Incentive Trip Day 3 continued

Hi there and eeek!! I hate it when I fall behind with my blogging. Busy was the order of last week or so with a lot of commitments.
Ok I will try and wrap this fabulous experience up.
After the chill out few hours round the pool it was back to our rooms to get glammed up for our final cocktail dinner. We were so excited to find where we were going.
I took showers all the time up to this evening, but I indulged in a luxurious bath filled with those yummy salts and those wonderful lotions and potions this time, it was lovely.
It was all go afterwards to get ready in time and poor Moira who stopped by my room didn't know where to look at times while I was finishing off parading in just my fat pants and bra (not a pretty sight, sorry Moira). You see the path to looking pretty never runs smoothly for me. I choose to wear a beautiful silk dress by Ted Baker that my lovely hubby bought for me never thinking of it getting creased in my case, by the time I unpacked it, well you can imagine. I also choose a silk top to wear on my first night and that needed a good press. So I phoned up housekeeping to see if I could have an iron sent to my room, shock horror ( bet they were thinking WHO IS THIS WOMAN ?) there wasn't one but hey there was a pressing service available. (I know what you're thinking)
 I had to do it, there was no alternative!!!
 A very nice man came and collected my items and returned them 45 min. later with my clobber looking perfect along with a bill of, wait for it..... 60 Euros!! For one dress and one top!!!
I could have bought another dress for that (actually I couldn't, not in Monaco).
You see I always used to pack a travel iron but over the last few years I noticed that more and more hotels have got an iron in the room or at least a trouser press so stopped packing one, mind you I should have know that if you can afford to pay 760 Euros/room/night you are not going to be the type that does is own ironing, poor Dawn had to iron her lovely silk dress too so she got a hefty bill. We did laugh about it.
We all met in the lobby looking glorious. Isn't it nice to get all dressed up? Everyone looked stunning.
At 7.30 we started walking towards the Casino and WOW all of a sudden we realised that we were heading for Hotel Du Paris. Just by looking at it you knew it was special, we found out that there is a 2 months waiting list to dine here and at 55 Euros/starter pretty steep too).
And once inside your jaw dropped to the floor, it was sooo grand.

I have never seen flower arranging on this scale either. Huge arrangement it was HUGE !!

We took a lift all the way up to the 8th floor. As you come out the lift a wonderful smell of fresh lilies ( my favourite flower) filled the beautifully decorated room. The walls were covered in the most striking azure blue and white fabric, imagine sparkling crystal chandeliers with touches of gold and you've hopefully got a pretty opulent looking picture.
And then the next thing you noticed were the views fabulous views from every angle.
We crossed through the Le Grill restaurant and I managed to take a picture of the grill. Nice huh?

and then we ended up on this terrace overlooking the spectacular looking marina.

We were served fruit cocktails and hors d'oeuvre of really tasty foie gras and smoked salmon on blinis or at least I think they were, I was too busy eating the foie gras to taste the salmon LOL.
We mingled and chatted and took lots of photographs( not many on my camera though)
Me and the beautiful woman who started it all

Gosh she is so stylish and always on trend. I am sure you all seen the underwear as out a wear fashion all over, beautiful lace pieces laid over nude linings. It was really lovely and she looked effortlessly stylish. I look so scared in this photo, I am still very much start struck by Shelli LOL.
From the terrace we could see the beautiful room where all the tables were laid.  This was where Winston Churchill's used to dine more than half a century ago when visiting Monaco.

Such elegant room with all the walls and ceiling draped in exquisite fabrics.

Close up of the tables, look at the pretty table linen and those lovely peony arrangements. I loved the exclusive dinner service. Every detail has been carefully planned and each setting had a beautiful hand stamped note from Shelli and a menu.

Well of course the food we were served was again some of the best I have ever had, this was a 1* Michelin restaurant.
I dined at the table with Shelli, Sterling, Paula (our country manager), Jenny Moors, Amanda, and the lovely Moira a Scottish demo now living in France.
Here's a photo of me and Moira

Such a lovely, warm and genuine girl not to mention very beautiful. I loved spending some time with her and the lovely Danielle the other French demonstrator who achieved this trip. I don't have a picture of Danielle all dressed up but I have one in our pj's LOL

From left we have Jerome, the French County Manager who is very funny and so very charming, we all fell under his spell and he knew it!! next we have the lovely Moira than myself and at the top is the lovely Danielle mon amie francaise.
Back to our meal.

We started with a lovely and fresh Amuse-Bouche

It had citrus flavours , fresh tomatoes and some crunchy bits, I am sure there was  something else I couldn't identify but I could have had more of it that's for sure, it was so very yummy!!

Starter

 Smoked salmon with a tasty mayonnaise like sauce.

Main was grilled Sea Bass

Grilled vegetables and a citrus sauce spooned on the side, I loved this main, fish is one of my favourite.

Dessert

By the time this came I was full but I did managed to eat half of it. It was a French Vacherin which is a dessert similar to a baked alaska. Made with meringues it had a creamy inside with a gorgeous fruit sorbet and cream Chantilly.
We then finished off with coffee and more delicious petits fours

WOW each bite was like heaven. Yes I had one of each even though I couldn't breath by this stage. I have no discipline when it comes to food, stamps, shoes, bags you get the idea LOL>
After dinner we chatted a bit more on the terrace then it was time to say goodbye to Shelli and Sterling as they had a very early departure the next day.
We headed off to the Casino and I have to admit at being totally ignorant when it comes to gambling, in fact this was my first ever time in a Casino.  The building was very opulently decorated and it was huge, very busy with lots of people doing their stuff. I have to say I looked and then I found a seat because even thought my high heeled shoes are quite comfortable my feet were aching by this stage. It was perfect for a bit of people watching.
A night cap at the lovely Cafe Du Paris over the road, a few goodbyes to those leaving early the next day and it was time for bed so we headed back.
 I was  on such a high after another fabulous day and evening I completely forgot about the pillow gift!!!

Honestly I could have cried at this point, because I love bags and I love patent, and I really like this bag( I wore it ever since I got back).
To have been so thoroughly spoilt with such lovely gifts and fancy meals, beautiful hotel was just too much and I was feeling very emotional.
I said this before, I get paid and I am rewarded for my work as a demonstrator, this exquisite trip was an extra on top of all that and I am truly humbled.
My team and my customers have played the biggest role in me achieving this and for that I am eternally grateful to each of them.
If you ask me what the highlight of the trip was for me I honestly couldn't tell you as I loved every minute of it, I loved spending time with my fellow UK demos, a group of most amazing women, but what was quite high up there on my list was having this wonderful girl there with me experiencing all this, the lovely Jules

 She is a superstar and I love her to bits. I laughed so much with her on this trip, she deffo kept us all entertained and she looked amazing in her lovely dress.
What's even better is that we both  achieved Prague next year's Incentive trip so we get to do it all over again with hopefully a few more Passionettes on board, now that I would really love !!
The next day I arranged to have a leisurely breakfast by the pool with a few of the German girls,
Here's a group shot of me with those lovely crazy ladies

It took an age to take this photo and there were so many cameras no one knew which way to look first, I did try to organize the group a bit but I failed miserably well I don't speak German and that's my excuse LOL>
From left we have Jenny, Daniella, moi, Silvya a very funny lady, Jaquelline, Carola, Irene and the sweetest Jeanette. A fab bunch of girls that spoke perfect English for which I was so grateful as my German is nicht.
After breakfast I had a stroll around Monaco with the lovely Moira. The weather was still red hot inspite of all the weather reports we saw before going  reporting heavy showers we had rain for about 20 minutes while we were on our way to the perfume factory and that was it.

Moira took this shot of me and this was my last photo of this trip.
I loved this trip so much and I love Stampin'Up! even more for the opportunity. If you want to find out how you can become a demonstrator ask me about more details and a no obligation friendly chat, IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!! and this is the BEST TIME to sign up,  Common join me and the Passionettes and have fun earning some money from your passion and hobby.

Till next time Big Hugs xxxx

Incentive Trip Day 3

CIAO BELLA!!!

OMG we were in Italy at 10 am !!! Friday morning after yet another delicious breakfast served on the terrace we found ourselves taking a 30 min. train journey into the beautiful sea side town of Ventimiglia in Italy.
A charming and very popular town in the Summer with those holidaying on the French Riviera.
Me and Dawn enjoying breakfast. I cannot tell you how much I loved spending some time with this lovely scottish girl. Her giggle is famous and infectious and her style impeccable. I think by the end of the trip we agreed that she had no less than 10 bags with her on that trip, I think she bought 2 as presents though, she is so funny and I love her to bits.

 Once on the platform in Ventimiglia I couldn't resist taking this photo.

The street market that takes place every Friday pulls in even more people than normal so it was certainly busy that day . Boy was I glad I decided to go!within minutes of arriving we reached the food market and the smell was SO GOOD. While Monaco smelled of expensive perfume everywhere you turned this market smelled of good and fresh food, I did preferred this smell for sure.

The stalls looked beautiful and very colourful, I was so excited and on the spot decided that I would buy a few special ingredients to treat hubby to a special breakfast and a special lunch on Sunday( this was going to be his present LOL). I got some cheese, a piamontese special dip made with anchovies and garlic, some yummy sausages, some chanterelle and porcini mushrooms ( they were really yum simply sautéed with garlic and parsley on toast), a truffle(which is currently flavouring some eggs yum,yum), a huge melanzane a round shaped aubergine minus the millions of tiny seeds the long variety have ( this was lunch). The guy that sold them to us even gave us a recipe and I couldn't help but thinking of the similarities with a SU demo, we sell our stamps to customers but we also show them how to use those stamps just like the Italian chap selling his melanzane. Here is Paula our country Manager looking very glam in her lovely Karen Millen dress and matching bag with her huge aubergine.

She is a doll and we are really lucky to have her, I enjoyed spending a bit more time with her on this trip.

Here you can see the lovely Catarina a tiny and very lovely Italian lady she looked after us so well, you can also see Dave Baugh the Vice President of Stampin'Up! International, being a foodie as well he was really enjoying this experience.

Faced with such an array of beautiful fresh foods we quickly decided to buy some special treats and have a picnic on the nearby beach. The views were stunning from every angle and I wished I had a bikini with me so that I could try the inviting sea just like the locals were doing. Look at that sky

Me and Paula, on the bridge behind us there was a guy playing on his violin, we could hear him from where we were sat and it sounded so very romantic. 

Myself and the lovely Michelle, gosh I defy anyone not to fall in love with this lady, she is funny and warm and so very beautiful, you know that natural beauty no need for any make up beauty. I loved spending that day with her, and you must check out her BLOG for more fabulous photos of this trip (I really missed my big camera seeing her lovely photos) and the funniest text message she received from her hubby, I never laughed so much what a fun couple they are.

We headed back and popped into the Hospitality desk for a chance to spin the wheel. I got some lovely goodies. woohooo. Each minute that passed I was more in love with SU if that is even possible. They really 

made us feel so very special.

  

Back to the room my feet were killing me after 2 days of walking in constant heat and I had to look forward to an evening on 6" heels eek!! so for the time being I was enjoying these LOL.

After I unpacked everything ( my room was smelling like the Italian market by now), I decided to take some pictures of my room as the first thing I did after checking in was to jump on my beautifully made up bed and consequently I messed it all up.

My bed all nicely made up to the left of the picture there was a window and the desk. The turn down service every night was a nice touch, they used to place a mat on your side of the bed along with the slippers all ready for you. They also left a healing crystal on the pillow( no chocs to rot your freshly cleaned teeth in Monaco thank you very much LOL), each night a different one. It truly was such a treat to experience all those little details.

This was the seating area with more windows and luscious red taffeta curtains, there were three layers ( a blackout, a sheer layer and the sumptuous taffeta), the view was splendid too

The walls were lined with cream damask fabric, the room was so quiet you couldn't hear any noise at all.
The bathroom next

Poor photos, it was luxurious with lots of marble and expensive hard wood. One thing I noticed ( can you tell I inspected every nook and cranny? LOL) was that the grout lines in the shower were covered with a silicone like finish to prevent lime build up I should think ( this is such a fascinating piece of information for you all, isn't it?)

The shower took me a while to work out.With a few taps to choose between I really didn't want to turn on the big waterfall head and get my hair wet. There were jets coming from everywhere.
The door on the left was where the toilet and bidet were, I wish I had the luxury of a separate loo in my bathroom at home.
And the vanity unit complete with a magnifying lit up mirror.

A big mess with all my junk on there. The toiletries were fantastic and exclusively made for the hotel with Ginko Biloba extracts, I was glad I didn't pack any with me this time and I lavishly used them every day. The beautiful smell will be something I will remember for a long time.
I changed into my swimwear next and headed round the pool for a few hours of relaxation and a dip. I loved that time chatting with the French and German demos while Shelli and Sterling were enjoying a bite to eat at a nearby table. So relaxed and casual.
Ok I will stop now as this has gone on forever.
Cocktail dinner and the last gift next. Till then BIG HUGS xxx

Day 2 Pj party and pillow gifts

Is me again I am sorry last two posts were supossed to be posted yesterday however my conection wasn't that good and I also think my iPhone needs the updates.
Ok so after a relaxed meal with wonderful company and conversation we quickly went back to change into our pj's ready for our randezvous complete with make and takes.

Back row from left to right we have Jenni, Dawn, Amanda, Paula our Country manager, myself then bottom row we have Jules( my downline) Michelle and lovely Natalie.
It was so great to spend this quality time with those amazing women and getting to properly know them, I have made new friends on this trip for sure.
Of course there were more delicious treats in store for us all (I was shocked and stunned to find out I never put a lbs. on this weekend, (I think is true what they say good food doesn't make you put weigh on LOL). I personally think is all the walking and no snacking in between meals. I wish I could stick to that all the time.

There were macaroons everywhere on this trip my absolute favourite treat, I loved that.
This were our goodie bags





The tag inside read





You just had no words left the ohh's and ahhh's were so often used they almost didn't have the same meaning.





And this is what was inside our bags, and you can also see two of the make n takes I didn't finish my album as like per usual I was to busy chatting.
The evening went by far too quick and even with the lack of sleep I just didn't feel tired at all, my body must have been working like crazy to keep the adrenaline flowing.
When I finally left I headed for my room to drop off the goodies before making my way to Amanda's room (nobody wanted this day to end and sleep is so overated anyway). As I opened the door I let out this loud scream as I caught a glimpse of this





And the tag inside read






Iside the bag was this






A fabulous Pink Flamingo beach towel and a matching pair of flip flops, check the soles out I so need a beach holiday now so I can leave Stampin'Up! imprints in the sand.
And if that wasn't enough we had this inside as well






The most lovely Black cardi with flowers made out of our black striped grosgrain ribbon. It even has a cute Stampin'Up! Logo on the sleeve. Love it and I will wear it at my every workshop I am sure.
All of the UK achievets had a bit more time together in Amanda's room she kindly invited us all over as her room was one of the largest ones with the most humongous bathroom ever, it was huge and very lovely (I will share my room and views tomorrow)
You would think that after all this excitement and the bad night sleep from the night before
that I would have had no trouble getting to sleep, well you would be right I was out like a light I don't think I even moved.
Ok so I will share day number 3 tomorrow thank you and big hugs xx
-- Post From My iPhone

Incentive Trip Day 2 continued

My blogger app is having a hissy fit so I will continue with the main course






White fillet of fish with Bergamot infused fennel. It tasted so fresh and it was so expertly cooked.

Dessert






It tasted as good as it looks. I just didn't want this day to end I really didn't. We found Heaven indeed at the Chateau on top of the Village Eze.
We ended the meal with coffee and more little treats






Check out the sugar selection






Cute huh?
Like all good things that have to end before we knew it it was time to leave and check those shops on the way down.
Back to the hotel we had not long to get changed before headed out for dinner at the Famous Cafe Du Paris which quickly ended up our friendly local. I had steak tartare and it was just lovely.
Ok pj party and pillow gifts next xxxxx

-- Post From My iPhone

Incentive Trip Day 2

Is still very much Bonjour from me!!!
My Goodness this trip is just out of this world.
After the wonderful welcome dinner last night I was so excited I could barely sleep in fact I was writing in my diary at 3.30 am then the next thing I knew was someone knocking at my door. It was the lovely Dawn expecting me to be ready for breakfast. I only set my alarm wrong???!!!?!
We had the most delicious breakfast served after which we headed for the medieval village of Eze.
The first stop was a perfume workshop at the famous Fragonard perfume house. We had to mix our own fragrance using no less than 12 essential oils. I have to say it was such a fab experience




I called mine Eau De Monico (predictible moi?) and to be honest I know now why it takes 10 years to train as a fragrance designer, my ended up
more like an insect repellent that something you would actually consider wearing. Sterling chose the best name he called his creatipn Fragrance de Crapola. Hee hee... Is been lovely to get to know Sterling a bit on this trip, I discovered that he is witty and he would rather have spagetti instead of fish (check the menu) him and Shelli they really are the perfect couple.
After this we had a guided tour of the factory and some shopping time.
We then climbed the road to Heaven I was sure of it LOL
The views were spectacular history evident at every turn and the shops were enticing with lovely wares.
Nothing prepared us for the Chateau Eza the most wondeful restaurant ever and we were going to have lunch here.



Check that view!! It was as spectacular as the food that was served to us.
I have never experienced silver dome service ( I know there is a proper word fir it but I cannot think of it right now )
Starter




White asparagus soup with mushroom cake and Argan oil. OMG it was so exquisite I could have had that 3 times over.