firststreet denisse

Goodness me the last month was quite a crazy one so I thought I should give you an update on my news here in London town. Let me take you back to the beginning… December was fantastic here in London with so many Christmas events on it was easy to get carried away with the festiveness! I went to Winter Wonderland, ice skating, drank my fair share of mulled wine, exchanged pressies and indulged in some proper Christmas dinners (which happen at lunchtime mind you, their terminology here really is strange). Christmas rolled around and I had a few days up in the country with family friends who took me in as the Aussie orphan for the holidays. Then it was back to London to prepare for New Years Eve. In true NYE fashion it was the morning of and I still didn’t have a plan, thankfully a beautiful friend came to the rescue; she invited me for dinner at her place and we watched the fireworks from her roof – it was an amazing first NYE in London . The Bear in Oxfordshire Fast-forward a few days i...

If sushi and sashimi were its own food group in the healthy eating pyramid then for me it would represent the base. I could eat it all. day. long. I’ve been waiting to come across an undeniably good sushi restaurant here in London that wasn’t in the Nobu price-range and I think I’ve found it – Sticks & Sushi in Covent Garden. Delicious food, great service and a funky ambience. Tick. Tick. Tick. I liked it so much the first time that I returned within the space of a week. With a cool wooden panelled interior and the option of sitting at the sushi bar, separate tables or communal lots; you’re sure to feel right at home as you enter. The menu is possibly the greatest I’ve seen, particular since you are ordering Japanese food; there is a picture of EVERYTHING – it’s like the best food storybook ever. Plus you’re always certain of what you’re getting. I can highly recommend the ebi bites, spicy edamame, salmon carpaccio, sushi, sashmi and teriyaki scallops. Yum. Can I go back now? I’d r...

Hello 2015. A new year means a new focus and a whole range of exciting things to look forward to. Last year laid the foundation for me and I think 2015 is going to be even better. Check out my A-Z of the year ahead... ADVENTURE - because life is about exploring, I'm excited for what 2015 has in store. BEACH - right now I'm so deprived of sunshine and heat that I plan to spend every moment possible on the sand this year. Guess I'm going to have to make some serious travel plans (see T). CAREER - I'm a very driven person so my career will be a big focus for me in 2015. Here's to learning new things and progressing forward. DREAMS - I have plenty of hope in my heart for things I wish to do and achieve this year. Time to make them a reality. EXCITEMENT - because this life that I'm living is anything but ordinary. FASHION - my work by day and my passion by night. GRIN - because a smile is a curve that sets everything straight. HAPPY - obviously above all else I hope ...

To be sure, to be sure, Dublin (and Ireland) has to be the most friendly place I've ever visited. Of the hundred or so Irish people that I crossed paths with during my four days in the country of the four leaf clover, I can honestly say that I only came across one bad apple - everyone else just had the sun shining out of them with happy jolly attitudes. Either there's something in the water or they just love their country; it was so refreshing [particularly coming from England where the Brits can be rather dour (sorry guys but it's true!)]. Refreshing too was the very VERY chilly weather. A Dublin visit in January isn't for the faint hearted, expect temps below zero and if you're lucky a sprinkle of snowflakes but more likely just lots and lots of rain. Still it didn't dampen the Irish's [or my own] spirit. Sights If I'm being honest you probably only need a day or two in Dublin city. The locals may disagree with me but I think you can see all you need t...

While everyone back home in Australia is whipping out their summer reading lists – perfect for beach-breaks and poolside lazing – I’m here in the chilly north feeling a little left out. So being the bookworm that I am [all-year-round mind you!] I thought I’d put together my own summer winter reading list. Check out the pages I’ll be turning… Not that Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham – sure to be full of witty quips and self-deprecating humour in the best way possible. The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon – a true story of a girl about town in London… What’s not to love? The Book of You by Claire Kendal – rumoured to be the ‘new’ Gone Girl, this is a must for thriller lovers; I can’t wait! The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond – new year, new book about a new year - sounds perfect to me. Get your mind into gear for 2015 with a little chic-lit. Mrs Hemingway by Naomi Wood – a novel about the wife of the famous Ernest Hemingway set in the south of France complete with tales of pas...

There's been a whole lot of slippery frost on the ground here in London this past week and in my eyes that only means one thing: it's stew weather. I'm sitting here writing this post with a very well-sated tummy, feeling thoroughly warmed from the inside out. Why? Because of this exact recipe. Each time I make a stew I twist the ingredients around to try new things - but it's official, I'm not changing it ever again - because this is perfection. And since I'm a really lovely person I'm going to share perfection with you. Feast your eyes... What you'll need 1kg chuck steak, cut into 3cm cubes 1 tablespoon butter 6 tablespoons cornflour salt & pepper 1 brown onion, roughly chopped 4 carrots, chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 12 cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon crushed garlic 1 tablespoon crushed chilli (optional) 3 cups beef stock 1 cup red wine 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon thyme 4 potatoes, chopped into 3cm squares 1 table...

Happy new year beautiful people. Another year over and another beginning - can you believe it! I had the pleasure of seeing in my first London New Year from the roofs of Piccadilly Circus. Standing 10 stories up with a view of the lights by the river was a spine-tingling feeling and the perfect way to start 2015. 2014 held some pretty big moments for me, some gut-renching decisions and some truly life-changing leaps of faith. But it has all paid off.  Last year on New Year's Eve I knew I had to make a change to seek new adventures in my life. Leaving everything behind that you know to chase the idea of a new challenge that is bigger and better is a daunting feat but it has been the most rewarding choice of my life that I have made to date. I'm so glad to be where I am right now and can't wait to see what adventures 2015 holds. I'm looking forward to sharing them with you. Big love x Photo by Krissie.