TRAVEL DIARIES #2: OLD MEDINA, HAMMAMET

The morning we visited the Old Medina it was windy, and the temperature had dropped, so Paul suggested this might be a good time to go for an explore around the old town.

And I'm glad we did, what a lovely little wander we had. Like Sidi Bou Said, the whole place felt quite Mediterranean & I'm sure that's just stating the obvious - you can get that from just the pictures.  

The Medina is a fort on the sea, in the middle of old town Hammamet & was where  all the residents traditionally used to live, with about 14 people to one small house! There are still plenty residents still there, and they're so friendly & willing to share the history of the place and their homes. 

At the hotel though, we had been warned that although there are plenty genuine people, to watch out for those who pretend to be our waiters/ hotel staff to befriend you. I suppose it's clever that they recognise your hotel wristband really, but luckily we didn't have a problem with this - just street sellers who want to sell you everything & love the fact you're British.

Or, they hear you're Scottish and note "Scottish people are always skint." Smart. 

Or the men tried to buy you in exchange for camels. For much more camels than you see casually wandering around - so not quite sure how well that works out for them! Luckily, all the offers gave us plenty to laugh about over lunch, how exactly do you get 50,000 camels home to Scotland & how do you break the news to my family you've left me in Tunisia for some smelly Camels?!

A bit more attractive than Camels, the offer was put out there for 2 Ferrari's instead. 

To be on the safe side, I gave him a good glare just to make sure he rejected that offer pretty swiftly, I know how much this man appreciates a good car. And, to politely remind him they'd definitely put him over his luggage allowance for the plane...

Like Sidi, there was very much a blue & white theme to the town - not as much, but definitely a theme. And, as expected, the place was adorned with beautiful colour, paintings & decoration. 

I, unintentionally, was blending in quite well. 

Cactus goals.

Again, another photo heavy post, but another post I've been looking forward to sharing with you all! So many beautiful things to take pictures of, how could I not get snap happy?

Don't forget to leave your thoughts & love in the comments below!

Travel Diaries #1: Tunisia, Sidi Bou Said

How beautiful is Sidi Bou Said?!

If you've been following my latest adventures across on Facebook & Instagram (If not, there's a hint and a half ;) ) you'll know that last week I was on holiday in Hammamet, Tunisia with my boyfriend. It was nice to go away & have a break as a little celebration of all our work & the changes we've had in the past year. We've both graduated, he's now finished his legal diploma (& gets to graduate again!), I'm in my first fashion graduate role, he's secured his legal traineeship with a firm in Aberdeen. So, before he gets into the world of law, we decided a nice last minute holiday would be just what he/ we needed!

As much as I enjoy simply sitting in the sun, hoping my pale skin turns into a lovely golden colour, Paul loves a bit of history, so we took the opportunity to do some adventuring around Tunisia. We visited some absolutely stunning, photogenic places but since I am too snap happy, I can't fit everything into one post, so this is #1 Travel Diaries series for Tunisia. It would be a shame not to share these beautiful places with you! Bias as I may be towards anything artistic, visiting the pretty town of Sidi Bou Said was one of my favourites of the entire holiday.

    Paul & the beautiful blue Mediterranean sea! 

Considering I was in the North of Africa, I felt transported right the heart of the Mediterranean. The town is famous for it's crisp white & blue buildings, which are absolutely spectacular & so striking.

I was enchanted by just how beautiful the place is, and all the intricate detailing found in the architecture and design of the village. Thankfully, the residents are so used to tourists being there & it was lovely to just freely wander around the town & happily stumble across many beautiful houses and quiet corners. 

 I've never been so interested by doors and latticed windows in all my days. But just look at the beautiful blue doors, each one individual in their design and they bring such a unique aesthetic to the town. This theme was supposedly introduced to Sidi Bou Said in the 1920's by French Artist, Rodolph d'Erlanger when he was a resident here. 

When we asked one of the locals, he explained that the doors are all individually designed - and often feature designs such as fish & fatima hands, as these are said to bring luck & happiness, as well as religious symbols. However, we did stumble across a rebellious yellow door - which I think is just gorgeous too.  Why are we not this courageous with colour in Scotland?!

 As a home for artists and creatives too, by simply walking around there is such an artistic & creative vibe, with the main street lined with stalls of beautiful food, ceramic & jewellery. I did dabble in a bit of bartering (my boyfriends lawyer nature came in handy during negotiations..) & I bought a lovely Tunisian, hand painted ornamental ceramic bowl & plate which are to become my new jewellery holders. Keep watch for these across on my instagram, they are stunning & only cost me the equivalent of £13 or so which I think is not too bad. 

Although I took so many more photos than these few, and these don't completely capture the full beauty of the place, I hope it gives you just a glimpse of how beautiful it is!

I would love for you to share your thoughts below, & if you have been here before?

Pressed Flowers

Since getting my 5S back in the Summer, I've been constantly saying "I must get a phone case for this!" 7 months later, I finally have done, and what a beauty it is!

On Instagram I had seen some images from the MissGuided S/S14 Press Day, and that bloggers had been designing their very own pressed flower cases. I decided that these were wonderful, and I just had to have one! 

Turns out that a talented duo from London, Niamh & Vassia, have a company called Aura & Aura and they make such beautiful, real pressed flower cases. 

After having a look on their Depop & online stores, they have a variety of different styles, cases & flowers - but unfortunately the one I wanted had already been sold. But, the ladies at Aura & Aura offer a customised service so I opted for that instead & I much prefer the case I have now. I'm not usually a purple person, but these flowers were just too beautiful - and with the dark pinks and hint of orange, the colour combination is very becomes very vibrant and eye-catching. 

With prices ranging from £7-£17, I'd consider this a reasonable price pointsay that's pretty reasonable, especially when you're buying something so different - and maybe even customised. I just sent them an e-mail and they were able to help me out, listen to what I was looking for before quickly mocking up my design. 

With Spring just right around the corner, these florals are just so apt for the changing seasons, and has me looking forward to warmer, sunnier days ahead. 

What are your thoughts on my new case? I really think Aura & Aura will take off, and become pretty popular. With what I've seen so far, there's no reason why they shouldn't!

Much Love,