Week Thirty

I went all around Notting Hill with my camera last Thursday. The weather was completely grey, but it doesn't take away from how lovely this area is with it's colorful flats and cute shops and restaurants. I don't come over here very often, because there isn't a super convenient way to get here from our flat, but I think I am going to plan a dinner date in this area soon so James can experience too!

Here are some teaser pictures from my Walkabout Notting Hill!

We stayed in most of the week and ate dinners at home, so Saturday was a splurge day. We watched soccer at the pub and then went over to Ali and Paul's flat for one last hurrah before they move into their own, new flat. Super excited for them! 

Recently (like last week), I've been attempting to "diet." And by diet, I mean making up my own rules as I go and breaking them when I feel it absolutely necessary... Realistically, I've just been trying to cut some carbs out of my diet (bread, fried food, etc., NOT wine), but damn, it is REALLY hard to do in this country. 

I've been eating like I'm on holiday the entire time that I've been in London and now it's time to put a stop to it. Also, going to Spain when you're not feeling thaaaaat great about yourself, where the women are naturally beautiful will also do it to you. I've only gained back about 5 pounds since the wedding, but it's all in my face which is the worst place you can get it. Soooooooo, today I am busting my kickboxing gear out and starting a two month training course. Wish me luck!

Get ready London, Team King arrives on Saturday! I can't believe it's here... We are seriously pumped. So much to do, so little time! AHHH!

In other news, I changed my Instagram name to teamstarnes. I've been watching this bodybuilding couple use the hashtag for over a year now and I wanted to stake claim. If I continue with the blog after this year, it will eventually just be 'Team Starnes' obviously since I don't know if we will be in London anymore, but if I don't keep the blog, I'll just change it back to alexandra_starnes. the end. Oh! Oh! And I'm also looking for a good blog template because I'm over mine. Suggestions please! the real end.

Happy Monday! xx

A Stroll Through Culpeper Community Garden

We live across the street from the Culpeper Community Garden. There are always people in there working on their plots, or business people relaxing and eating their lunch amongst the hum of the bees and the chirping of birds—it's quite a serene place.

I decided to take a stroll through the garden and practice with my camera. My husband has a natural eye for photography, so I let him handle the DSLR while we were in Barcelona because I didn't want to risk ending up with crappy pictures. I kind of regret not taking the reigns since I had such a good time playing around with the camera in Brighton last week, but oh well, ya live, ya learn.

I have so much to learn about shooting with a DSLR camera and right now I am still only using the automatic, flower and landscape settings, but with every time I go out and wander about, I am getting more and more comfortable. 

I am using the Canon EOS 100D, which is the UK version of the Canon Rebel SL1. Does anyone have this camera? Any suggestions or tips? I would love to hear anything that can improve my photography skills!

*linked up

Brighton Pier

The Brighton Pier (actual name: Brighton Marine Palace and Pier), is a pleasure pier located on the Southern Coast of Great Britain. It was built in 1899, which means it's been providing "pleasure" for 115 years. Whew! It must be exhausted! 

Obviously the pier and the beach are a huge tourist attraction for the town. The pier is very family friendly with carnival games, rides and entertainment for all ages, so be prepared for a lot of HIGH ENERGY. The pier was fun to walk down, although I was nervous about losing my fedora the whole time. Quite windy! We were in Brighton on a Wednesday during work hours and it was only slightly  crowded, so I assume this place gets pretty crazy on the weekends. Oh! And go ahead and feed the seagulls. There are signs all over screaming, "DON'T FEED THE SEAGULLS YOU A$$HOLES!" but people were doing it anyways. Can't fix stupid.

The pebble beach was much more calm. Plenty of beach-side restaurants to sit and have a pint, a carousel and a few attractions for young children and lots of little shops to pop in for souvenirs. I love how you can rent those super iconic chairs to layout on the beach, they make me think of the 1950's. The weather was pretty chilly while we were there mid April, but I'm sure once the weather picks up this area will be swarmed.

Click the link for pictures from Brighton Lane and Royal Pavilion!