Lovely Day in Town

I had a lovely day yesterday. I did my stretch class which made me feel, well, stretched. Afterwards my friend (who happens to be the my stretch teacher too) drove us into town for some fun. We visited Anna Valentine at her studio. It is located in one of those really pretty Mews streets that are tucked away in London, just off Marlybone Lane. The building is beautiful. White wash walls, stone floors and open fireplaces. And her collection of beautiful clothes amazing. Having seen them at the fashion show a couple of weeks ago, it was great to see the detailing and fabrics up close. I got all dreamy about owning one. And I will keep dreaming about it because chances of me having the floaty nude coloured dress I was eying up are pretty darn minimal.

We then visited Rococo Chocolates to collect my winning box of chocolates. Rococo chocolate is delicious and the packaging lovely. I need to take a picture quickly to post as the chocolates themselves seem to be evaporating. I have no idea where they are going...

We then had a lovely lunch with maybe just a few bubbles... and a mooch along Marlybone High Street into the VERY nice shops. I may have purchased a couple of things while I was there. I love this bit of London. It is so close to the chaos of Oxford Street yet such a completely different feel. If you haven't discovered it yet the you should.

Although I was tired when I got home and went to bed very early last night, it was great to be out. I am living most of my life at the moment either within this home, or the few surrounding streets in the local community. It was great to just be out. To look at lovely things. To laugh. And live.

Boxing day on the West Bank - Hebron

After a suitably lazy boxing day morning of tea, toast and lots of ham products for Jonny, we voted for a trip to Hebron. I was slightly concerned by the security phone calls that John had to make before we left, and the news of disturbances in Nablus. But we trust our hosts and the view was that it would be ok to go.

We drive past many settlements on the journey, which are widespread on the Countryside. No green pastures here. Very barren land, some of which has been culivated for farming.

First stop in Hebron is the pottery and glass shops and factory. As Kate and john have a good relationship with the owner, we are very well looked after. Kate bought 1000 glass Christmas balls from him for the consulate Christmas fair. They raised well over £2500 from the sales of them to help those in need in Gaza. It is facinating to watch these men blowing glass and painting their pottery. It is really beautiful stuff.

Next stop is the Old City of Hebron. I maybe should have worn a longer skirt as we attract lots of stares. The area has very vived evidence of Jewish and Muslim clashes over the years. Many windows are broken, areas closed off/down, and wire netting covers many of the walk ways to protect pedestrians from rubbish being thrown at them by children and angry young men on the rooftops. What a broken world this is.

We stop off to buy kafirs from the Palestinian ladies, and beautiful embroidery from those our hosts know and recommend. We hear a little of what their lives are like. Hard.

We stop for a late lunch before heading back to Jerusalem. The afternoon has opened my eyes to poverty, war and kindness. The latter seemed to be surviving, despite the harsh realities of this very troubled land.

Bicester Village, nr Oxford

I have just got back from a VERY fun day out indeed. My friend took me to Bicester Village for some Christmas shopping / retail therapy. I have never been before. I always imagined this place to be like a sort of glorified TK Max with not a lot of choice and the kind of discount stuff that no one would like anyway. How wrong I was.

It is aesthetically nice to look at. And big. It has a modern village feel about it. And what a choice of shops. Basically most of the places you can think of and more. Cath Kidston, Jack Wills, The White Company, Calvin Klein, Diesel, The North Face, Mulbury, Fat Face, Seven Jeans Store, Villroy and Boch. Loads more too. The stores don't have the same current range that you would get in Westfield, but if you are just looking for nice gifts or really like a particular brand and don't mind that is it last years cut or fabric then it really is the place to go. I did well on some Christmas bits and pieces. Can't write more about that as some of the recipients will be reading this blog.

My steal of the day was a pair of Seven Jeans. Retail price £169, reduced to £75 and when I got to the till they were reduced to £45. This is where female logic kicks in. I didn't spend £45 really. I saved £125. If you take that logic all round Bicester it just makes the whole experience even better.

Top UK on-line Christmas Shopping websites

So. I have spent the day stretching. A lot. All good. Am enjoying a lot. And came home and did some more Christmas shopping. I have done a lot of Christmas shopping this week. Without leaving the sofa. In no particular order, these sites are great:

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/

Great for original gifts for any occasion. If you are ever stuck for a birthday gift idea or Christening gift, or something original this is the place to go. Has saved me on more than one occasion

http://www.pedlars.co.uk/

New discovery this year. Great for vintage British gift ideas. Anything from kitchen gadgets to games to clothes. Used this quite a bit this year

http://www.amazon.com/

Can't beat it. Why would anyone buy books or cds from anywhere else? Can also get loads of other stuff here these days, from hoovers to gym gear to kids toys. They are no longer using Royal Mail. I have had several big boxes arrive next day this week.

http://www.marksandspencers.com/

Those who know me well, know my soft spot for Marksies. They come up with the goods again and again. Very reasonably priced and friends can return if they don't like with no fuss.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/

Not necessarily for second hand stuff, lots of traders use this as a point of sale these days. Cath Kidston noticeboard anyone? This is the place to be. Also if your nearest and dearest happens to ask for a 20 year old meccano set for Christmas, check this out.

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/shop/products/

Couldn't help plugging my charity of choice. Bought all my cards and wrap from here and well...if you are struggling for knowing which charity to support then, why don't you?

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/

Beautiful things at slightly silly prices. But who wouldn't like something from the White Company. I am dreaming of the full length cashmere gown...

http://www.johnlewis.com

Newly done website - a lot more available on line than there used to be and my sources on the inside inform me that you can now arrange for your order to be sent to your local Waitrose and you can pick it up from there so you don't need to wait in for a delivery of large items. Nice.

There you have your starter for 10. Will update with more should if I have missed anything. Happy Clicking.