Disappearing into Taffeta

And coming up for air.

Apologies for my absence one and all.  I've been swallowed up by that great white frilly monster that is wedding-planning.  But you'll be pleased to know that I have sorted napkin rings (we're making them) and have even started a seating plan.  I do say, it all seems to be coming together quite nicely.

I was thrown into a mild panic, however, when we went to visit the venue on Saturday night to take a sneak peak at a wedding there.  It didn't look much different to the below.

Goodness gracious. The End.

Will come up for air as often as I can!

Until then, 

Maria xx

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, Channel 4

Re-reading and all that jazz

I am, therefore I read.

I envy those people who have the patience and endurance to re-read books they once enjoyed.  I just can't bring myself to do it.  There are so many books out there that I'm just dying to sink my teeth into so I see it as a monumental waste of time to re-read a book - admittedly one I enjoyed immensely at the time - when I have already gotten everything I can out of it,  learned everything I ever will from it.  I have an unquenchable thirst to constantly learn and experience new things and because of this, re-reading just doesn't appeal.  But then, I know so many people who do it.  One of them being my Mister, who only really ever reads books he's already read. And it kinda makes me angry.....

I even considered once devoting a whole year to re-reading books.  This is kinda what that year would look like:

Cloud Atlas: A Novel

There are no words. Oh, wait, maybe one - EPIC.  And now The Wachowski Brothers, of The Matrix fame, are making a film to star Tom Hanks (could I BE more excited?!), Halle Berry and Jim Broadbent (l.o.v.e him).  More on that story here.

The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

It will inspire.  Fact.  Gretchen also runs a blog to help everyone keep up with their happiness resolutions.  You can follow that here.

The Hive: The Story of the Honeybee and Us

Positively fascinating, whether you like bees or not.

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Easily accessible - and very very funny -  tome on the history of the creation of the earth. It will blow your mind.  I couldn't put it down.

Don Quixote (Penguin Classics)

It is BIG. I know.  But the comedy is so ahead of it's time.  A Monty Python movie set in 15th century Spain.  And you'll be so proud of yourself when you finish it.

Life of Pi

The ending of this book has stayed with me forever.  Absolutely haunting.

 *

What do you say, is there true value in re-reading books?

Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth

1000 ultimate travel experiences.

Find it here on Amazon

 Yesterday, the Mister and I decided to chill by my sister's roof terrace pool.  It was positively gorgeous.  As I was coming to the end of my highly enjoyable 'Eat, Pray, Love' I came across the above delectable tome of absolute JOY in her library.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and devour every single one of the '1000 ultimate travel experiences'.  Believe you me, I plan to read this little beauty from cover to cover.  And if you're interested, I'll pick out my faves and share them with you all.

Can. Not. Wait.

Hugs and cupcakes, 

Maria xx

Maria Loves...Themed Hotels & The Fat Duck

My TILT is a day late!

MAISON MOSCHINO

The website starts off by asking 'What happens when you step into a dream?' and boy, do they know how to dream!  With a variety of themed rooms to make your head spin, you will have no problem picking a fairytale abode that's just right for you.  This boutique hotel in Milan is a renovated railway station and still maintains the station's neoclassical grande facade.  With room names like Life is a Bed of Roses and Sleeping in a Ballgown, no trip to Milan is complete without a night's stay in this hotel.  Below are pics of some of my favourite rooms.  Click on the pics to see more.

The Sweet Room

Alice's Room

Ivy

Life is a Bed of Roses

The Forest

Wallpaper

8 DESTINATIONS FOR THE SOLO TRAVELLER

As featured on Jetsetta from AOL News.  With destinations like Australia (one of the top 20 safest countries in the world) and Norway (ranked 9th on the Global Peace Index) this list will make you want to pack your bags pronto and get on the next flight out with or without your closest buddy/partner/dog to hand.

Fiji - great for diving, horseback riding on the beach, surfing and learning to fire walk

10 FASCINATING FOOD FACTS

Did you know that honey doesn't spoil? Or that it's impossible to taste food unless it's mixed with saliva.  If you don't believe me, try drying out your tongue and placing salt on it.  Your tongue won't be able to identify it.  Crazy eh? This and other amazing facts are available to peruse on Listverse. Don't even get me started on the amazingness of this website and how many LISTS it has! Brilliant timewaster! 

Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba.  The world's first takeaway established in 1830 in Via Port'Alba, Italy

THE FAT DUCK

I cannot profusely enough express my love for the culinary genius that is Heston Blumenthal.  If you've ever seen his show Heston's Feasts or tasted his food at his newly opened restaurant Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London's Knightsbridge, then you'll know what I'm talking about.  Mr Blumenthal, however,  is most known for his three-michelin star restaurant The Fat Duck in Berkshire, UK which has repeatedly been voted the best restaurant in the UK in The Good Food Guide.  With dishes on the tasting menu like Snail Porridge and Mock Turtle Soup how could you possible stop your mouth from watering.  Do be warned, it is NOT cheap (as you would expect, in all fairness).

MARMITE

I am a lover, not a hater.  And since moving from London to Athens and not being able to find it ANYWHERE, I miss it oh so much.

That's all for now, until next week!

Maria xx