A sprinkle of magic

When I spent some time at home the other week I finally got to visit the now legendary Sprinkles Gelato in Portswood.

Now, I realise I am somewhat late to this particular party (as I found out when we couldn't even get a table and were forced to eat our food in the car) but if you live anywhere even remotely near Southampton you simply have to pay Sprinkles a visit. 

The ice cream selection alone is incredible but when you factor in all the different dessert variations on offer you can easily see why a move to the area would not be good for the waistline.

The cupcakes looked delicious but I went for a waffle with banana, ice cream, nutella...the works, It was AMAZING. The Boy tried a cup with two different flavours (I forget which) whist The Bro went for a Crepe.

The Boy and I often frequent the various Gelato shops in and around London (La Gelatiera being a firm favourite) but it's nice to know there's somewhere just as good to visit when we return home - we shall definitely be back.

Find out more about Sprinkles Gelato here.

My week in photos 21*

Life has been pretty crazy recently, with long hours at work and lots of get togethers with friends. 

The weekend before last was the first one in a while where I saw friends everyday and barely caught up on missed sleep from the week before. I loved it but it's fair to say that Monday at work was a struggle.
The British weather continues to frustrate (I say whilst wearing sandals and a scarf) as we inch closer to Autumn with so far no real sign of Summer. I have the desire to buy "stuff" but as Zara is going on sale tomorrow I'm trying to hold off.

The Boy and I headed to the cinema last Saturday to check out the new Michael Douglas film - based on the life of Liberace and also starring Matt Damon. It was a slightly camper offering than The Boy's usual choices but we both really enjoyed it. This week: Man of Steel.

Here's some pictures of what I've been getting up to lately.

Clockwise from top left: Dinner mostly consists of salad (sometimes with a side of MIC) - Flowers in bloom - The first car boot of the season (at last) - A little studded number from H&M

Clockwise from top left: Dragon Flower tea at Ping Pong - A night out with the girls - Breakfast with The Boy - A new favourite drinking den - Dim Sum with the work crew - A new friend - An impromptu night in Soho with the gang

*better late than never

A week in Wales

Last week The Boy and I packed our bags and hit the road to take a well earned break and visit some friends in Wales.

Having not really driven for a year or so I must admit I was pretty anxious about getting back behind the wheel but thanks to the satnav we got there safe and sound.

The first stop was Penarth, somewhere that holds a special place in my heart, to visit our good friends Joe and Rox and their gorgeous daughter Edna. The view from their house out across the bay was amazing and one I could have looked at for hours and Penarth itself is such a wonderful, old-fashioned place that I immediately felt right at home.

  The Marine Building - a now abandoned Victorian hotel and the "Old Summer House" - a derelict Victorian billiard room on a cliff overlooking the marina, the beach in the afternoon sun

 Penarth Pier and seafront

 A pit stop at this beautiful lake somewhere in mid-Wales

 Sightseeing in the rain at Devil's Bridge Falls

 The drive to Aberystwyth through deepest darkest Wales

The drive up to Colwyn Bay was long and winding, made even more treacherous due to the torrential rain but thanks to some new songs on the ipod and a well stocked bag of sweets The Boy and I made it in one piece, taking in some amazing views along the way.

 The view at Jody and Olga's in Colwyn Bay

Just when I thought I'd seen enough sea-views to last me a lifetime we arrived at Jody and Olga's to be greeted by a panoramic view of Colwyn Bay, complete with wind turbines and fishing boats.  It was simply breathtaking and, coupled with the most comfortable bed ever, was one of the best places I've ever stayed.

New York in March was unbelievable and this was a different type of holiday entirely but none the less special. It was great to get to spend some time with The Boy and visiting close friends is always a nice way to truly relax. Work today was a slight struggle and I'm already planning my next holiday - even if it's just a weekend this time round.

My week in photos 20

This week has been pretty busy as The Boy and I prepare for our road trip next week and I get settled in at the new job. 

The Chelsea Flower Show has been doing its utmost to prevent me from getting to the office but so far I've somehow managed to scrape in on time (fingers crossed for tomorrow) and have been utilising my time spent on the bus by catching up with work.

The bro made a visit to London town last weekend for The Boy's birthday which was nice although it turned into a bit of a quiet night for us, Mark due to being ill the week before and me to sheer exhaustion. The Boy of course rocked in at 3am having spent the night dancing to cheese with his friends in Camden. A bit gutted I didn't last the night to be honest but there's no way I would have made it, all these late nights and early mornings at work have a habit of catching up with me at the weekend (although usually when we're watching a DVD or at the cinema).

Here's a snippet of what we've been getting up to.

 Clockwise from top left: We belong on Saville Row - Father Christmas for The Boy's birthday - Dreaming of NYC in scent - the perfect Friday night

Clockwise from top left: Cakes from a supplier at work - What I wore - Healthy dinner - The Boy's birthday presents - Chinatown yummyness - Pretty pansies - Headed out on a Saturday night - Standard car outside the flat

My M&S

I must admit, I LOVE M&S.

Ever since I worked there, maybe even before, it's been my go-to store for: underwear, food, bedding, pots and pans, Christmas presents.....I could go on. The fashion on offer can sometimes be somewhat hit and miss but even so about 50% of the clothes in my wardrobe are from Marks and Sparks.

And with Winter coming (that's right people, no Summer this year) the recently released press shots of the new collection have me aching for Autumn. When it's properly cold and I can wear thick tights, a tweed coat and a spot of faux fur.

Expect to see me rocking the A-line midi skirt, the oversized bomber, the tartan mini and the tweed suit. Yay for Winter!

My week in photos 19

This week has been majorly busy: we were away at our one-and-only wedding of 2013 last weekend, I finished at All Saints on Wednesday and started at Reiss on Thursday, we met the sis for dinner and I went for leaving drinks in Shoreditch on Friday night.

What is it about new jobs? I have spent the past two days so tired that I'm almost asleep on my journey home every evening. I guess trying constantly to make a good impression takes it out of you. 

This weekend will be used mostly for catching my breath before my first full week starts on Monday. Even though I'm exhausted, I am loving every minute and am looking forward to the new challenges on their way.

Here's some pictures of what I've been getting up to, wearing, liking and loving over the past week:

 Clockwise from top left: A sunny walk last Friday - The first Pimms of the Summer - Blue skies over West London - A beautiful bloom

 Clockwise from top left: A Lebs lunch on my return to central London - My first day ensemble - Cooking dinner for The Boy - Drinks in the sunshine - Chicken burger at GBK - A gorgeous leaving cake by the wonderful Lizzie - A cocktail reception - The new office

Clockwise from top left: Ice cream with the sis - New shoes - Leaving presents, they know me so well - LOVE this card in Selfridges - Second day ensemble - Oysters on the Kings Road - A casual look for the weekend - Blossoms 

This week brings The Boy's birthday, which is always busy, so expect another picture packed post next week.

The Love List

It's been a while since I've written a Love List so thought it was about time I shared some of the bits and pieces I've been lusting after lately.

As some of you may know, I start a new job this week (eeeeeek!) so, as usual, I've become obsessed with finding the perfect workwear. I think for me, this summer will be all about accessories - the perfect way to easily (and cheaply) update my already bulging wardrobe. I love the chunky gold rings, below, and an oversize clutch bag is definitely my holdall of choice.

Image from Breakfast at Zara's

 Image from Lucky Mag

Image from (leopard) l'extravagance

 

After all, a spot of neon or a touch of leopard print never did anyone any harm. 

 

I'm also lusting after this top from H&M (and the model's hair) which will be perfect for work during the summer months.

 

 Image from H&M

The warmer weather also has me attempting to eat healthier and be a bit more experimental in what we have for dinner every night. Pinterest and Good Food are my usual sources of inspiration - here's some of the dishes I'm planning on making over the coming months.

Pasta - Image Tartine and and Apron Strings

Ice Lollies - Image from Endless Simmer

Salad - Image from IOWA Girl Eats

Mmmmmm, salad with avocado, my absolute favourite meal.