One thing I desperately miss about living in the northeast of the states is the gradual change of seasons – and specifically, three solid months of vibrant fall foliage.
I mean, how gorgeous is this?!
Washington, DC…you’re a beauty.
But, I have to admit, the last few weeks in the UK have been equally as stunning. From Kensington Palace Gardens to the quiet countryside of Norfolk, autumn is on point.
It is the most wonderful time of year after all 🍂🌿🍁
What do you think is the best thing about autumn? Pumpkins?! Crisp weather? Knit sweaters? All of the above?
What’s better… Christmas season or wedding season?!
As we all know from Wedding Crashers, it’s clearly WEDDING SEASON!
I am a bridesmaid for my sister-from-another-mister Penny in just a few short weeks! The bride tribe and I had so much fun organising her hen do (or bachelorette party as us Americans say) – and thought I would pass on some ideas for your future festivities!
I was in charge of decorations because (1) I’m obsessed with glitter and confetti (2) Pinterest is my Bible and (3) I love a good crafty project!
Photo by McKenna
Amazon, Ebay and Paperchase were my go-to places for operation Pen’s Hen! You can find great decorations at inexpensive prices. I first picked out a colour scheme (white, pastel pink and mint) and went from there!
Paper pom poms, balloons, a ‘bride-to-be’ banner and confetti were at the top of my list – they would look perfect in the Oxfordshire cottage we rented for the bride-to be!
Photo by McKennaPhoto by McKenna
Although there are a few items you need to buy, there’s also so much you can do with objects you already have! I took a few of my picture frames and inserted printed personalised messages into each one including ‘Welcome to Pen’s Hen Party!’ and ‘Sip sip hooray!’ – ideal for a drinks table 🙂
Photo by McKenna
Photos are also a nice way to personalise the space – plus, a great way to reminisce and meet the rest of the bride’s friends!
Photo by McKenna
Since many of the girls were traveling from far and wide – some from outside of the country – I thought hen do ‘survival kits’ would be a nice little touch. Inside were the essentials to get any girl through a weekend away including:
Other necessities on the list: a tiara and veil for our beautiful bride! We also dressed her up in a ‘joke’ wedding dress for the evening. She was definitely surprised!
What decorations have been a hit at your parties/hen dos? Happy hen do!
As summer comes to an end, and as autumn’s go-go-go mentality creeps in, I find my mind slipping away to the sunshine and excitement from my summer trips.
The other week I went to Dubrovnik for my cousin’s wedding – and wow, I was absolutely blown away. I had been to Zadar, Croatia before, so I assumed Old Town Dubrovnik would be a bigger version of the quiet seaside town.
Boy, was I wrong.
Dubrovnik is like no other. From its bustling cobblestone streets to picturesque beaches, this city is one of a kind.
Old Town Dubrovnik | Photo by McKenna
After walking through impressive city walls, you’re greeted with a stunning view of a marina as you stroll through stone-studded streets. Palm trees and sunshine… yes, please!
Old Town Dubrovnik | Photo by McKenna
Some may recognize Dubrovnik as a Game of Thrones filming location, which is cool of course, but the city is so much more than that! Dubrovnik is first and foremost a dazzling, historical European city, being a filming location comes after (wayyyy after) all of its cultural and beautiful offerings.
Old Town Dubrovnik | Photo by McKenna
From quaint cafes to little independent shops, Old Town offers a variety of businesses and restaurants. One of my personal favourites was Pupo, where I found my desperately needed oyster fix.
Oyster goodness | Photo by McKenna
If you’re a pizza, pasta or seafood fiend, you’re in luck. Dubrovnik boasts an abundance of mouthwatering goodness on every corner. Don’t forget an ice cream cone (pistachio for me!) to top it off!
Photo by McKenna
After you’ve scoped out the city’s cobblestone alleyways and city walls, venture to Banje Beach for an afternoon of sun and sea. The beach is just a five-minute walk from the eastern wall of Old Town, equipped with a beach bar and sun loungers to rent for 100 kuna (£12).
The pebbled beach leads you to the refreshing Adriatic Sea. When we were there in late August, temperatures were HOT, making the cool sea water more than welcome.
Banje Beach | Photo by McKennaBanje Beach | Photo by McKenna
Beach by day, cocktails and music by night. On my first evening in Dubrovnik there was a mini music festival in the main square of Old Town. It was absolutely surreal to dance to house music under flashing lights in such a historic, seaside setting!
In addition to the impromptu rave, we perused everything from little hole-in-the-wall bars to the city’s massive Club Revelin – there really is something for everyone!
the logistics…
To and fro
Dubrovnik Airport is only 20 minutes away by car. An Uber is about 250 kuna (£30), but you can also take a shuttle to Old Town at the bargain price of 40 kuna (£5).
Sleeping beauties
My family rented an Airbnb just outside the city walls because we had quite a large group. However, you can find deals within the city walls, right in the middle of all the action, for £60 a night (for a couple). If you book far in advance, I’m sure you’d be able to find deals at hotels as well.
Money, money, money!
Many places took both euros and kuna, Croatia’s official currency, but you should 100% use kuna within the Old Town. Not all places take euros, so better safe than sorry!
A view of Old Town | Photo by McKenna
I’ve posted more photos from my Dubrovnik adventure on my Instagram, so feel free to check them out if this amazing city has made it onto your travel bucket list!
What a sunset | Photo by McKenna
After all, Dubrovnik is calling your name! And you need this beautiful sunset in your life!
Hope everyone is ready for the weekend! Whether you’ve planned a chill movie night in or cocktails in town, it’s going to be a good day 🙂
I’ve always been intrigued by ‘immersive dining experiences’ where dinner and drinks are taken to the next level. I was recently invited to my very first one – Bombay Sapphire’s The Grand Journey! Guests are taken on an excursion (whilst staying put in London!) – from Java to Ghana to Tuscany – to experience the stories of 10 botanicals that fuse together Bombay Sapphire’s gin! Pairing deliciousness with fun facts – I’m in!
Upon arrival, guests are ushered to a platform where you await your carriage for the evening. I really did feel as if I was standing in the most luxurious train station on earth – complete with a fabulous conductor, train sound effects, luggage props and more!
Once we boarded, with each destination came a new cocktail and innovative dish created by Michelin-Star chef, Tom Sellers. Equipped with eye-catching and engaging special effects to match each location, this was the ultimate multi-sensory drinking and dining experience. My first realization: venturing outside my go-to G&T with cucumber is a must from here on out.
Here’s a glimpse of the evening!
Add in some gold glitter and mint, and this decadent cocktail was a hit. Paired with scallops and radishes… YUM.
Flower power! | Photo by McKennaPhoto by McKennaHeaven in a glittery glass whilst in Morocco | Photo by McKennaPhoto by McKenna
Bring on my next dinner party because I’m taking inspiration from the fabulous Grand Journey. Who would have thought gin was so versatile?!
A little bit of greenery can make all the difference, am I right?
Perusing my local garden centre and nearby florists has become somewhat of my weekly routine.
Photo by McKenna
From cacti to succulents, ferns to flowers, I cannot have enough plants. They have truly changed the vibe in our flat for the better.
Photo by McKenna
I mean, how could a handmade pot with an aloe mohawk NOT make anyone happy? 🙂
Photo by McKenna
In addition to adopting lonely plants in need of a home, maintaining my herb garden has become somewhat of a hobby. There’s just something so satisfying about topping a caprese salad with home-grown basil. I also love making Spanish or Thai inspired dishes, so coriander is obligated to make a hefty appearance.
Photo by McKennaPhoto by McKenna
Home is where the heart is. Or in my case, home is where my plants thrive.
Which plants are a must in your home decor scheme?
Add in some gold glitter and mint, and this decadent cocktail was a hit. Paired with scallops and radishes… YUM.
Coffee & Cobblestones 