Hotel review: Qbic Hotel London City, Aldgate East, East London

I love a staycation in London so when my boyfriend and I booked ourselves gig tickets on our anniversary night I decided to throw caution to the wind and look for a hotel for the night. I came across Qbic Hotel London City. Based in Aldgate East, it was the perfect location from home. Only about 45 minutes on the tube and ridiculously close to Duck and Waffle for our brunch the next day. Brick Lane is one of my favourite areas in London so it was a good excuse to have a wander around the markets the next day.

For just over £100 a night per room, we opted for the second cheapest. Gotta have some luxury on an anniversary night right! I wanted something that looked a little quirky, stylish and had character. Chain hotels can feel sterile and boring. I think Qbic ticked all the boxes. I loved all the fun little touches hidden around the hotel such as the teddy do not disturb sign, the hosepipe lamp at the end of the bed, postcards of the local area and the slightly awkward lady above the bed - her eyes felt like they followed me around the room.

The bed was enormous and the room was spacious and light - something that some city hotels fail to get right. They can feel cramped and gloomy. I had a great nights sleep and it was a struggle to get up in the morning.

I couldn't fault the staff and they were even kind enough to let us leave our suitcases there the next while we explored the city - without charge! Checking in and out was a breeze and the free coffee machine on each floor was a lovely touch. I'd definitely recommend booking a room if you're ever visiting London - it's nice to have somewhere a little bit cool to head home after a day in the city.

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OOTD: The everyday brown ankle boots

Outfit:
Grey multi colour roll neck: New Look (similar)
Khaki blanket coat: TK Maxx (similar)
Grey ripped knee jeans: New Look
Tan suede ankle boots: Next (similar)
Poppy red Lily: Mulberry

Gosh the temperature seems to have dropped this last few days eh? I thought Spring was suppose to be making an appearance now! The cold snap has meant layers are keys to keeping warm. Luckily a chunky roll neck jumper and oversized blanket coat have been helping. A pair of tan ankle boots are such staple in any wardrobe and these ones feel like wearing slippers. So comfy. Definitely no blisters from these. Just as well really as I walked a staggering 14km that day!

I wore this at the weekend for a day of exploring South London with Lily, Sarah and expert photographer Hannah. It was a day of eating. Lots of eating. We stumbled across these almshouses in Bermondsey during a wander down to Maltby Street market. It's amazing what you can find once you wander of the beaten track. London is full of surprises.

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February Social

I've decided to start a monthly series featuring what I've been doing. The weeks are going past so fast that I just don't have time to blog about everything individually. Just how is it nearly March already? But I've had fun so I feel my shenanigans don't deserve to go undocumented. Here is what I managed to do in February - it seems I spent a lot of time in Brixton!

Strada, London Bridge
At the end of January - it's nearly February! - I was invited to an evening with Strada at London Bridge. They were celebrating the end of Dry January and showcasing their selection of non-alcoholic drinks. And lots and lots of delicious nibbles. I was very impressed! I didn't even know there was such a wide selection at the restaurant and drinking them make me realise that you really don't miss out when you opt out of wine. I'll definitely be looking out for the sparkling non-alcoholic prosecco next time I'm there!

Bloc Party, o2 Academy, Brixton
Bloc Party are my favourite band in the world. 11 years this 50 Cent and Sean Paul loving, Von Dutch hat wearing girl stumbled across Silent Alarm - stolen from her brother - at my friends house. We put it on and it changed my life. This fast and furious band with fierce political lyrics and cracking riffs just spoke to me. Even now Helicopter still gives me all the feels as it did when I was 16. Silent Alarm is my all time favourite album - nothing beats it for me. As always the band were a pleasure to watch. This now skinny jean wearer, guitar loving, converse wearing and indie girl owes them a lot.

Fish, Wings and Tings, Brixton
This Caribbean restaurant in Brixton Market has been on my to-try list for a very long time. Afro-Caribbean food is by far my favourite cuisine so I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to try this place. We had a spare hour of so before a gig so decided to finally tick it off the list. I opted for incredible codfish fritters with a milky sauce - so soft and addictive - with curried goat for my main course. Served with homemade slaw and a pineapple chutney-type sauce, it was pure comfort food. I'm desperate to go back and order that jerk chicken - just look at that sauce!

The Lion King, West End
My sister-in-law got extra brownies points this year when she took me to see The Lion King for my birthday. Can you believe it's been at the west End for 17 years?! Crazy. It. Was. Incredible. Emotional, entertaining and awe-inspiring. Within minutes I'd completely forgot I was watching actor in costumes and was transfixed. It felt like I was watching real animals in Africa. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Bukowski, Brixton
With our first choice for dinner fully booked, we picked this burger joint on a whim. While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was a good shout. The puck nuggets were the best thing about the meal - I could have eaten them until I went pop. Deep fried duck and pork nuggets smothered in Korean spices with a spicy Kimchi dip. Yeah like I said, I could have eaten them forever. Keeping in with my recent avocado obsession, I pumped for The Californian. A juicy beef patty was piled high with crunchy lettuce, spicy chipotle mayo, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, a tomato, red onion and creamy avocado. Just as good as it sounds! The avocado was a revelation in a burger and something I'm keen to repeat soon!

Hozier, o2 Academy, Brixton
On the same night as Bukowski, we had a date at the Academy to see Hozier. Take Me To Church was one of my favourite songs of last year. The Irish star has such a haunting, soulful voice that sounds absolutely beautiful live. It was such a chilled out, enjoyable gig and I'd definitely be booking up tickets again next time he tours.

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Review: Duck and Waffle, Bishopsgate, London

Back in January I booked my boyfriend and I a table for brunch at Duck and Waffle for our anniversary. It felt like it had been on our list of restaurants to try forever so celebrating nine year together seemed like the perfect excuse. Not that we often need one to eat out...

Located on the 40th floor of the imposing Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle is famous for it's incredible views over the Big Smoke. It's also famous for it's signature dish which is of course what I opted for.

Starting the breakfast off with a spicy Bloody Mary and a refreshing mimosa, we finally settled on a full English breakfast for my boyfriend and the signature dish for myself - with a side of BBQ spiced pigs ears to share. So how did the food perform?

Incredible! The crispy duck leg confit was perfectly crisp, tender and juicy. No mean feat! It providing a great contrast to the mustard maple syrup and the sweet fluffy waffle - sweet and savoury at its finest. Topped with a fried duck egg, I not surprised this dish is so popular.

The house special got a massive thumbs up from my boyfriend - a man who believes a Full English is a food group. I can confirm those hash browns were a game changer and I may have nicked a bit of his cumberland sausage - ooooh saucy! I loved the fact the portions were decent. Expensive restaurant sometimes tend to be a bit under-generous and you can leave feeling you need a macdonalds on the way home. Those pig ears were a revelation and something I'm desperate to recreate. Incredibly addictive and tangy, they were like a skinnier and better version of the humble pork scratching.

Despite being suitably full and after having a discussion about how we needed to stop eating out so much to save money, we obviously opted for dessert when the waiter came over!

Dried fruit, crunchy granola and Greek yogurt was my boyfriend healthier option whereas I opted for the selection of homemade biscuits to fill my dessert belly. The homemade ginger nut had the ideal mouth of crunch and a suitable kick - exactly how I like it. The biscuits finished off what was probably the best brunch of my life.

It certainly wasn't cheap - costing £85 for a two course breakfast with a cocktail each - but the service is impeccable, the food is delicious and the view is out of this world. There's something about looking over London that makes me feel a little emotional. I feel so darn lucky to work and play in such a fantastic city.

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OOTD: Little black dress

Outfit:
Black crepe midi dress: Zara (similar)
Ombre midi coat: ASOS (similar)
Burgundy leather ankle boots: Next (similar)
Black leather Bayswater: Mulberry

Not the most ground-breaking of outfit but when all else fails, the little black dress always succeeds. It's foolproof when you're having a breakdown in front of your wardrobe struggling to know what to wear. I always like to add a few splashes of colour if I'm going for the all black everything look. This time I opted for burgundy. Again. One day I'll promise I'll stop wearing this coat and these boots so much. Maybe when spring finally arrives. It is coming right?!

I've been making a conscious decision to slow down recently. Clearing my diary and just concentrating on myself. The early nights aren't quite happening but I'm feeling a lot better in myself. I think I was trying to cram in a bit too much, eager not to get FOMO and spending too much money. I love working in the city but commuting is tough. I think you forget how much travelling knocks you for six. So I've been spending the last week - and probably this week! - obsessively watching Dickensian, eating spaghetti on toast, taking candle lit bubble baths and reading Game of Thrones conspiracies. Pretty much perfect.

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Why we shouldn't strive for perfection

We want it all eh? The amazing career, the stamps on our passport, the incredible social life, the big friendship group and the enviable relationship. And we're often told that we can have it all. But the reality is totally different. No one has it all. No one has perfection. And it's ok. We shouldn't strive for it anyway. Perfection is overrated.

Perfection sounds great on paper but in reality it can be a downward spiral. It can be exhausting trying to constantly reach the peak and once you're there? You constantly looking for something else because it's never enough. Because true perfection doesn't exist. It can't ever be achieved. It can damage your mental health searching for something that doesn't exist. It stops you from living in the moment. Life is so precious that it shouldn't be wasted worrying about what you don't have. Concentrate on what you do have.

It's natural to constantly compare yourself to others. They have nicer hair, a attentive boyfriend or a better job but I can guarantee that they don't believe that. You always want what you don't have. 

It's ok to be content. It's ok to do things to the best of your ability. To plod along at your own pace. And it doesn't matter if it doesn't live up to anyone else's standards. It's also ok to be happy with this. It doesn't mean you don't have any ambition or that you're settling. Being content with your lot is a wonderful thing. It's amazing how much happier you become. Concentrate on what makes you happy. As long as you do things your own way, then that is perfection.

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A weekend in The Cotswolds

Last weekend I took a three hour train journey down to a part of the UK I'd never been before. The beautiful Cotswolds. I won't be leaving it 27 years until I'm back this time. The occasion was to help celebrate Sarah's birthday with a large group of blogger friends. Every time we meet up, I'm so glad that these ladies are in my life. Who would have thought those weirdos on the internet would turn out to be so darn great?

It was just what the doctor ordered. Since the beginning of the year, getting used to regularly commuting into the city has taken it's toll on me and I've been burning the candle at both ends. I ended up being ko-ed for an entire week with an awful cold and sleeping for 10-11 hours. And it still wasn't enough. This weekend gave me a chance to totally recharge my tired batteries.

We all hired an absolutely beautiful house in middle of nowhere at the end of a dirt track. Located in Herefordshire, the 18th Century National Trust property was the perfect size for nine ladies eager to catch up and eat their weight in food and bubbles. Boy did we eat! We mooched around in our pyjamas until the late afternoon, laughed until our bellies hurt, had a lazy pub dinner, discovered charades talents we never knew we had, snacked on cake all day long and had a cheeky bucks fizz for breakfast. Just because.

Until we meet again ladies! Thanks for such a lovely weekend Katy, Gem, Sarah, Maria, Rosie and Char.

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Travel plans for 2016

The last few years have seen me visit as many countries as I possibly can. It's all that seems to enter my mind and I'm constantly daydreaming about my next adventure. 2016 is all done and dusted where travel plans are concerned. This year I really do need to knuckle down and save so I won't be venturing outside Europe. But I couldn't be happier.

So, where am I going?

The Cotswolds
So this trip may have been and gone but I couldn't not include it. You've probably seen the influx of pictures on Instagram! I'll do a more in-depth view in a week or so. Along with my favourite internet friends, we trudged off to The Cotswolds to stay in the most beautiful house for Sarah's birthday.

Image taken from Bow Dream Nation

Cologne
March sees me jet off to Germany for the second time. We spontaneously booked flights for a mere £20 and are staying in a lovely central hotel next to the river. This German city was never really on my radar but when I spotted the cheap as chips flights I couldn't resist. I completely fell in love with Germany when I visited Berlin so have high hopes for the country's fourth-largest city. We don't really have many plans apart from seeking out the cathedral, stuffing ourselves with schnitzels and wandering around the city aimlessly.

Image taken from ElevatorMusik

Copenhagen
I had booked this as a surprise for my boyfriend's birthday but got far too excited at my good deed that I spilled the beans. Just as well because I've heard it's expensive so he needs to start saving up! Scandinavia was never really on my list but it tops my boyfriend's bucket list so I was obviously the dutiful girlfriend. However, now I've absolutely dying to visit. I've been doing some research and realised the city is all about the FOOD. My kind of place. I'm expecting to come back four stone heavier.

Image taken from Lily Lipstick

Prague
Just a three weeks later and Prague is on the agenda. The first stop in a two week Eastern European adventure in August. Here I'll be spending three nights in the Czech Republic capital. Prague was the first holiday my boyfriend and I ever looked at and nine years later we're finally making it there. Took our time eh?! I've heard such amazing things about the city and can't wait to explore. I'm a sucker for a cute little old town oozing with history.

Image from Julian Weyer via Flickr via Pinterest 

Vienna

Next we'll be getting the train to Vienna for two nights. Oh Vienna! I definitely won't be singing that every hour... I've heard that this city really is quite beautiful and am looking forward to soaking up the historical culture. As a classically trained musician - I have many talents *ahem* - I'm looking forward to having a sneak peak into the musical history. Let's forget I haven't picked up my clarinet in about 6 years... I can still appreciate Mozart!

Image taken from The Blond Zebras

Bratislava
After Vienna we hope onto a boat and sail across the Danube river to the Slovakian capital. This small city was only really put in the itinerary because it's cheap and it breaks up the journey to Hungary. But I'm going to enjoy the two nights we have planned! I can't wait to explore and try some traditional Slovak food.

Image taken from Fat Frocks

Budapest
Finally the place I'm looking forward to the most. The Hungarian capital Budapest. This city has been on my travel wishlist for a good few years and I'm finally able to go. We have four nights in this city and I'm giddy with excitement. I want to relax in the famous baths, go on a bar crawl among the ruin pubs, visit the dictators in the park, walk across the dividing bridge and get lost in the old town. I really hope it doesn't disappoint!

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