Paree

The Eiffel Tour is one of the most magical things I have ever seen. As with most girls, I have wanted to go to Paris for about as long as I can remember. It is such an iconic city, one that inspires the kind of romance that only exists in films . To actually be there, living it, having picnics under the Eiffel Tour and watching sunsets from the Arc De Triomphe was utterly ridiculous. If I'm honest, I've heard mixed reviews of Paris. To be fair, with all the surrounding hype, the city does have rather high expectations to live up to. Personally, my experience was nothing short of the beauty I'd dreamed up in my head. I let this city steal my heart away. From the mutterings of the alluring language surrounding your table at the back of a cafe, to the breathtaking sites I'd only ever seen on postcards, I think I will always have a soft spot for France.  We stayed in a little Parisian flat that was built in a building still standing from the 19th century. It was one of those places so rich in character and in history. In the four days we stayed, we had enough time to really savour the sights we did see, however didn't make it through everything on our list. I would love for another trip to be on the cards, but am also desperate to do some travelling along the French Riviera. Until next time though, I'll be dreaming. 

Outsider Tart

I know I keep saying this- but I mean it! Things have been manic lately. I've diagnosed myself a full-blown workaholic. These were taken early on a Sunday morning (before work, of course!) where I attempted to restore some normal balance in my life by squeezing in a breakfast date before I started work. Outsider Tart is described as an authentic American bake shop and cafe, and is responsible for making the most delicious baked goods I've ever tasted. In their bakery you can find freshly made creations of American deliciousness, like chocolate peanut butter brownies, blondie bars and pumpkin cupcakes. It's also one of the few places in my area you can find some of the best American treats like lucky charms cereal and jet-puffed marshmallows as they stock a huge range of dry goods. At home I shared an apartment with one of my best friends who also happens to be from New York. It was like Christmas every time one of her huge care packages from home arrived- they were always full packed full of sugary delights. I almost miss those care packages as much as I miss living with Sam! It was only recently that I found out that Outsider Tart does a breakfast and brunch menu operating under the name of Blue Plate. Since breakfast is my favourite meal, and it is right around the corner from our house, I really had no excuse not to go and indulge- and I'm so glad I did. I had the most amazing blueberry pancakes, stacked high with hot butter melting down the sides and thick with sticky maple syrup. Jacob and I have made a pact to visit this place enough times by the end of winter to have tried everything on the menu. I think it's definitely doable. 

Lately

How is it August already? I'm stunned at the thought of how long I have suddenly been living here for and, what's more, it is beginning to dawn on me what little time I have left.. I feel as though my time is so limited lately, working six days a week on top of study and my blog. My last few weeks have disappeared in late nights and early starts. It's all so full on, and my days go so quickly before I have to wake up and do it all again. However, I love the feeling of being busy, and I know that this flurry of time and manic energy will pass and the efforts I've compiled will be well and truly worth it. These photo's were taken on what I'm going to call a forced break. We call it the Birthday Cake Building.

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.