Travel Diaries | London

London is one of my favourite cities to visit and it's a city that I would keep revisiting again and again (if only the flight was shorter). A place where fashion is something that lives in everyone, a variety of shops and food, high end brands, British accents, tea and gloomy weather. This was my second time in London and this trip was more of a shop, eat, relax/recover from the 13 hour flight we were on since we've visited all the tourist attractions the first time.

So if you ever go to London, here are my top 8 things to do:

1 | Visit Oxford Street

One of the well known streets in London where you can shop, eat and see the busy streets of London.  It's easy to access via the London Underground or by a black taxi. If you walk far enough, you can find eateries and bars at Soho or around Carnaby street.

2 | Shop at Selfridges & Co
Shopping. What more can I say? Shop everywhere is my advice :P (and you can even claim back your tax too- saving money while shopping? Yeah, I think so)

3 | Eat everything at Harrods food hall
If you think its just a normal 'food section'. You thought wrong. Harrods is a nice place to shop because of the old style classy lifts and the artsy decor. But the food hall is amazing. For anyone who loves to eat and enjoys food, you'd find different types of chocolate, Cronuts, pastries, cakes, seafood, bread and they even have small eateries and restaurants.

4 | Have afternoon tea/high tea
Whether it be at Ladurée, Claridges Hotel, Fortnum & Mason or at a small local cafe, its a must do because everybody likes cake! One thing I love about travelling is embracing the culture and high tea is common in London- Dainty and luxurious plates, Royal Doulton teacups and saucers with white table clothes, high ceilings and chandeliers; it's a great way to have an afternoon snack with loved ones :) 

5 | Watch a musical

I'm a huge musical/theatre fan and London has lots of theatres around the city and each theatre is dedicated to one show that shows for a period of time. My favourite classics would be The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

6 | Take the London Tube
Gotta take it at least once for the experience right?

7 | Go sightseeing

Visit the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, National Gallery at Trafalgar Square etc. The best way to explore is to go to the places yourself via the hop on/hop off bus. They come really frequently and you can take the time to explore the place at your own pace.

8 | Eat at a fancy place
You've sat on a long flight and you don't know when you'll be back in London, so why not have a fancy dinner on a night out? Fancy dinner could be going to a well known bar or trying a michelin star restaurant. Remember to book in a few months in advanced to avoid disappointment :) I have a previous post about Dinner by Heston in London for those interested in food photos!

I could go on and on about what to do in London but I think the best is to explore a city by walking everywhere. I love travelling and a travel diary for Rome and Venice is coming soon. Enjoy some of the photos I've taken on my trip with my Fujifilm x10 camera!

Above: Intersection between Regent St, Piccadilly Circus, Coventry St and Shaftesbury Ave

Above: Shoryu Ramen Restaurant 

Above: Exploring London and meeting up with friends on Carnaby Street

Above: London breakfast ft English breakfast tea & breakfast muffins and bagels at Benugo

 Above: Covent Garden (famous market place in London and not a garden)

Photography: Fujifilm x10 and Iphone 5 Camera

Two Thousand & Fifteen

2015 has been a year of ups and down and the month of December and January is when we start to reflect on how we can become a better person in the new year or reflect on the year. I was grateful to spend NYE last year with a group of friends that I met through uni and it was fun just relaxing with some close friends while making spontaneous decisions that night. To sum it up, I've learnt 4 things in 2015.

1 | Family

Family is everything. I learnt that family is the one that can be the most easily taken for granted for because of our busy lives, work, uni, friends. But its important to spend some time with family, whether it be staying home for dinner, watching tv or even doing the household chores. I've definitely learnt that family will be there for you no matter what and its something we should all treasure.

2 | Friends

Friends come and go. It's silly to say, but its hard to figure out who your real friends are and who aren't. Those who stick by your side and support you when you're down are the friends that I'm grateful to have because they were there for me when I needed them last year. It took me a while to accept that its okay for people to grow apart and move on, but you just have to accept that its a part of life and make new friends with people who will appreciate you for you.

3 | You

Sometimes its okay to be selfish and put yourself first before others. And yes, its still important to be selfless, but its important to make yourself happy as well. Don't let it become a burden, have a balance.

4 | Take risks

If you are ever given an opportunity, go for it. I've learn to push myself out to meeting new people and its rewarding when you learn something new or do something you didn't think you were capable of. Travel around the world, take risks, explore your local city or even try something new with a loved one- the experience is priceless and the memories and bonds made are the ones you'll never forget!

I'm excited as to what 2016 will bring, but nevertheless, everything is a learning experience and as long as I've got the people I care most with me, it'll be a good year :) Happy new year!

Being festive

Sass & Bide Pants | Zara Heels | Bardot Top | Celine Knot Bangle | YSL Arty Ring

Photos taken by Mel

I've always had a thing for cut outs or flowy pants- especially since Culottes came into season recently. When I saw these Sass & Bide pants from the Kiss the Sky collection, I immediately had to try it due to its cut and fit which gave off a simple and sophisticated look. Whether I dress it up with a pair of heels or dressed down simply by tying the ends of the pants together around the ankles with a pair of flats, it's versatile nature has won me over and it has become a favourite in the wardrobe.

Travel Diaries | Amalfi Coast, Italy

Above: View from our hotel room

 Above: Positano

Infinity pool looking out from Amalfi Coast

Photography: Taken by me with a Fujifilm x10 Camera

Mid 2015 I was lucky to go back to Europe for a second time to explore Italy and visit London for a second time. Amalfi Coast located just off the coast of Italy and a 1.5 hour drive from Naples was the perfect location for a weekend getaway. With a small town centre, amazing views, perfect weather for a swim at the infinity pool and only a 20min boat ride to the Capri Island's and Positano I would go back and do it all again.

Enjoy some of the few visuals I took on the trip!

Food: Dinner by Heston in London

1. Menu | 2. Restaurant view to the kitchen | 3. Meat Fruit | 4. Powered Duck Breast | 5. Roast Iberia Pork Chop | 6. Live demonstration for Nitrogen Ice cream | 7. Vanilla flavoured Nitrogen Ice cream | 8. Tipsy Cake | 9. Petite fours

Photography: taken by me via Fujifilm x10 camera.

As a food enthusiast and after booking 3 months in advanced before flying to London, I had the pleasure of trying Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in his original restaurant in London. Amazing service and food and after 2.5 hours of eating, we walked out full and satisfied ready for an afternoon stroll and afternoon cakes.