Konnichiwa Tokyo

Hello my lovelies! As those of you who follow me on Twitter or Instagram will have gathered, yesterday I flew to Tokyo.

I have a huge amount of love for Japan; I first travelled here as a small child (I remember spending the entire journey with my mouth hanging open in wonderment) and then twice later as an adult (the Clever Boyfriend did his masters at Tokyo University, so I visited him here during that time).

For this, my fourth visit to the beautiful country, I am spending 6 days in Tokyo (far too short for my liking, but the only length of time I could escape from my day job). I am so excited for cherry blossoms, hot springs, incredible food, crazy youth pop culture in Harajuku on Sunday, the frenetic energy of Shibuya to the peaceful tranquility of the Meiji Shrine.

But for now, I’m off to get the train to Hakone for an overnight trip filled with hot springs, sakura blossom, royal gardens, art and a traditional Ryokan against the backdrop of Mt Fuji.

Love, Miss B xx

My Favourite Things To Do In Paris, pt. 2

6. Enjoy some Parisian serenity. Stop by a patisserie, fromagerie and boulangerie, collect a few supplies for a picnic and spend a divine hour sitting in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin du Luxembourg or the beautifully manicured courtyard of the Place des Vosges, whiling away the afternoon amidst the perfect people-watching.

7. Embrace your inner child. Make like Amelie and enjoy the simple, playful pleasures Paris has to offer. Stop for a peach sorbet at Berthillion (Île Saint-Louis) and skip down to the banks of the Seine to join the tango dancers at sunset, or buy a ticket to ride one of the city’s big old ferris wheels or carousels (I love the one near the Louvre for the most glorious views). Because you’re never too old to be playful and fun!

8. Hunt for vintage treasures. The vintage in Paris is legendary, and rightly so for vintage boutiques are dotted all over the city (my favourite is Les Trois Marches de Catherine B). Or if you have half a day to spare, head to one of the incredible flea markets and go scouting for treasures; Marche aux Puces de Montreuil (best for jewellery and vintage fashion from the ’30s onwards), Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen (Europe’s largest flea market – great for everything from homewares to Art Deco prints) or Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves (eclectic treasures, antique toys and French furniture).

9. Stroll the streets at midnight. Though I might secretly fantasise about living in a Woody Allen film, there is something so enchanting about those grand streets after dark once the daily buzz has quietened and the tourist have dispersed. I love the sound of echoing footsteps on the pavement as I get lost in the teeny, warren streets of Le Marais district, or wander the grand boulevards beneath the shadow of gilded architecture from the glory days.

10. Kiss below a sparkling Eiffel Tower after dark. It’s a big fat cliche, but oh so fun! The Tower is lit up once the sun goes down, but every hour on the hour the lights twinkle and glitter and it’s hard not to feel giddy with excitement when standing beneath it. Head there with a loved one for a smooch as the clock strikes the hour. Oh la la!

Have you been to Paris? I’d love to hear your favourite things to do there!

Love, Miss B xx

My Favourite Things To Do in Paris, pt. 1

As an unfaltering Francophile/Parisian wannabe, I am often asked for my recommendations on my favourite things to do in Paris. I’ll leave it to your guidebooks to tell you all the obvious places to go, but here are a few of my favourite Parisian places and whimsies.

1. Get a sugar rush: I can still vividly remember the glee of my first visit to Laduree back in 2003 (I was travelling to Paris for the first time, all by myself, and it remains one of my fondest memories). Whether you go for breakfast, a pot of afternoon rose tea, a magnificent raspberry and lychee ispahan or a plate of jewel-like macarons, make sure you pay a visit to either Laduree or Pierre Herme for the best sugar rush you’ll ever have.

2. Stroll the Seine. I firmly believe that a long, aimless walk along the River Seine is good for the soul. Last time I went, I passed young lovers kissing, old couples dancing, tiny dogs trotting and the sounds of a French accordion floating on the air as the sky turned fairy floss pink at sundown. Magic!

3. Get a literary fix. For generations, the Left Bank has been the spiritual home for generations of French philosophers, bohemians and intellectuals. Take home your own piece of this history from the English-language Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, where there is always shelf upon shelf of new and second-hand books (they have a superb edit) and a steady stream of modern-day poets and academics.

4. Wander Montmartre. And to that other home of arty bohemians, beatniks and romantics; Montmartre. Pass the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge, climb the hill to the foot of the Sacre Coeur (enter to pay your respects if you so wish) and just take a moment to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views over the rooftops of Paris. Find the big pretty pink wedge-shaped building, then walk down the gorgeous cobbled steps and stop at the bottom to take in the golden dappled light over a peppermint tea.

5. Leave a little bit more lovely. When in Paris, it seems only fitting to treat yourself to a few loveliness-enhancing luxuries. Stop by any number of boutiques or grand department stores that dot the city to buy yourself a gorgeous new French perfume, some silk lingerie, a new Chanel lipstick or some decadent truffles.

Part deux up next!

Love, Miss B xx