Where did March go?

Does it scare you how quick time is flying by?

It feels like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas but in actual fact, Christmas has come and gone and now, so has Easter.

I've been in London for close to 5 months now and it has been a difficult time. London is a very busy city. There are millions and millions of locals and millions of tourists, so everywhere is crowded.

And, the working days seem extra long here in London. I work 9 hours with an hour lunch break and then add on commuting to a from work, my 8 hour shift, turns into an 11 hour day. It has been difficult to try and find my work/life balance!

But, I've decided to find the positives in this city and try and enjoy my time.

For the passed 6 weeks, I have missed my blogging. I have been struggling in London, settling into my work and missing my friends and family, that I have neglected my real passion.

My blogging.

I will be managing my time better so I can blog more often and share with you my real passion...

[W R I T I N G  ,  F A S H I O N  &  T R A V E L]

*
*
*
*
*

So be sure to check back for the London fashion and more from the London series.

Coming up next... The 5 things I love about London.

Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

The power of shoes

Just the other day, I remember looking down at my shoes and thinking, how far I have come wearing these shoes. As a person I have evolved, matured and progressed. I never thought travelling would hold so many life lessons and experiences.

Once upon a time, a not so long ago time, I was a shoe addict. I am not at all cured of this addiction, I have simply found a way to tame it. For the passed 6 months, I have worn the same ONE pair of shoes almost every, single day. For me, this is a rarity. I have over 200 pairs of shoes in my wardrobe back home, some of them never being worn. So for me to wear the same pair of shoes around the world is astonishing.

Upon reflection of my 6 months away, I realised that my trusty, once white trainers have carried me to so many places. I have been to Singapore, Paris, Angers, Moliets, Vannes, Nantes, Nivillac, Montpellier, Toulouse, Argeles, Barcelona, back to Toulouse and Paris again. They also carried me to Munich and now London. They are a well loved and well travelled pair of trainers!

My value for shoes has now increased immensely. Once upon a time I was attracted to the way a shoe looked. The way I felt when I wore them, how sexy they were and of course, who made them. But now I look at my shoes as an investment. They protect my feet from the harsh environments and they are comfortable and durable for exploring different places. I have run up and down many stairs, carrying my heavy suitcase. I have dragged my suitcase up and down many cobbled streets, run into many rain puddles (thank you London for the miserable welcome!) and even climbed some mountains wearing them. 

My now mud covered trainers hold the story of my travel.

What's your shoe story?

Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

Upcoming:

Check back on Friday for my #UltimateVegasOutfit

The Big Ben

London is such a big city.

There is so much to see and do and on my last day off, I went to the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and walked along the Pier to the London Eye. It was such a beautiful (and freezing cold) day! My Frenchy and I got to witness a beautiful sunset and enjoy some quality time together.

Scroll down to see my tourist pictures from the Big Ben!:

Stay tuned for more tourist pictures from London!

For tips from London, head to the London Series.

Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest

Tower Bridge

I've been in London for over 2 months now and I've only just started exploring this city. During one of our rare times off together, Frenchy and I decided to visit Tower Bridge.

Many people recommended it too me and I missed seeing it the last time I was in London, so off we went! It was cold, damp but beautiful!

There is so many things to do and see in London, I'm finally excited to begin exploring this place!

Head to the London series for tips on settling in.

Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

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?

Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest

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.

Where my shoes took me: In the streets of Munich

I was lucky to experience Oktoberfest.

And it's based in one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited.

* M U N I C H *

When I wasn't enjoying the festivities at Oktoberfest, I was exploring everything Munich had to offer.

I went on a city walking tour to see the city centre and learn some of the city's history.

We started in Marienplatz and walked around for 3 hours. We learnt how the city of Munich was built into the city it is today and the history of the people who built it. It was rather fascinating. 

Things to do in Munich:

• You definitely should enjoy some traditional beer in one of the many, many beer halls. If you are not much of a beer drinker, you'll get over it and learn to enjoy it! 
• After enjoying your beer, you should head to hans im glück for the most amazing burger!
• Walk through the parks and gardens to enjoy the nature and serenity
• You can climb the top of the church in the city centre for just 2 euros! You'll climb about 200-300 stairs but the view is worth it! 
• After climbing the many stairs, you can enjoy a German pretzel! I had two favourites, sugar pretzels for the morning and cheesy pretzels for an afternoon snack! Definitely worth the 1.80 euro!

One thing to know when travelling in Munich, no shops are open after midday on Saturday or all day on a Sunday! So don't leave grocery shopping to the weekend! We spent close to two hours walking around the city centre trying to find a shop to buy some toilet paper and chocolate! Weird combination right? :) We were lucky to discover a small convenience store at the train station.

If you have the chance to be in Munich during Oktoberfest, I highly recommend it but Munich is so beautiful to explore... Anytime of the year is a bonus.

Ask Fiona

NEW TO THE BLOG

Have you got a shoe crisis, fashion emergency or travel query?

Ask me your questions and I will help you out!

Some Q&A will appear on my blog!

I've had numerous emails from my loyal readers asking me questions. 

The questions range from style advice, understanding fashion trends, to personal ones. I admit, I'm no expert but I've had more than 4 years experience working in footwear and experience at one of Australia's leading fashion retailers. 

So, I've decided to launch a new page on my blog, called 'Ask Fiona' (I know, original right?). 

If you have a fashion crisis, shoe emergency or just want to know more about me, send me an email with your questions via the 'Ask Fiona' page and I will respond to you within 48 hours (unless I'm travelling, it may take longer!).

Some Q and A have appeared on my blog already and your's might too.

XOXO

Travel Partners

12 months ago, I met this cute French man. 

I have a crazy sweet tooth and discovered a love of macarons, who knew I would find true love as well as delicious French pastries.

I've always wanted to explore France and I have been lucky to do it with the most patient man ever!

I'm looking forward to exploring more of the world with my special Frenchy!

XOXO

Perth

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.

A month in France

So I have been in France for just over a month now and it's been amazing!

I've spent most of my time here in Angers, the hometown of my Frenchy. We've spent a lot of time catching up with all his family and friends around Angers. I have also spent a substantial amount of time driving along the French country side, through little towns and admiring the scenery.

It's been such a great experience for me. After the initial shock of leaving my family and friends in Australia, I have started to really appreciate where I am.

I am slowly learning how to speak and understand some words in French, I have tasted food I never would have tried before and I've experienced a new culture.

Something that still shocks me, is the amount of food they can eat. I've never been much of a foodie so for me to sit through (and try to eat) a 5 course meal, it is a real struggle! But I have to admit, I have tasted some delicious food!

Where I have been so far:

Paris

Angers

Nivillac

Moliets-et-Maa

Vannes

Where to next:

Puy du Fou (a popular medieval theme park)

Nantes

Toulouse

Monptellier

Italy

While I am proud of myself for starting to understand more French words everyday, my goal for next month is to be able to speak some phrases and have minor converstations.

Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for some holiday pictures!

Let's go travelling

I hate flying.

Being stuck in an aluminium cabin is not my idea of a fun time.

And don't even get me started on trying to sleep!

But flying is the quickest and most efficient way to travel 15,000 kms from Australia to France. And once the plane descended into Charles de Gaulle, I forgot all the troubles of flying. 

But that's jumping ahead in the story...

Monday Musings

As I am saving all my pennies for my trip to Europe, I can't spend money on the latest and greatest fashion.

Which means, I am having fashion withdrawals.

I miss the satisfaction when you hand over your money in exchange for that beautiful pair of shoes or that fabulous party outfit.

So I have compiled the latest Pinterest pics that have me reaching for my credit card!

Friday Fashion Fix

I love fashion.

I spend way too much money on clothes, shoes, jewellery and handbags. I love the way I feel when I'm wearing the latest, trending fashion and I love the compliments I get!

But sadly, I cannot always afford the latest and greatest. So instead, I scroll social media and Pinterest to admire other people wearing the greatest fashion. This keeps me sane for a little bit longer and it feeds my desire to have it.

So my latest fashion crushes from Pinterest this week are below, for you to get your own fashion fix.

All images found on Pinterest: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/atlantic-pacific-1788286 Atlantic Pacific, http://www.whowhatwear.com, http://www.thisisjulie.com, http://www.justaprettystyle.com, http://www.hercampus.com, http://www.gurl.com, http://www.lavitamia.ru, http://saboskirt.com, http://www.shoespie.com, http://www.ezyshine.com, https://pose.com/p/33f2