bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Bob, Bacon, Bling

Cryptic as that title may sound, it pretty much sums up my last couple of weeks.
It’s been a busy few weeks but I’ve been relaxing and treating myself now and then.
I went to Sundown Festival with my bestie Jemi and had my nails done by Effy Nails.
I’m now convinced that I need to hire Rachel to be my personal nail artist – I’m hooked!
I was sent some luxurious fruit gelato by Divino, which I promise I didn’t eat all at once.
I got my hair done at Bleach, as this week marks the start of something special so I had to look good.
I rocked the amazingly gorgeous Avantgarde tights that Renka sent me – see my package video here.
I ate out several times this week with friends and the fiancé…it’s my weakness, I must be stopped!
I also indulged in some new candles from Kringle and Oliver Bonas – gingerbread, and vanilla.
Finally on Sunday I had a day to relax to myself before the start of a hectic week.
I can’t wait to let you all in on my exciting news, so keep an eye on my Twitter.
bloomzy /

Video: Goodies from Japan

A week or so ago I received a special package from Japan.

It was from one of my best friends Renka, and she sent me some amazing stuff.

I was so excited to open it and share it with everyone that I decided to make a video!

Check it out here, or on my Youtube account.

Don’t forget to watch it in 720HD for the best quality.

bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Cream Cakes & A Dog Show

Last weekend I went home to spend some time with my family.
As about 99% of my close family have dogs we decided to head to the county dog show.
I hadn’t been to one before but was excited to be around so many cute pups and to test out my new camera.
It was a glorious day so I dressed up and donned my sunglasses and my new obsession…a head scarf!
Of course we also had to stop for tea, as we’re oh so typically English.
I met plenty of adorable dogs and couldn’t stop snapping away, so here are a few of my favourites.
Oddly enough I didn’t actually take many photos of my own dog at the show – I know I’m a terrible owner.
The little black cockapoo belongs to my Uncle though, and the bulldog to my cousin.
The rest are just doggies I couldn’t resist taking a snap of.
bloomzy /

Video: Hyper Japan 2013

I’ve made a small video with some footage that I took at Hyper Japan 2013.

Unfortunately this was after my camera died so it was all taken on my iPhone.

Even so if you watch it in 720p HD you will still get the full effect.

Enjoy!

bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: Madsen

Madsen – Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch – Kensington: Website
– reservations available –
Madsen is a Scandinavian restaurant that offers traditional and contemporary dishes.
They use fresh ingredients so that every mouthful is full of goodness and flavour.
“The emphasis at Madsen is on freshness, simplicity, purity and taste.”
I headed there on a Saturday evening with 3 friends.
We had made reservations but actually ended up wanting to move them forward an hour due to our schedule, and luckily the lovely people at Madsen were able to accommodate us. The setting was clean, stylish and modern – we were all impressed. I always order a starter and main, or a main and dessert, purely because I can’t eat anymore, so it’s always an internal struggle to choose between the two options. Madsen made this even more difficult for me as all of the dishes sounded delicious. Still, I was able to finally decided and ordered a Pear Rekorderlig as I waited for my veggie risotto dish to arrive, whilst the others ordered meat dishes; rump steak, pork belly and Danish meatballs. As our meals arrived we commented on how they had been presented so nicely – I like my food to look as good as it tastes, and taste as good as it looks….which thankfully these did. My risotto was perfectly creamy, and the Swedish cheese gave it a wonderfully strong flavour. The dishes may not look filling but they certainly were and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to tempt myself with a dessert, but the Swedish Waffle was calling to me and so I gave in. Thankfully it was very light, and tasted better than any other waffle I’ve had before. I think I may have also dreamt about it that night.
Madsen is a wonderful restaurant with delightful staff who went out of their way to help us. I’m not sure I would go back for dinner again though, purely because I feel that I’ve experienced the dinner menu, thanks to the 4 of us ordering 2/3 of the mains and desserts. However I am intrigued by their lunch menu and I would certainly pop in if I was in the area.
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 /

Where to Eat in London: Sketch

Sketch | European | All-day Menu | Mayfair | Website
– reservations available –
Sketch is arguably as tasty on the eyes, as it is the tummy.
As soon as you walk into the exquisite hallway, you know what to expect.
The decor is eclectic and rich – Sketch and it’s various rooms were designed by artists.
A restaurant that used to house the HQ of Christian Dior wouldn’t be expected of anything else though, no?
So what was the food like?
I didn’t think the food could be any better than the decor, I find that a restaurant usually excels in one or the other.
So as we were lead to our table in The Glade, I was certain that our afternoon lunch had climaxed already. Yet Sketch surprised me. We ordered their opulent (and largest) ‘Sketch Afternoon Tea’, to celebrate my friend’s graduation – nothing is more deserving of a luxurious lunch than 3 hard years at university. It comes per person, or there is a lighter version for two – we choose the ‘lighter’ version, as the menu seemed quite intimidating. Selections of beautiful cakes, scones, sandwiches and macarons fit for Marie Antoinette, layered the cake stand. Every bite was full of delicate, yet distinct flavour, leaving us wanting more. This is certainly no ordinary Afternoon Tea.
Eating at Sketch is an experience as much as it is a delight.
Taking into consideration the decadence and price, it certainly isn’t an everyday treat though.
However if you have the chance to go, snap it up, because bookings are taken months in advance.
Sketch lived up to it’s reputation – the food and surroundings were magnificent.
I’m already trying to figure out what to celebrate next, as an excuse to visit!