for the boys

I don’t know about the boys in your life, but my other half is a cycling nut. He is not only a super enthusiastic rider, but is constantly trying to convince me that cycling is THE only way to travel around London. And while I enjoy the leisurely ride on the weekend, his fast-paced, taxi-racing, light-jumping, daily-commute mode of travel is still a bit much.

Regardless, I love how excited he gets when he beats his own personal best home; he is adorable when he boasts about beating whoever was silly enough to try and pass him on the road and even I can’t wait to see his new bike that’s coming home later today.

So for all those cycling boys out there, here is some awesome stuff just for you. And for the ladies who love them, a little something to help us cope with the multiple bikes in the flat (we have 4!), the scuffed walls and the endless gear.

A beautiful fixed gear:

Jeans from Rapha; they are cut with a higher back so bums stays hidden, they’ve added a reflective logo on the inside leg which is visible when you roll the leg and they are made of fast-drying, durable and stretchy fabric to make cycling easier.

The DZR shoes are also great; basically made to look like normal walking shoes, they include a hidden clip in on the bottom sole. They are easy to walk in, comfortable and much more practical than carrying around a spare pair of shoes to change into.

And for that lovely weekend ride, to enjoy at the park, for a special night out...

Bike - Single Speed
Jeans - Rapha
Shoes - DZR
Bike Wine Rack - via Cup of Jo - SwissMiss

peach & grey

Aren't these dresses utterly delightful? The colours are pale and dreamy and they somehow simultaneously make me think about cycling through the south of France and partying on a beach. I'm coveting each and every one. Damn you Need Supply.

midcentury.modern

I know it's just the beginning of the week, but I'm already looking forward to the weekend! On Sunday, we are going to the Mid-century Modern fair to check out their eclectic collection of vintage, antique and modern furniture.

There will be up-cyclers, reclaimers and modern design along with mid-century dealers selling American British and European classics. We're hoping to find some interesting one off pieces to finish off our upstairs lounge.

Tickets are super cheap and I think it will be a fun day out. See you there?

sunday film club: soho hotel

I don't know what the weather has been like where you are, but in London we've had two full days of rain. Whilst rain isn't usually my favourite weather, sometimes listening as the rain comes down, opening the windows and smelling the fresh air, and watching as the big drops hit our windows makes me feel safe and cozy. On days like these, what I want most is to curl up on a big sofa and watch a movie - which makes Soho Hotel's Sunday Film Club just about perfect.

We went recently with friends and had a scrumptious time. You go in the mid afternoon and are treated to a three course lunch, we had a cheeky glass of wine with ours, before being shown into the hotels' private screening room for the film...they even provide the popcorn!

It's a great and luxurious way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon, I think I'll book tickets again soon.

photos from the Soho Hotel

Soho Hotel: 4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH

world photography festival

How amazing are these photos? Over the bank holiday husband and I checked out the World Photography festival held at Somerset House. The exhibition is huge, covering two floors and the collection is amazing. It is completely branded by Sony - but the flat screen TVs they have to show the full collection of photos really adds to the overall experience. It's on until the 22nd May so go check it out!

a day in the country

One of the perks of living in the UK is the history that is evident just about everywhere. When I first moved here, I was obsessed with seeing as much of the country as I could (thinking I'd only be here a few years...ha!) but now that obsession has turned into a really fun way to spend a gorgeous sunny day with the husband.

So the thing about Stowe - it's stunning. The house lease was taken in 1575 and was owned, developed and expanded for almost 350 years by one family. The gardens are some of the best in the UK, with some of the most influential landscape architects working on the gardens throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

What's most interesting about the property is that after the family fell into financial ruin, it was saved from being torn down by a man who turned into a private boys school. Now co-ed, it was crazy to see students running around, in the library, playing music in this amazing house. What an amazing place to get your education!

hello friend

...and I'm back! After taking off the last few weeks to enjoy Easter, the Royal Wedding and the May bank holiday, I'm now back in blogging action. I hope everyone enjoyed their breaks and I can't wait to share some of the fun things I've been doing here in London. There is something about this city, when the weather is nice and everyone is out on the street that makes it feel magical. I fell back in love with London over the past few weeks and that everyone else who was here did too.