books galore

Finding a book store in London isn't too tough. But finding a good book store - that's a different story. I found mine just minutes from my house called the Clapham Books. Notorious for never selling a book that has been made into a movie with a picture of the movie stars - this place is the best to find anything worthwhile reading. I guess that makes me sound like a snob but meh it's reading.

L2's new fave is Taschen. Opening last fall - it's the source for all good design and stores that have good design. It's a packed store full of treasures and limited prints. I bought L2 two black and gold books (Design Now and something I'm still not sure what the other book is!)

a bit of culture and dining overload

so the weekend was one of excess. My last sha-bang with creams, cheese and most pasta, chocolate, pizza - most italian food actually.

I was in charge of Valentine's this year. L2 said he had something planned the following week and it was up to me. I thought we should celebrate in true london fashion - (so loads of culture.) Breakfast was cherries and french toast (delicious and mandatory as I can't cook pancakes to save my life) - then off to the Saatchi Gallery to view the new contemporary Middle East exhibit. It was just as amazing as 'China now' - and artists from Iraq, Iran and Syria were very prominent but I loved Kader Attia's Ghost exhibit. The empty void within these shells evoked a powerful emotion in the room. It's always hard to explain structural art but if you're in London head down there!

Then headed to Taschen (an amazing book store that will be blogged about later) and then then finally made it down the South London Gallery to view this avant garde piece that has Ronald McDonald statue drown. (again this will have to have a seperate post!)
Dinner was at the local 'pizza metro' where they serve you on a giant board with all your pizza intermingled with your date (or group!). The food was spectacular but I do hate Valentine's service. It took eons for our wine, our pizza and our bill! Let me go home!

Sunday L2 and I were unbelievable lazy but made some macroni and cheese (homemade mom recipe) for my last night with cheese and I bought this amazing owl necklace at local shop. I also saw By Malene Birger shoes but at £250 - I could only drool. (I can't access the site right now but I'll try to get them up!)

a little light reading

Every time I get on a plane, I always head to the local airport magazine shop and pick up three magazines that have anything remotely to do with decoration, design or fashion. However, as plane rides have become a bit more common, and I keep picking up magazines even when I'm not travelling - I've run out of selection for this month! The upcoming 10 hour journey has me a bit scared that I'll be terribly bored. I'm not sure the plane has individual movie sets for each seat (yes I was spoiled with Air Canada?!?) and I have a problem with my eyes that makes it near impossible to watch a movie on a plane unless I'm directly in front of the large screen in the middle. So what can I bring to pass the time - Penguin publishing has the answer!



I was recently introduced to this amazing idea by friend backpacking around Europe. She had just picked up a few of classics (including Jane Eyre, Oliver Twist and Pride and Prejudice) for £2 a book. It's a simple green cover and it's not incredibly long lasting. But they are perfect for travel. Engrossing, flexible, light, fit in your handbag and will never cause a judging glance from your fellow passenger when you take it out.