bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: Dishoom

Dishoom | Bombay Cuisine | All-day Menu | Shoreditch | Website
– reservations available –
 
If I told you there was a Bombay Cafe in East London, you’d probably think I was crazy.
Well I may be a little weird, but I’m definitely not crazy, because right in the heart of Shoreditch is Dishoom.
Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the old cafes in Bombay, Dishoom is as beautiful inside as the food is delicious.
We stopped for brunch on a Saturday morning, around 10:30am.
It wasn’t busy but there were a few couples and groups dotted about.
Breakfast is served until 11:30am on weekdays, and 1pm on weekends (possible hangover cure?).
The inside of the restaurant is spacious and gorgeously decorated in a rustic Bombay-inspired manner.
We were sat by a very chilled matradee and served by a friendly waitress, both whom matched the atmosphere.
I was enticed by the variety of food on the breakfast menu, especially when I saw the Indian inspiration.
I’d heard that the ‘Spicy Chai’ was amazing, so I ordered one for myself, whilst the fiance had the ‘Breakfast Lassi’.
He went for the ‘Full Bombay’ and I filled up on the ‘House Porridge’ & ‘Fire Toast – we were both impressed.
Whereas I was intimidated by the spicy scrambled egg, the fiancé said it was “the best [he’d] ever had.”
We both enjoy our food (probably more than the next person), so after we both said we’d be back I knew it was a hit! Next time I definitely plan to have the ‘Chocolate Spicy Chai’ and the ‘Sausage Naan Roll’ (an interesting sounding take on an English staple), or the ‘Bombay Omelette’ – if I’m feeling brave (I can’t handle spice). The prices were reasonable and the food amazing. I’ll be trying out the lunch (I may have already arranged a date with a friend) and the dinner menu soon.
Check out Dishoom’s website here.
bloomzy /

Event: Make Your Own Pizza @ Pizza Express

Make Your Own Pizza Blogger Event, at Pizza Express

Last week Pizza Express were very brave and allowed 20-odd bloggers to make their own pizza.
I don’t think any of us had any clue where to begin, even so what we lacked in knowledge we made up for in enthusiasm. 
The special event was to mark the arrival of their new Summer menu, which is released today!
The Summer menu features some amazingly light and healthy options, as well as their classics.
This includes a Leggera pizza for less than 500 calories, and a salad for less than 300 calories!
Whether you’re watching what you eat or not, you have to admit that’s impressive.
We arrived and were seated with a drink from the bar and a menu to peruse.
I chatted with some of the other bloggers and nibbled on some sea salt almonds.
Everyone was very friendly and pretty eager to get down to the pizza making.
So we donned our hats & aprons and were shown step-by-step how to make our own Leggera pizza.
After shaping the dough and adding sauce, we were let lose to choose our toppings.
I choose a veggie friendly cheese, tomato and pesto selection.
About 20mins after being sent to the ovens, it was the moment of truth!
My pizza was delicious, if I do say so myself, and it also managed to fill me up.
Now as for the salad, I’m not a big salad fan, so when the new Leggera salad was put in front of me I was shockingly surprised. As well as lettuce it includes mozzarella, beetroot, butternut squash, cucumber and avocado. This salad isn’t just a few lettuce leaves and some dressing, it’s a masterpiece! Ok ok, so I didn’t eat the leaves but I demolished half a plate of the other stuff. I think Pizza Express has done really well in choosing these for their Summer menu – they’re light, healthy and won’t make you feel guilty. I also loved the addition of gluten-free bases/items to the menu, as it’s something I personally look for.
Will I be visiting Pizza Express this Summer? You bet! 
I’m trying to eat healthier lately so this will be a treat that I won’t feel bad about.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Boots, Bites & Business

What have I been up to lately?

Well my internship with Finchittida Finch is going great!
We’re getting down to the final hours of a very exciting, and big, order.
Of course I still had time to pamper myself and do my nails in some Spring pastel shades.
In the meantime my good friend Anna returned from Norway with treats!
She brought me back some speciality cheese, and a gorgeous neon glitzy necklace.
We made plans to grab some food and catch-up, so we went to a great Turkish restaurant in Islington.
I wore my new boots (spent with my birthday gift card from Sami), which are so cute and comfy.
I also joined Vine this week! You can follow me on: bloomzy
My new business cards for the blog arrived too, featuring my Tatty Devine name necklace.
Then finally this past weekend I popped down to Shoreditch to do a bit of shopping.
I bought a Uniqlo x Keith Haring t-shirt that called to me as soon as I stepped into the pop-up.
I also indulged in some okonomiyaki along Brick Lane – the place for street food!
You can follow me on Instagram to stalksee what I’m up to: bloomzy
bloomzy /

Recycle Clothes for Money

Make money from your unwanted clothes
Ever fancied making a bit of money out of old clothes, but you’re not a fan of selling online?
Well luckily for you one internet site has come to the rescue and has just the solution!
Now you can recycle your clothes for money with the scheme run by Music Magpie.
The site is already well known for buying old games, dvds and cds etc. and now they have come up with a new feature that allows people to send in their old unwanted clothing, for money. They accept clothing from well known brands such as Topshop, All Saints, Vivienne Westwood and many many more. Has that old ball gown been lying dormant in your wardrobe? Don’t fancy taking up space with that puffa jacket now the weather is improving? Well you’re in luck because Music Magpie also take a wide variety of garments, so don’t worry, they have you covered. They also take maternity and vintage items, as long as it’s from one of the brands listed.
The process itself is very simple, all you have to do is:
1. Go to Music Magpie
2. Enter the brand and garment
3. Choose whether it is womens/men
4. Select the size, colour, material etc.
5. You are quoted a price for your clothing
6. If you’re happy, send them off (postage is free), and you receive your money (bank transfer/cheque)!
There are also a few added extras, such as being able to exchange your clothing for an e-voucher or to donate the money you made to charity – it’s entirely up to you! The service is fast & reliable, and saves you having to pay fees to sell online. It also means you can sit back, relax and sell your clothes with a cup of tea in hand. It’s that easy.
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This post is in collaboration with Music Magpie but all views, photos and words are my own.
bloomzy /

Event: Ax Paris Circus

AX Circus Event held by Ax Paris
Every now and then an event makes a mark on the blogging community.
Last week’s Ax Paris Circus event was one of these events.
I received my invite just before I went away on holiday to France.
Very clever marketing indeed – it meant I had about 2-3 weeks to get excited.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the buzz in the blogging community kept everyone talking.
I knew it was held at Covent Garden’s Circus so it would be featuring acts of a similar nature.
I’m not really a fan of circus-y acts so I wasn’t too excited but I have to say that it won me over.
The performances were energetic, and I loved the gorgeous lady who wowed us all with her fire eating.
It was the guy who managed to swing round on a hoop at about 100mph that impressed me the most though.
There was an open bar and the yummy cocktails seemed to be endless.
I only drank 1, but I appreciated the lovely hostesses who kept offering me more.
The canapés are also worth a mention as they were very different and extremely yummy.
I didn’t eat or drink much as I was still a little under the weather, but the quality was not lost on me.
Overall I had an amazing night, but the real highlight was meeting so many lovely bloggers!
It really brought every one together, and it was so nice being able to mingle & chat.
Thank you Etail & Ax Paris!
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Street Art in Shoreditch, London

This post is image heavy, so I’ve popped the rest below

I’m very lucky living so close to Shoreditch, and I often spend my free time in the area.
Street Art is a big part of the ‘neighbourhood’ and new pieces pop up all the time.
Some people might call this graffiti, but to me it’s art.
I wanted to share some of my current favourites with you.
A lot of the pieces are colourful and fun, whilst others have a deeper meaning.
Art & Fashion are a big part of Shoreditch, so it only makes sense that artists come here to show off their work.
It’s brilliant that these artists can work with such large canvases and bring life to the old buildings.
Which piece is your favourite?
bloomzy /

OOTD: Ski Holiday Chamonix

 
 (Kit from various ski stores around Chamonix & Argentière)
 
Now I bet you weren’t expecting me to look this good so early in the morning, were you? Joking aside, as I am currently on a skiing holiday in Chamonix I thought I’d share a fitting outfit post. I was kitted up the morning after we arrived in France, as I don’t actually own any ski gear. The decision to own any kind of sports equipment went out the window after I left high school.
I didn’t really have much choice with the boots and skis as I rented them. However I do love how the rental guy matched my boots and skis to my coat. He was a pretty funny guy who enjoyed my comments about how ski boots could be practical & flashy. We also had a laugh after he asked me whether I wanted “gloves or muffins” – a lost in translation moment. The French word for mittens is ‘moufle’ which kind of sounds like muffins, but only ever so slightly. I felt the need to share that little anecdote with you all…sorry.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be investing in any ski gear anytime soon.