Fun in the City - Day 2

I packed such a lot into my little mini city break with Kate and as an added bonus Laura managed to join us for a day and a night as she was interviewing in London. Poor Vicky wasn't very happy that she couldn't come as well but we bought her a present from her favourite sports wear shop - Sweaty Betty, surprisingly enough it's not a shop I regularly visit! I did visit one of my very favourite shops though "Anthropologie" we spent hours looking round the Kings Road branch. I may have to whisper this as I don't want to hurt any ones feelings and I might quickly change my mind but I think I might like Anthropologie more than Liberty - I can't believe I have just written that down!

We had a great time planning how we would overhaul our homes, especially the kitchen as they have such unusual and exquisite pieces, I pictured myself flouncing around in a beautiful long apron, so fussy and not a bit  practical ( it would take an hour to iron and who irons an apron, but so covetable). Laura and Kate had fun admiring the clothes and Kate was very tempted by a little black and white dress, we even ventured into the changing rooms which as you would expect was an uber cool distressed vintage space with a fabulous sofa.

As we were leaving the store we spied an amazing mini ceramic exhibition, which has given Kate some super ideas for work she could do with the boys next year. (Kate is Head of Art at a boy’s school)

When we finally left the store it was way past lunchtime so we stocked up on some tasty snacks and had our lunch in a very pretty Chelsea Park which was tucked away down a little side Street just off the Kings Road. We spent a lovely hour eating, chatting and resting our weary feet, and also sampling a very nice chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, very decadent to be drinking wine at lunchtime in the sunshine - bliss.

Then a little more shopping and I bought a lovely dress from COS  they have  lovely clothes, we were all tempted, but unfortunately I forgot to take any photos.

It was soon time to collect Jakey from Nursery and then back to Kate's to think about preparing dinner and starting my packing ready to go home the following morning.

I set off home around mid morning accompanied by Kate and Laura who insisted on carrying my suitcase and bags. We stopped off at Victoria to visit the newly opened Dutch shop Hema . When Kate was at University she spent nine months working at a design house in Holland and fell in love with this discount store so it brought back fond memories for us all.



Yet more purchases to add to my collection. Then it was on to Euston where I caught my train home. It was a very peaceful journey after the hectic tube rides, my carriage was almost empty. I spent a lovely few hours making some crochet flowers for a project I have in mind.

I'm home now and have been busy catching up with everything and everyone. But feeling quite jealous as Kate has sent me two amazing photos of yarn bombing in Kew Gardens. She spent a lovely day in the gardens with one of her friend's, Jake had such fun picnicking and playing in the sunshine.

Another place to add to my must do list for my next visit.

talk soon x

Fun in the City - Day 1

I spent a lovely few days with Kate and we had the opportunity to do lot's of fun things together. We visited a trade show, enjoyed a fair amount of shopping and managed to fit in some leisurely lunch breaks along the way. We were very fortunate with the weather and took the opportunity to eat alfresco as much as possible.

My journey to London on the Sunday wasn't quite as straight forward as usual due to a few tube closures but all in all it was a good journey and I managed a bit of crochet on the way. Sunday evening was spent watching the World Cup Final, and Jake won our family sweep stake with Zachy coming second.

On Monday morning we started out from Parsons Green enjoying the lovely sunshine and then tube hopped over to Angel in Islington where we visited a Children's trade show " Bubble" which was fun.

After looking around the show we had a quick coffee break and then went to find "Loop" a yarn store I have wanted to visit for ages but alas it was closed on a Monday. Undeterred we then set out to find Raystitch a wonderful haberdashery, only small but full of amazing treasures. I fell in love with the beautiful fabrics, such interesting and unusual patterns. I would love to join one of the sewing classes they offer but unfortunately a little far from home. After visiting Raystitch it was time for lunch and we sat outside in the sunshine at Planet Organic and enjoyed a very healthy lunch.

After we had eaten and replenished our energy levels it was time for another tube ride and we went to visit a lovely store called West Elm which is on Tottenham Court Rd. The shop was bursting with beautiful furniture, cookware, household goods, gifts, in fact lots of lovely things. We treated ourselves to a few bits and pieces and then called into the store next door, an amazing Paperchase with exciting goodies on three different floors - the biggest Paperchase I have ever seen with such a tempting array of brightly coloured things that you just must have!

Then it was time to pick up Jake, my lovely grandson, we had a quick play in the park and then home for his supper, bath time, story book and bed.

A lovely first day - more to tell you soon x

My lovely trip - part one......................

I spent four lovely days staying with Kate and was thoroughly spoilt. The weather stayed warm and sunny, we went out most days but nothing too exhausting so that we had lots of free time for crafting at home.

Jake was delightful and we had lots of fun playing with toy cars, Lego, and his new favourite toy, tiny Thomas the Tank engines which his Auntie Laura had bought for him.

Kate cooked some amazing new dishes which were yummy but very healthy too and I did a little spot of baking and made some mini currant buns and chocolate chip buns, guess which Jake liked the best?

On Thursday we took the tube to High Street Kensington and Kate took me to Wholefoods which is an amazing store with wonderful organic food and an enormous array of different food stuffs, home ware and goodies plus it's own cosmopolitan restaurant.

We decided to have lunch in the Market Restaurant and were spoilt for choice so much yummy whole food on offer - Kate decided on some tasty Mexican food and I had a delicious noodle and chicken dish.

 we spent some time gazing at the not so healthy cakes and cookies on offer but all were made from amazing ingredients..............

 even more time was spent looking at the awesome savouries....................

 sumptuous fresh fruit and vegetables.............

 we did have rather a heavy bag of shopping to take home with us - and we met even more temptation at the tube station...................

talk soon x

Kate's house..............

Whenever I spend time in London with Kate I am always in awe of her interior design talents. She has an incredible eye and manages to achieve wonderful visual displays, in every corner of her home. Kate's style is quite eclectic from modern, industrial, a touch of urban and even some slight vintage influences.

I feel sad that Kate has had to give up her business, she is such an inspirational designer maker but she had just too many balls to juggle. Being a busy mum and also Head of Art at a prestigious London school were stretching her to the limit. I am sure that Kate will continue to develop her design ideas and I have no doubt that when her life calms a little she will be tempted to explore other avenues.

With Kate's permission I have tried to capture a little glimpse of her lovely home - unfortunately I'm not sure the photographer was quite up to the job.

Kate's kitchen and outside space .............

main living space..................

Jake's room......................

study and staircase....................

 so much more I could show you but not enough time...............

talk soon x

ps I want to start to use my face book page more - please if you have a minute would you like my page

many many thanks

Sue x

Going Home ...................

After my lovely few days in London it's time to go home. I've packed my case and I am about to head off for the tube, I am sad to be leaving Kate and Jake but I also miss the rest of my family at home. It's such an exciting time to be around my grandchildren, Jake keeps singing little bits of twinkle twinkle little star in preparation for his nursery Christmas concert on Thursday, Alex, Finn, Daisy, Zach and Noah have got Christmas concerts and parties coming up, they are all getting very excited.

Once home it will be all go as I have a growing list of things to do, after making sure the house is all in order I will start writing my Christmas cards which is always a bigger job than I think. 

Next I am planning to get my Christmas tree and  properly decorate the house as so far I have just got a little advent corner set up for my grandchildren.

hope my tree is as nice as this .....................

    Talk soon x

Christmas shopping ......

I decided to venture into London and visit my favourite shop - Liberty's of course! So wrapped up warm with lots of accessories, hat, scarf, gloves and boots [it's freezing out] I set off for the tube. After a very busy underground journey I arrived at Oxford Circus and amid all the frantic hustle and bustle I arrived at Liberty's. 

The store is always beautiful to behold but at Christmas time it has a special magical quality all of its own. I spent some time wandering around and imagining all the things I would buy if I wasn't shopping on a budget. Then it was up to floor 3 where I just love the kitchen shop, the children's area and of course the haberdashery and yarn area - such bliss.  I bought some amazing grey yarn with a silver thread running through it and some lovely creamy natural wool with a sparkle - not sure what I will be making but will let you know soon as I'm desperate to start something special.

The Christmas Shop was a delight and I love all of the different colour schemes, I seem to have fallen for a white and silver theme but alas most of my decorations are red and green so I don't think I can afford to abandon them all this year. Pink and aqua seem quite popular but I'm not sure they are quite me.

lovely Christmas reindeer ........

It was soon time to head back to Kate's and brave the cold and the crowds. It was already quite dark outside and the lights on Oxford Street were stunning but unfortunately my photo doesn't do them justice.

I'm off to get the tube talk soon x

I'm going visiting ................

I am just packing my bags ready to go to London - I can't wait, I'm going to spend a long weekend with Kate, Seb and Jake. It seems ages since I last spent time with Jake, I can't wait for a cuddle and I've got lots of hugs to pass on from his 5 cousins.

If every thing goes to plan I will arrive in good time to collect Jake from nursery school which will be lovely. We have got lots of nice things planned for the weekend, but if I don't get my skates on I will miss my train.

I hope this means I'm early ............it's very quiet

Talk soon x