28 January 2016

One Day. Living In London: The 18-Month Itch

In many ways, moving to a new country is like dating someone new. First there’s the getting to know them stage; you’re a bit uncertain and insecure as you tentatively seek out information, armed with a generous dose of superficial judgement. Stage two equals the exhilaration phase. You’ve decided you like it so you’re swept up in the moment, thrilled at the prospect of something so new and exciting. You’re blind to faults, you go with the flow…

It’s going to take 2 weeks to open a UK bank account? No problem! I don’t mind draining my savings while I wait, it’s obviously a very thorough process…

The supermarket is only open for 6 hours on a Sunday? That’s fine – work life balance right? I’ll make sure I’ve got no plans between 12-6pm to grab those groceries…

The Piccadilly line has severe delays [again]? That’s ok, I’m fine with a 2-hour commute, think how much of my book I can read…

Rose coloured glasses, anyone?

But once those come off, around about the year-and-a-half mark, say hello to the itch. Now, it doesn’t mean it’s all over red-rover, but consider it a significant speed bump that needs attention. I know, because 18 months in to living in London, my eyes are starting to wander.



So, what’s the deal with London? Firstly, I’m amazed at how one city can elicit such emotions from one person - I swing from love to hate, often both in the same minute, most days. And they’re not moderate emotions either; I’m talking full blown adoration to complete annoyance. Jumping on a tube just in time rather than waiting another 2 minutes? Fist pump. Standing in a puddle as I jump off the bus? Deep, deep sorrow – not the new shoes...

It’s not like London’s flaws haven’t always been there, it’s just I hadn’t noticed them during the honeymoon phase. But that doesn’t mean the end for me and the Big Smoke - finding and accepting the UK’s vibrant capital as one big contradiction full of stark contrasts and daily personal tests, makes it easier to manage my love-hate relationship. I’m finding the good in these ‘oh god, London why?’ scenarios:

It Can be Suffocating Yet It’s Easy To Escape
If you don’t like crowds, don’t move to London. I’ve become overly familiar with other people’s body odours in the last year and a half, and trust me, it’s not a pleasant experience. The daily commute, the grocery trip, Friday night drinks – it’s all a rather crowded affair. On the bright side, it’s easy to escape from London’s hustle and bustle; a 2-hour flight will have you in an entirely different country.

It’s Expensive Yet The Best Things Are Free
A little sob involuntarily escapes from me due to London’s exorbitant prices, sometimes three times a day. A cheeky morning hot beverage? £3.50 – sob. My weekly travel card £38 – sob. A low key dinner and one drink - £32 – sob. Yet, just like the song says, I have to agree that the best things in [London] life are free – there’s no joy like the happiness I feel when I simply wander the streets of this city, visit a museum or peruse a gallery.

It’s Freezing All The Time Yet It’s Great For Fashion
Summer lasted about a week and the skies here are endlessly grey. This took a lot of adjusting to for the girl who’d grown up on the beautiful beaches of the sunny Gold Coast, Australia. Yet despite the negative Celsius winters and the endless drizzling rain, the fashion here is fantastic. You never look out of place in a chic hat, you can wrap up in luxury coats and thigh-high boots actually have a purpose.

So I guess it’s true, for every wrong there is a right and for every London-test there is a triumph. At the end of the day, despite my love-hate relationship with this complex, infuriating, addictive city, I’ll always keep coming back for more…

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Photos by Krissie.

24 January 2016

Style It. January Celeb Street Style

I feel rather guilty to admit that I didn’t take advantage of the sales this Christmas. What with my Dad around, there was no time for shopping. Thankfully I see there’s still plenty of bargains to snap up, some of which I’ve noted below for you. Check out my first street style babe round-up for 2016.


Va va voom – Khloe Kardashian is sure looking sexy lately with that new bangin’ hair cut. Love this deep plunge red dress on her that hugs her curves in the right places. Finish with understated accessories.

Knit / Coat (sale!) / Jeans / Trainers / Bag 

Ahhh Olivia Palermo, there she goes again with her effortless style. This time in a chic boucle coat, leather-look skinnies and platform trainers. And, looks like she hit the Zara sale herself!

Jacket (sale!) / Jeans / Top / Boots / Choker

Channeling a bit of a Kate Moss style, Kendall Jenner looked understated and chic in LA in this look. Love the cropped faux fur jacket, and the velvet choker just finishes the look for a cool ‘90s vibe.

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Photos by Krissie via retailers and Pinterest.

21 January 2016

One Day. 5 January Pick-Me-Ups

I grew up with the notion that January was one of the greatest months of the year. In Australia it was part of the Christmas holidays, the start of an exciting year ahead, I was often at the beach and temperatures sat around 30 degrees. Bliss.

Londoners think January is the most depressing month of the year. Funny that. I mean it’s gotta be the weather – the Poms believe this so much, they even have a day for it. Blue Monday. It falls on the third Monday of the year. Supposedly it’s the day you’re likely to be the most depressed… I have to disagree because despite the zero degree weather, January always has me excited at the prospect of what the new year holds. Blizzard or no blizzard. Empty bank account or not.

However, if you are feeling a little down, might I share with you my 5 favourite pick-me-ups.

dog video, youtube, funny video, dogs, puppies, laugh, blue monday

Dog Videos
Honestly, I could wile away several hours each evening sifting through all the animal videos in my social feed, particularly those featuring confused and/or adorable pups. If you hear giggles coming from Fulham, it’s probably me.

travel planning, map, world, travel, wanderlust, adventure, blue monday

Travel Planning
Obviously. As the wanderluster that I am, there’s barely a greater joy than that I get from staring at a European map and pinning future destinations. So far this year I’ve got Copenhagen, Geneva, Italy and Croatia on the cards… Yippee.

shopping, designer, chanel, retail therapy, exclusive, blue monday

Retail Therapy
Nothing says pick-me-up like a sassy new outfit. Whether it’s a dress, a pair of shoes or a designer handbag (splurge!), you can’t beat the thrill that comes with purchasing something new you really love.

library, books, blog, reading, blue monday

Reading
Whether it’s a good book (like this un-put-downable one) or my most favourite blog The Londoner, I love to escape reality for an hour or two and lose myself in someone else’s stories.

cooking, baking, chocolate, brownies, dessert, yum, recipe, blue monday

Cooking
Get in that kitchen and whip up a new recipe – when it turns out a treat I guarantee you’ll be feeling chuffed. I’ve been making this one a lot lately.

Voila, January blues be gone - because who's got time for that anyway?

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Photos via Pinterest and by Krissie.

17 January 2016

Must Have. A Luxury Home

If you hadn’t already guessed by my Instagram posts, I’ve had a bit of a shift in abode recently. Sadly it’s not a permanent move, but it’s one I’ve absolutely loved all the same because for 10 days I’ve been able to call South Kensington home.

interior design, style, home, architecture, homewares, south kensington, london

It all came about when Dad needed to hang around London for longer than expected for work and so rather than him hanging around a hotel, I found this gorge little air bnb which I’ve been able to call home for a few beautiful days.

interior design, style, home, architecture, homewares, south kensington, london

On the doorstep of the Natural History Museum and with its luxury lounge and significantly better-stocked kitchen [than my own], I’m been in seventh heaven. SW7 to be specific.

interior design, style, home, architecture, homewares, south kensington, london

My little taste of luxury has had me in raptures over gorgeous homewear and ways I can decorate my own little abode. Here are some of my favourite picks…

interior design, style, home, architecture, homewares, south kensington, london

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Photos by Krissie and via retailers.

14 January 2016

Suitcase. Verona, Italy - Travel Guide

Verona. To me I will always associate this Italian city with Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets.

We stopped off here on our way back to London as the final leg of our Italian Christmas extravaganza. And what a way to finish.



This city is magic. From its historic walls and mini colosseum to its winding alleys and iconic squares.


Sights
I quickly decided after arriving here that Verona would be a fantastic place to live, particularly if you’re a creative type. There’s no doubt that writers and painters would feel completely inspired by this ancient walled city.


Historical buildings greet you at every corner, each with a story to tell. The warm shades of peach, terracotta and yellow peek out at you as they line the streets with locals zipping by in their bicycles or ambling past with their pooches.

Verona’s Cathedral is a sight to behold...



As is the nearby Ponte Pietra bridge...



And of course you can’t miss the central Piazza Erbe.


I also stopped in at Juliette’s balcony (sadly it’s not as magical as it appears in Letters To Juliet but I enjoyed it all the same).


Transport
Look to feet or bicycles for Verona. The streets are narrow and the alleys are a-plenty so you’ll see the most this way. In summer you can even take a tour round the river, I’d like to do this next time.

Food
Verona was our last stop in Italy before heading back to London and I thought I’d be damned if I’ve had a whole trip in this country without a gelato. So despite the fact that it was 0 degrees and I couldn’t feel my fingers, I stopped in at a shop and ordered my favourite – hazelnut. It was delicious of course!



Then as the sun set we dug into to a delightful bolognaise in a little backstreet restaurant before heading for the airport.


Ciao Verona, arrivederci!

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Photos by Krissie.

10 January 2016

Suitcase. Innsbruck, Austria - Travel Guide

After many Italian adventures over Christmas we decided on a day trip to cross the border and visit Innsbruck. Hello Austria! Having been on my travel wishlist for many years, I was excited to see this colourful little town nestled in the valley of the mountains.




Upon arrival I thought “it’s pretty yes, but their tourism board must be very savvy”. It’s a quaint little place and very picturesque around the river however it didn’t quite overwhelm me as I had expected it would. All the same I enjoyed my first Austrian experience.


Sights
My tip would be to spend a day here, two max. The city centre is a compact little place so I don’t think you need any more time. Start down by the river and take in the sights of the colourful homes set against the mountains. Then wander up towards the park before looping back into the centre of town.



Innsbruck Cathedral is an impressive sight and you can’t miss the Golden Roof in the main square. Back in the day the Emperors used this balcony to watch festivals and events.


Transport
Walking and trams are your two best options for this little town. Although, if you’re here then I would recommend hiring a car to take in the other sights and towns in the region. I hear Swarovski’s head office isn’t far away – we didn’t make it there but I believe it’s worth a trip!


Food
Meat and beer. That’s what I think of when I think of Austrian food. We enjoyed exactly that for our day trip feasting on lunch at a Speckeria. You can guess what they served – divine platters of freshly sliced meat and cheese which we washed down with some refreshing local beer. All in all a great lunch break.


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Photos by Krissie.

7 January 2016

Suitcase. Merano, Italy – Travel Guide

The best thing about living in London is having friends from all over the world. My beautiful friend Valentine is a gorgeous Italian from the Southern Tyrol region at the north of the country. Her home town is a quaint little place called Merano and boy can I tell you, it was a magical spot to spend Christmas. I’ll try and keep it short and sweet with this one because I think the photos simply speak for themselves. Behold the serenity…

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
 That's my Dad, he came over to visit for Christmas

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

Sights
Mountains, mountains everywhere. Literally. They surround every inch of this scenic part of the country. Driving up to Merano from Milan felt like the beginning of a fairytale, I was just waiting for a knight in shining armour riding a horse driving a Ferrari to appear. We passed many-a-little-village, each as charming as the next and ooh'ed and ahh’ed at the historic castles perched on the mountains’ cliff edges.

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

Merano itself is a spa town know year-round for its thermal pools. With a quaint little stream running through the centre and charming Austrian-style architecture it’s a great place to spend the festive season. There were Christmas markets on every corner and children performing routines on the ice rink.

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery, ice skating, children, kids, winter

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery, christmas

If you’ve got time then I highly recommend a trip up Vigiljoch Mountain in neighbouring Lana. We did so on Christmas Day and it was definitely one to remember starting with a cable car ride up to 1,300m before hopping into little chairs for an open air experience to climb the final 600m.

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

The air was clear, the sky was blue and the views, well check them out…

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

A little church sat solitary on a hill chiming out its bells across the hills...

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

Frost covered the ground where the sun hadn't yet reached...

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

And children played on the ice of the frozen lake...

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery, ice, frozen, winter, children, kids

Afraid I might fall through, I preferred the swing.

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery, swing, play

Transport
We had a hire car for our leg of the trip in order to visit neighbouring towns like Bolzano and Bressanone. Merano itself is small enough to walk everywhere yet I’m certain you’ll want to explore past its borders, look how charming these places were too.

bolzano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
The main street of Bolzano 

bolzano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
Christmas markets in Bolzano 

bolzano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
The church in Bolzano

bolzano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
The very Austrian architecture of Bolzano

bolzano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

bressanone, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
The church in Bressanone 

bressanone, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

bressanone, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

bressanone, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery
Magical Bressanone

Food
It’s safe to say I returned from my Christmas trip several kilos heavier. There is so much great food in this region and whilst not all traditionally Italian, it’s just as enjoyable with its German/Austrian influence. There were plenty of pizzas, schnitzels and cold meats and cheeses. If you’re here at Christmas time, then the mulled wine is second to none too. Sorry no photos, we were too busy eating!

Whilst there was no snow in the region (the first year in many), I certainly had myself a merry little Christmas in this winter wonderland.

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

merano, italy, travel, adventure, wanderlust, mountains, scenery

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Photos by Krissie.