Girl In The Pretty Dress

6 weeks ago I had the unexpected pleasure of some time off, with my other half. We decided to make sure it was quality time together and to get away from the humdrum of home for a bit. We stayed at the rather lovely Principal York Hotel which, despite it's elegant appearance, was not quite as smoothly run as I'd have hoped, but it all got sorted in the end! After checking in, we headed out to explore. I think I must have a Christmas-sensor embedded in me because I can sniff it out anywhere and was quickly drawn into  this store . Our next stop was to The York Museum . By the time I'd been dragged out of Christmas-land, time was ticking on a bit... The very kind attendants at the museum reassured us that we would have time to do one wing and helpfully, gave us a pass so that we could return the next day for the other half of the museum. The museum was formerly a Prison and we spent our first day in the Women's Wing - w...

I look forward to going to Scotland every winter. Sadly this year I spent the entire holiday feeling very poorly indeed. Back home, whenever someone asked me how the holiday was I replied with "Well the medical centre was excellent , and the three pharmacies I visited were lovely." That being said, staying indoors wasn't too bad, with these views to admire... We rented the most charming and secluded cottage.  If I won the lottery I would buy it (I liked it that much!) When I was feeling up to it, I didn't have to venture too far to see more of the scenery. The cottage is surrounded on all sides by secret pathways and spectacular views. The most spectacular part was perhaps the three waterfalls, which you surrounded the house and could be heard everywhere you went. The village of Lochgoilhead doesn't offer much more than a medical centre and a post office, but the one benefit of having to make multiple t...

I am just going to say it... I think Charleston is possibly the prettiest city I have ever visited. Not to mention the most warm and welcoming. It really showed us some amazing southern hospitality. We only stayed a couple of nights, but I could easily live here.  On our first evening we arrived starving after a long, long drive. I had heard wonderful things about Magnolias but sadly they couldn't squeeze us in. So here is my hot tip: head next door to it's sister restaurant Blossom . Which is every bit as good and much less crowded.  For shopping; you can't beat King Street, but the market hall was fun to wander through and we also found a fun farmers market on the square (held once a month). Mostly though, I spent my time in Charleston drooling over dream houses and other pretty places. Oh, and if you want to splash out on a fancy dinner - try this place . I celebrated by birthday with a Bison steak which I a...