Quick trip to L.A.

Along Santa Monica boulevard

I had to go to L.A. for a last minute work trip last week, which was a pleasant surprise. Aside from the extremely long time it took to get out of LAX and having to contend with the culture of tipping, I had a really great time. The work part of the trip went well, and I managed to slip in a job interview which ended well. It was also so nice to enjoy the Californian sunshine and explore Santa Monica. I'm hoping I get more trips back there in the near future!



Pancakes and eggs for breakfast at the IHOP next to my hotel


Walking along Santa Monica Pier








I love Pinkberry! Especially the blood orange flavour and added extras of mochi



I had to buy $4 flip-flops from CVS Pharmacy after getting blisters from walking around in heels.


Having the signature umami burger and sweet potato fries at Umami Burger. No one does burgers like the Americans.


Eating lots of cake at champagne brunch at the Beverly Hilton

Feet first

Redoing my blog header has made me realise I've amassed quite a few photos of my feet over the last couple of years. Another interesting observation in going through my albums is that I don't seem to take pictures of my feet when wearing heels. Perhaps time to start another collection?


At the Kenwood Festival (Shoes: Havianas)


Summer in Paris (Shoes: Mitju)


Previously posted before, walking around Regent's Park (Shoes: Bensimon)


A very rainy spring day on my street (Shoes: Hunter)


On the beach in St Tropez (Shoes: au naturale)


Country walk along the Seven Sisters (Shoes: Oboz)


An accidental shot while cooking in NomNomNom (Shoes: Vincci)


Laughing in the mud over Easter in Axminster (Shoes: Hunter)


Eating razor clams at the Whitstable oyster festival (Shoes: Havianas)


Walking off some chocolate high tea near Knightsbridge (Shoes: Hush Puppies)


Very tanned and dusty feet while touring the Acropolis in Athens (Shoes: Havianas)


Pausing for a moment in our rented house in Galatina (Shoes: Carvela)


Crunching through snow this morning on the common (Shoes: Hunter)

Snow day Saturday

(Taken with iPhone) Scene from the bus along King's Road

After a week of 'balmy' weather, the snow is back. And very pretty it is! The snow fell thick and fast and very quickly, everything turned white.


11.30am: Came out of the gym to a veritable blizzard.


2.20pm: On the bus somewhere near Sloane Square on my way to Walthamstow for tea.



3.30pm: I made it! Settling in for a very special Christmas tea. Heaven.

A new look

I realised the header hadn't been changed in over a year. This time, I felt I'd do something without food, so I used a photo I took earlier this year when the cherry blossom trees were shedding all their pretty petals. It was really rainy that day, so I took the opportunity to wear my newly-purchased Hunter wellies.

Little pleasures for the season

A good book


A delicious-smelling shower gel


A woolly beanie to keep the ears warm


A desktop decoration to make me smile


A set of fun eyelashes for parties


A pair of shearling cuffs for boots

Early birthday dinner at Sushi of Shiori

I might not have mentioned this before, but Sushi of Shiori is my favourite sushi restaurant in London. If I could afford it, I'd be eating there omakase every week, but as it is, I've had to settle for monthly visits. I never get tired of the beautifully crafted and delicious food there. And it helps that the owners are so incredibly friendly and charming. My friend brought me there last night as an early birthday present. What a treat!


Starting off with abalone with aubergine


Tuna tataki, followed by seabass soup, which I didn't get a picture of


The sashimi plate never fails to delight me with its prettiness


Nigiri


Hitomi said this was a new dish. A neatly wrapped parcel to reveal...


Steamed sushi rice with tamago, unagi and bits of chopped mushroom. Very satisfying for this snowy weather.


Wagyu nigiri - one piece per person


Off the omakase menu, but we decided to have some uni because it's back in season


Finishing off with homemade chestnut ice-cream and ginger tea

Oishi!