{a new month : march}

March is always an amazing month for me, not only is it the real start of spring but the 7th marks the  anniversary of the mine and the boys first date, six months to the date we met! Somehow four years have rolled by since that first magical night at The Killers concert (yes, it really was magical..) and we always try to take a romantic little trip away for the occasion...

Last year we headed to the stunning Paris, and this year - on the sixth - we jet to Barcelona to lose our mutual virginity of the Spanish capital, any things to do/places to eat/things to see/where to drink excreta would be very helpful...

Lately: Via Instagram | Phuket

Its only been a matter of weeks since I returned from Phuket, and I'm finally uploading some (rather poor) instagram shots! I'm sure you know, I finally upgraded to the new iPhone, leaving these shots taken on the old mobile somewhat forgotten about... As you can see, the island truly is a paradise of clear unpolluted Andaman ocean, white powder beaches, more palm trees and stunning greenery and a true melting pot of traditional Thai culture - I cannot recommend the place enough.

As we were staying on the south west coast of the island, the sunsets were breathtaking. The small temple structure was the scene of a few weddings during our two week stay, positioned right above the beach the views over the island were stunning. I cannot praise our hotel, the staff and grounds at the Kata Beach Resort & Spa enough.

Lazing by the pool (within an excellent proximity to the swim-up bar), many hours were spent relaxing to this beautiful view. An afternoon stroll up the beach to our favourite beach club.

Places to Stay: Riad Meriem, Marrakesh | Morocco

I adore Morocco. Its one of my favorite counties, when in Marrakesh I love nothing more than soaking up the strong North African sunshine and completely losing myself in the romance of the city and Moroccan culture.

Ex-pats doing up riads has been an ongoing trend in Marrakech for years now, and the sunning Riad Meriem is the creation of New York interior designer Thomas Hays. Inside the riad, dappled sunlight lands on oriental rugs and doorways lead into secret hallways. But it’s not all archways, polished plaster and filigree lanterns, there are modern touches, too, such as dramatic fine art, photography and custom-made lighting. You can book one of the five rooms and stay a deux, or rent the whole place, and take it over for exclusive use – the managers are experienced event planners from London and can organise special meals and even belly dancing.

Places: Kata Beach, Phuket | Hello from the Poolside

A quick 'hello' from the decking of our infinity pool at our resort in Kata Beach via the social media app thats taken over the world, instagram. The last ten days couldn't have been better - and there's still four more days of paradise left... rachel xo

Hello | Arrived in Thailand

. . . after an exhausting twenty-odd hour's worth of travelling by car, taxi, two planes, a boat and Thai tuk-tuk, we're finally in Phuket. The weather is glorious, the people are amazing and our hotel couldn't be more perfect. We're here until the 27th of September, but I've more than a few scheduled posts & will update whenever and wherever I can. When I'm not too busy sailing around Thai islands, riding elephants or drinking cocktails in the sun, of course. Life is sick. rachel xo

Lust List - 13th August 2012

1. Alexander McQueen is not a brand to shy away from statement-making. It was love at first sight when I set my eyes upon this Unicorn Skull Embroidered Box Clutch, which will most probably, always be a lust at an impressive £1,435... 2. Behold, my daily go-to lip colour - Mac Angel in satin, I finished my fourth tube yesterday and the realisation has hit, I may be slightly obsessed... 3. As you probably already know, as I haven't shut up about it, I'm off for a fortnight in Phuket in a mere thirty sleeps (!!!) and I'm swimwear-searching and currently swooning over these Zimmerman styles. 4. I've previously raved about my love for  the highly-acclaimed Moroccan Oil, I cannot stop using it! I've been putting a little extra in my hair when drying it & smoothing a tiny little blob through the ends which has resulted in verrrry smooth & glossy hair. 5.   Winter buys are filtering into stores, I've fallen for this Cos coat (£175) the pastel hue is so refreshing for the winter. 6. As a gold jewellery fanatic, Alexander McQueen ring wins every time, this ring is 100% me. 7. These Christian Louboutin Just Picks need no further description. LOVE. 8. Love the idea of these surprises in the post each month, a non-beauty Glossybox! 9. Feeling incredibly sporty following the closing ceremony of the Olympics, this gold Stella McCartney necklace is as near to sporting as I get... rachel xo

Happy Weekend: A Very Exciting Week

I've had a very exciting week; alongside shopping trips and two lovely 'date nights', there has been huge workloads & massive new projects, alongside the most exciting of all, the boy & I have just booked two weeks in Kata Beach, Phuket for mid-September. It'll be both of our first trip to Thailand so if any of you have any tips, recommendations or suggestions - please do send this way . . .

Places to Stay: Monte Mulini, Croatia

Croatia has been on the radar for some time now, with its island-hopping, The Garden Festival and non-Euro exchange rate. But while most of the attention focuses on Dubrovnik and islands such as Hvar, the less well-known peninsular of Istria, just across the Adriatic from Venice, is having a bit of a moment. The ultra-modern Monte Mulini was built here a few years back, overlooking a pretty cove, with all its 113 rooms facing seawards. Each has custom-made furniture and warm colours, with bathrooms featuring natural materials and ‘tropical rain’ showers and manages to combine high-tech functionality and intimacy beautifully.

Renowned head chef, Tomislav Gretic, and internationally acknowledged sommelier, Emil Perdec, have created a highly regarded fine-dining experience at Restaurant Mediterraneo; inspired by Greek, Spanish, Lebanese and North African cooking. There's also a Lobby Bar with a stunning 20-metre high glass wall and amazing views, and a Wine Vault which features 550 labels from Croatia and across the world.

The Rachelle Edit: Ibiza Sunlounger to Superclub

The clubbing capital of the world - Ibiza. Throughout the month of May arrives the opening nights of the islands biggest & best superclubs - this weekend welcomed Space back onto the international party circut. A sunny afternoon spent sipping on cocktails on the day beds at Blue Marlin can easily turn into dancing until dawn at Amnesia, so make sure you pack your 10kg allowace with colourful pieces that transform well & clash together in brilliantly bohemian style.

Your staples for Ibiza 2012? Bold one-pieces that slip seamlessly from day to night, wedge heels to see you from the beach to bar and big sunglasses to hide the shadows the next day. From left:

Topshop Lassie Suede Stacked Wedges (£55). Acne Capri Sandals (£260). Topshop Poppy Printed Corset (£30). Seventh Wonderland "Fiorella" Cut-Out One Piece (£170). Reiss Ziggy Playsuit (£149). Whistles Sunglasses (£50). Topshop Floral Cross-Back Suntop (£26). Topshop Rio Print One Piece (£34). Topshop High Beaded Gladiator Sandals (£30). Agent Provocateur Mazzy One Piece (£295). Finsk Chunky Wedges (£380). House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Cat-Eye Sunglasses (£130). Christopher Kane Studded Shorts - Made to Order. Astley Clarke Blue Quartz Earrings (£150). McQ Alexander McQueen Amwell Cross Body Bag (£370). Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring (£165). Christian Louboutin Trotilita Wedges (£425).

Rachel x

A Guide To: Holiday Packing

After being back on English soil a mere twenty four hours and 100% riddled with the holiday blues, I thought I'd share what my friends & family call my "pedantic packing" & holiday perparation with you.

So once you're toned, honed & bikini ready, waxed & de-fuzzed, painted, polished, sprayed & pampered within an inch of your life its time to start looking at what you need to pack in order to ensure a relaxing and stress free trip, wether it be for business or pleasure.

I always like to start at the very beginning - In Flight Essentials. Once I've boarded a plane for what will be at least two hours I'll remove all make-up and general grime with Clarins Cleansing Milk (the small 50ml bottle is perfect for flights) with a couple of cotton pads. I'll then apply SkinCeuticals B5 Gel under Prescriptives Super Flight Cream. Optrex Brightening Drops rehydrate post-flight-peepers and I adore the This Works Travel Kit with 8 skin-saving goodies including my most essential in-flight must have, Breathe In which combats nasty in-flight germs. Alongside the beauty stuff I make sure I have my camera, iPod, a selection of books & magazines and a purse full of pennies for a bottle of champagne - whats better than relaxing with no mobile phone or distractions than kicking back with a glass of bubbles a mile high in the sky?

On the beach I'm never without an embarassingly low factor tanning oil, shame on me, but I do adore a tan! I'm always concious to apply plenty to prevent burning but nothing says holidays like being oiled up in a coconut scented Hawaiian Tropic haze. I understand some ladies with fairer skins & more cancer-conciousness than myself prefer a higher factor & the brilliance of La Roche Posay Anthelios Cream in SPF 20, 40 or 50 is constantly being raved  about as it offers the highest UBA (the one to cause premature ageing) and UVB (the one to cause burns) protection available. On my face, I do use a higher factor, usually from  the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream range with SkinCeuticals Serum 10 applied underneath which prevents ageing and stimulates repair. My lips are protected by Yves Saint Laurent SPF 10 Baume D'Ete Tinted and Matrix Biolage Protective Hair Oil protects my locks from salt, chlorine and the sun.

I have a Smythson travel notebook I always use to make a list of what I need to pack, which I can tick off as I lay the items out on my bed. Not only does the scoring lines give great satisfaction but it comes in very useful when packing to come home, I then tick off the items in a different colour. I always write my clothing lists in day-by-day format so nothing is left behind, and try to condense as much as possible, eg "Do I really need seven pairs of black shoes/sixteen bikinis". If I have time, I wrap each garment in tissue paper. Ever wondered why shop assistants do this? Clothes only crease if they come into contact with sharp edges - like those of your suitcase. Wrapping up the items prevents wrinkles & creases, but be warned that this will add at least an hour onto the task in hand!

Always pack your shoes first and fill any holes along the bottom of the case with socks, lingere and swimwear. Lay a few sheets of bubble wrap or tissue paper over this then place the legs of your trousers together and lay them down so that the top and hem drape outover the edge of your case. Layer your tops, dresses and any other delicate silk or chiffon items folded perfectly in tissue to the top of the case. I find it easiest to use my washbag as a "core" and fold all of the other items around it before filling any further gaps with more hoisery and lingere or left over bubble wrap. Remember - with no sharp edges or places to move, your clothes will remian at the other end in tact.

Thats the hard work done ladies, have a well earned Mojito and enjoy your break!

Rachel x

Take Me Away: Boa Vista

 Although Spring has just arrived; hectic schedules, work and family committments have resulted the boy & I to take our first summer holiday of the year two months earlier than planned. In just three sleeps time we will be flying to the small sahara island of Boa Vista, which forms one of the twelve Cape Verde islands.

After four sixty hour working weeks I cannot wait to place myself on a sun lounger on one of the hotels white powder beaches with a cocktail in one hand, low factor tanning oil in the other, Ray Bans on and my boy next to me!

We are spending our first trip to any of the Cape Verde island at the Riu Touareg, the largest and newest hotel on the island, newly opened in 2011.

1 - Matthew Williamson Tropical Longline Kaftan £1,199 available at Harrods, 2 - Jimmy Choo Nude Suede Strappy Sandals £516, 3 - H&M Bikini Top £9.99 & H&M Bikini Bottoms £7.99, 4 - Willow Stretch Crepe-Jersey Swimsuit £595 available at Net a Porter, 5 - Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses £120 available at The Sunglass Hut, 6 - Zadig & Volitare Gold Plated Cuff £1,680 available at Net a Porter, 7 - Camilla Majaro Short Lace Up Kaftan £499, 8 - Herve Leger Cut Out Bandage Swimsuit £675 available at Harrods, 9 - Jimmy Choo Jelly Sandals £275, 10 - H&M Straw Hat £9.99

I'm off to spend the days snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing or perhaps just with a cherry daiquiri on a glass bottomed boat ride.. See you bloggers once I'm back on English soil on the 25th April.

Rachel x