dressy

Just before Christmas, I finished this dress:

£2.75/metre from Walthamstow market

It's a lovely floral, stretch fabric. I decided to line it, primarily as I find it's the easiest way to get around having to deal with the armholes. I also did the zip by hand again as doing it with my machine just never looks half as good. It does take time, and with the lining and fabric layer, it also took a bit of force to get the needle through...

I somehow think, I should have been sewing a more wintery dress instead, but I guess I had anticipated taking it to Australia. Which I didn't in the end.

Knitty gritty

A couple of weeks ago, I finally went to the Fashion and Textile Museum to see their exhibition on knitwear. I had bought a voucher on amazon local back in October but only just managed to go before the exhibition closed.

Until I saw the voucher, I didn't even know about the museum, which is a short walk from London Bridge/near Borough market. It's one of the few museums that have an entrance fee. It's not a big museum, so don't expect too much. Also, you weren't allowed to take pictures in the main exhibition hall. Nice little display and I did enjoy it and also noticed that the clothes I like span several decades.

interesting headgear, Nike flyknit sneakers and a free cup of tea in the cafe

tried-and-trusted

Recommended by N, I decided to give the Sally Hansen Insta-dri topcoat a try. But unfortunately it doesn't work for me. Even though I let my nails dry for more than half an hour before going to bed, I woke up with imprints and within just 2-3 days, the polish chipped.

So, how very handy, that this week's Stylist had a £2 off voucher for essie. I've now returned to my tried-and-trusted good to go topcoat. Yes, it unfortunately goes bad about half way through the bottle, which is a waste and a shame, but until then, it works beautifully and my polish lasts a whole week.

Things that make the (my) world go round...

2 out of 6

As a 'homework' my yoga teacher suggested that we do the warm up sequence at home every day. It literally takes about 5 minutes. Every week during class, we are adding 5 repetitions (we started with 10). So, without practicing at home, that might get quite tough over the 6 weeks course.

Anyway, that sounds all straightforward, doesn't it? Nevertheless I only managed to do it twice in the last week. How does my brain manage to find excuses NOT to make time for it or to conveniently forget to do it?

The other day I saw a post from the hypnotherapist (who I went to see a couple of years ago) about how to increase willpower. Very easy: have a cold shower every day for a month. Sounds easy enough, but no way could I ever do that. Or rather I really don't want to! Especially in winter. So I will need to look for other ways to work on my willpower...

One of the things that usually helps me, is to tell people about what I am trying to achieve. Seems that I care more about other people judging me than I do about my own good. But hey, whatever works, right?

With regard to my yoga exercise: I have high hopes for this week! :-)

very pink

new phone, new phone case

FAIL

Another massive fail in my dieting plan: a super delicious almond-pistachio cronut from the Dum Dum Donutterie which currently has a pop up stand at Westfield Stratford.

red lanterns

I was very excited about the invite to the Hutong showcase event - a restaurant on the 33rd level of the Shard. Arriving, I was very much reminded of Aqua in Hong Kong Not surprisingly, as they are all part of the same group.

The dim sum that was served was absolutely delicious but difficult to eat as piping hot. With no plates available, we put them down on a napkin which then of course stuck to the dumplings... I think the space works great as a restaurant and bar, and definitely a nice place for a date but not an events space that I would pick for a networking event. It's very dark. The views are nice but quite frankly, there are quite a few places in London, where you have great views from (maybe I am being spoilt?).

warmth and empathy

I am a little embarrassed to write this down: but sometimes I want to act like a complete asshole. Not just randomly, but sometimes everyone just really gets on my nerves and I just want to scream at them to F*CK OFF!

I was doing another assessment about what I enjoy at work. As part of the evaluation I got a summary of my supposed strengths which included: You tend to express warmth and empathy towards others. Maybe that's where my inside aggression comes from: too much warmth towards people who I don't actually think deserve any of it. ;-)

Yes, I am having a bitchy day...
It will pass.

139

After I had been procrastinating for a couple of days about putting a document for a new work project together, I actually enjoyed writing it, once I got started. For one of the sections, I was looking for quotes from delegates. I have a 'Thank you' email folder which currently has 139 messages. I was looking for a specific message but then started to read across a few of those emails. Re-reading these lovely notes made me a little emotional (yes, I do cry easily...) - in a nice way. It's nice to feel appreciated. And getting so much positive feedback has made me more conscious about being nice to other people. At least I'd like to think so.

Yoga, sushi and lots of love

Last Wednesday, I started a 6-week beginner yoga class. The studio is literally a 2 minute walk from my office. I had attended classes there years ago. At the time, I decided it wasn't really for me. But I thought I'd give it another try, not least, as it's so conveniently located!

And I really enjoyed the first class. Not too strenuous yet, nice teacher, friendly atmosphere and I left with a smile on my face and feeling very relaxed. Tick, tick, tick, tick.

On to dinner at Zen Mondo on Upper Street, which according to S is the best Japanese restaurant in London. I haven't tested that many, but I would certainly agree that the fresh sushi we had for starters was yummy!

I had the noodle soup on the right and that pot was massive!

All accompanied with words of wisdom from S. More for me to think about. But I do agree: I need to learn to say 'no' more often. Or at the least, contemplate why I am finding that hard at times.

the gloves are on

F*ck, it's been freezing this week! For the first time this winter, I actually got my gloves out! As you might imagine, I was thrilled to discover on Friday morning, that I didn't have any hot water in the flat... Ah well, who needs daily shower anyway!

A crisp winter morning

The hot water was back on Friday night. To then go off again a couple of times over the weekend and this morning. Brilliant... Apparently they have now fixed the issue.
Fingers crossed!

Hidden treasures

I have no willpower. It's quite sad really. I think my brain is programmed for short-term 'gains'/pleasures only.

Since Cape Town last summer, I've been trying to lose a few kgs with no success whatsoever. After my recent return from my holiday, losing weight has gone back on my resolution list for this year. And I am failing miserably so far.

Last Tuesday, I met B for dinner at the Southwark Rooms. Another tastecard deal that I would highly recommend. It's close to Menier Chocolate factory - and even though I had only been there last Friday, I managed to miss the restaurant and walked right past it... Thank God for google maps and smartphones!

It's quite a small and posh looking place, with very reasonable prices though (even without the tastecard), a great cocktail menu (just £7.45 - bargain in London!) and attentive and friendly service. Only downside was that it got very noisy as the place filled up - then again, that's an issue in most places in London. If you go for an early-ish dinner at 18:00, you should be fine.

My Pink Cello* cocktail went very well with the steak and massive bowl of fries

*Absolut Raspberry, Limoncello, Malibu, apple juice, passion fruit & raspberry puree

On the way back to London Bridge station, I noticed this building, which is right next to Katzenjammers - the German Beergarden - but which I had never seen (note to myself: look up more often!):

Google reveals that this is the Hop Exchange,
a Grade II listed building, opened in 1867

More Melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria - NGV Australia

National Gallery of Victoria - NGV International

Tassie

Five nights in Tasmania and just a small selection of my photos. We were a little unlucky with the weather with a few rainy days. Also, having just come from the Great Ocean Road, I didn't quite see the appeal that others had been raving about. Having said that, on our last day, we went to Bruny Island and the weather was brilliant and the island was absolutely beautiful.

Bruny Island

Hobart

Launceston - gorge

MONA - the famous Museum of Old and New Art

Tasman Peninsula

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

And of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen - if only my (old) phone took better photos...

Great Ocean Road

If you can: go check out the Great Ocean Road! We were very lucky with the weather and in the brilliant sunshine, the turquoise sea, seemed even more blue. And while it was a little on the hot side on the first day, that made swimming in the cold ocean absolutely perfect.

Despite my slight fear of heights, I managed to walk along the tree top walk at the Otway Flyway - impressive forest and I was a little proud of myself, too. All topped off by koalas at the roadside (not roadkill!) and kangaroos in people's front garden and the golf course.

The 12 Apostles, London Bridge, Cape Otway Lighthouse: Australia's oldest lighthouse still in use and all the other loveliness along the coast;

The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk

Rainforest and waterfalls and getting in some walking

Foodie heaven

Great coffee, great brunch, delicious ice cream, great food in general. I have the feeling I need to go back to Melbourne simply to sample more food. 

A brunch selection

Wiki says: "A foodie is a gourmet, or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages. A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger."

I never thought of myself as a foodie, and I certainly don't have a "refined" interest in food. But ardent? Probably. Not a gourmet either, but definitely a person! :-)

He sadly passed away on Thursday. And I have no words to say to my friend.

He's been ill for a while and still it comes as a shock. So much pain. Too young. 

No words. 

But all my love to his loved ones.

Party like the Brits

After more than ten years in the UK, it finally happened: I forgot to eat dinner!

What a week it's been (feels like that most of the time these days...): ying and yang, light and dark and all of that stuff. To end the working week and to start the weekend, I ventured to Peckham for A's belated birthday party at Peckham Springs.

I don't tend to go to places in London that don't have a tube station, so I'd never been to Peckham and quite frankly, I had it down as one of the areas best avoided anyway... As one of my colleagues explained though, it's one of the up and coming places that attract hipsters. I'll fit right in, I thought! (not, of course...) Arriving at Peckham Rye Overground station, I was at first a little confused but eventually found the gate that leads to the bar. And yes: full of hipsters indeed!

It was a great night, bringing together A's friends from different friends-groups, all very lovely people! And one of the things that are quintessentially 'London' for me is that it simply doesn't matter who you are and what you are and what you wear and look like. It's just ok to be you.

Only on the way home, did I suddenly realize that I had skipped dinner! Maybe that's the key to starting my diet! The drinking might be counterproductive though...

touch me, Darling

I love my regular massages. And as I like to plan ahead, I had of course booked myself a massage at MSH Wellbeing for my return to cold and grey London. And what a lovely treat it was after another busy Monday of playing catch up at work.

R was back and in addition to another heavenly massage, we had a nice chat. He even remembered my birthday! And kept calling me darling - which in itself wins me over every time. One of the things I love about the English! (having said that, he isn't actually English...)

tattoo-town

I don't think I've ever seen so many people with tattoos. Literally everyone in Melbourne seems to have one or usually more than one. Don't get me wrong: I never thought that I was being special when I got mine, but seeing so many people with tattoos was a bit of a strange experience. I felt a bit like hiding mine, not wanting to be seen to have just jumped on the bandwagon to fit in...
Equally, I also saw some really amazing and inspirational ones, of course.

Pretty views

Check out the beautiful views over Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck - the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform: lots of green, skyscrapers, and water.

It's tricky taking photos through windows... Do you like my smartphone case?

Sleeping in style and the MCG

I arrived on 25th December late at night and stayed the first couple of nights at the Art Series Parkville hotel - and would highly recommend it! It only opened recently, so it's all brand new and the bed is one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in!

Qantas was making an effort to create a Christmassy feeling on the flight with the stewards dressed up, giving out pressies to the kids and singing Christmas songs and the elf-steward playing the ukulele. I really would have preferred to be left alone...

Anyhow, after a good night's sleep (thanks to a sleeping pill), P picked me up for the Boxing Day Cricket match at the MCG: Australia vs India. I'd never been to the cricket and knew nothing about the game. And to be honest, I still don't quite understand the rules. But I had a great day at this amazing stadium!

Another year

I'm not a birthday person. As my birthday happens to be on New Year's Eve though, I can't easily ignore it... (others don't let me!).

Last year's birthday turned out to be one of the best I've had! Starting with enjoying a sunny day on the other side of the world. Being taken for lunch at 400 Gradi on Lygon Street - which serves the best pizza margherita in the world - and the company being even better than the food (according to A anyway...). Followed by a walk around Albert Park Lake (where the Formula 1 race takes place) and an afternoon nap before the NYE celebrations. So nice to see T and to watch the fireworks over Melbourne's skyline from Elwood beach.

And somehow my usual melancholy about another year having gone by, didn't set in.
2014 was a good year and I am looking forward to making 2015 even better still! :-)

Award winning food

Albert Park Lake

Check out the goal difference

Swansea 0: Chelsea 5
:-)

How well I did: 2014

Looking back at my 2014 resolutions:

1) Eat more healthily

I got off to a great start and managed to prepare my own lunches for work. It didn't last long though and my plan to cook more often very definitely didn't work out. But then again, I keep getting all these invitations to eat out! So, I cannot be blamed really...

2) Get a sewing machine and use it!

That's a definite yes! I have to admit I was rather worried that it would end up back in its box quickly. But I've been sewing quite a few dresses AND have been wearing them, too.

3) Read more. I've made a start in 2013 but I think I can still do 'better'.

Hmmm, I have about five books on my nightstand at the moment, that I've started and not finished. But overall, I did well.

4) Be tidier. Especially at home. 

Definite fail unfortunately... This is going back on my list for 2015!

5) Use the many lipglosses/lipsticks/ I have, bin those that I don't use and stop buying new ones!

That was a weird one... Not sure why I put it on my list. Partly successful, I'd say. Nearly finished one of my lipglosses, which basically has never happened before. I of course still kept buying new ones though.

6) Continue to travel.

Yes: Australia, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Jersey, Vienna

7) Get a second tattoo.

Done. And I love it! Even if it was f*cking painful....

8) Ignore the assholes that occasionally pass through my life and not let them ruin my day.

Definitely got much better at this. But there's still room for improvement.

9) Donate blood regularly. 

Massive fail. I didn't go a single time. I partly blame the strange opening hours for these sessions: who can go in the middle of the day???

Cheers!

I would have loved to stay in Australia for longer. Having said that, I am also happy to be back in London which really feels like home.

And I celebrated my return with drinks, good food and great company! On Thursday, T was celebrating her birthday at Dirty Martini in Covent Garden. I blame my jetlag for wandering around for a while - despite google maps - before eventually finding the bar by asking the security guy of another bar (and also for missing my stop on the tube on the way home...).

The cocktail menu is very extensive and during happy hour all martinis are half price (=£4.50). I tried the Lychee, Winter Pear and Chocolate martinis - the latter being my favourite!

Then on Friday, we had a birthday dinner for T with S and A - it's become a rare occasion that all four of us are together. And we had a great dinner at Menier Chocolate Factory near London Bridge (which also has a theatre space).

Vegetarian sharing platter; crispy salmon, chocolate brownie and fig and walnut cake

On the move

During my three weeks down under, I stayed at 10 different places - a mix of hotels, airbnb, friends' and friends of friends'. I did incredibly well with not leaving any of my stuff behind. Until of course the very last night, when I forgot to pack my phone charger...

Well, I am also due for a handset upgrade which I hope will come with a new charger - always a silver lining!

G'day

I'm back! Back in London after nearly three weeks in Australia. It was great. In all possible ways. Too bad I am back now and back to work tomorrow for an all day training session. I'm feeling surprisingly awake at the moment, given that it's the middle of the night in Oz right now. I shall try to stay awake until at least 10pm, and a sleeping pill will hopefully also help with possible jetlag. The bloody Melatonin which I had ordered in early December for the trip, also arrived in the meantime...

Over 1,000 photos to go through. So many memories made. And while I am still not keen on long haul flights, it was a lot more manageable than expected.

As coincidence has it: Neighbours is on telly right now. Still loving the accent! :-)