bloomzy /

Make Your Own ‘Opoly

A week or so ago I received a very big, mysterious package.
Inside I found my childhood dream…yes, it was a make your own monopoly!
The game was sent to me to celebrate Gala Bingo and their new Monopoly slot game.
I was pretty damn excited, as you might imagine.
The really cool thing about this is that it comes with some software so you can customise the board. You choose your favourite areas and places to visit and create your own game out of it. I decided that I wanted to choose East London as I live there, and it’s also where I spend most of my time. I still haven’t fully decided on where exactly I will choose, as there are too many places that I love. I have a good idea though, and know it will definitely include: Fika, Tatty Devine, The Breakfast Club, Box Park and The Hawksmoor – so basically a selection of my favourite stores and restaurants. I was also given a small gift by Gala Bingo, which I plan to spend on a very big and yummy brunch at The Breakfast Club as soon as I get a spare moment!
I haven’t yet finished my board as I don’t have a printer…which kinda sucks as you really do need one.
However as soon as I’ve bugged someone who does have one, I’ll post more photos of the final product!
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bloomzy /

Animal Crossing New Leaf Diary

It’s been a while since I mentioned Animal Crossing, hasn’t it?
Well even though I took a short blog hiatus I didn’t stop playing.
Since my last diary post, I’ve done quite a bit.
I’ve built a few things for my town, such as the dream suite and camping site.
I’ve also had Sami visit me a few more times, as well as Ken visitine me, and me visiting him.
Club LOL (music/comedy club) has opened, as has Shampoodle (beauty parlour) & Kicks (shoe store).
Not only that but I’ve really got into collection furniture & clothing, and donating items to the museum.
I also got the QR Code reader so I can now download outfits and prints etc. that others have made.
It’s fair to say that after investing more time in playing the game, I want to play it more.
I think that’s one of the big appeals of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
There’s always something to do, and more to create.
I’ve also been using the pedometer (on the 3DS XL) most days.
I realise now that I do a crazy amount of walking.
You can purchase Animal Crossing in stores on the high street, or online here.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Masturi in London, Dalston Roof Park

Last weekend, the fiancé and I headed down the road to Dalston Roof Park for Matsuri in London.
For those who don’t know ‘matsuri’ is Japanese for festival, which means food, drink and a good time.
The event itself was set up by Fumio Tanga of Sho Foo Doh & Tim Anderson (Masterchef 2011 Winner).
Some of London’s best Japanese street food, cocktails, cinema, music and artists gathered for the event.
We arrived to Dalston Roof Park and a very long line of confused people – some had tickets and others didn’t. It took a bunch of us enquiring for the problem to be solved but eventually after waiting for a bit we headed in. We were greeted by a very sunny & hot roof top, where we proceeded to jump upon refreshing green tea cocktails. It was good that we had bought tickets as the venue soon started filling up and buzzing with excitement from eager foodies etc. We indulged in okonomiyaki and karaage burgers whilst lounging on the roof top, taking in a bird’s eye view of East London. It was pretty relaxing and the food was more than good. However we didn’t notice or hear about any of the ‘special events’ that were supposed to be taking place. I was also a little sad when I went to buy some matcha soft cream and was told the flavour was changing, and I would have to wait 30 minutes. Sorry guys but I only wait for matcha.
Overall I had a good time at the event, thanks to good food and company.
I’d definitely head to Dalston Roof Park again and I hope another ‘Matsuri in London’ is held next year.
bloomzy /

Animal Crossing New Leaf Diary: Week 1

Screencaps from my town ‘Blomzvil’ in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

A week has now passed since I started playing the new Animal Crossing game.
As you can see I’ve been busy socialising, shopping and travelling…pretty much an average day then!
So far I’ve found the game just as fun and addictive as the first, it’s also filled with a lot more hidden extras.
New Leaf puts you in the role of Mayor, of your own town.
I named mine ‘Blomzvil’ (because ‘Bloomzyville’ was apparently too long).
Ok it may not be an original name but Blomzvil sounds quite prosperous, no?
Moving in was exciting as it meant decorating my house – an ongoing mission, that’s also fun.
Since moving in I’ve expanded my house three times, and have even commissioned a new bridge.
That probably sounds incredibly boring but I am not kidding when I say that this is a great game.
I’ve enjoyed doing all the activities, and the new island feature, which is full of Kappas – I love Kappas!
My lovely Sami was the first visitor to my town last night (I’ve visited her a couple of times already).
I’m really bad at leaving the gates open for friends to come and visit. I just keep forgetting.
I really would like to have more visitors and to visit other people’s towns.
So leave your friend code if you’re playing too!
Another great feature of the 3DS XL is that you can use it as a pedometer.
You can keep track of how many steps you’ve taken as well as earning special credits to spend in your games.
I love this little incentive as it’s a fun way to encourage people to walk more, and take their console with them.
You can purchase Animal Crossing in stores on the high street, or online here.
bloomzy /

Introducing: Animal Crossing New Leaf

Animal Crossing: New Leaf for Nintendo 3DS

Earlier this week Nintendo sent me over a new 3DS XL as a gift.
Of course I was very excited, but what it came with was even more exciting.
If you haven’t already guessed, it was the Animal Crossing: New Leaf game!
The original Animal Crossing came out over 12 years ago – can you believe it?!
I had the first game and loved it to pieces so I was very happy to receive this.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf is nothing new to avid gamers, or those living in Japan.
However the game was not released in America, Europe and Australia until this month!
The new game goes along similar lines as the first, but with lots of extras and new gameplay.
So what does Nintendo have to say about it? 
“As mayor of your own town, you make the decisions that shape your town and your life. Experience a living, breathing world where new friends and new discoveries await every day. Express yourself by customizing your character, your house, and your town as you create your own ideal world (loaded with characters, items, and activities). Customise outfits in countless ways. Furnish your house with an extensive variety of furniture, carpet, and wall decorations to reflect your personality. Visit the Main Street Shopping area and Happy Home showcase. Swim in the ocean to find rare shell fish. Collect insects and fossils all year long. As mayor, make the big decisions about what build, business hours for shops, and other new ways to customize your town to your liking. Then connect with friends to show off what makes your character, your house, and your town unique.”

Recently I’ve been wanting to take on new territories on the blog.
Therefore I will be writing a few posts on my progress with the game, and possibly posting videos.
I was really happy with the response that my last game post received, so I’m hoping that you will all enjoy these too.
Please feel free to leave your friend codes if you would like me to come visit you!
You can purchase Animal Crossing in stores on the high street, or online here.
bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: Fabrique Swedish Bakery

Fabrique | Swedish Bakery Cafe | Hoxton | Website
– reservations not available –

Who would have thought that one of the best Swedish bakeries in London would be located in the railway arches underneath of Hoxton station? The setting is contemporary, and might seem a little odd, but ultimately adds character to the store. It’s also pretty easy to find – just exit Hoxton station and turn right, within less than a minute you will be gazing at Fabrique’s big red doors, ready for some Fika.

The artisanal bakery is the first outside of Stockholm, making Londoners very lucky indeed. Offering Swedish coffee by Johan & Nyström, and a large selection of buns, flapjacks, brownies, rolls and more you won’t be left lonely for choice. There are only a few tables to sit at, but most customers are on the go, so there’s usually the odd table to hijack with a friend or two. My friend and I visited on a Sunday afternoon around 3pm and whereas there were a few people sat at tables, we found a seat out front and enjoyed a Cardamon Bun and an Earl Grey tea with ease. It might seem odd that I choose a Cardamon Bun rather than Fabrique’s famous Cinnamon Bun, but actually I’d tried the latter before and wanted to try something new instead. Whereas their Cinnamon Buns have earned rave reviews, and I did enjoy mine, I loved the Cardamon Bun even more. I also now go back weekly for their sourdough rye rolls – honestly the best sourdough I’ve ever had. The staff are lovely, very helpful and always up for a chat.

Fika is open Tuesday-Sunday until 6pm.
You can find out more on their website, here.