Relocation Frustration

Packing up and moving is always a difficult task...but to do it in a country that you have never stepped foot in before is a WHOLE new challenge!

After a whirlwind couple of days in London, I have finally settled into my new home and am ready to report back on what I saw at Maison and Objet as well as introduce you to some fabulous places I stumbled across in Paris...

but first I must catch up on some sleep!

Who's your Mama?

It is currently raining in Paris so I decided to have a night in - giving me the perfect opportunity to enjoy my Philippe Starck designed hotel room.

Mama Shelter was created by the Trigano family, who are the co-founders of Club Med, and French philosopher Cyril Aouizerate. Such a team definately justifies the unique concept of the hotel and then when you throw Philippe Starck into the mix, you get a finished product that is unlike anything you have ever seen.

The hotel is filled with all the latest mod cons and unique services that will make your stay even more exciting. My favourite feature would definately be flat screen Macs in each room. As a Mac user myself, I love the convenience of being able to connect with the rest of the world from the comforts of my hotel bed...but Mama takes it one step further...

Their Macs just don't offer tv channels and movies. They also keep you up to date with all the happenings of Paris, provide you with the weather, your own personal wake up call, various radio stations, maps of the city, iChat, internet and a photo booth where they encourage you to take funny photos with the masks provided for other guests to see!

The overall interior of the hotel is dark and intriguing. You will find yourself searching and discovering something new every time you enter a room.

What surprises me most is the fact that there are no down lights in any of the guest rooms. Instead a combination of pendants have been hung over utility areas such as the kitchenette, desk and bedside table.

In contrast to the dark rooms, each wet area within the hotel is stark white with green accents...complimenting the concrete and black painted walls beautifully.

This hotel may not be in the heart of Paris but it is definately worth a visit. Here you get the best of both worlds - high end Parisian style and a local,urban vibe that steers you clear of all those annoying tourists! I will definately be staying here again next time I'm in Paris.

Paris Arrival

On Monday I arrived in Paris which is still my most favourite city in the world - the streets, the buildings, the fashion and, most importantly, the decor is so alluring. I don't think Parisians have ever put a foot wrong! They have definately set a good template for design which causes everything they create to become so iconic.

I have a jam-packed week here so stay tuned for my Objet Maison report and tour of the city...

Sweet Little Morsels

For the last 6 months, my sister has been living and studying in Bologna. Such a stark contrast from what I saw in Naples, this city has more of a youthful vibe with a traditional ambiance that you can't help but fall in love with.

My first day was spent wandering the streets - with my nose as my guide. The amazing mix of smells made me melt at the knees. You are truly spoilt for choice with delicatessens, patisseries and cafes covering this small city centre.

I was introduced to a little gem called Caffe Terzi. It's a gorgeous place just off the main drag that serves the most amazing macchiato. Just before they serve it, the coffee is sprinkled with handmade chocolate right in front of you! They definately make it hard to stop at just one.

If it is something sweet you are after, you can't look past Gamberini. This cafe was established in 1907 - so they have definately perfected their craft in the last 103 years.

They make a nice coffee too but their pastries are simply melt in your mouth delightful! I definately recommend the choc chip cannolli and their tiny fruit flans.

If you really want to splurge though, check out these amazing cakes. The detail that goes into each one is incredibe - I really don't know if I could cut one of these up...actually no...take that back...

Sweet Discovery

On our last day in Sorrento we decided to do a little shopping in the centre of town. A beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary design lined the streets and lead us to Piazza Tasso, where we stumbled across this wonderful little homemade produce store.

Fattoria Terranova has the most amazing range of handmade pastas, spreads, spices and sauces I have ever seen. The aroma was sweet heaven and it was hard to resist not buying one of everything!

In the end, I chose a jar of Confetturadi di Fichi to tantalise my taste buds. The figs in Italy are so full and sweet so I look forward to speading this jam on my English muffins when I get to London.