Krka National Park & Islands of Music, Croatia

The Krka National Park is one of the most stunning natural places I have visited and is a taste of paradise. We travelled from the port of Split in Croatia to the National Park which is open to the public either to walk about or take a dip in the waterfalls. The Krka Waterfalls is the jewel of the national park as you can literally swim under the waterfalls yet it was packed with locals, tourists and there are strong currents therefore you can't get too close. The currents may pull you along the refreshing (but slightly mucky) water and the surface of the floor is very rocky however, that does not sidetrack from the natural beauty and enjoyment at this National Park.

The second day in Croatia was spent in Dubrovnik on a tour of the Elaphite Islands: Lopud, Šipan and Kolocep Island. The tour was named Islands of Music as we travelled by pirate boat, (looked like one) with traditional Croatian music playing sailing the seas: an idyllic scene. The islands, as illustrated in the images, are truly beautiful. The waters are crystal clear so as to see the minute fishes swimming nearby the white sandy beaches. The islands are an extremely calming place to stay as it is not packed with people, due to the size of population, nor packed with cars. As the islands are relatively small your legs are the main transportation or alternatively, bicycles with a small crate attached for storage (or smaller passengers). Šipan Island provides the most undisturbed atmosphere yet it is not a place of affluence. The houses often lack a lavish appearance because in the past it was thought to ward off pirates as they appeared not to be worth stealing from! Overall these islands are a tranquil escape from the city life, only 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, worth a day-trip or longer.  

Krka National Park 

Krka Waterfalls 

Kolocep Island Harbour 

Šipan Island Harbour 

Šipan Island Homes 

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Black, White and the colours of Burano

Printed Playsuit: Primark 

Leather Backpack: Accesorize 

Leather Coral Sandals: Primark 

Circle Sunglasses: Matalan

-apinchofsaffron x

Murano, Burano and St.Marks, Venice

Firstly, in the beautiful Venice, we went to the island of Murano; famous for the traditional Murano glass making. I witnessed the art of the glass-blowing in the showroom of a family-owned, yet established, shop that showcased the finest pieces of glass from delicate jewellery to golden encrusted vases. If you are interested in this art and want to buy the Murano glass the best place to get it is definitely on the island. The certified stamp of Murano confirms it is the 'real deal' and is often cheaper than buying it in St. Marks square!  

The Burano island is widely known for the lace-making and the distinguishable colourful houses upon approval. The unique colours of each individual house is so that fisherman would be able to navigate in thick fog when primary industry, fishing, dominated and was the main source of income for the Islanders. Many pizzerias can be found in Burano but the recommendation would be to try the local pastry 'bussolà', a sweet lemon-flavoured biscuit.

St. Marks square is really worth all the fuss. Aside from the jam-packed streets, the architecture in the square is magnificent in its structure and history. Sadly there was not time for gondolas (they're a fortune anyways) but I wish we had longer in Venice. We rushed to see the iconic Pier Rialto but ended up on the bridge, getting one photograph with the scaffolding in and rushed back again. A weekend trip to Venice, personally, would be enough time to explore the sights more fully which I hope to do soon, in the near future. 

Murano Glass-making Showcase 

Coloured houses of Burano Island 

St. Marks Square

Hidden Canals 

Pier Rialto Bridge 

Thanks for reading! -apinchosaffron x

City of Ljubljana and Lake Bled, Slovenia

Firstly upon flying from Gatwick to Corfu, we sailed for a day on the cruise ship until reaching the port of Koper in Slovenia. In Slovenia, we took a coach to the capital city of Ljubljana which looked deserted upon arrival. However the town square was full of life: picturesque cafes, restaurants, and shops with the Ljubljanica River flowing around the busy streets. Later we travelled to Lake Bled which we observed from the highest point of the medieval Bled Castle exhibiting the beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and the town. The Lake is open to the public for recreation such as rowing as well as fishing. The photographs don't really give any justice to the beauty really but I did my best of capturing the moment. Of course, though, the best way to visualise it is to go and see for yourself! 

The Heart of Ljubljana - An artist's work

Lake Bled from Bled Castle 

Port of Koper

Thanks for reading! -apinchofsaffron x

The Adriatic Explorer

 Recently I went on a cruise around the Adriatic Sea exploring multiple European countries in a short space of time.




Although we had a limited time to explore the various locations it is undoubtedly an exciting (and hectic) way to visit different countries. We spent seven days away with one day at sea and five days in a new location everyday. I will be posting more details and hopefully give you a glimpse into these stunning places!





Day 1 - Day at Sea
Day 2 - Koper, Slovenia
Day 3 - Venice, Italy
Day 4 - Split, Croatia
Day 5 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 6 - Kotor, Montenegro

The weather on the ship was windy yet, there was still direct sunlight and therefore summer clothes could still be worn. These flared trousers were the perfect accompaniment to this black halter neck top as it provided not too much cover up and both items are light to wear in the heat. I fell in love with these 70s-style flares as I had been looking for a funky pair that don't swallow up the shape of the body and this pair from H&M for £9.99 (bargain) met the requirements! The accessories worn make it look like I've made more of an effort with this outfit ha.





Wide-rimmed hat: Primark
Black halter neck top: Vintage
Printed flares: H&M
Sandals: Primark

Thankyou for reading, stay tuned for the rest of my photographs during my travels.
-apinchofsaffron x

The Perfect LBD

LBD: ASOS

The classic LBD must be elegant, flattering and obviously black! I found my perfect match at ASOS during the summer sales with this lacy asymmetrical number. The wraparound style with asymmetric hem makes it up-to-date and instantly upgrades the dress from simple to sophisticated. The lace acts as a light cover up of the arms and back for modesty and also distinguishes it from other styles; it adds an extra element to the details of the dress. 

Based on my personal opinion I also think the dress looks much more expensive that I got it for, the material is of a good quality and overall fits the body well. Previously it was £65.00 but is now £19.50 an extremely reasonable price for an classy dress that can be worn to a variety of different occasions. The dress is still available currently on the ASOS site but in a limited amount of sizes. 

Thanks for reading! -apinchofsaffron x

Blue Bohemian in Dubai

Printed top: Primark 

Culottes style shorts: Asos 

Wide-rimmed hat: Primark 

Sandals: Primark

Due to the 40 degree heat in Dubai I was able to bust out some of my old summer clothes and also was obligated to buy some new ones. One of the outfits I wore is shown in the pictures above. 

This top caught my eye in Primark with its patterned boho vibe and the cute bobble fringing. Although the material is not the best quality, I was won over at the price of only £6! 

I love culottes shorts as they aren't tight or short, have a modest length and are straight cut. Therefore they can suit a classier evening look with heels and keep you cool in those summer nights. I got these in the sale a few years back so they won't be available on Asos sadly, however, the top and hat were recent buys and should still be available in Primark. 

The wide-rimmed hat is wearable in winter and summer, providing good protection from the sun or cold weather but still instantly transform a simplistic outfit. 

Thanks for reading!
-apinchofsaffron 

My Nail Essentials

1. Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover 75ml 

Magic in a tub! This Bourjois nail polish is so easy to use as it instantly dissolves nail polish without the effort of a cotton wool pad and normal nail polish remover. I think the 'one second' aspect is a slight exaggeration but it is definitely faster and a much less lengthy task! Another benefit of this alternative remover is the fruity scent and is a much cheaper dupe than some other high-end makeup brands that I've seen. I have had this for a couple of months and I can see there is a vast difference to when I first bought this so, I would suggest investing in a more expensive version that would last longer. However, if you're looking for a quick, cheap, sweet solution this is the one for you! 

2. Models Own 4-way Nail Buffer

After trying many nail files this model's own 4-way buffer has been the best for me and at only £2.99 you can't go wrong! Just follow the four step process to file, buff, smooth and shine your nails as instructed; there's really nothing to it. Although, if you have very strong nails this file is quite weak and therefore would take you longer to file down your nail to the shape you want. Apart from that, though, the Models Own nail buffer is an easy and cheap essential that I highly recommend.

3. OPI Matte Nail Envy
My favourite nail essential is the famous OPI 'nail envy', nail strengthener. The well renowned nail envy has been adapted for a matte finish which gives an invisible finish that can be used on both males and females. I can definitely tell the difference when I use this on my natural nails giving them an instantly more healthy and protected feel and look. This nail strengthener can be used as just a simple treatment for your nails by applying two coats, as well as a base coat for nail lacquer. It includes hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium (sounds important) which I just know whatever it does, it works! OPI is obviously quite pricey (at nearly £17 for a bottle) at the shops and therefore have included the link to a discounted price at good ol' Amazon.

Tell me what you think of these essentials if you have them or if you decide to invest in them..

-apinchofsaffron x

Autumn in Greenwich

Heeled Boots: Zara

Leather bowler bag: Ebay

Printed scarf: Zara 

Jeans: Primark

A more simple outfit this time with more concentration on the stunning architecture in Greenwich. Greenwich is a definite must-see place in London as you can capture some beautiful symmetries in the famous landmarks, as well as visiting where Thor 2 was filmed ;). We stayed mainly near to the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark and just up the hill is the iconic Queens House which,  sadly, I did not visit this time round but is also definitely worth seeing. The beautiful weather complimented this Autumn day perfectly for me to get some outfit photographs!

I went for this grey speckled roll-neck jumper which is an extremely popular trend this Autumn to keep cosy and I can see the roll-necks staying in trend for a while. I have worn my boyfriend coat to death however it is the most practical option and matches my extra extra warm Zara scarf which is like a blanket (wrapped around my bag as seen in photos). Best till last: my boots!! These boots are very comfortable, and so amazing, but as a personal preference, I would not walk long distances because the heels can become painful after a while (as they do). Overall, I suggest investing in these burgundy boots at the current reduced price of only £19.99 and also in the black colour - quick though, I don't think it will last very long!

-apinchofsaffron x