Stories of Soho

Sardines squashed against each other, we pushed our way off the tube and onto Oxford St. We started with a coffee at Flat Planet, the free pizza samples on the counter reel me in every time. 

We explored all the laneways surrounding Carnaby St, little boutique stores and quaint cafes.

Liberty's was a must visit. The modern yet traditional wooden structural design of the interior, filled with exquisite things ranging from designer jewellery, handbags, fashion, beauty products, chocolates - just everything.  

The building is adorned with blooming flowers with a florist hiding away by the entrance doors. 

For lunch we decided a good English pub was the way to go.  Some had pies with peas and mash, others had burgers with chips, all was delicious and hearty!

After our lunch mum and dad’s stamina had died a little whilst Em was only just getting started after a visit to Topshop. We decided to go home and I promised Emma a return trip. We got home to find our new maid, Fi, had been cleaning all day and preparing a delicious curry for our dinner.

After an amazing curry, we were all looking forward to the wildberry strudel that was in the oven. Matt and I felt it was our turn to contribute to the dinner so we offered to serve up, which ended with the strudel on the floor – disaster!  

Harrods

After a busy past few weeks a relaxing stroll through Kensington was on the agenda. 

We headed in the direction of Harrods which was a lot further than the map had shown us. After a 20-minute walk we arrived at the monstrosity of a building known as Harrods.

Past the heavy wooden doors were levels filled of designer clothes, shoes, home wares, basically anything you could need for a large price. We walked past Loubuton shoes, designer wedding dresses, the lot. It was until we reached the food section filled with a pizza and ice cream bar that we knew we had found what we wanted to spend our money on.

 A 20 pound Harrods chocolate and strawberry meringue sundae!

A truly guilty indulgence. 

Notting Hill

After a relaxing morning, eating breakfast and watching TV we put our layers on, pushed through the crowds on the tube and arrived in Notting Hill. Portobello Road is filled with tourists, wacky locals and pastel coloured apartments. 

The stalls are small and jam packed with antiques, vintage clothing and fresh produce.  

We had coffee and lunch and Mum bought me some soups to supply me with emergency food for Leeds. 

The orange vdub filled with pizza

This is where I will live one day. A fuchsia door surrounded by a cream exterior, framed with a pink cherry blossom tree on the sidewalk. Such beauty. 

Euro Disneyland

Disneyland! Forty minutes on the train and we arrived at Disneyland, which seemed a few degrees colder than Paris. As soon as we walked through the entrance the Disney train came through with all the characters, it was so exciting. 

Space Mountain was the first ride we went on and it was the most frightening. 360 degree turns, unexpected stops and turns left my with tears down my face whilst in hysteric laughter. 

We made it our mission to visit each world so it was a quick stop at one or two rides at each. Between rides we had a pit stop for burgers and chips and were devastated when we walked past delicious pretzels after having terrible nuggets and chips. 

I left with so many questions as the sheer size and detail is so intriguing –Disneyland is literally a whole suburb dedicated to a world full of Disney characters and rides. 

So much fun!

Euro Disney

21st Birthday in Paris

Turning 21 is always a momentous occasion, filled with pressure on who what where and how you will celebrate your night. I don't think I could have wished for a more amazing way to spend my birthday. I awoke in Paris to an abundance of gifts and unforgettable memories.

My parents gave me the most amazing gift of all, our family trip to Paris - Love xx

Alex Munroe jewellery from Matt 

Ankle Boots and Leopard gloves from Fi

Parisian Canvas Painting from Em 

Too many gifts, completely spoilt rotten all day! 

I wanted to spend the day by the Eiffel Tower, strolling the streets with the Eiffel Tower popping up in the background. We climbed the Eiffel Tower and witnessed its amazing view of Paris - beautiful buildings on top of each other, narrow streets and stark winter trees. 

View from the top

Around the corner we had a delicious lunch, French onion soup and steak and frites were the faves. We then had a wander around the streets surrounding the Eiffel Tower finding Parisian bookshops and a beautiful Patisserie full of cakes. 

Squashed on the way home but still delicious!

We began the evening celebrations with a bottle of Moet and a slideshow of photos Matt and Em had prepared and surprised me with. 

Watching the slideshow Matt and Em put together including a video message from my bestie's at Cutting Edge Camille, Dani and Claire :) 

We dined at La Table D'Hediard Paris, a beautiful restaurant where we were greeted and asked for our coats at the door. The restaurant had a relaxing ambience possibly sue to the efficient and delightful waiter. The whole evening down to the food and wine was so very amazing. 

Entre Scallop Dish I had Matts serve as well - His allergy comes in handy for me

This was the veal main

Raspberry tart with a single candle

Emma's cake was thrown on her dress by the waiter. They were both mortified.

After an amazing evening we topped it off by sneaking Emma into the Andy Whaloo bar and drank Mojitos and Cosmos as my birthday came to an end.