Miscellaneous Favourite #1: The Garrison

This is the first post in my 'Favourites' series which tells you about my 'Miscellaneous' favourite of December; I hope you like it!

Whilst visiting London for Thanksgiving with my family (it was lovely, thank you for asking) my brother recommended a homely pub-come-cafe for breakfast. At first glance, I have to say, I assumed it was a typical public house, ready to serve up your classic and greasy, fry-up breakfast. I must stress that it actually has a lovely green tiled and white exterior but I was fooled by the 'Public House' part of the name. 

Upon entering, we were greeted with a cacophony of shabby-chic distressed furniture, large lamp shades hanging overhead, and very friendly staff. It is about as far as you can get from the eighties interior of most Pubs.

I loved it instantly. It is so cute and just, well, vintage. Even the cup and saucers the tea is served in don't match - a nice touch which added to the muddled and cosy atmosphere of the place.

The breakfast menu is wonderfully simple and inviting in its layout, presenting all the usual choices and more. I plumped for my favourite, eggs royale, and I wasn't disappointed (although I had hoped that it would be served on brioche, rather than a bread muffin but I got over it, quickly). The others opted for eggs florentine and the 'Garrison full and proper breakfast' which all looked equally as delicious. The fresh orange juice was amazing (make sure you ask for no ice though because you get more!) and my Dad couldn't speak highly enough of his cappuccino.

The place had such a lovely and warm atmosphere, with an open front kitchen and fresh produce in wooden boxes adorning the walls. I really did not want to leave. I wished I could have stayed there and sampled all the sweets, whilst huddled up with a good book. Perfect. 

I only sampled their breakfast menu, but you can click here for their website where you can find their lunch and dinner menus which look just as delightful. Or you could go there and see for yourself; The Garrison can be found at at 99 Bermondsey St.

OH, and did I mention that they have their own cinema? 

I know, right.

Chem x

Direction

I've realised that my blog is slightly lacking in direction and consistency with regards to content. Originally, I just thought that I would write about whatever comes into my head (within reason) and interested me. Of course, this will still be the case, however I'm going to introduce a little more structure. After an inspiring meeting with Charlotte Summers, co-founder and editor of SUITCASE magazine (go check it out, it's a brilliant and innovative fusion of beauty and travel), I've decided to choose 4 topics, each of which will be blogged about monthly. For example, come the week of the 1st December, I will be writing about my 'miscellaneous' favourite - think restaurants, a book, an exhibition, or a website. The week after that, will be dedicated to a favourite of mine from another category - hopefully you get the idea! I've decided not to say what those topics will be, in the hope that you will be so intrigued that you will undoubtedly revisit my blog for the grand revelation (please?!) 

Anyway, I just thought I'd let you all know; I'm excited to have a structure that will allow me to explore many different areas that interest me, and hopefully you too.

Stay tuned!

Chem x

Nike Blazers

I've been hankering after a pair of these bad boys for quite a while now. I finally took the plunge/bit the bullet/grabbed the bull by the horns (*insert generic phrase about being impulsive right here*) on a hungover Saturday morning. My purse was feeling uncharacteristically full (a misty-eyed illusion unfortunately) and the last dregs of alcohol remained in my system making me feel somewhat frivolous, so it happened. These beautiful specimens entered my shopping basket and were soon on their way to me.

I haven't looked back. Seriously. Since these oh-so-soft suede high tops arrived a week ago and I tugged and wrestled them onto my feet with the help of 2 friends (I'm not gonna lie, they're an absolute bitch to get on at first) they have barely left my feet. Sometimes I'm even reluctant to remove them before bed but my boyfriend insists; unreasonable, no?

I opted for a colour the Office website describes as 'Team red' which is a maroon shade. I absolutely love the it; they go with pretty much my whole wardrobe and it gives the trainers an autumnal twist, who'd have thought! They were worth the £62.99 (thank you very much, student discount) price tag because I know I'm going to struggle to wear any other pairs of shoes that I own.

If I have, perchance, left you pining after your own pair you can find the full range of Nike Blazers here on the Office website, or click here for my particular pair.

Chem x

Loosey Goosey, baby

Last week my boyfriend and I, along with another couple, headed to Nottingham's annual Goose Fair. After a quick bout of research (hello, Google) I've discovered that it began as a trade fair in the 1280s, making it almost 700 years old. Wow. The name is thought to have come from the large numbers of geese which were driven to Nottingham from Lincolnshire and Norfolk to be sold.

Today, however, it is your typical (huge) fun fair with as many kinds of rides, game stands and food stalls as you can imagine. Think impossible hoopla stands where the ring is just that little bit too small to fit over the iPad you're trying to win, basket ball shoot-outs with tempting life-size stuffed animals as prizes and hook-the-duck-everybody-wins-type stalls (these are the best kind, obviously). Lets not forget the terrifying rides which spin you round and round and up and down at ridiculous speeds, either! Anyway, I'm sure you get the picture. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun; the waltzer and the wobbly ferris wheel were definitely highlights, and we came out of the fair two multi-coloured footballs richer. Winning. 

We went at night so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take my camera and try and get some interesting shots of the fair ground's bright attractions. I'm pleased with how they turned out so I've included some below. It also reminded me of the Bristol Harbourside Festival which I went to in the Summer during a half day photography course. They had a funfair as well as food and craft stalls, boats strewn with bunting on the river and ample sunshine so I've included some shots from that day as well.

I thought it would be nice to use this blog as somewhere to show my photographs as I am trying to improve my photography and editing skills. I always enjoy looking at other people's photographs so I hope you will too!

Chem x

Keep on running

(source)

Running.

It’s quite a strange type of exercise when you think about it; running to a place just to turn around and go back the way you came, or running in a loop and, quite literally, ending up where you started. It seems quite disheartening and pointless when it's put in those terms. If you believe these things, however, you're wrong. Just over a week ago my Mum and I competed in the Bristol Half Marathon and I can honestly say that I've never experienced anything like the elation I felt when I crossed the finish line after 13.1 long and sweaty miles. 

I convinced my Mum to take part in the half-marathon with me in a moment of inspiration following a couple of friends completing marathons – if they could do that surely I could do a half marathon?! It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Needless to say that once it came to the training, the reality of that godforsaken distance really hit home. I don't think people realise just quite how long 1 mile is, let alone 13. I can  now announce, with insider knowledge, that it's really bloody far. Yes, that is the technical description. Despite the struggles with training, the thoughts of 'WHY?!' everytime a run loomed and the inevitable unsightly blisters and black toenails (c'mon, we're all friends here), we crossed the finish line with a time of 2hrs 24mins and an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. 

I've never been a 'runner'. I try to keep fit in different ways such as going to the gym, doing exercise DVDs (The Tracy Anderson Method Dance Cardio is a firm favourite, in case you're wondering) and following YouTube videos but running was never ever my first choice. Needless to say I never thought I'd finish a half-marathon high on life and having loved every minute of it. But I did, I really did. The atmosphere, the people shouting encouragment throughout, the sensation of thinking 'I can do this...I am doing this!';  all of it. The post-run lunch of gourmet sausage rolls and chips wasn't bad either.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if you're thinking about taking up running, do it. Sign up for a local fun run or perhaps a half-marathon that's taking place in your city; I think having an event to work towards is really inspiring. You will at times be ready to give up and wonder where the hell this ridiculous idea came from (ahem, guilty) but if you stick at it, you'll achieve something great, I promise. It doesn't even have to be running; my point is that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and the feeling when that happens is amazing. I did, and I can't wait to surprise myself even more in the future.

If a person who hasn't run in a week and is in bed wearing a onesie whilst eating pudding doesn't inspire you, then I don't know what will... Can you say 'hypocrite'?!

Chem x

First things first...

So here goes, my first blog post ever, deep breath.

Starting a blog is something that I've been meaning to do for a while, and after much debate over template and background designs, I have finally arrived at the point at which I must write! I've always struggled with the first bit of writing, be it with an essay or a poignant card but I've discovered that the best thing to do is, surprise surprise, just write!

It seems fitting to introduce myself first, the person whose ramblings you will be perusing. I'm Chem, pronounced Sh-em; not K-em or CH-em. I mean you don't say Karlotte, do you? Understandably it may take a moment or two to get ones head around it, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. The first time is always the hardest, I promise. In case you're wondering, my full name is Charlotte and my middle name is Emily, so I've been known as Chem/Chemmie since I was tiny. Hopefully the title of my blog  makes more sense now as well (it rhymes y'see, do you get it?...There we go.)

Anyway, I think that's enough about the pronunciation and origins of my name.

Welcome to my blog, a place where I will be spilling my mutterings and mumbles on any number of topics. I'm a 21 year old student in my final year at University studying History. Amongst other things, I'm interested in literature, fashion, beauty and photography, and eventually I'd like to be part of the world of writing and journalism. How I will endeavor to do this is a work in progress, but I thought a blog would be the perfect way to start the journey. I hope you'll join me for the ride!

Chem x