The Shore Currently: May the force be with you

Am I right to say 2016 is unfolding way too quickly? Last I checked I was still nursing a slight hangover from NYE shenanigans and just like that, we’re almost halfway through the year. I feel like I’ve been running around all over the place and in dire need of a pause button. Or more time. Do you feel the same? Have you managed to catch your breath yet?

That said, the second half of April to May has been a good one. I’ve caught up with on- and offline friends and met some very interesting people, work’s been very peachy, and t-shirt weather is finally around the corner!

VISIT

I’ve been itching to take my butt off to sunnier climes. I’m planning some potential weekend breaks with my cousin D in the near future but til then, it’s work work work for me.

Lucky for us stuck in the city, Archer Street’s Summer pop-up Myki Sand Bar brings a bit of beach vibes in Soho. If you’re old enough to remember that film Cocktail, think that sans the cheesy tropical shirts.

And The Folly’s La Petite Provence will also transport you to the French countryside. Spend a few minutes there and I won’t be surprised if you’d end up booking flights to France on the same day.

And of course, the Dalloway Terrace is the perfect sanctuary to escape the busyness of Central London.

EAT

A highlight this month was DumplingShack‘s pop-up at Shotgun BBQ. Knowing how hard-working John is, I have to say his first ever pop-up was an achievement as much as it was a learning experience. If you haven’t tried those famous soup dumplings, head off to Broadway Market and catch him for weekends.

There’s been a few restaurant re-visits this month including Dinner by Heston at the Mandarin Oriental, HKK Mayfair, and dependable quick fixes like Rosa’s Thai Cafe, Shoryu, Rum Kitchen and C&R.

As for new spots, I finally got to try House of Ho and Yashin Sushi House. Watch out for my reviews soon!

There’s also been an abundance of birthday cake and I have particularly been enamoured by Sheepah‘s homemade cakes. They look extremely classy but they’re so bang on in terms of flavour. She’s made a ridiculously awesome choccy cake for our friends: a choccy nutella cake (which totes creamed the cake Angela got from The Rosewood) and a mango millecrepe which blew our minds away (and it was only her first try!)

DRINK

I really enjoyed the launch of Archer Street Cocktail’s MYKI Sand Bar. I can’t wait to come back and get the feel of the beach whilst sipping on some alcohol-laced punch.

The May Fair Bar is a decent pre-tanking spot, especially if you’re off to dinner around the area.

I like lounging at the W on weekends. The vibe is buzzy and the cocktails are potent!

BEAUTY

Continuing my love affair with lipstick with a whole lot of matte love from NYX. I’m currently in a nude phase and I’m digging the lip creams in London, Abu Dhabi and Athens as well as the Liquid Suede range in Soft Spoken. I love the look of the Copenhagen lip cream and the butter gloss in Peach Cobbler.

I really like Charlotte Tilbury products and the latest mascara is just another winner. Even with minimal make up, Legendary Lashes seriously makes me feel glammed up and just opens my eyes a bit more than the usual bestsellers.

LOVE

My two godsons, from London and from Chicago turned three (!!!) and both of them had Paw Patrol themed birthdays.

Also really love the team I work with. They make marketing so much fun and waking up in the morning so much easier!

WATCH

Despite mediocre reviews, I really enjoyed Money Monster. It was an easy film to watch with a little bit of everything in it. Sure, there may have been some flaws but I like how timeless they did the whole film (ie no branding involved). I also really enjoyed Captain America: Civil War, and no, that’s not because I’m biased towards Chris Evans (the hot one, not the DJ). I think it’s the best Avengers film so far.

LISTEN

An oldie but goodie, I’m Calling - Tennis

AIM

- To have more selfie Saturdays with the silly sister
- To speak more to my parents
- To stay on top of my work targets
- To be a bit more caring and loving towards my body and finding time everyday to eat lunch

CLICK

- Angie’s May Moments on Instagram - Angie’s just been back from Japan, Hong Kong, and Philippines!
- Connie’s Essaouira Food Tour
- Emma’s 10 Reasons YOU should Blog (and why she loves hers - I do too!)
- Frankie’s take on 5 Fictional characters who should totally have a blog (BSC’s Claudia Kishi!)
- Mehreen’s Top 10 Best Restaurant Deals for Bottomless Drinks

How did your May go, lovelies?

You can follow new posts on The Girl Next Shore via Twitter and Instagram or by subscribing on Bloglovin. Have fun!