A fresh start | A week in London

So admittedly I always seem to be motivated when a new year comes around. There is something really refreshing about a new start that really gets me excited about possibilities. I guess I've never been one for new years resolutions however; this year I knew I needed to make some changes. I want 2017 to be the year of happiness, and for me, blogging makes me so happy. I moved to London in September and since then I felt myself getting sucked in to the world of work and earning money that I forgot how amazing the city I fell in love with actually is. So 2017 is going to be spent discovering new parts of the city, eating some amazing food, drinking some fantastic coffee and just generally living a more positive life.

I came back from my Christmas break to London on January 9th. I was nervous that I was making the wrong decision, that home was where I belonged. But having been back over a week I've felt never been more excited to explore London and get back into the swing of things.

Saturday: Brunch. 
It always takes people by surprise when I tell them that breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. I could give or take a bowl of cornflakes any day, I mean good breakfast, eggs with sourdough, french toast, fluffy pancakes and bacon. That kinda breakfast.

I've been a fan of Grind for a while now. Grind is a London based coffee company with 'Shoreditch Grind' being the original site, they have over 8 different spots in London, with each location having it's own special something to make it unique. Having seen some amazing photo's online, I chose to visit Clerkenwell Grind. Just down from the Old Street roundabout.

Clerkenwell has an amazing vibe inside. With beautifully upholstered seats and marble tables. Saturday brunch is always going to be crazy so I was extremely lucky to grab one of the last tables. Their menu is extensive, so you wont struggle for choice. I went for an 'Amber Juice' a Flat White and an incredibly indulgent Banana French Toast with coconut frozen yoghurt.

I popped into Shoreditch Grind on the way back to the tube station for a coffee to go. It's clear why they've done so well. The coffee is fantastic and there is an amazing atmosphere inside. Also how cool is this 40's style cinema sign? 

Sunday: Explore
Nothing makes me happier than being an ultimate tourist and wandering the streets of London. Even though I have lived in London for over four months now, I still sometimes have to say to myself that this is my home. It never fails to amaze me how crazy London can be.

Whenever I have no plans for a day, I refuse to stay inside. Rain or not, I love packing my bag, crabbing my camera and heading out to take some photos. 

This is everything I carry around with me on a daily basis around London.
Notepad: Moleskine 
I always keep a notepad and a pen with me just incase some random inspiration or ideas hit.
Wallet: Zara
Recently I've switched from a traditional wallet to a card holder. Purely that it means you carry around the bare minimum, but also this one is brilliant from Zara that means you can carry coins too.
iPad: iPad Mini Retina 64GB
This is not an essential but always comes in handy when you need to pass some time on the tube or bus. I've gotten into iBooks a lot more and really think it's better than carrying around a physical book.
Headphones: Kitsound - Manhattan 
These headphones came into my life in the boxing day sales and I love them. They're bluetooth for a start so long gone is that annoying cable. But they're the first pair of headphones I actually don't look like stupid in. Props to having a big head!
Glasses: Glasses Direct - Scott
I've had these glasses for about a year now and they're amazing. Super light weight, durable and have a different frame from the usual square frame you see on most men's glasses. Glasses Direct also allow you to order multiple pairs to try on at home to find your prefect pair.

Winter is definitely here, London has gotten down to the low two and three degrees so I went out in search for a thick winter jacket. Zara has been my go to shop recently, I really like their simple take on classic items with some really out there pieces. I also got some boots in Topman that I probably didn't need but you can never have too many pairs of chelsea boots.

Wednesday: Shopping Day

Now to unwind. London can be a bit full on at times. I vowed to take more time in 2017 to take time out. To relax, and not be constantly rushing. For me, that's going for a nice walk, grabbing a warm drink and listening to some good music. I've been loving the Spotify Playlist 'Infinite Acoustic recently.

I'm thinking about making these posts a regular weekly thing where I round up my week in photos. It's a nice way to reflect back on the week you've had.

Thank you for reading,

Luke.