Toronto: City Guide

Now that my year abroad has come to an end *cry*, and I've been back in Bristol for a couple of weeks, I've been reminiscing on the amazing time I had while in the land of the maple leaf. Being only a couple of hours from my university, my friends and I frequented Toronto a lot throughout the year. We've all forged quite the bond with city, most of us now seeing it as a second home. 

I know for a fact that I'll be making plans to return in the not so distant future. So I thought I'd accompany this selection of some of my favourite pictures from our time in Toronto with some of my recommendations of where to go, what to do, and of course, what to eat. 

Urban Space NYC

Another foodie post coming your way today. Typical Ella, although there is a bit of fashion thrown in as well for that added variety. Before going to New York, you can rest assured that Flo and I did a lot of research into places we wanted to visit and eat. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot. 

Urban Space was one of the last spots we wanted to tick off our (very long) list. A sort of indoor food festival that Flo had seen on Instagram, Urban Space is located on 45th street just off 5th Avenue, and the cherry on top, it's there all year round.

Distillery District Christmas Market

Just as a brief break from my New York posts, and given that Christmas is well and truly over *cries*, I thought I would post my pictures from the Toronto Christmas market.

Open from mid-November to just before Christmas, we took the opportunity just before exams to head on over to Toronto for a weekend. 
Being a typical Canadian winter, we made sure we wrapped up very, very warm.

Autumn Morning in New York

Another post from New York for you today, and another delicious brunch option. Because when is food not on my mind? Tired from travelling the previous day, we leisurely spent the morning slowly getting ready before heading out into the warm Autumnal weather. 

We headed to the Lower Manhattan location of Jack's Wife Freda, situated on Lafayette Street. Having heard so many raving reviews of the American-Meditteranean eatery, I was eager to drag my friends along for one of many amazing meals in New York.

Liberty Island

Next on our New York bucket list had to be the Statue of Liberty. A must see for anyone's first time in the Big Apple, although I wouldn't necessarily visit the landmark again.  

It's a one time kind of thing.

After our delicious breakfast from The Butcher's Daughter, which I spoke about in my previous post, we headed to the harbour, hopped on a ferry and were soon heading towards Ellis Island. 

The Butcher's Daughter - Brunch in NYC

My first of many posts from New York, and what better way to kick them off than with a food review of none other than The Butcher's Daughter. You may have heard of them before with their popularity soaring over recent years, but if not, you should definitely pay them a visit. 

The most insta-worthy brunch location I've ever had the pleasure of visiting...

In the 6ix

With it being reading week last week, we thought it the perfect opportunity to finally do some more exploring of Canada after several weeks of lectures. 

Luckily for us, London is only a couple hours away from Toronto, so we jumped on the coach to go and explore the city for the day.
Definitely one to tick off the travel bucket list if you haven't already...

Downtown London

Western University, where I'm currently studying, is located in a small city called London a couple of hours from Toronto. A couple of weeks ago, my friend Flo and I decided to go on a little adventure around the area and make the most of the weather as the temperature was still around 30 degrees, even at the end of September. 

Although relatively small, we discovered some lovely little nooks and crannies. Very photogenic as well...

Fall'in in love with Canada - Niagara Falls

A bit of a different setting from the usual so I suppose I have a bit of catching up to do. I'm currently on a year abroad at Western University in Ontario, Canada. The last month or so has been a whirlwind to say the least, meeting lots of new people and adjusting to lectures again (unfortunately my second year of uni actually counts). But rather than drowning in my current essay sorrows, I'll just focus on the fun stuff. Being so close to the area and luck enough to have lovely family willing to chauffeur me around, of course we had to take a trip to one of the seven wonders of the world - Niagara Falls.

Let's just say it's not just my new British friends that are steaming on a regular basis...

After a relatively short drive for Canada's standard, we arrived in Niagara, parked up and wandered down the tourist strip. 

We were greeted by this breathtaking view, definitely not disappointing.

Bath Christmas Market

Bath is definitely up there with one of my favourite places in the UK. Being so close to where I live, I spend a lot of my time there throughout the year, come rain or shine. If you ever find yourself in the South West, Bath needs to be on your list of places to visit. 

Especially at Christmas time; it's a festive wonderland...

London in a Day

I'll admit, this blogpost has been a long time coming. Moving out of home and up to university has been a big adjustment, leaving me with much less spare time than I had anticipated. I'm hoping to change that now that I'm home for Christmas, so here's to many more posts in the coming weeks!

These photos are from way back at the end of September when I went to London to explore for the day with a friend.

Rome Style

When it comes to dressing for the Rome heat, you have to opt for something lightweight, comfortable and most importantly, breathable. 

There's a lot of walking involved in a city break, and unfortunately, exercise tends to be accompanied by sweat. Especially in the 30+ degree heat.

That's where skirts or dresses come in handy. In the famous words of Covergirl, they're easy, breezy, beautiful.

The Colosseum - Rome

I'm back with another post from the scorching summer heat of Rome today. And, inevitably, with it being our first time in the Italian capital, it was mandatory for us to hop on over to the one and only Colosseum.

Unmissable, even from several streets away, but if you are struggling to find it yourself, simply join the flocks of tourists drifting in its general direction.

The Vatican - Rome

You can't go to Rome without paying the Pope a visit at his humble abode, the Vatican. Situated only a short distance from the city centre, you could easily walk there or simply hop on one of the multitude of tour buses roaming the streets.

But whatever you do, don't forget to book a ticket beforehand. Standing in an interminable queue in the midday heat is not desirable in the slightest!

Follow me to discover more of the Vatican...

Arriving in Rome - The Trevi Fountain

Rome certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to magnificent architecture and impressive monuments. Even without intention, you'll find yourself stumbling upon more and more of the cities famous features.

The renowned Trevi Fountain is of course one of Rome's best offerings. One you have to add to your to-do list.

It would be rude not to.

Saint Honorat Island - Photo Diary

For the final instalment of my posts from the South of France, I thought I would share a collection of photos taken in the paradise that is Saint Honorat Island.

Located approximately a mile from Cannes, the boat ride to the island takes only a short time and gives you incredible views of the French Riviera.

The island is only small, making it perfect for those of you who aren't into overly long walks in the scorching heat, and insanely beautiful. Think vineyards, ancient chapels and dreamy, blue water.

Enough to tempt you?

The Home of Perfume - Grasse

Grasse had been up there on our list of places in the South of France that we had to visit. Famous of course for its abundance of perfumeries and wonderful views extending as far as the Cannes waterfront.

It really is a perfume lover's dream, and is guaranteed to convert those of you who don't already love spritzing yourself from head to toe.

Blue skies and rolling hills welcomed us to the town. Follow us to discover more of Grasse...

Oriental Blue - Cannes

Another short but sweet fashion post for you today.

Cannes was definitely a time for playsuits and off the shoulder necklines, which may have become obvious on my Instagram. They're just so easy to throw on and accessorize.

And most importantly, you can be out the door in minutes.

Evening Glow - Cannes

If you thought Cannes was beautiful during the day, you must go and have a wander in the evening when the sun is setting.

As the last of the sunlight begins to falter and darkness ascends, the most breathtaking peachy glow dominates the skyline, fading into a lavender sunset.

One of the most beautiful sunsets ever, right?

Exploring Antibes

You can't go to Cannes without hopping on over to Antibes, the most charming French town imaginable.  

It's only a 30 minute bus ride away and abundant in colourful streets adorned with quaint, pastel shutters. A feature I'm now majorly lusting after for my future house.

Basically, if you appreciate beautiful architecture accompanied by wonderful weather, you need to visit Antibes.

Just don't forget your bikini as you'll want to pay a visit to the beach.