The "To-Do" list guide to Monte Carlo, Monaco

My first exposure to Monte Carlo came at the tender age of eleven, technically speaking. I was home in bed with a high fever (probably strep throat or some kind of crazy bug you get when you are young and catching everything under the sun). It was the weekend and I was feeling miserable. I crawled into bed in the afternoon, in my parents room, and my dad came to lay next to me and switched on the TV. Just the weekend before we had watched my first "old movie." It was Paper Moon, starring Tatum O'Neal. Obviously my dad had remembered how much better I felt, snuggled up and enjoying cinema classics. So, he switched on the TV and I was mesmerized as I watched Cary Grant and Grace Kelly speed through the roads of Monte Carlo. I was a smitten kitten. At that moment, age eleven and with a temperature of 101, I made a promise to the universe that I would one day go there and feel every bit the superstar that Grace Kelly looked in the film. 

So, finally at the ripe old age of 36, I made good on that promise to myself and the universe. I may not have had Cary Grant by my side, nor was I driving a sports car with the top down (although this is in the works), but I did do quite a few things, that I think, Mr. Grant and Ms. Kelly would have greatly approved of during my stay. And while I was doing these things, I made a mental list of what exactly a tourist of the Principality of Monaco should do upon their arrival. Here's your top ten list of what to do with a weekend in Monte Carlo(with a few pics thrown after it all for good measure):

1. Travel into Monte Carlo by helicopter

Now I know what you're thinking - it's just as easy to drive or take a train from the Nice airport, so why would I take a helicopter? Well, my friends, first things first - it isn't anywhere near as expensive as you think it is. Ok, it isn't cheap either, but you are looking at around 150 euros for an experience that is well worth the investment. I mention this because I thought helicopter travel would be something I could never dream of doing, mainly because I had no idea of the cost. Well, now you do and you can make an educated decision. For seven minutes you are flown on what can only be described as the most luxurious arrival vehicle touching down in the Principality. You have the best view of the city and the easiest form of passport control I've yet to encounter. 

2. Rent or borrow a car to drive the Grand Prix track

Now, I did not do this on this visit, but a plan of action is in the works. I actually felt wrong leaving Monte Carlo having not done this. I can't tell you the number of times I've had to watch the Grand Prix with my dad and brothers at home and now, being in the city and not driving the famous hairpin turns, it all seems so wrong. So find a friend with a Ferrari, or take you rented Honda and make the turns.

3. Coffee or an ice cream sundae at Cafe de Paris

Cafe de Paris is legendary, mainly because of the location of the cafe. It sits on the other side of the famous Hotel de Paris and runs perpendicular to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. In short, it offers a view of the action that you won't find anywhere else. Sit and sip your coffee as you watch supercar after supercar pull up to the hotel or casino and hand over their keys to the happiest valets this side of the UK. Ok, it's also pretty famous because their sweet treats are somewhat epic in nature. Basically, it doesn't matter about the price. You are paying for the show going on around you as much as you are the beverage or dessert in front of you.

4. Stroll the Avenue Princesse Grace

Once said to the most expensive street in the world, this is a place to view new and old architecture alike, as well as to stargaze and dream about who may be living inside apartments that cost as much as $17,750 a square foot. But, don't let your strolling end there. Monte Carlo is an easy town to visit by foot. There is plenty to see, both inland and on the shore - and new things popping up all the time.

5. Nobu at the Fairmont Monte Carlo

This just has to be done. Nobu is legendary, and for good reason. Not only is the food superb, but you're always going to see a familiar face sitting in the restaurant. This is Monte Carlo, and Nobu is one of the best restaurants in the world. You do the math. It's a dinner worth dressing up for.

6. Stay out until sunrise

You'll find that every nightclub, worth going to, in Monte Carlo, has a policy of opening late and closing at sunrise. Yup - that's the only official closing time - when the sun comes up. Seems the night is meant for Monte Carlo fun and the city wants to deliver an experience you won't forget. From Jimmy'z to Sass Cafe, this scene has something for everything. You just need enough nights to find your perfect match!

7. Get historical with the Prince's Palace of Monaco

You can't go to Monaco and not at least try to stop by and say hello to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, right? It would just be plain rude. So, make your way up to the Prince's Palace and pay your respects. There are some great places for selfies and a killer view of the city. 

8. Shop til you drop!

If you come to Monte Carlo with more money than you know what to do with, you're going to want to go shopping, right? Well, don't expect to run into a Gap or a Zara after your coffee at Cafe de Paris. You are surrounded by top end retailers in the Carre d'Or. Everyone from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent has a shop here and they are all too happy to help you spend your hard earned cash. It should be noted that even if you aren't in line to buy a Chanel bag, the window shopping in this part of the world is second to none. Get out there and give the designers a whirl. 

9. The Exotic gardens and observation cave

The world seems to be obsessed with succulents these days, right? Well, Monaco has one of the most impressive collections of succulents in the Exotic Gardens with an impressive view of the city at its feet. You need a little culture while in town, right?

10. Grab the tour bus

I have always said that the best way to start a tour of any city is with a quick ride around on the local tour bus. Even if you just take this to get a lay of the land, it's totally worth it. Monaco has a The Monaco Grand Tour. Jump on in your first morning in Monte Carlo and make notes of all the places that are of interest - to each their own and my list might just not be your cup of tea. Then take that list and plan a course of attack for however long you're in town. Easy peasy!

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FFG in Monte Carlo: The Video

See, I'm getting better at this, people. I knew vlogging would take a little getting used to, but I'm well on my way into making this a part of my day to day life. Although, would we say taking a helicopter into Monte Carlo is really part of my everyday life? Only in my wildest dreams....ha!

Here's your first look at the latest video adventure featuring everything from fantastic views (including lots of food) to seriously ridiculous outtakes. Enjoy!

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Rewind and Refresh

KALITA dress

GUCCI shoes

KATERINA MAKRIYIANNI earrings

MONICA VINADER ‘Eternity’ rings

MONICA VINADER ‘Riva’ bracelet

SAINT LAURENT bangle

The somewhat extempore trip that I took to Thailand with my sister turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Time to reflect, unwind and try to teach myself what it really means to relax, why has it become rocket science lately? Although I am in a extremely happy place, I’ve been living with that ‘I am too tired to fall asleep’ feeling for while. I guess it’s learning to identify the difference between being emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted.

I spoke a lot about changes and new beginnings in my previous post. These are evolvements that I am planning to apply to not only to my inner self, but to 5 inch and up as well. Soon I’ll be able to introduce you to a all new, better site design, where I (among a lot of things) will be talking about new and innovative designers in a more frequent manner. So on my life changing trip, I packed a dress by Kalita, who is specifically making dresses that translates to the perfect travel pieces, maxi dresses in general are ideal for lazy holiday dressers, which we are all allowed to be on our getaways. The earrings are surprisingly enough aren’t from a local market, but by Katerina Makriyianni. The designer who has recently been snapped up by Net-a-porter was giving me major boho wanderlust before I even knew I was taking a trip, a good dodge in the direction to be a bit more creative with the holiday accessory choices.

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FFG Travels: Fairmont Monte Carlo

Let me set the scene. A helicopter swings into the shores of Monte Carlo. Out of the black door and beneath the spinning blades in the sky emerges a statuesque figure, wearing black shades, carrying a swish hold all bag and sporting fabulous footwear. As she approaches passport control, off the helipad of Monte Carlo, and rips her sunglasses from her eyes, she catches the rug in the front room  and begins a tumble that nearly ends in epic embarrassment. Yup, this is me in Monte Carlo. Just goes to show you can dress-em up, take one to the most decadent city in the world and still see one's true colours shining through. Only, when you are staying at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, even the biggest klutz in the world gets to feel like a pampered princess. 

After arriving in Monte Carlo for the first time, I was whisked away, by van, to the Fairmont to begin my stay in what can only be described as the hottest spot in town. No, really, this isn't an over exaggeration. The Fairmont is home to Monte Carlo's hottest bar/club experience - Nikki Beach. It also has the best location in town to see the famous hairpin turn of the Monaco Grand Prix (even George Lucas takes a suite here every year to enjoy the race from the best vantage point). Then there's the view, out the other side. As the Fairmont sits on the sea - yes, you are truly hanging out over the ocean when you walk onto your room's balcony- the view of the water doesn't get much better. And that's not even talking about the action you get to take in from your balcony as you watch yacht after yacht come and go. 

It's all enough to make you think that the hotel's Casino downstairs may just be your ticket into the good life. Any winnings would of course first be spent at Nobu - again, located in the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Are you starting to see a trend here? "Place-To-Be." And, in all honesty, you don't really need to go and buy your own yacht, at the end of the day, as staying at the Fairmont Monte Carlo is really meant to mimic that whole experience. The hotel, with just over 600 rooms, has a distinct nautical theme to it. One could easily believe you are staying in the most elaborate stateroom of one of the luxury yachts you see sailing in front of you from hour to hour. Only you needn't worry about pesky sea sickness. And I'm betting luxury yachts don't come complete with a full suite bathroom featuring only the finest of Le Labo products for your enjoyment. 

While the location of the Fairmont Monte Carlo is ideal for sea lovers and Grand Prix fanatics alike, it's also ideally located for tourists visiting the city for the first time. It is moments away from the famous Casino, literally a stone's throw from the famous Cafe de Paris and will have you shopping the likes of Chanel and Gucci in a few footsteps. You can't get much more convenient. This is, of course, why the hotel is full of seasoned Monte Carlo lovers. 

In a nutshell, I've just added the Fairmont Monte Carlo to one of my top ten hotels to visit list - well, my mental top ten list anyway. I could not have been more impressed with the location, the service and the comfort level provided by this establishment. I mean any hotel that sends up a complete set of workout gear - including sneakers and head to toe spandax - after finding out you left yours at home, is a hotel that gets five stars from me. I leave impressed and excited about a return visit!

Fashion Foie Gras stayed as a guest of the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

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Nail Goals that are easy AF

I straight up have the worst nails in the world. Despite all those lotions and potions all the will power in the world has not stopped be biting my nails. At the age of 26 I still nibble the absolute crap out of them and pick them whenever Im nervous. So false nails are my absolute go to and a must in my life to disguise my ugly little stubbers.

On a recent jaunt around Sueprdrug I picked up a couple of pairs of the Rosie Bea x Elegant Touch Nails because the pretty packaging and cute nail art drew me right in.

NGL, They are a bit longer than I'd normally wear and its been an experience adapting to the claw shape. I found them to be a lil awkward at first and typing was a pain in the butt. If you think I cant type normally the post I attempted to write when I was wearing these was just a mess. None the less they get a A+ for scratching though, v. satisfying. I wish they were slightly shorter but I could have just filed them if I wasnt so lazy.

If ya wanna see how I apply them then check out a little video I made of me putting them on, because... why not eh. I found the application super easy and I was able to do both my hands in less than two minutes, sizing took a little longer but I didn't have to file 'em down at all which is always a blessing because thats effort.

If youre into claw nails then I'd reccomend them, but Im not converted to the style. Short Square for lyffff over here! I wore them for about 4 days before I got bored of them and decided to take 'em off in favour of a shorter style. None the less for about 6 quid you cant really fault 'em. 

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Alexa Archive for M&S

I have to admit I was a lil' underwhelmed by the Alexa Chung x M&S Archive collection when I first saw some of the images for it. While cute it felt a little blah and nothing really stood out to me. However one thing really caught my eye and it was this super jazzy paisley print dress.

P. loud compared to my usual type of thing but I have a soft spot for all things 60's and a real thing for anything with a bit of contrast piping. Based off some apron from the 50's with a 60's style fit and then updated a little with unique neckline details. It's absolutely adorable and you can totally see how Alexa Chung influenced this dress as it's so so so her.

Im so glad I picked it up even though I really wasnt too sure when I actually bought it. I liked it but I was like is it too loud for me? Would I actually wear it? Damn right I would. As soon as I put it on I knew that it was the dress for me. It's so flattering and fun and literally right up my street style wise. Paired with a leather jacket and some booties this is definitely doing to be a outfit Im rocking a lot this summer.

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14 days later... the System Professional recap

When I first sat down with the experts at System Professional, I was told that women across the UK had been returning to their hairdressers two weeks after entering the System Professional regime and demanding to see their stylist. Naturally, this is every stylist's nightmare. Usually clients only return when they wish to complain about their cut or colour. But, for the first time, women were returning to the salon to thank their stylists for their home care transformation. Women stepped back in to show off bouncy hair, shiny hair and hair that, quite frankly, looked salon fresh. I'm a cynic, through and through. So I was pretty convinced that this was just salesmanship at its finest. I wanted to drink the KoolAid and believe the hype. I left Wella's London offices, with a bag full of products and hair ready to be improved and here's what happened.

I went home and admired the instant transformation from the salon, first and foremost. This was hair that really did live up to what was being sold. It was indeed bouncier, it was so shiny that I'm pretty sure I blinded a few people with sun reflections on the way home, and it was as soft as silk. Sure, sure, who doesn't have this sort of fabulous hair feeling after a salon visit, right? I'm still wondering when the whole thing reveals itself as a gimmick. Only, it never did. 

Two weeks on and my hair really does seem to have shifted in its makeup. I have been rough drying my hair at home, after using the shampoo, conditioner and serum that was recommended to me from the experts at System Professional. The proof, for me, however, is in the way other people react to my hair. Does that seem silly? I mean, I can think it looks amazing, but if other people aren't complimenting does it really mean anything? It's the whole "if a tree falls with no one around" sort of scenario. And ladies, the compliments have been rolling in. People have been asking me who is doing my blow outs - newsflash... it's me! Others have wondered if I had put in extensions (ok, I did one day to get six more inches of hair, but that doesn't count in this instance). 

The bottom line here is that we know no two hair scenarios are the same. It's like skin - we are all after the perfect combo that will give us the greatest complexion and women the world over are willing to spend hundreds of pounds a month finding this perfect recipe for success. Why aren't we all doing the same on hair? Well, I believe it's because we've never been given the proper assistance needed to make this a reality. 

With the System Professional, we are offered a service that can cater to the masses in millions of different ways. One stop into the salon for a seat with an expert and you're given a chance at having the hair of your dreams. Too much? Ok, let's be realistic. These people can't promise a new head of hair. You're still working with what God gave you. You won't instantly double the amount of hair on your head or grow the twelve inches you've been craving over night. But System Professional will improve upon what you've got. If nothing else, it's worth giving it a go. 

Next steps? First of all, if you're a die hard cynic like myself, you can take the first step of logging on to the System Professional site, taking the Energy Code quiz and getting some trial products sent your way to give it a go. Or, if you're ready to get some real help and believe in the power of person to person advice, find your local System Professional salon and make an appointment with someone who can really set you up with the best set of tools to achieve salon-like hair on a daily basis. Simple as, right? 

Keep in mind that everything is also amendable. There are a few tweaks that I'll be making to my system after giving it a go - but this is encouraged. The experts want to know what works and what doesn't work - what you love and what you loathe. Just like any other regime, things need constant attention and management. After time, everything changes. But, I'm sticking with this. It works.

Fashion Foie Gras worked in collaboration with System Professional.

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This hat has summer written all over it... (for £19.99)

For those of you that have been obsessing over Eugenia Kim hats for the past couple of years, but crying massive teardrops over the price tags, allow me to introduce you to your high street solution. Mango have just released a hat that will fill all your summer statement desires. The writing is on the hat, as they say, and this bad boy is calling out for warmer weather. 

This will be worn until it's worn out, I can promise you that. And for £19.99, well, it just doesn't get much better. Buy now. This will sell out. No doubt about it. 

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