London visits

After a few recent visits to London I've got another list of awesome and exciting places that I can't wait to check out again soon and I wanted to share.

Shop.

After Noah
Enchanting emporium of wonderful handcrafted and vintage finds located in Islington. I could have happily spent an hour in there ogling at all manner of things from cards, little music boxes, clocks, furnishings, dolls and a cluttered pretty garden.

After Noah, 121 Upper St, London, N1 1QP

Anthropologie

This is the kind of shop I walk around and want to live in... all of the display cabinets are feature pieces by artists that are also for sale and as such often change around once sold. I love how colourful their shop is as well, it just feels quite magical. The indoor wall garden is kinda cool too, (not so much the squeaky glass-pebbled stairs though).

Anthropologie, 158 Regent Street, London, W1B 5SW

Eat & Drink.

Wahaca
Mexican market eating on a whole new level of amazing. (Oh I do love Mexican food). Started off with crisp tortilla chips, fresh salsa and guacamole then everything you order is served as soon as it's ready. Pork pibil tacos, chorizo & potato quesadillas and the chicken tinga quesadillas were top faves. Love the restaurant itself, it was as bright and fresh as the food with an equally chilled atmosphere. Cherry on top, (yes, there's more!) the complimentary grow your own chilli seeds pack.

Wahaca, 66 Chandos Place, London, WC2N 4HG

(Also see Wahaca, South Bank Experiment)

Choccywoccydoodah

I love chocolate and I love cake, so I get a little bit over excited when I'm lucky enough to visit Choccywoccydoodah. Tucked away off Carnaby Street, you'd miss it if you weren't looking for it, which is kinda cool because I turn it into a chocolate treasure hunt. I'd like to note, the following photos aren't from one visit, but from several trips when I've dragged someone else along to (not) share my hot chocolate and cake with. Dribbles....

Choccywoccydoodah, 30-32 Fouberts Place, Carnaby, London, W1F 7PS

Swimmer at Grafton Arms

Sweet little pub hidden just off Holloway Road, some real ales and European lagers on offer and the menu looked tempting for their open kitchen. Lovely calm atmosphere with board games a plenty to keep you entertained and some absolute tunes in the background... MJ, Stevie Wonder, Rolling Stones, those kinda classics.

Ok, so a bad round to start off our match of Scrabble... But I still won.

Swimmer at Grafton Arms, 13 Eburne Road, London, N7 6AR

Drink Shop Do

My friend and I decided to take a nice walk down towards Kings Cross from Holloway and whilst strolling down Caledonian Road we stumbled across the delights of Drink Shop Do. A 'design shop and cafe/bar', it was just the most perfect little place with a lot to offer. We tucked into some red velvet cake and a lemon and rosemary cake slice... SCRUMMY! 

The highlight for me had to be the events they run, including 'Who Run the World? Girls!' dance workshop evening to learn Beyonce's routines and if you'd rather stay seated, 'Lionel Rich Tea', biscuit decorating sessions with the sounds of Lionel Ritchie, of course.

Drink Shop Do, 9 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DX

(Both images from Drink Shop Do's Facebook)

Follow.

@Anthropologie  @wahaca  @choccywoccyshop  @DrinkShopDo

Feeling fresh

Whilst the weather has decided to turn grey and throw buckets of rain I thought I'd look for some fresh spring goodies to brighten my day.  Oh, come back Mr sunshine... 

Saachi string bracelet rose pink silver, available at Fab / Lacoste pink high tops available at asos, photo via Sincerely Jules / Bershka multicoloured pocket bag / Pull and Bear dress / Michael Kors slim runway orange watch, available at asos / Fawn and Rose necklace, available at asos / Karma Living butterfly vintage kantha chair, available via Fab /

Here is today

Having a 'bad day'?

Then just to put things into perspective, have a look at where today is on this simple, smart little website...

Evian

Absolutely love this, brilliant advert!

Little bookworm

I do enjoy reading, though in recent years haven't got stuck into it as much, as I've felt too busy to do it. In recent weeks I've purposefully taken the time to pick up a book and have noticed just how lovely and calming it is to take half an hour out to read everyday. It gives me the time to sit and get lost in someone else's world.

My recent reads have been somewhat varied, so I thought I'd share them and see what else is next on my list. Suggestions of course welcome.


The Host 

I admit it, I was a huge Twilight fan; enjoyed the films but absolutely loved the books. Stephenie Meyer just has a way with words that I think any (once was, or currently is), emotional, love-struck teenager can relate to. The Host in comparison was a very good read, I enjoyed it though I wasn't quite as hooked as I was with Twilight. This book did offer more to me on a personal level though, it challenges ideas of who we are as humans, what it means 'to love' and determining our sense of identity. Obviously you can just enjoy the love story if you don't want to read that deep into it all though.

I had a Black Dog

A wonderful book that offers a perspective of the 'Black Dog called depression', perfect for anyone who has experienced the Dog or knows someone who has. Stephen Fry sums it up quite rightly; 'With wit, insight, economy and complete understanding, this book achieves what other books take 300 pages to say'. You can find out more about author and illustrator Matthew Johnstone at his website.

A street cat named Bob

Only half way through this one, but absolutely loving it. James Bowen befriended a ginger street cat and named him Bob. He later decided to write a book about their blossoming friendship and journeys together through the adventurous ups and downs of life. Very moving and uplifting so far, I've been told it offers a huge burst of hope and touches the heart.

Next on my list.

The Hunger Games

I fancy a bit more adventure and have been meaning to read The Hunger Games following the hype of the films coming to the big screen. I've seen the trailer for the sequel that comes out at the end of this year, so think it's a good time to get started on the trilogy.

One: Living as One and Loving it

After reading Victoria Alexander's book (mentioned in my previous blog post), I did a quick Google search and was delighted to discover she has another book. 'A celebration of individuality and life', One will be landing in my postbox in the next few days. And if Colour was anything to go by, I can't wait.
[Photograph via decor8blog.com]