Bordeaux Shopping...

A couple of days into our holiday we decided visited Bordeaux and this provided the perfect opportunity to check out some of the pharmacies that France is famous for. The one I headed for was called CityPharma. Surprise surprise, I ended up buying a few things! 

The first product I popped into my basket was the famous Bioderma. I picked up two travel size minis as they were on offer and I thought it would be better to trial it first. I'm currently using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water which I like, but I've wanted to get my hands on the Bioderma for ages to see if it really justifies the hype - so far so good!
I usually use a hot cloth cleanser to take off my make-up (my new love is the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser - review coming soon) but for those lazy days, I can see that this would be the perfect product!

The next product I purchased, La Roche Posay Serozinc, I saw on Amelia Liana's French Pharmacy Haul. She purchased 5 bottles of this, so I just had to see what it was like! Basically, it's their cleansing soothing toner in spray form. So far, I'm really enjoying it, I've only been using it for a couple of days, but I love the fact that its a spray - its great to freshen up your makeup but also great after taking off your makeup. This toner doesn't strip the skin like many toners as it doesn't use alcohol, instead it uses zinc which is much better for your skin.

Avene Eau Thermale was the next purchase and yet again, it was a repurchase. I'd bought this a couple of weeks before I went on holiday whilst shopping with my best friend (who happened to do a review on it here) and we are both now completely addicted. Its a great refreshing product. Some would have you believe its a gimmick, but this is a gimmick I'm happy to pay the price for. It's basically water in a can... but it can be used in different ways e.g. a makeup setting spray, spray for red or irritated skin and acne or just a quick refreshing 'spritz' on a hot day.

When in France, a visit to 'Sephora' is a must and of course I ended up buying a few bits,
one of which was Sephora Colour Waterproof 24HR Liquid Eyeliner. The blue eyeliner trend of this summer has been something I've wanted to try for a while,  but yet again I haven't had the confidence to, in fear of the fact that it might end in disaster. Instead of embarrassing myself with bright blue liner, I thought I'd try some more subtle colours when I came across this little beauty. It's a purple glitter liner that can appear almost black in some lights. I've yet to use it, but I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

As we were about to depart Bordeaux, I couldn't help but notice that there was a Kiko shop, being a brand that isn't readily available in the UK I just had to go in!
They've just released their new limited edition range - Daring Game. Being the natural smokey eye lover that I am, when I saw the gorgeous palettes they had to offer, I couldn't resist. I bought the Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette in the number 03 Elegant Ebony. So excited to try this!

I'll let you know how I get on!

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders

French Pharmacy and Beauty Haul...

As you may be aware from my previous blogs, I've just returned from holidaying in France - despite this I still managed return pasty white! Eugh!

For a while now I've been compiling a list of 'beauty items' that I wanted to purchase whilst in France. Many of you may know, that France is renowned for their amazing skincare products. This seemed an ideal opportunity to take advantage of this and check out a few products that aren't so readily available in the UK.

Before even arriving in France, the charm and appeal of duty free was just too difficult to resist, resulting in me picking up a couple of items.
I'd wanted to repurchase these products for a while now... every time I'm in John Lewis or Debenhams I gaze longingly at the well stocked beauty counters, but never summon the courage to buy them. There's something about Duty Free however that instantly dispels those doubts and worries regarding the hole that will result in my bank account and, before you know it, it's already safely stowed in my basket as I waltz towards the checkout. Anyway, to the products...

The first thing I acquired was the Estee Lauder 'Lucidity Translucent Powder' in 01 Light. I first bought this product, funnily enough, in duty free a couple of years ago. I used it for a while but soon forgot about it and got swept up in the craze of Rimmel London's Stay Matte Pressed Powder. I've used this for as long as I can remember and repurchased it many times in the colours 005 Silky Beige and 006 Warm Beige.
About 2 months ago however, I found my Estee Lauder Powder whilst sorting through my collection and thought I'd give it another go. I have to say, I haven't looked back since.
I tried the Rimmel Powder again a few weeks ago but it just didn't compare to the Estee Lauder product. I'm not sure if that is because my Estee Lauder product is 'high end' and feels more luxurious, but whatever it is, I just kept reaching for it. So, when a couple of weeks ago I 'hit pan', I thought it might be the end, but I finally plucked up the courage, repurchased it and I'm absolutely loving it.

The next product is also an Estee Lauder repurchase. This is the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volumising Mascara in 01 Extreme Black - what a mouth full! It's a really volumising mascara (as the name suggests) that doesn't have a plastic brush applicator. I really like the fact that the bristles aren't plastic, as recently my eyes have become a lot more sensitive and this particular applicator doesn't irritate them. This product 'does what it says on the tin' and gives you really black volumised lashes whilst still managing to keep them looking natural and not 'clumpy', like many mascaras have a tendency to. It's 'buildable' so you can achieve a more intense look but a 'quick lick' of this and you're good to go with luscious natural lashes.
As I bought the mascara in a two set (my mum decided she wanted one too) I qualified for a free eyeliner - Estee Lauder Pure Colour Intense Kajal in 01 Blackened Black). I'm really excited to try this as I'm currently trying to find a really good pencil liner - any suggestions would be much appreciated!

More to follow tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders

All good things...

Today is tinged with sadness as our holiday comes to an end and we make our way back to the rainy UK.

Yesterday was our last day and despite the weather looking slightly murky we decided that the best way for us to spend the day was soaking up the last rays of sun.

Moules et frites is an absolute must for me when visiting France. On our last day we thought it was fitting to go out for lunch at Lac de Maubuisson to indulge in a French favourite. It was absolutely delicious.

The lake itself is so beautiful and a great alternative if you aren't a fan of the windswept beach. I personally love the lake due to it's calmness and serenity however, there are always lots of activities going on if you wish to join in.

Not having had one ice-cream at all this holiday, it only seemed right that we should treat ourselves. The range of flavours that they offer are incredible ranging from Kinder Bueno to salted caramel. I opted for Oreo flavour topped off with a huge serving of Chantilly cream which was heaven on a cone. We devoured our ice-creams whilst walking along the sand. Before I continue I feel it only right to point out that as my parents will testify, I am a very clumsy person. So, as we continued to walk, my scrumptious ice-cream decided to part company with the cone but with all the dexterity I could muster I managed to rescue my beloved Oreo delight from a sandy demise... however my skirt providing the safety blanket necessary.

However, today it's time to leave the gorgeous sun-drenched haven we know as Carcans and make our way back to the freezing cold UK. Making our way back to the airport I couldn't resist stopping as we left Carcans to take some photographs of this most beautiful wild flower meadow that we passed each time we entered the village.

It was now time to say 'au revoir' to our trusty little steed which had accompanied us on our journey courtesy of Europcar... Yes, it did have a dodgy interior colour scheme but it served us well and we are definitely going to miss it.

Checking-in brought the usual stresses and last minute panics. 'Do you have the camera?', 'Where's my wallet?'. Other than that it all went swimmingly... until we had to go through security. This is one thing about the airport that totally stresses me out. For some unknown reason, every time I go through security I have to triple check my bags for liquids or any other object that may prevent me from getting through as quickly and smoothly as possible meaning that I can then enjoy the freedom that duty free brings. Why is it that I always feel so guilty despite having done nothing wrong when confronted with a security guard and the 'body scanner'? I know it will be fine and mostly go through without any mishaps. However it would seem there are still some people who are completely ignorant of these security measures and how serious they are and today was no exception as an elderly couple provided the perfect example. 
This delightful geriatric couple who seemed completely oblivious of the requirement of modern day air travel had either never travelled before or were just plain stupid. I am a fairly nosey person so when I saw that there was a bit of a commotion going on I just had to take a closer look... I found the security man asking this elderly woman if she would open up her case as she had some liquids in her bag. 'Oh am I not allowed to take my wine home?' she innocently asked. When the man at security said 'Do you have any liquids on you ma'am?' did you not think.. 'Oh I have that bottle of wine or two in my bag!'. Okay fair enough if this was their first time travelling they may not have know that. but after this her husband then got pulled over and was asked to open his bag as the x-ray machine revealed some scissors... SCISSORS - are you serious!? 
Anyway after them moaning about how it was silly that they couldn't take their new bottle of wine and specially bought gardening scissors through security, I thought it would be okay once we were through to duty free.

After loosing all sense of smell due to spraying way too many perfumes in duty free it was time to go through passport control and get ready to board the plane. Being Speedy Boarders...check us out...allowed us to board the plane first. Being near the front we saw all the passengers get on the plane as they handed their boarding pass over to the air hostesses. Much to my dismay the elderly couple strutted on until they were stopped by the air hostess who asked to see their boarding passes - which we later found out were in their cabin bag suitcases. This entailed them having to forage through their bags to retrieve said passes in the mean time holding up the whole queue of passengers waiting to board the plane.

Arriving back to sunny... or should I say rain-drenched Bristol was all we needed to confirm to us that our holiday was firmly over. Despite this I still continued to wear my sunglasses on my head... well you've got to haven't you!

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders

Dune de Pilat, Arcachon Bay

An hours drive from Carcans lies the Arcachon Bay which is home to the 'Dune de Pilat', the tallest sand dune in Europe.

There are two ways to get to the top of this mammoth sand dune, one of the methods being the steps, thoughtfully created for those that do not wish to battle against the forces of the dune. The other, however is more of a 'two steps forward one step backward' approach (aka via the soft white sand). The struggle to the top of this 107metre dune is well worth it once you reach the top, as you have amazing panoramic views of the ocean on one side and the immense stretch of luscious green forest on the other. The expanse of soft white sand stretches as far as the eye can see.

A wonderful day was had… Its safe to say we'll all sleep well tonight.

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders

A day in Bordeaux

For me, no trip to Bordeaux would be complete without a trip to L'Entrecôte.

This is a restaurant that serves sirloin steak as the only main course on the menu. This must be my 7th visit, and it has never disappointed.

They say that the way the meat is prepared and the sauce that it is served in is a well guarded secret. Wikipedia would have you believe that it is a combination of 9 different ingredients (including blanched chicken livers), but there is much controversy surrounding this…. Whatever, the taste is sublime.

There's nothing that compares to this dish, as the queue outside the restaurant will testify. Today, having arrived at midday (opening time), we were greeted by a queue, which we dutifully joined and which only continued to grow behind us as the lunch service progressed. Despite the rather unseasonal rain, 'punters' were only too willing to wait. 

The only course on the menu that varies, is the pudding, and today we decided that the only way to conclude our meal was to indulge in profiteroles. These were ice-cream filled and had copious amounts of thick dark hot chocolate sauce topped with flaked almonds. Wow! This was then rounded of with a shot of expresso… Perfect.

A short walk from the L'Entrecote restaurant is the Opera House, home of the Opera National de Bordeaux. As the rain persisted, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a look around the inside of this truly impressive building. We've been to Bordeaux on numerous occasions, but have never ventured inside this beautiful 'theatre'. There was an exhibition being shown, based around the Alice in Wonderland story. The building itself is a grand,18th Century architectural monument with a rich 'royal' interior of blue, gold and white. 

I don't want you to think this is all high culture and food here in Bordeaux, just a few paces from the Opera House is the longest shopping street in Europe, stretching an impressive 1.2km... We just had to fit in a just a little 'retail therapy'.

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders

Chill out day in Carcans

Friday is market day in Carcans, when I say market I mean about a dozen stalls contrasting highly to the one we visited in Lacanau.

Brioche

The local church in the square where the market is held

Poppy (my Auntie's dog) accompanied us on the way there, however on the way back she clearly did not want to walk as she just decided to lie down mid walk - she even had to be carried part of the way, lucky thing!

As the weather today was pretty hot we decided to venture to Carcans Plage - the local beach which fronts the Atlantic Ocean. Turns out quite a few people had the same idea, it was packed but lovely all the same. Just listening to little snippets of French conversation made me feel a bit more connected to France.

Thanks for reading,

Martha x

*All images unless stated are photographed and copyrighted by Martha Sanders