It’s Friday, we’ve made it through another week, and the weekend is finally in sight. I honestly cannot wait to have a Sunday lounging around in my PJs with the cats, but before then I’ve got my birthday celebrations to look forward to, hurrah! (More on that next week…)
For now, though, here are the 10 things that have set my cosy little life alight this week:
- Italy
I’m still pinching myself over the fact that my incredible boyfriend surprised me with a trip to Italy later this year for my birthday! Earlier this year Ian and I made a pact that we’d gift each other ‘experiences’ rather than ‘items’, but I never in my wildest dreams thought he would go so big.
This’ll be my 5th trip to Italy (I’ve done Venice twice, plus Rome and Naples/Pompeii), but we’ll be discovering some new places together. First up is a few days in Venice, and then we’re planning on hitting up Milan, Genoa and Cinque Terre. If anyone has any tips/blog posts on things we should do here then please let me know!
2. Nosteagia
If you haven’t tried a bubble waffle wrap yet, I’d definitely urge you to head down to Nosteagia at Shoreditch’s Boxpark! I popped there for lunch the other day and had one loaded up with Kinder Bueno, M&Ms and cream. Totally worth the calories.
3. Finally ticking off something you’ve wanted to do for years
There’s something so satisfying about ticking things off on your bucket list that you’ve wanted to do for years. For me, this was going to Mayfair-based restaurant Sketch for afternoon tea. Like, seriously. It’s been all I’ve talked about for years. My boss practically weeped with happiness when I told him I was finally going.
I dragged my best mate Sophie along to join me, and I don’t think we’ve both ever been so full in our lives! I’ve got a full review of my afternoon tea next week, so be sure to keep an eye out.
4. London’s shopfronts
I think spring might be my most favourite time of the year in London. Not only do we get to look forward to slightly warmer and lighter evenings, but we get all the floral shopfronts! Soph and I saw almost half a dozen at the weekend, and we couldn’t help but stop and snap a dozen photos at each!
5. Crystal Palace park
I’ve been wanting to visit Crystal Palace even before we moved to south London, but it wasn’t until my birthday that we got the opportunity. We kept my actual day pretty low-key, not leaving the house until the afternoon after waiting in for a delivery. We then popped over to Balham before hopping off at Crystal Palace for a once around the park.
The park’s a little unusual in the sense that it has some funny little residents in the shape of full-scale dinosaur models! There’s also a maze, a huge lake (which was still iced over when we saw it), plus the National Sports Centre, which actually held the FA Cup Final between 1895 and 1914. Mind. Blown.
6. India’s Blog Train
I’ve been loving all the Instagram stories, blogs and photos from the wonderful ladies on board India’s Blog Train. India was never really a place I’d been desperate to go to until seeing how you can see it in style on board a luxury train – so now I’m desperately trying to win the lottery!
7. Dominique Ansel’s bakery
His bakery is probably best known for the cronut, but it was Blizzard the bear that caught our eye when we popped in. He was almost too adorable to eat, but once we’d taken a bite into his appley interior, we knew we’d made the right choice. The cake was a little on the pricey side (£7.50 if you’re eating in), but for a special occasion I definitely think it’s worth it.
8. Embracing the Baths
I don’t know whether it’s the cold weather or just the need to relax after a long day, but both Ian and I have been embracing bathtime this week. I’ve kind of always fancied getting a bath tray, but wasn’t sure if this was too much of a blogger cliche… Then Ian said something about wanting to watch stuff in the bath. Long story short, we’ve now got a bath tray.
As much as I’m excited to relax in the bath with my iPad and some wine, I 100% guarantee this will just turn into another place for my cat to curl up on. Yep, I’m pretty sure I’ve just paid £30 for a glorified cat shelf.
9. Portrait Artist of the Year
Not going to lie, when Ian started watching this show, I didn’t quite get the appeal. But now, after devouring several seasons of this and Landscape Artist of the Year, I’m completely obsessed. It’s so relaxing to watch, although I will admit that I get a lot of joy from embracing my inner critic and shouting at the TV…
10. Milk
I need to go to Milk!
This is making me miss living in London!
Omggg I need a bath tray!! I love Milk too but it’s always so busy, I like to go when I ever have a day off during the week! x