Portobello Road

Summer is finally upon us! It feels so good to wake up to sunshine and blue skies every day. To wear outfits that only require just the one layer of clothing- no heavy coats, singlets or stockings. I'm happy to report that, with tops of around 30 degrees, Britain is experiencing a heatwave! I couldn't help but let a laugh slip out when I noticed posters had sprung up all over the tube stations warning passengers to arm themselves with a bottle of water and to exit the tube at the next possible stop if feeling unwell. Not because it wasn't very valid advice, but simply because it exasperates me that this kind of heat is taken so seriously! In Brisbane, it's rare that the temperature drops below 20 degrees (all year round), and I've been missing Australia's climate something chronic. To celebrate this lovely weather, I've been spending as much time outside as possible. That means lunch breaks spent eating salads in the park (often ending with an ice-cream to accompany me on the walk back to work), picnics on the weekends, Cinemas under the stars and (my favourite) wearing dresses and sandals again! The best thing about Summer in Europe is that the days are so long. The daylight literally stretches from about 5.30am until 9 or 10pm at night. Something that I found disorientating to begin with- eating dinner at 8 or 9pm at night because I would simply lose track of time, waiting for the night to come and tell me it was time to get dinner. But now I think of it as an absolute blessing. Even after a full day of work, there is still so much time to go out and enjoy the day or get things done. We spent this Saturday browsing Portobello Road Market. Portobello was a breath of fresh air, not having done much to satisfy our new found love for vintage goods lately as we have missed the last few car boot sales in our area. The market was huge, lined with rows of pastel coloured buildings and climbing rose bushes. It's little shops were filled to the brim with antique trinkets and furniture and I tasted some of the most amazing vegetarian street food I've ever had (except maybe Borough Markets).

Scarlet

London appreciation post number two. Life is busy. I picked up an extra job which is a Sunday position, so will soon be working six days a week as we decided we needed more funds to put towards travel. Making the most of my last few two day weekends, we headed into the city. The beauty of London is that there is literally always something happening. It's a city that's so full of life. Considering how long I have been here for now, I was almost shocked when I realised I had never attended The Changing of The Guard at Buckingham Palace. #touristlyf.

London Town

June was full. Jacob's birthday and my own are only four days apart, so there's been lots of celebrating to be done lately. I was wondering for months how my birthday would feel without having my beautiful friends and family surrounding me, but I had an amazing day full of surprises and a few of my best friends flew over for the occasion. Jacob is taking me to the happiest place on earth- the Warner Brothers Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour. Yes, HARRY POTTER! These photo's of this amazing city were taken when we were showing it off to Jenai and Ange on their first day here.

Neal's Yard

Stumbled upon this vibrant little spot whilst shopping for a birthday dress in Seven Dials, Covent Garden, and I thought it was so gorgeous, I couldn't not take a few snaps. Neil's Yard is a hidden little courtyard offering a few eateries, namely specialising in vegetarian or vegan cuisine. This was a bit of a respite for me, as I (surprisingly) haven't yet found my go-to vegetarian haven. Probably because I'm yet to find somewhere to rival Tian Ran  - if you are ever on the Gold Coast, I highly recommend you check it out. The food is godly.

Spring

Something I am very much loving about London life is that the seasons are so defined. Australia infamously boasts one season all year round- summer! Don't get me wrong, summer is my ultimate season, but being able to watch one season so distinctively become another has captivated me. This spring has lead us into a chilly start to summer, much to my dismay, and I am wondering if I am ever going to see the sun! Whilst it has been cold, spring has also been very pretty. It seems as though, over night, trees and plants and flowers have bloomed where I never noticed they even grew. I hardly even recognise my own high street through all the greenery! It's amazing to see London come to life in a burst of colour, with gardens and flowers sprouting, almost overflowing, all over the place! Spring has announced itself just the way it should and has left everything looking vibrant and fresh. These snaps were taken during an afternoon stroll along the Thames. We sat on the bank of pebbles and skimmed stones across the river's steely surface, watching our breath escape in swirls of mist whenever we spoke. 

Clementine

Seaside

Yes, more photo's from Bournemouth... I couldn't not share these though- I just cant get enough of the dreamy views and endless blues. I think I forgot how soothing the ocean can be. There is something I find to be so therapeutic about the beach. Maybe because it reminds me of how small I really am in this great big world of ours- just a tiny grain of sand glinting in the sun. Being Australian, I suppose I fell into the habit of taking something like the beach for granted. I have missed it so much and it really is a place that makes me feel grounded. Bring on summer when I can sink my toes into the sand and lay on the shore for hours getting lovely and brown.