Life Lately: Getting out of London

*Picture dense post to follow*

Last weekend I escaped from the hubbub of London and headed into the countryside for some rest and relaxation. I lived with two amazing girls at university who I havent seen for over a year and with one living in Salisbury, we thought the Bank Holiday weekend would be a perfect time to reunite in her home town. I do love being in London but I couldn't pass up chance the to be outdoors, surrounded by green fields and take in some of the local sites as well as the traditional mayfair in the sleepy town of downton.

We walked, we talked, we sipped on local cider and we ate, embracing each others company and reminicising about university and how much time has passed. We visited the cathedral in Salisbury, we saw Stonehenge, we walked along dirt trails and through wide, green fields and we soaked up the sunshine on offer. 

And it was just the little escape from London that I needed.

midweek mix #19

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sunday sound #19

turning 26

Birthdays are not my strong point. I think because I am never very high maintenance about celebrating them, they come and go before my eyes and just like any other day, end. 

Turning 26 is not a big deal for me. I have the philosophy that age is just a number and have never really had a life plan and as such, birthdays do not fill me with fear about the things I haven't done. I think this attitude is refreshing; so many people get hung up on their age and what they, or other people say, they should have achieved by a certain age. 

Sure I think it is good to have life goals, but getting preoccupied with ticking off things from you bucket list as your age increases rapidly, is a waste of time in my opinion. I never classed myself as an adventurous person; I am introvert, like a small and reliable group of friends and feel activities should be planned and organised. But, and this is mainly thanks to my partner in crime for the past 9 years, I am starting to see the benefits of a spontaneous life. 

If 10 years ago, you had said to me that at the age of 26 I would have lived in another country, let alone be planning my second international move, dog and all, I would have said you were crazy. But that is the nice part about expat life. The opportunities that open up to if you break out from the comfort zone of London are well worth it in the long run. 

Since I have been away from London for the past three birthdays I decided to make this one a  weekend long affair, starting with mexican and mojitos, an Italian lunch and family filled day and ending with a weekend in the countryside with walks, wine and fresh air which you will undoubtedly hear more about next week. 

My 26th year is set to be a good one and I am so thankful for the support of family and the amazing friends that still bother with me despite my unpredictable schedule. 

Food Blog: My Mouth is Full

Food blogs are my guilty pleasure; devouring dishes with my eyes and reading recipes quickly pass the time and give me some much needed kitchen inspiration. I talked before about some of my favourite food blogs, but a new one has recently caught my eye and has left me salivating. 

My Mouth is Full has some fantastic food photography and follows Sayana's food journey in the UAE and throughout her travels. The blog also chronicles her tried and tested recipes and has a range of food inspired by visits, travels and festivals like Ramadan. 

If I was a more seasoned chef I would definitely want to try her Falooda, Prawn Roast and the Halloumi Stuffed Garlic Whole Wheat Bread. 

Prawn Roast

Halloumi Garlic Stuffed Whole Wheat Bread

Falooda

For you foodies out there, this blog is a must visit!