with a bit of an EU bump. I leave the country for two days... #thisfrenchlife #abmlifeiscolorful

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 24, 2016 at 7:34am PDT

Read more

Chateau de Stylist.

Welcome to My Crib.

Well, grey-skied Manchester this ain't. A few weeks back, amongst the 20% off everything at PLT emails clogging up my inbox, I noticed something slightly more exciting. Booked holiday and a fair amount of repressed excitement later, I was headed off to City airport to catch a flight to Nantes along with Stylist magazine to Chateau de Stylist. Just to clarify, I wasn't invited as a blogger (lol, I barely even blog any more, no chance), I entered the competition they'd been pushing a little while and was lucky enough to be selected to head along too. As Facebook was telling me I'd spent this time last year slumming it in a tent at Glastonbury, I rocked up to a bloody chateau. I live a life of contrasts, it has to be said.

Before arrival, all we knew about Chateau de Stylist was that we'd be experiencing a taste of #ThisFrenchLife and the team would be creating an issue (out last Wednesday, pre-Bastille Day) on site. Little did I know about the five star treatment we'd be receiving. Our room suite wasn't one I was able to give up easily, and had the most amazing hamper of french pharmacie treats ever - with some Bioderma micellar water just in time to replace my kidnapped Garnier version from airport security. We were treated to Chambord cocktails on arrival, before heading upstairs to sample a little french sunset and head to dinner.

Of course, this trip was the perfect excuse to pick up another striped tee, this one courtesy of Topshop's Summer sale, and I paired it with my new love culottes and fit like a glove boots from Public Desire. Because, we were all about adding a little french je ne sais quoi to our time while we were there.

I've got another post on my second day there coming up next week, cos it was impossible to keep all that perfection to one blog post. Impossible.

What I Wore.

Topshop striped tee: £15. Alexa Chung x Marks and Spencer culottes: £39.50. Topshop fedora: £7. Public Desire Lia boots.

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Well, definitely didn't wake up here today 😭 #thisfrenchlife #france #chateau

A video posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 25, 2016 at 1:30am PDT

All packed for France with @stylistmagazine @chambordchannel tomorrow (a day early, despite watching the game last night. Somehow.) How's this for an invite? 🇫🇷 #thisfrenchlife #chambord #blue #theeverydayproject #thisjoyfulmoment #thehappynow

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 21, 2016 at 12:39am PDT

Actually can't deal with how perfect this is. Might need another @chambordchannel to make it seem real. #thisfrenchlife #france #chateaudestylist #chambord

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 22, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

Just chillin' at my chateau #cribs @stylistmagazine @chambordchannel #thisfrenchlife #ootd #topshop #marksandspencer #publicdesire #pdbae

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 22, 2016 at 11:33am PDT

Sorry I've been off my Instagram and blog game, I've been having a life (hard to believe, I know) #thisfrenchlife #france #🍴

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 28, 2016 at 12:48pm PDT

Read more