Welcome to London

Changes in my life

You will see in time

'Changes in my life' Adrian Eftimie

The transitional post.

"Hello London"

A lot has happened since my last post, it would be hard for it to not have in all honesty, judging by the amount of time that has lapsed since then. So let's kick things off by getting the apologies out the way. I am sorry for neglecting my blog and I solemnly promise not to do it again. Now that things are a little more settled I am hoping that some sort of routine will resume shortly. (This kind of commitment so close to the festive period is going to be the ruining of me.) 

First thing's first, this post is coming to you from London, yeah, that's right, my new home! I have now been an official resident of London for a little over a week, and things have moved at a quickening pace. I've managed to secure a job in the city, which means I am going to need to up my work wear to compete with those chic tube-hoppers I have already seen at a passing glance. 

Fortunately for me, I have been able to ease myself into my new surroundings as I don't start work until January, which means I have had plenty of time to explore what the South East has to offer me. So far this has included Lewisham, New Cross and Blackheath, which I am sure upon re-visit will feature in their very own posts.

As for the flat, those of you that pay attention to detail will note that just after a week I have referred to it as home. This fact was definitely cemented by the 'Baking of The First Cake.' (Banana and Walnut made by doubling up this recipe to satisfy some hungry flatmates.)

Now that I feel I have bridged the gap between then and now I can start to blog about the fun stuff again. I like to think of this blog as a series of connected posts, for the most part, a bit like a story, so as text heavy as this post is, I think it was needed.

KDx

Outward bound to London town

A king without a throne

A heart without a home

'Holdin' on' Monsta

So last weekend I was in London, this weekend my feet were firmly back in the Midlands... but not for much longer after putting down a deposit on a flat to rent in London. Those of you that follow me on Twitter will have seen my tweet of relief at securing my new postcode for the foreseeable future in South East London. I am soon to be a resident of SE13. To say that I am beyond relieved is an understatement! 

After my first viewing, in an estate that needed a map like a bad holiday park for you to navigate, complete with it's very own 'you are here' sign, I wasn't very hopeful that the big dreams of London, and my budget were compatible.

A few long days of viewings, tube hopping, east to west and back again, a little north and south, 2 new house mates found via the internet (think internet dating for flat mates) and it was all worth it. The Midlands will only have me as a resident for three more weeks, as I move on 1st December. 

It wasn't all strictly work and no play in London though, being in London for the weekend before Bonfire Night meant I got to see this beautiful sights on my way home Saturday evening.

Battersea Bridge

Even a simple taxi ride home (albeit it a massively extended one due to the traffic) throws up sights to behold in London.

I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping trip, as a reward for finding a home, I'd like to think. As I am still without employment I only allowed myself to buy items in the sale, any reason to make unnecessary purchases necessary. As expected, Topshop came up trumps! The purchases? A lace insert cross tunic I had my eyes on when it was full prices, truth be known I ordered it online when it went in the sale, but they only had it in a 10 (a size too big) and a tall-which I thought would be fine...how wrong was I!? It looked like a sack! So after finding it in a regular 6 I thought I would try it on expecting the opposite of the first one to be true, but it fitted perfectly. Being a fan of a designer collaboration, I snapped up a '2nd Place' Ashish vest for half price, here's how I wore them both.

Oasis leather jacket, Miss Selfridge necklaces and earrings, Topshop cross tunic, Asos Chelsea boots via ebay

H&M hat, Ashish x Topshop vest, Warehouse jeans and Zara ponyskin pumps via ebay

In a bid to become a better shopper, I am making a conservative effort to wear what I buy at the first opportunity I have, if I don't I will either a) forget I have brought them, or b) realise I genuinely didn't need the items in question in the first place. Mission accomplished. If this week had been an exercise in task ticking, I would have a seriously healthy looking to-do list.

So back on the story of my little adventure, the next hurdle to tackle is the small task of finding a job... a full-time job in itself it would seem.

KDx

Tea for two, and two for tea

Day will break and I'm gonna wake
and start to bake a sugar cake

'Tea for two' Doris Day

I have been keeping a little secret  that has caused my blogging self to go seriously awol. But there is a reasonable explanation for my disappearance from the blogosphere. Come to think of it, reasonable is probably the least appropriate word in this instance.

I quit my job. Well, as dramatic as that sounds, not entirely true, I handed in my notice, like any responsible adult, worked the 4 week notice period and am now officially 'without employment.' The reasons for this? Boredom and unfulfilment coupled with the overriding feeling of '...there must be more to this provincial life.' (I can seriously relate to how Belle felt in Beauty and the Beast felt right now). So the plan? To move to London and make something of myself. That's as far as the plan goes... there is no job in the pipeline, however, I am making progress on the home front. All baby steps. 

Dramatic announcement aside, the amazing people, that are also known as my friends decided to give me a send off to end all send offs. Last weekend being the last weekend I knew I would be at home indefinitely. 

So what do you get for the girl that (on her own submission) has everything (and then some.) A tea party with more cakes and treats that I could eat in one sitting, sadly.

They baked, they brought and they assembled. Everything was perfect from the vintage china, the setting, the copious amounts of tea and most of all the company made for a great afternoon. My hardened exterior was temporarily broken.

So not only do my girls know how to put on a wonderful spread *ahem* they surprised me with a hamper full of all the essentials and some of my favourite bits.

The hamper included 'London' tea, a vintage cup and saucer, a mini cupcake baking set, champagne flutes and wine glasses, flumps (way beyond an obsession) towels and then there was this...

My super talented friend Hannah is an illustrator, she often whips out things like this on a whim, in between her other daily tasks such as being a mother and generally an all round delight. More of her work can be seen here. 

So what next? I am currently in London looking for somewhere to live, and then I guess I'll get a job...Simple right?

KDx