Sweet Overload: The Diner in Carnaby

There are not a lot of things that can get me quite as excited as a plate full of pancakes (one day I will dedicate a post to the other things that get a place on this list). So, obviously I had The Diner on my list of places to visit for quite some time. Those yummy instagram photos of huge burgers, chili cheese fries, french toasts, and stacks of pancakes, had me infinitely scrolling down and down and down my feed, getting hungrier with the progression of the pics, and more and more jealous of the people who got to eat those sublime portions of American-style comfort food.

My love for pancakes met its match in The Diner Soho one very sunny Spring afternoon in May - just in time for their new menu (this post has been long overdue obvs). So here is what me and the Boy ended up having.

First off the drinks: I opted for a Snickers Milkshake because I love a good Snickers and this is my all time favourite chocolate bar hands down. On a similar note, have you ever tried a divine scoop of Snickers ice cream? You should.

What I got was a traditional milkshake glass full of this chocolate/Nutella/peanut butter concoction plus a shaker filled with even more of this lovely drink. Needless to say I needed my boyfriend's help to finish that one as the sweetness overload was something I could not handle, especially not when I mixed it with....

Just look at those pancakes! American, flufy, sweet, gorgeous, buttermilk pancakes topped with maple syrup and whipped butter! If you don't know how obsessed I am with pancakes smothered in maple syrup than you know nothing, Jon Snow, because this has to be my most favourite breakfast thing in the entire wide world. And The Diner ones? They tasted like pure heaven - divine softness meets gentle sweetness and they have a crazy party in my mouth (okay enough of this, you can imagine how great the whole experience was).

If those pancakes are wrong, I do not wanna be right

What about the Boy? He was going to have the same but decided to opt for the Cholla French Toast  with custard, honey butter and maple syrup instead. I tried it, too, and I thought it was good as well although not nearly as good as the pancakes. He enjoyed it at first but then found it way too sweet and heavy and did not end up finishing it. Ultimately,  he regretted he did not get the pancakes. Well. tough luck, my darrrling!

Is it time for a cheeky little outfit pic? Here is what I wore for our casual diner-date ;)

Leather jacket Betty Barclay/Top Maison Scotch/Jeans Pepe Jeans/Nike Sky Hi/ Bag Michael Kors

Final thoughts? We are definitely going back to The Diner and I am keen to make it a regular thing. The prices are pretty good especially considering we are in London. Will definitely go back to try the burgers and the famous chili cheese fries, but I do not know how I will handle the temptation not to order pancakes again. Well, I guess next time I can actually share them as a dessert treat with the Boy - surely we can handle both burgers and a stack of pancakes? Will keep you posted on that one!

Have you been to The Diner yet? What is your favourite American style comfort food? Do let me know in the comment section below :)

read more "Sweet Overload: The Diner in Carnaby"

May Lifestyle Favourites

May was a bit of a hectic month for me as I have been pretty busy at work, and not to mention at home, too, as me and the Boy are house-hunting at the moment, since we need to move out by the end of June. Needless to say, days are stressful! However, there are still a lot of things I enjoyed in May, and for every stressful day, there were two lovely ones. So, in a true blogger's fashion, here are my May lifestyle favourites!

Beauty

My Naked 3 palette has been my best friend ever since I picked it up last summer from Paris (from the Sephora on Champs-Élysées , right on my birthday, of course). My favourite palette hands down  - so versatile that it can work in every situation; great pigmentation, good value for money. Basically, I am not telling you anything new here, the Naked palettes have been praised by many. This May, I have used mine on every occasion so it is featured in my monthly favourites for a reason!

The Book (s)

I am going to mention two books: Markus Zusak's The Book Thief and Hannah Fielding's Indiscretion. Those two are definitely the books that I have enjoyed the most reading in the past month. I have already expressed in my review for The Book Thief why I enjoyed it, and later this week I am going to publish by thoughts on Indiscretion as well, so stay tuned.  Both books are page turners, though for quite different reasons. While The Book Thief is a gripping tale about life in Nazi Germany, Hannah Fielding's book tells a passionate story about a young woman whose life changes completely as she travels to Spain. I haven't read a romance novel in a while, so this was definitely a welcome distraction before bed and I cannot wait to tell you more about it!

The Food

Foodwise, this has been a month of extremes (as per usual). Although I am trying to stay healthy, there is still the occasional junk food, especially when you did not have time to go food shopping, so you absolutely needed to order Dominos/Pizza Hutt. Pictured above, we have a yummy sweet potato, avocado, quinoa and Bulgarian white cheese salad - my usual go to lunch meal. Right next to it is a lovely example of a greasy, yet totally delicious Pizza Hutt order, made late at night (the later, the better - am I right?).

The Drink

A massive fan of overpriced chains such as Starbucks and Costa, this May I have mostly spent my hard earned money in Nero. My drink of choice? This absolutely gorgeous Banana&Caramel Frappe which earns its place on my May favourites list due to its creamy sweetness and lovely aroma. However, Nero does have quite a nice selection, so I do try to spread it out a little and go for different flavours every time.

The Film

It seems like Converse were my shoes of choice, creeping up in a second pic in a row!

You might be aware that I am also a freelance journalist. As a culture writer for a London based website, I do get to go to press views of films before they were released to the public. This month two films stood out for me and lucky for you they are both going to be released in June, so you can go and watch them. First one is Slow West with my darling Michael Fassbender (full review of the film here), and second one is Spy with Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Rose Byrne and Jason Statham. While the former offers a refreshing spin on the western, the later is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is going to entertain you from start to finish. I can recommend both of those films - Slow West boast stunning cinematography and great performances, while Spy is the female-led action comedy of the year we all needed. 

It's your turn now: what did you enjoy the most in May?

read more "May Lifestyle Favourites"

Weekly Inspiration: Pretty Mug Cakes

Is it weird to feel inspired by a cake in a mug?  Whatever your answer is, this week's inspirational post includes some dreamy looking cakes that are filling up some equally as dreamy teacups in a gorgeous dance of sweet softness and delicate china. 

This way for delicious, sugary bijoux... 

Do you like mug cakes? Personally, I do not use microwaves so I can only admire them from afar, but I have tried a few good ones! If you would like to try some of those, follow the links down bellow for recipes to most of them :)

Image sources: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen :)

read more "Weekly Inspiration: Pretty Mug Cakes"

Weekly Inspiration: Literary Cakes

I know I am not the only one who needs some pretty visuals every once in awhile when I lack inspiration. To me, looking at gorgeous cakes (and instragrammable food in general) has the power to improve my mood, heighten my spirits and put me in the right frame of mind to do my work/be creative/start writing. If you are the same, here are some absolutely stunning cakes that were inspired by books...(for more reading inspiration here is my previous inspirational post)

Cakespiration of the Week Starts Here:

Ok, just one more Alice one...

Have you had a book-inspired cake for your birthday?

Picture sources: one, two, three, four, five, six and seven :)

read more "Weekly Inspiration: Literary Cakes"

April Lifestyle Favourites

Here is what I have been loving in April - the teas that have been accompanying my books, the lunch boxes that have saved me after a hard day at work or long day shopping. Simply put: my April lifestyle favourites.

Beauty 

Basically: I love &otherstories. Their body care is spot-on - great quality for a great price. And as soon as you enter their beauty section and smell all the amazing scents they have on offer (and there are quite a few of them), you cannot simply walk away. Let's put it like this: when there is a lovely body lotion that smells of Belleville Bakery and comes at the amazing price of £7 , it would just be rude not to!

However, this past month I made a discovery thanks to A Little Opulent - the Fig Fiction range is my definite new favourite as it smells divine! A fresh mix of plump currant berries, pink pepper and wild fig, this is a scent that is going to bring your body care experience on a whole new level! Apart from being very fresh, there is some sweetness to it as you can sense the Brazilian rosewood and dark plum coming through as well. As for the hand soap in particular - it leaves my hands feeling so soft that I hardly need to follow up with a hand cream, and costs just £4! Win and win.

The Book

Choosing only one book a month is almost impossible, but in April I have been loving Rodin by Bernard Champigneulle in particular. Got this book exactly a year ago from the Musée Rodin's gift shop. I started reading it a few months back, mainly on the underground as I found it to be the perfect read when I am on the go. Rodin is one of my favourite sculptors and learning more about his life was a great experience. Needless to say, a review is coming soon.

The Tea

A lifestyle list of mine would never be full without a mention of a hot beverage. In April I found a new favourite tea and that got me very excited (I've been living in England for four years now, okay?). PG tips Spices and Mint smells divine, tastes divine and makes me feel divine, too! I usually have it at night before bed as I am watching something on Netflix or reading a book, and believe me, the whole experience is enhanced thanks to it! Definitely my tea recommendation of the month if you like sweeter infusions that make you feel warm, cosy and relaxed from the inside.

The Perfect Healthy Lunch

One of the many great things about London is the huge choice of places to eat - not just in terms of restaurants and pubs, but also when in need of a quick bite in your lunch breaks or after work. Although I do love a bit of Pret, this month I have discovered Pod. A place dedicated to healthy fast-food, it immediately got my attention with its huge choice of fresh, seasonal meals including sandwiches, salads, baguettes, and sweet treats. Here, I went for the meal deal and got a lovely wholegrain baguette with bacon, a pack of truly fiery and delicious healthy popcorn and a can of dirty coke (not so healthy but I was boiling and craving a coke).

The Perfect Lunch Box

By now you should know I need to mention food at least twice when I discuss my daily life...Long story short, I was having a long day of shopping and strolling the streets from Covent Garden, up Regent Street and down Oxford St (poor me) with a friend of mine, when we both needed to grab a bite before getting on the underground. This is how we decided to give Kimchee a go - I have passed by this Korean place, just a seconds away from Tottenham Court Road station, many a times, but this was the first time I actually went in. After spending absolute ages deciding what to get, since everything looked so tempting, I went for a Chargrilled Chicken salad and my favourite Aloe Vera drink, and called it a day. However, will definitely return to try some of their hot meals.

The tv programme

April marks the time when favourite tv programmes come back with their brand new series. I am going to keep it brief as there are a lot of my favourites that made a come back. Firstly, there is Mad Men's final season which is making me really sad and I do not want to talk about it. Secondly, Game of Thrones is finally back with its fifth season - again, I rather not talk about it as some final events in last Sunday's episode did upset me. All in all, I like watching shows that make me suffer so I only saw it appropriate to go back to Pretty Little Liars and catch up with all the seasons I have missed. So, this is the show I have been binge watching in April, and yes, you guessed it right, I do not wanna talk about that one either.

The film

So many films out there, which one to watch? If you love British series (just like me) and you were a fan of BBC's Spooks there is only one option and that is Spooks: The Greater Good. It comes out on the 8th of May nationwide and it is worth a watch - believe me, it manages to capture the spirit of the series. More on why to watch it, here is a shameless link to my review.

Now, you tell me: what have you been enjoying in April?

read more "April Lifestyle Favourites"

The Culture Post: 5 Things to do in London

London is so vibrant and full of things to do on a weekly basis that it is easy to just give up and do the same old instead of being faced with endless possibilities to choose from. Being indecisive is a particularly annoying first world problem after all.

So, here is a list of five things I would recommend you do this week. They have all been tried, tasted and enjoyed by me, so they have earned their seal of approval from a particularly picky person...

See Ryan Hewett: UNTITLED at The Unit London

With the crazy amount of galleries in London, there is always a new exhibition or ten opening during the week. However, quantity does not stand for quality. There are the good ones, there are the bad ones, there are the exciting ones and the boring ones, the high teas and the day-old coffees. The question is which ones are which?

The Unit London is a very cool, very exciting place. This contemporary gallery situated in Covent Garden is founded by two young guys and is aimed at younger audiences who want to enjoy art without feeling out of place. In this, the Unit succeeds. Moreover, the new solo exhibition that the gallery hosts until 24th May is by renowned South African painter, Ryan Hewett. Stroll down the gallery, admire the portraits of those very familiar faces, and after that you have plenty of choice with where to grab a bite between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. And here is why I think this is the one exhibition in London not to be missed this month.

Watch Spooks: The Greater Good

Oh, don't I love a good film? When there is a long weekend ahead thanks to a lovely bank holiday, hitting the cinema is the perfect thing to do (especially if the weather fails to cooperate and chooses to be grumpy instead). 

Assuming you have already seen Avengers: Age of Ultron, why not opt for something as fabulously British as Spooks? Needless to say, I was a massive fan of the series, and with the period drama likes of Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Penry-Jones and Richard Armitage, who wouldn't? 

The Greater Good sees Harry back in business as there is a new crisis in MI5. This time, Peter Firth is joined by Game of Thrones' Kit Harington who still knows nothing, but looks good while (not) doing so. 

Spooks: The Greater Good won't hit UK cinemas until 8th May, but you can already read what I thought about it here! 

Visit the London Coffee Festival

People, this is not a drill! London Coffee Festival opens this Thursday (30th April) and goes on for the rest of the weekend as a launch event of UK Coffee Week.

So if you are a coffee addict with a bank holiday on the cards (check and check), Shoreditch is the place to be. The Coffee Festival is based in Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane and celebrates London'd coffee culture with more than 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls. I will try my best to visit and if you are interested, too, here is where you can get tickets from.

Have a day at the V&A 

Personally, the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of my go-to places when I want to be on my own with my thoughts, while also admiring some great art. Why should you visit it this week in particular?

Firstly, there is obviously the hugely anticipated Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition that will be on till 2nd August - if you want to visit, you have to be fast and snap some tickets here. Alternatively, there is another pretty interesting exhibition dedicated to McQueen at Tate Britain:  Nick Waplington/Alexander McQueen: Working Process.

Secondly, there is another great little alternative on the ground floor of the V&A: What is Luxury? is a small, free exhibition that evaluates what "luxury" really means, and how many different things it could stand for. More on why you should visit: you can read my opinion here (shameless journalist, I know). 

Listen to some new music: Harris Adams

Finally, here is an alternative for you even if you are not in London. Born near Sheffield, Harris Adams is a British songwriter who revels in blending the old with the new. His debut single Ring Ring does just that, by harking back to Ray Charles classics where he would ‘call and respond’ to his backing vocalists The Raylettes. It is a classic trope that adds a fresh dynamic to a track, giving it a real sense of fun.

Adams' debut single Ring Ring was released on the 28th April so it is red hot! You can give it a listen here. *

And to finish this post off, here is a hilarious video involving some serious biceps content to put you in a good mood!

What are your plans for the weekend (regardless of where you are)?

*I was contacted by Adams Harris' publicist regarding his debut single. However, this post is not sponsored in any way: these are all my personal opinions, I gave his song a listen and decided it would be good to share it :)

read more "The Culture Post: 5 Things to do in London"

Would You Rather: Travel Edition

So, I saw this lovely tag over at Tea Was Here  and really liked the questions, so thought I should give it a go, too! If you want to get to know me a bit better travel-wise, then keep on reading.

Q: Have a $10,000 budget for a holiday and you can either fly first class for $5,000 and stay in mediocre accommodation. Or spend $1,000 on economy and stay in luxury accommodation?

A: I can definitely deal with flying in economy, I am used to it anyway. So, I will take the luxury accommodation, thank you very much. And that holiday will probably have to be in Paris - $9.000 seem about enough for a couple of days in luxury there. Seriously, the city of lights is what people mean when they say the best things in life are actually pretty expensive :P

Q: An all expenses paid trip to a small town in the UK with your best friends or an all expenses paid trip to your dream destination with your frenemy?

A: Sorry, my dear friends, but dream destination wins every time. An all expenses paid trip to a lovely place like the South of France, Morocco, or the Maldives - for some reason, I do not think that me and that frenemy of mine would have an awful lot to fight about (also, I obviously could not choose just one dream destination, 'cause I want to go everywhere so there is that). 

Q: Never take the train or never take the airplane again?

A: I can easily say goodbye to the train. It's nothing personal really, but there are only so many places where it could take me. For everything else, planes are a lot more convenient and fast. How else could I get to Australia?

Q: Spend a full day with a thief or with a beggar?

A: A thief - I can imagine it would be quite an enlightening day and I could always use a few tricks up my sleeve.

Q: You have won a prize. The prize has two options, and you can choose either (but not both). The first option is a year in USA with a monthly stipend of 1,000. The second option is ten minutes on the moon. Which option do you select?

A: I love moving to new places, so going to the USA for a year, and getting money each month along the way, is what I would definitely go for. Ten minutes on the moon? It would either be amazing and then I would spent the rest of my life really disappointed that I was only there for a bit...Or it would turn out it's not such a great experience after all, and I will wonder what to do with the rest of the year I could have spent in the USA. Either way: no, thanks, moon, maybe another time.

Q: Wake up without your wallet or wake up without your passport and phone?

A: Bonus points if you wake up without your wallet, passport and phone. Yes, I have actually done it once after a heavy night of drinking at uni, when I *somehow* lost by bag in a club. So, yeah, waking up without any of those things, when you are studying abroad is not the best. No wallet, no ID, no phone. Bingo!

Source

Q: Be left behind in the bush on an African safari or Be left behind in the water on a scuba trip?

A: Oh wow, how much was I drinking to get into a position where I had to choose between those two, possibly horrible deaths? I guess left behind on an African safari is a tiny bit better as I maybe stand a better chance of survival...maybe.

Q: Lose your luggage but land on time OR land 12 hours late with your luggage intact?

A: Easy: land 12 hours later with my luggage intact! I will find something to do with my time, like reading a book or two, and a magazine. Losing all my things? No, thank you, but this is my biggest concern when I travel.

Q: Bike across the US from New York City to San Francisco, or bike across China from Beijing to Tibet?

A: New York from San Francisco sounds better to me and my cycling abilities. I do not think I am fit enough to cycle to Tibet, although I am sure the spiritual reward would be far greater. Till then I will have to satisfy my consumerism needs and choose sunshine, smoothies, cocktails and shopping while cycling from NY to San Francisco.

Q: Be able to teleport to places you’ve already been or only be able to teleport to places you’ve never been before?

A: Ok, for me - this one is the hardest question. I think I would have to go with places I've never been before - that way I will get to teleport more and explore a lot more places. As for places I have already been to (looking at you, Paris), I will save a lot of money from teleporting to the new places, allowing me to travel the old-fashioned way to my old favourites ;)

Q: Be stuck on a seven-hour delay, or Turn up at the airport and realise your flight is tomorrow?

A: Hm I could imagine going to the airport the day before would result in a lot of unwanted hassle - like going back and worrying for a place to stay in for an extra night? Be stuck on the actual airport, but knowing my flight is in seven hours sounds more manageable - I can find how to entertain myself on the airport (ok, this did sound a bit dodgy).

Hope you enjoyed my answers, feel free to copy the tag and let me know in the comment section so I can read your answers, too :) So, what is your biggest travelling dilemma?

Here is the original post: Tea Was Here . 

read more "Would You Rather: Travel Edition"

Weekly Reading Inspiration

It's feeling so nice and warm in London at the moment that I thought I should share with you some equally as warm pictures! Here are some books & flowers that have made it into my spring-inspirational mood board this week. Hope they bring you some inspiration and good mood, too! Have a lovely weekend.

Picture sources: one, two, three, four, five, six and seven :)

read more "Weekly Reading Inspiration"