Somewhere in the middle of nowhere

We're going on holiday. It feels so good to be saying that. We've finally got round to booking a week away in November and I'm breathing a sigh of relief to know that I'll have a week of doing nothing. We're off to Snowdonia in Wales and have hired a cottage by a lake in the middle of nowhere. I'm picturing lots of country walks, pub lunches, sitting by the log fire in the cottage wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate in one hand and a book in the other, games of scrabble over a bottle of red wine. Yes, a week sitting by the pool in the blazing hot sun would have been lovely but what's wrong with the Welsh country air?! Waterproofs, wellies, and thermals, bring it on!! Of course I've already started making a list of clothing essentials for the trip - leg warmers, mittens, wellies, wooly socks...

already spotted this jumper from Howies / mittens and leg warmers from Plumo

On yer bike

My boyfriend is obsessed...with cycling/bikes/bike equipment/bike parts/bike routes.

I listen (most of the time) when he's telling me about how far he's cycled around Richmond Park, how he's planning another big ride through the night, through the countryside. Don't get me wrong, I would rather he talked about bikes than sit on his bum playing the playstation all day long.

Anyway I've thought, if you can't beat them, join them, so I've got my eye on the Chixie bike by Giant described as cool, but not too cool for school. One supplier describes the handle bars as 'high rise cafe bars are a bonus for anyone who doesnt want to be doubled over on their way to the shops/work/pub.' Sounds like my type of bike.

photo by road.cc

Petersham Nurseries

After a failed first attempt to find Petersham Nurseries last month we were determined to find it a few weeks back when we went on a walk by the river (been busy hence the delay at getting this post live!). I only wish that I could have had a 'supermarket sweep' style moment in their shop - I would have easily piled my trolley high with all their wonderful plants, books, wellies, vintage homeware, tin pots in about 60 seconds.

These are a few of my favourite pics that I managed to take whilst oooh-ing and ahh-ing at all the lovely flowers but Artemis over at Tales of a Junkaholic has recently taken some amazing shots from her sunny visit the other week and captured the place really well. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of London town then this is the place to visit, oh and you can have a cup of tea and slice of cake too!

August

Beautiful Durdle Door, Dorset

August. Where has this month gone. I feel as though I've not had time to sit down, breathe and relax. It might have something to do with fitting in: a camping holiday in Dorset, planning and hosting a bbq party for 25 friends and family in our 2 bedroom flat in the rain, studying non-stop for my pilates theory exam, working long hours, oh and turning 34!

I'm on a mission to find some me time in September.

Greens

A crop from our garden last week consisted of one healthy sized courgette and a handful of beans, perfect for a meal for 2. The bad news is that I killed our courgette plant, whoops.... Over the past few months it had grown huge, I mean so big I was worried that the leaves would take over the whole garden. Anyway I seeked advice from my Dad (a keen gardener, who thinks of himself as Alan Titchmarsh, I kid you not!) and he said, 'chop off some of the leaves', so I did, and courgette plant wasn't happy at all. Well you live and learn I say, and at least we've got about 6 tomato plants to love and cherish!

Anorak

I've just come across a website that had me hooked for ages (well, my lunch break). Anorak love the outdoors, and their website proves it. They specialise in travel, camping and gardening accessories and seeing as I'm a big fan of camping, I'm always on the hunt for cool stuff that I can fill the tent/car up with! Really like their seagull coolbag. That would be perfect for my camping trip down to Dorset next weekend!

Down by the river

When I haven't got my head stuck in an anatomy book studying, or visiting friends, my weekends are now spent exploring the area where we live - wandering down to the Thames, catching a ferry over to the other side, getting lost in Richmond Park. Dan grew up around here when he was younger so knows the area pretty well so I love it when he takes me on some magical mystery tour and shows me little pockets of tranquillity. The latest discovery is Ham Polo Club. We walked past there the other day to find a match on in full swing. They have matches going on every Sunday throughout the summer so you can stroll in with your picnic and sit on the grass soaking up the atmosphere for just £2 (a must this summer I think).

A part of me wants to keep our weekend walk routes a secret but the more people come and visit, the more we want to share a bit of what we have on our doorstep. I'm sure the novelty wears off for most people living around here but I'm still amazed that you can find peace and quiet and think that you're a million miles away from London when you're actually in Zone 5!

I think I've finally found a slower pace of life, and I love it!