Weekend #16

This weekend was spent in London so naturally we made the most of it with lots of sight seeing and getting out and about. We had the weather for it and who knows how much longer it will last...

On Saturday we planned to spend most of the day at Portobello Market. Because this would require lots of energy, we filled ourselves up on these. When we got there, we did the whole thing, from right at the top by Notting Hill Gate, all the way down to Kensington. There were sooo many lovely things that I would have loved to have filled not just one, but many houses with but alas, I do not have the room for any of them! Perhaps I'll take a trip back when I have my own place ;)

In the evening, we took ourselves for the early bird menu at Charlotte's Bistro, a really lovely little restaurant in Chiswick. This places boasts a great menu and if you are happy to eat before 7.30, you can get it for their early dinner prices - £26.95 for 3 courses and an aperitif. I would have taken some snaps but it was quite a small place and not too busy that early so felt a bit concious! I had a scrummy partridge salad to start, Cornish gurnard for the main and earl grey and fig crème caramel for dessert. J had venison tartare to start, slow cooked pork belly for main and the cheese selection to follow. After stuffing our faces, we rolled home for some movies and bed time.

Sunday we popped off to J's parents for some lovely home cooked Sunday lunch. A little taste of fresh air and home life, in the midst of London madness is always appreciated. After gorging ourselves again, we headed back to London, chilled out and then it was time for J to head back to Southampton and me to fall swiftly asleep - all that food tired me out!

The song that I have been listening to a lot recently is Ellie Goulding's new one, Anything Could Happen. I really enjoy this song and it is great to have her back making music again after she has been away for a while.

E x

Weekend #14

This weekend has been a very quiet one, with a couple of very self indulgent and relaxing lie-ins, lots of yummy food and general chilling out. In between all of the relaxing, it has been one for crossing all the 't's and dotting all the 'i's, catching up on boring life admin, car insurance, backing up files etc. - thrilling!

We also had a couple of housemate birthdays so the house has been filled with lots of cake and laughter which has been nice. We were paid a little visit by my housemate's boyfriend's pooch, Austin (see top right for lots of snaps of him, or Instagram!) who I absolutely fell in love with. Lots of cuddling and tennis ball throwing ensued. 

On the Saturday, my housemate did my nails with Shellac, which was a pampering treat. She has the kit to do it at home, saving on lots of pennies and is actually very easy to do and not to expensive to set yourself up with. I love it so far and can't stop touching it!

Soundtrack to this weekend definitely has to be this song, One Day/Reckoning Song by Asaf Avidan and is the Wankelmut Remix (mouthful of an introduction!). This was another track I heard on the radio when driving around and thought it was super catchy, couldn't stop humming it and had to track it down. I hope anyone who listens to it enjoys it as much as I do, it's a toe tapper!

E x

Weekend #13

There isn't much to report about this weekend just gone apart from the fact it was another craaaaazy busy one helping J settle in to his new house, buying lots of storage solutions and poster frames galore.

We spent most of Saturday whizzing around town picking up all sorts of things. We just grabbed enough time to have a hog roast bap in the sunshine which was yummy, lots of apply sauce of course ;). I also treated myself to some new make up brushes as my old ones had started to shed a bit too far and becoming a bit sparse. I justified this as a 'need' purchase, rather than a 'want' so this was ok...yes?

We went out in Bedford Place for a few drinks in the evening but nothing to raucous as J was on call. Home for some late night pizza and we hit the hay - both exhausted from the days efforts.

Sunday, more of the same, housey things for most of the morning and afternoon. We took the evening off to cook some steaks as a treat for all of our hard work. We watched the film "We Need to Talk About Kevin" which I thought was brilliant, but someone had spoiled the ending for J so he was a bit disinterested. Somewhere in this madness, I managed to stir up a batch of the infamous Slutty Brownies so we kicked back with a cup of tea and some of these before it was time for me to hit the motorway, back to London.

This week sees all change in our little London house with some new housemates who I cannot wait to get to know a bit better. Lots of wine and telly I think! Right up my street :)

Found it a bit hard to pick a Sunday Sound this week as we were a bit too busy to stop to even listen to any music! I have my housemate to thank for this current choice as I asked her what she was currently listening to. She told me about this band she liked called 'Tallest Man on Earth'. I've been listening lots this evening and I love it. The perfect soundtrack for a Sunday night chillout. This song is called 'The Dreamer' but they are all good tracks. Definitely one to watch out for...

E x

Weekend #12

In contrast to the last few weekends I have had, chilling out and seeing London, this one was manic! I nipped down to Southampton on Friday night to help J pack up the last of his things as he was moving house. This was accompanied by a fat takeaway and watching The Orphan as it was on telly and we both love a good horror flick.

Saturday it was all systems go. We got up nice and early to fit in a bacon sarnie and a cup of tea, before piling everything in to my trusty little Clio. This beast of a car has moved house with me about 5 times, J once already, and done all manner of trips up and down the country for long uni holidays. Squeaking at the suspension and two trips later, he was in. We were on a bit of a tight schedule as had to be back in London for early evening so everything was quickly unpacked. We took a trip to the cavern of delights that is The Range - an amazing destination for all things 'home' and super cheap. Some storage solutions and a whole load of coat hangers thrown in, we made our way back to make use of them.

After this was complete, we shut the door on his new little home and trekked our way back to London. J was off out with friends but I was in with my housemates as sadly one of them was leaving us to head back to Oz. Cue X factor, chilling, and lots of wine.

Sunday, again we were all up bright and early to wave off our little pal :( she will be missed! For the afternoon we had an indoors/outdoors BBQ. AKA Tescos had run out of disposables so we cooked the meat on the George Foreman and ate it outside in the sunshine. A lazy afternoon and a few films later, J made his way back to Southampton for another week. My housemates and I spent the evening opening gifts that our little traveller had left behind and watching more films (can't get enough!). Early nights all round after an exhausting few days. Mine couldn't have come any sooner as I am feeling very under the weather, looks like I am coming down with a nasty cold, fingers crossed a good nights sleep will do the trick.

With all this wooshing around, the soundtrack to the weekend had to be a chilled one. I absolutely love this song. I have heard rumours that because of its name, that it will be on the soundtrack of the 50 shades film, when it comes out. Although, this is rather early to be releasing a song for a film not even made yes? I could definitely see it being a good film soundtrack but who knows! Anyway, it is by the very hot right now artist, Delilah, from her album "From the Roots Up" and is a great tune for winding down and reflecting after being so busy - just what I needed. Enjoy!

E x

Weekend #11

Well another whirlwind weekend has gone past in a flash! It all began on Friday night when J met me after work now he is back from his holiday work trip, and we went for some Thai food for dinner. We then whizzed home quickly as we were off out for a big night as too of my housemates are moving out over the next two weeks. We partied the night away in a bar called Wax Jambu near Angel and it was great, amazing drinks, even better music and the best company.

We were all feeling a little delicate the next morning but managed to hold some more housemate viewings and finally found 'the one', to our relief. After a quick nap and lots of food, J and I headed down to Southampton as he is also on the house hunt and I played chauffeur for the afternoon. We rewarded our hungover states with a mountain of fish and chips and got an early night - we were still exhausted from being out all night, reminding us that our student days are long since over!

Today, we popped in to Southampton for the morning, I dropped J off at HMV and took myself over to the beauty counters of John Lewis (more to come on that!). After poking around there, I went over to Boots. To my surprise (and delight) the Southampton Boots has had a massive overhaul and there were lots of new counters that I was shocked (and pleased) to see. There is now a Bare Minerals (also more on that) an Ojon, Smashbox, Philosophy and lots more. It is nice to be able to look around these brands without the usual shoving of Oxford Street/Westfield.

Back home we went to cook ourselves up a whopping Sunday roast, delicious. After lots more house hunting online we watched some of the Paralympics - inspirational stuff. I then winded my way back to London for a cuppa and a quick catch up with everyone before getting myself some well deserved rest!

This weekend, a song that popped up a lot and has been getting lots of Radio One exposure is 'Little Talks' by Of Monsters and Men. This is a tune that you can't help yourself bopping along too or tapping your foot. It's also mega catchy and you will catch yourself humming it for the rest of the day. I haven't checked out much more of their stuff but I know Fearne Cotton has been playing them loads and they were big at Reading/Leeds - a good sign of things to come! Most people have probably heard it by now, but if not - you're welcome ;) You should also watch the video, it has a great little animation. I keep hitting refresh!

I can hardly keep my eyes open any longer! Off to sleep for me :)

E x

Weekend #10

It feels rather strange to be doing a weekend round up, when it isn't actually over yet. Long live bank holidays! This one has been absolutely lush, I have fallen in love with London all over again!

After work drinks on Friday meant a nice long lie in on Saturday morning was needed. Following this, I tootled up to Chiswick High Road to meet a friend for lunch and a poke around the charity shops. You never know what you can pick up in an area like this, the throw-outs of all the wealthy Chiswick-ites! We were having a lovely time when the heavens well and truly opened so we sought refuge in Cafe Rouge and stayed for a glass of wine and their lunch menu - will do me! This was all fine and good until the water started pouring down the wall behind us, creating puddles on the floor all around. We promptly got the bill and headed to the shops, despite the thunderstorm going on! 

Saturday evening was incredibly glamorous. Housemate and I popped to Sainsbury's to pick up some treats. Once fully stocked on ice cream we devoured it on the sofa whilst watching good old Twilight - proper girls night in, we know how to live ;)

Today, after another lie in, a couple of housemates and I popped in to Central and winded our way up Regents and Carnaby street for a spot of shopping. Prices, a far cry away from the charity shops, meant I came home empty handed, but I still enjoyed a good browse. Lots of things on the mental wishlist for a payday treat (maybe)!

Lunch was spent in a brilliant little spot which happened to be having a beach party, complete with sand all over the floor, buckets and spades, and shells on the table! Felt very strange to have sand between your toes and still be in Central London. This weekend I have so much love for our capital city. It never fails to amaze me and I love taking the time to explore. We went all over, we even took ourselves for a poke around Sloane Square, somewhere I had not been before.

On the walk back we caught a glimpse of the filming for the new Diana film, potentially spotting Naomi Watts, but she was running so it could very well have been her stunt double. Will have to have a see when the film comes out!

This evening, back home to finish last nights ice cream with a marathon film sesh including Beethoven, Beauty and the Beast, and Atonement. That will do me. Tomorrow will be filled with more housemate fun, we are cooking a ham joint and baking some cakes. No doubt there will be more films in the evening and a glass of wine or three - perfect.

Whilst getting our bake on, I plan to listen to this song. A lot. I first heard this when played by Radio One's Dev and loved it. It is by Zedd, a German electronic dance producer and DJ. A bit different to my normal Sunday Sounds but is definitely one to get you up out of your seat and do something. Dancing around whilst getting ready is my number one choice ;)

I challenge you all not to get itchy feet when you listen to this.

E x

Weekend #9

First things first, I cannot say a single thing about this weekend before mentioning how bloomin' lovely the weather was. Honestly, where did that come from?! I thought we had already had our allocated one hot day of the year, back in July. A big thank you to whoever doled that one out, it was much needed/appreciated.

Due to the absolutely beautiful weather, I spent most of it in the garden. We have the most perfect little decking area out the back with a big table and lots of chairs (great for doubling up as sunbeds - sit on one, feet up on the other!). Both days were pretty much spent out here in the sun, reading and chatting to housemates. Although, this afternoon was rudely interrupted by a bit of a thunderstorm and some rain drops - not happy. Thankfully the sun showed his face again a bit later on.

This was the perfect weekend to a very busy week. I have not had many evenings at home or free time, hence the 'no blog' period since last Sunday! I have been catching up with old friends from home, seeing good friends from university and generally running around like a crazy thing. It was perfect to just chill in the sunshine and think about nothing. I do feel slightly guilty that I haven't left the house since Friday evening, but hey, when the weather is as nice as it is, it would be a shame to do anything else other than sit in it!

I also took this sunny opportunity to crack open some of the lovely wine that I bought back from France, In July (with lots of ice cubes in mind, no one likes warm wine!). It was also a chance to catch up on the tan that J will come back with following his month in Bahrain (cheeky). No one likes being the less tanned one in the relationship and I usually win this battle!

We have mostly had the radio but right now I am listening to a little bit of Jessie Ware. I first heard her on I think it was Zane Lowe's Radio One show whilst driving back from Southampton on a Sunday evening (correct me if I'm wrong and this isn't Zane Lowe's slot). She played a couple of songs and I really enjoyed her voice, she was also really nice and down to Earth too. I couldn't remember for ages what her name was until it popped up again another time and I made a mental note to check her out. Her music is really great, I think, so definitely check her out. I know she is very out there at the moment and I bet she will be a big hit over the next few months. I LOVE this song, it is called Wildest Moments :)

I also really enjoy this song, it is perfect for a Sunday evening in the garden. This one is called 110%.

Happy weekend, everyone,

E x

Weekend #8

I mentioned yesterday that this was my first solo weekend in London so I have been making the most of it! It's been great to just chill and catch up on life for the weekend, getting all of those odd jobs or things you wanted to get done but never do. Not so sure I will be loving it so much by next weekend but we shall see! It has been so lovely to have both a Friday night and a Sunday evening again though. I am used to dedicating them to my love affair (not) with the M3/M4.

Yesterday I had a lovely breakfast out with a friend and then an afternoon in the garden, enjoying the sun. The evening was filled with a big yummy BBQ with some more friends. We were all marvelling at how nice it is to sit outside past 6pm and it still be warm - very pleasant.

Today was mostly spent relaxing, I actually had a very low key day - the highlight was a trip to Sainsbury's! I loved it all the same. I bought myself a yummy steak and my housemates and I watched the Olympic closing ceremony with a glass of wine in hand. These last two weeks have gone so fast, I can't believe it is drawing to a close already. What will we all watch on telly now?!

I can't pretend I have been listening to this all weekend, but here is a small tribute to everyone's (?!) favourite girl band from the 90's, the Spice Girls. Their show tonight may have been brief, and not everyone's cup of tea, but it sure was good/nostalgic to see them strutting their stuff again :) 

I hope everyone else has had as nice a relaxing/chilled weekend as me :)

E x

Weekend #7

This weekend flew by so quickly! It was a little different from normal in that we went to J's parents for some R and R, back in the countryside.

J came to London on Friday eve and met me and some friends from work for a drink and to watch the opening ceremony. This was such a great atmosphere and really fun to watch with a big crowd and not just on the sofa in your pjs! Lots of cheering (and confused laughter) at many parts of it (Champion of the Earth - I'm sorry, what?!), but a really enjoyable evening overall.

Saturday we pelted back to Bucks. and caught up with some friends, spending most of the day in the sunshine in a beer garden - I'm never one to complain at that. In between, we caught up with and watched all of the goings on in the Olympics and filled ourselves up on yummy homemade grub.

We did plan to come back to London on Sunday, but the pull of home comforts was too much so we spent the rest of the day there, again, watching more Olympics fun. We went to the cinema in the afternoon and saw the Dark Knight Rises - worth a watch but not sure I would see it again. To be honest, it was rather hard to understand what anyone was saying, what with the facemasks and lots of mumbly American accents! I think this has been a resounding critique, so I have heard.

Anyway, more homecooked food and cups of tea and then we both pinged our separate ways, me back to London and J back to Southampton.

A band that we listened to a lot this weekend is one that we are going to see in October. The Gaslight Anthem are J's fave band and I managed to secure us some tickets to see them at the O2 in Brixton for a bit of a surprise for him. I really like their music too and so I am very excited to go - it's been ages since I have seen any live music (feeling old). This is the title track from their new album, which I have been enjoying. It is great music for putting on your car radio at full blast and singing along.

Weekend #6

Just a quickie one from me this Sunday evening, it is also a rather late one! I spent the weekend in Southampton so had to drive back this evening, anticipating that the roads would be chocca due to Olympic traffic so thought it would best to leave it as late as possible to leave. Luckily, the roads were fine and no hanging about.

We didn't get up to too much this weekend as J was on call again so we just sat in the garden, soaking up the rays. On saturday, we wandered in to town to mosey around the shops and we grabbed some lunch at Bella Italia on the way home - they had a delicious and bargainous lunch menu for a starter and a massive pizza for £7.95 - can't really go wrong. Back home for some more sun-soaking and some films.

Sunday was much of the same, although we threw in a delicious BBQ for good measure (which mainly looked a lot like this one!) It was too hot to do much else so we just happily sunned ourselves and I managed to finish the Hunger Games trilogy which was well worth a read. A friend has recommended I now read Divergent, by Veronica Roth so I may give this a go - love a good action book for the daily commute.

I am now tucked up in bed, slathered in a tan preserving after sun, hoping to maintain at least some hint of a summer glow for a few days! This evening, I have been listening to a bit of Dolly Parton. Now don't snigger, as some of her more laid back stuff is really chilled, plus, I quite like that whole bluegrass, haybale thing. This is the title song to a really laid back authentic, country feeling album and great for a late night drive on a Sunday.

 

Goodnight all!

E x

Weekend #5

Well hello! It has been a little while since I have been able to write a blog post as things have been rather hectic recently. As I mentioned in my previous post, I took a trip to France for a week with my family. I actually got back to London last Monday, but as with all holidays - the week after you have been away and get back to work seems to counterbalance all the stress relief you gained from being away! I had a very busy week with getting back to work, lots going on and haven't had a free evening since.

This weekend has also been a rather jam-packed one as I wizzed down to Southampton on Friday night as J was on call, only to find out that a very good friend of his was having a birthday in London on Saturday night. Luckily we worked out a plan that meant we would be able to attend said birthday as it would have been such a shame to miss it. This did, however, mean wizzing back up to London last thing on Saturday - let's just say, I am getting to know the M3/M4 VERY well! I was treated to a little glimpse of the Red Arrows in practice and a few rainbows on the way down on Friday though, so not all bad. Usually I like this quiet time to pop my (very out of date) iPod on my car radio, belt out some cheesy tunes and recollect my thoughts. I spend so much of my time travelling squished in with other people and their armpits on the tube, it is nice to have this space to myself.

Following a late night last night, today we just took it easy, having a late breakfast at Cafe Rouge (yum by the way - will definitely be going back for their Saumon Benedict!!) and then just watching some telly this afternoon. This evening I intend to get things in order after my busy week and get back in to my routine again. Of course, this will be aided by a large glass of wine, some chocolate and a long hot soak in the bath. Whilst I was at home, I picked up some treats from way back at Christmas which included some Lush bath bombs so I will be popping them in my soak I think. I have never had one before so definitely a treat!

Lastly, I picked up lots of treats in France that I can't wait to write about so watch this space ;)

Just to end this post off in the usual style, I have been listening to Lianne La Havas this evening. I actually got this song from iTunes a while back as their free single of the week. This is a really great treat that I encourage everyone to try as you often pick up some real up and coming artists waayyyy before they release anything in to the mainstream - and it's free! I love her voice and think it's perfect for winding down, definitely check out her tracks if you like this sort of music. I couldn't find a studio version of this track, this is a live version but honestly - it sounds the same! The sign of a true artist I think.

Happy Sunday everyone :)

E x

Weekend #4

This weekend was a good one as we FINALLY spent it in London after J managed to get the weekend off call. I have a trip to France next week so won't be seeing each other for a while so it was nice to get out and see the sights. We had a lovely day planned on Saturday where we were going to go to Richmond and hire out a boat on the river as the weather was supposed to be lovely. Long story short, it wasn't. We didn't realise the boats aren't in the park bit of Richmond, they are in fact on the Thames so we were wandering around for ages and the the heavens opened! Lucky we both had a sneaky coat in our bags.

After our afternoon of sunshine and fun was rained off, J (shockingly) suggested that we head to Westfield. Now this is a man, like most others, that has a loathing of shopping and all related locations so I thought I would grab the most of the opportunity as I had never been before, even after living in London for nearly a year now! We weren'r really on the hunt for anything but it was somewhere indoors that we could mosey around for a bit, and a sight to see if you haven't been before - it's HUGE! We followed this up with a big scrummy burger and skinny fries from Gourmet Burger Kitchen (also somewhere I had not been before) and headed home for a much needed sleep.

Today we went to Oxford Street, again on J's suggestion - I don't know what is getting in to him?! We just went for a mooch around and to see if there was anything in the sales that we fancied. Although there wasn't much, it was still nice to have free time walking around Central as usually I'm only there at work or rushing around like a crazy thing at lunchtime. We had a very naughty lunch - a 'Wox Box' which is basically a box stuffed with Chinese/Asian style food so naturally lots of caramel chicken and special fried noodles went my way! We figured we could justify it as we were walking it off ;)

We spent the afternoon ambling around the National Portrait Gallery (another new spot on my map, I am sounding rather useless here) and then walked through Trafalgar Square and along Whitehall (past Dave's house!), past Big Ben and in to St. James Park which was nice. Again being touristy is not something I do often so it was really nice to take in some sights, especially as the weather was on our side this time.

After a tense game of Football (Can't say I was paying too much attention as I had my head buried in my comp!) and a long weekend of walking and sightseeing, I am exhausted! I think that this song is one that is extremely apt. for this weekend in particular. I love the soothing voice of Joe Purdy and his songs bring back some very good memories so this is the Sunday sound I am loving this evening.

E x

Weekend #3

So today has been a perfect mix of relaxing and being productive. I was down in Southampton this morning until this afternoon and then waved goodbye to J as he went off rowing and I stayed in bed with a cup of tea, reading some of my favourite blogs. I planned to make my way back to London but the weather was lovely and sunny so I sat in the garden and painted my nails and generally relaxed. I also managed to catch up on writing lots of blog posts which was nice as I don't often get time for this. It's usually a last thing at night jobby.

Getting back to London before nighttime means that I have managed to get on top of the mountain otherwise known as my washing pile. It's a good job I have lots of clothes/underwear or I would run out all the time!

An exciting thing that happened this week is that we moved offices at work on Friday. This was a very long and very tiring day - if you were in or around Covent Garden you would have seen us shifting everything down the road! I very glamourously piled my tower, screens, keyboard and mouse on to my desk chair as a makeshift trolley and wheeled it down the road to the new office space. Sadly there is no lift so four trips up and down four flights of stairs later I was set up and it was time for a cup of tea. Although not before I made another trip back for the coffee machine, I then proceeded to spill the contents on the dregs tray all down myself - smooth.

The new space is really nice so going to work tomorrow will be a bit different. Even though it is still in Covent Garden, it is at a different end so I'm sure there will be lots to explore. Sadly for my bank balance (not for me!) I now have to walked past Zara AND Mango on my way to the tube and will find this hard to resist.

I like to end of my weekend with some Sunday style music, chilling myself out before heading back in to central for another hectic week at work. At the moment I am really enjoying listening to Julia Stone. I have always been a fan of her music, with her brother Angus (making up Angus and Julia Stone) but her solo stuff has really caught my attention. I know their music often divides opinion but for me, it is just what I want to listen to when driving/relaxing/unwinding. It is good weekend stuff! One of the comments reads "she sings like butterflies and honey" and I think this sums her voice up just perfectly.

Goodnight, E x

Weekend #2

Well I have to say, four days off is sometimes more exhausting than four days at work! J and I have packed as much as we possibly can in to those four days and now I am back at home, I can safely say that I am absolutely cream-crackered and totally ready for bed.

We had a lovely couple of days in London over the weekend, spending Saturday in East London, wandering around the markets, down Brick Lane and walking through Shoreditch and then on in to the City. It was nice to see this end of town as I do not usually get the time to explore as weekends are pretty hectic. We grabbed some picnic stuff and had lunch by the river and then walked along the Southbank in the sunshine. My favourite thing about this area is the fantastic Borough Market - so much to see and taste it's a whole different world down there. I would have loved to buy everything but I made do with sampling as much of everything as possible ;) .

After catching a small glimpse of the Flotilla on the Sunday, we headed down to Southampton as J was on call and so has to be 1hr away. It was a shame to miss London and all of its festivities but we ordered a cheeky Dominoes and then watched Queenie and co. in all their glory on telly. It was a good laugh to see the poor singers looking like drowned rats but being undeterred by the weather! Monday was a bit of a fail, starting off with locking ourselves out of the house and having to call back housemate from 30 miles away to come and help us back in! Thankfully it was saved by a nice wander around then shops and then rustling up a scrummy roast dinner followed by the rest of the Jubilee celebrations, toasting dear old Liz with a few glasses of wine.

Had a quiet day today, watching films and unwinding before heading out for some dinner and then on to a friends housewarming/birthday party - great to see some old friends and catch up. Then back on the M3 again for me in time for work tomorrow!

Goodnight all,

E x