Weekend Musings | Beating Jet Lag

It's been almost a month since I arrived back into London from a brief time in Toronto. I was so paranoid about jet lag coming back, and knowing that I was starting a new job on the Wednesday. I got to my flat from Gatwick around 2pm (1400), and had a really productive few hours of cleaning, laundry, unpacking, showering off the airport grime, etc. Then 6pm (1800 :D) hit and I didn't think I could make it much longer. So, I went out for some fresh air. Re-acquaint myself with my beloved neighbourhood, and also wake myself up STAT!

So, there I was, strolling down Northcote Road, the opposite way I usually go when I head out for a walk. And I stumbled upon a little gallery, closed for the day, but featuring some beautiful pieces in their window. I stood for at least 5 minutes, taking in these works and maybe being a bit of a sleep deprived zombie...

I didn't catch the artist's name, nor the names of their works, but I did snap some photos. I love how well articulated the birds are, and the way such unexpected media was used. Old journal pages - this is such a good idea!!

My favourite part is the little glimpse into the artist's life that these works facilitate. I'm a very curious person, even about peoples' mundane happenings. After all, isn't it the mundane on which a well lived life is truly built? There is magic everywhere. My thought for the day...

London at Night

Over the past little while, I've had the opportunity to see London at night... well, I suppose that's obvious because I live here and spend both day and night here haha.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that London looks very beautiful at night. And it's always surprising to be drinking in the city centre, looking for a pub that's open past 11pm, and then finding yourself right in front of Big Ben, in all its lit up glory as it overlooks the Thames. Even though I live here, I can shake this feeling that I'm on vacation. The awe I'm struck with every time I see St. Paul's, Big Ben, Tower Bridge or the London Eye hasn't stopped yet. I love it!

Here are some pictures of London at night:

Moving to London | Banking & Phones

In this post a couple weeks ago, I shared some things I learned while flat hunting in London. Carrying on this theme, here is some information on banking and phones that I sent to a friend - at the risk of overwhelming her!

As always, keep in mind that this is what worked for me, and by no means will work for everyone. Just some extra information to help you along in your move, particularly before you leave Canada.

Weekday Inspiration | Brighton in Pictures

 Click through for a ton more photos!

Top 5 | Things to Do in Brighton

This past weekend, I was sea coast bound with some new friends and my love. Just a short hour train ride away, Brighton beckoned us and we made a day trip out of it - so fun!

I had no expectations, other than randomly hearing Brighton mentioned in some pop songs years ago, and seeing the odd nod to it in pop culture / books / movies / etc. The town (well, really a city) was interesting and very contrasting. The beach was pebbled and the water too cold to swim. The beachfront had the beautiful scenery and rolling ocean, alongside bright and flashing lights of a carnival. There were 'The Lanes' which contained a number of interesting and adorable cafes, bars (or pubs!), shops and restaurants.

Here is my collection of spots worth visiting when you head to Brighton.

Enjoy!

Fun Things | Rooftop Cinema Club

Last week, we checked out Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham at the Bussey Building. We saw 'Do The Right Thing', a film perfectly suited to summer. The weather was a little chilly as the night went on, but RCC had blankets and bottomless popcorn which made the night perfect!

And I also became a member so I'm foreseeing many more rooftop screenings in our future!

Click through for some of my photos from that evening:

Moving to London | Housing

Hi!

I'm so excited to announce a couple of my friends just moved to London, and a couple more are on their way in the 'Autumn' (no one calls it 'fall' here).

We gave all our soon-to-be ex-pats pals some tips and advice on housing, and how to find a nice, yet affordable, spot to live. I thought I would compile all the information in one place for easy reference - especially as I start convincing more and more of you lovely people to make the hop over here to live!

Without further ado, here are a bunch of random thoughts, hopefully some helpful, that are meant to assist anyone looking for housing (in this scenario a 'flat') in London.

(I am by no means an expert, I urge you to take what you like, drop what you don't, and make your move all about you and what you need)

Weekday Inspiration | Stavanger Street Art

Travelling to Stavanger last weekend was an incredible experience, for a number of reasons.

First, it was the initial trip I've taken since arriving in London 2.5 months ago. The proximity of London to so many diverse countries was a major draw when choosing where to move next. Experiencing the first opportunity to really take advantage of this proximity was exciting, to say the least!

Second, every time I get to explore a new place with my love I feel a lot of gratitude. Being in a new place is fun, and that rush of seeing things for the first time, remarking on what you like, or what surprises you, making memories together is really magical. Okay, sappy part over haha!

Third, Stavanger was drop dead gorgeous. Before going, we knew we would hike up to Preikestolen, but other than that had no expectations or plans. That was good and bad, because we overlooked the little matter of cost/currency conversion and have since learned a few valuable lessons we will apply to future travel :) But, as far as Stavanger's appeal is concerned, it is a phenomenal city. Small, walkable, set on the water, surrounded by hills and forests emerging across the water. And the street art....wow! I did not see that coming.

Here are some of my favourite shots from our strolls around the city.

 Click on for more of my pics!

Hiiii Ate us

I'm back from a couple months hiatus, and I'm incredibly excited to be writing this in my 'flat' in London!

Many apologies for the lapse! Moving countries, leaving a job, packing up, unpacking, packing up, unpacking, and getting settled are the things that have kept me from you. I've had 'write a blog post' on my to do list for the past 5 weeks and it's taken me that  long to sit down and focus - I've been distracted, to say the least.

Anywho! The move has gone smoothly, we've braved the rain, hail and even snow over the past few weeks in order to reach this beautiful London summer weather. Yesterday was shorts and Tshirt weather, last weekend I got a sunburn in the park, a couple nights in a row our room was too hot to sleep in and we have no air conditioning. I'm loving every moment of it!

There are a number of things I want to share with you about London but, since pictures are worth a thousand words, I will share some of my photos. More detailed stories to follow!

 I love the glass and brick on this random building in my neighborhood

 Quintessential British pic, tophat and all

Same day as the phone booth pic. Henry and I braved the crowds near Westminster and had a tourist-y Saturday 

 This is the bird watcher's cottage in a park near Big Ben

The day was so hot, and this diligent guard was suited up to the max, sitting silently and straight-faced atop this horse. There was a crowd of people waiting to take selfies. It was odd.

This graffiti is on the South Bank near Waterloo Bridge.

 Stumbled upon an outdoor flower market and lost my mind. Can I move in?!

Shot of Big Ben from the South Bank 

 This is a very old wall, and I think it's called something like Rose Glass Window (?)

Borough Market

Weekday Inspiration | Travels

Hi friends,

I've been traveling these past few weeks and couldn't stop taking photos of the beautiful space around me. In the absence of time for a long, text-heavy post, I'd like to share some of my photos with you.

Hope you enjoy!

Denver, CO

Top 5 | Resolutions 2016

Hi you guys!!!

I feel awful for such a long hiatus. The holidays snuck up on me, bringing with them a whirlwind of friends, family, travel, (much needed) sleep and, of course, a healthy dose of partying. But new year, new me, new blog...promise!

I've been known to make quite a few aggressive goals/resolutions in the past. 2016 is no different. However, this time, I'm breaking the year into mini steps, taking a moment at the beginning of each month to reflect on what's important to me.

Click the link to see the 5 key questions I asked myself on January 1: