London Photography - Now on Etsy!

Just a quick blog post to let you know that I’ve now started selling some of my photography on Etsy.

A mixture of photo from different parts of London. From the swans in Regent’s Park to the view of St Paul’s from One New Change.

Take a look here: http://etsy.me/1oU1O9V

Discovering the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

This week, Pete and I went to visit Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. As it has just opened to the public and is a DLR ride away from our flat, we wanted to go and see the legacy that has been left by the Olympic’s in 2012.

This massive new area of redevelopment has the potential to be a great space for the future. The buildings left by the Olympic games are stunning. I love the Aquatics Centre and Velodrome, both are two standout pieces of architecture.

At the moment, the park feels very unnerving, everything is planned to perfection and there is not much activity. Once the areas of the park settle into their surroundings and the people move into the new flats next to the park, it could be a great place to be. Once all the areas of the park are open and you can wander along the river and canals, it will be great place to visit on a sunny Summer afternoon in London.

Enjoy the photos on Flickr: http://bit.ly/RzFqGv

An afternoon in Blackheath

It’s been a lovely Bank Holiday weekend so far! After a yummy experimental breakfast (recipe for which is here) this morning, Pete and I headed for a wander around Blackheath. This beautiful village tucked away was superb on this sunny spring day.

We explored the shops and then headed for the hills to find a spire that we had seen. This led us to a beautiful private residential street with an array eclectic house.

Enjoy and see more photos here on my Tumblr

London Adventure - Spring is here!

I love this time of year.

As the days become just a little longer and the cold chill of winter becomes a distant memory, the sun starts to shine and London becomes a glorious city.

To celebrate the sunshine, Pete and I headed out for a stroll around London town and ended up in Regents Park. As it was my birthday recently, it was time to get to grips with my new toy, the Panasonic GF6 camera.

Check out a few of the photos below.

You can view the complete set here: http://bit.ly/1ieih69

Greenwich I am in you...

It’s very weird to think that I’ve nearly been in my new flat for a month now. Time has totally flown by and I expect that that next time I blink, it will be 6 months from now. It’s been great showing people around! I promise that I will share some pictures when I have sorted stuff out. My favourite comment so far when I’ve shown people around is that is looks like an a page in the Ikea catalogue!

Anyway, with all of the unpacking (nearly) done, the next step is really to discover more about the place that I will call home for many years. It’s time to find the best bar, best pub, best places for a romantic dinner and the best place to take the parents for Sunday lunch, that’s if I don’t attempt to cook it myself.

For me though, I know this area quite well and it holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Greenwich with a couple of friends about 3 years ago. It was the first place I lived in London and an area that I felt so comfortable in. I did love living in Brixton and I would recommend the area to anyone, but Greenwich really had my heart.

One of things I always do when I move somewhere new is start following local blogs and Twitter accounts to really get up to speed with the area. If you are moving somewhere new, I would totally suggest doing the same.

Here are a couple of blogs I’ve started following:
The Greenwich Phantom - http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/
853 - http://853blog.com/
The Blackheath Bugle - http://blackheathbugle.wordpress.com/

Here is a Twitter featuring Greenwich and surrounding area Twitter account, which I will be adding to over time:
https://twitter.com/originalsteve/greenwich/

Do you live in Greenwich and know some more blogs I should follow? Drop me a note at @originalsteve or post a comment below.

Looking forward to sharing more of my adventures with you soon.

My first flat, Shared Ownership advice...

This is what it's going to be...

The last few weeks have been a pretty amazing for me, if you have read my #deartuesday post you would have seen that I got my mortgage offer. (if you haven't read it yet, check it out here http://bit.ly/UagO47). I've been waiting for over a month for this information now. But, it finally means that I can make progress on my new flat.

In my life I really didn't think that I would ever be able to buy a flat, as you need at least a 20% deposit to get a mortgage, which is a huge amount of money. I never thought that I had been earning enough money to live in London, save some money and pay off the debts that I built up as a student. So buying a flat had always been out of the question.

In July last year I was speaking to my mum about my housing situation. I was living in a shared flat, which firstly was being sold by my landlady and secondly I had a housemate who was going through a few issues that were affecting all of us. I had always wanted to live in my own place and on my own for a while. You know the feeling when you just want a place where you can wander around in your pants, watch the TV you want to watch and do the cleaning when you want to. 

My mum suggested that I take a look at the Shared Ownership scheme, where first time buyers can buy a certain percentage of a property and the rest of the property is owned by a Housing Association. You pay for the mortgage on the percentage you own and pay rent to the Housing Association who owns the rest of the property. For these type of properties you usually only need a 5% - 15% deposit on the section of the property you own. Which it an easier sum of money to save compared to the usual 20%. It would mean that I could have my own place where I could settle down. No one but me could sell the place from under my feet and the money I was spending was not going just going into someone’s pocket, but helping me up the property ladder.

It sounded too good to be true, but I took a look and found that I could get a brand new/newly built flat with a small amount of savings and at an affordable monthly rate. If I decided just to rent on my own, I would be looking at spending at least £1500 a month, but with this, I would be paying much less on a mortgage and rent. The places available usually are in upcoming areas of London and come with a few restrictions, but if you are happy to put up with that, you are all sorted.

So that was it, I visited a few places and somewhere affordable and in a location I was happy with. It was time to save for the deposit, so I moved back in the parents and the rest is history.

If I’ve got you thinking about doing the same, here are my tips to get you on your way:

1. Register with First Steps London (or look here to find your nearest place) and take a look at the properties available

2. Look at the different areas and work out how much you can afford to spend on rent/mortgage every month. Also add about £300 on top for bills, just in case. I made an excel document to track my outgoings and work it out. It was really useful!

3. Look at the required deposits and work out how much you have or can save on what you are on. Also, add on £4000 to the required deposit for legal fees, mortgage costs and for kitting out your new home

4. Take a look at a few places. Get a feel for what is available. Ask lots of questions, the housing association and developers are happy to help

5. Get your finances in order. Reduce your overdraft and pay off any loans or credit cards. The Housing Association and mortage company will look at your finances thoroughly. Most schemes will ask you to speak to a Financial Advisor, which is usually free until you get a mortgage. Again, ask lots of questions and don't be scared to tell them the truth. They want to help you

6. If you find a place you like, find out what the process is and how long it will take. Sometimes you might have to buy off a plan if the place isn't built yet.

7. Ask your friends or family for a good Solicitor. Ask them lots of questions. I was lucky one of my close family relations is a Solicitor. 

8. Lastly, be prepared for extra and hidden costs. This could be ground rent or additional money for other things. Even though this is 'affordable housing' people are looking to make money from you.

Keep following this blog to see what happens next and how the move goes! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

Cheers,
Steve

Goodbye Greenwich - Top things to do in Greenwich!

 Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Sadly, after exactly a year in this great part of London, it is time for me to wave goodbye as I head to pastures new and start the next adventure. It is amazing to think that Greenwich is in London; people forget that it is only a 10 minute train ride from London Bridge. It features in a big part in London's history and is the place where time begins. The buildings are magnificent and the place has almost had a village feel. For me, it has been a great place to live and (if I could ever afford it) I would love to come back and live here again. Anyway, as I wave goodbye and shed a little tear, I thought I would share what I think are the best bits of Greenwich.


Greenwich Market. Map
Quite a small when compared to some of the markets around London, but it holds some amazing delights. Especially the food section of the Market - it seems like every nationality is represented! For around £5, you can get a brilliant lunch to take away and eat in the park. My favourite has always been the Nigerian chicken stew with bean bread. IT IS AMAZING.

Greenwich Park - Greenwich

Greenwich Park. Map
One if London's most beautiful parks at any time of day. Head up to the top of the hill to find some amazing views of Canary Wharf and the city. Stroll through the windy paths, find yourself at the hidden Rose gardens and find the first bath in London! I used to run here on Spring mornings, chill and stroll through at the weekends or even go back on a summers evening to see the laser showing you where time begins. Also, have a look at the Queens House! It's stunning!


The Royal Observatory. Map
Situated in Greenwich park is this little free attraction. Wonder around and find out more about time! Also, book tickets and go to the plantetarium, it is the only one in London!

Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Royal Naval College. Map
The buildings are magnificent. I often used to buy food in the market and bring it here to enjoy in the sun. Have a look at the painted hall and head over to the chapel. Or even just sit there and watch the Thames go by on a summers day.

Painted Hall - Greenwich

The Greenwich Union. Map
One of my favourite pubs! A very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, it serves it's own brews and does an amazing Sunday roast. It is tucked away from the main part of Greenwich, but worth a visit!

So if you ever find yourself with a free weekend, just jump on a train and go a visit Greenwich!

Give it a little wave from me. :)

Spring is here!

So, we can finally say that Spring has sprung!

The clocks have moved forward, the weather is getting warmer, flowers have started to bloom and the trees are in beautiful spring blossom. You can finally put the big winter coat away, but keep the mac on hand. And don’t put away the umbrella yet! There's still a few odd showers.

It’s funny what this time of year does to you. After a Winter of hibernating inside, eating lots and lots of food, it’s time to dust away the cobwebs and start that good old clean out. The first time the warm spring sun hits your skin, you suddenly feel like it’s time to face the world again. You feel like whatever has been troubling you can been fixed.

For the first time in many years, I have been noticing the change in season and welcomed that first spring sun with open arms. I even got the sunglasses out, but decided to leave the shorts in the cupboard as it really isn’t that warm yet. :)

Also, this Spring means a lot to me. Firstly it marks my first year of living in London! I know what you are thinking, it feels like I’ve been here for ages, but really it’s only been a year. Even though I have to move out of my little house, I’m sure my housemates and I will be able to find somewhere to live before summer. Also the end of Spring marks a big moment in my life, I mark my 1 year anniversary with my boyfriend. I know that might seem tosh to some of you, but for me it’s a big occasion. My previous relationships have only lasted 1 - 2 months so for me this is a big deal! We are marking it the best way possible, with a little holiday to a seaside town in Cornwall. Really I can’t wait.

So, I would like to make a toast to Spring! Welcome back and we look forward to what surprises you spring on us!

Great little place: Brick Lane.

I have been to Brick Lane a couple of times before, but to be honest, it was quite a blur. About 3 years ago I went to the Truman Brewery for an awards ceremony, ended up getting a little tiddly and the last thing I can remember was being in one of the Indian restaurants at 2am drinking with some people.

The second visit was 2 years ago. A friend of mine worked near there and I met him for dinner. We haggled our way into one of the Indian restaurants along the lane and had a great meal.

But, it was time to take another look. With a sober head on and some great company, Saturday was the time to go and explore this area in the daylight.

A couple of people had said to be that it was a great place to visit, especially as it has a buzzing market according to different web reports, but these markets are only open on Sunday. Even though this was the case, my partner in crime and I, thought we would take a look.

Stepping off the train at Shoreditch High street, you realise you are entering a cultural hub of the cool and trendy. After a bit of wandering around in the wrong direction (nearly heading to Hackney) we found ourselves at the north end of Brick Lane.This place is urban cool at it’s best!

Vintage and branded fashion boutiques line this end of the street, as you wonder down, you are greeted by the old Truman Brewery, a vast brick building, housing some great shops, bars and gallery's.

With our tummies rumbling, we headed to the Big Chill Bar for a diet busting burger and chips. I have to say this bar was great,with friendly staff and good priced food.

As you carry on down the lane, you find yourself in the curry district. Each restaurant trying to persuade you to eat there. It was quite cool.

We came away feeling like we had been on a great adventure.

I will defiantly be heading back there sometime soon and if you get a chance to go, go. Even if the market is not on, go and have a wander.

Christmas is here...

I don't know why, but this year I really wanted to decorate my bedroom for Christmas.

As I'm saving all my money for Christmas presents for my loved ones I had to do it on the cheap! So I head to Wilkinsons!

For £15 I got a tree, baubles, a star, tinsel and some paper chains! Bargain!

Now I'm all set, I even have a Doctor Who advent calendar to count down the days...yes I am 25!

Festive Sights...

So, my last posts seems to be about London's festive sights.

On my walk to see a friend today I saw this in Covent Garden! It's brilliant!

Snow Snow Snow...

So it's time to slip and slide around the place again. The snow is here...just before December begins! :)

Things are getting Christmasy!

On my way home from work I walked past a little row of shops near my house. As the lights twinkled on this frosty evening I began to feel a little festive.

Always good to find a great little place!

So, the cafe around the corner from my house has just re opened after a 2 month refit.

I had only been in once before on the way to work before it closed. It was small, but did coffee and greasy spoon style breakies.

But after if 2months away, Baba's (near Greenwich station) is back with more space and a new lick of paint. A big full English (sausage, egg, bacon, beans, mushroom, toast and bubble&squeak) WITH COFFEE, will only set you back £5.50! Bargain!

I think I know where I will be going for my weekend hangover cure! :)

Places to visit...British Library

I needed to get some work done on #deartuesday so I headed here.

It's a great place to vist, some cool exhibitions and an extraordinary building.

I went for the free wifi, work space and coffee. It's a busy place, full of students doing the same thing as me. But I found a place to set up shop.

I would recommend going if you need a bit of space and some where new to work. Wifi is quite slow due to the amount of people using it but it's nice not to bs in the office right?

3 reasons why I miss London..

As many of you who follow me on Twitter know, I have spent the last week and a half on jury service. Following my tweets through the boredom of waiting around to be called, and the joys of finding out I wasn’t needed for 4 days! Whatever anyone says, it’s not the greatest time of your life. There are plenty more things I would like to do than sit around in a waiting room for 2 weeks.

In order for me to enjoy this joyless life experience, I’ve had to come home to my parents house in order to serve. Yes, before you say it, it has been nice to see them and hang out with my brother and sister. But, all in all I miss London!
Here are 3 reasons why...

1 - Public transport and walking. 
Yeah, I know this seems a bit of a weird one. I am lucky to have the luxury of a car when I’m at home, but driving can sometimes take it’s toll. I’m not exactly in a remote area, but the transport isn’t great, so you have to drive everywhere! Yeah I get from A-B quicker, but you have to concentrate. Sometimes it’s nice just to day dream on the train or even take that stroll in the rain through Carnaby Street. Petrol and parking can be expensive!

2 - Good Coffee. 
For me, the best place to get a coffee is to drive into town, even then it’s just another one of those chain places. Working in Soho, there are good number of good independent coffee places to go, try and use their wifi. All in walking distance of my office....maybe I’m just a little spoilt in London...

3 - Saying “I know that great little place”.
When I was 18, the town where I’m from had a great little night life. I would spend most weekends on a Thursday/Friday/Saturday night out on the town with my friends. Now, when meeting up with local friends, I have to pause before answering the question, thinking...’Is that pub still open?’, ‘Do they actually do good food?’ Most of the time you get stuck in chain places as they're the only safe places.

I hope it’s not coming across that I’m having a rant, I feel very privileged to have a job and live in the great city. It’s a place I’m still exploring every weekend and I don’t expect to know it for many years to come. I also hope that I’m not coming across like one of those Daily Mail journalists who moved out of London to life in the country and moan constantly about not living in London.

Some times it’s the little things I miss...but hopefully I will be home in the mother city soon, if I don’t get a case that lasts 3 weeks!