Who's Jeans?

Some people are born with the travel and adventure gene, others just aren’t. 

Something interesting is that some people, who believe they belong to the later category, can change their minds with the right influence and as quick as can be. The important point to focus on at the moment is that YOU have the travel and adventure gene or you wouldn’t be reading this. So why not take the plunge and begin the sequence of events and planning to lead to the beginning of the rest of your life.

I’m not going to sugar coat the fact that making the decision to take that flight halfway across the world was the scariest thing I have ever done. No, actually getting on that ‘oh-so-scary’ flight that I booked was the most frightening, 'what the hell am I doing' moment of my life. But, as it turns out, it was also the most liberating. Imagine the feeling you get when you book that long weekend away on the sunshine coast or in Byron Bay that you completely and utterly deserve. Now- multiply that feeling...by 1000! That was me, mid takeoff from Brisbane airport at 1.50am on the 29^th of January 2008!

And now here I am, 3 years, 7 months, 23 days, 17 hours, 59 minutes later, living a life of happiness in my brand new neighborhood of Islington, absolutely loving it! 

I've had moments when i can think of nothing better then being home, in Australia, with my family, eating Montezuma's and laughing. Those horrible waves of guilt for being so far away on special occasions, when you don't even realise what's wrong until your already crying. But, its those moments that make the time I do spend with my family so special, talking to them on the phone or Skype (if you don't have it, GET IT) and face to face when I have visited home and when they visit me. It sounds stupid to say out loud but I will never take them for granted for as long as I live. Living here, traveling, finding myself has taught me that. They really are the most important people in my life and it doesn't matter if I am over the other side of the globe, they know that, I know that. Its ....nice.

I was very lucky to have 2 close friends to book my flight with, and I suppose, in reverse, they were lucky to have my support too. Having someone there to say, ‘OK, we’ll do it!’ takes that edge off, not to mention, blocks out the little voice in your head saying ‘ is this such a good idea?’ Summer and Karley, great friends, even better 'travel buddies'. Both equally as scared, liberated and excited as me. Like I said though, I was shit scared! The two hours before I was heading to the airport I lay on the floor in my bedroom, bag packed to the brim, plane appropriate clothes on, crying my eyes out. I was surrounded by my best friends and family, and I felt this overwhelming dread of the unknown and like it was goodbye, not just see you soon. (very dramatic) I guess you could say that it had just hit me and I felt like my life was going to change forever. And undoubtedly it was- the thing I didn’t realize is how perfect and amazing the change would be, I could never have imagined. It’s the first step that is the hardest! I promise you that! So what are you waiting for! Search the net, talk to travel agents and buy the best value (shortest if possible) flight to the UK/Europe you can find. What is waiting for you over here is beyond your wildest dreams.

I will help you every step of the way... It makes me happy to help you experience living the dream. Ask me anything, anytime of day and I will endeavor to get back to you!

EVEN if all you need is someone to kick you and say, WHY AREN'T YOU HERE YET! Its not an alien planet! It's London.


See you soon!


Sandy 
xx

PS. Sass and Bide still rock my world when it comes to denim!! 3 pairs, 8 years and counting!

PPS. Its getting cold in london and my winter essential will be these....

Lipsy Heart Earmuffs for only £12

I HEART TRAVELING

I’m going to pose a question and answer me honestly.... 

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the globe, jet-setting, Partying, Exploring other cultures, Meeting amazing people, Shopping then dropping?? You do?? Well I did too and it changed my life!

Now the real question is – What are you going to do about it??

Here I will give you once in a lifetime advice, (because I am all of a sudden inspired to educate fellow ‘free spirits’ on the best decision of my life to date), all about moving to, passing through, hitting the high streets and markets, partying in and visiting London- the one of a kind city that never sleeps (well sometimes).

Lets start with the go-to websites for the impending traveler. 

Gumtree for all your househunting, furniture, jobs, advice - Whatever you freaking want....

TNT Magazine - all about travel, tours, jobs, the to-do list pre-move, and the to-do list on arrival. Pick up the paper copy of their magazine all around london - Its pretty much the bible for Aussie, Kiwi and South African travelers.It lists all the big music events, club nights and just fun and free things to do in this lovely city of Lurvvve.

What percentage of people dream of traveling the world?

I think the answer is..."everyone dreams of it,                but very few actually do it"

I Heart London and even more i love helping people to fulfill their dreams to get here! ASK ME ANYTHING-I WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU!!! xx

Bargains this week for Summer Festival Essentials for Girlies at ....

Miss Selfridge.com Check it out 20% off their summer essentials range!!!!

Next week, I will cover 'taking the plunge' and the best way to navigate your way to London... Can't wait to see you soon. x

A Little Lonely without TopShop?

Once upon a time...

On a brief visit back to the most beautiful coastal stretch in Australia (you know what I am talking about), I learnt that my friend Ruth had made that ever exciting decision to move to London for a year or two. Me being me, I became SO UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED that I thought it was necessary to put together 'Ruth's List' of all the must-see/eat/shop places in London, the UK and Europe. These are the places that have never failed to fill me with happiness. I created 'Ruth's List' in July 2009 but the best things in life are often timeless or grow and age with you. SO let me share some of these with you now! I will start with the best:

Topshop

My all time Favourite Store is what dreams are made of. That is if you dream of all-round, up-to-date, affordable fashion that is freaking amazing. Lets be honest, we don’t all have Blake Lively’s bank balance, so if you want to wear the hottest London styles, for a reasonable price, hit up TopShop.

The best store by far is Oxford Circus. Yes it is definitely worth facing the elbows, umbrella’s and foot stomping crowds to get in there. Once you're in, you're in until closing. They even have an EAT in there. There is absolutely no reason to EVER leave. (Unless your impatient but lovely boyfriend bugs you enough.)



For all my lovely Aussies out there they also have an amazing online store www.topshop.co.uk for all you lovers that want the happiness of TopShop in the heat of AUSTRALIA. AND Australian postage is only 5-8 Working Days and only £9.00. ! What wouldn't you do to look like this everyday...

The newest trend is Straight From the Orient and consists of wide legged Trousers, intricate prints, florals and wooden block heels. I am loving the floral headpieces paired with a tight up-do.

Then there is the new Urban Traveller range, which reminds me of one of my besties Michelle. This free-spirited, festival ready, effortlessly beautiful. Inspired by exotic places all over the world, this range is perfect for Summer Festivals in Europe or Splendour In The Grass in Australia.

Its probably important to mention the best thing about TopShop is their Boutique section! They stock vintage inspired brands, and styles from all walks of life. They even have a range of real vintage one-off pieces that you can find absolute Gem's in. They stock the most beautiful vintage style handbags that I have only seen in the Oxford Street Store - OMG - They are AMAZING! I have had one for 2 years now and I have used it to death so it's time I reinvested!

Topshop also stock Barry M The Most Colourful Name in Cosmetics! Their nail polish rocks my world! Everything from colour to finish is just PERRRFECT. They are such a steal starting at £2.50 - £3.00. It really is the budgeters answer to MAC makeup - and we all love Mac makeup.

Since the royal wedding cork platform heels are the hottest thing to own. (Thanks Kate) These are my favourite of TopShop's range. ONLY £52 so only $79 when converted to Australia. They could be the best investment you've ever made!

Ok, I have a confession to make! Ruth's List wasn't this detailed - I got a bit carried away! Next time, I will keep each store/eatery/place short and sweet and let you know about the other advise I have given to those impending, free spirited, travelers out there!

Until then, Lots of Love

Sandy xx

Pretty in Pimlico

To begin with, Living in London is incredible. I know it is said often so perhaps I should also say that I didn't always feel that way.


When I first arrived in the heart of Wintery January 2008, I thought it was horrible. It was colder then I could have ever imagined (Think stockings+leggings+jeans+5x top layers just for a trip to Sainsbury's), I was also more tired then I had ever felt before. Basically, from the share house in Dollis Hill, London just seemed like so much hard work for little in return. I cannot emphasis enough how wrong I was.


I guess you could say my turning point, like many others before me was The Shopping. Not just any shopping... the WINTER shopping. Never in my life had I seen so many winter coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, and accessories I couldn't name if I tried. Coming from the sunny Gold Coast of Australia, its safe to say that the only jacket I owned previously was almost never used.


Then something else dawned on me... Let me try to paint a picture, in London, Europe is on your doorstep. And by that I mean it takes less then an hour to travel to Paris, France by the Euro-Star to enjoy yummy pastry’s and experiment with weird French cuisine like escargot and frogs legs (If that's what your into) . From there opens a world of opportunities and cultures just hours away from each other. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking churches and cathedrals and so so so much history. Did I mention the parties, incredible music, even more incredible music festivals and that overwhelmingly awesome European vibe where almost everyone is friendly, helpful and all your dreams come true. And wait, what about the shopping?


Now, over three years after my first touch down in Lovely London, I live in a pretty little flat in Pimlico with amazing people, who LOVE to drink tasty wine. I have a great group of friends who LOVE shopping just as much as I do, if that is even possible and I can safely say that London is where my heart is. (That could also have something to do with 'The Boy' but that is another story for another time.)


What more could I ask for?? Really??


Love from Pimlico


Sandy xx