A day in the life of...

I have seen this idea on lots of other blogs and had always fancied giving it a try. Essentially the idea is that you blog about what you have done on a particular day.  As I was catching up on my blog reading I saw on Alice's Quaint Living that there was a day in the life date organised so I thought I would give it a go!  I am not sure how interesting it will be but here goes:

Friday 2nd September.
I am lucky enough to start work at a somewhat tardy 9.30 and even more fortunate to be able to walk to work so I generally get up around 8.30.  This morning I tried to prolong the holiday spirit and had a lovely hot shower with one of Petit Marsellais shower creams.

I potter around getting myself ready, applying my various lotions and potions.  I have a myriad of them to chose from and opted today for my Marc Jacobs' Cucumber perfume.

I walk to work through the sunny streets of Teddington, it is a nice walk past the beautiful houses and ending up at the river.  As it is Friday I am slightly more casual than the rest of the week and am in my jeans and ballet pumps.

My morning is taken up with answering emails and some overdue admin.  I tick a lot of jobs off my list and am pleased with a coffee break at 11.00.  My coffee mug at work was a gift from the husband and features Bingo in action.  It is rather twee but I like it never the less.

I continue ticking off jobs and catching up until lunch time.  I am in the process of changing my name; after a year of marriage I thought it was about time!  It is rather more involved than I had initially thought so I wandered down the high street to the bank and am one step closer to becoming Mrs E.

My afternoon was dedicated to floor plans and scale drawings.  There was a welcome interruption when some cupcakes were delivered to my desk.  One of our contractors was celebrating their 10th birthday and had send the cakes out so that we could all join in.  Unfortunately they didn't last long enough to photograph!

I popped into the pub for a quick glass of wine as it was such a lovely evening and a Friday after all! The husband walked down with Bingo and joined me.  We headed home shortly after that to a supper of pasta with crab.  And a little more wine!

We sat on the sofa and watched a horror film, then off to bed.  I don't think I even managed a chapter of my book before falling asleep!

Staycation, Part Two...

So the madrileños have left and we have an empty flat.   It feels very quiet so I am using the time to upload my photos onto my new computer, understand iPhoto and remember the weekend.


On Thursday we watched Arcade Fire in Hyde Park, they were supported by Mumford and Sons and both were superb.  The weather held out in the end and we were treated to a beautiful sunset as well.


Friday was spent in central London, a mixture of culture, shops and bars.  We visited The Cabinet War Rooms which are amazing.  I found them very moving and the Churchill museum that adjoins is excellent - my favourite item has to be the somewhat voluminous romper suit in maroon velvet that Churchill took to wearing.  We lunched in the cafe at The National Gallery and had a lovely and reasonably priced meal.


The afternoon was devoted to a more frivolous pastime - we hit the shops.  Meeting the boys later for a drink we were disappointed to find that The Experimental Cocktail Club was too cool for us and headed instead to Two Floors.  Dinner in Wahaca then home.


Saturday was more local and we took ourselves off to Hampton Court Palace.  It was a lovely day so we walked there through Bushy Park.  The park was filled with deer who posed obligingly for some photos!  The palace and its gardens are beautiful and require much more than one day to explore.  


Sunday was a lazy day with brunch in the garden then a wander to Strawberry Hill House.  It really is bonkers and is definitely worth a visit.  Then a cab to the airport and it was all over.


I am already looking forward to the next visit...

Magnolia and more magnolia...

Each morning I cycle through a street in Teddington that by design, or beautiful coincidence, is lined with Magnolia trees.  They go from pure white to bright pink but are always elegant and somehow regal.

There are so many that I imagine at one time they must have been very much in fashion and anyone who was anyone had one planted in the front garden.  Whatever the reason I very much enjoy my trip though Magnolia Lane every morning.

A walk in the park...

I have found my photos and so here is my missing post!


The weather this weekend has been so glorious that it would be an absolute crime not to be outside enjoying it.  We are very lucky in Teddington and have a marvellous selection of parks to pick from, all on our door step.


This weekend's destination was Radnor Gardens, a mere 10 minute stroll for Mr E, Bingo & me.  The gardens are on the river, just where Teddington meets Twickenham.  The park was once the private gardens of the riverside properties but is now public gardens for all to enjoy.


There is a lovely mix of formal gardens, a bowling green (more about my particular fascination with that to come!) and lovely weeping willows whose fronds trail into the water.  Apparently they are the very first willows to be planted.

 

Bright tights, Atlantic City...

O.K, so I lied about the Atlantic City bit.  I am only in Teddington.


But the tights are still bright.  I need something to make Monday mornings more cheerful.