Brick Lane

Remember when I mentioned that of all the places I've visited in London so far, Covent Garden was one of my favourites? Well, my visit to Brick Lane certainly gave that idea a run for its money! I have wanted to make a trip to Shoreditch, specifically Brick Lane, ever since moving here and reading about this vintage haven on Stolen From Grandma. I hadn't visited sooner as I had been strategically saving my pennies in hope that I would find some gems to start off my summer wardrobe- and I definitely wasn't disappointed! It has been growing increasingly more difficult living on such a limited collection of clothes consisting of what I could fit in my suitcase when I moved over, and what warm winter woolies I picked up when I arrived. I don't like to wear the same thing twice if I can avoid it and I'm starting to run out of different combinations of the pieces I own. That along with the fact that the weather is warming up (spring is upon us - hallelujah!) means that new clothes are at the top of the list. Brick Lane is an absolute treasure trove of vintage boutiques and market stalls. Out of all, Blitz has got to be my pick,  a huge two story warehouse of pre-loved beauties. I could honestly stay in here for hours, sifting through all the floral prints, acid-washed denim and oversize knits. In fact, I almost did, before Jacob made the executive decision to drag me away! Don't worry, I didn't leave empty handed...

Borough Food Markets.

Finally, we got around to visiting the Borough Food Markets and it was one of the most delicious experiences of my life! Despite the fact that it was incredibly busy, it was still such a fun and tasty day and we are already planning our next trip back. These markets have every yummy, home made thing you could dream of. From organic tea, chocolate and health foods to fresh juices and cakes to some of the most amazing vegetarian and vegan dishes you will ever taste, it has ev-er-y-thing! We managed to navigate the thick crowds long enough to have a browse (and a taste test) of each stall - more than we could count. I eventually narrowed it down to just a few goodies to take home. Trust me, this was no easy feat. The afternoon was spent feasting on grilled halloumi and garlic baguettes and fresh vegetable gyoza, including as many taste tests and samples as our poor tummy's would allow! I can't wait for my next trip back- there's a slice of organic pecan pie with my name on it!

The Fair

As soon as I saw the posters up for this I knew I wanted to go. Who doesn't love an afternoon at the fair? Waffles smothered in clotted cream and strawberries, sugary clouds of fairy floss, the views from the top of the ferris wheel, and letting your inner child get the better of you for a few short hours. Unfortunately, this one wasn't as great as I had anticipated with the loud rattles being emitted from most of the rides enough for me to sit this one out.  However the afternoon sun compensated for this and it was a day warm enough for me to get away with shrugging out of my coat. Spring couldn't come sooner!

Mid week mayhem.

Here, have some snaps of my week!

1. Jacob's amazing find for me at the car boot sale we went to over the weekend. I didn't get any photos (sorry!) but had the best morning wandering around browsing the treasures. We have visited three car boot sales in the last three weeks and I am really beginning to develop a soft spot for them. I can't wait until Jacob and I move into our own flat so I have an excuse to actually buy some of the gorgeous antiques that we find. I have been wanting to start sewing so I can start making and altering my own clothes, so have had my eye out for a good machine for the last few weeks. This little gem cost us only £10 and scrubbed up really well. The brand, Gamages, was a hugely successful department store in central London, 1878, that peaked in the 1960's, eventually closing in 1972. This machine was made in Ireland and we think is from somewhere between the 1950's to 1970's. I had originally grown very fond of the idea of owning an old singer machine and actually spotted one the same day for £45, but Jacob made me promise to look around first. Thank goodness he did, I already love and am getting attached to my little Gamages machine!

2. I also picked up this little floral number as my first sewing project. I'll try and keep you updated on that one and let you know how it turns out.

3. Me, fresh faced and up bright and early to collect my parcel at the post office on the way to Maison Blanc for breakfast. A very special thanks to the lovely team at Zoie Boutique for their efforts in holding my items and getting this all the way to the UK for me! Their boutique stocks some of my absolute favourite Aussie labels, which I have been missing dearly over here. I am slowly updating my wardrobe in excitement and preparation for the summer months and will definitely be returning to Zoie! I love getting mail, and it was so exciting opening such a beautifully packaged delivery- I felt like it was my birthday (haha)!

4. Tickets to Wicked at the Appolo Theatre. I have wanted to see this show for the longest time, so was honestly ecstatic when we scored these tickets! The show was absolutely incredible. I'm a sucker for the theatre and caught myself tearing up at numerous times throughout the performance because I was just so darn happy to be there! Definitely something I can see myself going back to see over and over.

5. Tickets to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland performed by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House. Jacob surprised me with these last week. Alice in Wonderland is one of my absolute favourites, and although our seats weren't as brilliant as we anticipated, it was by far the best performance of this production I have ever seen, and this is coming from someone who has seen Alice brought to life by three different companies, and also been an Alice on stage herself! Christopher Wheeldon is an incredible choreographer and combined with the musical genius of a score by Joby Talbot, the ballet was utter magic.