Today’s post comes courtesy of the lovely Miho, from Wander to Wonder! I’ve been a fan of Miho’s blog for such a long time now, and can’t recommend her posts highly enough. They’re always so beautifully put together (you must go and take a look at Miho’s photos from Vietnam- gorgeous!), and Miho’s restaurant posts are always comprehensive, tempting, and informative all at once! So, enough from me- let me introduce to Wander to Wonder!

1. Will you tell us a little about how you got started writing Wander to Wonder?

Back in 2013, I was just wrapping up 3 years of studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria. Although I had a wonderful time there, I was so excited to move back to London (where I grew up), and was determined to make the most of living in the city as a twenty-something year old young professional. Combined with my perpetual love for documenting (I had kept a diary since I was 14) and taking photos, setting up a blog seemed a very natural step to take!

2. How would you sum up your blog, in just 3 words?

Curious, Hungry, Wanderlust.

3. How has your blog evolved over the years since you began writing it? And has blogging brought about any changes, in how you see the world?

Well, I think there are basic things that have (hopefully) improved – like photography, design and organisation. But the core of it actually hasn’t changed all that much – I started WTW to write about things I enjoyed, places I travelled to and the highlights of living in London, and I still write about all of these things.

The biggest change blogging has brought me, are the new friends I have made. About a year or so after I started the blog, I started meeting like-minded people through events, drinks and dinners, who have now become true friends of mine, which I am so grateful for.

4. Would you share with us three of your favourite posts, and tell us why they’re particular favourites?

This is tough, because there are so many great memories stored on my little online scrapbook! Off the top of my head -

Visiting Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta, Lake Como: I still look at these photos and sigh because it was so beautiful there. Plus, it was the day we had the best pizza of our lives, so that definitely warrants a top 3 spot!

On a positive note: a post where I wrote about how I fought to be happy and left a perpetually negative attitude behind.

365 days post-wedding: all about the personal touches and decisions we made for our wedding back in 2013. I’m still filled with so much joy when I think back to those moments, and see those photos!

5. You write in your ‘About’ page that food is the subject that comes up most often on WtW! Will you share with us three of your top favourite places to eat in your home city of London?

The Ledbury: probably my number one, although I’ve only been once and it’s definitely in the “luxury” category! My husband took me there for an incredible birthday lunch last year, and it was absolutely phenomenal.

Barrafina: the best tapas I’ve had in London, and I just adore the setting as well. Even though all three branches are quite small, don’t take reservations and only have counter seating (perfect for romantic dinners, but I’ve also gone with my sister and loved it), it is so worth queuing for and I recommend it to everyone.

Honest Burgers: how could I not include a good burger in this list? HB is my pick out of the bunch, and it never disappoints. It’s also the best value for money, and the staff are always friendly!

6. I’d love to know more about the ‘Year of Mindful Living’ you’ve mentioned on your blog. Will you tell us a little about what that means to you?

For me personally, my main Mindful Living goals are to be conscious of my footprints on the planet and its environment, to support independent and small businesses, and to be kind to people, surroundings and things in all senses of the word. It’s not always easy (or convenient), but taking small steps like seeking out local independent shops for birthday cards, buying produce from farmers’ markets (we buy most of ours from Abel & Cole), and supporting young artists and creatives all add up to something.

7. It’s clear, when reading your lovely blog, that travel is a passion of yours. Would you share with us a few of your favourite recent travel destinations, and what made them so special?

I have so much love and passion for travelling – I’m not a globe trotter by any means, but I try to explore and travel as much as life/work/budget allows. My favourites so far include -

Vietnam: we just got back a couple of weeks ago, and had such a special experience there – unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Such a distinct and different culture, in a rapidly developing country.

The Maldives: our honeymoon destination, and it was simply paradise on earth. The sea life has to be seen to be believed, and it was just magical.

New York City: as much as I love reading about Rosie’s gorgeous lifestyle in the countryside, I was born and raised in Tokyo and London, making me a true city girl at heart. I am crazy about NYC and we had the best time there last October. I can’t wait to go back one day!

Santorini, Greece: Santorini holds a very special place in my heart, because E proposed to me there. But even if he hadn’t, it would still be somewhere I think about on a near daily basis, and we already know that we will definitely return – and to the very same hotel, because it was the most memorable, personal and blissful place we’ve every stayed in. We’re usually Airbnb people, but for this hotel we would willingly shell out, it’s worth every penny!

8. And finally, it’s our old favourite Desert Island Discs! If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring along for the ride? You can bring two albums/CDs, two books, two films, ingredients to make a meal, and one luxury item!

CDs: Beethoven Piano Concertos 4 & 5 with Claudio Arrau and Sir Colin Davis, and Let It Be by The Beatles

Books: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

Films: The Untouchables (French movie, you must see it if you haven’t!) and Roman Holiday

Ingredients to make a meal: the best quality rice and raw fish to make sushi!

Luxury Item – a print out of all the emails and messages my husband and I have ever exchanged, from our very first date over 10 years ago. We used to communicate a lot over email, when he was at university and I was still at school, and then when we were doing long distance. I think that would keep me company on an otherwise very lonely island!

~ Thanks so much to the lovely Miho for such a fascinating insight into all things WtW! Don’t forget to follow along with Wander to Wander via Bloglovin‘- it really is a great one, don’t you think? :) ~