Reflection on the water

My photo this week is one of my favourite photos from all my time in France. 

I was exploring the grounds of a castle and stumbled upon this old boat drifting on the water. I loved the colours and the reflection of the sky in the water.

I loved this photo last year and I still love it now!

Whenever I look at this photo, It makes me stop and reflect on things. I think about exploring France and discovering new places. 

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The journey ahead

Disclosure: All my photos were taken on my iPhone!

My favourite photo this week was taken in La Roche Bernard, France. We spent a week exploring the country, towns, beaches and nature. It was lovely.

So my favourite pic this week...

Why I love this photo? 

Because it makes me dream. 

The road and the bridge makes me think of being on the road, going to new places to discover and explore.

Taking this photo makes me laugh. I spent so long taking photos from the edge of the bridge because of all the cars but it never looked right to me. Instead, I waited and waited and waited for a quiet moment to take the photo.

I ran into the middle of the road while my Frenchy watched out for cars.

I love the symmetry in the photo and putting it in black and white let's the mind imagine the colours.

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Belle Vié

This week my favourite photo was taken via the self timer on my iPhone. I like it because I got distracted while posing for the photo so it actually captured me in a natural moment. 

I was exploring over rocks planning to get a self portrait when my Frenchy called at me to tell me he caught a fish. Before I knew it, the phone had already taken the photo.

Looking at this photo, I remember the private spot we had, sitting in the sun, watching it set and drinking cold beer.

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Belle Vié

I love taking photos. 

I have 1000s of photos clogging up my hard drive on my laptop and I'm forever needing to delete space on my Iphone to take more...

The hardest thing for me to do is delete photos. At every location, I take multiple photos of the same thing at different angles, to find the best photo. 

But once I get home, I can't bring myself to delete any of them.

Hence why I have zero space on any of devices. 

Anyone else like me and forever hoard too many photos?

Anyway, I have decided to challenge myself. Every week, I will post one of my favourite photos and delete ALL the other photos from that moment.

So my favourite photo this week...

I don't always add filters but I did for this particular photo, I wanted to make it more warm and inviting. I love everything about this photo. The wooded deck and railing draws your eye to the boat and the setting sun. The tree foliage adds an element of privacy and interest to the frame.

Whenever I look at this photo, it makes me stop and reflect on my life. It makes me feel calm.

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Sunsets...

During the last four months, I've had many people compliment me on my travel pictures (thank you to all you wonderful people!) but some of my favourite pictures have been captured during sunset.

I never truly appreciated the setting sun, until my first date with my Frenchy. We sat on the beach, getting to know each other, talking in broken English, while the sun begun to set. 

This memory has made me truly appreciate the setting sun.

Since our first date, my favourite time of the day, is when the sun sets, casting beautiful light on the world. I thought I would share with you, some of my favourite sunsets...

The sunset from our first date in Perth

The first sunset over the Loire river in Angers

More sunsets in Angers

A sunset over the city of Toulouse

One of my favourite sunset pictures from Les Ponts de Ce

A Summer sunset

Enjoying the sunset on the beach in Penestin, France

Angers city before the night falls

What's your favourite time of day?

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Technology switch off

A few weeks ago I had a 48 hour trip to Nivillac. 

And it was amazingly relaxing, peaceful and completely technology free.

Like in earlier years, there is no internet or Wifi in Nivillac. It is a place for a relaxing weekend away with family, friends and loved ones.

I am happy to confess, I am a definite lover of Wifi. I love Instagram to check out the latest fashion trends, talking to my family in Australia via FaceTime and checking in with my friends over Facebook. But sometimes I do get caught up in the small screen and forget to switch off.

Which is why I loved my 48 hour technology free weekend.

So, what does one do without technology?

It's simple. Spend time with the people you love. I spent the weekend with my beautiful boyfriend and his family. We ate delicious food while sitting in front of an open fire and played board games.

I even took some time to read fiction novels and went for a beautiful walk in nature. What more can you want?

Remember, to take the time and switch off. 

Spend time with the 3 dimensional people around you.

The next chapter...

I've been away from Australia for a long four months now.

I miss my family terribly. I have a beautiful niece and nephew who change every time I speak to them on FaceTime and it makes me miss them more and more.

Sometimes it's difficult being in a foreign country, not understanding what people are saying and it's hard not feeling secluded. But still, the (occasional) loneliness is nothing compared to discovering new places, sampling local cuisine and meeting new people.

I've spent most of my time in the hometown of my Frenchy, Angers France. I've spent time with all his wonderful family and friends. We've also spent a bit of time exploring other places in France, Spain and Germany.

But it's time now for the next chapter of our story.

The holiday is over and it's time to start working again. And our next destination...

L O N D O N

I am extremely fortunate to have dual citizenship. My parents were born in the United Kingdom and I am excited to explore the country of my heritage.

I've been to London once before and I loved it. 

Since 2011, I dreamed of living in London. I wanted to explore and experience a new city. I love the architecture, landscape, the hustle and bustle of the city and of course the fashion. 

I'm incredibly excited to be able to speak English again (while continuing to learn French!) and spend some time exploring a new city with my Frenchy.

Head to my Instagram and Facebook page for more travel pictures.

Top 5 tips for travelling in France

I was recently asked by a reader: What tips can you give me for travelling in France? So I compiled a list of my top 5 tips for travelling in France...

I've been in France for over 3 months now and I've experienced many French towns and cities over the time. I have compiled a list of my top 5 things to know when travelling in France.

1. Learn basic French - Aside from this being incredibly polite, the French people choose not to speak in English so you'll need to understand some of the basics when it comes to ordering food and checking reservations.

2. Don't overeat - Like I mentioned in my previous post Eating like the French, you tend to eat a lot of food in France. So I have a few tips for you: Firstly, skip a big breakfast, instead opt for fresh fruit and a small pastry. Don't forget your coffee too! Next, pick one meal either lunch or dinner as your biggest meal. Don't eat 2 big meals in a day! And finally, if you're like me and love your desserts, share one with your partner, you won't feel so guilty for the indulgence.

3. Buy a city map - They are much more reliable than a GPS and you can use them offline! There have been many times during our travels where our GPS has failed and we've had no wifi to fix it. Also city maps will show you all the must see landmarks in the city, so you won't miss anything!

4. Be careful of pick pockets - I'm sure you hear this all the time but it's so easy to be distracted when you are exploring new places. My tip for women, buy a handbag with an inside pocket zip for your valuables and a zip and buckle closure for the outside. Also, keep the things you use most, in a separate compartment to your wallet so you don't expose your valuables every time you open your bag.

5. And finally, shops don't open on Sundays so plan your shopping around that! The first Sunday here, I desperately needed to buy something but discovered I couldn't. Now I make sure I have everything I need before the weekend hits!

What did you learn from travelling France that you wish you knew before?

Last Minute Travel Tips

Travelling is supposed to be a fun and exciting time but sometimes it can make a person incredibly anxious.

Like me.

I always feel like I have forgotten something important.

So I plan. A lot. And I thought I would share with you, my last minute packing/travel tips!

Firstly make a list of everything you will need. If you have it written down, you won't forget to pack it in your suitcase. Once you have your list, take that list to a friend or family member and they might prompt you to remember something. Or like a lot of friends, they told me I don't need to pack so many shoes (we are no longer friends!).

Photocopy your important documents. Save them on a USB stick or email them to yourself so if anything happens, you will have a copy of them. Always keep the originals and photocopies in separate bags. It will double your chances of keeping them safe!

Next, get all your clothes and shoes organised for packing.  Do this about a week or two before you take off. You can see if you have forgotten anything and you can also take stuff out if you don't think you need it. And check if some of the things you are taking require dry-cleaning. Take it in with plenty of time.

Pack everything properly! Make sure all your shoes are at the bottom of your suitcase so they don't damage your clothes. And also, pack things into your shoes. This uses up wasted space and it helps keep your shoes in shape. Bring lots of spare zip lock bags. You can separate your dirty clothes from the clean ones and you can wrap your shoes in them once they get filthy. This will ensure, your clean clothes stay clean. And pack your toiletries into plastic bags. It will contain any spillages or explosions.

Break in any new shoes. You don't want to wear new shoes when travelling as they are more likely to give you blisters. Break them in first so when you do start travelling, they will be comfortable!

Your carry on bag will be the most important thing you pack.  

What should you pack in you carry on?

• You want all your valuables with you at all times just in case your suitcase goes missing (touch wood)! This may be your electronics or travel documents but keep them close.
• Always pack a change of clothes and emergency toiletries in your bag. Again, if your luggage goes missing, you have fresh clothes, underwear and toothpaste at the ready! 
• Pack a scarf. Planes can get very cold so use it to keep you warm.
• Aspirin is also important. Planes can dry you out so drink lots of water and take some medicine if you get a headache. You want to be as comfortable as you can be.
• Pen and paper is also important. You'll need to fill out declarations and luggage tags so make sure you have a pen ready. Also, you are going to be stuck on a plane with so much spare time, you never know what inspiration may occur when you are travelling at 35,000ft.
• Wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off. You'll be going through security and you might want to take your shoes off in the plane. Have a pair of socks or slippers in your bag too incase you have to go to the bathroom or stretch.

It's important to tell your bank that you are travelling overseas! There will be nothing worse if they cancel your cards and you will be stuck without your funds!

Speaking of money, take some cash in the local currency. You won't want to be changing money at the airport plus you'll need it for transport out of the airport.

Don't forget your universal power adapter. There would be nothing worse if you couldn't charge your camera or laptop (oh, the horror!) while your away.

And finally, learn the local language. Now, I don't mean you have to be fluent in the language but it's important to know the basics. Write them down and try to use them when possible. It shows you are making an effort and it shows respect. 

Here are some of the basic French words you may need to know:

• Good morning/Hello - Bonjour
• Goodbye - Au revior
• Yes - oui
• No - non
• Please - s'il vous plaît
• Thank you - Merci
• My name is Fiona - Je m'appelle Fiona

But lastly remember to relax! If you plan ahead, you'll feel prepared and ready to explore the world.

Where is your next dream holiday?

Cultural Shock: Eating like the French

I love France. I love the language (even though I haven't mastered it yet!), I love the history, the architecture and of course the fashion! I love Paris, even though I've only been a few times before. 

And I love my Frenchy of course!

But, being in a foreign country for a while, makes you see beyond the obvious and immerse yourself into the culture.

And there are some major cultural shocks I've had to overcome!

Firstly, the biggest shock for me is the food. I'm not much of a foodie. I eat to live, not live to eat. And since being in France, I've never eaten so much food in my life.

A typical French dinner party consists of 5 courses. Appetisers, entree, main, cheese and finally dessert. This does happen in Australia, but very rarely. In Australia, it's more typical to have 3 meals. Entree, main and dessert.

In Australia, I'm accustomed to fresh produce. In my household especially, I am used to eating salads, vegetables, fresh fish and lean meats. And it's also a rarity for us to eat bread.

In France, all I eat is bread! It's served in baskets in every restaurants. And you can buy baguettes longer than my torso for less then 1 euro ($2) so why wouldn't you eat it?

When you think of typical French cuisine... What do you see? I see red wine, baguettes and a side of cheese. Does anyone else see that? 

Personally, I'm not a fan of cheese. I only enjoy cheese when it's melted on my pizza, otherwise, I can't stomach it or handle to smell. Since being in France, I have met some wonderful people, all of who, tell me I won't be a true Frenchy until I can eat cheese! 

That's never going to happen!

While I have tasted some wonderfully home cooked meals here in France, it's time for me to pay more attention to what I am putting into my body. I need to start eating proper meals, monitoring my meal sizes and enjoying those delicious french pastries all in moderation.

I don't need my shoes anymore...

During my trip to Montpellier, I saw many shoes hanging high above the houses in the street. At first I thought it was random. Just someone being silly and throwing shoes way above everyone's head.

But when I saw more and more of them, I realized it wasn't so random and that the shoes were meant to be there!

And I needed to know why people were throwing their beloved shoes out of reach...

Apparently when you throw your shoes above your house, it means you are happy where you are.

That you no longer need your shoes because you aren't leaving this place.

It's nice to see so many happy people in the city of Montpellier!

Have you found the perfect place to leave your shoes or are you still exploring?

3 months in France...

I still can't believe I'm in Europe.

Every month goes by and I am still in shock.

Ever since I was 21, I always wanted to live abroad. I love Perth and having all my family close by but I always wanted to experience something different.

And now, I finally get to achieve it.

12 months ago, I was lucky to meet someone special. We dated and got to know each other but after a few months, we had to decide if a relationship together was possible. Right from the start, we knew a relationship together would be difficult. A French man and Australian woman, how could that possibly work? I mean, we don't even speak the same native language!

But naturally we couldn't stay away from each other.

How to go shopping for shoes in France

The first thing I did when I decided to travel to France was to learn some important French phrases to get me through.

Bonjour, au revoir, s'il vous plait, merci etc.

But then I realised, the most important phrases every fashionista should know in France...

Is... How to go shopping for shoes in France!

Galeries Lafayette in Nantes, France

To me, this was the most important thing to learn, so I could successfully go shopping for shoes, without my French speaking translator.

So, with the help of my boyfriend, I have compiled a list of French phrases for you to learn, to help you go shopping for shoes in France without knowing the French language.

1. Where can I find the shoe department?

Où est ce que je peut trouver le rayon chaussure?

2. May I try on these shoes in a 37, please?

Puis je essayer celles-ci en taille 37 s'il vous plait?

3. How much are these?

Combien est-ce? (est cela/c'est)?

4. I will take these please!

Je prend celle-ci / Je vais les prendre s'il vous plait!

5. Can you direct me to the Christian Louboutin shoes?

Pouvez-vous m'indiquer le magasin Christian Louboutin?

The most important thing to remember when you are shopping in France is, it's always polite to say hello (Bonjour) when you enter a shop. It is also polite to say thank you and goodbye (merci, au revoir) when you leave.

What else would you like to know when shopping in France?

Where my shoes took me: The Pink City

After spending a few days in Montpellier, it was back in the car to travel some more. And the destination... Toulouse, otherwise known as the Pink City!

We spent 6-7 hours in the car, when we finally arrived into the beautiful city.

We were rewarded with a beautiful sunset.

Where my shoes took me: Enjoying Montpellier

I have to say, the best way to travel France is by car... Your own private car if you can!

You get to see so many cute cities along the way, stop wherever you want and enjoy everything France has to offer!

My boyfriend and I did a trip to the South of France recently. We went to Montpellier, Toulouse, Argeles, Barcelona and Pas de la Casa (more details on those later!). We travelled all of these places by car and it took many, many hours and many, many kilometres.

Montpellier town centre

Our first stop was Montpellier. My boyfriend had a mammoth effort of driving almost 11 hours from Angers to Montpellier, while I did my best to make sure we didn't get lost! One of us succeeded more than the other :/!!!

2 months in France

Sometimes I can't believe I'm in France...

And sometimes I'm ready to get on the first plane back to Perth.

I love exploring all the cities that France has to offer and I love sampling the French cuisine but sometimes I just want to spend an evening at home with my family.

2 months is the longest I have been without any of my family and it's difficult.

A review of my suitcase

So I've been in France for about 8 weeks now and it's hard for me to admit...

I packed too many shoes!

I had a lot of arguments with my friends, family and boyfriend when it came to packing my suitcase. They all told me I had too many shoes but I was adamant, I didn't have enough.

Now that I have had some experience travelling for 8 weeks, I wish I packed more clothes and less shoes.

It gets tiring really quickly to wear the same clothes over and over and over again! I like having different shoes to change the look of the outfit however, it would have been more practical to pack a few more items of clothing to get just a few more outfit options!

Since I am travelling for 12 months, I think my shoes will get more rotation when the seasons change but for now, I've been living in the same 2 pairs of shoes.

Where my shoes took me: A day in Nantes

So I had a quick trip to Nantes last weekend.

My Frenchy and I were invited to his friends' place for food, drinks and a lovely catch up.

We spent just under an hour driving to the city, where we were greeted with rosé and white wine along with some delicious home made appetisers!

After a few drinks, we ventured outside to explore Nantes by night and find a place to get a drink.

It was almost 2am in the morning so some of the pubs and bars were unfortunately at full capacity but we finally found somewhere to enjoy some beer and shooters!

After a quick dancing session, we headed home.

It was a sleepy start to the next morning, so we didn't venture outside until after 3pm but when we did, we explored some amazing sights!

Apparently, if you follow this green line around the city, you'll be taken to all the sights worth seeing. I didn't have enough time to follow the line, however, I will return...

5 things I want to do in Paris

When I first arrived in France, I had a short day trip in Paris. While this satisfied my desire short term, I have been dreaming about going back!

As a fashion lover, it's been my dream to explore one of the most popular fashion capitals of the world. 

And now I can...

Here are the Top 5 Things I want to do in Paris:

1. Go to the Christian Louboutin store - As a shoe lover and a proud Christian Louboutin owner, I would love to visit the store and see all the beautiful shoes and dream about wearing them.

2. Have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower - Some people hate the Eiffel Tower and call it an eye saw, I personally am in awe of it everytime I see it. Tonnes of iron standing so proud, is admiring. And I want to enjoy a romantic meal with my Frenchy waiting for the night to come and the City of Lights to shine!

3. Euro Disney - The one and only time I went to a theme park, I was too small to enjoy the big kid rides and now I am at maximum growth, I want to feel like a kid again!

4. Walking along the Champs-Èlysées - Shopping is apart of who I am, so naturally I want to take a stroll down one of the biggest shopping streets admiring luxury brands and sharing French pastries with my Frenchy.

5. Evening river cruise on the Seine - So romantic for enjoying the City of Lights with your one and only.

There are so many more things I want to see and do in Paris but these are the top of my list!

What's your favourite thing to do in Paris?

Sunflowers in France

A few weeks ago, I went to the South of France. We had an 8 hours journey from Angers to Moliets-et-Maa (full blog post here).

While driving through the France country side, I saw many fields of sunflowers. 

For me, it was beautiful to see green mountains and bright yellow flowers everywhere. Compared to Australia, driving through the country side, you are rewarded with red dirt and brown shrubs. 

It was a refreshing change.

Every sunflower field I passed, I was more and more excited. I wanted to run through them!

But, we were on a deadline to arrive to the camp in Moliets so instead, my boyfriend promised me, he will find me a sunflower field later.

And he did.

Just 20 minutes from his house.

Sunflowers in Baune, France

Sunflowers in France

Wearing Cue clothing dress and belt

My travel partner and guide

I felt very lucky to be able to walk through the field and see the beautiful sunflowers up close! 

For more holiday pics, head to my Facebook page and Instagram.