Eurostar awayday to Lille

I love hopping over to Lille for the day; it's less than an hour and a half, I can have a whole day in France and be back home by 10pm.

 

There is a Metro, but I prefer to walk around as you can see more. Lots of 'looking up, looking down' (Thanks, Rinda, I borrowed the phrase from you!)

 

 

Just one of so many beautiful doorways

 

 

The floor of Oxfam Friperie, where I found for 2 Euro a sweet pink and grey paisley skirt.

 

 

 Above  doorways

 

 

 

Lots more photos to share - tomorrow!

 

Hand made gifts

A couple of friends are leaving their jobs for pastures new or retirement, so I wanted to make them some jewellery.

 

For Pauline, a musician who loves gardening / gardener who loves making music!

 

 

For Kathryn, who is off to teach English in Dubai.

 

Fashion and Textiles Museum and Zandra Rhodes

Sam, Elisabeth and I went to the Fashion and Textiles Museum in Bermondsey St yesterday to see the Summer exhibition, Zandra Rhodes Unseen. For those unfamiliar with her, Zandra is a wonderfully eccentric designer with pink hair and a passion for pink and purple busy prints. She studied at the Royal College of Art in the early 1960s, and has been her own person ever since, setting trends, not following them, and always adding her own twist. She opened this museum in 2003, so this exhibition celebrates its tenth birthday.

A video sets the scene, with Zandra explaining her thinking behind some of her collections, then on to the dresses. Her own style is toned down for her collections - eminently wearable, and not just for the catwalk. Some of her beaded (by hand!) evening gowns from the 80s, in Art Deco style were amazing! Her latest collection embraces new technology as she uses Computer Aided Design to print her drawings on to simple white shifts - lovely! I'd certainly wear one! Sam chose one the with sunflowers, mine would be the one with pink and navy blue flowers. Highly recommended if you like pretty posh frocks, it's on until August 31st. Go to the Teapod for delicious Devon cream tea too! And drool at the wonderful jewellery and books in the shop. Coming soon is a celebration of Sindy's 50th birthday! I will go and see that one for sure!

Elisabeth is a fashionable little madam, check out the bling on these Converses! As usual, she won the hearts of everyone at the exhibition! 

And what a fabulous floor! I'd love this somewhere in my house!

Baby Prince George

Hooray! News of a Royal baby is always a feelgood thing - welcome Prince George Alexander Louis!

  Marks and Spencer did the honours again with this sweet biscuit tin.

 

And this one for the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation earlier this month. 

 

 

They taste delicious, too, shortbread petticoat tails!

More Amaze-ment!

I spotted three more Labyrinths on my travels today. I have a list, now, so a-hunting I will go . . .

Tottenham Court Road

 

 

Hammersmith

 

 

Hounslow Central

Amaze-ing!

I snapped these mazes at Underground stations I have spotted recently, I will see how many I can find,  /270. They are a series called Labyrinth by Mark Wallinger. Not every station has one, and they are not always easily visible, but I shall enjoy the challenge!

Waterloo



 

Embankment
 

Home! Hounslow West

Congratulations to . . . .  Ylenia for winning the bag Giveaway! The London bus will be on its way to you if you email me your address!

Back with a Giveaway

Sincere apologies for the lack of posts recently - we have had no phone line or Internet for a couple of weeks whilst our provider has struggled to fix it. Back now, with crossed fingers, so the least I can do before you desert me, lovely readers and followers, is offer a giveaway!

This fun bag is made of super-stong canvas, can fit in loads of paraphernalia, and celebrates that Great British Icon, the Routemaster DoubleDecker! Two routes are still in operation; the no. 9 from Kensington High St to Trafalgar Square, and the no. 15, as illustrated on the bag, from Trafalgar Square to Tower Bridge. You can use your Oystercard or pay a normal cash fare from the conductor, and the services run daily, about every 20 mins. They have had a few improvements; such as a more environmentally-friendly engine (hooray) and re-upholstered seats, but still retain the charm of the classic model. So you can see all the sights from the bus, and enjoy a big hit of nostalgia for an hour or so!

To give you an idea of size.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post, and I shall draw the winner at random one week from today, July 16th. I will post anywhere, so this is not just for UK readers. Good luck!