Then I will begin………a story of a princess in several parts…….

Jenny Moors and I flew from Southampton to Paris and then after a very short change from Paris to Nice, this was the view from the plane.

Blue skies and blue sea, which was surprising as the weather forecast was for heavy rain throughout our whole trip!  We were greeted by an SU! representative and taken to our chauffeured car and after a short wait for Natalie’s plane to arrive the 3 of us travelled the 40 minutes to the hotel.  Imagine my surprise to find Shelli the CEO of Stampin’ Up! and Paula the UK country manager, sat outside the hotel waiting for us……..with beaming faces and hugs all round, the princess treatment had started and believe me it didn’t stop!

We met Kelly, the master mind organiser of the event, she gave us some great information about Monaco and a box of the most delicious macarons, not to be confused with macaroons……..it took me back to my catering college training and making petit fours, wonderful!

Our rooms in the hotel where palatial, a huge bed, and rather large bathroom !

On one side of the bathroom was a bath with a sink either side and on the other side a shower that could fit several people…….!

We had a few hours before dinner, so we went out for lunch and then for a walk.  I am sure that none of the shops selling jewellery had anything for sale because nothing had prices on…………!  We walked by the Casino and people watched for a while, the most elegant women, with sky scraper heels and amazing cars.

It was then back to the hotel for our welcome dinner, the group was small enough to all sit round together, we played a fun game getting to know one another better and ate the most delicious food, well the restaurant is 2* Michelin……….

I was sat between Michelle Last and Jenny Moors, they are lovely and very talented ladies, and such wonderful company.  After dinner we didn’t want the evening to end so off to the Cafe De Paris for a nightcap and lots more people watching.

The next morning we where up bright and early for breakfast by the pool.

Just before we finished breakfast the sky looked like this! And the rain came down…………..

It certainly didn’t dampen our spirits, here we all are on the coach ready for our adventure.

First stop was a tour of the  Fragonard perfume factory, imagine our surprise to be taken into a classroom were we not only learnt all about the science and passion behind making a fragrance we all made our own very special blend.

Do come back tomorrow for more stories x

Happy Stampin’

Amanda