cafe – Lessons I learned after I turned 30

Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Gyro, Snowmageddon and being brave

Sunday early afternoon…

I’m sitting at one of my favourite little cafes in Southampton, The Docks Coffee house with a hot cup of Americano and a delish fruit loaf served in cute, vintage cutlery.

I enjoy writing in random places, other than home but I don’t get much free time to do it. Last time it was way back in July, when I ventured to Mettricks on a warm, summery Sunday afternoon to write about Awakenings, one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read.

Back then I was terrified to go sit at a cafe on my own, I was still struggling with depression and I found it a little bit overwhelming, maybe because it was busy and loud, normal, everyday situations that could cause a panic attack when you are dealing with depression and anxiety.

But today I feel better than ever, I love sitting on this cosy comfy armchair writing and people watching.

Sunday blogs…

I don’t normally post on specific days, it all depends when I get the time and if I feel like it, but over the last couple of weeks I love reflecting back on each week, especially since the last month or so has been really busy I don’t get time to stop, wait a minute (terrible UpTown funk pun) and think of what happened every day. I try to break habits because I hate routine but I grew to love my Sunday posts and I hope to keep up with it.

Last week of February

On Sunday, after posting my last blog on Life, Death and Everything Between I made a delicious, healthy dinner to help me kick off the week on the right foot. Et voila (my new obsession: Courgette spaghetti).

Monday, not fun day

But the next morning I was just not feeling it. I felt drained emotionally and physically. Sad news and tiredness took its toll. One of those Mondays as I phrased it on the day

My momma Donna was already on the case, she knew how to cheer me up. She got me a cute little Happinness Journal so I can write what made me smile every day and remind myself to enjoy the little things and that life it’s still beautiful no matter what. Thank you Donna.

Tuesday- the first Snow

Tuesday was so busy I didn’t get to have my first cup of coffee until 10:30am, I was late for singing and the whole day felt like a blur. One of the very few things I remember was all the hugs, from Dan, Helen, Emma and other lovely humans and the snow blizzard which unfortunately only lasted for 10 minutes (who would have thought the University would be closed a few days later due to snowstorm). In the evening some colleagues (I loved all the food convos with Denise, Fraser and Chris, I had to mention it) and I went for a drink to say goodbye to our lovely colleague Peter who left Solent to go travelling. I love our kitchen chats, talking about travelling and photography. Peter if you are reading this, I hope you have an amazing time in Cape Verde and see you soon!

Wednesday- Glorious food and glorious show

Wednesday was a long long, busy day again but it turned into the most amazing evening I had in a while, A finger-licking three course meal at Soleto (including the most delicious Wild Mushroom Ravioli I’ve ever tasted, no exaggeration) a gorgeous little Italian opposite the Mayflower followed by Miss Saigon, one of the best shows I’ve seen at the Mayflower so far. More on that including lots of snaps here. (But here’s the dinner we had).

Baked Camembert with Garlic and Rosemary. Toasted Ciabatta and Chilli and Onion Chutney

Thursday- Snow is falling… and some Gyros

On Thursday, Snowmageddon struck. I woke up to a white blanket covering everything. But our lunch plans with Jamie were to go ahead. We’ve been meaning to go for lunch for a long time and we were to try the Greek restaurant Lemoni, we wouldn’t let the snow ruin our plans.

I missed Greek food and I was seriously craving it for a while so I enjoyed my Gyro in Cypriot pitta to the point I’ve actually finished it. I rarely manage to but the cold and my cravings had something to do with it… We also shared a scrummy feta baked in Filo pastry sprinkled with honey and sesame seeds, Jamie loved it so much he wants to learn how to make it.

After lunch we were told we could go home. I could not believe it! I’ve been to Southampton for almost 8 years now, we were never sent home because of snow. It felt I was living somewhere in Siberia. It took me 20 minutes to walk back home because of inappropriate footwear, it’s a miracle how I didn’t fall on my face, but I weirdly enjoyed it. It felt like being in a fairytale.

I spent the rest of my afternoon catching up with my friends back home and I loved every minute.

What I didn’t expect was:

Friday Snowday… and being brave

Yes, the University was closed! So it was not safe to walk outside, it was freezing and I was to spend the day at home. Under other circumstances I wouldn’t mind at all. But because I couldn’t go out, I got cabin fever by the end of the day. The mind works in mysterious ways always wanting what it can’t have and undervaluing what it already has…

So what to do? I facetimed my little sis, I booked my ticket home in May (yeay) and then inspired by Donna’s gift I booked ticket and a gorgeous AirBnb in Bordeaux, MY FIRST EVER SOLO TRIP (double yeay!). I’m incredibly excited and a little scared but I cannot wait!

What I learned the last couple of weeks is that life is too short and I want to do more of the things I really want to but I’m scared of. And going on my first trip alone is the first step.

Saturday- Finally out

On Saturday I got up early for a change. I was desperate to get out of the house so I woke up at 9, did all the boring chores one must do to remain a semi-responsible adult and got out! I did my essentials shopping and I finally ordered new glasses, wait until you see ‘Smart looking Eleni’ with my fancy new reading glasses.

In the evening I did what I’ve been doing when I get some free time, binge watching Parks and Recreation, one of the best, funniest shows I’ve ever watched. Thank you to Jamie for recommending it and Sarah and Pat for all the fun we have talking about it.

Looking back, it’s been an incredible week.

Here’s to March, it’s looking good already…

Namaste

Eleni

PS. Happy birthday CHRIS!!!! Thank you for being an incredible friend and all round good egg x

Treat myself Thursday

It’s been a challenging couple of weeks.

A horrific blend of holiday blues, crazy thoughts, frustration, confidence crisis, very busy at work with uninspiring tasks needed to be done, hormones and extreme tiredness that caused me to miss a great event on Friday evening (and spend most of the weekend at home so exhausted I could not do much other than move from the sofa to the bed and vice versa) brought me to my knees. I struggled to remain positive.

But fortunately my work survival techniques (blog coming very soon), little treats such as getting coffee in the morning before work and life skills, doing things I enjoy on my free time especially yoga, music, my guitar and blogging kept me sane and kept me going.

Yesterday I really wanted to try Cafe Thrive. I’ve seen an Instagram post about it and yesterday Shebs and I went over to give it a go but it was closed.

So today, since the sun was out I went out for lunch, on my own, just to treat myself.

I loved the decoration (see cover image for their impressive feature wall) and the homely vibe from the moment I walked in.

I got a healthy and yummy Quinoa and Tofu salad bowl (the toasted pumpkin seeds made the dish), which was so large I could not finish it,

and some water. Cafe Thrive has installed a self-service lemon infused water tap so you can have as much water as you want for free. What a brilliant, clever idea. So simple but I’ve never seen it in any other cafes or restaurants.

and sat upstairs to enjoy peace, quietness, quality me time. I had the whole floor for myself. I spent most of the time staring at the park views from the large bright windows and thinking about my weekend plans, things I want to do and million other thoughts.

When I went back to work after lunch, I felt uplifted, revitalised and ready to get the work day over with and come back to my sanctuary.

Don’t forget to treat yourself every now and then. It really makes a difference.

Cheers to Friday finally arriving tomorrow. And is a special one! Friday, payday and last Friday of September! That means Christmas is coming, one of my favourite times of the year. And no, is never too early to mention Christmas!

Eleni

Sofa, blankets and delicious food Friday

Happy September!

First day of September, first day of autumn. I can feel the cold already.

Since it was payday yesterday, Sheba and I carried on the celebrations with lunch at Rogues cafe. I wanted to visit for a while, since it has amazing reviews and today we finally made it.

And it didn’t disappoint.

It was quiet when we went, it was just us, which was awesome, we had the whole place for ourselves.

We grabbed some blankets they had in wooden crate at the entrance and sat at the largest, comfiest sofa of the cafe.

The staff were lovely, friendly and chatty. The waitress enjoyed the music as much as we did and we all hummed along to most songs. She’s one of us!

Sheba had the veggie breakfast and I had avocado, hummus with chilli flakes and a poached egg on sourdough bread.

It was delicious! The avocado was nice and soft, hummus was tasty, perfect amount of salt and lemon juice and the bread was probably the best bread I’ve tried in Southampton, fresh, warm and soft, so soft it melt in my mouth.

The quote written in chalk on the wall just opposite us definitely touched a chord.

‘Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible‘ by Frank Zappa

We had a great time. Sofa, blankets, delicious food and fun conversations with one of my favourite people. What else could I ask for.

Needless to say I definitely recommend Rogues Cafe. If you love homely vibes, delicious food and want to support the community and local independent shops, give it a go!

After I came back from lunch I saw a colleague who’s been battling cancer for a while. She’s been off sick for weeks and only popped in to grab something from her office. She looked weak and fragile. She reminded me of the last time I saw my aunt. Well the last time I saw her alive. Back in March, 2015. She had just finished a round of chemo and lost most of her hair. But at that point doctors were optimistic that she would get through it, but she didn’t believe it. I can’t stop thinking that she knew. She knew months before. God I miss her. I’ll always miss her. It’s sad and painful but I’m glad I remembered her. As long as we remember her, she lives through us.

After work I had my hairdressers appointment with the lovely Vicky at Haringtons. I love this place. I always look forward to it. Massage chair, a nice cup of tea, chatting and pampering. What else does a girl need!

And just finished the Love Vinyasa Flow session with Adriene. Day 1 of the Self Love themed month. Just what I needed! It might take me a bit longer to finish since I can’t follow the sessions on holiday but I’m confident it will be another amazing journey.

Now Pizza and Friends. Perfect end to the day.

September started well. I have high hopes! Every time I think of it Kodaline’s song comes to mind and I start singing

High hopes, it takes me back to when we started
High hopes, When you let it go go out and start again
High hopes, when it all comes to an end butt the world keeps spinning around…

I’ll try and post during the weekend before I sign off for a week or so for my holidays if I have something to share and if I get the time, so much to do!

Here’s to the weekend! Happy weekend beautiful people!

Namaste

Eleni