So I've been kind of MIA lately, though with pretty good reason.  Guess who's just celebrated their 24th birthday?!  Similar to the beginning of a new year, birthdays give me such good vibes; it feels like a new chapter, and an excuse to set new goals (ahem, any excuse to write a list).  Though before all else, my twenty-fourth year has started with macarons - lots of macarons.  Having fallen in love with Mon Dessert's macaron making kits last summer, I'm revisiting the Brixton-based French patisserie again for dessert heaven - all in the name of celebrating!  I've whipped up two batches of macarons, Framboise Rose and Pistachio, using the mini macaron-making kits.  Like what you see?  I've teamed up with Mon Dessert to offer one lucky reader of A Glass Of Ice the chance to win a Chocolat Noir & Gold Dust Macaron Kit and Pistachio Macaron Mini Kit.  Scroll down to enter!

Ah, the end of Summer, the beginning of Autumn.  That time of year that sees us either freeze, or toast to death.  I think we can all agree transitioning our wardrobes over from one season to the next is hard, but totally worth it!  Honestly?  This is my favourite time of year with regard to fashion.  You get to combine and play around with looks from two totally different seasons.  So, if you're still wanting to show some skin, but don't fancy head-to-toe goosebumps, read on...

Above all else, the topic I mention most often on A Glass Of Ice is gardens.  Landscaped, traditional, oriental - any type at all!  A couple of my favourite experiences include the gardens at Hever Castle and Blenheim Palace.  With so many open to the public in the UK (often via small entry fee or suggested donation for their ongoing upkeep), it makes sense to fill a weekend here and there with blooms and follies.  In my opinion, Italianate gardens are the Creme de la Creme of what's on offer, with many of them hiding temples and other treats behind formal hedging and columns.  Though, what exactly makes them so special?

It's safe to say we all have our personal favourites when it comes to the design of hotels.  However, something that tends to bring us all together in agreement and simultaneous swoons, is princess castles.  Bear with me.  By this, I'm talking about traditional, luxurious architecture that seems taller and grander than any of its surroundings.  They usually feature gold embellishments, grand gates and if you're very lucky, turrets!  With this in mind, Hotel Dukes' Palace has been my go-to hotel when visiting the beautiful city of Bruges.  Sure, there's no moat, but the city does offer plenty of canals...

Let's get one thing straight, I don't workout with my hair down.  It would take about ten minutes for it to look a hot mess and another ten for it to wrap around my neck on the treadmill.  But, it did get me thinking: having recently joined a new gym (and loving it), what can you do to stay looking stylish while working out?  I've put together a quick-fire list below to provide a little inspiration, though don't forget - what others think of you while exercising is irrelevant, it's all about you and your progress!  So, just consider the following five tips a way to help you recognise yourself as you catch your reflection mid-rep...

I'll admit, when it comes to cafés in the UK I have a tendency to return to old familiars again and again.  Thankfully, that's not the case when travelling; where hopping overseas usually results in the want to try everything, anything and anywhere!  While exploring Bruges last month, on my way back to the Hotel Dukes' Palace (post coming soon!), I was distracted by an overwhelmingly large chandelier filling an artisan patisserie on the corner of the street.  This, accompanied by rows upon rows of chocolate-filled brioches and colourful meringues meant that I, of course, headed inside to explore...

Have you ever formed an instant attachment to a place?  Personally, I have a handful of spots across Europe I've immediately fallen in love with - and Bruges is one of them!  I've blogged about Belgium's famous city a fair few times now, including spending my last birthday there, as well as a magical festive evening last Christmas.  But the love has grown even stronger since then, having spent a few days last month back in what now feels like my home away from my home.  Heavy downpours were quickly replaced by scorching sunshine, busy streets led onto quiet backroads, and moments were made into memories I know will only serve to intensify my love for the place...