Life Lately #3

So the past two weeks has been a whirlwind. It's not been crazy, I have just been in different places constantly. But here is to a few weeks back, where I was finishing the last few weeks of term. It is crazy how fast University goes, and this will be my final autumn semester! Although most of these photos seem to consist of home, I guess I do return home more than I should still...

Brighton during Christmas is really beautiful, at any time of the year in fact. North Laine and the Laines in general is quite pretty, these pictures do not quite do the place justice. When the shops are opening and people everywhere, shops and cafes with their little displays outside, it makes it look that much better.

The most and possibly only annoying thing about Brighton is the one-way roads. It makes me sad seeing one way signs. I have lived here for so many years, and I yet sometimes I still fall into the trap of accidentally going down or up a one way road. That is what happens when the Green Party controls the area!

Back at home, some parts of Medway really do stand out from the rest. In my attempt to find bouldering locations, it led me to Arethusa (that supposedly has climbing walls and facilites, however there is no actual access.) So that failed, however it did lead us to this lovely little view.

Rochester High Street, during the Christmas with it's Christmas Markets and various little boutiques it gets quite busy, and actually looks quite pretty. The rest of the year it still looks okay, but it has a certain charm about it during the winter months.  

Home with my family consists of a lot of eating. A lot of eating out. On this occasion it was no exception. Here is my not so tiny little cousin attempting to stick a LARGE chinese spoon inside her nose. Classy little girl, I know.

 She's an eater, can you tell?

Again, what did I mention about eating? At the restaurant if it is not busy, I do a lot of eating. A little special concoction conjured up by the chef which is not on the menu. The perks of being in a restaurant huh (which I guess you can also see as disadvantages to somebody on a diet, oh the hard life)

To finish off here is a picture of the bi 

Sussex Downs

There's a great thing about being at Sussex University. It isn't until you live in a place that you can explore all the little and big things they can offer. If I'm honest, one of the reasons I came here was that every year they place a massive christmas tree in the Library Square, this enticed me, A LOT. Sad, I know. But the campus it self is beautiful as well. I didn't even know we were so close to Brighton, I didn't know what Brighton was known for until I got here.

I found out that apart from London, it has the most alcoholic spots in one area. This would explain the incredible night life we have the chance to enjoy, every night is a party night, well a potential party night.

On the other side of things is the beautiful countryside of Sussex. Over the weekend I had a little time to explore, do some hiking, and find some time for myself. With Autumn coming to an end, I wanted to hike through and just get some fresh air.

It's so nice to get away from the busy streets of brighton, the busy roads and people walking everywhere in town. Especially after a night out, it makes you feel refreshed.

Oh hey foot shot, probably not the best shoes to wear on the hike when it looks like it is about to rain.

It looks a whole lot drier than it actually was, but the muddy route made it slightly more fun.

People along these tracks are also super friendly, I'm not sure whether it's because there is a small connection that you are all doing the same thing, but people are just more open and friendly in spaces like this.

Life and Food Lately

Lately life has been quite busy, not that I'm complaining. Somehow I am still taking time out of my schedule to entertain myself and others and gorge on good food!

Asian food is definitely food for the soul. This is a place I come if I want something "authentically asian" but far enough off that I feel like I couldn't have it at home. Pompokos is somewhere I go where I fancy a katsu curry. They do two different types of chicken katsu here, different to anywhere I am used to. They do the breaded, which I almost always have, and the fried chicken katsu curry. Both, delicious. Pompokos is super cheap and super tasty, I return regularly and no doubt I will be back again soon. 

 The noodle bowl that all my friends seemed to get but me. I can't refuse anywhere that does katsu curry I'm afraid! The only place I will do this is Wagamama, I cannot stand that curry. It tastes completely different, it doesn't even taste like curry. (Sorry, not sorry, turning into a rant)

This made for an interesting picture, a graffitied wall in the cellar of my friend's house, which is actually quite creepy the more I think about it. And yet so cute! The journey down to the cellar was even more scary, the steepest wooden steps you could ever go down!

Party in the cellar? Sounds like a better idea than actually having one I'm afraid. The dark is too much for 3 girls and 1 guy to handle!

Girls night out in Brighton, as per usual we ended up in Pryzm, which seems to be the only place we are ever at nowadays! First off we started at Be At One, expensive cocktails, bit of an older crowd, music too loud, it just wasn't the dreamy bar I'd been thinking of. At least I have experienced it to know better now. 

 Here I am again at Viet Rest in Deptford, one of my favourite vietnamese restaurants. A chicken salad to begin. The flavours are so fresh and the vinegar makes everything a little tastier.

My main dish considered of the vietnamese style ham (dreamy), banh cuon the meat inside the rolls are just delicious. My favourite dish most definitely, piled on with vinegar. This dish over pho anyday, I'm sorry, controversial comment.

And again, I find myself in Foodilic on North Street in Brighton. For £6.99 buffet style you really can't hate it. The vegetables taste fresh enough, the seasoning and sauces that they place on them just make it even more yummy! This place secured my love for cous cous! For a vegan style restaurant they really know how to make their chicken and beef!

Brighton is fully of quirky little places and the people are even quirkier. Most people here are lovely though, and it's nice to see little graffiti like this around from time to time. In 2 years I had never driven up this road and I am so glad I did and manage to capture this.

 Selfie time, and James making new friends. Guess where? PRYZM again. 

Blogtober #31

Blogtober #31: Halloween Costume

So a little late, but better than never.

This year I just got lazy, didn't want to deal with make up, didn't want to dress up in the typical slutty/scary maid or princess or the LIST GOES ON. 

So.. I opted for Ninja, although half way through the night I, 

1. Lost the mask

2. Broke my nun chucks

3. Threw away my "belt"

The big reveal wasn't so big after all.

And here I am already drawing a close to Blogtober. It was fun to be able to write a blogpost everyday, although sometimes I would leave it untouched for a few days at a time (bad me). But I completed it, I stuck with it. And it's time to say goodbye to October, full of ups and downs and generally just life moving along. 

And lets all welcome November, the festive period is drawing ever nigh!

Blogtober #5

Blogtober #5 Your Fall Bucket List

So I haven't really thought about this one yet. There is very little time for me to actually accomplish anything new.

So on my "fall" bucket list, which I assume will end around the end of November time, 

1. I will try to visit at least one of my friends at another University once.

2. Enjoy spending time with my friends as much as possible for this last year.

3. Kick boxing every week, without fail.

4. Go to the teashop in Brighton that everybody raves about (cough, Zoella & other youtubers, cough)

5. High Tea once more!

For now I think that will be it, there isn't a lot you can accomplish in just over a month, especially as a final year University student!

Blogtober #2

Okay, so I have not exactly been keeping up with Blogtober, due to University commitments. I have been so busy just doing some reading, trying to get back into schedule as well as preparing for the future and trying my hand at a couple of new things, at the same time TRYING to stay social and see my friends and family. Here I am updating all in one. So here is #2. 

Dream job when you were little/What is it now?

]I was only a little girl, and all little girls did were dream right? I was always one of those that wanted to a singer, a little dancer or in a dance group. I was the S Club 7 generation that wanted to be a part of the S Club Juniors. Me and my cousins used to dress up in the same outfits and did little performances for our parents, forcing them to watch us dance and sing badly. 

When you grow up you soon realise to become one of these you actually need to have talent, and a little bit of passion and actually wanting to be in the spotlight.

As I have grown up these dreams have changed dramatically. First of all I hate being in the spotlight, so get me behind the curtains as quickly as possible. At the moment I do not have a dream job, there is no job which is that enticing to me that I believe that it is my "dream". Although becoming a full time blogger would be extremely fun and exciting as I enjoy travelling a lot, so travelling blogging, meeting new people would be a dream job I guess. 

What was your dream job and what is it now?

It is funny how much your personality changes as you grow up, and with personality changes come a change of dreams and aspirations too. 

Restaurant Bucket List: South East England Edition

I have a very bad habit of going back to the same restaurants that I enjoy. I think all of us do, however I think I have a very bad case of this. For two years, I entered the doors of Zizzis probably every week. Sure I enjoyed the food, loved the location, what is worse is I ordered the same dishes every time. So in my aim to change this, I have made a bucket list of restaurants I would like to visit. Purely based on restaurants located in South East England, otherwise the list would be endless!

1. Thackeray's

Photo courtesy of Thackerays-restaurant.com

So I have always wanted to visit a Michelin style restaurant. This seems to be the easiest accesible  michelin star restaurant from where I live. Only located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, it is an easy drive. Owned by Richard Phillips, it specialises in Gournmet French Dining, and with french dining being way out of my comfort zone; this seems like it would definitely be a fine restaurant to introduce me to  the cuisine. 

2. Honest Burgers

Photo courtesy of London.everypeoples.com

As a beef lover, I am definitely all for a burger joint. Honest burger has been one of those places raved about on blogs, instagram, twitter and I really want to try this place out. However, due to my infrequent trips to London and always wishing for the easiest option if we're hungry, sometimes we forget about a place like this. 

3. Burger and Lobster

Photo courtesy of London-eater.com

Literally every Tom, Dick and Harry has been here.. but ME. Okay, that was a little bit of a drama queen statement but it does seem like it is only me. One day soon, soon I promise myself. 

4. Princi

Photo Courtesy of London-unattached.com

This is a restaurant I stumbled across after a dinner stroll, whilst walking to the dessert cafe next door. The atmosphere here looks immense, I love a busy atmosphere where people are sat close and chatting away. Definitely worthy of a place on my bucket list.

5. Jamie's Italian

Photo courtesy of Jamie's kitchen website

Though I know these restaurants opened up by big chefs from television may be over hyped, I still do want to try it. There is one located very conveniently in Brighton, and plenty more dotted around London. So there is definitely no excuse for me not to try it.

I can't wait to review and taste the food at these restaurants in the coming months!

Foodilic Brighton

Foodilic is a little vegan friendly restaurant right in the middle of Brighton town centre. Located on North Street leading up to the main shopping square called Churchill Square, this little restaurant is super easy to find and is super cheap (in my opinion). Brighton is loaded with food spots and there are many vegan/vegetarian friendly restaurants, however none in this price range. Dinner is £6.45 for a buffet, and the quality of the food at this buffet is much better than another other buffet you are to experience in Brighton. Healthy, cheap and unlimited, it really is a bargain!

Normally I just drink water as it is normally the only thing that quenches my first. But today, I thought I'd try something different. Grapefruit juice! If you don't like grapefruits this is probably your worse nightmare! But the juice really complemented this dinner. At £3.55 it is quite a pricy drink, but it is all freshly squeezed as you tend to yourself at the buffet. 

The buffet consists of two meat dishes, normally chicken or beef and mashed potatoes for the non-vegans/vegetarians. The rest of it I believe is vegan. Mixed beans, beetroot, pumpkin, green beans, red cabbage etc. 

I always have an enjoyable meal here, and it also helps that it is a buffet, which doesn't make you feel like you ate the entire earth, (I'm talking about you pizza buffets and chinese buffets). Delicious, cheap and definitely worth a visit, or many! 

Churros

Churros is becoming more and more of a sensation. Covered in sugar and cinnamon or in chocolate sauce (mainly Nutella) it just simply tastes delicious. If you have yet to try it, you really really have been living beneath a rock. They sell if everywhere now, especially as the Christmas season has come upon us and gone where there are food stalls everywhere.

I have tried them in 4 different locations, the first in Chiquito in Leicester Square. Who would think fried flour covered in sugar could be so delicious. Mind you back in those days I was able to resist sugary treats and yet I could not get enough of these wonderful treats. Chiquito you did yourself proud.

The 2nd time was on Brighton Pier, now wow these were just as delicious and watching them make them right in front of your face makes it all the more interesting. Not particularly cheap or expensive considering the portion size was quite good. Delicious dipped in the nutella (which costs extra mind you). I've never been disappointed by churros until this time at Tacos Locos, I mean I do love the place. The portion sizes for the food is always wonderful and the waffle just exquisite. But the churros, really.. really? They were just so measly, just not what I was expecting. They looked nothing a like the other times I have tried. So the 4th and final time I tried churros has just restored my love for them once again. Admittedly they did advertise them as white chocolate, and until this morning me and my sister had not realised that not white chocolate was given. Despite that, it was delicious, piping warm from having just been made. It seems those made in front of you seem to be the most delicious.

It seems churros will once again be my not so guilty pleasure.