Fat Frocks: April 2011

Day-dreaming of One of the Pillars of Hercules

By Gem - 20:46:00

As you might be able to tell, I really quite like travelling when I can. Though the next year is looking to be a busy one, I have had the chance to daydream a bit. With so many great places to visit across Europe alone, at least there is no shortage of possible stops! And one of the pillars of Hercules might just be one of these.

The place I'm talking about is Gibraltar, who is also known as one of the pillars of Hercules from its very early history. I realise it's not quite the same as the places I've visited before, like the national trust Oast House I visited in February, but I really think that Gibraltar could be a really rewarding visit at some point in the future. For example, if you've seen their Highest Point (not higher than 425 meters) it's a really stunning view. And it actually has its own little piece of quite interesting history, as you can also find O'Hara's Battery, which is an artillery fortification built in 1890. The fun for us, and unfortunate for O'Hara, is that it quickly adapted the name “O'Hara's Folly” as from a military strategic point of view it soon proved almost useless. 

photo source

Though, if I was there I would probably stop by the Moorish Castle, what is more tempting is definitely to see the stunning natural phenomenon that has been dubbed St. Michael's Cave. I mean, those kind of cave structures that creates halls and compartments that almost seem designed is in itself quite amazing. That it is tied to various legends and stories doesn't calm the intrigue either. 

Gibraltar isn't the biggest place either, which can be a good and bad thing really, depending on what you like. Though I'm thinking that if you're staying for a few days, that it is small can be nice. It's just about a 10 minute drive from the St. Michael's Cave to the Main Street (or a nice 1 hour hike), where you can really take in the nice weather over a chilled drink, maybe a wine or two? 

The really rather interesting thing about small places like this is that they have so many different aspects to their character within such a limited area. Like I mentioned, St. Michaels' is rather centre of the island, and earlier this month, it really was just a short trip down to the bay where LadyLucks hosted their Roulette Masters grand final which started off online and then the final was live. That a roulette tournament starts off online, and then transcends into its final stages in a physical location is itself something new. And almost as brilliant as being able to walk from a beautiful naturally created hall to the man-made charming restaurants with a view of the sea-side. 

All in all, it's mostly day dreaming for now. After all, there's plenty of locations that are closer that deserve a proper visit too. But maybe one day a trip just south of Spain could be a thing to do, considering its remarkably varied sources of veritable pass-times ranging from hiking, to roulette, to the many various Churches and Cathedrals (both man-made and not)! 

At any rate, if it happened that this sparked an unknown desire for you to visit Gibraltar, I suggest visiting this site as it offers plenty of information.

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asos

Day Off Casual

By Gem - 22:55:00

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decorating

Spring Florals

By Gem - 09:54:00

The weather is still lovely in south Wales so I decided to wear some lovely bright florals to work yesterday. I felt a little over dressed but most of my clothes are black and they aren't really appropriate for this time of year.

I don't wear many short cardis but now I've lost 21 lbs I'm feeling a little more confident and I feel like I don't need to wear long cardis to cover up. Off to my weigh in at half 10 so wish me luck! If I lose another 21 lbs I might even buy some shorts or trousers, I know, it's madness!! I haven't worn trousers since the age of 17.
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Dress: Peacocks
Cardigan: Primark
Belt: New Look
Necklace: gift

I popped in to Primark whilst waiting for a friend to arrive in Cardiff to go for drinks and I bought loads of cheap accessories, including this hair clip which was only £1! I also go some hair bands and pretty little brooches. I'm allergic to cheapy jewellery so I tend to wear brooches and hair clips because they don't come in to contact with my skin. It can be such a shame because places like Topshop have great costume jewellery and I just can't wear it :(

I have been clearing out the attic ready for the big move and I found a big box of handbags that I had forgotten all about and this one was in there. It looks a little but like a camera case and it went perfectly with my outfit. I also found a bright yellow bag from Topshop in the attic which I will be using over the summer now I have rediscovered it.

Another bargain just like my Primark flower, this polish was only £1 on e.l.f, it doesn't have the greatest staying power but it is a very pretty shade. I think I might get a lilac from Models Own because I love this shade so much but don't have the time to paint my nails so often and I know Models Own lasts much longer.

I've been buying lots of home magazines for some inspiration and Your Home had a feature about a bedroom using blue and white just like I want and listed where I could get a lot of the things I needed which is great. My mam and I are having a few disagreements on decorating, I like more traditional things and my mam prefers modern decor, I will wear her down!

I'm going to have a meeting with some people from Cancer Research Wales tomorrow about writing for their website and I'm going to check out their new bridal boutique charity shop in Whitchurch which is all very exciting. Sookie has gone in to the vets to get spayed today, I wanted to stay with her but you are not allowed, my poor little girl! I'm sure she will be fine but I will be thiinking about her the whole time I'm in work.

Hope you are all having a lovely sunny week!