My weekly smiles #5

It's that time of the week again and oh has it been a mad one. Things are starting to get busier in work and everyone seems that bit more stressed. It is only going to get more hectic from here, so apologies if I am not posting as regularly or posts become shorter, I will be sure to keep you updated on the crazy happenings though making sure each post is a little special. Things will be less crazy after the 15th September, our London Fashion Week show date. I am very nervous but luckily my manager has confronted me about health, I managed to explain to her about my struggles. I know I haven't really gone in depth about what is actually wrong, I have always just brushed over it.. maybe one day I will open up completely to you all, but for now just know that I am fighting & improving, finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was nice to speak openly to my boss and for her to be understanding, this is a hectic time in such a cutting edge industry and I know the last thing they need is me being ill and having to attend dr's appointments. But, talking to her has somewhat gave us a good relationship as her advice is so comforting and motherly.. just what I needed when my family is so far away. Even though this week has been busy it was hard to think of what to post just because I was so rushed off my feet, it has been a case of work-eat-sleep-repeat, but this is what I came up with:

1. Bank Holiday Monday, it was a productive day but I spent it in my lazy clothes. Check out my 'Relaxed Bank Holiday Weekend' to see what I got up to.
2. DMC (deep & meaningful conversations) in work.
3. Finally got in the Embroidery room. Hoping the Print department start needing some help soon too, I am a studio intern so I just kind of float around where I am needed.
4. Wasabi Hosomaki Sushi Bento Box. Weekend working started this week, they provided us with lunch choices of Wasabi Sushi or a Pret Salad. Of course I opted for the sushi!
5. Smoked Salmon. I have been a lover of salmon since I turned pescetarian, adding fish into my diet. This week I bought smoked salmon slices to add into my salads for work. This was the best decision I have made in awhile! Love trying new foods. However, this was great for my taste buds and not so good for my bank balance. Why is it so expensive?!
6. Church. Went to the HTB 9:30am service on Brompton Rd. It was one of those services that you think, wow he is literally talking about my life. I especially like this quote from today's speaker "The antidote to anxiety is gratitude, thankfulness gives contentment".
7. Mugs. Vintage and handcrafted I have finally bought some large mugs, they were the perfect charity shop find at only £2 each and covered in a beautiful floral print. They are so big, perfect for the morning coffee and night time hot chocolate.
8. Student Finance. I got paid!
9. Morning Porridge.
10. Autumnal fashion. Autumn fashion is my favourite, starting to make it's way into the stores. Even though I will be in the sunshine continent when it is autumn in the UK.|

Song of the week: Lily Wood & Robin Schulz - Prayer in c (Robin Schulz Remix). Gives me that Summer vibe.
Movie of the week: Sweet Home Alibama. Sunday night movie time.
Blogger of the week: Laura Jane Williams aka Superlatively Rude. Blogger of all things vagina, spiritualism and food. This girl is a super talented writer, not to mention hilarious.

Let's Explore: Bricklane

Bricklane is one of the most well known streets in East London, with its cultural history, buzzing vibes, amazing curries, artistic patterns and vintage fashions. 

If anyone asked me when to go to Bricklane.. I would say on a Sunday! No other time compares to when your walking down the street and its bustling with people from all over the world. Be sure to get your people watching binoculars on as it is a great place to spot some of the latest vintage trends. 

The markets fill the street with fashion and antiques, there is also huge options for all you fellow foodies to sit down and grab a bite or get something on the go.

I spotted this little stall on the way down and couldn't resist a photograph of these man-vs-food wraps.

But what you really MUST do is experience the curry, Bricklane is famous for the best curry you can get in London!

The first day I moved into my flat I headed down Bricklane for a curry, we even researched which was the best curry house in order to avoid disappointment. Disappointed we were not! In an attempt to dine like curry royalty we decided to try Aladin's, after reading it had been praised by Prince Charles!

I went for the Vegetable Biryani and we shared a Peshwari Nan, sweet and stuffed with almonds and sultana. There is no words for this nan, I have never had a Peshwari that was like this one - it truly was sweet and tasty. With Biryani being my go to curry I was further impressed as this was definitely the best Biryani I have ever devoured, the portion of rice was generous and even enough for everyone else to dig in to! I had only wished for more sauce as it was so good.

If you feel like your stomach can't handle a curry and your wondering the streets for lunch, I would check out 'The Boiler House Food Hall', it has over 30 stalls of international culinary delights!! Your senses will never be so pleased as you step in to this place and experience being surrounded by food from all over the world, be prepared to 'ooo...' and 'aaah…' as you salivate approaching food heaven. TMI?

A few weekends ago I headed down there for lunch with Rosie we couldn't decide what to order, so we went for Ethiopian and Turkish and then split them, feasting in the open air.

Our box of Ethiopian cuisine was all vegan friendly, filled with all types of beans, pulses, vegetables and olives in an Ethiopian style pancake. I couldn't tell you what half of it was but I would happily relive this moment, eating this meal again and again.

The Turkish box was um, not adventurously Turkish. With couscous, red cabbage slaw, more olives, lettuce, pickled long green peppers, halloumi and garlic sauce. This one was tasty but nothing compared to the Ethiopian box of dreams.

Before our feast we headed into a few of the vintage stores, rummaging for some bargains.

(What is great about London is the diverse style, you can really pick up some great tips just by getting outside and exploring the streets. Especially in East London, with the clashings of culture and fashion.. it is a place where anything goes and even the most extravagant looks won't be judged. That is what is so fantastic.. you can be whoever you want to be, wear whatever you want to wear and just be you)

Of course with great alternative fashion, you need great music.

You will catch some new up-and-coming bands as you walk down the cobbled streets.

And don't forget to grab yourself a fresh juice on your way down!

Or a Pineapple.