DC for the Day.... Amtrak adventures

Time to share some more of my New York adventures from late last year, the rate that I am going I will still be blogging about it Christmas 2016 instead of Christmas 2015!.. when I started planning my trip last year I wanted to do things that I hadn't done before as well as some old favourites.
One of the things that I started to research was the option of travelling to Washington for the day and exploring some of the capital city. I visited Washington 18 years ago and looked forward to a return visit (especially with my current Scandal obsession!) I knew that I would have to plan my day well, but was confident to see some of the capitals landmarks.
After the idea took root, it was quite easy to plan the rest; the Amtrak train line from Penn Station was the route to take and I booked a return journey for $65. As an early riser I booked a 6am train arriving in DC at 9.30am.
Penn station was a short taxi ride from my hotel and like all mainline stations was still a hive of activity even at that early hour. I stopped at Zaro's; one of New York's famous bakeries for coffee, and breakfast muffin for the journey.
With multiple stops on route the train was busy, but with a reserved seat, and leg room and seats bigger than flying I was pleasantly surprised on the amenities on offer on the train; including complimentary wifi (which didn't dip for the entire journey) and power.

Leaving New York whilst still dark, one of the treats of the journey was tracking the images shot out of the window and watching the sunrise as we approached Philadelphia.
The sunrise was stunning. I loved watching the towns and cities begin to wake up as we sped along the tracks.

I arrived in DC at 9.30 into a stunning classical station, built in 1907 it is a beautiful building filled with arches and light.

The day was glorious and with beautiful blue skies as a backdrop to some of the worlds most iconic buildings; I set off to explore this political famous city.

Pop back tomorrow for more adventures.... featuring lincoln, landmarks, cupcakes and presidents!

Don't Rain on my Parade....

This week, previews of Funny Girl started at The Savoy Theatre beginning its West End run after a successful staging at The Menier Chocolate Factory in South London.

It is here that I saw this fabulous musical at the end of last year, which sold out its run within hours.
Funny Girl is the biographical story of film star and comedian  Fanny Bryce and her tumultuous relationship with entrepreneur Nicky Arnstein. The film of the story was made world famous by Barbara Streisand and Omar Sharif and the characters have been owned by these since. It is hard to imagine that anyone else can step into Streisand's shoes and own this role as well as her, but there may after 50 years be a successor!... Sheridan Smith has taken this role and made it her own.
Those not familiar with the plot, Brice rises from the chorus line of the Broadway musical and vaudeville line after being discovered. Briefly she meets Arnstein after her debut performance and their paths cross as Fanny's success grows and their romance flourishes. Fanny and Arnstein marry after he wins a fortune in a poker tournament. They move into a mansion, and Fanny takes a lead role at the Follies, returning to Ziegfeld who made her a star. Arnstein's various business interests fail and he refuses to take any of his wife's monies, involving himself in a bonds scam which leads to him being jailed for embezzlement.
Sheridan is supported with a fabulous cast and Arnstein is played by Darius Campbell. This musical is fabulous, Sheridan Smith is a Star; if you have a ticket to see this then you are in for an evening of sheer entertainment. With songs as legendary as the stars; People, Don't rain on my parade and Funny Girl it is a treat for every musical fan.
 I am booked to see this again at The Savoy and I can't wait.

Fitness & Well-being...

I don't blog lots about work but today the home of Mr Selfridge expanded its retail space by an additional 37,000 sq ft. The Body Studio opened today embracing fitness, well-being, lingerie, lounge-wear and hosiery all under one roof and what an impressive roof it is. Flooded with natural light from skylights and courtyard windows, the body studio is stunning.
With fitness and healthy eating part of my new lifestyle, this space is the perfect motivation to keep me focused on my SW journey.
The activewear space is full of fabulous fit wear, tech and equipment perfect for any activity. I love the boxing bags hanging from the steel beams, creating theatre and great visuals.
Its hard to visualise as I walk around this space that 15 months ago this was my old office and desk area. The Body Studio also houses the biggest collection of lingerie along with the most gorgeous fitting room spaces.
Aside from the gorgeous apparel, Body Studio also houses a Daniel Galvin studio, perfect for every hair. Adjacent to the hair salon is the cutest healthy cafe that you will see. The Hemsley sisters in partnership with Selfridges have opened a bistro cafe with a menu straight out of their healthy lifestyle cook books.

Yesterday I was lucky to sample lunch and also get to talk to the girls who were present. Both are trilled to be part of this new space and the opening of their first cafe. All this and the launch of their new TV series in a couple of weeks. All ingredients are sourced from amazing suppliers who absolutely compliment the sisters ethos of eating and lifestyle.
Lunch yesterday was a Bacon and Spinach quiche with almond flour, dressed side salad of rocket, coriander & cucumber and home-made tomato sauce. The flavours were amazing and the quiche just melted in the mouth. Accompanied by the most perfect little pot of mint tea.

 Dessert was a flour-less, beetroot & chocolate cupcake with yoghurt frosting. Dense chocolate flavour, the cupcake was moist and delicious.
The cafe is bijou, and tables can't be booked, but don't panic the queuing system is great and allows you to browse the store whilst waiting for your table They message your phone when the table is available.(so much better than waiting about in a Q!)
I know that this visit wont be last to Hemsley + Hemsley and look forward to trying the breakfast menu over the next few weeks.
Thanks to Jasmine & Melissa for stopping to chat, good luck with the new venture and a big well done to all the team involved in the Body Studio... it really is a gorgeous space.

Hello April.....

Its lovely to see April arrive with some sunshine, March blew away amongst a spring storm and heavy showers. I definitely feel like I am beginning to awake from my winter hibernation and I am looking forward to a brighter April. As you can see the blog has had a makeover and we embracing spring with some yellow and gold hues, saying goodbye to the March greens.
* April has started beautifully and I captured this sunrise on my walk to the station through the park.
* I have set myself some goals for April on my SW journey, one of which is to move more!.. my walk to the station is 2km so I am aiming to walk 4k 3 times a week.

 * I have a couple of lovely things planned for April; Dinner at Koffmans at The Berkeley followed by a very guilty pleasure evening at the Albert Hall with Michael Bolton - a birthday treat for a special friend *

* I am enjoying all the gorgeous daffodils around by me and in the window boxes in London. They make everywhere seem so much more colourful and that spring is here.
I cant believe that we are a quarter of our way through 2016 and looking back over the 1st 3 months, even though it feels like I have been hibernating, I've still managed to do quite a few things!
I hope that everyone has a lovely weekend and look forward to catching up with blogs and seeing what everyone has planned for April.

Goodbye March...

Farewell March.... wow a quarter of the way through 2016, where did that go? March was a mixed bag for me.
My month was busy with work, having a little fun and catching up with loved ones.
With Mothers day falling early in the month and Easter falling late it gave me plenty of opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

• March saw the nights begin to get lighter which lent for some spectacular sunsets captured as I left work and on the train. 
• March also say me say Hello to Adele and Goodbye to James Martin when I sent 2 evenings in both their company at their stage tours in the Uk.
• Easter and Mothers day were filled with flowers and treats.
• In between the spring storms and cold mornings, London did shine with some beautiful sunshine which showcased it off gorgeously. From my trip to the Sky Garden, walks through Manchester square to work and of course the home of Mr Selfridge himself.

March also saw me starting to move more, stepping up my walking and changing my route to work to for a longer walk and enjoy the outdoors when the weather was good.

March saw another 8 books ticked off my 75 reads from my 2016 list. I also binge watched The Night Manager on Tv which was just fabulous and I got a little excited also when I saw the new Bridget Jones trailer.... overall a good month and I hoping for even more fun in April.