tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79303813038771898032024-03-26T23:37:26.780-07:00All The Little ExtrasAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-12748977548844601362017-10-05T07:58:00.000-07:002017-10-05T17:41:35.220-07:00Taking the Long Way Home – Europe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With my working holiday visa rushing towards
its expiry and family and friends urging me to come home, it was time to call
time on London. Putting it mildly, I was devastated to be leaving my new home
but the one thing making me feel better was the opportunity to travel and tick a
few things off the old bucket list as I journeyed back to Perth. There’s the
old adage that with travel, you either have time or money - for the first time
in my life, I had a little of both so I reluctantly packed and shipped my coats
and scarves, said goodbye to friends and colleagues and headed to St Pancras station
armed with a couple of bikinis and a bottle of sunscreen. Read on to see some
of my favourite snaps from my trip through Europe, India and South East Asia.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First order of business – hop on the Eurostar
to Paris to stock up on French pharmacy goodies and have a falafel at L’As du
Fallafel. Yes, I crossed the English Channel for a pita wrap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a miserably hot and humid Sunday in
Paris and running around trying to find an open La Poste was not fun. Ice cream
helped. I spent 12 hours in Paris and all I did was take photos of food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily a friend from London was also visiting
and we caught up for a few reviving Aperols. Then an uncomfortable night’s kip
at Orly Airport before jumping on a quick flight to Santorini. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Santorini was number one on my bucket list. And
it definitely lives up to the hype – picture perfect whitewashed houses
clinging to rocky cliffs, black volcanic sand beaches and the azure of the
Mediterranean. My Insta game has never recovered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent three gloriously sunny days in
Santorini, stuffing myself with more feta and seafood than is socially
acceptable and recovering in the Mediterranean sun. Perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 taxi, 2 planes and 3 trains later… and I was
in Amalfi. I stayed in the little town of Sant’Agnello which is one stop before
Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana train line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of the twisty nature of the roads, the
Amalfi Coast is a little hard to get around. Ferries are quick but spendy,
buses are cheaper but slower. If you can keep up with the crazy Italian drivers
and you’re brave enough to tackle the roads, I’d hire a car or scooter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the next few days, I visited the Blue
Grotto in Capri, lazed on a beach in Positano, ate the most delicious Frutti di
Mare in Amalfi and then lazed on another beach in Atrani. Every place I visited
was so gorgeous… it’s not hard to see why people flock to the Amalfi Coast in
droves!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next stop – Naples, the home of pizza and
pickpockets. I stayed in the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town which was
beautiful in its own gritty sort of way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">La Pizzeria L’Antica – yep, the one from Eat,
Pray, Love. And guys, it really is that good. I watched a petite Italian woman
wolf down an entire pizza without even breaking a sweat. Respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another one for the bucket list – Pompeii! I’ve
wanted to visit since I was a little girl reading about Ancient Rome at school.
Definitely worth the trek down from Naples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Athens was my next stop – a few days visiting
the ancient ruins and eating gyros before visiting friends in Cyprus. Athens is
such a beautiful city. There’s an incredible bar scene here – try the hugely
creative cocktails at The Clumsies. The Gazi district is has some great venues
as well. I was lucky enough to meet some locals so I got the inside track on
where to be in Athens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After Athens was a few days in Limassol, Cyprus
soaking up the sun and catching up with friends. You’re never too far from a
beach here and the food is incredible – from Syrian meze to Cypriot seafood to some
pretty darn incredible sushi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Monuments and meals would be the most apt
description of my time in Rome. From perfect peaches at the Campo di Fiore to
tiramisu (from Two Sizes – get the bigger one, trust me) at the Piazza Navona
and gelato at the Colosseum, eating and sightseeing is what Rome is all about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of food, some of the best meals on my
trip were had here. Cacio e Pepe at Pizzeria Emma near the Campo di Fiore and
delicious pizza pockets from Trappizzino in the Testaccio district (get the
doppio panna – burrata cheese and anchovy) cannot be missed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the lead up to Game of Thrones season 6, I
had to visit Dubrovnik aka King’s Landing. I stayed in the Old Town which, if
you ignore the souvenir shops and pizzerias, looks just like it would have half
a millennia ago. Definitely take a leisurely walk along the Old Town Walls and
if you can find it, have a few drinks at the cliffside Buda Bar which overlooks
the Adriatic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the old pier, which fellow GoT tragics
will recognize as Blackwater Bay, you can join a sunset kayaking tour that
takes you around the hidden coves and islands. Well worth the sore shoulders
the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And so concludes the Europe leg of my journey
back to Perth. A quick pit stop back in London to pick up a travel buddy, say
goodbye to a few favourite haunts and stock up on provisions before flying,
India bound, out of Heathrow. Stay tuned for the subcontinent snaps!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-51743718138551687352017-04-11T05:49:00.002-07:002017-04-11T12:32:26.453-07:00Where and What to Eat in London Right Now<center>
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Eat all these things. Now.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSdddVLgr7G/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">A Sri Lankan lunch fit for a king 🤴#HoppersLondon #Lunch</a></div>
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A post shared by Hoppers (@hopperslondon) on <time datetime="2017-04-04T10:36:44+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 4, 2017 at 3:36am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoppers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can’t even begin to describe
how much I love this restaurant. The Bone Marrow Varuval haunts my dreams.
Roasted bone marrow smothered in a ridiculously tasty curry just waiting to be
mopped up with shreds of flaky paratha. Perfection. The Lamb Kottu Roti is a
crazy mashup of vegetables, torn up roti, eggs and spicy lamb curry – so good!
And don’t forget to split one of the intimidatingly large, crispy, ghee slicked
dosas as well. They don’t take reservations (sigh) but they will take down your
name so you can have a drink elsewhere until your table is ready. Very
civilised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMCBZ94D6VM/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">New menu, new wines, all on from tomorrow. #kricket #popbrixton #indiansmallplates #autumn</a></div>
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A post shared by Kricket (@kricketlondon) on <time datetime="2016-10-26T15:43:44+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 26, 2016 at 8:43am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keeping on the subcontinent small
plates theme, we have Kricket. The Soho outpost of the original Brixton spot
has a very tasty menu full of delicious treats. The Bhel Puri is a mishmash of
flavours and textures – chewy green mango, crunchy sev and puffed rice
smothered in a tangy tamarind sauce. I’d advise you to split this though – it’s
bigger than you think and there’s a lot of chewing involved. Also amazing is
the garlic crab with the seaweed papads – deliciously pungent and probably not
date night food but definitely a must order!
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR1ZNeSDfQo/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">When you finally find that Singapore food fix 😍 . . . . . #singaporefood #rotiking #londonfood #food #foodporn #roticanai #charkwayteow #curry</a></div>
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A post shared by Kim Lalunio (@itskimhere) on <time datetime="2017-03-19T21:09:59+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 19, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Roti King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll say it right now - Perth has
some of the most amazing Singaporean and Malaysian food in Australia. London on
the other hand, struggles. But this place, with its tiny communal tables, cheap
food and abundance of students definitely makes me feel a little more at home.
The service is quick and friendly and the food is very generously portioned.
Queuing for this little basement restaurant can be a little daunting but just
know that at the end of it lies delicious handmade roti canai with tasty
chicken curry and smoky char kway teow. Worth it. Maybe not when it’s raining
though.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSZPglPB2Ph/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Borough - If you're in the market for Prime Rib, then this could (should) be your dinner. 🐮</a></div>
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A post shared by Hawksmoor (@hawksmoorrestaurants) on <time datetime="2017-04-02T19:17:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 2, 2017 at 12:17pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There isn’t anything I could
write about Hawksmoor that hasn’t already been said. It’s known as the place to
get steak in London. Have your steak with a side of roasted beef marrow and
definitely get the creamed spinach – it’ll change your life. Might be a good
idea to get some sort of vinegary, peppery salad too – the richness on top of
excess with a side of gluttony can be a little overwhelming. That being said,
the anchovy hollandaise sauce is perfection – try it! Now a word to the wise -
the portion sizes are huge so clear your schedule and remember to have a light
lunch!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR_oSttDiqm/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Tapas - the gentrified way to eat fried food with alcohol. . . . . . #gentrification #food #foodporn #londonfood #thisislondon #tapas #squid #croquetas #spanishfood</a></div>
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A post shared by Kim Lalunio (@itskimhere) on <time datetime="2017-03-23T20:34:11+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 23, 2017 at 1:34pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tapas. The grown up way to eat
fried food with alcohol. Gintonica – the upper level of The Distillery on
Portobello Road – does it with even more style. The room is small but
beautifully decorated. There’s a bar in the corner, ready to sling you a huge
Copa de Balon brimming with gin (and maybe a little tonic) and on the other
side of the room is the open kitchen, serving all manner of grilled, fried and
pickled deliciousness. The cheese croquetas are terrifyingly easy to consume,
as are the Josper grilled gambas. Also worth a try is the smoky duck breast
with celeriac remoulade!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSshuLmD7my/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Share this post if like us, you and your friends are going to be celebrating Easter Weekend! Yes, it's a long weekend and we're going to make the most of it! Dance to the DJ, favourite cocktail in hand, this Friday at 68 and Boston! #68andBoston #Soho #bar #restaurant #Afterwork #latenight #drinks #wine #cocktail #oxfordstreet #deal #W1 #datenight #dinner #bistro #hire #privatehire #DJ #EasterWeekend #Easter #Party</a></div>
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A post shared by 68 and Boston (@68andboston) on <time datetime="2017-04-10T07:02:35+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 10, 2017 at 12:02am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Imagine a wine bar where you
don’t have to pretend to peruse the wine list before picking the second
cheapest bottle. Amazing, I know. All of the bottles (with the exception of
their premium listed wines) at this cosy little place come in at a sweet £20.
And whoever curated the wine list certainly knows what they’re doing because
every bottle is a winner. Also great are the bar snacks to accompany the vino –
crispy whole baby squid, salty charred padron peppers and cheesy crab
croquetas. Best of all… you can book a table!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSUCiCqDZse/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Oh hi there, puddin'! The Bleecker Black feat. Angry Fries. (Helpfully cut in half for that all important Instagram money shot) 🍔🍔🍔 #bleeckerburger #londonfood #foodporn #burgersofinstagram #blackpudding #mediumrare</a></div>
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A post shared by Kim Lalunio (@itskimhere) on <time datetime="2017-03-31T18:48:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 31, 2017 at 11:48am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bleecker Burger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ohhh, puddin’. This is where you
go for your ultimate dirty burger fix. It’s the kind of food that makes you
feel the need to confess afterwards. Get the Bleecker Black – two, juicy medium
rare patties of dry aged beef hugging a layer of crispy black pudding, blanketed
in oozy cheese. Yeah, that’s some pornographic shit right there. The fries you
could easily pass on (though if you can convince someone to split the Angry
Fries, I wouldn’t be mad at you) but you absolutely MUST get the Black and
White shake. Made with Valrhona chocolate and what I assume to be the tears of
angels, it’s a milkshake that’ll bring everyone to the yard.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLdbi5BBZwn/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Sneak peek #oneweektogo #openingsoon #theivycafenw8 #stjohnswood</a></div>
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A post shared by The Ivy Cafe, St John's Wood (@theivycafenw8) on <time datetime="2016-10-12T10:40:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 12, 2016 at 3:40am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Ivy Café, St John’s Wood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you feel the urge to dine
amongst the well-heeled and fancy folk, head here. It’s a prime place for
people watching (play my favourite game – Daddy or <i>Daddy</i>) and the food is
pretty incredible as well. The menu is full of comfort food classics
(shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and roast chicken etc.) but with enough special
touches to make it special. I’d also definitely recommend getting a serve of
the truffle arancini with your cocktails while you peruse the menu properly.
The service is impeccable, the silverware is heavy and the lighting is super
flattering – what more could you ask for? All of the Ivies are lovely but the
St John’s Wood venue is a great spot to unwind after a Sunday afternoon stroll
around Regent’s Park.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-89229416901934164552017-04-03T14:44:00.000-07:002017-04-03T14:44:00.438-07:00London Markets<center>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEQijnOgY26/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">This is happening in the @schoolyardmkt today. @dumplingshack. #dumplings #food #foodie #foodporn #instafood #londonfood #londonfoodie #foodpic #foodiepic #broadwaymarket #schoolyardmarket #londonfields #LF #E8 #hackney #london</a></div>
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A post shared by Broadway Market (@broadwaymarket) on <time datetime="2016-04-16T10:51:38+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 16, 2016 at 3:51am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Broadway Market<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></span>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Okay, so it’s
faff to get to unless you live in Hackney already. But it also has some of the
most delicious food in London so it more than makes up for it. Go around 11ish
and make yourself a little hodge podge brunch of sorts while you wander. Start
off at Schoolyard Market - nice and early - to snag some fat little pockets of
perfection from Dumpling Shack before they sell out. Pick up some pastel
coloured treats at the Meringue Girls stall. Then meander over to Netil St
Market at go to the original BAO to have a fluffy steamed bun full of delicious
pork or, better yet, try their fried chicken. Also near Netil St Market is the
fantastic Yeast Bakery, hidden under a railway arch. They do perfect little
kougin amann pastries in a multitude of flavours. Then go home and rub your
tummy while crying tears of happiness.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sat 9am - 5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEiYx2iSg24/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Let trade commence! 📸 by @justinbreton</a></div>
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A post shared by Maltby St Market (@maltbystreet) on <time datetime="2016-04-23T09:12:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 23, 2016 at 2:12am PDT</time></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maltby St Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This tiny little
collection of stalls nestled alongside the railway arches of Bermondsey is a
great little place to while away the afternoon. There’s some amazing food to be
found here (the cheese toasties are incredible!), not to mention the GIN!
Bermondsey is home to a number of truly excellent craft gin distilleries and
they can be found every Saturday plying punters with their delicious, botanical
wares. Little Bird Gin is a cute little place to tuck into for a few hours on a
cold day – they give you blankets and hot water bottles (and gin!) and during
the summer, Jensen’s cops a lot of sun and slings some excellent off the wall
gin and tonics for about a fiver. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maltby St Market, Ropewalk, London
SE1 3PA <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday 9am - 4pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>11am - 4pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ-NT_iANHf/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Eggs is eggs #sundaymorning #brunch #breakfast #lazyday #foodie #food</a></div>
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A post shared by Borough Market (@boroughmarket) on <time datetime="2017-02-26T10:47:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 26, 2017 at 2:47am PST</time></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Borough
Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could wax
lyrical about how great Borough Market is but you probably already know. It’s
also horrendously expensive. I’m talking £10 for a small wheel of cheese,
expensive. My tip is to lose your sense of shame and rinse the free samples.
Seriously. If you find yourself with a bit of cash, wander around the edges of
the market for the best treats. Firm favourites around the area are Kappacasein
for raclette (your Snapchat game will never be the same), Chin Chin Labs for
gelato and Padella for the best goddamn pasta you’ll ever have in your life. And
after all that, go to Richard Hayward’s Oysters (directly across from The
Market Porter pub) and pick up half a dozen delicious bivalves and a glass of
prosecco for around about a tenner. Win. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday to Thursday 10am-5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday 10am-6pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday 8am-5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRarpQfF5SP/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">🎼'Portobello Road! Portobello Road! Street where the riches of ages are stowed.'🎼 This delightful street in Notting Hill is full of hidden nooks and crannies peeping with treasures like Alice's. We love this shot from @wallis_p_. Points to anyone who can guess the song! #OMGB #London #PortobelloRoad</a></div>
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A post shared by Love GREAT Britain (@lovegreatbritain) on <time datetime="2017-03-09T12:11:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 9, 2017 at 4:11am PST</time></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Portobello Road Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes, it’s chock
full of tourists on a sunny day. Yes, all the London tourist tat is incredibly
cheesy. But if you go when it’s a little drizzly, or early when the vendors are
just getting sorted and the crowds aren’t up yet, it can be pretty great. This
is my local market that I go to for groceries and weekend morning snacks. Visit
the great little Spanish grocery store (grab a huge bag of padron peppers for
£2!), the European providores on Elgin Road for delicious rillettes and Acklam
Road market for some amazing street food. The vintage clothing ranges from utterly beautiful to beautifully bedraggled to keep an eye out for the good stuff. There’s even a real life Banksy on
the north end of the road to gawk at if you’re so inclined. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Portobello Road Market, Portobello
Rd, London W11 2QB<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday to Wednesday 9am - 6pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thursday 9am - 1pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday to Saturday 9am –
7pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoSubtitle">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLEZjOQjtsV/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Eric Lee (@ericleephotography)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-02T17:21:48+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 2, 2016 at 10:21am PDT</time></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brick Lane Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like Portobello
Road, this market is absolutely choked to the gills with people on a sunny day.
Go when it’s cloudy and you’ll get to eat some of the best street food in
London at your leisure. Go to Dark Sugars Chocolatiers (there’s one at either
end of the street) to sample the most delicious chocolate truffles. The Boiler
House Food Hall has treats from all over the world – from Nepalese momos to
Lithuanian dumplings to Ethiopian injera. So tasty and so, so cheap. Heading
north, you’ll eventually come across what I call the ‘bagel bit’ of Brick Lane.
I prefer Beigel Bake (the white one) over Beigel Shop (the yellow one selling
rainbow bagels). Get a salt beef bagel with mustard and don’t forget the
pickle. Also around this bit is one for the hipsters - the infamous Cereal
Killer Café (I’ve been once – it’s pretty great!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brick Lane Market, Brick Lane,
London E1 6QR<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday 11am - 6pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10am - 5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMk7L4nj79G/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">#goodmorning live from #billingsgatemarket , we are in for the first #catchoftheday #gordonramsay #heddonstreetkitchen</a></div>
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A post shared by Heddon Street Kitchen (@heddonstkitchen) on <time datetime="2016-11-09T05:02:48+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 8, 2016 at 9:02pm PST</time></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Billingsgate Fish Market</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Canary Wharf at the butt crack of dawn is a
post-apocalyptic wasteland. Not a single besuited banker wanker to be found.
What you will find is Billingsgate Market – the UK’s largest inland fish market.
Doesn’t exactly sound like a rollicking start to the weekend, I know. But trust
me when I say the Scallop and Bacon butties at the market caff are well worth
the early start. And it is definitely an early start – the market opens at 4am
and all the good stuff is generally gone by about half 8. This is where
London’s best restaurants source their seafood and you’ll find all manner of
sea creature here. At wholesale prices. Oh yes. Even better are the real life
Cockneys you’ll find working the market - though fascinating as they are, given
the early hour, it’s probably best to keep out of their way!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Billingsgate Fish Market, Trafalgar Way, Poplar, London E14 5ST<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tuesday to Saturday 4am to 9:30am</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-28896347735749223822017-02-26T11:18:00.002-08:002017-02-26T11:18:55.145-08:00London On A Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now it goes without saying that London is a goddamn expensive place to live and visit. There’s so much to see and do (and eat!) but some of it is very, very expensive. But it can be done! Read on for my tips and tricks for remaining fiscally responsible in the capital AND still have a good time!<br />
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Sign up to restaurant newsletters and online magazines</b><div>
I know the thought of wading through dozens of emails every morning doesn’t sound like a good time but trust me when I say you can get some truly excellent deals this way. If there’s a restaurant you love, check if they have an online newsletter. Lots of restaurants have discounts or special offers for their online subscribers. Also, you know those free magazines that you see being handed out at Tube stations? A lot of them will have partnerships with bars and restaurants across the city offering some pretty great deals. The ones I particularly like are Stylist, Mr Hyde, the Nudge and London On The Inside. Not only can these guys net you some sweet deals at existing venues but they can also let you know when new restaurants are opening which brings me to my next point…<br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Soft Launches</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A lot of restaurants will hold a soft launch while they tweak the menu; train the staff and iron out any other operational wrinkles. If you can forgive a waiter who doesn’t know the wine list off by heart or waiting an extra five minutes for the cheque in return for 50% off and eating off brand new crockery, then soft launches are for you. At most, the staff may ask you for a bit of feedback on the service or the menu. Other than that, it’s a fun way to find new places or to check out a restaurant that may otherwise be out of your price range. <br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</b><br /><b>BYOB</b></div>
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If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you’ll know that alcohol is where venues make their bread and butter. The mark ups on booze are huge and while this isn’t an issue if you’re a teetotaller, London gives you far too many reasons to drink. Enter the BYOB restaurant. Now, BYOB isn’t a big thing in London and while many places will let you bring your own booze, you’ll find some charging exorbitant corkage fees for the privilege. So if you can find a place that offers free BYOB, you’re golden. Tayyabs in Whitechapel is a personal favourite. <br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Nightkey</b><br />Nightkey was a happy accidental find of mine. Sometime last year I was at a warehouse party in West London (wanky, I know) and these guys were hawking their new member’s card. I didn’t think anything of it, signed up to their free trial and quickly realised how amazing it is. Nightkey partners with bars, restaurants and clubs across London and gives members 30% off food and/or drinks on designated days of the week. Again, it’s a great way to visit places that the old purse strings may not usually stretch to. Standard membership is free for a limited time so get on to it! <br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Free Museums</b><br />There are dozens of free museums to visit in London on a lazy weekend. The V&A (Under 26s get half price membership!), The Natural History Museum, The Wallace Collection etc. etc. they’re all pretty great and while you will have to pay to enter the special exhibitions, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something to interest you in the regular collections. Try some of the more off the wall museums too – The Geffrye Museum in Bethnal Green, The Wellcome Collection in Euston and St Barts Pathology Museum. <br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</b><br /><b>Cheap theatre tickets</b></div>
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Visiting the West End can be a nightmare on the pocketbook. But you can get cheap theatre tickets if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort. Lots of the big shows will have ticket lotteries that can net you dirt cheap tickets on the day of (I won The Book of Mormon one!), theatre ticket resellers will occasionally have the odd cheap ticket if you’re on your own or willing to sit apart and weekday and matinee shows are generally cheaper than the weekends. You can also get great group rates if you can round up a big group of mates. It goes without saying that smaller shows will have smaller ticket prices so keep an ear to the ground for those great finds. <br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</b><br /><b>Cheap Day Trips (Oxford, Bath, Brighton)</b></div>
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You know what? London is damn expensive. So get out. There are dozens of cheaper places to visit just a couple of hours out of London by train. And if you book far enough in advance, the train tickets should be nice and cheap as well. Historic university towns like Oxford and Cambridge are gorgeous and just a smidge over an hour away from London. Bath is stunningly beautiful and if you book cheap tickets in advance, you can splurge on a spa day at the Bath Thermae Spa. Soaking in a rooftop mineral bath overlooking the Somerset countryside will do you a world of good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-12032201384016128112016-07-31T13:12:00.001-07:002016-07-31T13:12:40.900-07:00Where to Wet Your Whistle - The London Edition<center>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFgrabEI3q7/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by The Little Yellow Door (@the_little_yellow_door)</a> on <time datetime="2016-05-17T13:48:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 17, 2016 at 6:48am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Little Yellow Door</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
fun bar is hidden away behind a - you guessed it! - little yellow door on
Notting Hill Gate. Decked out like your cool older brother's apartment, it's a
sweet little spot to down a few cocktails and dance the night away! Like any
house party though, the sound system isn't great and there's not a lot of space
but you'll definitely have a good time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">68 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HT<br /><a href="http://thelittleyellowdoor.co.uk/" target="_blank">thelittleyellowdoor.co.uk</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIFu6BvDKd6/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by trailer happiness (@trailerh)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-20T16:13:29+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 20, 2016 at 9:13am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Trailer Happiness</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
if I told you the best pina colada in the city can be found in a Portobello
Road basement? That's exactly what you'll find at Trailer Happiness. This tiki
themed bar is always great for people watching, the cocktails are truly
excellent and the staff are both friendly and able to pull off Aloha shirts.
Not an easy feat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">177 Portobello Rd, London W11 2DY</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://www.trailerhappiness.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">trailerhappiness.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIDmWsADZP9/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Jenna Brooks (@jennabrookstaylor)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-19T20:20:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 19, 2016 at 1:20pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Mall Tavern</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another
Notting Hill favourite (three guesses as to where I live…), this place is your
average neighbourhood bar turned up to 11. You won't find foams, gels or
emulsions on the menu at The Mall Tavern (thank goodness!), but you will find
The Kernal beer on tap, delicious scotch eggs and, if you're lucky, a couple of
gorgeous pups to make friends with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">71 Palace Gardens Terrace, London W8 4RU</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://themallw8.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">themallw8.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIFUsQsBtjz/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Barts London (@bartslondon)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-20T12:24:24+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 20, 2016 at 5:24am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Barts</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Through
the lobby of an apartment block in Chelsea and tucked away behind an innocent
looking door is this sweet little bar. The walls are adorned with quirky
knickknacks, the cocktails are strong<span id="goog_805411267"></span><span id="goog_805411268"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> and the staff are excellent.
There's even a little courtyard for when the weather's good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://barts-london.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">barts-london.com</span></a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCKvTAYwEqA/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Magic Garden Pub (@magic_pub)</a> on <time datetime="2016-02-24T11:44:43+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 24, 2016 at 3:44am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Magic Garden</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This sweet little spot in Battersea will always hold a place in my (and a lot of my little London family's) heart(s). It has, hands down, one of the best beer gardens in town. It's always busy, there's an awesome stand selling bomb ass paninis and there's even a resident magician to thrill and delight you. Come check it out. We'll be out the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">231 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LG</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://magicgardenpub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">magicgardenpub.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIPQaMJDn10/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Cahoots London (@cahootslondon)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-24T08:59:24+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 24, 2016 at 1:59am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Cahoots</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally
heading a little way East, there's an Underground themed bar underneath Kingly
Court at Carnaby Street. You'll have to book a table but it's worth the effort
as you get transported (pun intended!) to post-war London with a ration
inspired menu and perfect cocktails. And if you're not down with SPAM snacks,
head up to Shoryu Ramen for some post-post-war munchies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">Kingly Court, 13 Kingly St, London W1B 5PG</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://cahoots-london.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cahoots-london.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHr98BPhNS5/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Philip George Colacurto (@philipcolacurto)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-10T16:04:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 10, 2016 at 9:04am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Continuing
the wanky secret bar theme, this infamous bar-in-a-fridge is one of my
favourite places to bring people to. Hidden away beneath The Breakfast Club in
Spitalfields, this teeny, tiny bar almost always has a ridiculous wait time on
weekends but try coming on a rainy Sunday afternoon and while away the hours
with their excellent cocktail list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">12-16 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://themayorofscaredycattown.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">themayorofscaredycattown.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFljEMJOL65/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by The Bermondsey Yard Cafe (@bermondseyyard)</a> on <time datetime="2016-05-19T11:11:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 19, 2016 at 4:11am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Bermondsey Yard</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just
around the corner from London Bridge station, you'll find this airy café slash
bar with a cosy little beer garden out the back. Live music, tasty treats,
beers and some fun cocktails make this a great place to while away a Sunday
afternoon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">40 Bermondsey St, London SE1</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://bermondseyyardcafe.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bermondseyyardcafe.co.uk</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGMa5dvoqXy/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by 46 & Mercy (@46andmercy)</a> on <time datetime="2016-06-03T13:30:32+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 3, 2016 at 6:30am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">46 & Mercy</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
basement bar underneath HotBox Bar & Grill is for serious cocktail lovers.
The bartenders are super helpful so don't be afraid to go off menu and try
something new. Also the bar snacks come via the restaurant upstairs so they're
most certainly worth tucking into. Try the Fish Glaze Wings. Seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">46 Commercial St, London E1 6LT</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://46andmercy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">46andmercy.com</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIdVPP8Ae7-/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by The Book Club (@thebookclubec2)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-29T20:10:57+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 29, 2016 at 1:10pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Book Club</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you're in Shoreditch on a Saturday night and want to have a bit of a boogie,
head to The Book Club. With ping pong tables upstairs, 90's R&B in the
basement and beautiful people everywhere, it's a guaranteed good time. And
that's all before you even get to the ever-changing list of £7 cocktails!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">100-106 Leonard St, London EC2A 4RH</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><a href="http://wearetbc.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">wearetbc.com</span></a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-13121929293739719742016-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:002017-02-26T11:03:47.298-08:00My Favourite London Restaurants...So Far<div style="margin: 0in;">
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I goddamn love food. And London is goddamn great at food. There's always some sexy new restaurant opening, bizarre high concept food popup or super hip(ster) street food thing happening in this mad, glorious city. Over the last year, I've cultivated a few favourites. Keep reading after the jump to witness me wax lyrical over these tasty treats.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQz_C2LFV0A/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Brasserie Zédel (@brasseriezedel)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-22T11:30:43+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 22, 2017 at 3:30am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Brasserie Zedel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For delicious French
bistro food in Central London at decidedly un-Central London prices, you have
to check out Brasserie Zedel. The drinks list can get a little pricey but the
food is ridiculously cheap (God truly doesn’t give with both hands). Get the Steak
Hache and follow it up with Ile Flottante for dessert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">brasseriezedel.com</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BF07ef5JQK5/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Duck & Waffle (@duckandwaffle)</a> on <time datetime="2016-05-25T10:33:26+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 25, 2016 at 3:33am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Duck & Waffle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you find yourself
tripping down Bishopsgate after a night out and want something to soak up the
booze that doesn't come sliced off a revolving tower of flesh, head over to the
Heron Tower for a decidedly posh late night snack. Yes, it's expensive but it's
so good! Crispy Pig's Ears, Ox Cheek Doughnuts, Tomato Consommé Bloody Marys
and the namesake Confit Duck & Waffle… get it all (if your bank balance
extends that far!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://duckandwaffle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">duckandwaffle.com</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIXGf4ChVpR/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by MIKA🕊 (@foodfashionista)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-27T10:06:43+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 27, 2016 at 3:06am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Botanist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Both branches of The
Botanist (Broadgate Circle and Sloane Square) are prime people watching real
estate. Not to mention the fact that the food at both restaurants is utterly
perfect. They do a lot of seafood and they do it well. Soft shell crab benedict
for brunch, a dressed Dorset crab starter at dinner and moule frites any time
of day… so good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">Broadgate Circle, Broadgate Cir, London EC2M 2QS</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://broadgate.thebotanistlondon.com/" target="_blank">broadgate.thebotanistlondon.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE</span></span><br />
<a href="http://sloanesquare.thebotanistlondon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sloanesquare.thebotanistlondon.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGorqk8MRJH/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by VietGrill London (@vietgrill_ldn)</a> on <time datetime="2016-06-14T12:55:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 14, 2016 at 5:55am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Viet Grill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wandering along
Kingsland Road, you might find yourself wondering which Vietnamese restaurant
to try. Search no further - go to Viet Grill. Come here for massive bowls of
pho and bun cha. Try the spicy pork and aubergine starter too! That being said,
they do have an exorbitant corkage charge on weekends (£20 a bottle!) so keep an eye out
for that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">58 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://vietnamesekitchen.co.uk/viet-grill" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">vietnamesekitchen.co.uk/viet-grill</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/1hsW3OHb_d/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by London Foodgram (@ldnfoodgram)</a> on <time datetime="2015-04-16T06:53:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 15, 2015 at 11:53pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Tayyabs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keeping on that BYOB
flex, we have Whitechapel institution Tayyabs. 40 odd years of churning out
perfectly charred masala lamb chops, fluffy naan breads and tasty curries means
these guys know what's good. Make a booking and turn up early otherwise be prepared
to queue and salivate over the sizzling platters of grilled meats passing you
by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.tayyabs.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.tayyabs.co.uk</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-tTYohSkvO/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Flat Iron (@flatironsteak)</a> on <time datetime="2015-11-30T11:48:40+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 30, 2015 at 3:48am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Flat Iron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're after a
decent steak in Central London and your finances don’t quite extend to
Hawksmoor, nip over to this little spot for a delicious strip of meat for a
tenner. Go with a mate, split a couple of sides and walk out for less than £15
a head. The staff are even nice enough to give out complimentary popcorn
(cooked in beef dripping!). They've got a couple of venues in Soho, one in Covent Garden and a newly opened one in Shoreditch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #545454;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Various Locations</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://flatironsteak.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flatironsteak.co.uk</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIAL-iaDO9H/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Shoryu Ramen (@shoryulondon)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-18T12:32:03+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 18, 2016 at 5:32am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Shoryu Ramen</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a stupid
number of ramen joints in London. Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu, Kanada-Ya… they're
all good. I personally really like Shoryu Ramen. A tenner and change will net
you a huge bowl of steaming ramen which I guarantee you'll struggle to get to
the bottom of. Try the Curry Ramen if you like spice!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Various Locations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.shoryuramen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">shoryuramen.com</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BH_vJESAJGo/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by C.J.D (@the_bespokelife)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-18T08:20:05+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 18, 2016 at 1:20am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">The Ham Yard Hotel</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I straight up love
this place. Tucked away just behind the craziness that is Piccadilly Circus,
you'll find this charming hotel bar and restaurant. Great for people watching
anytime of the week, the small plates
are delicious (make sure you try the Roast Octopus with Herb Mayo!) and
the cocktails are truly excellent. The afternoon tea isn't to be sniffed at
either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel/" target="_blank">firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD5sgJGP4UU/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Padella (@padella_pasta)</a> on <time datetime="2016-04-07T13:56:00+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 7, 2016 at 6:56am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Padella</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just around the
corner from Borough Market, you'll find Padella. Prices are very modest for
this part of town and while the portions are sized accordingly, the quality of
the dishes aren't. Start off with the burrata (sweet, dairy heaven!) and then
gobble up the pappardelle with beef shin ragu as you watch the chefs hand make
all the pasta in house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;">6 Southwark St SE1 1TQ</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://padella.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">padella.co</span></a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-23313518063705728752016-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:002016-02-14T11:02:00.029-08:00The Bottomless Dozen 2016: MADE Bar & Kitchen @ The Roundhouse, Camden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6WvUYWqCgQsNMeT3mBVpjWlGaR-H-wWem0g_z-Lp0A-CgIfYlsb0d2IgW1P5UeWMnRjWkMls_SynwM_HKtL_PWn7cvOXYIabYA7EdQwBjH7I5wKD1XMDSzoYHgyqy_ruXXKqGOCSrSX0/s1600/IMG_6447_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6WvUYWqCgQsNMeT3mBVpjWlGaR-H-wWem0g_z-Lp0A-CgIfYlsb0d2IgW1P5UeWMnRjWkMls_SynwM_HKtL_PWn7cvOXYIabYA7EdQwBjH7I5wKD1XMDSzoYHgyqy_ruXXKqGOCSrSX0/s640/IMG_6447_Fotor.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Like a lot of people, the beginning of a new year for me means New Years' Resolutions! You know, the usual - swear less, drink less, work out more etc. etc. Well let me introduce you to the one resolution I have every intention of keeping this year - The Bottomless Dozen! My housemate had the genius idea of treating ourselves to a bottomless brunch once a month for every month of 2016. The rules are simple - the food must be delicious and brunch-worthy and the drinks must be plentiful and bottomless. Life sure is tough. First off the ranks is <a href="http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/bars-and-kitchen/made-bar-and-kitchen/" target="_blank">MADE Bar & Kitchen at The Roundhouse</a> in Camden!</div>
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MADE offers a bottomless brunch with unlimited pastries, toast, tea & coffee in addition to all the Bloody Mary's and Bellinis you can consume in 2 hours for £27.50 + 12.5% service charge. You also get the choice of a main from their delicious brunch menu. It's a stupid amount of food and drink and you'll struggle to eat anything for the rest of the day so prepare yourself and dress in something with an elasticated waistband. Your food baby will thank you later. We started off with a couple of Bloody Mary's which were pretty great. Unfortunately, the following Bloody Mary's were a little lacklustre and needed a lot of pep in the form of some generous splashes of Tabasco. In the interest of science, I also tried one of the Bellinis. Don't. They were pretty bloody awful so I would definitely suggest sticking to the Mary's.</div>
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The lovely staff at MADE drop off a cake stand stacked high with carby goodness - waffles, pain au chocolate, croissants, raisin escargots and this amazing seeded toast. You also get the usual breakfast accoutrements; jam, butter, Nutella and Marmite (I finally tried it! Vegemite 4 lyfe kids!). If you still find yourself peckish after finishing this, you're able to have it replenished but trust me, one between two is plenty! The waffles were a little stale but everything else was gorge. Yum!</div>
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My housemate opted for the Shakshuka with two huge Merguez sausages. Served in a big pan (which was a little unwieldy, if you ask me) it looked and smelled incredible. It's a huge serving and you have to really love tomatoes if you're going to polish off the whole thing (especially with those Bloody Mary's adding to your lycopene intake!).</div>
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I went for the Potato Rosti with avocado, fried eggs and chorizo. This thing was SO good. Very rich but totally delicious. Would have been better with slices of real avocado over avocado cream but still really yummy. I'd definitely get this again. The service is super friendly and unobtrusive which, at brunch, is always welcome. The food wasn't the best brunch I've had in London but it's definitely tasty and worth the trip up to Camden. All in all, MADE warrants 3 bottoms out of 5!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-69176304775410558862015-07-29T06:33:00.004-07:002015-07-29T06:33:53.550-07:00My Favourite Things - The London Edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan1SPQZzVtv0gRxUBx62dld6J8k5pMASveDjbpTp1nv6xgDYbKC7nuI2Pg_opj99tTDfk7TMki8GJa9jCM7RrhmYSIgOHD4INN9Nix3xacU5Opcshomb5rMDz4XOlRTBHdPgfrxaRRhs7/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan1SPQZzVtv0gRxUBx62dld6J8k5pMASveDjbpTp1nv6xgDYbKC7nuI2Pg_opj99tTDfk7TMki8GJa9jCM7RrhmYSIgOHD4INN9Nix3xacU5Opcshomb5rMDz4XOlRTBHdPgfrxaRRhs7/s640/IMG_5156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Paul's Cathedral</td></tr>
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As most of you (Hey mom!) know, I recently moved to London and this Friday marks my first 2 months in this excellent city. In that time, I've exercised my rights as a lady of leisure (read: unemployed bum) and explored many a London enclave and have made some firm favourites along the way. </div>
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Read on for my Londontown favourites!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9I-s1Q5NgibNbrnkoDC3yrnilEQIfYI50K3jaIOL6Qg5NysJV_devzsQ8nP8g6pVe7dZW0MlLCMJ4JlfmpsTR1FGler934T5q94_o4iOcXjqmMypk_lVJCDUUZhyqJH6cNHPOqOjqSx/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9I-s1Q5NgibNbrnkoDC3yrnilEQIfYI50K3jaIOL6Qg5NysJV_devzsQ8nP8g6pVe7dZW0MlLCMJ4JlfmpsTR1FGler934T5q94_o4iOcXjqmMypk_lVJCDUUZhyqJH6cNHPOqOjqSx/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Drink</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>The Churchill Arms, Notting Hill - quirky pub full of Churchill memorabilia, covered in flowers. Regularly (and quite rightly!) wins London in Bloom.</li>
<li>The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, Spitalfields - Possibly the worst kept 'secret' bar in London. Go to The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields and ask to 'see the Mayor'.</li>
<li>The Bluebird, Chelsea - Great for people watching! Gorgeous space and the £25 3 course set menu is too delicious.</li>
<li>Drink, Shop, Do, Kings Cross - Quirky and fun. They do Beyonce dance workshops, quiz nights and old school R&B nights!</li>
<li>Bar Italia, Soho - This iconic Soho stalwart is pretty great for people watching. They also do some incredible coffees and if you're lucky, will have some tasty lemon sfogliatelle for you to have with your espresso. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w6c96hrjBsUa8zCdXxIY3NSmROAHqAIoK9LFs2Yz6NTBtU-TgjQnqBzB8gdZEGxv4Q9i23mtiDnw0O48NXFRD9FYrrSteUc_Ui1sAww94LDMwVFB5Aej_uRFJ0EdTcauoGkmVuJzXHkU/s1600/Scaredy+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w6c96hrjBsUa8zCdXxIY3NSmROAHqAIoK9LFs2Yz6NTBtU-TgjQnqBzB8gdZEGxv4Q9i23mtiDnw0O48NXFRD9FYrrSteUc_Ui1sAww94LDMwVFB5Aej_uRFJ0EdTcauoGkmVuJzXHkU/s640/Scaredy+Cat.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_8mc7lwVtGYik7NcOBBqEwq7EntbuvjQCOWFywwpBrvZfsj5VLR2Tv2xZs8_jCdWsejfRsFL6tpOknHkCUxDnSClC5ih6BwiGvSNrcE03d3-rww0uwIPajlhwbIY0i4mKkkofBIobd3y/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_8mc7lwVtGYik7NcOBBqEwq7EntbuvjQCOWFywwpBrvZfsj5VLR2Tv2xZs8_jCdWsejfRsFL6tpOknHkCUxDnSClC5ih6BwiGvSNrcE03d3-rww0uwIPajlhwbIY0i4mKkkofBIobd3y/s640/IMG_5139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neal's Yard, Covent Garden</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shop</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Kensington High Street - All the usual high street faves are here (H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, M&S etc), along with the first Whole Foods in London (with an awesome food court upstairs).</li>
<li>Covent Garden - If you can deal with the truckloads of tourists, there are some excellent makeup stores to be found (Bobbi Brown, MAC Pro and Urban Decay all have stores here). There's also the kitschy market and the gorgeous Neal's Yard.</li>
<li>Bond St - <i>Slightly</i> quieter than Oxford Circus. Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, Primark and a huge Zara are all down this end. Make sure to visit both the M&S and Selfridges Food Halls. Even better, head a couple of streets north of Selfridges towards Marylebone High Street and check out the excellent Daunt Bookshop. </li>
<li>Notting Hill - Some great bookshops live here, like Books for Cooks and Notting Hill Bookshop which is allegedly where they filmed the movie Notting Hill! There is of course, Portobello Market on the weekends and if you're into cooking, you should check out Kitchen Ideas on Westbourne Grove for all the kitchen gadgets you'll ever need.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMB1GQeuNaZnvlvuLamteadiaR0z24ZEiZIXpwQQHLAo_DwZVgPuSewY-4nwhHdQ-_GRvRyl7evyTsQ0L8n5nkbFrQIZHnHXMsi_NG3ULP2Pw6uM0V6htjpD3LscuVj-VVPoBO7trQ9O/s1600/Bone+Daddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMB1GQeuNaZnvlvuLamteadiaR0z24ZEiZIXpwQQHLAo_DwZVgPuSewY-4nwhHdQ-_GRvRyl7evyTsQ0L8n5nkbFrQIZHnHXMsi_NG3ULP2Pw6uM0V6htjpD3LscuVj-VVPoBO7trQ9O/s640/Bone+Daddies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T22 Ramen at Bone Daddies at Kensington Whole Foods</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Eat</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Square Pie Company for Pie & Mash - Cheap and cheerful. Get a pie and a couple of sides for just over a fiver. Locations all over London. Aussies will probably still prefer Mrs Macs though. </li>
<li>Shake Shack, Covent Garden - Despite the burger fest across London, this American import is still my fave. </li>
<li>Bone Daddies - While I still prefer Dosukoi back home in Perth, this place wins points for their super rich broth. Very trendy, decently priced and they even provide hair bands for you to tie back your luscious locks with!</li>
<li>Oddono's Gelati - Amazingly good pistachio gelato, giant scoops AND they have shops all over London. If I'm in South Kensington, I always make a note to visit the Bute Street shop for a cup of the good stuff.</li>
<li>The Big Easy, Chelsea - Kitschy Americana style food and decor. Gigantic servings of lobster, ribs and steak will surely put a smile on your face and a frown on your cardiologist's.</li>
<li>Flat White, Soho - They do vegemite on toast! And avocado toast! And really, really good flat whites! Finally! Homesick Antipodeans should head here for a quick fix for the Australia shaped holes in their hearts.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-BDb6E3tc1PanjUMTvffTVDzcJ3d5ALGRtWghuvzRkfdoj_GL9RMaU0zUpk2Hgbjau42U_HNTPPtmWTlH99tMHddKmE_-sqaP0g_fc25z1gqQQpAbGt6u0NNnvxAOsZqT1VihH7rh52Q/s1600/V%2526A+Courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-BDb6E3tc1PanjUMTvffTVDzcJ3d5ALGRtWghuvzRkfdoj_GL9RMaU0zUpk2Hgbjau42U_HNTPPtmWTlH99tMHddKmE_-sqaP0g_fc25z1gqQQpAbGt6u0NNnvxAOsZqT1VihH7rh52Q/s640/V%2526A+Courtyard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Courtyard at The V&A</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Do</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The Wellcome Collection - This museum is full of the strange and wonderful. Shrunken heads, medieval medical tools and early tattoos on fragments of real human skin. Super creepy but extremely fascinating. Free to enter.</li>
<li>Museum of Brands & Advertising - Maybe one for the marketing majors out there! Tucked away on a quiet mews in Notting Hill. They have examples of adverts & packaging from the Victorian era through to today. Entry is £7.50 and keep in mind that they are due to move very soon.</li>
<li>The Wallace Collection - If you're into all things gilt and Classical, you're sure to love The Wallace Collection. Full of goodies that were saved from the French Revolution; it's beyond gorgeous and well worth a visit. Entry is free!</li>
<li>Parliament Hill Lido - It'll cost you £6 to get in during the day and you'll get to spend hours pretending you're a 1930's movie star in this Grade II listed building. Can get very busy during the summer though.</li>
<li>Postman's Park & St Dunstan in the East - Tranquil spots in the City. Postman's Park has the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice from the film Closer. St Dunstan was partially destroyed in the Blitz but the remaining ruins have been preserved as a public park.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgAgkCEaaBc7OSNZD7qk9b6Xs1AJkLSL9lLVDZ45ja9psFzFj3ah0ZjB6W38Bsl_ApMjD5Dwv0k-gSfqANCjv1iqWBipSgviN3PavZUTfaF6OX75jCfVzhQWNqoF6AhNKf3tlcn6Yq4eT/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgAgkCEaaBc7OSNZD7qk9b6Xs1AJkLSL9lLVDZ45ja9psFzFj3ah0ZjB6W38Bsl_ApMjD5Dwv0k-gSfqANCjv1iqWBipSgviN3PavZUTfaF6OX75jCfVzhQWNqoF6AhNKf3tlcn6Yq4eT/s640/IMG_5152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Dunstan-In-The-East</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPTJBgllTi70DnDaL_niSp_TSpX6LoAlI6mmwhyphenhyphenxroohLhBmbJa6dWPaVTeqZp1km33FV46C8s2jAZTN-4p0_aP5Mg0w95POZ53yJqa8sFQ0V_v3kxb8j2sZrwT9hrl5JRUCANUQhlytJ/s1600/St+Pauls+at+The+Tate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPTJBgllTi70DnDaL_niSp_TSpX6LoAlI6mmwhyphenhyphenxroohLhBmbJa6dWPaVTeqZp1km33FV46C8s2jAZTN-4p0_aP5Mg0w95POZ53yJqa8sFQ0V_v3kxb8j2sZrwT9hrl5JRUCANUQhlytJ/s640/St+Pauls+at+The+Tate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from The Tate Modern's 3rd floor balcony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20IisLTNB1ItFMlNyD9Vb5nq8fozpQEEL3jgDMIfZOFYwx1WXLSqpPTAEHfofwmvkkmzue19TfY30o-0vFaZqLGNqIcNeSXjXVz7c_POLzUUn7bssUsx7IRkKj31ObZjlBoa7WfbWRaCG/s1600/British+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20IisLTNB1ItFMlNyD9Vb5nq8fozpQEEL3jgDMIfZOFYwx1WXLSqpPTAEHfofwmvkkmzue19TfY30o-0vFaZqLGNqIcNeSXjXVz7c_POLzUUn7bssUsx7IRkKj31ObZjlBoa7WfbWRaCG/s640/British+Museum.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rotunda at The British Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-8001771426453999582015-07-25T11:38:00.000-07:002015-07-25T11:38:00.606-07:00Welcome To My New 'Hood - Kensal Rise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNvpz34ougo6EPt_hTv0L4fbf-mgAWzHiPKYWyV2IKiz53kI90U1GnsvL7cZ0Jn6GTY1c-RlZPYiD_RWW9EpBOG6JVuRK6FKezeW5kyJdWXgJwxE4yKbbtPUaoryDzmpLEWPwJF-3RzWO/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNvpz34ougo6EPt_hTv0L4fbf-mgAWzHiPKYWyV2IKiz53kI90U1GnsvL7cZ0Jn6GTY1c-RlZPYiD_RWW9EpBOG6JVuRK6FKezeW5kyJdWXgJwxE4yKbbtPUaoryDzmpLEWPwJF-3RzWO/s640/IMG_5193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">In 2009, Vogue named Chamberlayne Road 'the hippest street in Europe'. Now there's every chance someone on the Vogue editorial team was trying to flog a house in Kensal Rise but nonetheless, this is still a pretty cute place to live. Situated in Zone 2, Kensal Rise is allegedly home to Sienna Miller, Daniel Craig and Thandie Newton</span><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. T<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">rès</span> cool.</span></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Though I'm yet to spot Sienna shopping down at the local Tesco, I'm sure it's only a matter of time. I moved here with no idea about the area but the longer I spend here, the more I love it. There are lots of little cafes and delis (you all know how much I love indie coffee shops!) and some great bars and pubs as well. Central London, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Hampstead Heath and even super hip Dalston are all less than 20 minutes away (depending on your preferred mode of transport, of course!).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcqmXlcHc2adIxRARdw3I9EgwNyVSeDosy0AcM-2aN4mSEU1CmzrC0aFjtq6tMNw7O_qeh5dwr-hmM3PbOzCl7Plm_yn9ezurJoLco3Af3WrUOugH5pRyqFMf_Pox-Ipr2czlsfJmuB27/s1600/Minkies+Deli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcqmXlcHc2adIxRARdw3I9EgwNyVSeDosy0AcM-2aN4mSEU1CmzrC0aFjtq6tMNw7O_qeh5dwr-hmM3PbOzCl7Plm_yn9ezurJoLco3Af3WrUOugH5pRyqFMf_Pox-Ipr2czlsfJmuB27/s640/Minkies+Deli.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://minkiesdeli.co.uk/" target="_blank">Minkies Deli</a><br />
Situated just above Kensal Rise Overground station, this gorgeous glasshouse cafe is a great place to while away the afternoon. They offer free WiFi and have extremely decent coffees, along with a wide range of treats to keep you sustained for a good few hours.<br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/scarletandviolet" target="_blank">Scarlet & Violet</a><br />
This is allegedly Nigella's favourite florist. Their Instagram game is hella strong and the shop itself is super cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRZBSHgGjszW3y2ZTxyfQqdwe-sQivvcK01xWEAzbt6l4hNIJX8pILNL4LYWj_l3v7qYvPUfhSL6PjQh6v25VXqn5P2uFrGM1tXPHYmoFj_nLmRHnywyTS4LtOr2x-0ggP-KhjJ6yeDM4/s1600/IMG_5233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRZBSHgGjszW3y2ZTxyfQqdwe-sQivvcK01xWEAzbt6l4hNIJX8pILNL4LYWj_l3v7qYvPUfhSL6PjQh6v25VXqn5P2uFrGM1tXPHYmoFj_nLmRHnywyTS4LtOr2x-0ggP-KhjJ6yeDM4/s640/IMG_5233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/kandananw10" target="_blank">Kandana Deli</a><br />
This deli is far too close to my house for my waistline to be safe. Good, strong coffee and a Banoffee Pie so good it'll make you weep. Their many sandwiches are also perfection.<br />
<a href="http://www.theshopnw10.com/" target="_blank">The Shop NW10</a><br />
Cocktails in mason jars (because, of course!). Everything in the place is for sale so if you take a fancy to a piece of art, it can be yours! They don't have a menu themselves but they regularly host pop-up restaurants.<br />
<a href="http://www.theparadise.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paradise By Way of Kensal Green</a><br />
My housemate extols the virtues of the Sunday Roast at Paradise. Decked out in that gilded, pseudo vintage style, it's a glamorous way to spend your weekend.<br />
<a href="http://www.parlourkensal.com/" target="_blank">Parlour Kensal</a><br />
Tucked away on Regents Street, this restaurant/bar/all day dining spot is a great place to spend a few hours. Lots of craft beer on tap and a nice little courtyard out back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zZLgDhnNkyeLRwHxKcoXHFreVX3bwkG66YB9WUjMJ__-QQirscNHkSq2J4gK5b2DtlyT5-oGRTxQXnVOTi9HqwEH_mSqhfnL3mgWHb0L9MxqzgNgEYGS7fupYna33aZ7GAgMb2lavXcH/s1600/Sacro+Cuore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zZLgDhnNkyeLRwHxKcoXHFreVX3bwkG66YB9WUjMJ__-QQirscNHkSq2J4gK5b2DtlyT5-oGRTxQXnVOTi9HqwEH_mSqhfnL3mgWHb0L9MxqzgNgEYGS7fupYna33aZ7GAgMb2lavXcH/s640/Sacro+Cuore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://sacrocuore.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Sacro Cuore</a><br />
This place is primarily a wood fired pizza joint but they also do a killer burrata cheese salad starter and parmigiana di melanzane. Cheap and cheerful.<br />
<a href="http://www.arthurscafe.org.uk/" target="_blank">Arthur's Cafe</a><br />
If you're feeling a little delicate after a night out, head over to Arthur's for a Full English. It's a super cheap, no frills, old school caff but it'll definitely hit the spot. Make sure you try the black pudding!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY59-zAMD15G2ofsa1o0lFWcLgBIg3so4_em5fCSylOFpJzQSAIB8vW22CL-rXYHBe2ZUhpZbVaurT-iD0rT23j6UCKXpDRQeemMmTbKJQ_UrapU_fWrEFhj6wvN9YtjuXmUS980LCBtfh/s1600/Lexi+Cinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY59-zAMD15G2ofsa1o0lFWcLgBIg3so4_em5fCSylOFpJzQSAIB8vW22CL-rXYHBe2ZUhpZbVaurT-iD0rT23j6UCKXpDRQeemMmTbKJQ_UrapU_fWrEFhj6wvN9YtjuXmUS980LCBtfh/s640/Lexi+Cinema.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://thelexicinema.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lexi Cinema</a><br />
Run by volunteers. Show everything from new release movies to classics to recorded opera and theatre. Proceeds go to charity. I'm determined to check out Benedict Cumberbatch's sold-out run of Hamlet here in October.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-83989010480261954192015-07-09T07:24:00.004-07:002015-07-09T07:24:53.838-07:00Beauty and the Bleach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDlpe3oFMby7wFnsawndyqPuC7rvLfpAHsV7I5WTkYb0xAOgIbiaOwlsw0PPAZ2atMl5YJfhldy85dgXjKWAcN1Bv8e7BbEYYZsfYT54hNknFU3Xg04ErXl5IsMFLCLambr3v7CBlO2WM/s1600/Blonde+Hair.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDlpe3oFMby7wFnsawndyqPuC7rvLfpAHsV7I5WTkYb0xAOgIbiaOwlsw0PPAZ2atMl5YJfhldy85dgXjKWAcN1Bv8e7BbEYYZsfYT54hNknFU3Xg04ErXl5IsMFLCLambr3v7CBlO2WM/s640/Blonde+Hair.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh to have the luxurious, sun kissed hair of a Victoria's Secret model! That's the dream folks. Many a brunette babe has felt the irresistible pull towards the hairdresser's chair and their bleach kit. I've had balayaged hair for almost a year now (I used to go to the truly excellent <a href="http://www.balayagesubiaco.com.au/" target="_blank">Balayage Hair Studio</a> back home) and I firmly believe that once you start highlighting your hair, it's very hard to stop. Maybe there's something addictive in ammonia fumes but there's just something about having lighter hair... perhaps blondes really do have more fun. That being said, bleached hair is much like having a very high maintenance pet - you have to wash, feed and groom it in the hopes that someone will tell you it's pretty! *Sigh*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6pb92k_VKohuJgGAKeYSr5bdPzUIWSRQFhsqKVFKwka3eHNDscCQKWTZD-mk-OU5XUCaFc34_nueoa7c_Fh-Fi0ly9SysKlwVbuBfiCgRJfvbvyb30Vqs5MnOip5202mXsh1x-zbaaDY/s1600/Emma+Hair.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6pb92k_VKohuJgGAKeYSr5bdPzUIWSRQFhsqKVFKwka3eHNDscCQKWTZD-mk-OU5XUCaFc34_nueoa7c_Fh-Fi0ly9SysKlwVbuBfiCgRJfvbvyb30Vqs5MnOip5202mXsh1x-zbaaDY/s640/Emma+Hair.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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My natural hair texture is very dry and coarse, so for the longest time, I've been using hair masks in lieu of regular conditioner. Since highlighting your hair only tends to exacerbate your dry ends, using treatments to condition my hair has become all the more necessary. If you have particularly fine hair, you may find that regular use of masks can weigh your hair down but you could try using a clarifying shampoo to combat this. On the subject of clarifying shampoos, I also find they're handy when it comes to getting rid of mineral deposits from London's hard water and product buildup from my addiction to dry shampoo. I really like the <a href="http://store.toniandguy.com/product/8/toniandguy-cleanse-shampoo-for-advanced-detox-250ml" target="_blank">Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo for Advanced Detox</a> which I use once a week or so to 'reset' my hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qWG9mebOwQWaK1GDhmECcceq4WNkZc560xNONEuFmO2uHMJt7b7Sr6IfFfCeVFRo2TBAsqkB6uJhDXkCP_72fQD4ax7xIWyRV0vJjeHHpMkI3CkNkpmjE9Fwj6zla_FNRKfafht7cdHE/s1600/Coconuts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qWG9mebOwQWaK1GDhmECcceq4WNkZc560xNONEuFmO2uHMJt7b7Sr6IfFfCeVFRo2TBAsqkB6uJhDXkCP_72fQD4ax7xIWyRV0vJjeHHpMkI3CkNkpmjE9Fwj6zla_FNRKfafht7cdHE/s640/Coconuts.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Coconut oil is the next thing in my arsenal against split ends. I seriously love this stuff. I use it for just about everything - hair, nails, skin and cake. So much so, that I walk around, conscious that I smell like a Bounty bar. Speaking of which - good, cold pressed, virgin coconut oil should actually smell of coconuts. Strange, I know. The other way you know you're getting the good stuff is if it comes with a price tag that makes your wince. Once a week or so, I'll smother my hair in coconut oil and let it sit for an hour or so before I shower. My fellow bleached beauties should also douse their hair in coconut oil before going out to sunbathe (naughty!) or to swim (in either chlorine or the sea!) to prevent any damage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI80qmbwv0f09t6jTDlEu6EM76LW5QxdnOFEzVsSLh6wmNR3LtzIZ1NX7rNJrjFu3txCCzDOndicmFF0dahsD8A-wfkOv8Ac_6-anoSzh0YSAcAruACwowxb38Iz_FdAkmgZ8LBRPHp830/s1600/merida-wake-up.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI80qmbwv0f09t6jTDlEu6EM76LW5QxdnOFEzVsSLh6wmNR3LtzIZ1NX7rNJrjFu3txCCzDOndicmFF0dahsD8A-wfkOv8Ac_6-anoSzh0YSAcAruACwowxb38Iz_FdAkmgZ8LBRPHp830/s640/merida-wake-up.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Growing up, my mum always warned me against sleeping with damp hair. Apparently it would send me blind. I never listened and am now super short sighted. Go figure. My reasoning was that sleeping with damp hair always left me with the best volume and texture for curling with a curling iron the next day. What it also did though, was make my hair snag and tangle so I'd have to spend ages untangling it the next morning. This leads to breakage and flyaways ladies! Don't be like me! If you wash your hair before you sleep and can't let it air dry before hitting the hay, <i>gently</i> dry it with your hair dryer on the lowest setting.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejp2kBylI5zJH7v10WqqHPTkTLd0WYmKDktWDR_BV-5qcAiL1a5ft36Zyu0syHX-9H7L9vrmlnaVIE1iyBtAtdlQivS5ADdDVYLmHvxDuExcQ1cBhTHFM-WDFFvDmoXsJuAA5jdEEehvc/s1600/Elsa+Braid.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejp2kBylI5zJH7v10WqqHPTkTLd0WYmKDktWDR_BV-5qcAiL1a5ft36Zyu0syHX-9H7L9vrmlnaVIE1iyBtAtdlQivS5ADdDVYLmHvxDuExcQ1cBhTHFM-WDFFvDmoXsJuAA5jdEEehvc/s640/Elsa+Braid.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of bedtime rituals; if you're a long haired lass like myself, you may want to wrangle your locks into a <i>loose</i> braid before sleeping to help minimise frizz. I've also heard that sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps but let's be real, only Lady Marmalade and Hugh Hefner could pull off satin sheets in the boudoir. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JMeBNboALeJIm-yFlO7wjdKSKsXbzwmYWsAqi8yF03Kv5k8qahm8bpIN2nzcZ_9oqiWyZYhGLnMfV-LuTCJIWyFIBRxXSlg0XIlfBux5IZwyVzADK3PP0YRsIF0WNBCPKH8BYRVC2A8t/s1600/Curling+Iron.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JMeBNboALeJIm-yFlO7wjdKSKsXbzwmYWsAqi8yF03Kv5k8qahm8bpIN2nzcZ_9oqiWyZYhGLnMfV-LuTCJIWyFIBRxXSlg0XIlfBux5IZwyVzADK3PP0YRsIF0WNBCPKH8BYRVC2A8t/s640/Curling+Iron.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Confession time - I honestly don't think I could live without my curling iron. My hair texture is as indecisive as I am and can't make up its mind between wavy and straight so I always have to help push it in either direction. So while I'd like to tell you all to minimise your use of hot tools; it would be very much a case of the pot calling the kettle black. I've tried cutting back but the best I can do is only washing my hair every 2 days so that my waves only need to be refreshed half as often. Sorry, hair. I make sure that I use a silicone free hair oil and a heat protectant on my hair as well. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdVuSvZOqXM" target="_blank">This video</a> also reminds me to keep my hot tool addiction under control.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxE5V-BgbRA-WZ0yHB2zi1fP1qv64qA4-d0pcJFGwA5A8imd5yHtBNMUh4YRfppaq2ekg0epcR1TS-NZFjcOFRNUe9Lsljn6ZZweg3YoW3MYjfQUxYKXQhZAYdUg_x2bmQ1SaHNHRkgN/s1600/Dame+Edna.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxE5V-BgbRA-WZ0yHB2zi1fP1qv64qA4-d0pcJFGwA5A8imd5yHtBNMUh4YRfppaq2ekg0epcR1TS-NZFjcOFRNUe9Lsljn6ZZweg3YoW3MYjfQUxYKXQhZAYdUg_x2bmQ1SaHNHRkgN/s640/Dame+Edna.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lastly - and specifically aimed at my fellow bottle blondes - you need a good toner! Back home, I used <a href="http://www.schwarzkopf.com.au/skau/en/home/hair_colour/colour_products/nordic-blonde.html" target="_blank">Schwarzkopf Nordic Blonde Toner</a> which was a thick, bright blue violet paste that I smeared all over my hair once every two weeks to keep those brassy tones away. Depending on how light your hair has been lifted, it may make your hair even lighter. In the UK, toners are much milder and I'm yet to find one I like as much as Schwarzkopf's. I might try cooking up my own by mixing a violet wash out dye with conditioner. Worst comes to worst, I'll end up like Dame Edna up there. Stay tuned.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-26127279172348838212015-07-08T16:57:00.002-07:002015-07-08T16:57:35.810-07:0010 Superficial Things I Miss About 'Straya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKwA448O_1kRgRTOCNbpBtwxzy9kJqW6zOXIR-lt449c8UrARtvxAQlyuxBml6fxXNl9gCIe6EsAi1oqXpMGOTcsrd7lwrvSxPxaJ4WAIDvnFVbZalzMu5Rrjn7DstQKIB04XucqrZF-n/s1600/Complain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKwA448O_1kRgRTOCNbpBtwxzy9kJqW6zOXIR-lt449c8UrARtvxAQlyuxBml6fxXNl9gCIe6EsAi1oqXpMGOTcsrd7lwrvSxPxaJ4WAIDvnFVbZalzMu5Rrjn7DstQKIB04XucqrZF-n/s640/Complain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are 3 things you should know about me before you read on. 1) I like to complain about things even if I'm having the time of my life. No idea why... call it a quirk. 2) I'm unashamedly superficial... but I'm also really nice to puppies and always give up my seat on the bus for old people so it all comes out in the wash. 3) I really like lists. Clearly. </div>
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Read on for the 10 superficial things I miss most about home. There are gifs involved so it's definitely worth your time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJHI1qUBvUxvrEHBJlvxzhyphenhyphenFZF6MclUBxV68HoD-KOy5FUwsgj_2jBgXwnMrrP8saF2DsJUeGw7kU__b45DCXTbOneZdhnemjBwXW8nSM3z6ESYxSBGY3rFFQ-oaczO9FgjU-BApOnX5-/s1600/Bonds.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJHI1qUBvUxvrEHBJlvxzhyphenhyphenFZF6MclUBxV68HoD-KOy5FUwsgj_2jBgXwnMrrP8saF2DsJUeGw7kU__b45DCXTbOneZdhnemjBwXW8nSM3z6ESYxSBGY3rFFQ-oaczO9FgjU-BApOnX5-/s400/Bonds.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. Bonds underwear (I swear the gif above is totally necessary!)</div>
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If you're reading this from Australia, raise your hands and praise the good Lord for the gift that is Bonds underwear. Being a naturally lazy person, the fact that I'm forced to do laundry through the sheer necessity of needing clean underwear irks me. As such, I often opt to buy new undies instead. Little did I know, reasonably priced, attractive, non-yeast infection causing underwear is as hard to find as a decent flat white. Marks and Spencer is <i>okaaay...</i> but Bonds knickers are worth their weight in crack. Pun intended. <i>Note: I've now discovered that Bonds underwear is available at John Lewis... with a 250% markup on the Australian RRP. Eeep!</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnBSD5-tWvJKWRAWu9If0m6IfRi6khlEurb0-zkSNFVlJ469uDWtRZ1119EV2AHBA3Dbzv3SitBCUbj2TqtFA3hLRoYv1nCPjFcUTU93LgDBzcB1DZgaBwPmElSPmZdAW2nn4_tqWRH4x/s1600/Period.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnBSD5-tWvJKWRAWu9If0m6IfRi6khlEurb0-zkSNFVlJ469uDWtRZ1119EV2AHBA3Dbzv3SitBCUbj2TqtFA3hLRoYv1nCPjFcUTU93LgDBzcB1DZgaBwPmElSPmZdAW2nn4_tqWRH4x/s640/Period.gif" width="640" /></a></i></div>
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<i>2. Non-applicator tampons</i></div>
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Okay so we're rapidly heading into TMI territory here but for reals Britain, why do you need to have a plastic syringe type thing to shoot tampons into your vajayjay? It's not good for the environment or my peace of mind. Admittedly, there are non-applicator tampons available here but <i>giiiirrrrlll </i>they are few and far between (also, I want to buy the tampons in the pretty packaging, not the ghetto looking ones so do me a solid, Tampax and get rid of those applicators!).</div>
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3. Normal water</div>
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London is a vast, thriving metropolis... with a Victorian era plumbing system that leeches so many minerals into the water, I feel that I'm at risk of calcifying every time I step under the shower spray. Hard water wreaks havoc on hair and skin and I'm yet to find a solution other than bathing in bottled mineral water (I'm fancy as fuck but even I know that's excessive). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vqRORoTlJGqVptRqesA4HtHWkPP5uuoFqhh5NtwARYVvglV2FjPBULwjXtwNM3nyKZRrpL2jDZWHix7p5atLdKQ5Xh-Avvs-mjYzJB-d6iJGAkM9WQwRL0MKgvt0526_Og9v46nWi98e/s1600/Fan.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vqRORoTlJGqVptRqesA4HtHWkPP5uuoFqhh5NtwARYVvglV2FjPBULwjXtwNM3nyKZRrpL2jDZWHix7p5atLdKQ5Xh-Avvs-mjYzJB-d6iJGAkM9WQwRL0MKgvt0526_Og9v46nWi98e/s640/Fan.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Climate control</div>
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It really does get hot in London! Trust! It actually got up to a scorching 33°C last week. *insert eye roll*. All jokes aside, it really does get hot here for a few days a year and unfortunately, Londoners just aren't equipped to cope with the freak weather. This means no air conditioning and a sweaty Australian who's used to having far more control over her surroundings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloQr1DOfZMu90L4OtEGG0mwF09A71xswu4-IntIP0DByu26ggLerfS5RmSQ4qA_kL_pjdGvHU1BVaQ-FPa27YbBLHdoGQRe8qHD5PTADqu3A0JwtK3-aUiEL-EA46UyC1dIL2Bpf8KyFr/s1600/Asian+Food.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloQr1DOfZMu90L4OtEGG0mwF09A71xswu4-IntIP0DByu26ggLerfS5RmSQ4qA_kL_pjdGvHU1BVaQ-FPa27YbBLHdoGQRe8qHD5PTADqu3A0JwtK3-aUiEL-EA46UyC1dIL2Bpf8KyFr/s640/Asian+Food.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. Cheap (and good!) Asian Food</div>
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Australia's proximity to Asia means that, on any given day of the week, you can stuff your face with delicious treats from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Japan for under 10 Aussie clams (that's less than 5 quid for you Brits!). While Asian food is available here in London, it's not as fresh or as prevalent as it is in Australia. It makes me so sad to think of all the rice paper rolls I'm missing out on right now. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrwT5113s96PJtNLuQbGPkbMA-axc-lSmbdh8d4Fe0x6H0kS8aartZa4gA2X-XASEYVF7ezHch5CiTf8xQ8z15kSCb_Rz7fit-Bl7_2SWdNu5h34jvlvSFc7JJ4oKAjEtBFpdl5SPqmXB/s1600/gotvegemite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrwT5113s96PJtNLuQbGPkbMA-axc-lSmbdh8d4Fe0x6H0kS8aartZa4gA2X-XASEYVF7ezHch5CiTf8xQ8z15kSCb_Rz7fit-Bl7_2SWdNu5h34jvlvSFc7JJ4oKAjEtBFpdl5SPqmXB/s400/gotvegemite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. Vegemite</div>
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Supermarkets in Aussie dominated neighbourhoods do thankfully stock Vegemite (holler at you, Shepherd's Bush!) but it's in the tiny, itty bitty jars that normally sit neglected on the shelves of Australian supermarkets. So that I don't have to ration my Vegemite consumption, I need one of those big fuck-off, family sized jars. Fo' reals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N6VOPUBgBdCTNvnzH1efa03Be1eGTnASFUNheB7cEldzIR_TuNLZq8vZQ-eY1LWpz2SRvjvXpS4d9uJ_v_Vp3pxKVjvJd26CUufyh0_uIXHz_Wkbx6MAQF-YlHJmUyYVqBZsnUeIqes5/s1600/Beer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N6VOPUBgBdCTNvnzH1efa03Be1eGTnASFUNheB7cEldzIR_TuNLZq8vZQ-eY1LWpz2SRvjvXpS4d9uJ_v_Vp3pxKVjvJd26CUufyh0_uIXHz_Wkbx6MAQF-YlHJmUyYVqBZsnUeIqes5/s640/Beer.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. Ice cold beer</div>
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A hard earned thirst needs a big cold beer... but you won't get that big cold beer in London, my friend. You'll get something amber, in a glass served at something called <i>cellar temperature.</i> Never again will you see the sexy slide of a droplet of condensation on the outside of your pint glass. Whyyyyyyy?!</div>
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8. Schwarzkopf Nordic Blonde Toner</div>
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There is many a bottle blonde here in the British Isles. What there isn't, is a good toner with which these glorious, flaxen haired beauties can use to get rid of the brassy tones in their hair. Being an Asian sensation, my chemically abused, balayaged mane has a higher propensity for brassiness so one of my absolute beauty must-haves is a big tube of this bright blue-violet toner. This is the one and only time Boots has let me down. For shame.</div>
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9. Independent cafes</div>
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Call it wanky, pretentious coffee snobbery but the ubiquitous chain cafes here in London (Pret a Manger, Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, Starbucks etc) fill me with dread. Viva la independent cafe! Luckily for me, there are a bunch of indie cafes on the high street near my house but my first few weeks in London left me with a very large, flat white shaped hole in my heart. (Oh <a href="http://www.printhall.com.au/" target="_blank">Small Print</a>, how I miss you and your perfect coffees!)</div>
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10. Spray Tans</div>
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From my limited education on British beauty customs (i.e. Geordie Shore, The Only Way Is Essex, Made in Chelsea), I was under the impression that this would be the land of plenty in terms of spray tans. I, personally love a good spray tan but lo and behold, what is vastly more readily available here are sunbeds. Which, as a sun smart Aussie (slip, slop, slap!) quite frankly, horrifies me. My search for a good (and again, decently priced) spray tan continues!<br />
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All in all, my little pet peeves are a small price to pay for getting to live in this excellent city. That being said - friends, lovers, brothers and mothers... if any of you feel a burning need to send me a care package full of toner, tampons, tanning mousse and Bonds undies, please feel free. I promise I'll love you forever. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-78696841225660272282015-06-24T16:58:00.000-07:002015-07-24T10:16:44.232-07:00Eat, Pray, Panic - or How I quit my job and moved to London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's the thing - I liked my life. I had a good job, great friends, a loving family and yet I felt restless. My cushy lifestyle just wasn't challenging me in the ways that I wanted it to. I could have easily continued my life as it was for the next 5 years and would have been content - but where's the fun in that?! I grew up in a small mining town in the North West corner of Western Australia and then moved to Perth, ie. the most isolated city on Earth, so my experience with the world at large was pretty limited. I'd done some travel but have always wanted to live in a major city and to travel solo - only I never had the funds, nor the lady balls to do so. So here I was, 26 years old and at a crossroads - do I stay or do I go? Decision made... I moved to London. Read on for the rollercoaster of emotions that was my first few weeks.<br />
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My first week was filled with both highs and lows. Highs whenever I walked out my front door and realised that I now live in one of the greatest cities in the world. Lows when I thought about my finite level of funding and the looming pile of expenses that come with establishing your entire life in an entirely new country. Womp. All in all though, the highs definitely exceeded the lows and once you get over that initial bout of 'Oh shit, what have I done?!', you'll start to look forward to creating a new life for yourself!</center>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The United Kingdom is great at many things. Incredibly fast internet. Chocolate Hobnobs. Harry Potter. Another thing it's good at is creating miles and miles of red tape through which you have to wade through to get anything done. I enjoyed hours of frustration with figuring out how to do things that would be otherwise be done with the click of a mouse back home. </span></div>
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<ol>
<li>Bank Accounts - you have to apply for these in person and need a silly amount of identification. Lloyds Bank is the one I found easiest to deal with. They'll set you up with a basic, no frills account with your Australian passport as ID.</li>
<li>National Insurance Numbers - again, have to be applied for in person and take weeks to process. I'm actually still waiting on mine to finalise. </li>
<li>Renting - Many places will need references (personal and professional) before you move in and this can prove difficult if you've just moved to the country and aren't working yet. I got around it by providing a guarantor and my previous employer as a reference.</li>
<li>Finding a job - Many companies in the UK rely on CV scanning software which means that if your carefully curated resume isn't in the correct format, it doesn't matter how many you send out, they are unlikely to be seen. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/formatting-rules-to-get-your-resume-through-the-scanning-software-2013-2?IR=T" target="_blank">This</a> is a great link for working around this particular challenge.</li>
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I know it sounds like a lot of complaining. And it is. Uprooting your entire life is incredibly overwhelming but you just need to calm down. Regroup. Remind yourself that this is what you've been working so hard for. Make a concentrated effort to keep in touch with friends and family back home or you will actually go insane. Try not to convert your clams - it'll just make you sad. And just remember:</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-27272560890430746122015-05-30T04:32:00.002-07:002015-05-30T04:32:51.321-07:00Singapore Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haji Lane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Straight up, Singapore is one of my favourite cities in the world. It's a crazy mix of different cultures - Chinese, Malay, Indian and colonial British influences can be seen in everything from the architecture to the food to the local language (Singlish). For Aussies, it's a great place to escape for a few days to rest, relax and reassure yourself that your credit card still works. Bring elasticated pants too because eating is a national sport. Read on for my Singapore recs!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb8Kx6tpPpDjMxVKTmsGZtqOBv_kP3-JNYKhXrg7MstvZo1e1vPkXn2L5cgGIwrF1fUDkkVCAnQTIN7dfyZ61JpfoO4ivbRqb3OIXZBjoFFPWYXYyAru6IXPsaRtmM9nzXQBkSyJYO3jL/s1600/IMG_4930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb8Kx6tpPpDjMxVKTmsGZtqOBv_kP3-JNYKhXrg7MstvZo1e1vPkXn2L5cgGIwrF1fUDkkVCAnQTIN7dfyZ61JpfoO4ivbRqb3OIXZBjoFFPWYXYyAru6IXPsaRtmM9nzXQBkSyJYO3jL/s640/IMG_4930.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinatown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Must See<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Merlion - The symbol of Singapore! It's touristy and cheesy but you've got to do it. It's located across the water from Marina Bay Sands and within spitting distance of the historical Fullerton Hotel. </li>
<li>Gardens By The Bay - Check out the two massive, air conditioned (<i>weird!</i>) conservatories full of plants from all over the world. The Cloud Forest is especially gorgeous with the giant man made indoor waterfall. It'll cost you about 28 Singaporean clams to see both conservatories. </li>
<li>Marina Bay Sands - The building is utterly iconic and the shopping here is pretty good too.</li>
<li>Chinatown - If you want to pick up some cheap souvenirs, head to Chinatown and stock up. Try and get here around lunchtime and go to the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre for some cheap and tasty treats. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw-pM2jCbhCsYkkwgCwSl16qVYl7pRBPQfmFsTc-Nj6_0323r3_1KjshX_uqgcNCzyjTQUGDkhF3rCPfZmYExe06un9LHopfUQU3Ptpstxal_CLuzIO8q-x3djAGeRw6POH9r0PzyncFX/s1600/IMG_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw-pM2jCbhCsYkkwgCwSl16qVYl7pRBPQfmFsTc-Nj6_0323r3_1KjshX_uqgcNCzyjTQUGDkhF3rCPfZmYExe06un9LHopfUQU3Ptpstxal_CLuzIO8q-x3djAGeRw6POH9r0PzyncFX/s640/IMG_4947.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hainanese Chicken Rice, Carrot Cake and Roast Pork Rice at Maxwell Hawker Centre</td></tr>
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Must Eat<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Burgers at &Made - Currently located at Quayside Isle on Sentosa Cove, the burgers here are goddamn incredible. They're reopening on Orchard Rd again soon but in the meantime, the trek out is well worth it when you're rewarded with juicy burgers and fresh french fries.</li>
<li>Ice Cream Sandwiches from any street vendor - You'll find vendors all over the city hawking cold drinks and awesome ice cream sandwiches. As someone of the Asian persuasion, flavours like purple yam and sweetcorn are familiar and delicious so I urge you to try these out, sandwiched between two wafers or snuggled in a slice of technicolour bread. </li>
<li>Common Man Coffee Roasters - Located in the Clarke Quay area, this place does an excellent brunch and some very strong coffee if you feel the need for a pick me up. It's run by a former Perth local and has a strong expat clientele. </li>
<li>Tiong Bahru Bakery - There are a few branches scattered across Singapore; for authenticity's sake I went to the one in Tiong Bahru and was not disappointed at all. Insanely buttery, delicious pastries are all here waiting for you, ready to be washed down with some very decent coffee.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastries at Tiong Bahru Bakery</td></tr>
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Must Do<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Universal Studios Sentosa - Don't be too cool for school; come here and be a kid again! Eat some junk and try not to lose the contents of your stomach on the rollercoaster!</li>
<li>Shopping on Orchard Road - Orchard Rd is famous for a reason; if you have some cash to drop, you'll no doubt be able to do so here! Brands both high and low are all on this long street akin to Paris' Champs Elysees and NYC's Fifth Avenue. </li>
<li>Haji Lane/Bugis - This narrow lane is a multicoloured hipster haven. There's no point in going in the morning; the place only comes alive in the late afternoon. </li>
<li>Eat at a Hawker Centre - For less than SGD$20, two people can eat like royalty! Each stall specialises in 2 or 3 items so you can be sure that you're getting the good stuff. We ate at Maxwell Hawker Centre in Chinatown and Newton Food Centre, just off Scotts Rd.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The indoor Waterfall at the Cloud Forest conservatory</td></tr>
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Tips & Tricks<br />
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<ul>
<li>Taxis are pretty cheap and are super convenient. We also used Ubers but beware of the surge pricing as I think Ubers aren't as prevalent in Singapore as they are in other cities. The MRT is also great but just make sure you don't have to walk forever to get to where you need to be.</li>
<li>Singapore is based pretty much smack bang on the equator so it's super hot and humid here. Leave the blowdries at home, embrace the frizz and just accept that your makeup will melt.</li>
<li>Beware the added GST and Service Charges in restaurants. This can add up to 17% - 20% to the prices on the menu. Ouch!</li>
<li>Singapore is a walking city so wear comfy shoes! I wore sandals that were more style over substance and boy did I pay for it later.</li>
<li>You can get some great deals on hotels since there's so much competition here but don't discount Airbnb as a viable option. We stayed at a great place about 10 minutes walk away from Orchard Road and the location meant that getting around by taxi wasn't hugely expensive. That being said, our location did mean that the cheaper MRT was more inconvenient so make sure to factor that into your budget!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spying Marina Bay Sands from the Gardens By The Bay</td></tr>
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</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-69446154292939237932015-03-23T05:35:00.000-07:002015-05-30T01:24:35.058-07:00I (Heart) New York<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExxmx0WH5sOZqzDtiR8_Zwzns1YfYikE3KRAQrDGCZtiI6KBiSJwmgjwTpIpK6qhivMj-f10YwthMap6YMSR-qF6fN7oW4JVJjdudaDUmlOmRmnajgCgVmqM5AGVnX5fq5SRooACYZXY5/s1600/NYC7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExxmx0WH5sOZqzDtiR8_Zwzns1YfYikE3KRAQrDGCZtiI6KBiSJwmgjwTpIpK6qhivMj-f10YwthMap6YMSR-qF6fN7oW4JVJjdudaDUmlOmRmnajgCgVmqM5AGVnX5fq5SRooACYZXY5/s1600/NYC7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards Times Square</td></tr>
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New York, New York... so nice, they named it twice. Or something like that. New York City is a place everyone should visit. How many TV shows, movies, books and songs have been written about this amazing metropolis? Despite the intense hustle and bustle of this crazy city, you can't help but get swept up in it all. The shopping is incredible, the food is insanely good and the landmarks will leave you in awe. Read on for my take on the city that never sleeps.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in the Financial district</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Must See<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island - Head into the Financial District at the southern tip of Manhattan and jump on a boat cruise which will take you around all the sights with plenty of snap happy opportunities. You don't even need to book and it costs about 30 clams.</li>
<li>9/11 Memorial - The 9/11 Memorial is truly moving. Seeing the footprints of the two buildings as gaping fountains in the midst of the surrounding skyscrapers makes a big impact.</li>
<li>Grand Central Station - Sure, it's just a train station. Except not really. It's completely Art Deco gorgeous inside. Have some fun in the Whispering Gallery and indulge in all the best NYC treats (namely Shake Shack and Magnolia Bakery).</li>
<li>Top of the Rock - You feel like you're on top of the world as you gaze across the city that never sleeps.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZp3jTczy4nSRVY0-hKzrXKlgv9KZRLklvA6wNMfnOKxdUWLBZIVSNHe4erM6gREAXbj9fHE6xLiA1i9X18uHHkOh1p43bxReOHI1F8bmOXfGqS7lQT-MgBsjRoMJIwOXSnzRnznuFtbZ/s1600/NYC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZp3jTczy4nSRVY0-hKzrXKlgv9KZRLklvA6wNMfnOKxdUWLBZIVSNHe4erM6gREAXbj9fHE6xLiA1i9X18uHHkOh1p43bxReOHI1F8bmOXfGqS7lQT-MgBsjRoMJIwOXSnzRnznuFtbZ/s1600/NYC1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling through Central Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wvXE2b1tolCEp80MjZnHVI1IK2yZOJyuSJO_eBFs8nYppizYviwMy9U8z9hW_YHLi9kcH134lKw0RVQu75op6QRlkPXSzRjAQa2bLk5jPJEPnJyWCkI54wUjunOKBcSkkOuCiV49Gap_/s1600/NYC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wvXE2b1tolCEp80MjZnHVI1IK2yZOJyuSJO_eBFs8nYppizYviwMy9U8z9hW_YHLi9kcH134lKw0RVQu75op6QRlkPXSzRjAQa2bLk5jPJEPnJyWCkI54wUjunOKBcSkkOuCiV49Gap_/s1600/NYC3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spying Central Park from the top of the Rockerfeller Centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Must Eat<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bagels - Real New York City bagels are a revelation! My favourite is the everything bagel with jalapeno cheddar cream cheese. So good!</li>
<li>Cereal Milk at Momofuku Milk Bar - Even with so many treats to choose from at Milk Bar, my favourite has to be the humble Cereal Milk. Insanely delicious.</li>
<li>Shake Shack - My first meeting with Shake Shack came on the back of a wicked hangover and boy did it hit the spot! Tried it again with a clear head and can confirm that they are the best damn burgers I've ever had.</li>
<li>Salvation Taco - April Bloomfield's taco joint in Midtown is totally fun and totally yummy. Her genius reputation is well deserved indeed!</li>
<li>Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery - Forget the cupcakes. Seriously. Head straight for the Banana Pudding and inhale. You won't regret it.</li>
<li>Williamsburg Pizza - Our place in Brooklyn was 2 minutes down the road from Williamsburg Pizza and the $3 slices were an absolute godsend on a frigid New Year's Eve night!</li>
</ul>
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<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qLaJ9flS4Ka2BV5Lray47HImLmnzC0y4gkTVXpv7xOWh4bxYjLy8X1ofIulEHFzklcXb56vkmE0mJa5AKnSXvJpVksVMEc8qEAXoHtVyBHRRu2mpDPngPMlOeiSMGAfxzxbmh7O2ZDy/s1600/NYC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qLaJ9flS4Ka2BV5Lray47HImLmnzC0y4gkTVXpv7xOWh4bxYjLy8X1ofIulEHFzklcXb56vkmE0mJa5AKnSXvJpVksVMEc8qEAXoHtVyBHRRu2mpDPngPMlOeiSMGAfxzxbmh7O2ZDy/s1600/NYC2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bright lights of Times Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Must Do</div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Central Park - There are so many things to see and do in the park. The Central Park Zoo, Literary Walk and the Bethesda Fountain Plaza are all here for you to check out.</li>
<li>Chelsea Market - Much like Borough Market in London, Chelsea Market is a huge indoor marketplace with every type of food available for your perusal. There were even Aussie meat pies for sale!</li>
<li>The High Line - Just a few minutes walk from Chelsea Market is the High Line which is a railway overpass turned public park. Stroll along and take in the views of the Hudson River and the Meatpacking district.</li>
<li>SoHo for shopping - Yes, you can always go to Fifth Avenue but I guarantee, the shopping in SoHo is so much better. All the usual high street chains, designer boutiques and even little independent stores are here, waiting for you to drop some cash.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Liberty</td></tr>
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Tips & Tricks<br />
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<ul>
<li>Explore somewhere other than Manhattan - The other boroughs need love too!</li>
<li>Get your nails done - If you have to pay more than $10 plus tip, you're doing it wrong.</li>
<li>Learn to love tipping - As an Aussie, I don't think I'll ever get used to the obligatory tipping system but it's a necessary evil so just suck it up and leave 20%.</li>
<li>Manhattan's grid system - Once you figure this out, you'll never get lost again. Okay, that's a lie but it definitely helps!</li>
<li>Sales tax - Keep an eye out for this when you're shopping. Unlike GST which is already built into the price, sales taxes in the USA differ from state to state so the price you see on the tag might be a little different to what rings up at the register.</li>
<li>McDonalds and Starbucks will save your life - There are <i>very</i> few public bathrooms that are fit for consumption but luckily the hundreds of McDonalds and Starbucks stores all over NYC are more than happy to accommodate you. Free WiFi too!</li>
<li>The coffee sucks - Seriously. Aussies that are used to espresso coffees will be horrified to find that they are the exception and not the rule in the U.S. And espresso coffees served at major chains will be served at a temperature similar to that of molten metal. Long live the independent coffee shop! The Blind Barber in Williamsburg does a particularly good flat white.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viewing the city from the Hudson River</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-57768377664125469422015-03-17T22:10:00.002-07:002015-03-18T05:39:27.096-07:00Paris Is On My Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame up in lights</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With Paris being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, you may think that you can miss it in favour of something more offbeat. Believe me when I say that missing out on Paris is a big mistake. Big. Huge. (Shout out to everyone that understood my Pretty Woman reference!). This city is incredible and definitely delivers. From the art galleries, to the monuments you've only ever seen in pictures, to the amazing food, Paris is sure to charm you. Read on for my guide to Paris. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in grey, wet weather; the Louvre is still gorgeous</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Must See</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grande Mosquée de Paris - Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Grand Mosque is gorgeous and though I visited at night, I think it would be even more beautiful during the day. There's a great little cafe serving traditional pastries and mint tea as well as a gift shop selling various knick knacks and souvenirs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tour Eiffel - What's a trip to Paris without seeing Le Tour Eiffel? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Louvre - If you're visiting Paris for the first time, I'd definitely recommend seeing all the pieces that you've read about. See La Joconde (The Mona Lisa), The Winged Victory and The Napoleon Apartments. Then walk across the Seine and head towards the...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Musee d’Orsay - I actually prefer this museum, which houses some of the most beautiful pieces of art in the world. Monet, Cezanne, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh... they all live here. Check it out!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Notre Dame - Rising out of the Seine on the Île de la Cité, this Gothic masterpiece definitely shouldn't be missed when you visit Paris.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Versailles - Take the train out of Paris and immerse yourself in the opulence that is Versailles. Take in the Liberace realness and explore the expansive gardens.</span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escargot!</td></tr>
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Must Eat</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Confit De Rose - Rose petal jam on freshly baked croissants. Heavenly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salted Caramel eclairs at L’éclair du Genie - This famous patisserie will astound you with the sheer creativity of the eclairs on offer. Located in the Le Marais district of Paris.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Confit de Canard - Duck confit can be found on set menus all over Paris. Indulge yourself. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Macarons at Pierre Herme/Laduree - Macarons may be so 2010 but that doesn't mean they're not delicious. Laduree and Pierre Herme are two of the best. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amorino Ice Cream - Gelato scooped into the shape of a rose. Gimmicky? Of course. Touristy? Certainly. The best freaking ice cream I've had, ever? Without a shadow of a doubt. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Escargot - Drowning these little babies in piping hot garlic butter definitely makes crossing this off the bucket list easier than you think. </span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose shaped ice cream from Amorino</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Must Do</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas Markets - If you are lucky enough to visit Paris during December, you'll find dozens of Christmas Markets dotted all over the city. The largest and best is along the Champs Elysees. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Le Marais - This is a beautiful neighbourhood with winding cobblestone streets that you can lose yourself in. Historically, it's the aristocratic district, but was reincarnated as the Jewish Quarter with many kosher restaurants and bakeries still lining the streets. Now known as a trendy, arty area, there are many little galleries and shops hidden away for you to discover. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Champs Elysees - Even if you can't afford to shop on the Champs Elysees, you still have to visit. Walk from Place de la Concorde towards Place Charles de Gaulle at the other end of the avenue and try not to get mowed down by traffic as you snap a photo of the Arc du Triomphe!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Canal Saint Martin - Get away from the hustle and bustle and spend an afternoon walking along the serene banks of the Canal Saint Martin, pastry in hand, overlooking the verdant green water. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Montmartre - This is in the northern end of the city in the 18th arrondissement. Wander the leafy streets, visit the Basilica de la Sacre Coeur, snap a photo in front of Le Moulin Rouge and if you're an Amelie fan... have lunch at the cafe where the movie was filmed! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Galeries Lafayette - This is the Parisian equivalent of Harrods. It's in a very busy part of Paris but if you love designer goods, it's a must do!</span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the beauty floor at Galeries Lafayette</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Tips & Tricks</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Forget the blow dry and embrace the <i>au naturel </i>look with your luscious locks. Paris is a drizzly city and even if you don't get stuck in a downpour, the wind is sure to ruin that coiffure anyway.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sundays are truly lazy days on the Parisian calendar and it should be noted that many shops and cafes are closed. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy Métro tickets by in <i>carnets</i> which are little packs of 10 tickets which will save you about 20% off the ticket price. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Splurge on the English audioguides when exploring museums and galleries. Learnt this one the hard way at the Louvre. If you want to know what's going on, definitely pick up one of these babies at reception. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shop around for the best breakfast deal. €5 - €7 will get you a coffee, pastry, juice and tartine (half a baguette with butter and jam) which should keep you on your feet until lunchtime.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Try to speak a little <i>français. </i>Greeting folks with a simple <i>bonjour</i> will produce a lot of goodwill and you'll find the stereotype of the rude Parisian to be just a myth. Paris is a friendly city, I promise!</span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course... Le Tour Eiffel!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-54452204424447188002015-03-17T05:52:00.000-07:002015-03-17T05:52:38.193-07:00London Calling<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament over Westminister Bridge.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. So said Samuel Johnson; and you know what? He's absolutely right. London is a mish mash of old and new, high end and high street, art and history. Every corner of this glorious city is steeped in history and it's begging to be explored. Even if you're visiting for the first time, you'll see familiar sights everywhere. With dozens of (free) things to do, London definitely tries it's best to charm you. Read on for my guide to London. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Paul's Cathedral looming over the horizon over Millenium Bridge.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Must See<br /><ul>
<li>Museum of Natural History - The inside of this building is utterly beautiful and seeing the full size dinosaur skeletons and relics makes you realise just how amazing our world really is.</li>
<li>The British Library - See some of the first books ever printed and listen to songs by The Beatles as you read the original lyrics written by Paul McCartney himself. Incredible.</li>
<li>Victoria & Albert Museum - Any art/fashion lover would be remiss if they didn't visit the V&A. We were there during the Wedding Dress Exhibition which was seriously good and the gift shop is responsible for one of my absolute favourite souvenirs from London.</li>
<li>Harrods - See how the other half live. The sheer luxury of this place will astound you.</li>
<li>Carnaby St - The 1960's brought to life. This little enclave is just a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus and most importantly... Choccywoccydoodah lives here.</li>
<li>The City of London - Spend an afternoon exploring the original City of London. From South Bank, walk across the Millenium Bridge towards the towering white dome of St Paul's Cathedral before heading up to The Museum of London (lots of fun) which is on the site of the original walls of Roman Londinium. Then meander through the City towards The Tower of London and of course, Tower Bridge. Iconic.</li>
</ul>
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFFkIePcJ6YUS-r3neK0gjHHS3LEQ79yA0tECoTqF51V92IerHrzlp7dCObS0O7y84JcoO4yzEjaJeD3Xa3U-E8fUZECAA6jsIB2Y-5W-ZJn9HwRr0IsUAXodJYNK6wnK0lPz_HAL7QHR/s1600/London1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFFkIePcJ6YUS-r3neK0gjHHS3LEQ79yA0tECoTqF51V92IerHrzlp7dCObS0O7y84JcoO4yzEjaJeD3Xa3U-E8fUZECAA6jsIB2Y-5W-ZJn9HwRr0IsUAXodJYNK6wnK0lPz_HAL7QHR/s1600/London1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the Natural History Museum. You can see why I love this building. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Must Eat</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Borough Market - Go here on an empty stomach. Trust me. Samples galore and so many delicious things happening at once - you'll want to try it all. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fish & Chips - You can't visit London and <i>not</i> have fish & chips in an old fashioned pub. I'm sure it's a rule somewhere. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea - A nice welcome respite from the dreary weather. Interesting crowd of people and a pretty excellent wine selection if I recall correctly.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Afternoon tea at Sketch - Girly girls unite! This is the ultimate afternoon tea. Spend a couple of hours in the pink room in all it's Barbie realness. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Choccywoccydoodah - If you love chocolate at all, you have to come here and see it's kitschy, gothic, romantic gloriousness. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VAg_8FgLxHXgBf1H5Us-GmZX30W11mfB8AnLuH8wgm3VcUtNXGgF9jp4NI6vvK8wHXubKepmobuKbTtG2XaMUDEMcaGNvaXdCt4HZa1MJcpDk_x5snrmn4ABVJcAFjWRAWcW7npo1Ex1/s1600/London2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VAg_8FgLxHXgBf1H5Us-GmZX30W11mfB8AnLuH8wgm3VcUtNXGgF9jp4NI6vvK8wHXubKepmobuKbTtG2XaMUDEMcaGNvaXdCt4HZa1MJcpDk_x5snrmn4ABVJcAFjWRAWcW7npo1Ex1/s1600/London2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pink Room at sketch. Gorgeous.</td></tr>
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</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Must Do</span></div>
</span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Harry Potter World Watford - An absolute must for fans of the books and films.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Sherlock Holmes - London was awash with Holmes fever when I visited. Have a Holmesian day visiting Baker St, North Gower St (the setting for the modern day BBC version) and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. The Museum of London had a great exhibit on Sherlock Holmes as well.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Parks - London has some amazing parks & gardens. Take some time to stroll through and imagine yourself as Snow White as you feed the squirrels.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Portobello Road/Notting Hill - Walk through this neighbourhood and fall in love with the antiques, the colourful houses and the hipster vibe.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">South
Bank - A great way to take in all the sights. Walk down from Big Ben, across Westminster Bridge and then along the South Bank past The London Eye, The Sea Life Aquarium, The Globe Theatre.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA_fHs1TDNSUu8zuoWyQgoLPEgW_WpPFMgOr2FMOO4MXUgP4iiSUcYKqv0lt2V7Ki4oNP33b0Y7h9pl3wU_j0z0xlfZ_Ikgc6bUUcIrzuv5pxZx88Zz6s_1qZHAjrzzQKxd4tRZpGKdWG/s1600/London3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA_fHs1TDNSUu8zuoWyQgoLPEgW_WpPFMgOr2FMOO4MXUgP4iiSUcYKqv0lt2V7Ki4oNP33b0Y7h9pl3wU_j0z0xlfZ_Ikgc6bUUcIrzuv5pxZx88Zz6s_1qZHAjrzzQKxd4tRZpGKdWG/s1600/London3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious goodies on offer at the famous Borough Market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Tips & Tricks</span></div>
</span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Oyster Card Zones - The more zones you cross, the more expensive your trip becomes. Think about this when booking your accommodation.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Getting to Harry Potter - Take the direct train for gods sake. You don't need to take the scenic route through the suburbs, believe me. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Walk! Everything is closer together than you think - London attractions are so much closer together than you might realise. Pop on your walking shoes and lose yourself a little.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Keep track of which stations have escalators if you plan on needing them - Some of the tube stations are hundreds of years old and not every platform is accessible by escalator. Take it into consideration if you're thinking of trekking through with your luggage.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Wear lipstick! - The greyness of London definitely benefits from a pop of colour.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">WiFi is everywhere. Seriously. Every damn Topshop/Pret A Manger/Starbucks/Costa Coffee will provide you with fast, free wifi for that all important instagram upload/google map check.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Take
advantage of all the free things to do - London is an expensive city and yet there is so much awesome free stuff to do. London wants you to explore her!</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGiDcSZSh6Ymk1vGsMn-R-jYjrCfb2C-ATerAcNKwwxnt34pAUIqXbF-qhYEeEAIx98edCRb_d09kmXZpT9-l-VO4oMulT_ISvHAsbPE-tSdh_ZaeyEoFWnq3BP7effT7qsumNdFwmCGL/s1600/London6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGiDcSZSh6Ymk1vGsMn-R-jYjrCfb2C-ATerAcNKwwxnt34pAUIqXbF-qhYEeEAIx98edCRb_d09kmXZpT9-l-VO4oMulT_ISvHAsbPE-tSdh_ZaeyEoFWnq3BP7effT7qsumNdFwmCGL/s1600/London6.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogwarts Castle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-66015986563133888152015-03-07T08:14:00.001-08:002015-03-07T08:14:26.539-08:00Hole-y Mother of Cream Cheese - Homemade Bagels!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEmNGN1gSQRIf7EMn08rCwvK89m_tvI_FpHa32_bnH8ocsnmfZAYA1vOn3WviwM0Lh_HaoisVnvHhh_VsxWWBcrQj828lo-cfHzP2Wz2yz7aroWHdgZa6d8aqwdP9IcjxNevN-MkytszK/s1600/Bagel+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEmNGN1gSQRIf7EMn08rCwvK89m_tvI_FpHa32_bnH8ocsnmfZAYA1vOn3WviwM0Lh_HaoisVnvHhh_VsxWWBcrQj828lo-cfHzP2Wz2yz7aroWHdgZa6d8aqwdP9IcjxNevN-MkytszK/s1600/Bagel+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent a fabulous fortnight in the U.S.A. last December and hands down the best thing I ate for breakfast was the humble bagel. Bagels in the past had always underwhelmed me - I really just thought of them as doughnut shaped bread rolls. But that's essentially what they are this side of the Pacific. Which is a shame because they make a fantastic vehicle for glorious swirls of cream cheese; flavoured or plain. Ever since I got home, I've been on the look out for the 'real thing' here in little old Perth. With no luck, I decided to take a stab at making my own. Read on for my recipe!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPHeyGwVrXbLy7HYhF2ZRCOx4R4HxVcveOBs7pyA1pXRghtrqSIfzF0pwAoPeGuUTcP4bmTsT3IXC-FhFe9Fs8VbeqMMDzogi4o-QsxgoLgYnv46wPC7a067GOq7XB5isNCllJ9OShAXh/s1600/Bagel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPHeyGwVrXbLy7HYhF2ZRCOx4R4HxVcveOBs7pyA1pXRghtrqSIfzF0pwAoPeGuUTcP4bmTsT3IXC-FhFe9Fs8VbeqMMDzogi4o-QsxgoLgYnv46wPC7a067GOq7XB5isNCllJ9OShAXh/s1600/Bagel+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the subject of fillings; my absolute favourite has to be cream cheese. Specifically, cream cheese mixed with jalapeños, chives and cheddar cheese. We don't have the fluorescent orange cheese that only seems to exist in the U.S. but a nice, bitey vintage cheddar makes a good substitute. You could also try adding chopped bacon or garlic or chopped smoked salmon. Simply mix your favourite flavours into softened cream cheese. Easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUnQdDwPc3Gn9Kl4McoA6IeYgGHg897heL9k4qKMGf9Fq4LNBIw5VzZt3rMyVJA056-FjSnBo0dTQGVG1mhD4A_2MGSSeLEXtKajyTT6xpuzJGLkfcPpsn8ceucf49l3t9xIA3eFwBv7T/s1600/Bagel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUnQdDwPc3Gn9Kl4McoA6IeYgGHg897heL9k4qKMGf9Fq4LNBIw5VzZt3rMyVJA056-FjSnBo0dTQGVG1mhD4A_2MGSSeLEXtKajyTT6xpuzJGLkfcPpsn8ceucf49l3t9xIA3eFwBv7T/s1600/Bagel+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bagels can be topped with any number of things or can be kept plain if you're boring. My favourite type of bagel is the everything bagel which is topped with sesame seeds, onion flakes, poppy seeds, salt and garlic. Unfortunately, the high temperature needed to get these babies to bronzed perfection tends to burn the onion flakes and garlic to acrid little crisps which is <i>no bueno</i>. Speaking of which, don't be afraid to let these guys get nice and brown in the oven. In the past, I'd always been afraid of letting bread get truly brown while baking because I thought it would get dried out and hard. My idea of golden brown was more of a golden blonde which really meant that my bread was always underbaked. Just remember that brown crusts mean that it's flavourful, delicious and most importantly - <i>baked</i>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwKn1a3QiVT6wG8qf_8C22J8aY1uVh3VXE6psz3nsqPhth4JrkzbF82tkQLQKqN5NvUPyQtixwhqH6ebS7E3kYgCIB2JnApg9L9VLjTnRsvIG5bX7fikMVK5bVDyMtrwCZTp6bh_jQvu6/s1600/Bagel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwKn1a3QiVT6wG8qf_8C22J8aY1uVh3VXE6psz3nsqPhth4JrkzbF82tkQLQKqN5NvUPyQtixwhqH6ebS7E3kYgCIB2JnApg9L9VLjTnRsvIG5bX7fikMVK5bVDyMtrwCZTp6bh_jQvu6/s1600/Bagel+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bagels are best on the day that they're baked but these do pep up a bit if you toast them a few days later. Real bagels are made to be chewy - and while these do puff up a bit, they will give that jaw of yours a workout. They're definitely not just burger buns with a hole in the middle so don't expect pillowy puffiness here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFxdCozLirqpCkqwiBfQ0A9Jj8m2Ska8caQKVeEOv5wDIu8GA27lHvkJu2PQmsfS02OzBca8tNiujVgmOaNDk5_7KSda4vQaVdr7UR34VPq8OrpMz5kWpR9T0ZB1fHc6cw2tSVjd04hUW/s1600/Bagel+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFxdCozLirqpCkqwiBfQ0A9Jj8m2Ska8caQKVeEOv5wDIu8GA27lHvkJu2PQmsfS02OzBca8tNiujVgmOaNDk5_7KSda4vQaVdr7UR34VPq8OrpMz5kWpR9T0ZB1fHc6cw2tSVjd04hUW/s1600/Bagel+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Homemade Bagels<br />
<br />
Makes 8 <i>big </i>bagels<br />
<br />
These delicious rings of golden goodness can be topped with any number of awesome things. Sesame seeds, salt flakes, poppy seeds, grated parmesan cheese - the sky's the limit! I'm yet to find a way to stop onion flakes from burning so my quest to make the perfect everything bagel continues. If you have some kind of onion flake magic trick, please let me know!<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
<i>Dough</i><br />
500g bread flour<br />
10g salt<br />
10g sugar<br />
7g yeast<br />
350ml water<br />
<br />
<i>Poaching liquid</i><br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tbsp salt<br />
2 tbsp brown sugar<br />
<br />
1 egg, for egg wash<br />
<br />
Method<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Mix flour, salt, sugar, yeast and water in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Mix until dough is elastic and smooth. On a medium speed, it took my machine about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.</li>
<li>Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Prove overnight in the fridge.</li>
<li>Divide dough into 8 even portions. Roll each portion into a snake and roll ends together to form a bagel shape. There should be a disproportionately large hole in the middle to account for a second proof and the rising in the oven.</li>
<li>Prove bagels on greaseproof paper squares (these help when placing the bagels in the boiling water) for 1 hour in a warm spot.</li>
<li>Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water. Add baking soda, salt and sugar. Bring to a simmer and poach each bagel for a minute on each side. Drain, then place on a parchment lined baking sheet.</li>
<li>Brush with beaten egg and top with your topping of choice. Bake at 220°C for 12 to 15 minutes or until bagels are a <i>deep</i> golden brown.</li>
<li>Allow to cool slightly before smothering in cream cheese and stuffing in your face.</li>
</ol>
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Over and out!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-38810983444450510852014-05-12T05:01:00.001-07:002014-05-14T03:35:56.557-07:00The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Need<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpeOOH7LeWMD7aW4-59QyBJwdXI2rTkpMxNoQi5nIFXAdFA3k4xa7fYNEb_R6QUGbQPK8X4_M5XYHNb89vwOuRZbtcqcPQ6WollUSIgYnUDFpWqsQpMFXfBrB2qsRqgJe41Ih3UMqV66J/s1600/Cookie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpeOOH7LeWMD7aW4-59QyBJwdXI2rTkpMxNoQi5nIFXAdFA3k4xa7fYNEb_R6QUGbQPK8X4_M5XYHNb89vwOuRZbtcqcPQ6WollUSIgYnUDFpWqsQpMFXfBrB2qsRqgJe41Ih3UMqV66J/s1600/Cookie1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Question: What makes your ultimate chocolate chip cookie? Mine is crispy on the edges, soft and fudgy in the centre, bursting with chocolate chips and with a salty kick to it. That sweet and salty thing that's so trendy right now definitely blows my skirt up! I actually developed this recipe based on the Momofuku Milk Bar method of making cookies. I love, love, LOVED the Milk Bar Corn Cookies but I wanted to make my own version of a classic Chocolate Chip Cookie. Read on for my recipe!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY4iZiJVjWI6o65ZCVVUrWDqKOxlXwo3ZfdJSVdp0-DjiJLlcij6Dm1FzciQgfrGeYSfbR8YA9fl52vfgZc_5yvgy2inEL4Fnvdwub8xDQSCE69urLdqB-E1jtEAI-GnaxoyKBUq139fA/s1600/Cookie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY4iZiJVjWI6o65ZCVVUrWDqKOxlXwo3ZfdJSVdp0-DjiJLlcij6Dm1FzciQgfrGeYSfbR8YA9fl52vfgZc_5yvgy2inEL4Fnvdwub8xDQSCE69urLdqB-E1jtEAI-GnaxoyKBUq139fA/s1600/Cookie5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are massive, completely ostentatious cookies that are larger than the size of your palm (well, larger than my palms and I have man hands). In other words, the best kind of cookie! You can obviously make them in a daintier, smaller size, but where's the fun in that?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH4hK2CGCzwdretsez7pENZ38nI4oNYk6aMRvhWX9MBuW0tKKGOApZNFj54iez4C3m5POCDPhH9VOX_tapNOPopYjybIo4kaCPf9heCKo_iO5Ds2z3zsuliTtUKNHDfQ48wdjzuFXNxVU/s1600/Cookie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH4hK2CGCzwdretsez7pENZ38nI4oNYk6aMRvhWX9MBuW0tKKGOApZNFj54iez4C3m5POCDPhH9VOX_tapNOPopYjybIo4kaCPf9heCKo_iO5Ds2z3zsuliTtUKNHDfQ48wdjzuFXNxVU/s1600/Cookie2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I sprinkle these with sea salt midway through baking. While there is salt in the cookie dough itself, the sprinkle of salt on top gives you an immediate salty smack in the mouth when you bite into it before it melts into sugary sweetness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAQpX_c0zC2WSr2Kqn65HpmXel4aem2JFH_Rw4aWO3tqlkpbjcHRCwv9SyP0MAQMIUh2N_m295b89fhh4N_Lix75gDpLvckhp9fiqKvQTLFPSvbuPQmenRZLmkOytucRc0zZU9eKIBnWQ/s1600/Cookie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAQpX_c0zC2WSr2Kqn65HpmXel4aem2JFH_Rw4aWO3tqlkpbjcHRCwv9SyP0MAQMIUh2N_m295b89fhh4N_Lix75gDpLvckhp9fiqKvQTLFPSvbuPQmenRZLmkOytucRc0zZU9eKIBnWQ/s1600/Cookie4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One thing you absolutely <i>must</i> do is use DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS! I always used to make cookies with milk chocolate as I had it in my head that I didn't like dark chocolate. Oh the misguidedness of youth! Then I always wondered why my chocolate chip cookies were so sickly sweet and unappealing. I finally cottoned on that you need a little bitterness to balance the sweet and thus my obsession with dark chocolate began. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApPZcf825_eN9EWLILOb6TWaB8whCQrtLKrGi2qyLN5WFhkdX01uskcbuBil8KlnfLqtMyNj-YxR1sm_1uW3KTNxme5D4k5MDsx5T1AwYUSOtgCbgrLQFQitX90ma7UjCsbV5hrgYwLZN/s1600/Cookie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApPZcf825_eN9EWLILOb6TWaB8whCQrtLKrGi2qyLN5WFhkdX01uskcbuBil8KlnfLqtMyNj-YxR1sm_1uW3KTNxme5D4k5MDsx5T1AwYUSOtgCbgrLQFQitX90ma7UjCsbV5hrgYwLZN/s1600/Cookie3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
<br />
Makes 18 - 20 HUGE Cookies<br />
<br />
Make sure you use sea salt flakes to sprinkle the top of your cookies. Table salt will be <i>far</i> too salty and salt out of the grinder is way too fine and again, can leave your cookies very salty. There's a fine line, people! There's also coconut in this recipe; I think it's a necessity, but if you don't like it just replace with the same amount of bread flour.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<br />
225g softened butter<br />
125g caster sugar<br />
125g light brown sugar<br />
1 cold egg<br />
5g sea salt<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
320g bread flour<br />
45g desiccated coconut<br />
3g baking powder<br />
2g bicarb soda<br />
250g dark chocolate chips<br />
extra sea salt for sprinkling<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Beat butter, sugars and salt in a stand mixer on high for 7 minutes, scraping down the sides as you go.</li>
<li>Crack in the cold egg and beat at a high speed for a further 3 minutes. Splash in the vanilla at this point too. The mixture should be fluffy and pale in colour.</li>
<li>Mix together the flour, coconut, baking powder and bicarb soda in a bowl and add to the butter mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds or until the flour is just incorporated.</li>
<li>Throw in the chocolate chips less 1 handful and mix on low for another 30 seconds. </li>
<li>Using a large spring loaded ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of dough on a lined cookie sheet. Stud with the remaining chocolate chips. Freeze for 2 hours minimum or overnight if you have the time and the patience. </li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 150ºC and place the frozen cookie dough balls on a lines baking tray with plenty of room to spread. </li>
<li>Bake for 10 minutes, pull out and sprinkle cookies with sea salt. Bake for a further 3 - 5 minutes or until golden and crisp at the edges and just set in the centre. </li>
<li>Allow to cool on the tray until the bottoms are set before transferring to a wire tray.</li>
<li>Try to restrain yourself from eating the entire batch. </li>
<li>Fail.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
Over and out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-4295488822495188682014-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-05-11T06:25:42.743-07:00Review: Bread In Common, Fremantle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvGe6QIF3_IhQzABknvzLqxen1ME8DgO2d2GnXI7DTqT-r_2VAyFjjFW-12kwvJlb9Aus1yAW-Cuxid0wnfsNWV0JC5UUYBE8J9LsJFjKuBvcAuoDsDUk8WJvuXF2Nd7qq6qIDEziKiQZ/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvGe6QIF3_IhQzABknvzLqxen1ME8DgO2d2GnXI7DTqT-r_2VAyFjjFW-12kwvJlb9Aus1yAW-Cuxid0wnfsNWV0JC5UUYBE8J9LsJFjKuBvcAuoDsDUk8WJvuXF2Nd7qq6qIDEziKiQZ/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just a quick one today! Last weekend, my friend S and I met up in Freo for a quick bite to eat before a wander around the markets. I'd heard only good things about Bread In Common so I was keen to check them out! Read on for my review!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08dT0sOgf1pgG1_A5nTvU8tbc7WAAczQ2-i0d5aH5KNGKd8m6ZRveDe5wZ8tgHhg9RL7r-6he0i510mABnAvmlvzwYBrsjvyl_U5fK5L_6S1-sPVU58Lg4nHvGND8IBGOfN_DHZjBsdJt/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08dT0sOgf1pgG1_A5nTvU8tbc7WAAczQ2-i0d5aH5KNGKd8m6ZRveDe5wZ8tgHhg9RL7r-6he0i510mABnAvmlvzwYBrsjvyl_U5fK5L_6S1-sPVU58Lg4nHvGND8IBGOfN_DHZjBsdJt/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bread In Common doesn't take bookings so you just have to turn up and hope that there's room. That being said, the servers are all very accommodating and I'm sure you won't be left waiting too long. Also, another thing to note is that it's mostly cafeteria style dining so on a busy day... be prepared to make friends! We started off with a couple of truly <i>exceptional</i> coffees which were the perfect guzzling temperature. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibt_cJaKLK_vmUXq9Luauvi7-b5RyCLAvv07vHey2G5mEm69Hd20y0HKPXuWD4Ufy3bZ6mSe3exxQMb4z5jf8tneBggqVAFA6w10sC0DC0-FcFBGzcmdCuxf3Tc0nLIlwu3_4A7ZNk0UPp/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibt_cJaKLK_vmUXq9Luauvi7-b5RyCLAvv07vHey2G5mEm69Hd20y0HKPXuWD4Ufy3bZ6mSe3exxQMb4z5jf8tneBggqVAFA6w10sC0DC0-FcFBGzcmdCuxf3Tc0nLIlwu3_4A7ZNk0UPp/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you probably gathered from their name, bread takes pride of place in here. We sampled two of their most popular breads; the common loaf and the wholemeal sourdough. The common loaf (foreground) was actually just barely warm which makes me think it was plucked from their woodfired oven very recently! Both breads were chewy and dense (in a good way!) with crackly crusts and they were made even more delicious with the requisite olive oil and balsamic. They also have other dippy type things like dukkah, tapenade etc for people looking for something more left of field.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFFHH7A8_tQQ7miVrJSlBdAgT3PVhxnotrh5pomjQG2-rW8sdhhqgVs7zZ1OCH7_2AB-ZEN1xV83jKgT6Xd4NdSzKzXnDir-8B09maRQeZ6JE7c8fjeW4y2Dxio5qC51UN6-8S106GYp-/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFFHH7A8_tQQ7miVrJSlBdAgT3PVhxnotrh5pomjQG2-rW8sdhhqgVs7zZ1OCH7_2AB-ZEN1xV83jKgT6Xd4NdSzKzXnDir-8B09maRQeZ6JE7c8fjeW4y2Dxio5qC51UN6-8S106GYp-/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bread and cheese. What more does a girl need? We ordered the homemade mozzarella because how could you not? It's homemade mozzarella! This stuff was awesome. So awesome in fact that I went out and bought some rennet and citric acid with the intention of making my own at home. So many fails! But I won't bore you with my cheesemaking failures! Focus instead on those creamy, wobbly, just set chunks of dairy deliciousness. That's better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqitHJIzhzEmVg6pWMNOFF2oNeCUsdSTLxnnK71BtxepVhHD3XQBRLmTKc3qCPJkO2KlkTdpEzohxCor_pPnKOuNQD33GtoQtgt0uhSBnryEkOR8M02lO1otyAdsKJoAQn1e1odU80KRt/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqitHJIzhzEmVg6pWMNOFF2oNeCUsdSTLxnnK71BtxepVhHD3XQBRLmTKc3qCPJkO2KlkTdpEzohxCor_pPnKOuNQD33GtoQtgt0uhSBnryEkOR8M02lO1otyAdsKJoAQn1e1odU80KRt/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last up, we ordered another iteration of bread and cheese with the mushroom and brie panini. Who doesn't love melted cheese and toast? This was very yummy but I think there was maybe a little too much mushroom and not enough brie. But that could just be my own preference! On our way out, I even bought myself a loaf of the common loaf for my brekkie the next day. </div>
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Service at Bread In Common is friendly and casual; ever present but unobtrusive. If you're ever in Fremantle, I'd definitely recommend a visit. They're open till 10pm all week except Friday and Saturday when they're open till midnight.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/338/1782571/restaurant/Perth/Bread-In-Common-Fremantle"><img alt="Bread In Common on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1782571/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-7794903178583026152014-04-20T01:18:00.003-07:002014-04-20T01:18:42.114-07:00Ciate ColourFoil Manicure Tutorial + Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8lXQ9P-zSDPeyNQ9hecqF_lzq0nLJremecHs4vhxMC_cUWLqX5unIlCwygS9Tr_T8pOzBQPO0vseB5AxmtDAhp7lvjRaPS4e77IuEgdRwEpUkp5GknIJBW1Og6Y9dpgeb7wRPcFOKWfH/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8lXQ9P-zSDPeyNQ9hecqF_lzq0nLJremecHs4vhxMC_cUWLqX5unIlCwygS9Tr_T8pOzBQPO0vseB5AxmtDAhp7lvjRaPS4e77IuEgdRwEpUkp5GknIJBW1Og6Y9dpgeb7wRPcFOKWfH/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now this is a post I've been meaning to put up for weeks now. I've just been too busy/lazy to write it up and post it. My bad! I bought this <a href="http://www.ciate.co.uk/nails/wow-kits-1/last-chance-to-buy/very-colourfoil-manicure-carnival-couture">Very ColourFoil Manicure kit</a> at Kit Cosmetics at enex100 a couple of months ago and was super excited to give it a whirl. Ciate always comes up with innovative nail art kits that always look gorgeous but may not be the most practical things in the world (Caviar nails, I;m looking at you!). Read on for the tutorial!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGcBlBqIA0DI9nAWAmmFtB5kfWFgyKRgy9ZXJgOt9UGrh9AVDDxTGFEKYXHHF_XSOJZhDEJT32hyphenhyphenbpeovDnQtEzZT85Lx5Gr_AM5mXos0Z_9KfaSB-ZcWBfV7FBc5lI80V8W1BADIIoCP/s1600/DSC_0011+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGcBlBqIA0DI9nAWAmmFtB5kfWFgyKRgy9ZXJgOt9UGrh9AVDDxTGFEKYXHHF_XSOJZhDEJT32hyphenhyphenbpeovDnQtEzZT85Lx5Gr_AM5mXos0Z_9KfaSB-ZcWBfV7FBc5lI80V8W1BADIIoCP/s1600/DSC_0011+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each kit comes with a full size Ciate Paint Pot, a teeny bottle of foil fix and an envelope of 30 sheets of coloured foils in 6 different shades. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbOtkCZfa81XF14AyXh-WyL8U6pj7gezzceY4vogEcqNtjHN4Em6J7xQdyhCrd_alz5UR3BjvzlZSp-8_I2CNc9HohCpeqab2Rwn7CHhNxqP9Yfiuyfk3U3W6nE9UYC2X6nW-Tfg8EBiY/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbOtkCZfa81XF14AyXh-WyL8U6pj7gezzceY4vogEcqNtjHN4Em6J7xQdyhCrd_alz5UR3BjvzlZSp-8_I2CNc9HohCpeqab2Rwn7CHhNxqP9Yfiuyfk3U3W6nE9UYC2X6nW-Tfg8EBiY/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the Paint Pot packaging. The tiny little bow is adorable and the nice long handle gives you lots of control over the polish. The pink included in my kit, Carnival Couture, is called Kiss Chase and is a lovely bubblegum pink with a shiny cream finish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhT0roUiqlcZuJXAEg6Xk287x-3-0nB-TP0zRWOSZKyHMUTfCJzsdT38iGsWSeNk2y5wQNSW7klER-tx_4vVYVMIKr3ZX9PTYIgk5D9by1TeSPWgbIzKqrH3RaC0L8L8J1aU8ZVPrc52P/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhT0roUiqlcZuJXAEg6Xk287x-3-0nB-TP0zRWOSZKyHMUTfCJzsdT38iGsWSeNk2y5wQNSW7klER-tx_4vVYVMIKr3ZX9PTYIgk5D9by1TeSPWgbIzKqrH3RaC0L8L8J1aU8ZVPrc52P/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okie dokie, down to business! First things first, you need to coat your nails in 2 thin coats of the polish. It goes without saying that a base coat should be put down first! Allow this to dry before going on to the next step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcnI4ah4AQCJaejJiXnRIzJtlN_xzNQE3y-pvdTgiHVYXnGG91fQk3_9rAGg0Ajtd5X829q6rpmUQCjmGdnziFR_PKZ28ebQnP-phuzkZ7RStRsdGfeY5R9OS-9yt17qOF6018RQDo_gR/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcnI4ah4AQCJaejJiXnRIzJtlN_xzNQE3y-pvdTgiHVYXnGG91fQk3_9rAGg0Ajtd5X829q6rpmUQCjmGdnziFR_PKZ28ebQnP-phuzkZ7RStRsdGfeY5R9OS-9yt17qOF6018RQDo_gR/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take the little bottle of foil fix and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-hFe1KYulCZDl6SIfue_FyAqcq8ILNSQXcYW4B6IahiNSope9UfkEvLE6d5VqTdOSy9NSCQL3ILArzMWE8F0wKY_K7nm85_pr_LWMWfj1jAWZCuU3PU3NxO5NkMK3RlYWA1SCdSbluzO/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-hFe1KYulCZDl6SIfue_FyAqcq8ILNSQXcYW4B6IahiNSope9UfkEvLE6d5VqTdOSy9NSCQL3ILArzMWE8F0wKY_K7nm85_pr_LWMWfj1jAWZCuU3PU3NxO5NkMK3RlYWA1SCdSbluzO/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Splodge it over your nail haphazardly! No need to be neat about this part! Wait for this to dry a little and turn clear and tacky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC8Zo2gWP6QzLTuGTweqAzmP2WZeehn5DaieX0cdR6Te00li3lHFtdsEA2Z4vBzK2RliolVQWb2fxpbmuyYuDlKo7qLnbncLRj3Q1rwYg3pPY9twEkKGNCEaqsrNcVE1Ogu7_sKL7_KeK/s1600/DSC_0016+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC8Zo2gWP6QzLTuGTweqAzmP2WZeehn5DaieX0cdR6Te00li3lHFtdsEA2Z4vBzK2RliolVQWb2fxpbmuyYuDlKo7qLnbncLRj3Q1rwYg3pPY9twEkKGNCEaqsrNcVE1Ogu7_sKL7_KeK/s1600/DSC_0016+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then you take your choice of foil - and here's the important part...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dPRPEZf5nBWW0Rh9DeOuvwXr3cwowVeF0efuHqVgvl-dGjeLwE-At521PvSRwxLXraYW_WNDCc9tOoo7DHLys-Jfvxgt0HnP6zL3W_yxLQ7VuXKjcluZWXBn9fFPTtVqZDvmPdDlWWuH/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dPRPEZf5nBWW0Rh9DeOuvwXr3cwowVeF0efuHqVgvl-dGjeLwE-At521PvSRwxLXraYW_WNDCc9tOoo7DHLys-Jfvxgt0HnP6zL3W_yxLQ7VuXKjcluZWXBn9fFPTtVqZDvmPdDlWWuH/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place the foil matte, silver side <i>down </i>on the nail like so:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tUFZtcm45jBzsHrSpXYupDwZTwGCeVycJFiR5PvGOB3HlJPjfU-9TWnSctjoKsFYM4Eq6cTRa9zQN8dhcxE38CzYq-kZAILjjXF-tx5zOjOSWZzFeaCt9NlorWlELyd5F9VoMBUenjKf/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tUFZtcm45jBzsHrSpXYupDwZTwGCeVycJFiR5PvGOB3HlJPjfU-9TWnSctjoKsFYM4Eq6cTRa9zQN8dhcxE38CzYq-kZAILjjXF-tx5zOjOSWZzFeaCt9NlorWlELyd5F9VoMBUenjKf/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then you rip the sheet off your nail like a waxing strip and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiBe8cBicuzhJGND1LIEqu2C3BQJeF6M73W7atO2VC-e7wd8et4hqo_645wQ6CDomSMnIoXgvy1LVVBvZpmHWRjM9JlttnYyl8l2rigwpymadJ2p5tPnlQ7Qq-CcYGbi5VXjTyUZNFXT-/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiBe8cBicuzhJGND1LIEqu2C3BQJeF6M73W7atO2VC-e7wd8et4hqo_645wQ6CDomSMnIoXgvy1LVVBvZpmHWRjM9JlttnYyl8l2rigwpymadJ2p5tPnlQ7Qq-CcYGbi5VXjTyUZNFXT-/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Et Voila! Splashes of metallic, chrome-y colour!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWALaL0PLOvaYs0R18AyS5XsVyxnwSOqVlFsO7liHYtpCWuIuo1C9uFTAYvwX7kDWX5rmL-WDtIqqk3tV-ecCqhTLcGR8YQDiYSR8xzmccaGtd9N9vTO79rwnXbX_ACM91TbAkvAUXG8QI/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWALaL0PLOvaYs0R18AyS5XsVyxnwSOqVlFsO7liHYtpCWuIuo1C9uFTAYvwX7kDWX5rmL-WDtIqqk3tV-ecCqhTLcGR8YQDiYSR8xzmccaGtd9N9vTO79rwnXbX_ACM91TbAkvAUXG8QI/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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From here, you can layer the foil colour to create your own masterpiece! Allow the glue to dry completely before sealing with a shiny top coat. Word to the wise though - this stuff does <i>not</i> last! My foil started to turn gummy and weird after a couple of days. I think it's the foil fix to blame for this one. Either way, it's a super cute way to bling out your nails for a night out. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-10058099452640467872014-04-20T00:09:00.002-07:002014-04-20T00:09:59.881-07:00Better than yo' mama's Hot Cross Buns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBBdxVvp93QjhIj1FnlX3VxlGhaQIOBR8bJE_hsKShVY11efjs3Vk2ddqCz8mlFuYxDWr5UA2_o33H4a33tAbeGx9ZQMV9aCpRvrkzfEIND6UMcpYeB1Z2A6UXQwwI_D7fk6PyDock9M9/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBBdxVvp93QjhIj1FnlX3VxlGhaQIOBR8bJE_hsKShVY11efjs3Vk2ddqCz8mlFuYxDWr5UA2_o33H4a33tAbeGx9ZQMV9aCpRvrkzfEIND6UMcpYeB1Z2A6UXQwwI_D7fk6PyDock9M9/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well hello there! Long time no see! I'm back from my self imposed blogging exile and come bearing gifts! Specifically, this kick ass recipe for hot cross buns in honour of the Easter holidays. These are big fat squishy buns and you should definitely give them a go this long weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMfSZSR4PE1o0CbGMyfi5H1MZj4RAF9OKvNQrt7w0njyAR1D0WO6bfdR0x6ZT0Sj4JSaOxwFP6EiPHei-nRhgQyCz4tUdsz8LDW8NUYwen-VPgPFJqBigE98J5soaCYxdcPAI4hmOdyGs/s1600/DSC_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMfSZSR4PE1o0CbGMyfi5H1MZj4RAF9OKvNQrt7w0njyAR1D0WO6bfdR0x6ZT0Sj4JSaOxwFP6EiPHei-nRhgQyCz4tUdsz8LDW8NUYwen-VPgPFJqBigE98J5soaCYxdcPAI4hmOdyGs/s1600/DSC_0096.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH8FrwwYM0KfUI3FYxaWxGBfGSl__Ce2Ell1QbtVUrIueRvQDEod00zDYeFscohRbjV53Ne-0zGxW9B4t1s8cXKU6sOgkpZWj5GZxF_rf-s1PIRkvFbfpfaBzsCrTpcecoEpBKT7X-wkT/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH8FrwwYM0KfUI3FYxaWxGBfGSl__Ce2Ell1QbtVUrIueRvQDEod00zDYeFscohRbjV53Ne-0zGxW9B4t1s8cXKU6sOgkpZWj5GZxF_rf-s1PIRkvFbfpfaBzsCrTpcecoEpBKT7X-wkT/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used a recipe from the bread messiah himself Paul Hollywood. It has the usual mixed peel, raisins and cinnamon in it but adds apple and a sweet apricot glaze. I added in vanilla beans and switched the glaze from apricot to orange marmalade. The buns have the gorgeously soft, tearaway edges that all awesome hot cross buns have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfszMaFqUNBARAlaf1VNVS2S-aFTZDIYRAr0h5fn23U6XHK3FfOt-bmesu0Rtg1t_X-n-V5SRykcWJztTakkvlGRV8ixbp8AB6JblX8Z4cAFuD-GqYzgiZAAMHjoMf6wZ9doOlAB6_tXLS/s1600/DSC_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfszMaFqUNBARAlaf1VNVS2S-aFTZDIYRAr0h5fn23U6XHK3FfOt-bmesu0Rtg1t_X-n-V5SRykcWJztTakkvlGRV8ixbp8AB6JblX8Z4cAFuD-GqYzgiZAAMHjoMf6wZ9doOlAB6_tXLS/s1600/DSC_0106.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My crosses were a little too fat for my liking and that's because I snipped a <i>little</i> too much off the end of my piping bag. Whoops! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmNxUJE4Dg7cTXx4s228zZd74UYpCNJxuTy1PZ0UX7pEKA0Zpz0n1cll1DVW8GZUGMmxJChOOQRJkgxjPFabbfsynZf9hSMKiU2JeRO1oHmV5s_cga-AbV2bzEwbr2IVsGCMWvpv9kNhC/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmNxUJE4Dg7cTXx4s228zZd74UYpCNJxuTy1PZ0UX7pEKA0Zpz0n1cll1DVW8GZUGMmxJChOOQRJkgxjPFabbfsynZf9hSMKiU2JeRO1oHmV5s_cga-AbV2bzEwbr2IVsGCMWvpv9kNhC/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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You want to let these babies get nice and brown in the oven. The recipe has butter, eggs and milk in it do it's unlikely to get crusty unless you really forget about them so don't freak out and take them out too early. There's nothing worse than an anaemic looking hot cross bun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqyiY_mcwUISlrOwdsCjdeEYf0rkBbO1zOJPdw7K8XX2Art5N638gS9W5W4DwpUfmLLOCdt8oouh0cTzTmL6vzQ0sdKNBrcERpQzv_Rir0VHdfLRTLF9vJMyW8J44ifpojg-CkfSFFYos/s1600/DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqyiY_mcwUISlrOwdsCjdeEYf0rkBbO1zOJPdw7K8XX2Art5N638gS9W5W4DwpUfmLLOCdt8oouh0cTzTmL6vzQ0sdKNBrcERpQzv_Rir0VHdfLRTLF9vJMyW8J44ifpojg-CkfSFFYos/s1600/DSC_0111.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hot Cross Buns<br />
<i>Adapted from Paul Hollywood's recipe from The Great British Bake Off</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Makes 12 jumbo sized buns<br />
<br />
These buns are humungous! They come out of the oven all squishy and soft and are just begging for a slap of butter before being gobbled up whole. I added vanilla beans to the dough and used raisins rather than sultanas (the raisins seemed juicier but I don't think it makes a great deal of difference). I also used marmalade to glaze rather than apricot jam because who buys apricot jam, really? These beauties are also great served for breakfast the next day toasted and slathered in butter.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
300ml whole milk<br />
500g bread flour<br />
75g caster sugar<br />
5g salt<br />
7g instant yeast<br />
50g butter, softened<br />
1 egg<br />
150g raisins<br />
80g mixed peel<br />
Zest of 2 oranges<br />
1 apple, cored and chopped<br />
2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
beans from 1 vanilla pod<br />
<br />
75g plain flour<br />
5 Tbsp water<br />
<br />
2 Tbsp orange marmalade<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>First things first, place your milk in a pan and bring to the boil. Then turn off the heat and allow to cool down to body temp (37ºC-ish). </li>
<li>Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, butter and egg in a bowl and slowly add the warm milk. I use the dough hook on my hand held electric mixer to combine these ingredients into a soft, sticky dough.</li>
<li>Add in the raisins, mixed peel, zest, apple, cinnamon and vanilla and continue to knead with the electric mixer. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for another 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.</li>
<li>Dough should have doubled in size after 1 hour. Turn out onto a floured surface again and divide into 12 even portions. Take each portion and form into a small, smooth ball.</li>
<li>Arrange buns on a lined baking tray, leaving enough space that the buns touch slightly as they rise and expand. Set aside to prove in a warm spot for another hour or until buns have doubled in size.</li>
<li>Heat oven to 220ºC. Take extra flour and water and mix to create a paste for the crosses. Place in a small ziplock bag and snip off the corner and pipe crosses on the proved buns. </li>
<li>Bake for 20-25min or until golden brown. I also pour half a cup on boiling water onto a metal tray at the bottom of the oven to create a bit of steam which helps the buns rise up even more.</li>
<li>Mix the orange marmalade with some hot water to create a glaze and brush over the hot buns before tearing apart and serving immediately!</li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-27220481992586613202014-02-09T06:00:00.003-08:002014-02-09T06:00:58.114-08:00Lady Grey Tea Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqTKB6GTuIPMCgjQzRAdxnsXDuSwTKwanb_Fxnj2KM_QjFhzBFH2iDL_hbuaN_ZyMIXkZcbHvlcMNog_6JjlcXG0T55A59jqs3b4QuTG60s3C3aIC8LyTWYBQHL08k6x3i9UYlx3tI2x/s1600/DSC_0055+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqTKB6GTuIPMCgjQzRAdxnsXDuSwTKwanb_Fxnj2KM_QjFhzBFH2iDL_hbuaN_ZyMIXkZcbHvlcMNog_6JjlcXG0T55A59jqs3b4QuTG60s3C3aIC8LyTWYBQHL08k6x3i9UYlx3tI2x/s1600/DSC_0055+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Good Lord, I've been a terrible blogger! Resolving to try harder as of...<i>now</i>! I've had these cookies hidden up my sleeve for almost a month now (not <i>literally </i>up my sleeve, because that would just be messy) and I'm a horrible person for withholding because believe me when I say; you need these in your life! They're buttery, delicate and utterly decadent because I dipped them in dark chocolate like the excessive person I am. And in a bid to be more twee and kitschy (twitschy?); I shaped them like teabags and threaded them with twine. I like cute stuff... so sue me! Read on for the recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFXg1urpxiH8TuWmVNPOGyyVbRlhWzrgJy9D7aP6zFSjEdpPYsHoetHGL-krZy5_7xj-lTYsGgC9WHJdShMBTnTZul9DzCiJCn_7Q5i9ztiI_-uqoI61eO5VUO6Yj_o5eGfa0qOE3GgN/s1600/DSC_0039+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFXg1urpxiH8TuWmVNPOGyyVbRlhWzrgJy9D7aP6zFSjEdpPYsHoetHGL-krZy5_7xj-lTYsGgC9WHJdShMBTnTZul9DzCiJCn_7Q5i9ztiI_-uqoI61eO5VUO6Yj_o5eGfa0qOE3GgN/s1600/DSC_0039+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used Lady Grey tea from Twinings (as a loyal Nigella lover, I was suckered in by the ads) and it adds the perfect amount of floral fragrance to the cookies without being too bitter or soapy. I also used some finely grated sweet orange rind to help stave off any bitterness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdguEKbSuvCI5ax-d1iWgbYG2LZqNcc92cQ_DLjkFLc9Yy5IRM6dTgp3ph2bSGtdDSZtxwZ5H6_NF2Va4YR4in8BNcvNQq7kX4i39fM3PzEF3yuNctYyhl8cBrRk-6kiR9GjLQycUyBqH/s1600/DSC_0079+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdguEKbSuvCI5ax-d1iWgbYG2LZqNcc92cQ_DLjkFLc9Yy5IRM6dTgp3ph2bSGtdDSZtxwZ5H6_NF2Va4YR4in8BNcvNQq7kX4i39fM3PzEF3yuNctYyhl8cBrRk-6kiR9GjLQycUyBqH/s1600/DSC_0079+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It cannot be said enough, just how much I despise tempering chocolate. On the day I made these, it was 35ºC in Perth so much like the chances of the proverbial snowball's survival in H-E-double hockey sticks; the likelihood of me getting melted chocolate down to the required 27ºC for the perfect temper was next to zip. Too bad, so sad! I'm sure I'll get that elusive shiny snap one of these days. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtwQcwb72WDlK560UaysJLySbIdGjhHzrJDTjqPY5wGpz9cUIksS0homNpBkFQMlY6oly50NPg9A0DOVHjwfsn1LnK96Pr1xwrWRLcG8-bYrdo2j6XFUiva_YnBmeg0xJTh5Kp2AxxlpP/s1600/DSC_0062+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtwQcwb72WDlK560UaysJLySbIdGjhHzrJDTjqPY5wGpz9cUIksS0homNpBkFQMlY6oly50NPg9A0DOVHjwfsn1LnK96Pr1xwrWRLcG8-bYrdo2j6XFUiva_YnBmeg0xJTh5Kp2AxxlpP/s1600/DSC_0062+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XksBo7P4ZTblhtoEtLV3l-1sJLqNEKtcjeFIi25YMesUckdAxbEoy129hVNA-M_q3CGPvfx9It03WvwSV2ddR57e0XZyi53zowCdSY-xqsdc7ERo8nsjejIzA5iMS63XDEA-lPq-qjvL/s1600/DSC_0065+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XksBo7P4ZTblhtoEtLV3l-1sJLqNEKtcjeFIi25YMesUckdAxbEoy129hVNA-M_q3CGPvfx9It03WvwSV2ddR57e0XZyi53zowCdSY-xqsdc7ERo8nsjejIzA5iMS63XDEA-lPq-qjvL/s1600/DSC_0065+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made these little tags with some coloured construction paper and an adorable little stamp I picked up from Typo. It's supposed to say 'Handmade with Love just for You' but who would've guessed that silver ink would have such a hard time being legible on coloured paper?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU_UPFhqs2W4BrotmFErS8HVYF377eAfjnKpw0ijREGkd4hzwxYizy_qKNoq1AQt031sUdxg0yRYGPWSqDRu5gWxdQ9-iP4xjBSjWK7NaPUQWppEOBv27FUiyOkfthASIO6SkkQ9WmdxA/s1600/DSC_0080+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU_UPFhqs2W4BrotmFErS8HVYF377eAfjnKpw0ijREGkd4hzwxYizy_qKNoq1AQt031sUdxg0yRYGPWSqDRu5gWxdQ9-iP4xjBSjWK7NaPUQWppEOBv27FUiyOkfthASIO6SkkQ9WmdxA/s1600/DSC_0080+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Lady Grey Tea Cookies<br />
<br />
Makes 36 small cookies<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
3 Lady Grey teabags<br />
225g butter, softened<br />
200g caster sugar<br />
3g salt<br />
1 cold egg<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
375g plain flour<br />
rind from 1 orange, finely grated on a microplane<br />
<br />
150g dark chocolate<br />
<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Empty the contents of the teabags into a pestle and mortar and grind down to a fine powder. </li>
<li>Beat butter, sugar and salt in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for 5 minutes on med-high until light and fluffy. </li>
<li>Add the egg and vanilla essence and beat for a further 3 minutes on medium.</li>
<li>Add flour, orange rind and tea powder to butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined. This shouldn't take longer than a minute. You don't want to overwork the dough here lest you end up with tough cookies.</li>
<li>Pat dough into a rough rectangle shape and cover with plastic wrap. Rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.</li>
<li>Roll out dough to 0.5cm thickness and chill for 10 minutes in the freezer. Cut out 5cm x 3 cm rectangles and lop off the top two corners for a teabag like shape. Freeze shapes for another 10 minutes</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 160ºC. Poke a hole in the top of the 'teabag' to thread string through later.</li>
<li>Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies are just beginning to brown at the edges. Cool on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.</li>
<li>Melt (and temper if you how to do that sort of sorcery) dark chocolate and dip the bottom third of the teabag cookies in the chocolate and place on a sheet on baking paper to set. </li>
<li>Thread twine through the hole in the top and finish with a sweet little tag.</li>
<li>Make friends and influence people.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over and out!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-8038998912815882682014-01-11T00:41:00.001-08:002014-01-11T00:41:40.217-08:00DIY Cocoa Butter Milk Bath<center>
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Continuing on with my obsession with DIY beauty treatments; and also because I have ridiculous amounts cocoa butter left, I give you: Cocoa Butter Milk Bath! Cleopatra was notorious for bathing in milk and apparently, so is Charlize Theron. Great company to keep if your ask me. Milk baths are great for dry skin as the lactic acid helps to loosen the proteins binding together the dead skin cells and this makes it easier to exfoliate them away. The cocoa butter helps to moisturise your skin (I've talked about how awesome cocoa butter is before so don't worry, I won't go on about it.) and not to mention, it smells delicious! This DIY is as simple as grating some cocoa butter, mixing it with some powdered milk and cornstarch and... that's it. That was quite anticlimactic actually. Read on for the recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNeJL5jdyxpOvEfYWU3s3_SVSV3xpu169xwnhun6D8mVwYOiuRzaqV9Hgsv8l3ZVXr6QVuPftciIZjfLDK3szQT1vjBcWoKNNAYJG2eVK7UlOPvswqNt-fRs5xg2NZvngnlqhywIfIlKU/s1600/DSC_0223+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNeJL5jdyxpOvEfYWU3s3_SVSV3xpu169xwnhun6D8mVwYOiuRzaqV9Hgsv8l3ZVXr6QVuPftciIZjfLDK3szQT1vjBcWoKNNAYJG2eVK7UlOPvswqNt-fRs5xg2NZvngnlqhywIfIlKU/s1600/DSC_0223+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are my ingredients: in the red bowl is some cornstarch; this stops your milk bath from clumping together. In the aqua bowl is the cocoa butter; my cocoa butter was in the form of melting chips so I threw them in the freezer for a couple of minutes before I grated them finely on a microplane. Finally, in the blue bowl, is some dried milk powder which quite obviously makes this a milk bath. Duh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhamHLk4HdcCESLvB86F6UGotoGDQAW8jErdOgkGybUbn1BL1Cv3N9iX4AFRqDD3QcadkhXvAfXxrdmH_SWS3cJdWml1G0JQA49xR3yQhzgC0w2khFwPFJ7eEWRnXVjAV67jc0B56sHMRa/s1600/DSC_0225+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhamHLk4HdcCESLvB86F6UGotoGDQAW8jErdOgkGybUbn1BL1Cv3N9iX4AFRqDD3QcadkhXvAfXxrdmH_SWS3cJdWml1G0JQA49xR3yQhzgC0w2khFwPFJ7eEWRnXVjAV67jc0B56sHMRa/s1600/DSC_0225+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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As promised, you just throw everything in a bowl...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA22_9VVO84_01aVuTnv4LYgpVLpCwh-nZSUhGxF4KPck5gLeo9-TYSK6d_oLg_PBNsY3ubh8XBJErAiq2bJ9ob-qYraehOFpm7dkuRTlHt8Wx8PuQh0wztiYqLdrGca-5MFGwAMd7e57C/s1600/DSC_0228+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA22_9VVO84_01aVuTnv4LYgpVLpCwh-nZSUhGxF4KPck5gLeo9-TYSK6d_oLg_PBNsY3ubh8XBJErAiq2bJ9ob-qYraehOFpm7dkuRTlHt8Wx8PuQh0wztiYqLdrGca-5MFGwAMd7e57C/s1600/DSC_0228+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...mix it together...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCyaKngtkDlcRrObS3ZOL8g7tRLp8RfNlueKjHSuPsZQPlTIO4Aff7IBXGZyQl5Kh7I5w2XTwv_bWr_xf7QZxSAPa3DexO6DSOOxbT3MDNzdlUKIwUiw8VcBJQqa6pFpNlUD4HwSKnugQ/s1600/DSC_0238+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCyaKngtkDlcRrObS3ZOL8g7tRLp8RfNlueKjHSuPsZQPlTIO4Aff7IBXGZyQl5Kh7I5w2XTwv_bWr_xf7QZxSAPa3DexO6DSOOxbT3MDNzdlUKIwUiw8VcBJQqa6pFpNlUD4HwSKnugQ/s1600/DSC_0238+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and that's it! Chuck it in an airtight jar and it should keep for a couple of months at least. This amount is probably good for 2 or 3 baths, depending on how much you decide to use. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD2gbn_VouLUiqrzh_pa0zesu2Lqn3hnj1a2o6p5Xd6PmcnNokIpzX5DxZZZIwxsH3JAK7tEfB3Gn3943GP965YXOmIyKwmyibWRUDVTwCTkhJ2od0kRSB6MHCvGd3iRp8G6xbt_I47DB/s1600/DSC_0246+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD2gbn_VouLUiqrzh_pa0zesu2Lqn3hnj1a2o6p5Xd6PmcnNokIpzX5DxZZZIwxsH3JAK7tEfB3Gn3943GP965YXOmIyKwmyibWRUDVTwCTkhJ2od0kRSB6MHCvGd3iRp8G6xbt_I47DB/s1600/DSC_0246+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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DIY Cocoa Butter Milk Bath Recipe</div>
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Makes 2 cups</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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50g cocoa butter, finely grated</div>
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1/4 cup cornstarch</div>
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1 1/4 cups powdered milk </div>
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Method:</div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mix together your ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Transfer to an airtight jar.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Draw yourself a hot bath and try out your new milk bath!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyko_UP0q1vAe67qKILvl2IdNR4iKVXCpN9TZwEytCcqLRCKg4-i0S8LT0JIjGVpu01bfEmFWduVLHCHi-bXxtSMavYrMu3sr5V2UEi1TTTbgY3gQZ_GyF11XU-6Mvialo6kF_9Oe98HuR/s1600/DSC_0249+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyko_UP0q1vAe67qKILvl2IdNR4iKVXCpN9TZwEytCcqLRCKg4-i0S8LT0JIjGVpu01bfEmFWduVLHCHi-bXxtSMavYrMu3sr5V2UEi1TTTbgY3gQZ_GyF11XU-6Mvialo6kF_9Oe98HuR/s1600/DSC_0249+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just in case you were curious, this is what the milk bath looks like mixed with warm water. The yellow blobs on the surface is the melted cocoa butter and are totally normal. Cocoa butter melts at body temperature so unless you're a freak who takes cold baths, this milk bath should work for you, no problem! I use just under a cup for a regular sized bathtub; if you're rolling deep and have a pimp bathtub, you may need to use more.</div>
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Over and out!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-48170774544403368362014-01-10T23:43:00.001-08:002014-01-11T01:05:01.606-08:00Moroccan Shakshuka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pSR-fs30lPiUjYv6i7nimLg6QBagxfa8KN8QO_IgergOLh4Y1Ts-lifpldbGFvZVcxo1SfABkBvB8Mh4r1Jul23A_sxWJIZ8FsQ8PJsVtaz2aUAU8VOaCFuCa6Fe2OpqobRtlJc5c-6L/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pSR-fs30lPiUjYv6i7nimLg6QBagxfa8KN8QO_IgergOLh4Y1Ts-lifpldbGFvZVcxo1SfABkBvB8Mh4r1Jul23A_sxWJIZ8FsQ8PJsVtaz2aUAU8VOaCFuCa6Fe2OpqobRtlJc5c-6L/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzaK_D5Nuxs2XOFvsXcRegdIcsCjtUIZGWwIlnSDcOkB98KE_LRBiJQafCM2CbBi0AazDkYz3ZSOGoz25HH4wyJn-fZ0YAEADw5XlJrm6kkNpLWVpWO4IU3klGmikR3QnXVwBZcvbKbG9/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzaK_D5Nuxs2XOFvsXcRegdIcsCjtUIZGWwIlnSDcOkB98KE_LRBiJQafCM2CbBi0AazDkYz3ZSOGoz25HH4wyJn-fZ0YAEADw5XlJrm6kkNpLWVpWO4IU3klGmikR3QnXVwBZcvbKbG9/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you imagine a more perfect breakfast than runny eggs, poached in a zingy tomato sauce laced with spicy chorizo and topped with creamy nuggets of feta cheese? Didn't think so! I first fell in lust with this dish at the <a href="http://twilighthawkersmarket.com/">Twilight Hawkers Markets</a>, held every Friday night in the CBD during the summer months, last year and I've been perfecting my own version ever since. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaspiShakShuka">Shak Shuka - Moroccan Experience</a> is the place to go for shakshuka in Perth. They serve theirs with a side of harissa mayo and crusty french baguettes. Truly excellent. If you ever spot them around town, I'd definitely recommend giving them a try! Read on for my take on this iconic Moroccan dish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GT5PMOYnoLy0UZE4a45YS_5EfVndR2AGMK9bWiM84uivXhFDQuOpNIkqXwKQLUUyTYLUtRGG9cd4U0SJleVuqmmNY-fhMuY8gEGCJuOEA_bypoqlBowtiiVis4xjfQ1vUyC-2-LD3GRS/s1600/DSC_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GT5PMOYnoLy0UZE4a45YS_5EfVndR2AGMK9bWiM84uivXhFDQuOpNIkqXwKQLUUyTYLUtRGG9cd4U0SJleVuqmmNY-fhMuY8gEGCJuOEA_bypoqlBowtiiVis4xjfQ1vUyC-2-LD3GRS/s1600/DSC_0262.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This dish is crazy customisable! Don't eat meat? Don't use it! Throw in some beans or some leftover roast vegetables. Don't like cheese? It's still awesome without it! Like your food to be <i>muy caliente</i>? A couple of chopped chillies in the sauce sounds pretty good to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9TZfI7nFqKCmuU191XjhyphenhyphenJkdfEMDDwcLQD1CTWntbJi2_x3I7ZtD0LcCr_rabFgTIDRSTpPdiTAqpgYs4_Uk6h6mf_CZw4eCr-J4pbO5Lp-ApcroeJloqcl9xTReRuHLOyPyLUy-v_OI/s1600/DSC_0263+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9TZfI7nFqKCmuU191XjhyphenhyphenJkdfEMDDwcLQD1CTWntbJi2_x3I7ZtD0LcCr_rabFgTIDRSTpPdiTAqpgYs4_Uk6h6mf_CZw4eCr-J4pbO5Lp-ApcroeJloqcl9xTReRuHLOyPyLUy-v_OI/s1600/DSC_0263+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I unfortunately didn't have any crusty baguettes on hand (as you do!) so I served my shakshuka with a couple of slices of <a href="http://www.bakersdelight.com.au/whatwebake/products/chives-and-garlic-twisted-delight.aspx">Baker's Delight Garlic and Chive Twist</a>. Laaaaawwwdd! This stuff is delicious! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV5Pu803B1502W8q68dxp5ibakrAkG2FGCYiNSt_tZv1otummv6dSE5UfVsO8bw-tY6OnSuXH302P3KV4GCV3Ilxxgh9kC77XDeBG4aUluhck4Xc2Vvgj6FozgH0jfJBKlbU4TArQGo1j/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV5Pu803B1502W8q68dxp5ibakrAkG2FGCYiNSt_tZv1otummv6dSE5UfVsO8bw-tY6OnSuXH302P3KV4GCV3Ilxxgh9kC77XDeBG4aUluhck4Xc2Vvgj6FozgH0jfJBKlbU4TArQGo1j/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
Moroccan Shakshuka<br />
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Serves 2<br />
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If you have unexpected guests over for an impromptu brunch party, you can stretch this dish out by thinning out your tomato sauce with some water or more crushed tomatoes and adding some more eggs. I usually do one egg per person but if you're after a big protein boost, you can add more.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 chorizo, sliced<br />
1 garlic clove, crushed<br />
1 small onion, finely chopped<br />
2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin<br />
1 tsp crushed chilli flakes<br />
400g can of crushed tomatoes<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
2-3 eggs<br />
50g feta, crumbled - <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Crusty bread, to serve<br />
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Method:<br />
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<ol>
<li>In a heavy based pan, sauté the chorizo until browned. The fat from the chorizo will render out as it cooks. </li>
<li>Add the onion and garlic and saute until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the paprika, cumin and chilli flakes and heat until aromatic.</li>
<li>Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper. </li>
<li>When the sauce is at a low simmer, make little indentations in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover with a lid and allow to poach for a few minutes or until the egg whites are set. </li>
<li>Once set, take off the heat and top with crumbled feta before serving with chunks of crusty bread. Pop that runny yolk, praise the breakfast gods and get into it!</li>
</ol>
<div>
Over and out!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248066424299914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930381303877189803.post-19353873935584535672013-12-27T04:05:00.003-08:002013-12-27T04:05:37.723-08:00Review: OCC Lip Tars in Queen & Pretty Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirsCc8vlMq_E-_gDEnyUPQtYxZA5I_vYtm0tb4XIZiBAxeoMZs2XhohpFy8czVCJcKfu0gqpTLdABtGhjaVigcn7Z9M1gEB345ORUfXEQuRLmYYWzS9e0PgJKBodgCoPffMuF9EUmT6SO/s1600/tumblr_lhqswfqsek1qadqtpo1_500-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirsCc8vlMq_E-_gDEnyUPQtYxZA5I_vYtm0tb4XIZiBAxeoMZs2XhohpFy8czVCJcKfu0gqpTLdABtGhjaVigcn7Z9M1gEB345ORUfXEQuRLmYYWzS9e0PgJKBodgCoPffMuF9EUmT6SO/s640/tumblr_lhqswfqsek1qadqtpo1_500-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you stalk as many beauty blogs as I do, you start to notice trends amongst the products reviewed/swatched. Urban Decay Naked palettes, Ciate Nail Art Kits, Stila Foil Finish Eyeshadows... the list goes on! Such was the case with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars. Fellow beauty addicts will relate: when you're lemming for a product this hard; nothing<i>, </i>not shipping restrictions, not customs tax, <i>nothing</i> can get in the way of you getting your grubby little hands on your precious! So you can understand my utter joy when I discovered these beauties in the <a href="http://bellabox.com.au/shop/">Bellabox Shop</a>. Not only that, I had a discount code; SCORE! I ordered these maybe a week or so before Christmas and to my delight, they turned up just a few days later. Bellabox for the win! I purchased two shades; Queen (neon red coral) and Pretty Boy (rich fuchsia). Read on for the swatches and review.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU4oA8QrvG4Ii06JwzLuneV42XN5sHPQfbCpbvPvKkHVtXIpPoj7DQXiYxBTOgHTirKv8tjdoUVIfA0_FMzW3_7yqk2TblDqMuePpsyXM6SxxBDxDz1IEl76Xo_m-ZA8fQENE3REFkgCO/s1600/DSC_0189+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU4oA8QrvG4Ii06JwzLuneV42XN5sHPQfbCpbvPvKkHVtXIpPoj7DQXiYxBTOgHTirKv8tjdoUVIfA0_FMzW3_7yqk2TblDqMuePpsyXM6SxxBDxDz1IEl76Xo_m-ZA8fQENE3REFkgCO/s640/DSC_0189+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OCC Lip Tars are super pigmented and are basically pure pigment, suspended in a moisturising oil solution. They are 100% vegan and cruelty free. The ingredient list isn't scary and unpronounceable either. Awesome. As you can see from the swatches above, these things are b-r-i-g-h-t! They're crazy saturated and are opaque in a single swipe. The formula is pretty thin but you only need a teeny tiny amount to coat your lips. There's a faint minty scent to them but it wears away after a few minutes. Because of the thin formula, you will need to wait a few minutes after application to allow the product to dry a little. For the love of God, try not to smudge your mouth at this point or your look will be incredibly Joker-esque. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksqusYuxBoj2AzN-qny3z0Cr9DnWwjFIVytwht3AomQbxwHVra_agr7k_UOUyaOUzo25wt-K8PASMkPaj47qGpQdx4Jz6DDOfHAMTl7WqBpPg_AQvNf0hF4GuER4_v_1oHqd60NJ2qPT6/s1600/DSC_0192+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksqusYuxBoj2AzN-qny3z0Cr9DnWwjFIVytwht3AomQbxwHVra_agr7k_UOUyaOUzo25wt-K8PASMkPaj47qGpQdx4Jz6DDOfHAMTl7WqBpPg_AQvNf0hF4GuER4_v_1oHqd60NJ2qPT6/s640/DSC_0192+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The lip tar comes in a clear plastic, zip top pouch with a teeny tiny lip brush. I don't actually use this brush; I prefer to use my usual lip brush which is significantly bigger, but it's a nice addition for touch ups while you're out and about. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9le2xGRKv3UfVlHQhIoAuGyGTyjUh6viWWBeWmM8Nf1HhSD5HuzdFeN5Fqv74iZ9tnXxw9s5Hxp09BeT0KumI2cHkKrA1o0BB274o2J8gsjF2hOjn8Sbh13C75usJKaMwqS0_rFteWyV/s1600/DSC_0190+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9le2xGRKv3UfVlHQhIoAuGyGTyjUh6viWWBeWmM8Nf1HhSD5HuzdFeN5Fqv74iZ9tnXxw9s5Hxp09BeT0KumI2cHkKrA1o0BB274o2J8gsjF2hOjn8Sbh13C75usJKaMwqS0_rFteWyV/s640/DSC_0190+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tube holds 10ml worth of product but with how little you use, this tiny tube is sure to last you a while. You will need to use a lip brush to apply this product. I squeeze a minuscule bead of lip tar directly onto my lip brush and apply onto my lips, starting from the centre and working my way outwards. You can also blend the shades together like paint to create your own customer colour. Cool, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIxxvGKS4NuGpvhepZgGi9UI6bthJVCG_rPoKtdzRk0BY2lW1_bGWPiJvV6hy0jCItGE06uwJVarxlBOE4H3PBdGJS5gbrP0UnCIeZq2Xz7F_1dEswOSuPs0hXGhmpfYB9Rqd3cckWLUR/s1600/DSC_0191+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIxxvGKS4NuGpvhepZgGi9UI6bthJVCG_rPoKtdzRk0BY2lW1_bGWPiJvV6hy0jCItGE06uwJVarxlBOE4H3PBdGJS5gbrP0UnCIeZq2Xz7F_1dEswOSuPs0hXGhmpfYB9Rqd3cckWLUR/s640/DSC_0191+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can see from this picture, there's a little separation happening in the tube. This is nothing to be alarmed about! According to OCC, because they pack so much pigment into their lip tars, a bit of separation between the pigment and the oil is completely normal. Just give the tube a bit of a massage or turn it upside down and let it sit for a couple of minutes. </div>
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Holy mother of lip liner! How gorgeous is this shade? Queen is a truly bright, neon red based coral that hurts your eyes if you look at it too long. Just kidding. It's actually pretty wearable, especially in summer. Lip Tars dry down to a satin finish but can be matted down by blotting. I'd recommend using a blotting paper, which seems decadent but blotting papers just remove the excess oil as opposed to removing oil <i>and</i> pigment like tissues do. </div>
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Pretty Boy is a rich, blue based fuchsia. It's not quite neon but is still very, <i>very</i> bright. The blue tones in this shade help make your teeth look super white which is always a good thing! One thing to note about these lip tars is that if you don't do the old suck a knuckle trick to remove excess lipstick, you WILL get lipstick on your teeth. And people will laugh at you. And you will be sad. </div>
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Because of the thin formula, you may encounter a bit of feathering as the day goes on. The best way I've found to stop this is to use a clear, barrier lip liner like this one from Models Prefer. It's clear and matte and you just line <i>outside</i> your lipline to help hold in all the colour. </div>
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Lastly, because of the high saturation of pigment, they do leave a long lasting stain on the lips that needs to be scrubbed away if you want to start fresh. The photo above was taken about 12 hours and 1 shower after swatching. </div>
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In the end, I'm thrilled with my new purchase. So much so in fact, that I've ordered two more shades! You won't be able to get all the shades available at Bellabox (although, Bellabox does have Lip Tars for 30% off until the 31st) but there are a few other retailers that stock all the shades. So definitely have a bit of a hunt around and give these a whirl. They're pretty cheap (AUD$18 - $20 RRP and there are always sales floating around if you do a bit of googling), a little goes a long way and they're FUN! So give them a shot, you won't be sorry!</div>
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Over and out!</div>
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