Cha Cha Matcha

I recently went to New York in July to meet up with some of my amazing blogger friends. I have lots to get round to blogging about, however I have really wanted to do this post for ages and thought it was time. So lots more on my trip soon! But now to talk about a magical place I have wanted to go for ages after seeing fab photos on instagram. This place is Cha Cha Matcha.

On my trip to Manchester in April I finally got to try a matcha latte, and it was delicious! And of course I fell completely in love with it. I found this amazing place online which happened to be in New York, and I added it to my list of things to do while I was there. I was only in New York for such a short time, and am already planning my return, but on my last day in the city I managed to go visit with Lina. 

It was pretty magical, and very instagram/blog worthy, as you can see from my photos. I ended up ordering a warm matcha latte, and it was wonderful. They had all different types of drinks you could order, including some fabulous looking cold ones. They will be a must the next time I visit. 

The decor was so fun, and I just wanted to take photos of everything. Friendly staff working really hard as they measure all the servings out to perfection. Pastel pink and bright green tables, with grass on the wall, and their signature cha cha neon font adorned the walls. It really was perfection. I mean even the lightening in the toilet was pink! It was the perfect place to relax in such a busy city before I headed home. While I was visiting they opened up a new location which will be on my list to visit next time I am in New York. You can find out move about Cha Cha Matcha on their website or take a peek at their instagram.

Autumn-Winter vibes

It's December! Oh my goodness, how did that happen?! This year seems to have gone ever so fast. I just feel like I was getting ready for Christmas not so long ago. Happy 1st December! Anyway! Let's talk about Autumn-Winter vibes. The days are getting colder, I can really feel the difference. Mostly when I get up in the morning as it takes ages to warm up. Lots of extra coffee and porridge helps! 

The leaves have been so beautiful recently. Every time I look up or down I love seeing those beautiful leaves all over the place. Autumn is really here and alive indeed! I have been getting super excited for Christmas. Time seems to be going so fast, so I'm making the most of everything Christmassy. You know how it is when you keep working, and time passes by. I always think I have loads of time for christmas actives, movies, food dates, coffee dates, but work gets in the way, so I am trying to start early so I can get it all squeezed in.

I am pretty proud to say that I have done most of my christmas shopping. I mostly wanted to get it done because when you work in retail, you don't really want to be going out shopping in December. When you come home from long hours in a store, the thought of going out through the shops fills me with dread. So just a tiny little bit left to do! Thank goodness. Other than shopping I have been listening to my favourite christmas albums. These include She and Him, Cameron Mitchell & Aprilemade, oh and listening to this song over and over and over. This song really makes me feel christmassy. It's now one of those traditions for myself and David to watch A Very Murray Christmas every year now.

Let's catch up

So it's Autumn again. It's currently October, and I can't believe its actually here. October is a perfect month, mostly because the weather and leaves start to change. It's time to grab your coat and scarf and horror movies! It's the perfect time to crack out a pile of DVDs, ready to get snugged on the sofa with. Plus I'm currently wearing a giant thick cardigan and eating warm chocolate pudding while I type this.

My mind is currently in a good place. It's been working hard recently. I finally get up in the morning ready for the day ahead. I look forward to going to work in the morning, I look forward to the challenges ahead. I have been lucky enough to get a new job role at work and it's hard work, but I'm so ready for it. getting to travel around and meet lots of new people really has been rewarding. I needed that.

I really need to start Christmas shopping. It's coming, we all know it! I really want to get most of it done because in December I always seem to run out of time. When it's December I seem to get booked up with plans and work lots of over time, so time to go out and shop falls to the back of the list of things to do. I have two presents already, but I really need to get my head in the game.

In other news;

- I am currently on episode 6 of Gilmore Girls. I have never watched this show until 2 days ago, needless to say I'm enjoying having Netflix.

- I'm pretty bummed about the recent person to leave Ru Paul's DragRace Allstars 2 this week. Mega sad face.

- I keep forgetting that Rogue One is coming! I had the worst Force Friday with countless toy shops saying they had no clue what I was talking about, even though they did it last year. After lots of searching and an amazing boyfriend and fab gal pal, I managed to get what I wanted. However the pops are another story. Hopefully soon.

- I'm on holiday after this next week of working. Lots planned including a trip to see a new gal pal, and lots of creative meetings, exhibition set up, and more!

- Also I feel like I have gone pumpkin mad. I need all the drinks, pie and decorations I can find. ALSO I need candy corn. I'm craving it. 

Enjoy Fall/Autumn! Its the best!

Wandering around Canterbury

So while Dillon was visiting I had to take him to Canterbury. The wonderful thing about Canterbury is it's so beautiful and very close to where I live. My super gal pal Charlotte picked us up in her little car and drove us. As we were driving through the countryside I realised how good it felt to be back in the countryside. I will always be a city lover, but there is something so special about the open green space, just like the sea, that I love. It's just so fresh, and you feel so free.

When we got to Canterbury we made a quick stop to Burgate Coffee. I have wanted to visit this coffee house for quite some time. I always seem to be in such a rush when I walk past, and never get the chance to pop in and check it out. But today this was finally going to change. 

We walked through the door and it was busy, lots of people chatting and drinking hot drinks. We were greeted by friendly baristas, and saw there were table up the back. We ordered our drinks (from a huge selection, and the list was on the ceiling, which I thought was a great idea) and then went to sit down. I loved the way the place was styled. Lots of vintage furniture and gorgeous mix match chairs. Most of them we really wanted to take home.

Our coffee came, and it was too good. I am a really big fan of coffee made right. Of course no one wants a bad cup. While we drank our drinks and chatted we looked around. One of my favourite features of the shop was the cute business card board/holder for people to promote themselves. The whole coffee house had an arty feel about it, with lots of local art on the walls for sale.

 After our coffee we went and meet David, and he walked us around. He seemed to turn into this very good tour guide, and even I learnt a few new things. We walked around parks, through cobbled streets and more. The sun seemed to come out and make things look even more beautiful. 

After we wandered towards the Canterbury Cathedral. It's normally very busy during the day, but later on in the early evening you can just walk straight onto the grounds. I seem to take everyone who visits me to see this beautiful building. I mean, it is just gorgeous. After a while we walked round to the side of it, where you can walk through the side and then out of the building around near the gardens. This is one of my favourite spots because it is just so quiet. Plus it also kinda looks like Harry Potter would wander along the halls.

Canterbury is so beautiful. It's full of history, character, charm, arts, good food & drink, style, its simply the perfect place. I'm so grateful to live so close to such a charming place. 

Fleur de Thé date

While I love a good cup of coffee, and I am still very much in love with a great cup of English tea. The best tearoom in Rochester has to be Fleur de Thé. I remember finding this cute place last year the days before my birthday. It is simply too perfect. It's a tearoom but its also a gorgeous shop. Lots of amazing pieces to buy, and treats to eat while in there!

Myself and David popped in, grabbed a seat by the window and ordered two cream teas. I love the mix and match tea cups, plates, and beautiful teapot. We drank our tea in peace and chatted about our day. Drinking tea is always so relaxing, and really is good for the soul.

This tearoom really is such a lovely place to visit. We sat and talked about adventures ahead. It's a great place to relax and watch the world go by. I'm still swooning over the gorgeous teaspoons, which I hope to go back and purchase one day. Plus maybe some teacups, oh and a teapot, actually who am I kidding I want everything they have for sale. They even had pastel painted mason jars for vases which I think will be going on my next craft list! They really did look perfect. I really can't wait for my next visit.

Hutspot, Amsterdam

While I was away in Amsterdam I was lucky enough to visit the gorgeous Hutspot. It's a beautiful store, which actually reminds me of a Urban Outfitters. So Hutspot searches for new and interesting brands, designers, artists and entrepreneurs, offering them the chance to expose their products in their own space within the shops. I love this approach. It feels so different when you walk into the store, its fresh, bright and airy. This is what you want when you go shopping. 

The store is laid out perfectly. Of course I have already said there is a Photo Booth in the front, which is an amazing plus. When you walk further in you are greeted by such clean and fresh displays. You feel as if you can really look at the items for sale. I am a huge fan of stores that mix their pieces together. I feel you can always shop this better.

While in the store I picked up these The Cool Club: Men playing cards. I purchased the Cool Men set, but sadly The Cool Club: Women were sold out, but I hope to go back and pick that set up on my next visit. The illustrations on the cards reminded me of Wes Anderson, so I was completely drawn in.

The great thing about Hutspot is that there is a cafe and restaurant upstairs. The perfect little spot to sit and relax. It has an office feel about it, and well as a relaxed coffee house. It really is the perfect place to grab a coffee and bring your laptop and type away. Plus chatting over drinks and lunch with friends works so well also. The lightening is bright and inviting. I really did fall in love with the amazing staff service and the overall atmosphere. I can't wait to go back and spend a whole afternoon there. Shall be thinking of this place when I book my next flight to Amsterdam.

Turning 28

So I turned 28 on Tuesday. 28...gosh that sounds so strange. I woke up with the sun shining through the window. A few little presents were opened, and then we wandered down the road to have breakfast. We decided to go to the Green Door Deli. David mentioned it was my birthday, and the guys said I could have a free birthday desert. David treated me to birthday pancakes and the guys gave me extra bacon.

We then went into Canterbury to meet my awesome friend Sarah. We looked around the cute shops and then decided to go for lunch. We went to my favourite cafe in Canterbury, Cafe turquoise. We had iced coffees and sandwiches.

I got such wonderful gifts such as a new Kanken, holiday money for my trip, and fun boardgames.

I also received the greatest balloon, which was a huge Hello Kitty! I am so in love with it. My mum made me a pastel rainbow cake, and it was the most tasty cake ever! Go mumma Jennings! I had a brilliant day with family and friends. Being 28 isn't too bad so far.

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my trip to Newcastle with my friend Kay can just be summed up in these pictures.
....as you can tell, i had an amazing time. i heart my friend Kay. fun was had, ah it was so nice to catch up, i miss her.ps, in other news, i am meeting someone for coffee tomorrow...eek! :)