A Saturday stroll

Last weekend Zsa Zsa and I decided enough was enough, we needed a girls day in order to catch up, de-stress and reboot for the week ahead, so we set off for a day of fun in our city.

I'd been wanting to catch the Tim Walker exhibit at Somerset House for months and, knowing it would be right up Zsa Zsa's street too we arranged to meet there for a spot of Saturday morning culture.

The ice skating was still pulling in the crowds, even though the festive season is well and truly over, but luckily the exhibit was eerily quiet, meaning Zsa and I could drink in the beautiful images almost undisturbed. As predicted Zsa loved it as much as me and after spending an hour taking in the gorgeous imagery we took a walk along the river. The day was crisp and wintery, perfect for a wander along the Thames path to build up an appetite for brunch.

We walked as far as the Kings Road, engrossed in conversation, where we headed straight to one of our favourite eateries, Le Pain Quotedian. We sampled the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs (delicious) with cups of fresh mint tea and mugs of hot chocolate and continued our usual rambling. It was a great day (what day spend walking, talking and eating with your best friend isn't?) and a wonderful start to 2013.

A Roman holiday

 

My wonderful cousin Rebecca is getting married this summer to her delightful boy Robert and she mentioned to me when we met up on Thursday (catching up over a pot of fresh mint tea at Le Pain Quotidien) that they will be honeymooning in Italy. You really have no idea how jealous I am. Not only are they getting married at an amazing house in France and then staying in a chateau for their wedding night but a holiday in Italy?!? Some people have all the luck.

Naturally the conversation turned to fashion (obviously, what else would happen with me around?) and Rebecca mentioned that she pretty much had no idea where to go to buy some suitable attire for such a momentous occasion. This is where I come in. The SS12 collections on the high street are, in my opinion, the best ever. I feel as though this year I am meeting the thought of peeling off the winter layers with far less trepidation than in years gone by and I personally have relished putting together my own summer wardrobe. So what else is left to do but live vicariously through Rebecca and imagine what I would take should I be lucky enough to be going to Italy this summer? I'm imagining Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday for 2012:

Clockwise from top left: Bag by H&M £14.99, Blouse by H&M £17.49, Shorts by H&M £14.99, Maxi dress by NW3 £159, Top by H&M £12.99, Denim jacket by New Look £17.99, Shorts by H&M £14.99, Platform wedges Dorothy Perkins £29.40, Low parallel wedges by New Look £29.99, Jersey maxi dress by Dorothy Perkins £18, Bird print dress by H&M £14.99, Blouse by H&M £24.99, Two pack of belts by New Look £4.99, Nubuck trainers by New Look £12.99

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Fast becoming a fave

On Thursday night I had a cup of tea (fresh mint) with Zsa after work to discuss our life plans. We’re both currently in a period of change and often look to each other for guidance and support, even though we’ve known each other for less than a year I don’t know where I’d be without Zsa. Still, enough of being soppy, lets get back to the food. We were en route to Yumchaa in Soho but actually ended up going to a branch of Le Pain Quotidien due to being famished and in dire need of tea to give us an energy boost. I seem to keep ending up in various Le Pain’s around London as it’s the perfect place to either meet a group of friends or go alone to get some writing/reading done. The atmosphere in all the ones I’ve visited has been friendly and relaxed, and the food is to die for (I NEED to try the organic vegetable and chicken pie asap). Zsa and I shared an antipasti platter, which was absolutely amazing and just the right amount of food for two gals on diets who don’t want to overindulge. Next time however, we’re having the cheesecake.

Find out more about Le Pain Quotidien here