Restaurant review: Curious Yellow Kafe, Hoxton, east London

Last weekend I went into town to help celebrate Hannah's birthday early. It was no surprised that the self-confessed scandipile chose to go somewhere Scandi-themed for her birthday lunch so we ended up in Hoxton. You'll find the Curious Yellow Kafe in Hoxton, about a ten minute walk from Old Street Station. Offering a Swedish inspired menu, the little eatery has a great neighbourhood cafe feel. It was full of locals and has a lovely chilled vibe.

I went for the Swedish meatballs served on a bed of creamy mash and lashings of gravy. Topped with chives and dill, it was like a hug in a bowl and exactly what was needed for a slightly chilly autumn day. Our waitress noticed us handing out gifts and very kindly gave us two brownies on the house to help celebrate Hannah's birthday. If that isn't good customer service than I don't know what is! Michelle opted for a delicious looking brioche bun stuffed to the brim with halloumi, roasted peppers and smashed avocado. Served with sweet potato chips, I wish I'd ordered it too!

The Curious Yellow Kafe is a great little find and well worth a wander over if you find your self around Old Street. I'll definitely be back!

Read more

Why do I keep blogging when I'm never going to make a 'success' out of it?

Blogs are full of posts about how to make money, increase your follower count and turn blogging into your full time job. I have no desire - or even the ability - to turn my blog into my job nor do I make much money. As for my followers? They steadily go up but I'm no where near in line with the big guns considering I've been blogging for the past seven years. Sometimes it seems like fun has been taken out of the blogging community as people get obsessed with numbers and making dollars. That it's only worth keeping up a blog if you're going to make it into a business.

So where do I keep plugging away, updating this little space on the internet? The simple fact is I enjoy it and I'm not quite sure what I would do if it no longer existed. It's been part of basically my entire adult life from the tender age of 21. I've documented my university degree, my first job in journalism, my first house and endless trips all over the world. 

We all measure success in different ways. Obviously compared to the blogging greats, this blog is a mere minion. But to me? Every new follower, every page view and every comment is a success. I often think the blogging boat I originally clambered on to has long sailed as the industry evolves into something I barely recognise. I keep blogging because it's something to look back on. It gives me the excuse to try new things and see new places. I wouldn't have done half of the things in my life if I didn't have this blog. It's all too easy to get caught up in mundane details of life and enter your very own groundhog day. Sleep, work, repeat. Simply this blog encourages me to make the most out of life, to push me into doing things and get out of my comfort zone as cheesy as that may sound. That is what encourages me to keep blogging even though I'm never going to become 'internet-famous'. But I'm internet famous for my mum so that's what counts eh?!

Why do you keep blogging? 

Read more

Photo diary: a return trip to Warsaw

I always have plans to re-visit a city I've loved  with Berlin and Copenhagen springing to mind, but somehow never seem to do it. But with Warsaw I did. We added in Warsaw to our Poland trip because one of my friend's grandparents has a flat in the city, just a short bus ride from the Old Town. As we had visited five years prior, we took the opportunity to really relax and have a chilled three days without any strict itinerary. We made the effort to venture out of the Old Town and try to see the city more like a local. I loved Warsaw even more the second time around. There's something quite charming about it and I much prefer the Old Town to Krakow. I still can't believe that the city has been more or less completely rebuilt after being over 80% destroyed during the war - something you will never guess when you visit.

Whilst the Old Town is by far my favourite place to mooch, the new town also offers some sights that  shouldn't be missed. The Palace of City and Culture and the fascinating war museum offer an interesting insight into the city's history. If you have time to venture even further afield, the neon museum in the rough diamond district of Praga is worth a visit - make the most of the day and spend it bar hopping.  An easy 25 minute bus journey away is Wilanov Palace. The vibrant yellow palace is now an art gallery but we chose instead to soak up the beautiful gardens. Take advantage of the gorgeous lake and hire a rowing boat. 

Warsaw is unfairly left behind when visitors choose to visit Poland as Krakow is very often the first port of call. But don't give it a miss. I find it less touristy than Krakow and it feels a little bit more 'authentically' Polish. It's a great place to visit if you're a bit short on pennies as budget airline offers very reasonable flights and the cost of food and drink is quite cheap. I've been saying this since I last visit Poland five years ago, this country is one of my favourites and is vastly underrated by people here in the UK. 

Read more