Jet lag is crippling – I end up in a complete fog for 2 days. This will be exacerbated this year because our clocks change tonight. Thrilled about Spring being almost here, but I know the kids will be bouncing out of bed at 5am tomorrow morning, and after a party for 25 6 year olds today I might not be too keen on that! Hugh turned 6 on the 6th and I have never seen him so excited before. He has written a list of all the things he wants to do for his birthday and the party along with a trip to his favorite BBQ joint will complete it. Think of me this morning while I am bouncing on trampolines and whizzing down zip lines…
The outfits over the past couple of days have revolved around comfort – essential for jet lag recovery!
Last Friday began with a train journey to London town. I love the journey through the English countryside. It always makes me think of the hymn Jerusalem that we sang at school – I used to love belting it out in morning assembly.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mayfair. What a fabulous location! Right across the street from Green Park tube and The Ritz. One criticism though – stop charging for in room wi-fi – £28 for 2 days – a bloody rip off if you ask me! My heart was beating out of my chest with excitement as I came out of the tube. Arriving in London always feels like coming home, yet still so foreign, especially staying in Mayfair. Let’s be honest I never had the money or the inclination to head there in 90’s!
I headed straight out to meet Sue and the girls from AllWornOutBlog.com. A little wander up the road through Berkeley Square, past Rolls Royce dealerships and haute couture boutiques, and I was at Selfridges. After chasing Sue around the menswear and shoe salon we eventually met up – talk about amateur tourists! We then met the lovely Eve, Gina, Belinda and Ann in Aubaine – a fabulous little eatery where we talked, giggled and drank copious amounts of wine. Security turfed us out at 9pm – how much fun was that skipping through an empty Selfridges!?
Double Trouble
We went to the pub too.
Saturday started early, with the inevitable hangover – but there’s another story behind my recovery for a later date…
I wandered North to meet the girls at the Mayfair Pizza Co – another great spot where the staff were amazing!! They tolerated us from 12 to 12 and kindly put us in our own little room. After 8 magnums of prosecco between us I think the other diners were quite relieved.
We talked and talked and then the beautiful Marlene (www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com) somehow had the patience to photograph us all while we nitpicked at our images – too fat, too orange, crooked smile, wonky eyes – you can read how she put us right here.
Here’s one of my outtakes that Sue took – I had a fit of the giggles!
And here is my fabulous souvenir from Marlene.
An amazing weekend with amazing friends, brought together by our love of clothes and writing. I have found an eclectic, smart, driven, funny, loyal, kind group of women who I hold dear and cherish every day. I wish I got to see them all more often.
There were no comedy breasts you’ll be pleased to hear.
What an amazing week it has been! Lots of shopping, lunches, and FAR too much prosecco! After recovering from jetlag and a trip to the soft play center with my nephews, my Mum, my sister and I headed to Manchester on Thursday. I love shopping in Manchester – it is great to be outside instead of a mall, and the sun shone for us all day. I am really impressed with how they have cleaned up the city center and even the Arndale is a pleasant experience these days. AllSaints was my first port of call and I cannot say enough great things about the staff there. They were brilliant and really helpful. I love the Emi Freesia top that continues to feed my black and navy obsession:
The Tiko t-shirt is a classic AllSaints draped cut – perfect for spring.
The Leyla t-shirt is beautiful – I have the dark grey with navy sleeves – really soft and drapey and it feels fabulous on.
We then headed to M&S, of course! I was not planning on buying anything…but then my sister spotted these lovelies. I love a biker boot and these are really ‘neat’ looking – the sole isn’t too heavy – plus 20% off – a bargain!
Then a lovely dress. Remember this VB dress? I loved it, most hated it.
The Limited range has this quilted dress, tailored for the high street. I tried a UK10 and a 14 in store – too small and too big, but the 12 is perfect – I will love it with some sun on my skin!
This photo is not the most flattering – it makes me look like I have no shape – but I assure you the drop waist is fab and it gives me shape around my backside from the back and sides. I’m really happy with it.
I came away from M&S really impressed – it’s a long time since so much has appealed to me.
Finally I stocked up on my Molton Brown body wash – this Bushukan scent is sold as a men’s fragrance here but it is wonderful and works for us ladies who prefer scents without too many floral notes. The scent lasts all day – I just love it.
Not a bad haul hey? The great news is after playing mule for some friends here I have plenty of space in my bags now I’ve handed their goods over!
The best bit of the whole day though was lunch in Harvey Nicks.
I’ll leave my weekend shenanigans to another blogpost – needless to say it was fun and prosecco fueled! Here’s an amazing photo that my very kind friend, Marlene from www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com took – what a great souvenir to have!
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