LONDON TOWN - TO SEE

Last up on my London 'to do' series is things to see! I've picked some of my favourite spots around the city if you're visiting or looking for some inspiration for things to do! 

1) First up is the Tate Britain. I actually live just next door so I'm perhaps a little biased! It's a great gallery which you can visit for free and soak up some culture. From Turner to Hockney, the Tate Britain has an amazing collection of work. Occasionally they have Late at the Tate events where they open the gallery after dark. I've been to a late based on celebrity which explored celebrity culture through music, art and video installations. It was a really interesting night and I really felt like I was making the most out of the free events hosted across London. If you have an afternoon to spare it is really worth a visit!

2) If you've read my blog before you'll know that I'm obsessed with flowers, plants and anything green! This is why Columbia Road makes it to my short list. The flower market is open every Sunday from 8am to around 3 and the streets are lined with flowers, indoor plants, herbs and bulbs. Behind the market stalls there are amazing shops and boutiques with beautiful interiors and gifts. You can also find the most delicious bagels from breakfast bagels to salmon and cream cheese. I would recommend going early to get the best choice or late to pick up some deals but you simply have to visit!

3) The final pick on my short list is Borough Market. When I first moved to London I lived just around the corner and fell in love. There is a full market from Thursday to Saturday but you some stalls are open Monday to Wednesday too. If you're a foodie this is the place for you. As you navigate your way through the hustle and bustle you will be overwhelmed by the choice of delicious food. I would recommend the chicken wrap (they are incredible!!) and the paella. If you want a sweet treat one stall also makes the most incredible cookies that are bigger than my face! It's makes for a great afternoon out or a place to refuel before you take in the near by sights like the Shard and Tower Bridge. 

Well my London series is all wrapped up! Check out my last two posts to see my top places to eat and shop and if you want any more tips or recommendations just let me know!

LONDON TOWN - TO EAT

I moved to London for university and absolutely love living here. There is always something to do and it's amazing to live in such an exciting city. For those of you already here or those who are planning a visit I thought I'd show you some of my favourite spots around London in a series about the city.

I'm going to start off with food as eating is my favourite activity in London. There are some incredible restaurants in London and I love finding new spots to try (Rosie at The Londoner is great for dining inspiration). 

1) Ok first up is La Bodegra Negra. My boyfriend took me here and first I was a little confused! The outside of the restaurant is designed to fit in with the soho aesthetic so there are neon signs and winking eyes all over the place! It feels like a secret as you walk in and are taken downstairs in to a cave like restaurant. 

La Bodegra Negra is all about Mexican (my favourite) and my are they good at it! I would recommend the grilled corn - its absolutely delicious and covered in chipotle sauce - and also the melt-in-your-mouth lamb barbacoa which is perfect for sharing. This really is a special place and the chilled out atmosphere is perfect for a fun meal. 

2) My next pick is Burger and Lobster. Whilst it's pretty popular and you may have seen it on other sites I can't help but recommend it. They only have three things on the menu: a whole lobster, a lobster roll and a burger. Considering they're all priced at £20 I would always recommend the lobster. It's really delicious and is served up with fries, salad and a garlicy butter sauce. 

It's quite hard to get reservations but if you don't mind waiting you can get a table on the door. I've visited both their Oxford Circus and Soho branch but I have to say I prefer the Oxford Circus restaurant; It's a better layout and feels more like a treat! If you want to get your hands dirty and try some delicious simple food this is the place for you. 

3) Finally on my shortlist is Homeslice in Seven Dials. This restaurant makes the mother of all pizzas. They are incredible and I have to resist the temptation to get a slice most days. Not only are the ever-changing flavours delicious but the pizzas are ginormous (no really I mean it!). 

Priced at £20 each (or £4 a slice) you can get a half and half pizza to share between two. I would recommend the chorizo and corn, salami and rocket and (if they bring it back) the courgette and artichoke. Once again you can't book and queues can be out the door five minutes after they open. My two preferred options are: 1) Prepare for the wait and go and get a drink in a local bar 2) Get a takeaway box and devour it on the Neals Yard benches. Either way you have to try it!  

There are some other incredible restaurants and I could go on forever (I'd recommend The Ivy Market Grill as a more relaxed alternative to The Ivy and The Hawksmoor for the best roast you will ever eat). Have you been to any of these restaurants? If so let me know what you thought and I'll be posting a blog about my favourite places to shop in a few days! 

SUMMER DAYS

Recently I got away to Portugal for a couple of days so I thought I'd share a few photos with you all. It was so good to enjoy time in the sun and get down to the beach. Portugal is one of my favourite countries to visit - I love the weather, the food and most of all the sea! 

Take a look at my instagram @marthagracelawless for some extra photos!

TRAVEL

I recently returned from the most amazing Inter-railing adventure. I was lucky enough to travel  for five weeks all over Europe visiting cities, mountains and beaches within days of each other. It was great to explore new cities and we even had fun getting lost. Here are some photos from my travels.

PHOTO DIARY

For the past week I've been enjoying the sun and sea in Vale Do Lobo, Portugal. I got last minute flights to travel and spend time with my family which was amazing. I got up to all sorts and here are a few photos from my trip! Sorry for the lack of blog posts - I'll be writing more frequently now I'm home.

Five Fabulous Fashion Bloggers

I have always been inspired by other fashion blogs and here are my favourite five...

1) Style Scrapbook 

This blog is run by the beautiful Andy Torres and is always full of fashion inspiration. I love Andy's style and being able to see how her dress sense has developed since she opened the blog. My favourite thing about her style is the quirky and individual edge she has - she never just goes along with the crowd. Find her at stylescrapbook.com.

2) The Blonde Salad

I love Chiara Ferragni's edgy style and how she can make a simple outfit look amazing. She also travels all over the world and her blog allows you to have an insight in to many beautiful destinations. Get your greens at theblondesalad.com!

3) Honestly WTF

I love this blog because of its DIY page. There are so many inspiring crafts from clothing to jewellery and I love it! If you want some do it yourself motivation you should check out honestlywtf.com.

4) Song of Style

This effortlessly cool blog is run by Aimee Song (pronounced ah-meeh). Her blog is run from the oh so sunny California and Aimee's style is oh so fabulous. To be in the 'it' crowd visit songofstyle.blogspot.co.uk!

5) Sincerely Jules

This blog shows off Julie Sarinana's crazy life through bright visuals and amazing photos. Her fashion sense is quirky but at the same time effortlessly stylish. If you want to swept away by colour visit sincerelyjules.com!


I hope you enjoy these amazing blogs and are as inspired as I am by them! 

Instagram

It's official, I'm addicted to Instagram! 

When I first joined, I used Instagram to follow my favourite fashion bloggers and designers but now I can be known to post a photo or two! I love it because it almost acts as a 'mini-blog' full of photos that document my life! I'd love for you to follow me and see some of the photos I share.

Username - marthagracelawless

Summer so far

I've had so many amazing memories so far this summer and still have many more to come. It has been great to have finished my exams and enjoy my time without stressing about school work. I have spent the last few weeks in the amazing algarve in Portugal with family and friends and loved every minute whilst topping up my tan. Hopefully in a few weeks I am going to be travelling round Europe with an interrail pass having even more fun!