* The sunset in “Port de Soller”

So a few months back the boy and I decided we should look into booking ourselves a well deserved trip somewhere sunny and relaxing.

Now I am the worst person when it comes to organising a holiday, I start with the mind set of “Oh I don’t mind where we go – anywhere really”…….and then develop this ridiculous often unobtainable criteria. I have no idea why this happens, perhaps because we work so hard that “play time” should be exactly that…..time to play. No interuptions. No inconvenience . No room for anything that isn’t a great big shiny TEN OUT OF TEN.

I know. I am difficult to please.

The thing is actually why shouldn’t we all expect the best? I have been sorely disappointed with many a “boutique” hotel of late and frankly if I am shelling out my hard earned dollar for a service I expect it to fall into at least the “Very Good” if not the “Excellent” end of the scale.

And my requirements for this particular getaway?

1) A pretty well-maintained small hotel ( I wanted to avoid that whole large hotel corporate ambience/rugby scrum at the buffet table scenario)
2) A relatively short under-2-hours-if-possible flight time ( If you only have 7 days who wants to spend 24 hours in journey time?)
3) Somewhere within a reasonable walking distance to a town with shops, restaurants and things to see and do.
4) Somewhere that felt like we were there….. as in not just any hotel on a beach that could be any hotel on any beach……make sense?

All in all my demands compared to usual were not too bad. Um….. so you would think it would be easy right?

Wrong.

I won’t bore you with the details of the O’Shea plight, instead I just want to tell you about the great places we discovered in Mallorca so that you too can enjoy them too – either for a romantic retreat or indeed an idillic Mini- moon.

Now first things first – please bare with me on the images, some are ok and taken with the D90, some are shocking and taken with our click-and-shoot mostly under the influence of too many cocktails. I couldn’t not illustrate this piece though so I have done the best I can with what I have

* The entrance to our room, stunning blooms and me wearing the yellow cardigan from the Park Life post. HAD to buy it.

Some people agree some people don’t but I can’t help but check Trip Advisor all the hotels we consider. I don’t take much notice of every single little moan and groan from the general public ( Jeez you wouldn’t go anywhere!) but I do use it for the top rated recommendations per area/location and certainly what places to definitely avoid.

Flights to Mallorca were easy peasy, Birmingham to Palma with Monarch, under 2 hours each way and under £200 per person. Coolio. That just left accommodation then and Trip Advisor came up trumps with CA’s Curial, a little slice of citrus heaven an 8 minute walk away from beautiful town of Soller on the North West coast.

I say citrus and I literally mean just that – lemons and oranges. The hotel is a converted family run Finca set amongst fruit trees and some of the most beautiful and vibrant blooms you have ever seen. You can’t book via an agent ( believe me we spent hours looking), instead you organise your stay directly with the hotel – we dealt with Andres “Senior” who via a couple of emails has us all ready for arrival on the 7th June in a Junior Suite for the price of a standard room.

Bargain.

After hopping into a private taxi (also organised by Andres) and a 30 minutes drive later we were there. And let me tell you lovelies it is really quite magical.

I’m not talking fancy flat-screen TV’s or satin sheets or bathrooms with a generous helping of Molton Brown hand soap. I’m talking minimal, spotlessly clean, ridiculously rustic, and very very peaceful.

If you want to get away from it all and make like you are in some secluded spanish paradise then CA’s Curial may be just the place you’ve been searching for.

There isn’t a walk-in -and-request restaurant as such but lunch and dinner can be ordered on the morning of the day you require it and served either indoors on a variety of mismatched tables and chairs or on the ( gorgeous) outdoor patio in amongst the hot pink geraniums and the sunshine. We ate there twice and both times experienced a genuine home made four course selection of delicious treats.

Breakfast is served in the same area and comes inclusive of room rates. There is an abundance of pastries ( the vanilla croissants are to-die-for), cereals, fruit, cheeses, breads and fresh juices. There is also the option to order eggs anyway-you-like and a continuous flow of tea and coffee.

* Dine Al Fresco by candlelight on CA’s Curial’s pretty patio

There is also an “honesty” bar in the pool area that stocks not only a vast array of beers and soft drinks but also any ice cream you could possibly imagine. Completely dreamy and fantastically detrimental to your waistline.

SO worth it though

As I mentioned the town of Soller was just an 8 minute stroll away via CA’s Curial’s stone paved path lined with lavender and roses ( I know it sounds just like something out of a fairytale novel – it kind of was). There are plenty of cafes, bars and places to eat and you can chose from tapas, italian, seafood or a more traditional british cuisine. There really is something for everyone.

* The lavender lined path to Soller – smells heavenly

There are also a whole bunch of independent clothing stores, pharmacies ( I ruddy love a pharmacy!) and amazing little places selling anything from contemporary jewellery to unusual pieces of art.

If you prefer something a little more bright lights/cosmopolitan the city of Palma on the south coast is just an hours train ride away through the mountains. To be honest if you’re not even interested in Palma it’s worth going for the journey alone, the views are breathtaking and the train itself is an old fashioned wooden curiosity.

* Trying to walk in a straight line after too many bellini’s at Esplendido, the view from the restaurant.

Another place near by worth a butchers was the “port de soller” which is a 15 minute taxi ride or 30 minutes on the tram, expect to pay around 8 euros per person for travel. We visited the port both in the day to mooch along the promenade and again in the evening to dine at “Esplendido” which over looks the harbour. In stark contrast to CA’s Curial this is a REAL boutique chic hotel with spectacular interior decor and one of the sexiest bar/veranda’s I have ever laid eyes on. Think bellini’s and fresh strawberry sorbet whilst you admire the sunset.

Renowned for catering for young children Esplendido is the perfect place for families who still expect the highest standard of facilities for their little ones but don’t want to compromise on style, luxury and romance.

It’s a shame we didn’t visit until our last night as we would have certainly returned.

* Catching some flare by the pool at CA’s Curial

So there you have it. A little oasis of calm only 2 hours away.

Do let us know where you ladies have planned for your mini-moon and if there is anywhere the RMW team should have a peak at. Any excuse to get lost in daydreams of holiday happiness.

Big Mallorca Love

Charlotte xxx

I am loving this week on Rock My Wedding, not only because of the seriously amazing eye candy but because of all of the reader comments we have received and all of the advice you share with each other.

What a bunch of gorgeous, kind and generous lovelies you all are

So whilst we are in the the frame of mind to “share the love” as it were and dare I say get into a little bit of a forum debate, this post is about something that makes me MAD.

Like REALLY mad.

And do you know what that is?

It’s when I read articles or listen to small minded folk who harp on about the fact that getting married has some kind of detrimental effect on your bedroom antics.

Erm Hello? What utter crap.

NB: I say bedroom antics but they could occur in the kitchen/bathroom/living room/garden shed/caravan/fancy hotel balcony/neighbours garden shed ……delete as appropriate…….just trying to cater for everyone!

Never have I felt sexier than I do now – knowing someone wants to spend the rest of their life with me, body hang-ups and all.

So rather than wallow in some kind of ” I may as well just become an old married frump and not even care about my appearance” type depression I have gone ahead and done the opposite. Looked at it as an opportunity to invest in some sexy undergarments and really make the most of my youth/gorgeous husband/general loved-up ness.

Just because I walked down the ailse it doesn’t mean I am going to reside myself to a life of grey holey panties and a distinct aversion to a razor.

Humph.

( see! see how mad it makes me!)

Thing is though, although I want to do sexy I also want to do practical (Lordy – hope that doesn’t sound incredibly yawn worthy) ……

What I mean is…. is that although I love a bit of lacy balconette and see-through sheer as much as the next person, I want to keep my undercover-lover-sex-kitten to myself ( and my man obviously) so that calls for smooth lines, a perfect fit and not something that pushes my C cups up to my chin.

First stop?

Why ladies, good old Marks and Sparks of course.

Something Blue

Contrast Ribbon from the Ceriso range, also available in black and scarlet shades ( I took the blue on holiday last week, went down ahem…. rather well) Bra £10.00 Panties £4.00

Tulip Embroidered from the Portfolio range, Bra £20.00 Panties £9.50

Rich Spot design from the Per Una range, Bra £14.00 Panties £6.00

And where to next then…..

Why Figleaves of course, the on-line mecca for all things pretty in the world of undies.

Something Floral and Fancy

No Romeo in the “Check Me Out” ( appropriate!) design, Bra £11.20 Panties £6.00

D & G ( might be my favourite of the lot) in “Winter Bloom“, Bra £29.50 Panties £25.50

6ixty 8ight in “Metropolis“, Bra £14.40 Panties £8.00

And I must point out these are IN THE SALE

woo!

So what I want to know is folks – are you in agreement with me? Are you/going to be THE sexiest wife on the planet?

I want to hear your RMW reader thoughts and of course all about your favourite purchases.

In light of keeping the blog above board and not too racy…. let’s keep it clean ladies.

Although that doesn’t exclude a little bit naughty.

Big Undercover Love

Charlotte xxx

Welcome back for Part 2 of my review of The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall.

It may seem a little off tack on a Wedding Blog but this place is a perfect solution for those of you struck by the emergency budget and left saving for a later honeymoon, or wanting to celebrate but the dream honeymoon destination you crave is out of season when you wed. Whatever the reason for you to stay in the UK it can be a real bonus when you reallocate the cash you would have spent on 2 flights out of the country or simply pocket the difference.

So this part sees me sharing the ‘Where to Go’ and what we did in this beautiful corner of the country.

A Serene Spa

If you’re looking for total relaxation this might be the only tip you need. Although I’ve visited many spa hotels for some reason I never make use of this, usually preferring to spend my pennies on things to see and do or in the local shop. This holiday was all about some R and R though, and Pete was so chilled he went along with anything.

*The indoor pool, ‘light relax’, cliff top hot tubs and hanging pods. Mmmmmmm.

We booked the Rassul treatment for 2 designed to scrub and smooth your skin to perfection and that it did. After being shown to the subterranean chamber the treatment took place in, we were given instructions on how to proceed in two stages, first an all over body scrub, applied either to yourself or each other (well, this is a romantic break!) then rinsed off and followed by a mud layer to nourish the prepared skin and a steam treatment while it soaks in. The spa team leave you to lock the door and revel in such a blissful experience. After the steam experience the final stage was a rain shower to wash it all off leaving you baby soft and totally blissed out. We eased ourselves up into the ‘light relax’ a huge room where the complimentary morning yoga takes place, filled with loungers and the most amazing Pods. Hanging in quiet corners the pods hang suspended from the ceiling and have enough space to share with your beloved while they swing gently… I’ve never had such an empty mind and de-stressed body as the hours I whiled away that afternoon.

Of course that’s not even mentioning the cliff top wood burning hot tubs… The ultimate in decadence, we spent a very happy half hour watching the sun sinking towards the horizon and working our way through a very grown up cocktail menu… Lynchburg lemonade anyone?!

Walking the Dog

On our second day at The Scarlet we decided to utilise one of our favourite hotel services – Jasper. Jasper is the hotel dog and available for walks most days – we were given a ball and headed down to the beach for some totally care free hours watching him run up and down like a loon. There’s something about animals I find very therapeutic and Jasper was so happy and bouncy it was hard not to love his company!

A Special Dinner

As it was our Anniversary, of course we wanted to eat somewhere special. As we knew we would be eating in the hotel more than once we opted to go out and there are a wealth of local restaurants started up by celebrity chefs in the locality. We are big fans of Jamie Oliver so opted for Fifteen on Watergate Bay. Just before we had gone in to get ready the weather had taken a turn for the worse and thick mist rolled in, but as we pulled up to the restaurant the mist melted and the sun dropped below the clouds meaning we had a stunning view of the sunset, over beautiful Watergate bay.

There is a very casual surfer vibe at Fifteen and I did feel a little overdressed in my outfit that night, so be warned, however the food and service couldn’t be faulted. There is a five course tasting menu available in the evenings and our waitress was possibly the most smiley, friendly and enthusiastic person we have ever met. Not normally a fan of overbearing staff, she managed to get the balance right and her attitude really lent the evening the atmosphere we wanted. The food was sensational and I’d definitely recommend a trip. The hotel arranged a luxury transfer there for us in an eco-taxi for the same price you’d expect of a normal cab.

A Trip Out

On our one cloudy day we decided to make a trip out and venture in the car to Padstow. Known by the locals as ‘Padstein,’ Rick is equally loved and loathed for making it the seat of his empire with several ‘Stein’s’ outlets, ranging from Fish and Chip take-aways, to a deli and gourmet restaurant. Food lovers will be in their element and it’s a pretty little place too, perfect for wandering and filled with art galleries showcasing local talent – there’s a lot of it!

My Husband however is a simpler man, and just loves a good pasty! His Mum is from Cornwall and he remembers his Grandma making them every Sunday as though they were going out of fashion. Although his Mum makes them herself now, she swears they aren’t as good without the Cornish water, so Pete picked up 24 and we brought them back to freeze!

Padstow is also full of cute little beachey themed home stores with gorgeous stuff, very Charlotte and I spent a happy few hours wandering there.

The Coastal Path

Now, I like a good walk, but a walker I am not!

The Scarlet is fortuitously situated right on the north Cornwall coastal path and the views are breathtaking without having to walk too far at all. Watergate bay is a slightly strenuous hour long walk to the south and a national trust cafe makes a convenient stop 40 minutes stroll north. We spent a very pleasant morning with an ice cream (pure gluttony after breakfast!) wandering south and back while I snapped away at the views and told myself I was burning off the over indulgance!

Surf’s Up!

Lastly, for those of you who are energetically inclined on holiday, Surfing is a must on a trip to Cornwall.

Pete has been an avid surfer since he was tiny, learning in these very waters and he surfed everyday we were there. We hired a board from King Surf on the beach (a nice wide thick floaty number for me) and Pete used it when I was knackered. It was only my second time and my greatest surfing achievement to date is that I managed to stand up 4 times!!!!! Pete was very proud.

If you’re sitting there thinking you don’t really fancy it, (and I do that every time I’m stood on the warm beach faced by the cold water!) definately give it a go. It’s the most epic battle to get out there but then the most exhilarating feeling speeding along on the board riding the crest of a wave. There were loads of surf schools out there while we watched – they are the perfect way to learn in a safe environment for a bargain price and they provide all your equipment.

And that’s it. We managed to pack a lot in looking back, but still had the most relaxing holiday ever. I remember feeling on the second day that if it had only been a weekend break I would have still been just as relaxed to head home at that point, so instant was the effect The Scarlet has on you.

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

My name is Charlotte O’Shea and I am addicted to my Boots Advantage Card.

Yup that’s right, I am a points whore.

There is something about that little piece if pink plastic that makes me giddy with glee especially in the run up to holiday season. You see… I save and save all of my points for months and months so that a week or so before take off to sunnier climes I can go and accumulate a whole load of beach beauty regime lovely for FREE.

A bit sad you say? hmmm quite possibly.

A whole bunch of fun though? You betcha

And as I am the worlds nosiest Madam when it comes to mooching through other peoples vanity cases here is what I purchased from the Queen of Chemists on my most recent rewards extravaganza:

Boots Beauty Bargains

Ever since they discontinued my Origins sensitive eye cream about a zillion million years ago I have been on the look out for something that works as well.

And um, I think I just found it….. Eucerin Aquaporin. Packaging is not in anyway fancy but the serum/cream hybrid inside the pump action tube has done amazing things for my under eye over the last few weeks. My fine lines are definitely less noticable and my concealer ( Christian Dior Skin Flash) goes on like a dream and stays put a whole lot longer than it used too.

Oh and it’ pretty reasonable too – just £9.99.

As anyone who read our The Futures Bright The futures NOT Orange post some months back you’ll know how serious both Rebecca and I are about practising being safe in the sun. We are both therefore BIG believers in the wonders of fake tan and any product that can give us a golden sheen without the risk of premature aging.

New wonder product for summer for me then is Soap and Glory’s Glow Getter, a spray on bronzing powder that can be used all over the body. Allow to dry for a couple of minutes and let me tell you lovelies – this baby doesn’t budge….not even after getting your limbs rained on ( I unfortunately got stuck in a downpour so inadvertently tested its waterproof claims).

(NB: Does come off easily enough in the shower with soap and a bit of scrubbing action).

Due to my fine dry skin I don’t tend to wear foundation and prefer a bit of powder and highlighter instead. I find even that a bit heavy for balmy evenings though so like to use an illuminating tinted moisturiser with just a little brush of Chanel Universalle Libre on the T-zone to take away shine.

Am LOVING the No.7 Dual Protection version this year . ‘Tis practically imperceptible and the “light” hue is a particuarly gorgeous natural shade.

Were you born with it? Erm no. It’s No.7 Mr and it’s less than a tenner.

Maximum Maxi Love

Big fan of the Maxi. Like HUGE. Wore the floor sweepers all last summer and plan on doing the same this year.

Have purchased myself a few ultra flattering numbers off the high street recently that are still available now:

From left:

The “Peggy” from Full Circle, somehow gives you Jessica Rabbit-esque curves whilst making your waist shrink before your very eyes. My favourite clothing purchase this year so far ( oh and it was featured in Grazia magazine so if you want one snap up now before everyone else does)

A low back silky number from the most recent Kate Moss collection at Topshop. The cut of this is beautiful and really does look like a gown that could be 3 or 4 times the price. Mr O’Shea said “it is one of the most elegant and feminie dresses” he has ever seen. And he hardly EVER comments on the specifics of my clothes. Must be good then I guess

River Island have a surprising assortment of lovely Maxi’s this year, they offer this style in both a show stopping peacock print and this pretty paisley which I have invested in. The bust line is a little on the plunging side but is ever so sexy…

The Importance Of Friends

One of the biggest mistakes I made whilst wedding planning was not asking for help. I really should have got off my “I can do this all myself” throne and called upon those nearest and dearest. Unfortunately I failed miserably and as a result took on far more stress than was necessary.

Please please don’t make the same mistake as me lovelies.

We sincerely hope that you gorgeous lot find inspiration and guidance here on Rock My Wedding and that if something is really bothering you, you can just drop Rebecca or I an email or post a comment on the blog where other brides to be ( and marrieds!) can offer some much needed advice.

So just for no other reason than I would like to give a shout out to some of my lovely friends whom great things have been happening to in recent weeks….. a little bit of wifey love.

Firstly my sister who has just signed a fancy contract with Channel 4, she will be making famous faces look even lovelier with her impressive make-up skills.

Maria for getting what must be one of THE coolest jobs on the planet – so proud of you Pet.

Hannah ( below left) who this month became Mum to the beautiful Isabella, Victoria (below right – she of Beauty not Beast fame) who turned 27 last week and gets funnier and more brilliant every year.

Sarah – just for being utterly A.mazing and last but not least Rebecca, who is fast becoming one of the most genuine and lovely people I have ever met.

So lovelies if you’re under the weather and could really do with a W-day helping hand, pick up the phone and give a friend a call. They will only be too happy to help.

Promise.

Big Lets All Have A Group Hug Love

Charlotte xxx

As some of you might know today is my anniversary. Such a significant time your first anniversary – and actually I wasn’t sure how to mention and celebrate it with regards the blog.

I couldn’t not say anything, after all Rock My Wedding was created on the back of the popularity of You Rock My World – my original wedding report detailing one girls journey ( that’ll be me then)… to get the Big Day she actually wanted, not the one she felt she ought to have.

( Yes even if that meant cancelling everything and starting practically from scratch with less than 5 months to go)

The thing is, the O’Shea Big Day wouldn’t have happened at all if it hadn’t been for James, and without his patience and support Rock My Wedding wouldn’t be here either ( and what a significantly less pretty blogosphere it would be ay )

So then.

I’m dedicating this post to my husband.

Because just like when we met, just like on our wedding day and just like today….. he totally rocks my world.

Because there are a million reasons and I could never list them all but y’know – in true Charlotte style I have had a Blo*dy good go.

Don’t expect Shakespere here lovelies, I just say it like it is.

Because I Love You

- a little piece of wifey type poetry by Charlotte O’Shea.

Because no matter where I might be I know you are always by my side.

Because you are my boy

Because …

Because you are you.

Big Anniversary Love Baby

Your Wife xxx