Bit by bit we are working through the various projects in our home, to transform it into a shiny spanking dilly of a Victorian terraced house.
We’ve done the floors upstairs, we’ve had our sash windows draft-proofed (and in our bedroom, double glazed – flippin expensive but it’s made the most incredible difference to our sleep) and some other smaller bits and pieces.
Summer in London means the endless search for cool (as in temperature) shady and outdoor pretty spots to sip cocktails with friends on hazy weekends or for a cheeky tipple after work. There are gorgeous little terraces that pop up all over the city and one of my favourites this year is The Churchill Bar & Terrace at Hyatt Regency London – newly designed, in association with the National Trust’s Chartwell, and looking stunning.
Ruislip Lido
I’m hot. Are you hot? We’re all hot. Let’s go swimming. And let’s go swimming in the most glorious places that London has to offer. Ponds, beaches (beaches!!) lakes & lidos. Here are eleven of my favourite hotspots to cool down.
I told you a few days ago about my new breakfast obsession and how much I’m loving my Quaker overnight oats, especially as they’ve single handedly allowed me to spend more time in my beloved garden!
I wanted to share with you what I’ve been doing and what I’ve learnt, while having this extra time to potter about the garden… I am a total beginner and still have lots to learn, but here are my top three tips that I’ve discovered as a new gardener with a few minutes each day…
You know those people who wake up at the crack of dawn, looking like they’ve just had a makeover, with their hair in perfect form and a glow in their cheeks… They’ve done a yoga class before 6:30am, take long languid showers and still have plenty of time to make themselves a delicious healthy breakfast from scratch, before gliding out the door to work, with a freshly made smoothie in hand, perfect-barely-there makeup on their glowing faces and some kind of life enhancing podcast in their headphones….
Yep. That’s not me.
A few nights ago, LM and I hopped on the train to Stoke Newington for a spot of supper at The Lacy Nook. I’d heard great things about this friends-run restaurant, so was very keen to try it for myself. And I was in no way disappointed. In fact, all my expectations were surpassed. And then some. And then some more.
Beep beep Sample Sale Lovers… Crafty Fox Market, a wonderful London craft fair, is excited to announce the first ever Crafty Fox Sample Sale. Hurrah.
For one day only on Saturday 8th July the Fox has invited 40+ designer makers and artists to offer their best bargain samples and covetable seconds for the ultimate crafty rummage.
A couple of years ago, my lovely friend Camilla took me to her favourite burger joint, Patty & Bun, off Oxford St. I took one bite and knew that I was about to eat the best burger I’d ever had. Ever. I came home and told LM that I’d just eaten the best burger of my life and we had to go to Patty & Bun immediately so he could have the best burger of his life. (Setting myself up to fail, I know). And we went. And he agreed. BEST BURGER OF OUR LIVES.
Inbetweeny weather does not make for easy times in the city. It’s impossible to know what to wear, what to pack, what to layer, what to leave behind… I’ve been out in wellies and shorts (not one of my greater plans) sandals and coats (better) and of course, my trusty umbrella comes with me wherever I go… But it’s BIG. And HEAVY. And, if I’m being completely honest, really blimmin annoying.
I was recently invited to a very special dinner at Berry Bros. & Rudd. And for those of you who are already familiar with this extraordinary company, you’ll understand why I RSVP’d immediately and cancelled all other plans. For those of you who haven’t yet come across this London gem, allow me to introduce…
Matilda The Musical is currently playing its sixth year in the West End and is now the longest running production to play at the Cambridge Theatre. Hip pip! To celebrate, they’ve partnered up with Rococo Chocolates to launch their new ‘Little Bit Naughty’ ticket and chocolate tasting package, which I was lucky enough to experience a couple of weeks ago…
The beauty world were the first, I believe, to enter the world of subscription boxes. The excitement of receiving an surprise package through the letterbox each month containing a teeny tiny lipstick or mini face cream was almost too much to bear. However there’s now a subscription box for EVERYTHING. Chocolate, books, tea, flowers… In fact, if there isn’t a subscription box associated with a brand it almost makes you a bit suspicious….
Balls: Balls Bros | Sunnies: Chanel
I often find myself running around Soho for various meetings and whatnot, and I’m lucky that I have a few dear pals who work in the area, who can skip out of their offices and come and meet me on their lunch breaks…
I am therefore always on the hunt for new spots for lunch in Soho, and love hearing about new cafes that have popped up (and always sad to hear when one has popped down).
Whenever you find yourself standing in the middle of Trafalgar Square, HUNGRY, don’t panic. At first glance you can’t see any places to head to for lunch, apart from a few fast food chains… but what you may not know, is hidden in the magnificent National Gallery (that massive building on the square), is The National Café, which serves up scrumptious British and modern European dishes, from brekky through to dinner…
A couple of weeks ago a new Trilogy jumper came into my life, and I haven’t taken it off since. I’ve worn it A LOT.
It’s because I love it. And when you love something, you should let it know. It’s your duty.