Theatre Nights ......

So I was lucky enough to get to the theatre 3 times over the festive season – twice in the West End and then again at my local theatre and loved every minute.

My first theatre night was early December where I was fortunate enough to have bagged a preview ticket for the much anticipated Dreamgirls staging. Those familiar with the movie (Beyoncé , Jennifer Hudson & Jamie Foxx ) will know that it follows a trio of girls who in the early 60’s embark on a journey which sees them taken from backing vocals to being the star act across the globe, based loosely on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, it is not without its back stabbing and jealousy’s and a fantastic soundtrack.

 Taking the lead role of Effie is the extremely talented Amber Riley (formerly Mercedes from Glee and currently part of the judging panel on Let it Shine) who was made for this part. With a ‘Full House’ board displayed outside The Savoy theatre there was much anticipation and excitement in the air before a note was sung on stage.  Staged a little different to the film it is the role of Effie that takes the lead and Amber Riley is just fabulous, having loved her voice in Glee I was interested to see how much of that was ‘real’ or just edited for TV. I can honestly say that this girl has the most amazing voice and belts out the soundtrack – it is the first time that I have been to the theatre and an actress has received a standing ovation as the curtain closed at half time.

With a great supporting cast, this is a fantastic feel good trip to the theatre and as good as the movie. Highly recommend seeing this before the cast move on to other things, I enjoyed it so much I came home and booked tickets for February to take a friend.

My second trip to the bright lights of the West End was to take a friend (M) to see The Bodyguard, and I bagged tickets for it penultimate night before it heads to Toronto. This also happened to fall on 12^th night after Christmas and felt like the final festive treat before saying goodbye to Christmas 2016.

 I saw The Bodyguard a couple of years ago when Beverley Knight was playing the lead and was thrilled that she had returned for its final run. Those familiar with the movie will know that the two lead characters played by Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner take on the role of famous singer / movie star and a bodyguard. Ben Lister (Casualty, The Bill / Footballers wives fame) takes up the role as The Bodyguard and plays it brilliantly. Again with a full house, this was a fun packed evening filled with lots of trips down memory lane and a soundtrack that you could sing and dance along to until the final curtain. Beverley Knight is fabulous and really doesn’t get the accolades that she deserves as a female British singer. Sadly The Bodyguard has now finished its run in The West End and I am glad that we caught it before it closed.

My final trip to the theatre was a little closer to home where New Year’s eve eve saw us take in the local pantomime of Cinderella. I haven’t been to the pantomime since I was a little girl, when my nan and gramps used to take all the grandchildren and I had forgotten how much cheesy fun it could be. Annual trip to the pantomime is a tradition of M’s and I am sure that it will become mine now as we laughed lots and got involved in all the banter of “booing” and  “he’s behind you”, I must hasten to say I was a little more reluctant than M! Obviously the Ugly Sisters stole the show with their double entendres which were wasted on the kids but loved by the adults.

For a local show the cast was great and super talented as they all at some point during the show played musical instruments on stage – it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Cinderella playing a trombone! I had a fun filled evening and now look forward to this Christmas delights.

A slice of New York in London

Continuing with catching up on some of my activities during the festive season before we are in February. Lots of you commented on my obvious lack of New York adventure this year, and yes for the first time in a few years the annual trip to the Big Apple didn’t happen.  Rest assured I am already planning a return trip for 2017 along with a huge adventure on a boat!

To compensate for not going, I planned a New York inspired day in London with a friend on a day off in early December. My friend hasn’t been to New York and will be coming with me this year so this gave them a feel of what it would be like.

A perfect relaxed day in New York for me looks like the following:

Pancakes for Breakfast, a little Shopping and taking in the Christmas sights, a Walk through Central Park, Ice Skating, Cupcakes and Coffee and then a great Burger for eats.

So with a bit of a NY bucket list planned we started the day in Jackson & Rye – a cool eatery in Soho offering home cooked American style food, with pancakes on the menu for breakfast this was the perfect place to start. With an indulgent breakfast to walk off we headed along Piccadilly with a stop off at Fortnum’s to admire the Christmas décor and then a foray along Bond Street and a trip to Tiffany’s. Everywhere was beautifully decorated for Christmas – both Fortnum & Mason & Tiffany’s looked stunningly elegant.

Blessed with a beautiful crisp winter day we headed past The Ritz into Green Park and headed down to St James Park. This is my favourite park in the city and I was delighted to see so many of the parks legendary pelicans had left their island in the middle of the lake and were happily waddling around the grounds. We spent some time in park just enjoying the views and wildlife before we headed out past Buckingham Palace and into the side streets of Belgravia. Elegant wreaths festooned the doors of some of the townhouses along with a beautiful display at The Goring hotel. (added to 2017 bucket list for birthday afternoon tea)

When in Belgravia the only place to stop for coffee and cake is the gorgeous Peggy Porschen Parlour – beautifully decorated in her signature pastels, complete with Gingerbread castles, Cookie’s and Meringue kisses drip cakes – an instagrammers dream.

I can’t recommend this little slice of cupcake heaven enough – always a favourite treat.

Rested and fed we continued our travels through Belgravia towards the Kings Road where we walked and talked and took in the sights. What I loved about this area was the number of Christmas tree vendors that had taken up residency on street corners – not in the abundance of New York but certainly creating that feel and sight that you see everywhere there. After a peruse in Anthropologie and a quick stop by The Ivy Chelsea Garden to admire the stunning decorations ( again a Instagram favourite) we then headed to our final destination of the day – The Natural History Museum for a spot of ice-skating, followed by a great Burger at @Honest burgers.(worth the queue). Loved the rink at The Natural History museum – this was my first time to this rink and it had the feel similar to that of the one in Bryant Park.

Having clocked up 11k walk on the Fitbit and feeling a little weary it was time to head home and a relax on the sofa with a christmas movie.

London Lights in December ....

Mid way through January and I'm only just beginning to get organised enough to start blogging about December. Life has been busy, some of which I aim to share with you over the coming weeks, however today I'm going to give you a glimpse of what December was like for me.
It was my first Fenwick Christmas which really kicked off with Black Friday weekend and then just got busier as the big day approached, late nights and the hustle and bustle of London commute made for some long days. There was still time for some fun, with Christmas lunches, Secret Santa, singing with the Salvation Army and lots of laughter in the corner shop on Bond Street.

Aside from work I did get out and about and enjoyed lots of the sights and lights that London has to offer during the festive season. When the weather was good I managed to walk from Liverpool Street to Bond Street and loved the trees that sprung up throughout the city.

One of my favourites this year was definitely the huge tree inside the courtyard at The Rosewood London which was stunningly elegant in gold and green.
On the day I passed by the car-park was full of Aston Martins 💛which were gorgeous.... this hotel is definitely on my bucket-list.

Another hotel which is renowned for its Christmas Tree is Claridges, and as its a stones throw from the corner shop, I frequented it often during the festive season. This years tree was designed by the team from Apple and although not the prettiest of trees it was without a doubt the most atmospheric, making you feel like you were entering a magical winter forest. Not the easiest to photograph but stunningly beautiful in its own way.

This year it felt that everyone embraced Christmas and everywhere that I walked you were met with stunning window displays, beautiful lights and huge trees. A few of my favourites included the feathers and chandeliers of Bond Street. The ribbon wrapped facade of Cartier and the blue boxed trees at Tiffany. Regent street had flying angels which swept through the street. Covent Garden;s huge tree and mistletoe disco ball's dazzled the apple market. Even Charing cross glowed with blue baubles and stars which led to the stunning square and ice rink of Somerset House which again sponsored by Fortnums was a feast for all the senses.This was one of my favourite walks this Christmas, and even in the drizzle some days it was still delightful.

I loved exploring the lights and sights of London during the festive season, and will share more of my sights and treats later in the week.

Christmas treat at Claridges

I know that it’s the middle of January but I am still working my way through my Christmas activities, I'm therefore giving myself until the 25^th of January to share my Christmas fun and then I'm blocking out February to share my New York adventures. As blogged last week Breakfast treats were my new thing for 2015 and my Christmas breakfast was indulged at the beautiful Claridges.

Having spent my birthday breakfast there, and had such I lovely time, I booked a return for the festive season.

Every year Claridges invites a  designer to create their Christmas tree for the season which takes pride of place within their lobby ; this year it was Christopher Bailey from Burberry that got the honours. With his unique creativity a Christmas tree of gold and silver umbrellas was unveiled early December.

Visiting Claridges on the Monday of Christmas week was special and due to the early time of my booking I felt like I was watching a unique little corner of Mayfair wake up. The team were as accommodating and friendly as on previous visits and it was the perfect way to start the week.

Claridges breakfast menu is huge and offers so many options it's hard to choose, however I opted for the English; accompanied by juice, toast and coffee. All beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. (any breakfast menu that has burford browns on them is a winner in my world)

Aside from the Umbrella Christmas tree, Claridges decorations were distinctly traditional and starred The Nutcracker. The outside canopy and wreaths along the wrought iron fence line all had varying sized Nutcracker dolls along with huge christmas trees, gold branches and red and gold baubles. Little woodland nutcracker christmas scenes nestled in glass pears on furniture, alcoves and the fireplace, creating magic and theatre in the most unexpected way, it really was a delight to see.

Claridges has become a Christmas must for me and one year I have promised myself a stay on Christmas Eve, until that time I will look forward to visiting in December for breakfast, dinner or tea. 
Thank-you Claridges for making my visit so lovely and kicking off my Christmas week in such fabulous style.

Here are my previous trips to this lovely establishment in Mayfair. Look forward to visiting again in 2016.

15 Festive reads from 2015

Over recent years festive reads have become part of my Christmas musts and a glorious way to spend some 'down'time during the busy holiday season.

I love a Christmas book... and look forward every year to compiling my seasonal wish list... this years selection is as varied as a box of celebrations and as delicious to unwrap.
Here's my thoughts on the 15 read for 2015;

Wish upon a Christmas Cake –Darcie Boleyn - Kate would really like to spend Christmas at her cosy tearoom Crumbtious Cakes; instead she finds herself with her celebrity brother, judgemental mother and ex-boyfriend who is now a widower with 2 small children. mourning the recent loss of her beloved grandmother; Kate finds herself facing lots of reflection and the possibility of christmas wishes coming true. A delightful read from Darcie; perfect with a roaring fire and a plate of warm mince pies.
Let it Snow - Wendy Lewis – We are introduced to Karen as she is loading up her caravan and leaving her lazy husband Frank. She and her much loved pooch Eccles take up a 'live-in' post with an elderly lady in her childhood home town in Sussex. It soon become apparent that this is not the ideal solution and with her parents help buys a remote semi derelict farmhouse on the downs.  Karen finds herself by lucky accident working at the local vets, which is headed up by a very attractive vet! With her elderly father being diagnosed with dementia, a troublesome Ex, a local admirer and a crush on her boss; Karen's life is suddenly a little complicated. Through in a snowstorm and christmas around the corner this makes for a fun, though provoking festive read. This was my first read from Wendy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are laugh out loud moments along with some heartache; a lovely little read for a winters afternoon.
Christmas Ever After – Sarah Morgan - this is the 3rd book in the Puffin Island trilogy and features Skylar and Alec. Skylar and Alec's paths cross in London and Skylar finds herself spending the lead up to Christmas with Alec and his family. Alec finds his opinion of Skylar changing and they return to Puffin Island for Christmas. I have loved the Puffin Island trilogy and as well as following Alec & Skylar's story you catchup with the Emily and Brittany from the previous books. This is a gorgeous, sexy winter read, perfect to warm a cold winters night and will make you seek out holiday cottages in the islands off the maine coast!
Four Weddings and a White Christmas – Jenny Oliver - Book 5 in Jenny Olivers Cherry Pie Island and a welcome return to such a lovely place. Hannah is offered a dressmakers job of a lifetime and finds herself back on cherry pie island; a place she spent many happy moments as a teenager and reunited with friends from school. She also crosses paths with cynical chef Harry Fontaine and with 4 weddings to assist with she spends the year doing her up most to ensure all brides are happy. - a lovely welcome return to all previous stories, sprinkled with a dusting of snow, a twinkle of christmas magic a jaunt to New York and a lice of love and friendship and cherry pie. 
Christmas at the Castle –Victoria Connelly - a lovely little novella from Victoria set in the Highlands of Scotland. Catriona Fraser and her 2 children live at the family Caldoon castle; bequeathed after her husbands death. Hiring out key rooms for Christmas they find Iain MacNeice and his 2 daughters arrive for the holiday period. Things aren't as idyllic as they appear and both families find themselves needing each other before the holidays are over.

One Wish in Manhattan –Mandy Baggot - Hayley is a single mum to Angel and as well as fulfilling a Christmas wish to spend the festive season in New York with her brother; she also embarks on a journey to try and find Angel's dad and fulfil her wish for a Dad for christmas. As she embarks on the search she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver, here the adventures become even more thrilling. I started this book on my journey to New York in December and it really was the most perfect read. Another great story from Mandy.
A Miracle at Macy's – Lynn Marie Hulsman - Charlotte is a shy homebody who is much happier at home writing her cookbooks and blog. She finds herself loosing her beloved pet dog Hudson in a week before Christmas. Her celebrity aunt loans her her assistant Henry to help with the dog hunt. Hudson leads Charlotte and Henry on a merry dance as he is spotted in Central park with Santa's helpers, in Times Square with a supermodel and in multiple locations across New York.... I read this book whilst in New York in December and i loved it, it made me laugh lots.. its like Home Alone 2 for dogs!

Midnight at Tiffany's – Sarah Morgan – loved this little christmas novella by Sarah Morgan – Matilda is a waitress by day and budding author by night. When she is rescued by a handsome stranger at an event and finds herself out of a job; she embarks on one magical night with him. Chase Adams is a millionaire and when he finds himself talking to Matilda who has no idea who he is or what he is worth he finds himself wanting to spend more than one night with her…. Can they find magic at midnight at Tiffany's. Sarah Morgan writes fabulous stories with great characters and she

Doesn't disappoint in this festive read. Gorgeous men, New York and Christmas … ticks lots of my boxes!

Chocolate Lovers Christmas –Carole Matthews – CM is a favourite of mine and I looked forward to catching-up with the ladies from the Chocolate Lovers Club. It’s a couple of years since I read the 1^st book and this is the 3^rd in the series; it felt like I was catching up with old friends.  Lucy is now running chocolate heaven; Nadia is coming to terms with her husband's death and all the complications that that has created. Autumn is dealing with tragedy and not getting much help from her fiancé and Chantal is besotted with her new baby and trying to hold her marriage together. As Christmas approached the 4 ladies find each of their lives unravelling a little; throwing up all sorts of surprises from estranged families, ex fiancés, new beginnings and  loves lost it is soon apparent that their friendship is the commonality that will help them through it all.

It took a little while for me to familiarise myself with the characters, but once in I was completely absorbed and it was like curling up with a huge mug of hot chocolate and a warm blanket. As with all of CM's books; it's never plain sailing for the characters and all of them had their share of heartache, fun, love and laughter and I loved it all.  Anxiously now awaiting Book 4 in this series and their next adventure.

Last Christmas – Lily Greene - Last Christmas Ella had her heartbroken on New Years Eve by her banker boyfriend Robbie. This Christmas, Ella is embarking on her debut exhibition in a London gallery. Whilst shopping on the run up to Christmas she keeps bumping into mysterious handsome stranger. Their paths keep crossing and Ella finds herself falling for Fergus a war photographer.Just when she thinks she is finally moving on with her life; Robbie turns up at her opening night. Ella has some choices to make.  Last Christmas is a lovely heart-warming read and a lovely modern twist on the classic love triangle and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My Big Fat Christmas Wedding– Samantha Tonge - we join Pippa back on the Greek island with her fiancée Nico. with her christmas wedding approaching she heads back to England for her ex's engagement party. Can she really give up the glamour and excitement of London for the slow life in the teashop on the sleepy greek island. This was a much welcome return to the village of Taxos and its inhabitants... perfect as a stand alone read or squeal to Game of Scones.

A Christmas Hideaway – Emily Harvale – Holly thinks herself still in love with her long term boyfriend, (now her ex who ran away with her best friend) and the thought of them both coming back to Hideaway Down for Christmas fills her with dread. She volunteers to look after her mums holiday cottages and hopes that this will keep her away from the village and the chance of bumping into them both. Someone else who is hoping to hideaway for christmas is author Gabriel Hardwick who has hired one of the cottages for the festive season; thus avowing his agent and ex-girlfriend Bryony. With one of the coldest winters upon them and a series of unfortunate incidents Holly finds herself falling for Gabriel in more ways than one. – This novella was a pleasant surprise and I now look forward to the 2^nd book in the series. The characters were fun and the village delightful. With a couple of sweet twists this made for a delightful read.

Christmas wishes and Mistletoe Kisses – Jenny Hale - Abbey has put her dreams on hold to raise her son Max and help her mum look after her grandfather. By a lucky accident she finds herself taking on the challenge of decorating Nick Sinclairs large mansion before his family descend for Christmas. Not only is the house absolutely gorgeous so is its owner!. Abbey starts to transform the house into a home and also finds herself spending a lot of spare time with the delicious Nick... can Christmas sprinkle is magic on them both. I loved this book; a delicious festive romance perfect for the holiday season... sheer escapism from the start.

Holly's Christmas Kiss – Alison May - Holly Michelle Jolly hates Christmas and has been the brunt of festive jokes since she was a child. With a flight to a dream holiday cancelled, she finds herself meeting Sean. Sean loves Christmas and hopes to change Holly's opinion of Christmas for the better... this is a fun little novella and the characters and story are worthy of a bigger read. Look forward to reading book 2.

Christmas at the Cove –Victoria Connelly - Victoria's first Christmas novella and this one sees us meet Millie at Christmas a her aunts cottage on the north Devon coast. Unbeknown to Millie her elderly auntie has been meddling and she finds a handsome man and his son in residence when she arrives. Deciding to share the cottage for Christmas a lovely story unravels and develops between them. This is a lovely story and evokes some lovely memories of spending winters on the Devon and Cornish coasts. perfect reading for a cold Saturday afternoon curled in front of a roaring fire.
Thank-you to all authors for their gorgeous stories which kept me occupied at airports, on aeroplanes and commuting across London during the festive season.I enjoyed them all, and look forward to compiling my festive list for 2016. Here are some previous book posts from recent months.

Festive Insta Love...

Last year saw me add some new features to the blog and regular posts. One of my most favourite and popular was sharing my social media loves from the previous month. December passed in a blur hence why I am now sharing what I was 'hearting' and liking on Instagram over the festive period.

With a trip across the pond early December I have 9 from New York, 9 from London and 9 festive favourites.... 

London:

1. j_r_photography - love this image of the London Eye and river bridges during the festive season.
2. levanterman - stunning shot of Tower bridge and the artistic christmas tree by city hall.
3. the connaught - twinkly tree and lights at The Connaught hotel - old school christmas glamour
4. elensham - loved elena's instagram feed during December, mixing the ordinary with festive sites in London - this shot in Leadenhall market is glorious.
5. aurelien_le_roch - stunning shot of the new years fireworks .
6. geminatrix - heathers photography around London is stunning - clean lines and stunning skylines  this shot of regent street is fabulous.
7. paulafitzherbert - love Paula's image of the carriages outside Claridges Christmas morning.. this is being added to my bucketlist!
8. in_and_outside_london - love this image from inside Duant books in Marylebone from Cecilia - christmas tree & books a perfect combination.
9. neiljamescartwright - lovely shot from the Sky Garden's seasonal decoration  from Neil.

Christmas & New Year - festive posts from some of my favourite instagrammers of 2015.

1. Love this porch picture from Sally @ gettingstuffdoneinheels the picture postcard cottage christmas... could have been lifted straight out of an enid blyton!... love it.. I absolutely want to move into her house. 
2. Could Crate & Barrel's Christmas table scream the holiday season anymore!... egg-nog, gingerbread, cake & bakers twine....soooo many of my favourites.
3. The Berkeley's rooftop holiday cinema looked just glorious and has been added to my Christmas bucket-list... anywhere that shows Miracle on 34th Street is a win for me.
4. Emily's Christmas eve table, sums up everything lovely about Emily and her make-light studio, the cookie cutters are my favourite..
5. Love Lou from The little green shed 's festive kitchen activity is delightful. Another kitchen that I am coveting!.
6. Valerie's chalkboard egg nog recipe is a firm favourite of mine and the calendar was in a lot of the stockings that I gave this year... lovely
7. For someone that has been practically tee-total for 10 years the Jack Daniels instagram account is a tempting treat and nothing more so than the Jack Daniels Egg Nog recipe!... do love a mason jar & egg nog....mmmm
8. The lovely Kitty from the PS team at work shared the most delicious treat table in the personal shopping suite at work.. hoe fab does this look.
9. New Year cranberry mimosa toasts from Tifforelie is lovely, a perfect way to toast and see in 2016.

New York:

1. The Empire State Building's New Year lights are captured spectacularly by jennifer, her images from the city are just stunning.
2. The Plaza Hotel's Christmas tree festooned with baubles, lit by twinkling lights under a fabulous chandelier brings christmas to life in this iconic hotel.
3. Love the everyday that Johnny captures in New York, the vintage subway is a hidden gem on the NY subways during the holiday season and having stood on a platform when one pulled in I can say its as exciting as The Polar Express!!.
4. The Peninsula's canopy is worth checking out if you are in the city during the holiday's, a fab little treat tucked down a side street off of 5th avenue. Captured fabulously by Rosemary.
5. The Tavern on the Green's christmas tree was a festive delight under a canopy of lights sitting in Central Park, magical.
6. This image of the NYPD on the sidewalk of Times Square on News Year is as powerful as it is humbling... on duty ready to patrol and protect those celebrating the NY festivities in the square. fantastic shot from Elena of pictures_of_newyork
7. This close-up of the christmas tree outside the New York stock exchange is beautiful from javan, his images of the city are stunning.
8. Love this image of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in a bauble from Craig, a new instagram discovery. His images of the city are strikingly beautiful, look forward to more from him in 2016.
9. Kelly's images of the city capture the everday and the ordinary fabulously. This of the One World tower nestled among the evergreen is perfect... thankyou, another new favourite.

Thankyou to all for sharing such glorious images through the festive season. I have loved them all. For more of my Social Media favourites from 2015, check out previous posts here.
Later this week I will share my favourite  "2015 nine from 9 "

hello January....

Hello January.....

One week in and I thought that as the decorations have now come down its time to give the blog a New Year spring clean for 2016. 
I'm not a big fan of resolutions and don't really make any drastic changes until March when Spring starts to glimmer and I've come out of my work induced and seasonal hibernation.
Over the coming weeks I will share some of my plans for the coming year but mainly I will be sharing more of my adventures from New York and December.
 I have a list of blog posts to write and schedule and a long list of Things To Do; however I am not going to stress like I have done previously.

1. New Year arrived with a bang. I thought the fire works this year were fabulous.
2. Still sifting through the New York photo's.
3.Planning lots of blog posts and things in my new Heidi Swapp planner.
4. Kate Spade diary for 2016 and life looking fabulous on my desk.
5. Worked throughout Christmas; many days the tube was like a ghost train.
6. Cold nights are drawing in and soon time to get the hot water bottle out; taking inspiration from the Sky Bar.
7. Planning more trips to the Sky Garden throughout the year.
8. Sad to say farewell to the lovely decorations, especially those in Covent Garden and the fabulous chanel no5 snow globe.
9. Desk treats for 2016 are glorious in black and gold.
I received lots of lovely things for Christmas... here are a few with a re-occurring theme! New York!!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous start to 2016; I look forward to reading all of your adventures this coming year.

Goodbye December....

Before we close our doors to 2015 and embark on a new adventure in 2016 its time to look back on my highlights from December. Spending the 1st week of the month in New York was just fabulous and was one of the best weeks that I had had there. (no week is anything other than great, but somehow this year was just fabulous)
The build up to Christmas was energetic, fast and full of fun things and will share more in January when the nights are long and cold and my diary is bare! Here's some of my instagram snaps from the month of favourite things.....
1. December Daily / Journal your Christmas - for the past 5 years I have documented and scrapbooked my December via prompts from the talented Shimelle; this year I am looking forward to doing the same and then crafting in the new year. Here is my album from 2014.
2. Duran Duran took to the stage at the O2 in December for an amazing gig where they absolutely rocked the roof off!..no Christmas songs, but lots of happy middle aged ladies!
3. Christmas songs - love getting the Christmas CD's and playlist on the ipod for trips in the car & tube.
4 & 5 Planning and wrapping are 2 of my christmas moments - every year a new theme; this year black, gold, silver & white. Loved this years themes.
6. Taylors 1st Christmas - boot filled with yellow bags and commuting to and from work singing along to Christmas tunes and decked with fairy lights!
7. Team night out involved Shake Shack and Somerset House for a night of Skate & Shack.
8. Christmas morning breakfast with Nans legendary sausage rolls.
9.Remembering loved ones passed during the festive season with holly wreaths and roses.

It wasn't just me that had lots of fun at Christmas - the kits had bundles of fun along with lazy sleeps too!
Fitz definitely the most inquisitive of the 2, or the one that got caught the most; whether sneaking kisses, exploring gift bags and even inside the tree he explored lots!  Darcy liked the holiday duvet lots and was often found asleep there or curled up with his brother on my lap or by the fire. He did find a parcel that he thought was his! With there own stocking from their fur buddies Jax & Roxy, they were not left out.

After much deliberation the Christmas tree went up late in T's terrace. From the many decorations that I have, I selected the black, gold, white and silver decorations to compliment my theme. I was really pleased with how it all came out.
The kits definitely seemed to like it and it was the first year with the kits that it remained upright for the holiday period!

Boxing Day was spent as in previous years at work. Driving into London, the streets were desolate until you hit the big department stores, were Q's snaked around the block.
Busy day all round and welcomed the sofa in the evening for a rest.

Early morning breakfast's in glorious surroundings were spent in December. Claridges in Christmas week was just magical and then the Sky Garden pre New Year watching the sun rise was equally as magical.
Detailed posts to follow.








As you can see December was busy and hard to believe how quick that it and 2015 have flown by. With the New Year approaching its time for a blog overhaul, with so much to share from Christmas I am going to keep the blog Christmassy until the 12th night when the decorations come down...
29 days ago I was standing in Times Square looking at the big silver ball that would drop on New Years Eve...

10 festive favourites from London.....

Another week gone and now only 4 days to Christmas, December passing by in a flurry, alas not snow flurries as it is unseasonally mild for this time of year. My week has been a whirlwind of activities in and around London catching up with friends and family for the festive season.

London is looking lovely this year and here are a few of my holiday favourites:

1. Skate Ice Rink at Somerset with a glorious tree decorated and sponsored by Fortnum & Mason. its its signature blue & wicker, it really is delightful. The skate rink is much fun, and pumps out a fabulous DJ set as you skate. Visited as part of my teams night out and we had much fun.
2. Carnaby Christmas Street party - a fabulously kitsch, glitter-ball pink star-scape. what's not to love about that at Christmas.
3. Sometimes the simple styling is as effective as the overblown glitter and this is demonstrated perfectly with the blue lit tree at the Houses of parliament in the shadows of Big Ben. 
4. The Damian Hirst tree outside the Connaught Hotel in the heart of Mayfair.
5. This year the strand has decorated its street with blue baubles and stars and it looks lovely, a welcome surprise when I went to the theatre last week.
6. South Molton Street (alongside Bond street station) arches, are a annual favourite and look gorgeous looking down onto Oxford street.
7. Rudolph on his sleigh, complete with red nose sits proud at the top of Covent garden and is a huge favourite with the children.
8. Regent streets clock parts (sponsered by a big watch maker) have lights and images beamed onto them as they are strung across the street.
9. The silver and gold lit orbs across Oxford street are my daily view as I walk to and from work and really seem to fit this years themes of space and stars.

Covent Garden has become a favourite this year and looks beautiful with its huge glitter-balls and mistletoe bunches... along with its huge christmas tree it is very christmassy! Visiting during the day is lovely, but looks very special and sparkly after dark.
 I will be sharing some more favourites from Covent Garden over the holiday period.
10. Another festive favourite and becoming a bit of a regular feature for T is the beautifully decadent Claridges. This year my Christmas treat was a cheeky breakfast before work, where I got to explore a little of the Christmas delights of this hotel... pop back after Christmas and I will share more!
The rest of the week is a complete whirl of activities, wrapping and present delivering, I hope to pop back before the big day with some more festive fun.
have a lovely week x

12 favourites from New York...

With 12 days to go until the big day and having been back from New York a week, I thought it was time to share some holiday favourites for from across the pond for the season.
I had some a wonderful time this year in the city that doesn't sleep and will be sharing my adventures well into the New Year as there are lots!

1. Rockefeller Christmas Tree - THE christmas tree of the City, I cant tell you what that little sparkle of excitement feels like when you catch the first glimpse of its sparkling wonder from 5th avenue. Flanked by harking angels it is just beautiful.
2. Rockefeller Drummers and Pipers, staged around the Rockefeller centre during the holiday season are huge drummers and pipers which guard the area.
3. Saks - 5th avenue - every year Saks host a magical music and light show onto their 5th avenue façade, this year the magic and wonder of The Winter Palace came to life.

4.Christmas tree lots on corners and sidewalks.... the smell of spruce, fir and christmas hangs in the air from every side-walk, along with jingling bells and Samaritans dancing and singing.
5. Hotel canopy's are festooned with christmas decorations and kitsch in glorious splendour.

6. The Woolman Rink opens in Central Park, bathed in glorious winter sunshine this is a magical place to people watch, drink hot chocolate and eat hot dogs!
7. 5th avenue comes alive with holiday shoppers, and store facades come alive... the bejewelled Tiffany;s sparkling with twinkling diamonds in its windows.
8. Tiffany blue boxes are always magical, but look even more special on the christmas trees that become the signature look for this special store on 5th.

9. Miracle on 34th Street bought to life at Macy's on 34th street; Believe and huge Santa post boxes; its hard not to believe in Santa when spending time in the store.
10. Macy's may own the Miracle, but my absolute favourite Santa this year was the one at The Plaza. so jolly and so much fun...
11. Love the simplicity of holiday decorating in NY and nowhere does it better than the brownstones in the Greenwich Village areas.... just gorgeous.
12. Even the Firehouses decorate for the holidays... one of my favourites being Engine co 10 at the World Trade Centre, complete with festooned fire truck.
 As you can see NY looked exceptionally magical this year and could spend hours blogging about it, but with Christmas 12 days away I really need to get organised!... have a lovely day and hope that your holiday plans are happy and a little bit more organised than mine!

Hello December --- let the countdown begin!

Well its December and only 31 days left of 2015. As with every December I have a busy month ahead... my December this month will feature;

• New York!!.. so excited.
• Shake Shack London & New York
• Fun times with friends and food at Forest on the Roof
• Selfridges ... must go to work in-between the festivities and fun across the pond.
• Claridges - a Christmas treat planned and a chance to see the fabulous tree designed by Christopher Bailey from Burberry.
• Time to explore the festive lights of the city, loving the arches on South Molten Street and the baubles in Oxford street.
• A night with Duran Duran .... a chance for my inner teen to come out to play for christmas and a night at the theatre watching the fabulous Jim Broadbent as Ebeneezer Scrooge. There is also a little film opening on 18th December which features a war in the stars which I am sure to see and in amongst that I need to fit in Christmas!!
  
   New York adventures feature a trip to Washington, Afternoon Tea at The Plaza, Brunch at The Standard Grill on the Highline and a night of les Miserables with Alfie Boe on Times Square. I will also be heading up to view the city from the One World Observatory and seeing the fabulous Rockefeller treet lightup... pop back in December to read more adventures from the big apple!

As you can see the blog has had a make over.. this years holiday colours are Black, Silver & Gold so the blog has been updated to reflect this and will become more Christmassy as the holiday season counts down.

So hello December I look forward to having 31 days of festive fun!!

Goodbye November ....

Well not sure where November has gone, but December is a sleep away and 31 days until 2016!.. eeek. For someone who didn't have much planned in November, I didn't get much blogging done and failed miserable with by BEDN challenge!

November was filled with lots of remembrance activities and the desk and Taylor were suitably styled.
I spent a night at the movie's watching Spectre and loved it.
Another night out saw me at the theatre watching Funny Girl, starring Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice who is quite simply fabulous. This musical moved to The Strand theatre in April after its run at the Menier Chocolate theatre and urge all to grab tickets.
This kits also got to go out in Taylor for there annual check up and inoculations at the vet. Both were little stars and very good for the vet. They have been enjoying cozy nights in in November, cuddled up in front of their little fire.

November saw every retailer have a Black Friday frenzy... The big yellow store was no different. With a 5 day promotion of 20% which made for long days, lots of yellow bags and a big tick on my christmas lust & wish lists!!

Lots on insta love this month as the Christmas countdown began...

* Love Chalkedbymabz red cups chalkboard image... November kicked off the Starbucks red cups for 2015.

 *A special little boy turned 1 at the end of October and here he is skateboarding with his uncle! 

* Christmas adverts started to appear and Mulberry's is just lovely, how gorgeous does this mulberry bayswater look in the fire light... Dear Santa....

* ValerieMckeehan's hot chocolate chalk mugs are just delicious.

* Just loving Claridges Christmas styling this year and this little Nutcracker scene outside Paula Fitzherbert's room is perfect.

* Stunning image of the cenotaph from magic_moments1994 sums up the whole occasion.

* With a trip to NY pending, how stunning is Johnnyyonkers Lower Manhattan skyline.

* Loving Emily Quinton's fairy light styling and looking forward to trying some styling tips of my own this year. and finally Instagram love wouldn't e complete without an image from David Gandy .. this month at the Fashion Council awards!

November saw me attend an evening of Crime with Patricia Cornwell. It was an evening filled with mystery, forensics and fun. Here is more detail on the evening.

As November closes I am furiously packing for a trip to New York ... so farewell for now and see you when I am back ..... pop onto my Instagram feed to follow my adventures stateside!

... 

Rocking the Season....

The magic and sparkle of Christmas and the Holiday season is evident on every street corner in New York City, but never more than on 5th Avenue and the Rockefeller Centre.
The Rockefeller centre is the home of the most iconic New York Christmas tree. Today in the city the Swarovski Star was lifted into place with the help of fashion model Miranda Kerr and filmed by the Today show. This beautiful 6-ft spruce will be lit when I am in the city next month and will look forward to visiting whilst there.

From the ice-skating in the plaza below to the stunning tree; this square block really brings the magic of the holiday season alive.

The promenade walkway leading down from 5th avenue to the centre is flanked by trumpet & cornet wielding angels in glorious white lights. 

Looking down from the Tree towards 5th avenue you look directly onto the equally iconic 5th avenue store of Saks.

Saks has always been known for its holiday windows, but in recent years they have transformed the front of their store to showcase the holiday season and the city in visual & cinematic sound.

as you can see it really it quite magical and I have yet to find something in London that comes close to the entertainment and wonder that this creates on the faces of the families watching.

The Rockefeller Centre and its surrounding streets are a must for any visit to New York during December and even at its busiest times it really is worth the queueing and jostling for that perfect picture. The tree really does sprinkle its own dusting of magic among the needles, I've seen proposals, big family reunions and 1st dates under the branches, spreading lots of christmas cheer.

Here's to a magical 2015 Rocking the holiday season.