keeping it real // living a happy life

A few years ago, I was suffering from something that a lot of people struggle with on a daily basis. Some people deal with it for years and years, some people for short period of times. I was depressed. Not only was I depressed but I had major anxiety coupled with OCD. I felt like my life was spinning out of control…decisions I had made in the past to remain quiet when I should've stood up for myself, were finally catching up with me. I felt trapped in an unhappy life.

hammersmith apollo // shrimpy's // hyde park

So this past week at work was absolutely mental. I don't remember the last time I felt so busy/overwhelmed. Our school year finishes in a week and a half, but before it ends we are being inspected. This is standard in all UK schools so our situation is no different. But coupled with the fact that we all have reports to write, end of year activities to plan, and have to continue to do our day-to-day duties, we are all just a little stressed out. I'm actually laying in bed right now, resting since I woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat.

a southern lady does shooting (london style)

This past Saturday I helped to celebrate my friend Pritesh's birthday in a very unusual way…clay pigeon shooting. Imagine me, 3 other girls and about 10 guys, shooting clay pigeons (or skeet if you're from the good ol' South) out in a field in the middle of Essex. Do you have the image in your mind? I bet you do. I sported my North Carolina shirt for the occasion...

june so far // bubble dogs, burger & lobster, and a sunday on regents canal

June is absolutely flying by. I can't believe it's already half way through and it's been two weeks since I was in Sicily. The weather in London has been gorgeous - lots of sun and really warm which any expat in London will tell you, is a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, you're happy to have sun (after months of vitamin D deficiency) but then on the other hand, there's no AC in England. You lay in bed at night praying for a cool breeze. I think I'm going to invest in a fan today.

a southern lady in Sicily // days 3 & 4

Day 3: I woke up at 2 am…my body seems to be on fire and I can't stop scratching. I turn on the light to discover my legs and arms covered in red hives and small bumps. I was awake for a couple hours, tossing and turning, worrying about what was wrong with me. I have NEVER had this happen to me before…I take it as a sign that I am definitely vitamin D deficient. I finally fell back to sleep and on Wednesday morning went straight to the pharmacy to get something to help with the itchiness. I was wearing a sweater and when I pulled it open to show the pharmacist my chest and neck, her response was 'OH rosso!' Bless her - she ended up selling me a cream that cost 17 euro but worked a miracle. A few cool showers, some of my special cream, and a little time in the shade was all it took. By Wednesday evening I was feeling 100 times better.

a southern lady in Sicily // days 1 and 2

Last Friday, I arrived back to a rainy and foggy London after 5 days in beautiful Sicily. I have had some pretty serious post-holiday-blues this week. A week in Sicily confirmed what I already knew about myself…I am a beach girl/sun worshipper without. a. doubt. Laying out in the sun, on the beach, with a good book and no one to bother me should be a certified form of therapy.

Sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for some pictures of beautiful beaches, happy people, and damn good food (pizza, pasta and gelato…need I say more?)

food glorious food // dalston street feast & salt yard

I think this probably goes without saying but I'm going to say it anyways. I love eating…A LOT. I am always thinking about my next meal, what I want to eat and what restaurants I want to try out next. I will proudly admit that I have a note dedicated in my phone to the restaurants I've tried and the ones I still want to go to.