The Shore Currently: D’you like July?

IMG_7101For a quick-moving year July felt like the longest month. Have you ever felt like so many things are going on without anything actually happening? July felt like that. It was a wee bit uninspiring, save for the times spent with very good friends if I’m being honest, possibly because I had my head down straight most of the time. I’ve also been so ill over the last few weeks which made me a miserable git.

But that’s not to say it was all bad. I finally got my Schengen Visa renewed, this time for two lovely years. Woohoo. Residency surely has its perks.

The Girl Next Shore finally has a Facebook page! - do visit it here and show some love! =) I also did an interview for Hot Joint London. You can read all about it here.

GO

We’ve moved offices! I actually prefer our new space from the last one but I think my body is still adjusting to having aircon in the office again. Oh, and just in case you’re wondering - I’m not the tiniest person at work, I promise!

Have you been to Pembroke Lodge? It’s quite a nice spot in Richmond Park.

It was super nice to see some blogger friends and to meet new ones at the #LDNBloggersPicnic to end the month. Thanks, Aftab for organising! =)

EAT

So, I’ve been quite good in terms of eating out less and eating in more (aka, stirring up a storm in the kitchen). But there’s been a couple of decent dining spots I’ve tried in July.

Dish of the month had to be 108 Marylebone’s Dish of the month, har har. I’m still thinking about how that pork just melted in my mouth. Gah.

New spots I’ve tried in July included the widely liked Peruvian restaurant Pachamama and its recently launched sister restaurant, Chicama. I did prefer Pachamama more, but would love to see how Chicama pans out now they’ve opened properly.

I’ve also managed to have my monthly Asian fix which included repeat visits to Rosa’s Thai and Chisou. But I’ve also managed to finally try The Little Viet Kitchen in Angel and Jinjuu in Soho, plus I finally found a good place for dim sum lunch in Chinatown.

Also, I need to just have a moment for Sheepa’s absolutely delicious cheese and vegetable muffins. I must’ve eaten five that day. You can try to recreate it by using her recipe here.

DRINK

I’ve been trying to cut down my alcohol intake and have started a liking to juice. Because God knows health is wealth and I need to seriously start moderating.

LOVE


I had the pleasure of being a guest at Leon’s and Rosie’s wedding in Richmond. Rosie was such a stunning bride and Leon looked even more handsome than his doppelganger, Adam Levine.

A huge highlight was finally meeting sweet baby Gaia, who’s seriously the cutest child I’ve seen in a while.

 BEAUTY

Massive love for NYX! I’m super loving the HD tinted foundation, which is so smooth and so light on the face, as well as the pro-contouring palette! Now, I know nothing about contouring whatsoever, but this palette has given my Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow a run for its worth in terms of highlighting and giving my face a healthy shade.

I love my hair, but it’s so straight sometimes and I need it texturised. I’ve tried a couple of texturising sprays now but Fudge Urban’s Sea Salt Texturising Spray seems to work best for me. But I can’t can’t can’t wait until I finally get my touchie to the beach for proper salt, sea, and sun!

WATCH

Did you get to see that super cool marketing installation for the new Ghostbusters film in Waterloo Station? I grew up watching the series (Peter was my fave!) so watching the remake was absolutely unmissable. I applaud the producers for an all-female reboot and for the first time, I didn’t find Melissa McCarthy annoying!

And Kate McKinnon’s Holtzmann? TOTALLY KICKASS.

Star Trek Beyond was rather cool, but I still think the second instalment, Into Darkness, is still the best of the three new films.

LISTEN

I'd beg you but you know I'm never home
I love you but I need another year alone
I try to ignore it everytime you phone
But I never come close
CLICK

This month I really enjoyed reading:

Miho’s postcard-perfect trip in Arles.
Angie’s glorious beach trip in Amanpulo, Philippines.
Aftab’s post about Finding Love on the Road.
Amanda’s Best Happy Things Ever.
Tamsin’s Matera adventure.

How was your July?

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10 Comments

  1. 6th August 2016 / 5:13 pm

    Looks like you had a great July - especially food-wise cause those food photos look amazing!

    • Honey de Gracia
      7th August 2016 / 5:15 pm

      Thanks, Christina! Food always seems to be a great highlight for me! =) x

  2. 7th August 2016 / 11:29 am

    Congrats on getting your Schengen visa renewed and I’ve given your FB page a like. I also loved the Ghostbusters Waterloo installation!

    • Honey de Gracia
      7th August 2016 / 5:16 pm

      Cheers, Suze. It just makes travelling a lot easier! And thanks for the love! x

  3. 7th August 2016 / 6:29 pm

    Sorry to hear you’ve been ill Honey - being ill is never any fun especially in what’s supposed to be the middle of summer! Love your red / coral dress! You’ve certainly given me food for thought on your alcohol moderation comment - I need to bring my down rapido… after I get back from holiday I’ve promised myself to go into detox and that goes for restaurants too 🙁 . Look forward to reading what you get up to in August! xx

    • Honey de Gracia
      7th August 2016 / 11:50 pm

      Thanks Maggie! I’m still ill! =( =( =(
      I love that you said red/coral because I wasn’t too sure whether it was red OR coral! Lol.
      Look forward to reading what YOU’RE up to as well! x

  4. 7th August 2016 / 6:52 pm

    Sounds like an awesome month! I liked Star Trek but totally agree that Into Darkness was the best!

    • Honey de Gracia
      7th August 2016 / 11:50 pm

      I just can’t wait til August rolls out nicely! x

  5. 17th August 2016 / 1:09 am

    Looks like you had a brilliant July, H - congrats on the office move and the visa renewal! I really liked Star Trek Beyond, too - I think it was much less complicated than Into Darkness, but the cheesy old romp plot worked for it nonetheless. Also, I love the outfit you’re wearing in the Richmond photo - the red dress is so perfect on you. xx

    • Honey de Gracia
      18th August 2016 / 6:37 am

      Thanks T, I can’t wait to read more about YOUR adventures in Cuba and Italy! x

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