CAMDEN LOCK MARKET WITH HOLLY - 09/05/15

 We got to there at around 11'o'clock, it was looking a little grim weather wise; a bit windy and grey, alas, the bright, bold and impressive shop fronts on the walk to the market distracted us from Camden's cloudiness. As impressive as some of the shops are that are down the initial strip, I will say a lot of it is discerning and rather repelling 'tourist tack' - BUT! That is to be expected of such a popular and well-known area of London. NONETHELESS - once we saw the infamous sign (you know the one)... 

Admittedly, thankfully, the sun had decided to make an appearance when this was taken later in the day...

We felt gurd. 

I can hardly remember how we made it into the market, it felt like a maze - but not in a frustrating disorientating way, but in a impressively intricate way. Nooks and crannies, cobbled paving and people, lots of people. Holly found a cash machine and through finding that we stumbled across the FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD. First we spotted Honest Burgers, which I've heard nothing but amazing things about, but we wanted to resist going for something similar to what we had the last time we went out, so tried to nonchalantly walk past. Then, as we were about to make a left turn I looked to the right and spotted something I had come across on Instagram beforehand; something we had completely forgotten to remember...

I MEAN. R U HAVIN' A LAUGH OR WOT. 

How can this be a thing?! HOW. In a world chock full of considered aesthetics and thoughtful design, there sits an unassuming pile - a PILE - of cronuts and donuts advertised by laminated signs in a standard font held on by bulldog clips in Camden. THIS is simplicity. THIS is simply giving the people what they want; a mountainous heap of fried perfection, and I say that with most sincerity, because after having eaten what I bought (photos pending, don't worry) I can honestly say they were faultless and amazing and perfect and heavenly and amongst the best things I have ever eaten in my life thus far. 

After this we realised that the time had come - lunchtime to be precise - and we were going to have to decide what we wanted; we were going to have to pick from all of the mouthwatering market stalls that were offering oral explosions. In my previous post I mentioned a stall I had found out about called 'Chia Foods' and about their chicken and halloumi specials, so, after wandering through wafts of sizzling bagels, gourmet cheese toasties and pulled pork we decided to go with what we had planned - especially considering it was one of the healthier options, and we weren't being necessarily healthy with our other pickings. Oh hai carrier bag filled with cronuts. 

It really was delish. The chunks of halloumi were parcels of joy for the mouth, and the mix of garlic aoili and honey mustard yoghurt dressing that the lovely guy serving us suggested us trying only heightened the enjoyment. Super fresh, filling and nutritionally satisfying it was definately a ruddy good choice. 

At the front of the stall were four big bowls of colour; avocadoes in one, vibrant cabbage in another, mixed salad leaves and juicy red cherry tomoatoes coated in quinoa - I opted to have them all and to be honest I'm not sure how the guy even, well, wrapped it, it was absolutely bursting at the seems! 

After finishing our lunch we headed further into the market, wanting to explore some more. We found an entrance leading us past harrowing hedgehog bags, stalls selling copious amounts of rings and jewellery until we found a cute t-shirt place that held our attention for 15 minutes. We carried on weaving through the lanes until they spat us out back where we began. 

We had past Yumchaa on our exploration of the market, popped our heads in and looked around a little, and agreed we'd go back and be adventurous. I saw that they had a matcha latte on their menu, so wanted to go back and try one to see what all the - much instagrammed - fuss was about. Holly was also feeling a little adventurous and went for a raspberry frozen tea which she ended up not being toooooo keen on - BUT ATLEAST SHE TRIED OK.

Um.

I'ma be honest. It was...alright. It was...drinkable. It was, mmm - odd. I don't know. I mean, Maybe I was being naive expecting it to have coffee in it aswell, but, for those who don't know; its just Matcha powder and milk. It wasn't the worse thing I've ever had, but, I don't think I'll be having it again any time soon; its one of those, you know. But Yumchaa itself was super cute, really shabby chic and stripped back and simplistic, and although Holly didn't like what she ordered, I thought it was quite nice, so it wasn't too much of a disappointing experience. 

We stumbled across the stables market a bit further on and wandered around there, finding a really interesting clothes shop stocking up and coming brands, and spoke to a very passionate guy who owned one of the brands stocked in the shop. After we had finished we made our way back to the station, wanting to go in a few shops along the way. We went into the mecca that is Urban Oufitters, and spent an absolute age in there looking at everything - especially the books; which is our joint favourite thing about Urban. 

We both convinced eachother (quite easily I might add) to buy a book each - I had to choose between 'Eat Pretty' and 'How to be Parisian wherever you are' and Holly ended up going with 'Its not how good you are, its how good you want to be.' There were 2 books we picked up that I have thought about a lot since we were there, this was one of them; 

Super super super sweet; this book was filled with little illustrations on each page of what there is to be happy about, and they included silly little things like; the smell of bacon in the morning, or if its raining outside and your in - stuff that you couldn't think of on the spot. Such an endearing little pick me up, and such a bright and cheerful shade of yellow. I love yellow.

The other book was 'Get shit done'; which had motivational quotes on each page, ones that made you actually think and feel differently. Although you can find a motivational quote or saying at the tap of a screen, sometimes its really nice to have something physically and tangibly written in front of you; sometimes it helps me to really see and fully comprehend what is being said. 

Technology can become stagnant when I'm looking for a sense of refreshment.  

Proudly perched on my shelf; I finally have it! I can't wait to start reading this. Jolene Hart herself (well I hope it was actually her!) commented on my instagram post which I thought was really lovely! 

All in all I had another amazing day out, and already cannot wait for the next. All this exploring London malarkey is getting highly addictive, its so exciting and I really do love seeing parts of the city I haven't seen before and experiencing it all. I honestly am getting to the point where I just want to go somewhere every single weekend! We are pretty certain that next time (in the next week or 2) we are gonna hit up Shoreditch; its way overdue and we are so very game. 

*scurries off to obsessively research every inch of East London...*

LISTEN

Kwabs - 'Perfect Ruin'

Atmospheric, beautifully delicate and soulful, a moving and impeccably crafted song. 

Have a listen.

STYLE IDEAS

CHILL BOY

Immaculate | Clean | Simple

SHIRT | JOGGERS | TRAINERS

Its this kind of chilled, boyish style that I find really attractive. Comfort is always a key for me and this definitely encompasses that. I love how laid back it is; teaming a striped shirt with the slouch bottoms is a look that I am always envious of. The pairing of the white, grey and pale blue is just so crisp and fresh, perfect for summer; a minimalistic alternative to bright pastels and loud florals.

SLIDERS | VANS

The old skool Vans heighten that boyish quality, and the quilted sliders emphasise an easy going vibe with an injection of luxe. I'm loving cool toned pastels, they look so slick and polished when incorporated into an outfit, or when paired with a more monochromatic palette.

MATT AND NAT | SILVER SHOPPER | CHARTRUESE | DUFFLE

Obviously had to sneak in a backpack from my beloved Matt and Nat in a soft taupe colour, of which would really compliment the outfit's pale palette. The silver shopper would be a really exciting addition to the look; metallics always look lovely against pale colours and enhance the cool tones of the clothes. I'm smitten with anything chartreuse right now, its one of those mouthwatering colours that oozes summer and enlivens the styling; its just so wonderfully garish. For ages I have always favoured tan bags over the classic black. and the seemingly buttery softness of this Duffle drew my attention. I don't think I'm fully convinced when it comes to Duffle bags, I find them a little too impractical, but I shan't write them off completely - never say never! For this outfit though, the style coincides fittingly.

I really love this. Simples.

SNIP SNIP.

After having a conversation about getting my hair cut yesterday, I have now been rendered unable to think about anything else. After getting my hair cut rather drastically last year, chopping off my long ombre'd locks for a layered lob I am getting the itch to get it all chopped off once more. I love the feeling of freshness once you've had your hair cut, and I find that when my hair is long 90% of the time its up in a bun.

Not long after I got my hair cut last August...

Ah man, am I the only one that finds grainy photos from your old iPhone cringey?! - I swear I never thought it was that grainy when I took it! I'll only really properly style my hair if I'm going out somewhere, you know, shopping, or a day out, or a meal etc etc, but aside from that, its mostly up for work or when I'm indoors or if I'm partaking in day-to-day outings where my degree of interest in the quality of my appearance is subsided. I'm forever finding hairstyles on Pinterest, but have managed to narrow it down to a few images which depict what I want; 

no.1 | no.2 *|  no.3 *

Its not really too dissimilar to what I had last time, but I think I might somewhere between no.3 and no.1 with the length - I'm not sure I could 'clear the shoulders' just yet but, tbh, when I get in the chair, I get admirably brave and impulsive and I don't regret it. I also think I want to go shorter with the pieces that frame the face; its just that they seem to grow so quickly! 

There is something so revitalising about this style; it has an air of maturity without being dowdy; its attractive and healthy; it oozes that coveted effortless cool; its refreshing and its an outfit enhancer.

It really is tres chic.

BRB - The 'lob' is calling... 

* If you fancy perving on some perfectly tousled locks, and major balyage inspiration check out Anh Co Tran - master of the hair everyone wants. I'm telling ya. 

MARKET FOCUS: CAMDEN LOCK

This Saturday coming I have plans to visit;

It shall be a belated birthday day out, and after my long trawls on instagram, its safe to say I'm game. Really game. Game game. Obviously, the broad offerings of food have enticed and excited me, and so I have selected a few of which I am particularly eager to experience...

1) CUPCAKES AND SHHHT!

Check them out here!

I mean, you know. Just. When I saw the image above of the cookies, I got - I got excited guise. Just look at them. Fabulous. I have high hopes for these, with flavours like Peanut Butter and the classic Raspberry and White Chocolate, I am sold. Another appealing feature and selling point is the fact that everything is - as the tiny writing below the sign says; 'Hand made, fair trade, natural, recycled and locally sourced.'

With attention being drawn to the white stuff more than ever before, its always an added bonus to know what your buying is not so artificially flavoured, and its traits like that that really nab my attention - and appetite. 

'It is in our best interests to keep our products as natural as possible, sourcing only the finest ingredients and making sure not to use any artificial colourings or flavourings.'

2) CHIA

Can you spot me? (Insert smerking emoji) Check out their Instagram here!

I literally stumbled across this diamond today on my Sunday morning Instagram mooch and it just got better and better with every picture. First I was enticed by the name, then the fact that its healthy, then the above picture and then - HALLOUMI. I saw a picture of the menu (have a look on the instagram link) saw the words 'Halloumi' and 'Chicken' next to each other and the deal was sealed; the wrap, wrapped. I then went on to read a rather raving review, and stare gormless at more tempting imagery. After what I've seen so far, I'm not sure I could ask for any more. I'm thurr. 

'We're a young company, that puts a big emphasis on music and style as well as food, and we look to incorporate the elements of healthy food, good music and great service in to the experience of our customers.'

4) COOKIES AND SCREAM

http://www.cookiesandscream.com/ - Check them out!

I read about/heard about/came across 'Cookies and Scream' a little while ago actually, because of their ability to produce irresistible goodies that are totally vegan and gluten-free. The skill of making such mouthwatering treats whilst also making them dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free is something I champion and admire. They have an array of delightful delicacies on offer, a few of which you can see pictured above; cinnamon jam donuts, peanut butter brownies, their rather infamous cookies and, more recently pictured, what seems to be some kind of bounty bar. AM I DREAMING. It really is mindblowing to think all these appetizing, seemingly indulgent, treats are low fat, low cholestorol and made with unrefined sugars. Divine. I'm really really really looking forward to this. 

'Established in 2010, Cookies and Scream is a multi-award winning, fully vegan and gluten free bakery in Camden Town, London. Their range of cookies, cakes, brownies, pies and donuts are made from the finest ingredients available.'

Stretchy skinnies at the ready. 

HOMEWURR.

These past few years I have grown up and into an interest in all things home decor; I used to find a wander around IKEA a torturous and monotonous procedure in which the only solace there was to be found was in a potential plate of meatballs, or bag of mini daim bars. Food related, of course. 

Nowadays, I'm a true homie, and not in the cool, colloquial sense; I'm to be found swooning over anything from flamingo cushions, to nonsensical dust collecting ornaments. Out of all things home related, my big weakness has to be...mugs.

My 'Ham' mug - a present from one of my best friends for my 21st (its an ongoing tradition) alongside some of my homemade flapjacks. #sneakyfoodporn

I feel mugs have gained an ever-increasing notoriety, and popularity amongst the realms of homeware in recent years, its a bandwagon filled with florals, cartoon cats and uplifting sayings in an array of to-die-for typography.

I have literally just this month developed an appreciation for teacups, you know, the old fashioned granny ones? - yeah, those. I like 'em. My taste then broadens to my attachment to disney character mugs, like the one pictured above - cuteness and creativity are winning factors for me. Corr blimey, maybe this is too analytical considering I am simply discussing something that holds fluid.

Eve 3-D Mug | 'Attringham' Teacup | Monogram Mug

Behold the wonder.

And yes, this is a collage of mugs. BALLIN'. 

A mix of Anthropologie and Disney (I'm sure you can figure which is which without complications), these are some mugs that have caught my eye. Bit gutted though guise. The daisy duck mug is now nowhere to be seen, maybe she'll pop up again, but for now, I'ma have to let her, and her suggestive side stare, go. Those monogram mugs are errry'whur, and I couldn't believe it when I saw that they were only £6! The Eve mug is super simple, cute and actually quite sleek for something that is meant to be more characteristically accurate than 'fashionable'. The 'Attringham' teacup seen above is exactly the granny appeal I was talking about, I love the little legs aswell - so delicate and dainty. 

Love the life you live, love the mugs you drink...out of.

CAN WE JUST.

Matt and Nat Trip Zip Purse in Citrus - £55

My eyes and this purse met today. 

...and I'm so glad they did.