battersea, music and an attempt at Kent

The weekend didn't start or end as planned but it was still one of the best to date. L2 and I were supposed to head up to Liverpool on the weekend but it didn't end up as well as planned due to very expensive train rides that I flat out refused to pay. However, I had still booked the afternoon off work. Best idea ever! L2 got some cheese and baguette and we headed down to Battersea Park to watch the ducks and read our books in glorious sunshine. That evening we had a scrumptious dinner at a local place with amazing backyard patio and saw Tropic Thunder. I wasn't as impressed or laughing as much as I thought I would.

Saturday was errand day and off we headed to Portobello market where Liam found a fantastic canvas and leather messenger bag from the sixties and I found a gorgeous reworked leather clutch with new hardware at the Oxfam boutique. Evening equalled some Chinese food and then headed off to see Drowning in Reverb's band - Reverb Syndicate, a great Canadian band that plays instrumental surfer music. The set was amazing and the venue worked really well for them. There was a very large Canadian contingent so it was nice to see the support and hear the accents!

Sunday was a bit more frustrating as L2 and I wanted to go for a hike in Kent. However, after getting on the train we found our transfer lines were closed due to engineering works and had to take two replacement buses. After one, I gave up and said I was staying put. A few hours in the 'lovely' town of Redhill and we headed back to the train again only to find out there was a nature reserve in Purley and we could have had a great day right there! (A few other things happened like a drunk belligerent man throwing up on the top floor just to really hit home that we should have stayed in Purley). Now it's back to work and getting ready for the parents to come next week. Image via

In my town?

Tis the season to film in London apparently. From Sherlock Holmes to The Nine - the city has become indudated with stars. No luck spotting any yet - but this isn't really a small town.... However, I will be on the look-out for Rachel McAdams (perhaps also Ryan Gosling) as she has just signed to play RDJ's leading lady in Sherlock Holmes. Image via (Lainey Gossip)

Note: I've never seen the Notebook. I actually like the actors.

The bad blogger report

I have no excuses. Work equalled some very long days. I was tired. I've been going to the gym again. and well - I was just frustrated so I stopped reading most blogs, made no comments and I feel better now. So back to blogging but besides today - only expect one a day.... Today my amusement - the handmade portrait. I want (in pinks) Shannon - always wants a berry smoothie. Image via

weekly shop oxfam boutique

living in london, you need a good steal once and a while. watching ladies everyday surrounded by chanel, gucci and well couture can drive any gal to want what she can't afford!

However, oxfam knows this and those ladies also get bored of their clothes and give them to charity. It's natural here to just donate to your local charity shop when you're done with some clothes. Never throw anything out....So oxfam set up a boutique this spring that only carries their designer or very high street wear along with a few organic fairtrade lines. Up in Westbourne Grove, the place is clean, well organized and had dior sandals right off the bat. While I couldn't find any footwear that fit, I did pick up a gorgeous sterling silver necklace for £5 and Liam picked up a french cuff textured purple Ralph Lauren (still looked like it had the tag on) for £15.

I'm hoping to make back this weekend to pick up the above dress from their fair trade line. Adorable!