Gran Hotel

If you can get yourself in front of a Spanish TV, or really just a computer with the internet. So, yes - all of you. Actually, more importantly, if you're anything like me, you should try watching Gran Hotel. Well it's in Spanish, so not all of you can but think Downton meets Poirot. It's a period drama set in a hotel for the aristocracy but slightly more violent than you're usual Upstairs Downstairs or the Paradise.

When in Santander I was actually lucky enough to visit el Palacio de la Magdalena which is used for filming the hotel facade. It is magnificent in person and a lot bigger than my rubbish iPhone photo suggests. Definitely worth a visit should you get the chance.

Oh and of course with period drama, there's your typical love story crossing classes but if that's your sort of thing, it's a perfect way to improve your Spanish and wish your boyfriend always wore black tie, or that you looked like Amaia Salamanca. Her lace dresses are to die for.

OREO

This is an advert I came across by chance on a design website. The idea, style and song are perfect. A little bit of inspiration while you're flagging at work on a Thursday afternoon or melting in thirty-degree heat on a sweltering London bus. I can't wait to escape this on Monday when I head across the pond to California!