Holiday: Miami

As some of you may know I've been on holiday the last two weeks basking in the balmy warm sunshine in Miami, Florida. We went for my hubby's 50th birthday. He's always wanted to see his American Football Team, Miami Dolphins on home turf (we enjoyed 2 games at The Hard Rock Stadium) and watched an epic game v New England Patriots on Sunday 9th).

We stayed at the fabulous El Paseo Hotel, situated on Espanola Way, two blocks from South Beach. The accommodation was great and the staff so helpful and friendly.

We'd chosen a Junior Suite which had a sitting area as well as a spacious bedroom (it looks exactly like the photos from the website, and yes we had two balconies which were great for people watching in the buzzy and sometimes very noisy party street below!)

source

We had an amazing time at the football and enjoyed the hospitality and fun times at Miami Dolphins Tailgate Town at the Tailgate before the game - they are there before every game and will happily give you a beer or two if you bring them a bottle for the bar!

with our friend Ron

And on the big day!

I loved being on holiday in December (first time ever) and Christmas fever hadn't reached Miami Beach which was great!

Next post I'll share where we ate, how we got about and other random things! Back to work and reality today alas!

Have you ever holidayed in Miami?

London Trip

Last weekend (I can't believe it's been a whole week!) me and hubby had a long weekend in London.  It was primarily for David to watch his favourite team Miami Dolphins play at Wembley but we managed to fit in meeting friends, shopping, eating and drinking and generally spending lots of money!

As we were travelling light I didn't actually buy any beauty products but I sampled lots and now I have got a huge wishlist.  It was great to see and try products I normally can only buy online without testing first. 

We stayed at St James' Court Hotel for two nights. It was lovely and really central.

We ate lunch in the courtyard and David had a delicious spiced fish burger with sweet potato wedges.

I was super excited to meet Nardine (@Miss_Nardine), Sam (HoneyGoLightly) and Grace (all that slap).  Nardine came up to the hotel to meet us and show us the way to Grace Bar where we were meeting the others.

Nardine and me

me, Sam, Grace, Nardine

What a great night we had! So lovely to meet the girls.  Lots of cocktails, fizz, some food and chat.

Next day, we got up quite early to go look at the shops and stopped by - Content Beauty & Wellbeing (I loved it) Whole Foods Market, Miller Harris, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason to name a few.

in whole food market

Halloween goodies in Fortnum & Mason

We ate lunch at Mishkins (25 Catherine St, WC2B 5JS) It's a "kind-of Jewish deli" with cocktails.  I had a spiced negroni (delish) and a half brick lane salt beef sandwich. We shared a side of onion rings.  Would recommend!

We chose some Pierre Herme mararons at Selfridges and my favourites were Jasmine Tea and Passionfruit with chocolate.

We headed back to the hotel and had a Champagne Flight Experience which was three champagnes with matching canapes!  Was a really great experience and delicious.

David had booked dinner at Caxton Grill at St Ermin's Hotel which is a 5 minute walk from where we were staying.  The food was great and we both thoroughly enjoyed our dinner (next time it's definitely the tasting menu!)  My favourite course was the main which was Beef Fillet with garlic, barley and parmesan. 

Sunday saw us head to Wembley Stadium for the American Football. David's team Miami Dolphins were playing Oakland Raiders. There was a great atmosphere with over 83k in attendance and his team won!

Before boarding our flight home on Monday we had lunch at Plane Food, Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant at Terminal 5 at Heathrow.  I ate one of the best Chicken Caesar salads I've ever had and a super spicy Bloody Mary.

David had Cranahan with figs for pudding and it was super yummy. Who'd believe this amazing food is served at the airport!

All in all a great weekend and I can't wait to go back!