London Life Lessons

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Yesterday, I walked through a pile of leaves. Brown ones.  You know – like the ones you see in autumn, not summer. Except, of course, if you’re in London in August. 

Thankfully, there’s going to be a couple of sunshiney scorchers this week. So, if you need me, I’ll be in the park with a picnic rug and a bottle of Prosecco lapping it up.

But I digress.

Here’s what I’ve been up to this past week:

  • Eating. Drinking. Socialising. That’s London summer for you.
  • I’ve realised that in times of stress and anxiousness, a day sketching at the V&A will fix you right up. I am now zen, relaxed and will continue to be thoughtful and mindful in everything that I do this week.
  • Had one of the best lunches of my entire life at NOPI – second only to that time I went to the Eiffel Tower for lunch or City Social. Such a delicious, pretty and delightful way to spend an afternoon.
  • Celebrated the birthday of one of my dearest friends by indulging in a perfect London day: wandering through Burlington Arcade, up Regent Street, afternoon tea at The Charlotte Street Hotel, wandering through hidden squares and lusting after books in the Gower Street Waterstone’s.

xx

London Life Lessons

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Another London Sunday is upon us – but with the sun shining, it’s really a bit tricky to feel too melancholy. Pass the Pimms please.

The past week been one of exercise, good times, sunshine and books: what more can a girl want really?

Here’s a snapshot:

  • Harry Potter is back! And with him, the enthusiasm and anticipation that I remember so fondly from all those teenage years I spent awaiting J.K Rowling’s next instalment. I’ve just finished reading the script for Cursed Child and am super excited to have secured a ticket to see the play next year.
  • Dining at Dinerama helped satiate all my street food cravings. Tacos, wings, brisket, mojitos: the perfect combination for a Thursday-night feast.
  • I learned that when a cocktail is called a ‘Shoreditch Twat’, that should probably act as a bit of a warning sign. Let’s just say, I’ve certainly learned my lesson. But if you’re keen, stop by The Book Club and try it yourself.
  • When the sun is out, get to the park. I’m not sure I’ll ever be fully comfortable with the onslaught of near nudity that comes with visiting any of London’s parks on a sunny day, but I appreciate the enthusiasm nonetheless.
  • Fashionably late to the party, I’ve also jumped on the Magic Lessons bandwagon. Trust me – and all those who discovered its amazingness before me – you’re going to be hooked.

Here’s to a lovely summery week ahead! x

London Life Lessons

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Hi guys! I’m so sorry – I know it’s been a while. I promise there are lots of interesting and exciting updates to come now that things are calming down a little bit.

In case you’ve missed the greenery overload on my Insta-feed this week, I had the pleasure of spending a few days in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake District. More to come on this incredible place over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned.

In the meantime…

  • I’ve now well and truly learned the secret to what makes the UK so green: RAIN. Lots and lots of rain.
  • The rumours are true – Northerners are quite a friendly bunch.
  • Those rolling hills really are as delightful and picturesque as you have imagined. No wonder Wordsworth and Miss. Potter found themselves so inspired.
  • Driving when you haven’t for a fair few months is like riding a bike. Mostly. Let’s put it this way: I’ve had plenty of opportunity to practice my three-point turns this past week.

Here’s to a very happy Friday and a lovely weekend ahead! x

London Life Lessons

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It’s officially July – how did that happen!? It feels like just yesterday it was Christmas and now we’re less than 6 months away from the next one (terrifying, I know).

Good news is that the sun is shining and it’s getting warmer! Bring on summer holidays!

Here’s what’s been going on in my world:

  • It’s been all about fitness this past week. Firstly, it’s absolutely delightful to have longer days which, though messing with my sleep patterns, are naturally much more conducive to early morning/post-work running. Secondly, I’ve been trying new things: specifically, Kobox and Barry’s Bootcamp. Though my abs are still appropriately sore, I’m keen to keep up the momentum.
  • I paid a visit to Australia House to vote in the Australian Federal Election, thrilled to hear the familiar twang of my fellow countrymen but decidedly less so to hear that it’s a hung parliament. Again.
  • For those who follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve upped my photography game by officially investing in a DSLR. It’s been two days and I’m already obsessed.
  • I’ve had some friends in town which brings out the London tourist in me. Last weekend, I climbed over Tower Bridge and shared a few of my favourite tourist activities with you all to celebrate.

Here’s to a fun, rain-free week ahead! x

London Life Lessons

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There’s nothing like the feeling of a Sunday afternoon, is there?

I hope the weekend has been a fun and relaxing one for you as it has been for me.

Despite London’s schizophrenic weather suggesting otherwise, summer festivities and fun times are in full swing.  And trust me when I say this, when the sun is shining, there’s few placers nicer to be than London.

Here’s what’s going on:

  • Yesterday I uttered the phrase “Oh it’s going to be quite warm – 22 degrees!” to which my friend (a fellow Melburnian) rightfully responded with “Said no Australian ever”. Truer words have never been uttered.
  • I’ve been trying to offset increased socialising with healthy sweet treats. This recipe for Healthy Carrot Cake has become one of my faves.
  • In the pursuit of trying something different, went along to Taiji in Regents park. Run by Confucius Institute for TCM & London South Bank University, I left full of energy and happily surprised. I’m a sceptic convinced.

Lots of exciting things coming up this week including crossing something very special off my bucket list. Stay tuned for the details next week!

xx

5 Unexpected Truths About London Life

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For anyone who has been keeping up to date with my London adventures over the past year, you’ll know that I think London life is pretty special. That said, there’s a few truths about London life that often go unspoken about. I’m talking about the first world problems and the unspoken social norms – you know, those simple things that long-time Londoners would simply assume are public knowledge.

So in the interest of sharing the love, here are five unexpected truths I discovered about London life since moving here:

 

1. YOUR CUP OF TEA WILL BE SLIMEY

Not only does the tap water taste a bit yuck (words simply can’t adequately describe it…) but its trademark move is the slimey coating which you’ll find on the inside of your tea cup as you casually sip away. Apparently, it’s got something to do with the calcium in the water when it mixes with tea so as far as I’m aware, it’s not doing much harm. Not sure this understanding does anything to help quash the grossness, but you know what they say: knowledge is power. My top tip? Try not to think about it.

 

2. YOUR HAIR WILL FALL OUT

Another delightful side effect of the water. Personally I’m not sure of the specifics here but I can attest to the fact that it happens. My hairdresser suggested washing my hair with bottled water to curb the effects but, despite my vanity, that’s still an indulgent step too far for me.

 

3. YOU NEED TO PLAN TO BE SICK

It’s not enough to be ill, but now you have to plan it at least two weeks in advance!? If you want a chance in hell of seeing a GP, then you’d better believe it. Or, failing that, one must be on the phone to the clinic within seconds of the appointment lines opening in the hopes of securing that elusive last minute appointment. Prevention is the best option if you ask me.

 

4. POLITENESS IS A TOURIST THING

Nothing screams ‘I’m from out of town’ like common politeness on public transport in London. Sad, but true. The exception to this is if it’s very late at night and you’re a bit tipsy. In which case, all filters are off, you can be forgiven for ignoring this social convention and, hopefully, you’ll make some likeminded friends. Outside of this situation, however, make sure to avoid extraneous eye contact or smiling with strangers on the tube and never, EVER, thank your bus driver upon alighting.

 

5. POST IS DELIVERED ON SATURDAYS

Just when you thought this post was plunging you into deep set negativity about London Life, fear not: London life really isn’t all bad. Unlike in Australia where you’re lucky to get post delivered at all these days, in London the Royal Mail still deliver on Saturdays.

 

Over to you: what’s surprised you about London life?

 

London Life Lessons

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Happy Sunday everyone! Another weekend in London has flown by. I unfortunately spent most of mine curled up in bed with sinus infection (I really should have been taking more of my own advice) following a rather busy week!

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

  • Attempted my best movie-star-on-press tour impression filming a case study for work. Note to self: have not missed calling as an actress and should most definitely stick to day job.
  • Went to The Graham Norton Show where I not only saw the gorgeous Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe and Jodie Foster but the one and only SIR ELTON JOHN. Elton John on Graham Norton – I mean, it just doesn’t get much more British than that! Consequently, I’ve been singing Bennie and the Jets on repeat ever since. Sorry not sorry.
  • Planned an upcoming trip to the Lake District in July to get my Beatrix Potter on. Bring on the summertime road trip!
Lots of fun things to come this week including a trip to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a sure to be epic murder mystery evening and a spa day in Cambridge.
Here’s hoping yours is as equally fun-filled!

London Life Lessons

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I have to confess, as much as I wish my lack of updates here was due to me being so impossibly busy that I just haven’t had time for blogging, alas it’s quite the opposite. The past two weeks have flown by in a blur of work, running, mild homesickness and generally mundane life happenings.

So here’s an absolutely thrilling overview:

  • The spring sunshine has turned me into an uncharacteristically motivated spring cleaner. Wardrobes, windows, kitchen, bathroom, cupboards – nothing is safe and you have been warned.
  • My 16-year-old self has been completely over the moon now that it has both the prospect of Coldplay at Wembley and the Goo Goo Dolls to look forward to over coming months. So if you hear me mumbling/humming random lyrics about the colour yellow and strange pleas about wanting to be understood, you’ll now know why.
  • I’ve been breakfast-ing and brunching – the memory of Hubbard and Bell‘s french toast melt still has my mouth-watering.
  • A shopaholic to the core, I’ve pledged not to buy any new clothes until my trip to California in September. I feel anxious at the additional commitment that inherently comes with putting this in writing.

Still awake? I know…bear with me – I promise there’s more exciting things to come over the next few weeks x

London Life Lessons

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Happy May Day everyone!

As I write this, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and it’s a pretty beautiful day outside.

Not to go on and on about the weather when there’s infinitely more exciting things to talk about it, but it’s been a bit tumultuous this week to say the least. Rain, snow, sun, lightning, hail, etc. etc. So, some sunshine is most welcome if you ask me.

Outside of meteorological matters, it’s been a fairly quiet week post-holidays:

  • Last Sunday, I marvelled at the marathoners running the London Marathon. So athletic and so impressive – the atmosphere in London was electric.
  • Indulged in some spring cleaning, scouring the web trying to find some inspiring ways to make the most of my Italian travel souvenirs.
  • Paid a long overdue visit to the V&A to check out the Botticelli Reimagined exhibition (which, incidentally, is incredible).

Here’s to bank holiday Monday and a relaxing spring week ahead!

xx

London Italian Life Lessons

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After two entirely blissful weeks in Italy with my lovely little sister, I’m now back in London with a terrible case of the post-holiday blues. Hmph.

But really, can you blame me? With Italy’s sun, utterly indescribable beauty and depth of culture (not to mention the endless supply of gelato…), how can I not have returned just a little bit heartbroken?

Stay tuned in coming weeks for much more to come on what I can only hope will be the first of many Italian adventures.

But in the meantime, here’s a quick glimpse of what made the last fortnight so magical for me:

  • VENICE. I’m in love.
  • Learning Italian. My favourite word? Biscotti!
  • My new (and now banished) daily gelato habit.
  • Day tripping to Capri where I had the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my life.
  • SUNSHINE. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to leave the house without a jacket…

I only spent two weeks exploring the country and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s to be learned and experienced. Can’t wait to share more!

xx