The b.est

A few weeks ago, during our trip to the Blue Mountains, Bec suggested a girls’ trip to one of the best restaurants in Sydney, .est. Who was I to say no?

Would you like fries with that?

Oh lordy lord. Melbourne stalwart Lord of the Fries has just opened in Sydney and when Sophia suggested a visit before a movie, I was keeeennnn.

What are you?

Nearly 21 years ago, I was born in inner west Sydney, in a hospital that has now closed. Except for two short stints in London, I have lived in Sydney my whole life. I hold an Australian passport by birth …

A Picnic in the Park

Sydney has been putting on a show recently weather-wise, so what better way to take advantage than with a picnic?

The perfect getaway

This is my last semester at uni, and so the workload is understandably bigger than ever. So what better way to get some rest and relaxation before the proverbial storm hit than a weekend getaway?

Ra-ra-ramen

Spontaniety can only be a good thing in my books. A spontaneous holiday, coffee or dance should always end well.

Beauty Goodies

Before going to Paris, Sophia told me about a famous pharmacy in the French capital that sold French beauty products at wholesale prices. So naturally, I dedicated an afternoon to finding this shop and spending all my pennies on products that would update my very (some would say too) simple skincare regime.

I present: my hoard.

That cost me about 90 euro. Expensive, but half the price I would have paid in the UK, and probably even less than I would have spent in Aus.

From left to right, back to front we have:

1. Bioderma Crealine H20.

The best, and I repeat the BEST makeup remover I have ever used. I used the small bottle on the plane home and it worked as a cleanser, got rid of every bit of my make up and left my skin feeling oh so good. They were 15.90 euro for the double, and 2.90 for the small one.

2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Another super product. It’s a beauty mist that you can spray on to freshen your makeup, reduce redness or just cool yourself down. It smells amazing and it does the job – I sprayed it on my face after a long day walking in Paris and was fresh as a daisy afterwards. It isn’t cheap though so I use it sparingly. The large bottle retailed at about 27 euro, the small one at 8.90.

3. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

This is a moisturising cream that is perfect for dry skin. Coming back from the 30 degree plus days to a top of 18 degrees celsius left my skin very dry and sore. A few days of this and I was ready to roll. It’s not heavy or greasy, and has a nice fragrance as well. The twin pack cost 18 euro.

4. Reve de Miel Baume Levres  (aka Lip Balm)

This magic balm is the only one I’ve ever encountered that goes on completely matte. Unlike pawpaw, it doesn’t look shiny and does a great job at hydrating my tight and dry lips. Comes in at a bargain 5.90 euros.

6. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

I bought this because I suffer from acne 80% of the time so a moisturiser that promised to unclog my pores and refine them was a winner in my books. So far, I’ve only applied it to my acne-affected areas (not my whole face) and it seems to be helping the process. It’s nice to have something other than a heavy moisturiser to pop on those pesky pimples. It came in at 9.90 euro.

All these products were suggested by Lisa Eldridge, an amazing British make-up artist, who does the best video tutorials on everything beauty related, including skincare and make-up.

In typical student journalist fashion, I also double checked on other websites to see what else had been recommended. These products consistently rated well, and in the three weeks I’ve used them, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. My acne has reduced and my skin is looking much healthier.

Stay tuned for a fashion post. I bought quite a lot – my bag came back about 16 kilos heavier.

Midnight in Paris

My third Paris experience was somewhat of a whirlwind. I had no plans, bar accommodation, but luckily I had my gorgeous cousin Ella (and Parisian local) to show me around. So I present my 48 hours in Paris in pictures….

Galleries LaFayette. Probably the prettiest department store in the world.

The sunset view from Tour Montparnasse. Said to be the best view of Paris, because you can’t see the Tour Montparnasse. Figure that one out!

By far one of the highlights of the whole trip – a surprise wine tasting.

Ella introduced me to the Kilo Shop – a vintage store where clothes are priced by their weight.

The Pompidou centre…

Locks of love

My favourite bookshop, probably ever.

And finally, a trip to Paris would not be complete without a crepe!

Paris was my final stop on my whirlwind month away in Europe. It was a completely different experience to my two previous visits, and I saw and did some things I will never forget. However, uni was calling and with one semester to go, I cannot wait to finish!
Back to reality I go.

Exploring East London

On my last night in London, one of my oldest friends Maddi and her boyfriend Sean flew into town from Spain. Our old school friend Georgia also happened to be in Central London so we took the opportunity to hit the town.

We started at one of my favourite bars in London – Fifty Five. It’s just off Camden High St, near Wagamama and does happy hour every day. Unlike the majority of Sydney’s cocktail happy hours, these are strong, properly made and well worth it.

You can check out the menu here.

Next was a trip to East London to the Book Club, an awesome bar/creative hub that we fell across last time I was in London. Let’s be honest, any bar that combines alcohol and books is a winner in my books. We wanted to try the Wray Charles, but they were out of an essential ingredient so settled for a Very Cherry Jerry. For someone who doesn’t enjoy rum – I found it yummy!

In keeping with our (unofficial and unspoken) ‘one drink, one bar’ rule, we made our way to the Cornershop, another find from last year. It was quiet, but considering it was a Tuesday, it’s kinda understandable. More importantly, it was happy hour – happy wallets all round.

However, the piece de resistance was our last stop. Maddi had read about a new bar in London, but it wasn’t too obvious from the address where it was.  The Nightjar is another small bar, hidden between the rows of shops and restaurants near Old Street station.  Look out for its only marker:

Courtesy of MSN UK

It is by far one of my favourite bars ever. First things first, the bouncer was incredibly friendly and charismatic. Second, the bar is underground. Who doesn’t like underground bars? Third, it’s table service only.

It is at this point, that I implore the hospitality kings of Sydney (who I love, even when they charge $20 entry and make you queue for 2 hours) to introduce table service at their small bars.

IT IS THE BEST IDEA EVER.

No more standing, waiting for a bartender to catch your eye, no more standing awkwardly, trying to balance your bag, coat and drink.

Granted the lines may be longer but a table is a rare commodity these days – too rare!

But back to the Nightjar. We were ushered to our table and our orders were taken. The menu is based around the prohibition and the time periods around it. I went for a vodka-based cocktail (can’t remember the name!) but the menu definitely favours fans of the darker spirits.

Popcorn was delivered, followed by our drinks and the mixed charcuterie board we ordered to soak up the alcohol. With live music in the background, it was the perfect setting to relax, catch up and enjoy my last night in London.

An undefined amount of time later, we made our way to the surface and said our sad goodbyes – this would be the last time I saw Maddi and Georgia until we were all back in Oz.

It was the perfect way to end my London soiree. It only left me wanting more!

London loving.

On my trip, I had two stops in London. This second one I spent mainly shopping, but also catching up with friends. It fell on a weekend, so I also had a chance to visit Portobello.

It’s not a trip to London without a visit to this institution.

I had a quick walk through the bottom floor before stopping at the only place I can afford: the food halls!

May I introduce the Cronut. Deep-fried croissant.

What’s a trip to Harrods without a bagpipe player?

I went to the Breakfast Club with Daisy, Georgia and Damali, friends of mine from exchange. We all ordered this – how could we not?

One of my favourite shopping streets – Carnaby Street.

A Sunday in London means one thing: Sunday Roast. Pork belly with vegetables and Yorkshire pudding at the Easton – delish!

A sunny Saturday equals a visit to Portobello and its amazing paella, washed down with some fresh berries.

Bruschetta anyone?

Saturdays also mean antiques….

…and crazy crowds.

An original Banksy, now covered up by perspex.

Who knew Scotland was so close to East London?

And finally, the West End.

London is my favourite city, and one I would come back to live in in an instant. It sucked to have to say goodbye for a third time. But Paris, and home was calling. Onto the next!