A stay at Domes Aulus Elounda - Where to stay in Crete, Greece

This July we went on a family holiday to Crete, Greece and I must say it was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. I wanted to really soak up our time away so I waited until we got back to post any clips of our stay but ever since a lot of people have reached out for more info so here we are :)

We stayed in the incredible Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton and from the moment we arrived they could not have done anymore to make our holiday a magical one. The most important thing to note is, that this property is adult-only so unfortunately kiddies are not allowed however, they do have another property nearby that is kids-friendly (linked). 

The most magical weekend in Paris - A stay at Sofiel Le Sribe Paris Opéra

Sofiel Le Sribe Paris Opéra 

Paris is always an incredible city to visit but in the lead-up, to Christmas, it really is something magical just like you see in the movies. My Mam planned this trip and WOW she really knocked it out of the park. I don't know anyone who knows how to do Paris better than her. If you want to browse all of my Paris recommendations you can check out my Instagram highlights. This post is dedicated to just a couple of recommendations on this specific. trip. 

Our accomadation

Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra was fully renovated in 2020 and you can absolutely see it when you step foot into the property. This five-star hotel is in the perfect location, located on the right bank with a view of the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme & all major shops. If you are looking for a real treat, this is the perfect place to stay on your trip to the city of love. One thing I always rave about when telling people about Sofitel as a hotel chain in general is their breakfast! Do not miss out on their buffet breaky if you are booking a stay. 

Food, drinks and places to visit 

• Restaurant L'Assaggio - We went to restaurant L'Assaggio for lunch on the day we arrived and wow it was delish. This restaurant is in the well-known Hôtel Castille Paris with the menu signed by the Michelin-starred Chef Ugo Alciati. If you are a foodie this is one for you! 

• A glass of bubbles and pastry from Pasticceria Cova - This is such a cute little spot right beside the Samaritaine shopping center. The perfect spot after a few hours of browsing the shops. 

• Shopping at Samaritaine Paris Point-Neuf - If you like all things luxury this is absolutely the department store for you. We spent so long browsing all of the beautiful brands and taking in the Christmas atmosphere. We walked along the water from the Louvre but The nearest métro station is Pont-Neuf.

• Dinner at AO IZAKAYA for Sushi lovers - If you are a sushi fan this place is absolutey worth visiting. It was right behind our hotel which was perfect location-wise. The menu hosts a range of Japanese cuisine with a French flair.

• A fashion show at Galeries Lafayette - As I said my Mam absolutely knows how to do Paris the right way, and one thing she booked was a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette. If you are planning a trip do check out if they have any events on whilst you are in the city, there seems to always be something on :)

• Nutcracker at Casino de Paris - This was just out of this world and made our trip even more special. If you can, try booking a show at the  Casino de Paris, the ballet was spectacular.

• Christmas windows: Printemps & Galeries Lafayette - These windows are a must if you are in Paris in the lead-up to Christmas. It is also a really free thing to do, I know a lot of people do not like to pay to go into places, and just like to roam the streets with a takeaway coffee or gluhwein ;) 

A city trip to Luxembourg

I have been lucky enough to visit Luxembourg many times as it is very close to my family. This post is a little accumulation of the spots my Mam and I visit when we go to the city. If you do get the opportunity to pay a visit to Luxembourg in the lead-up to Christmas you are in for a real festive treat. The Luxembourg Christmas markets are out of this world and like something straight out of a movie, so if you do get a chance to visit make sure you allocate time to see them all as they are scattered about the city.

The best of Edinburgh - What to see, eat and drink

We are just home from the best couple of days exploring Edinburgh city with our friends. This post "The best of Edinburgh - What to see, eat, and drink" is to help you plan the ultimate trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. We went in July and the weather was thankfully glorious but being Irish I am used to the weather basically being the luck of the draw all year around. Edinburgh has a little something for everyone and I must say it is the perfect location for a city trip.

Amsterdam Guide - Where is really worth the hype?

I first visited Amsterdam over five years ago now, in that time I have experienced it as a tourist, moved there, studied and now work there whilst living in Rotterdam. As you can imagine I have visited my fair share of bars, restaurants and attractions and wanted to give an insight into some of my favourite spots as not everywhere is worth the insta hype. 

Dinner in the city 

• Loetje - A well-known spot amongst Dutchies and for good reason! Loetje is located across the Netherlands but in Amsterdam, they have a gorgeous bar and restaurant located on the water right beside Amsterdam Central Station. 

• Japanner - This is one of my favourite hidden gem restaurants in the city. If you are a fan of authentic Japanese food this is one for you.

• Ron Gastrobar Oriental - A top class asian style restaurant that really has the wow factor. The perfect mix between Chinese and Indonesian flavours and an overall beautiful setting.

• Ron Gastrobar - Another Ron Gastrobar with a broader section of food choices so if you are not a particular fan of Indonesian and Chinese style food this may be a better option for you.

• Happy happy joy joy west - An authentic Asian street style restaurant with four spots across Amsterdam city.

• Spaghetteris pastabar - This franchise is all over the city, a really nice, casual pasta bar. 

• Impero Romano - One of my favs in Amsterdam, a little slice of Italy in one restaurant. 

• De Pizzabakkers De Pijp - A cosy pizza spot with incredible wood-fired pizzas. Do reserve to avoid disappointment as their location at De Pilp is on the small side. 

Exploring Rotterdam - The Ultimate Guide

It has been over five years since the first time I visited Rotterdam city so as you can imagine after 5 + years, 3 of those living here I have accumulated quite a list of must visit spots in Rotterdam including bars, restaurants, attractions etc. I do also have a Rotterdam highlight over on my Instagram if you want to see more videos, sometimes that gives you a bit of a better impression of the spots. I hope this post helps you to plan the perfect trip to Rotterdam....you are in for a treat!

Food spots in Rotterdam

Brunch, lunch & treats:

• Grab a treat at Koekela bakery - By far the best bakery for cake & baked goods in Rotterdam, 100% one to visit for a takeaway coffee & treat whilst you roam the streets.

• Lilith - If you are a brunch fan this is one for you. The most delicious brunch options & those of you who are vegetarian/vegan are also covered.

• Westkop for pizza & drinks in the sun - This is a spot we have been going to since it opened. Westkop is located right beside the newly opened Boijmans museum, a must if you are in the area especially if the sun is out (tiktok video).

• Dudok Rotterdam - Dudok has two spots in the city, one in Het Park & also on the Meent. If you are in the mood for a good hearty lunch this is a great spot, their apple pie is also famous in The Netherlands & one to try if you have a sweet tooth ;)

• Pirqiet in Het Park - Always a great spot to grab something to eat or even a takeaway coffee & treat while you go for a walk in the park. This is one of my favourite areas in the whole city, so cozy & full of cute dogs which is a plus if you are dog obsessed like me.

• ALOHA - A low waste foodbar with incredibly healthy food options & in the summer a terrace for a drink in the sun overlooking the water.

• LOT&DAN - I have had brunch at LOT&DAN a couple of times & it has never disappointed. Another great brunch spot with gorgeous decor, perfect for a girly date.

• Bertmans - Bertmans is always a good idea if you are craving a good lunch or brunch spot in the city center. 

A visit to the Bloom Effects tulip fields

This August I am living here in the Netherlands for three years which blows my mind. One of my favourite things to do here is to visit the picturesque tulip fields in the Spring. I was delighted to be invited along to the Bloom Effects fields and WOW they were just incredible. Bloom Effects is a Dutch skincare brand which uses the natural ingredients from tulips to make their unique, award winning clean beauty products. If you are visiting the Netherlands in the future I highly recommend paying a visit to the fields this time of year, they never disappoint! 

My poplin midi dress is new stock Zara which I have linked here. TikTok clip: linked here.

An escape to the Dutch countryside - A stay at STEURSHOEVE

We had the most incredible weekend away here in The Netherlands and I had to share it on here after all of the messages I received over on Instagram & Tiktok. We live in Rotterdam city which we love but after months in and out of lock down plus living in a busy area we were craving some fresh air & down time. I found the most perfect property in Burgh-Haamstede, Zeeland & without researching it (v unusual for me) I booked it within seconds.

Travel Croatia - Podstrana Split and Hvar

Last summer Martijn and I went to Croatia for the last two weeks of our summer travels and absolutely loved it. We did have to do it on a very tight budget as we were still broke students but because everywhere we went was so beautiful the basic accommodation did us just fine for getting some sleep...we never stopped exploring. This year My Mam surprised me with a family holiday to Croatia at the very end of August to celebrate my Masters and the trip was just perfection. Of course, because it was a family trip the accommodation was a lot more luxurious so this post will give those of you with more of a budget some inspiration on potential places to stay etc.

Exploring Portugal - Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra

I am back with yet another travel post and this one has been highly requested. If you follow my Instagram you would have seen myself and Martijn went away in the middle of August to Portugal. The holiday was incredible from start to finish and because I documented it on Instagram so many of you wanted to know the details so here they are.

Our Croatia Travels - Budget Edition

Hey, I am finally back on the blog after yet another long time away from writing but as the majority of you will already know Fashion Aid has had to be put to one side until after my Masters here in Amsterdam. I have been receiving so many messages in relation to my Croatia travels last summer so I am finally sitting down to write it all up. Just a side note, Martijn and I had very tight budgets for our trip so despite the fact I do really recommend where we stayed it is VERY VERY basic and most definitely for a tight student budget.

Summer in Slovenia

Good morning, I am honestly so happy to be back on the blog after a very long time away! When I got back from my summer travels I had all of 7 days to unpack and repack for my big move to Amsterdam. I am now all settled in and am finally getting on to fill you in on what I got up to for the summer. 

Once we finished up our time in France and Italy with our families we set off to Slovenia which by the way is such a beautiful country, it certainly did not disappoint! We did only allocate a couple of days before heading off to Croatia but what we did see was incredible....highly recommend you adding it to your endless list of places to visit.

Lombok, Indonesia - The best for last

I'm not going to lie I was not overly enthusiastic about Lombok before we stepped foot on the island and leaving the Gilis in my head was the end of the sun holiday vibes which I was not overly excited about either but I was so wrong!

What to do and see in Discover Java, Indonesia

Finally, I'm back with another blog post from the South East Asia trip and this one covers our Java adventures which I have to say were just incredible! Just like Sumatra where we were just before this part of the trip Java is not somewhere everyone would think of going but I couldn't be happier we decided to add it to our route. 

The most magical New Years Eve at Disney Land Paris

Happy New Year everyone! This NYE was a very special one spent in Disney Land Paris! I have to say we were both like two kids on the lead up and Disney most definitely did not disappoint. Many of you may already know my Mum lives in France so after spending a couple of days there we took a speed train to Marne-la-Vallée which is the train station situated right at the gates of Disney. We booked both the Disney New Years Eve party and a full day in the Disney park for New Years Day to make the most out of the trip and we were so happy we did.

Discovering Sumatra, Indonesia

I am a typical girly girl I'm not going to lie (at the best of times anyway) so when Martijn mentioned adding a jungle trek into our travel plans I was slightly apprehensive. Flying from modern Singapore to Medan airport was a culture shock to say the least but a good one! I am usually on my phone when I have a few minutes to myself never mind a five-hour car journey but from the second we got our private car to the time we arrived to Bukit Lawang I did not take my eyes from the car window, it was just incredible to see the way the locals lived their lives which was so different to home.

Exploring Singapore

I don't know if it is because we had no idea what to expect or if it was just so different from anything I have seen before but WOW Singapore just amazed us on so many levels. If you are heading to Singapore anytime soon you are in for a serious treat and if your not you need to add it to your bucket list ASAP! Like I said before I left for my travels I attempted to vlog as well as a blog so I do also have a vlog now live over on the Fashion Aid YouTube channel showing you guys around the city.

A weekend in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Black long sleeve bell sleeve top Direct Link / Contrasting side leggings Direct Link / Flat over the knee boots Direct Link / 

Hey everyone, if you follow me on social media I am sure you already know I spent the last couple of days in the city of Rotterdam which is located in the Netherlands and the fact I am already posting about it should show how impressed I was with my trip.

Exploring Paris

Black fitted blazer with gold button detail Direct Link / Over the knee- stretch high heel boots Direct Link / City bag with canvas strap Direct Link / Waxed skinny jeans in black Direct Link / Leather gloves & faux fur stole was purchased in France (similar available online)

INNSBRUCK ADVENTURES IN H&M

Faux Fur Lined Biker Jacket Direct Link / Black Boots Direct Link / Jersey Leggings Direct Link / Leopard Print Jumper (Available in H&M Stores Now)

As much as I love the sun and my long summer holidays I am so happy it is time to wrap up. This look features some of the FAB new Autumn/Winter stock from H&M, it is a bit more of an edgy look for me but I love experimenting with my style these days so I say sure why not. I have to say these new jersey leggings with seams on the legs from H&M are super stretchy and great quality (no unwanted knicker lines).