Paris in the Springtime

Monday 27 April 2015


Before the pretty blossoms completely vanish from Paris, I thought I better post these photos of the pink and white candy floss trees at Jardin des Plantes that I took a couple of weeks ago. Paris is beautiful this time of year, when the trees suddenly burst into colour. There are little pockets of blossom all around Paris - with these being some of the most photographed trees in Paris. But you can see why. Scroll down for an overdose of blossom! 


London Happenings

Monday 20 April 2015


Every time I go back to London, my experience of the city seems to get better and better, probably because now having lived away for two years, I enjoy the city with fresh eyes and can appreciate, as well as take full advantage of the city. Here are a few of the things I got up to during my week: 

+ I purchased a few spring wardrobe updates from COS, including these tees. It's by far my favourite brand for well-designed basics and wardrobe essentials. 
+ I breakfasted at new Spitalfields restaurant Blixen which is guaranteed to become a summer hotspot, with its outside terrace. Try the smoked trout, pouched eggs and avocado and I went with Clerkenwell Boy - following him on Instagram for London culinary goings on is a must. 
+ I went to Hackney based shoe brand Miista's pop-up shop launch in Shoreditch with the talented designer Brooke Roberts and walked away with these beautiful powder blue sandals, which I'm sure will be making many an appearance over the summer. 
+ I enjoyed breakfast at the delicious Honey and Co with my friend Ruth from Vintage Books - go for the fig toast! 
+ Tried and tested tasty cocktails at new Shoreditch bar Joyeux Bordel, which opened just last week on Curtain Road - part of the Experimental Cocktail Group crew.
+ Ate pizzas from my favourite London pizza restaurant Franca Manca

Manila: Commune Café

Tuesday 14 April 2015


Commune Café is tucked between sky-rise apartment and office buildings, on the corner of a street in Makati. It looks a little out of place, but acts as a welcome haven for a coffee, breakfast or as a stop to wile away a few hours. We tried our first Filipino breakfast here - pork torcino with rice and a fried egg, which was surprisingly delicious. For someone who is used to cereal and fruit in the morning it sounded a little too much like dinner for my liking, but more fool me for not having tried it earlier. The coffee was also good, as was the cookie cupcake with salted caramel ice-cream. Now if someone can just tell me where I can get my hands on those green coffee mugs and saucers that would be great. Anyone? 

Commune Cafe
Liberty Plaza,
102 H.V. Dela Costa Street,Salcedo Village, Makati City





Manila

Tuesday 7 April 2015


I'm finally getting the rest of my Philippines posts up, so expect to see a flurry in the following weeks. Next up is Manila. The Philippines' capital is one of the most exciting cities I've visited in a long time - it's hot, tropical, noisy, colourful and sprawling. It's also a city in flux, expansion and growth, and is currently undergoing a lot of construction. But it's so filled with life and energy that I almost didn't want to leave. The contrast can at times be a little shocking and eye-opening, with colourful, makeshift shanty town homes positioned next to skyscrapers, or just across the road. One of my favourite things were the jeepneys - the elongated jeeps, used as public transport, which are each more colourful than the next, and unique to the city. Parts of the city admittedly felt very American, especially the area of Makati, where we stayed, and there are malls everywhere. The main cluster of hotels are in Makati so it is a little more touristy, but it's a great place to base yourself when exploring the city. Below were a few of my favourite places:

Address book: 
Wildflour cafe + Bakery - great for brunch/lunch
CO/OP - concept design store and cafe, great for lunch and dinner 
Commune - great for coffee and breakfast (post coming soon) 
Yardstick Coffee - great for coffee
Your Local - restaurant, great for dinner 
Intramuros - Manila's old town 


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