The Kentish Weekend

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I’ve often remarked that one of the biggest and best parts of London life is taking the opportunity to leave it – and I mean this in the best possible way. For some Australians, they’ll even cite this as their core motivation for moving over here; proximity to ‘the continent’ etc. etc.  Personally, I’m in love with this city more than anywhere else but at the same time, I find London life to be a tad claustrophobic at times. After a while, a girl begins to miss little things like seeing the stars at night.

So, having not left town since I returned from my Australian sojourn earlier this year, I was absolutely delighted to get out of town to visit Kent for the very first time last weekend. What ensued was some quality family time spent exploring Faversham and Canterbury, indulging in history lessons, cake, pretty gardens and some classical music along the way.

And I got to see some stars.

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London Links

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Another week, another gloriously sunny Monday! I had a productive week last week in spite of some communication issues and the grisly grey weather threatening my otherwise sunny demeanour. Here’s a brief snapshot of what’s been going on in my world:

I’ve been listening to:

Disco Forever. One listen and I know you’ll understand why.

I’m recovering from:

Two hours of torture exercise back-to-back at Another Space. An ‘urban triathlon’, if you will. Twenty-four hours later, my post-exercise high has worn off and am now having trouble lifting my limbs. Seemed like a good idea at the time? 

I’ve been watching:

Binge watched Riviera last weekend which has surprisingly turned me off pursuing a life of luxury in a palatial house in Côte d’Azur. Probably for the best, really. 

I’ve been planning:

Holidays!!! My unemployment/temporary leave of absence earlier in the year has meant that I’ve been spending the last couple of months getting back into the swing of London life. As such, my feet are starting to get a little restless. Trying to curb the craving, saving my pennies, by throwing my efforts into helping my parents plan their upcoming trips to Cornwall and Bath. 

Also planning:

The removal of a dozen or so pigeons who have loudly taken up residence on the roof next to my bedroom window. They need to go. Send suggestions and help my way please. 

 

Here’s to a lovely week ahead! Xx

Ducks, ‘dogs and Pimm’s: Another Taste of Taste of London

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Sorry guys, I’ve been a bit quiet lately. Seems I’ve been simultaneously lacking in inspiration, preoccupied and melting a bit in the London heat.

That said, exciting things have been going on: Royal Ascot, Ed Sheeran & Take That at the O2 (though sadly not at the same time), a seemingly endless supply of Pimm’s and, as this post’s title suggests, Taste of London.

I blogged about this delightful foodie event this time last year (where has the time gone!?) and my love for it hasn’t waned. Particularly because this year, in contrast to last year’s torrential downpour, we were blessed with one of the most lovely sunshiney days we’d seen in a while. The London skies have now returned to their annoyingly clichéd drizzly grey hue so what better time to reminisce!

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A few of my favourites from the day:

The 5 Golden Rules of The London Underground

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Londoners (those both old and new) have a love/hate relationship with the London Underground. Personally, I’m mildly obsessed. Mostly, it’s the history that I love; how the growth of each colourful line tells a story about London’s past and future. Find yourself in town during a Tube Strike and you’ll realise quickly that it truly is the lifeblood of London. Because of this, there’s understandably a bit of etiquette involved. So if you’re new in town or just stopping by for a visit, there are a few golden rules of riding the London Underground that you need to know before you even attempt to mind the gap:

 

1. RELINQUISH ALL PERSONAL SPACE.

In any other scenario, it’d almost be considered inappropriate. On the Tube, it’s practically a necessity to get up close and personal with your fellow commuters. It’s totally fine to be breathing down someone’s neck, reading their book or newspaper over their shoulder if it means we can all fit on board.  Further to this:

2. PUSH OR BE PUSHED.

Go on, you can fit. Really. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and politeness will get you nowhere except very, very late to work.

3. DO NOT TALK. ESPECIALLY TO STRANGERS.

As much as it pains me, most London commuters would rather chew off their own arm than engage in conversation during their morning or evening commute. You’ve been warned.

4. STAND ON THE RIGHT.

Over two years in London and this rule still baffles me. Australians drive on the left and keep to the left. Brits drive on the left and keep to the right. But whatever. Conform or find yourself the recipient of some huffing and puffing and profanity.

5. EVEN FLEETING EYE CONTACT IS JUST NOT OKAY.

Trust me. Just don’t.

 

The thing I absolutely love about these rules is that to Londoners, these are all just the way of the world: none of the above is out of the ordinary whatsoever. Most of the time, I find there’s something comforting about the shared lack of comfort – the unspoken acknowledgement of the ways of the Tube. But you know what they say about rules: they were made to be broken by chatty expat Australians.

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London Links

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Sunny Sunday evenings in the springtime are positively one of my most favourite things in the world. After a rather drizzly, grey and intense week last week, both literal and metaphoric sunshine are very much welcomed! Few things beat the contagious optimism which fills London on a summery day.

What I’m watching:

I devoured all seven episodes of Anne with an E this week. I’m such a fan of the original Anne of Green Gables and the new series on Netflix brought me so much joy.

What I’m reading:

Eleanor Büsing’s piece on Real Life in London: 7 Things You’ll Need to Be Ok With To Love Living Here. Though a couple of years old now, it still manages to acknowledge all those moments of London life which are decidedly less Instagram-able in a really thoughtful and optimistic way.

What I’m eating & drinking:

Prosecco and cocktails from the far too cool Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch. When in East London…

What I’m doing:

Lusting after Oliver Bonas’ new collection of summer sandals.

 

Here’s to a pre-bank holiday week of sunshine and fun! x

London Links

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Today has been a gloriously sunny Sunday in London. Fittingly, drizzly rain has just descended as another weekend draws to a close but at least I got to spend a few blissful hours in Parsons Green enjoying the dose of vitamin D. Summer is on its way!

I’ve been back in town for a few weeks now and am slowly adjusting back to London life. As chapter 2 of my adventure continues, one of my resolutions is to reinvigorate MissECalwell and keep in touch with you all on a less sporadic basis. London life has taken on a new, more permanent meaning for me and yet I still feel like I’ve still only just scratched the surface of my British Bucket List. So each week, I’m going to share my favourite London links and inspiration in an effort to keep momentum going – and in doing so, I invite you to do the same! Sharing is caring, after all.

So, without further ado –

What I’m watching:

What Olivia Did. I’m so hooked on her videos – I absolutely love her optimism and fun take on 60s/70s style.

What I’m reading:

I’m still recovering from Where Women are Kings – possibly one of the most striking books I’ve read in quite a while. This Aussie’s piece on how relentless London life can be for expats was a weirdly comforting read for me. As much as I love this city, expat life can be tough here and it’s nice to know that I’m not alone in thinking so.

What I’m eating & drinking:

Coffee from Hally’s. A month in Melbourne and my coffee snob ways have returned. Bring on the extortionately expensive hipster brew – I’ve got no shame.

What I’m doing:

To be honest, not a whole lot.  To compensate, I’ve been frequenting Another Space trying desperately to get back in shape after indulging in all the foodie delights of Melbourne.

 

How about you?

 

Brunswick Street: Melbourne Shopping

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To me, nothing beats shopping in Melbourne.

I’m not sure if it’s purely a taste or specific style thing (once a Melburnian, always a Melburnian…) but I’m yet to find the same fashion induced joy as that from my hometown anywhere else in the world. I’ve often remarked complained about the lack of value for money in London (particularly when it comes to buying shoes), the all too familiar annoyance of spotting at least a handful of people wearing the same Zara top you just bought on the weekend and, let’s not forget, the sheer chaos of shopping on London’s high streets.

But it’s not just about that. It’s about the event of shopping in Melbourne, the actual act of walking the streets and browsing the boutiques (mainstream, vintage and everything in between). It’s about the afternoons spent with friends, about the coffee breaks when your feet need a rest and the mere act of perusing a lot of pretty, good quality and affordable things.

Brunswick Street is one of Melbourne’s gems – full of great restaurants and brunch hot spots as well as a few of my favourite happy places to shop. Case in point:

Zetta Florence

A stationery and design lover’s dream.

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The Fabric Store

My mother is an extremely talented dressmaker so for me, I walk in and see potential clothes.

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Jimmy’s Buttons

An institution which needs to be seen to be believed.

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Whilst you’re in the ‘hood, you’ll need some sustenance. I recommend checking out Broadsheet for some inspiration.

A Bank Holiday Date with the Royal Academy

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Spending my days off in one of London’s incredible museums or galleries is absolutely one of my favourite things to do in the whole entire world. Though two years have passed since I moved, I’m more settled and have made some dear friends, I find that my habit (or penchant) for solo dates has stuck with me from my early days in the city. Luckily, London’s plethora of options has me spoiled for choice.

I love the progressiveness of the V&A, the awe-inspiring artefacts in the British Museum and the personality of the National Portrait Gallery. Today, I headed to the Royal Academy (which previously hosted one of my favourite exhibits I’ve ever seen – Abstract Expressionism) to ponder the moody optimism of 1930s America in America after the Fall: Painting in the 1930s.

Between the storytelling and beautiful art, there’s something I find really comforting and humbling about wandering through the galleries with other like-minded souls. This show was small but thoughtful and I left its considered collection feeling optimistic about the concept of the American Dream. 

There are so many things I love about living in London but the privilege of being able to escape from the world into these magical places remains firmly at the top of my list.

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5 Reasons you need to visit South Melbourne Market

Part of what I really loved about being home in Melbourne over the past few weeks was looking at my home city through a different lens. I’ve gotten so used to sharing glimpses of my London life with my family and friends back in Australia that it was a refreshing reversal to instead be sharing snaps of my Melbourne home with those back in the UK. It really made me think more thoughtfully about what I was doing whilst I was home. Now that I’m back in London and back to work, I’m so excited to be able to share a few of my favourite Melbourne things with you all as I reminisce.

On that note, many visitors to Melbourne will have heard about the Queen Victoria Market (the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere) however, the perhaps slightly lesser known South Melbourne Market is, without a doubt, my favourite in town.

My ever first agency job was just up the road from the market so I, naturally, have nostalgic connections to it. We used to pop down at lunchtime for famous South Melbourne Dim Sims or hot jam donuts to help us through chaotic afternoons. It was a delightful ritual and one which I’m still a little bit sad to no longer have – but it’s comforting to know that the market is still as buzzing and vibrant as I remember it.

But don’t just take my nostalgia laden word for it – here are five reasons why you need to visit South Melbourne Market the next time you’re in the ‘hood:

 

1. Pretty Produce

 

 

2. Fresh Flowers

 

 

3. Local Design

 

 

4. Local cafes and pubs

 

 

5. South Melbourne Shopping

 

Plan your excursion here.