NOBODY LIKES YOU WHEN YOU'RE TWENTY-THREE

If there's proof that time seems to be whizzing by super fast, its the fact it's been almost 2 weeks since my birthday. I'm now 23, and as usual I feel no older. There's no major turning point other than my age now relates to Blink 182's What's My Age Again (I definitely played up to that in Live Lounge last Wednesday night after a few Disaronno and Pepsi's).

After being forced to work on my birthday last year, I made a vow to myself that I would do something fun this year, so I made plans and headed off to London for a 2-night break. Sadly some original plans fell through (like my mum being poorly), so I took my nan to all of my fave places instead.

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with musicals, like ridiculously out-of-hand-obsessed, and at the very top of my absolute faves is Les Misérables, I mean who doesn't love songs about a 19th Century rebellion where nearly every character dies? 

With my birthday being on a Sunday, I was unable to see Les Mis (due to it being a no performance day), so I headed to the Queen's Theatre on the Monday evening instead and cried my way through the show for the second time around. It was very emotional knowing that was the last time I would see those particular actors playing Fantine, Eponine, Cosette & Marius.

I still haven't shared my summer London trip with you all, but be prepared, it is definitely coming in the next couple of weeks because I have so much to tell you! 

There were no other plans for the trip other than the show so we mostly ended up strolling Oxford Street and Regent Street, taking in the pretty Christmas lights and doing a spot of shopping, all whilst revelling in the festive spirit.

There's something so magical about London in December isn't there?

And when you have time to spare before heading home? Well, there's always room for a trip to the Theatre Cafe on Shaftesbury Ave.

I'm totally that person who takes pictures of cool bathrooms.

S xo

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MY MINI LONDON ROUNDUP GUIDE

It's crazy to think I've been back from London for 2 weeks, in some ways it feels much longer, but I'm missing the adventure and exploring like mad! I don't have a great deal to share but below are just a few snaps and stories from my week away.

London's Financial District

Lloyd's Building, Gherkin, Willis Building & Leadenhall Building

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market

Calling all Harry Potter fans, you must go and visit this place as it was used as the exterior filming location for Diagon Alley.

Leadenhall Market

4 Princelet Street, Spitalfields, Whitechapel

Wednesday evening we took to the streets of Whitechapel for a 2 hour long walking tour, regardless of how tragic it may seem to you, a Jack the Ripper tour what just the sort of intriguing adventure I hadn't realised I wanted until I found out about it on the 'net. It was absolutely fascinating and I would recommend it to anyone with a historical or murder mystery interest. It was made even more exciting by the tour guide as he actually uncovered the ripper last year!

The building above is a popular filming location and just round the corner you will find Keira Knightley's house!

If you're in the Notting Hill area then pop into Jamie Oliver's Recipease, it's the ultimate haven with cooking lessons!

No first trip to Notting Hill is complete without visiting the infamous blue door and of course, the bookshop. I'm such a Richard Curtis film obsessive. 

Stables Market, Camden 

Primrose Bakery, Primrose Hill

I've been itching to visit this bakery for a year or so, with this's pastel interior, bright light sign and so much pink combined in a bakery, it was my idea of heaven before I even set foot in there.

The girls in there are so so lovely and we totally great about me taking pictures and even let me round the counter to take pictures (which turned out awful because my camera was on the wrong setting).

The Primrose Hill area is so beautiful, the perfect and relaxing grounds are delightful on a summers day, next time I'm definitely taking a picnic.

I'd recommend Primrose Hill simply to see London's skyline, I was so deflated when I realised no picture would ever be able to do it justice! 

Those 6 days in the big smoke were the perfect getaway, not to mention the shopping and night at the theatre to see Lord of the Dance (AMAZING!).

Next year I'll pop back for a few days and experience a tonne of things I'm still yet to do, if you want to meet up then just holler! 

SB xo

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BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY

There are those cities in the world that make my heart skip a beat no matter how many times I visit, and London? Well London right at the top of that list.

2 weeks back I took to the city on my own for the first time (ever!) to see one of my favourite bands live for possibly the last time (sob sob sob). My mind was reeling with places I wanted to go, things to do and truth be told, I didn't think I'd have time to breathe let alone do everything I wanted to. So maybe spending the Friday afternoon curled up on a double Travelodge bed, eating Yorkie's and watching Graceland, wasn't what I had in mind but after a tiring Paris trip, walking around Covent Garden in boots that crushed my feet and carrying an oversized bag that weighed a tonne, who can blame me?

I'd like to point out that I am still buzzing from seeing one of my favourite albums ever performed live in full and meeting the lovely guys from Cartel. I managed to gush to them about how their music carried me through my teens, how I've adored them since I was twelve years old and best of all, had a good old chat with them, especially Kevin who is def my new fave person. Can you say, besties? 

 London also presented me with my new favourite place, possibly ever - is that much? This place above is actual heaven in a shop, yeah really. I feel like they managed to create everything I wanted in one place without me realising I actually wanted it! You can drink tea, eat cake and listen to some of the greatest musicals tracks ever written and recorded. If that wasn't awesome enough, they have free wifi, iPads on every table and you can request any song you like. I could kiss the person who put on Goodbye from Catch Me If You Can, I totally didn't squeal and beam like the sun.

If you're heading into the city and you're around the Shaftesbury Avenue area, I definitely recommend you head in, even if just for the delicious Pecan, Honey & Banana cake. 

You can find the cafe just opposite the Queen's Theatre, the home of Les Miserables.

July cannot come quick enough when I can properly explore London - and eat a lot more of that cake!

SB xo
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