Name Up In Lights? Not quite, but close.

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, might remember this shot, taken in April of 2008, when we visited London...

Yep, Monet's name - B I G   P R I N T. I remember how thrilled the three of us were when we spotted it, right where we were to meet my sister after she finished work.

I never did get Monet to stand underneath 'Rue Monet' in Giverny in France when we visited that month (damn! Must go back to do that!), but I did get to take her photo in her namesake's garden.  A special memory for (at least) me.

Monet standing on 'The' bridge, made famous by Claude Monet, in his Japanese  Themed Garden

So last week, when visiting Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, I suggested Monet stand next to the 'Monet & Co' store sign.  How could we not?  With a bit of cropping, here's the photo...

No, we didn't buy any jewellery or a handbag. Before time, I'm pretty much guessing that we will, for name's sake. ;P

(Gee this girl get's around, these three photos in this post are taken in London, Paris and Dubai! Lol!)

Pimm's? Oooo yes please!

As we've decided not to visit London this summer, (the first time in three years), I know one thing MrL and I will miss is Pimm's and Lemonade.

There is nothing quite like sitting outside one of our favourite London pubs (actually, there are a couple!) drinking the refreshing flavoured Gin with a tonne of fruit (including cucumber - it must have cucumber) and lemonade mixed in for good measure.  The drink screams England.

Photo taken in London last summer.

When MrL announced that he felt like a Pimm's and Lemonade on Friday (being our weekend, don't forget), well I'm not one to refuse.  You know me!

I used this recipe as a guide, not that I needed it as I can make this with my eyes closed.

So simple, 1 litre Lemonade to 250mls Pimm's - add fruit (strawberries are a must), cut up half a cucumber and a small handful of fresh mint leaves.  Serve over ice.  *glug glug*

And here's a photo of the result of mine.

So refreshing and so tasty.  If you've never tasted this 'cocktail' I suggest you do, but you Aussie folk, best you wait until the weather warms up a bit now.... ;p

Portobello Road, on a Sunday

Ever since blur sang about Portobello Road in 'Blue Jeans' back in the early '90s I have wanted to visit. I didn't buy any air cushioned soles but we did buy MissL the most gorgeous cupcake bib!

Portobello Road is located in the lovely suburb of Notting Hill, just north of Kensington. We walked from our Hotel in Earl's Court (with a bit of a complaint from MissM) but we got there. Lucky we got there relatively early as when we were leaving it seemed like every man and his dog were heading down the road.

Full of funky little shops selling everything from Gumboots to rock t-shirts, to fancy cupcakes to souvenirs, we rather enjoyed our stroll up the hill. Some shops had amazing fronts to them, like this one which had hundreds of old Singer sewing machines in the window...

We should have got a sausage from Banger Bros. but we didn't. Think I regret that.

In the end we were battling with the crowds and left to make our way back down to Kensingston High Street. Lunch was had in a cute fronted pub just off the High Street (roast of the day thanks!) and we walked back towards our hotel stopping into some of our favourite stores for a browse and a buy.

Of course we were rewarded with a jug of Pimm's at a pub quite near our hotel. It was well deserved. =)

Berkhamsted

We had a day outing, out of London on the fourth day we were visiting. It was nice to get out of the city and visit a gorgeous village, not far north from London. Berkhamsted.

Lovely little pubs, a main canal, house boats. And an introduction to Aspall Cider.

I've always wanted to watch the boats go through the locks and we were lucky enough to see a couple of boats go through the process of entering the lock, the lowering of the water and exiting. Fascinating stuff, believe it or not. (And I still don't quite understand how it works!)

Lunch was at a lovely pub which was family friendly (love that) called The Old Mill and my sister introduced MrL and I to Aspall Cider. Ohh it was delicious and refreshing. (From that day on we would enter pubs which had Aspall on tap -mmm- few and far between though!)

I love little English villages - something so unique about them and I could honestly see ourselves holidaying in one in time to come.

We Love London

Over a month later, here I am.

We returned last Thursday evening from a week in glorious London. We love London and to us it seems like our second (!) home. It is familiar to us and that's why we love it.

This time it was a bit more special as we had a new family member to take with us. I'm sure MissL enjoyed it as much as the rest of us and we will always remember that she became Mobile (at long last) in London!!

Here's some snaps; stay tuned for more. (Hopefully it'll be a lot sooner than one months time!)

Where Else In The World...

...can you see Buckingham Palace?...

(I swear every time I have been there has been a sign at the front reading "Changing of the Guard on Tomorrow at 11:30am" - I have yet to see a proper Changing of the Guard in all the times I have been there.  It is a bit like the Ettamogah Pub painted sign that reads 'Free Beer Tomorrow" if you ask me!)

...Piccadilly Circus?...

...the Lions in Trafalgar Square?...

...the Horse Guards?...

...Downing Street?...

...Dinosaurs?...

...and Charles Darwin, all in the same city, on the same day?

You know how much we enjoy London and you all know how much I look forward to returning for a visit there again some day.  

(Good thing my sister lives there so I really don't need an excuse to visit again.)

A Fortnight Already?!

I can't believe it was a fortnight ago today that Monet, my sister and I took a 40 minute cruise down the Thames from Richmond.  We were meant to have gone to Windsor for the day but some 'apparent' train derailment meant we couldn't reach our destination and so Richmond it had to be.

The three of us went to Richmond last year, but I remember we were all rugged up against the elements, but not on this weekend.  We basked in the sun for a good hour, people and bird watching along the Thames.  Truth be told, if we didn't have a young child with us, my sister and I could have sat on the park bench all day... (It was that nice and relaxing.)

A cruise was decided on so off we went, down to the Teddington Lochs and back, then for a touch of shopping on the High Street.  

We ended up going to meet up with Lyndon and Kim's partner T and an old friend of ours further up the Thames at Hammersmith for a drink and dinner, at a riverside pub.  We all giggled out loud when Monet's mini version of Bangers and Mash arrived at our table...

The following day Monet, Lyndon and I met Kim and we ventured off towards Hampstead Heath.  We didn't quite end up at Hampstead Heath but a big family park located close by.  It was warm weather, but just right for tramping through some London bushland (?)...

...and ending up at a playground where Monet went and played for a while (whilst we rested) and then, shock of all shocks, she came back saying "Okay, I've had a play, lets get going."  Man, that 'never' happens!!

For Dinner on that Sunday night we went here, to Dim T, at Gloucester Road, not far from our hotel.  It was delicious and the 3 courses we dined on was well deserved after our busy day out.

Brighton Beach Visit.

We visited Brighton last Friday.

We had visions of Brighton being rather dull.  Dark sea water, freezing winds, large pebbles on the beach.  We were right on one suspicion - the large pebbles on the beach.  I'm not saying it wasn't cold because it was rather cool, but not freezing.  And the water actually looked sublime.

I have only visited a handful of beaches in England over the years but this was my first visit to the famous Brighton Beach, about a 50 minute train ride south of the middle of London.  Monet thought she deserved an ice cream after such a journey.  Well how could we deny a request like that?

We walked along the beach front towards the Pleasure Pier where I indulged in some lovely hot donuts which went down a little too well.  *heehee*  We walked along the length of the pier and back, stopping to look at some of the 'amusements' and playing a ridiculous game of popping 10p into a slot and trying to knock off more 10p coins into the slot.  *Ridiculous I tell you*

We ended up making our way back to the town center for a delicious Italian late-lunch which included a starter of assorted breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which was very yummy.  

We were back in our hotel a couple of hours later, all exhausted after our day out at the sea-side (of sorts!)  Monet and I spent the evening at my sister and her partner's place (and enjoyed the surrounds of their newly refurbished apartment) whilst Lyndon went out on the town with an old friend of ours.  

Last Thursday's Stroll Around...

Can you imagine our delight last Thursday, when going to meet my sister after work, when we spotted this...

Even Monet herself pointed it out.  

After meeting my sister we went to a pub/brewery situated opposite the Borough Market, a famous fresh produce market where many 'celebrity' chefs shop themselves ie. Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson.  We did actually see a film crew filming a chef/cook making something but we didn't stop to watch.  Lyndon was too busy trying to spy where the brewery was!

We had had a great day last Thursday.  First of all we walked up to High Street Kensington (our hotel was quite near there) and had a look around in some of our favourite stores.  After lunch at our (favourite) Burger joint in Earl's Court we made ourselves Regent Street bound. Wandering north along the street, we strolled along Carnaby Street and caught the tube to near St. Paul's Cathedral.  We strolled along the Millennium Bridge towards the Tate Modern, stopped for a pint (well, not for me) at a pub over looking the Thames, then onwards to that Brewery and some tucker.  

Sometimes life cannot get any better.

Seven Days, Six Nights in London Town.

We're back.  

London was fantastic as usual.  I love that city.  I really do.  I love the hustle, I love the bustle, I love the sites, I love the food, I love the shops, I love the transport, I love where we stay, I love that my sister and her partner's flat is close by, I love seeing new stuff and I love revisiting the old stuff.  (I'm not a big fan of the tourists though.)

Monet handled London like an old pro, after all, it was her third visit to the city - little show off.  

There's Buckingham Palace.  Do you think the Queen might see me?  

Oooo I can see London Eye through those buildings!

There's Big Ben.  Gong....gong....

And she even started doing impersonations of the woman who does the voice over on the Tube.  The next stop is Earl's Court.  Mind the Gap please, mind the gap.  This train is a District line train to Richmond.  (You have no idea....)

However she was disappointed (once again) in going to Piccadilly Circus and not discovering what she thought was there; I love carnivals, she mentioned to me when she asked where we were headed.  

She was very keen on seeing a real live soldier, 

...on seeing the lions in Trafalgar Square and visiting the Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum (which just happened to be a short 15 minute walk from our hotel.) 

The three of us had a terrific time away and saw many things - some for the first time, some for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time.  (Maybe even more)

We can't wait to do it all again some time down the road with a baby in tow... 

If you've never visited London, you must.  

(Click on any photos to enlarge)

Relief.

With great relief I can tell you all that I have got Monet into a School for the new school year. 

She begins KG-2 (like Aussie Prep) come August 30th, (which is during this year's Ramadan over here) and will be an orientation day for all new children and their parents; school tours, teachers met, school uniforms purchased.  I can tell Monet is looking forward to it already.  She got a *glowing* report from her Nursery School Director which I am sure helped.  (I have to tell you, it is very hard to get children into school over here - there are limited places everywhere it seems - and these schools are not cheap.  All international schools here are private.  The company Lyndon currently works for, will pay a certain amount for Monet but the rest we have to fork out.)

It will be a hectic time for us with Monet starting school, her 5th birthday the following week and baby #2 due.  

Speaking of, Monet took this photo yesterday of me, so for all of you who want to spy a 23 week pregnant woman look no further;

Monet was busy trying on her 'winter' clothes for London next week.  We had to purchase some new threads for her on the weekend as her legs seemed to have stretched over the past few months and she didn't have a winter coat, which will be needed going from 40+ degree days into the low teens.

(I can't help but look at that above photo and see that she's looking 'grown up'. When did that happen?)

Things are moving ahead, per usual.

Making The Most Of It...

One thing we have noticed without Monet being 'constantly' around, is our new found freedom.  As horrible as I might sound here, it is nice to go shopping without dragging around a 4 year old who would like this and that.  It is nice to be able to 'browse'.

I have even been to my first 'bottle shop' in the UAE this week.  As Monet is not allowed in I have never been in either.  Bottle Shops/Off License are here in the UAE (as many may not believe, as being in a Muslim belief country where drinking is (meant to be) prohibited).  They aren't 'advertised' and nor do they have big adverts displaying what's on special outside the magic doors.  You are meant to have a 'liquor license' to purchase alcohol which you buy (depending on the police you buy it from at the time, you are looking at about $150 AUD for a license valid for a year.)  One thing we do love about these shops is your alcohol is put into big black bags, so no-one knows what exactly you've bought.  

(And no, I have not had a sip of alcohol since finding out I was pregnant.)

On Wednesday, Lyndon and I visited Hamden Street in the city, as Lyndon wanted a new pair of work boots.  This is Hamden Street.

Lots of jewellery shops, bargain stores, bits and bobs shops - you get the picture.  I figured I'd buy a few little UAE souviners for myself, as I hadn't since moving here.  Monet was rather thrilled to find the things I bought when she returned from Nursery School in the afternoon...

I don't know how long she played with the 'Russian Dolls' but I can tell you it was a while!

Yesterday, Lyndon and I did some shopping online.  We bought ourselves (and Monet) return airline seats to London town in less than two weeks time. (London is a seven hour direct flight from Abu Dhabi - beats the 24 hour trip we took to get there last year!!)  Lyndon has managed to wrangle a week off work and Monet has a mid-term Nursery School break.  

It will be nice to see my sister and her partner and their newly renovated apartment and stay in our favourite hotel (already booked).  I won't be able to enjoy a pint or two (bummer) but I will be able to enjoy the charms London town offers...

Love Comfortable Shoes...

Don't you?

When we were in London recently I was on the hunt for a new pair of Mary Janes.  My KMart ones just weren't 'doing' it for me and my old Wittner shoes had given up the ghost about 18 months ago.  Just by chance, when browsing in a Camper Shoe store I saw a pair of shoes I loved.  Exactly what I was after, but with a hefty price tag (typical!)  

After consideration of forking out such dosh and knowing in Australia they were nearly a third more expensive I handed over my KMart numbers in the Knightsbridge Campers store for a pair of these comfortable Camper shoes.  

I regretted that evening throwing out my KMart numbers because my left foot rubbed something shocking when I wore my new Mary Janes.  *Oh the pain!*  But after a week of healing (yes, it was pretty bad) I didn't look back.  They put my comfortable Birkenstocks to shame, comfort wise.  If you have never worn a pair of these brand shoes I recommend you consider them for your next purchase.  You won't look back.

Love good shoes.  Especially comfortable ones.  

La Trompette

Lyndon and I enjoy a good meal.  If the food we've eaten is tasty, then you'll be guaranteed that we'll be talking about it in the days/weeks to follow.  

We are *still* talking about the fancy French Restaurant we visited in Chiswick, London over six weeks ago.  It didn't matter that it was pricey because we are still getting mileage out of it.  *drool*...  It had even recently been rewarded a Michelin Star so that is saying something... 

Our old friend, now London resident, J loves good food too and knew that Lyndon and I would enjoy a meal at La Trompette.  Click here to see their website and view their menu for the month.  

Our meal was so good...I started off with a Potato and Leek soup, followed by slow cooked shoulder of lamb on creamy mash (I have never seen or eaten mash like it before) with spring vegetables and ended it with a Creme brulee with hints of rhubarb and ginger served with pistachio madelines.  The servings weren't big but they were very fulfilling.  

With help from the Master Sommelier we started off with a glass of brut each, followed by a delicious Austrian Red and then a dessert wine each.  

Lyndon is not a 'sweet' dessert kind of person so he opted to choose a cheese platter to finish his meal.  The Head Honcho of Cheese presented this platter for Lyndon to choose from...

There were some really stinky ones on there, which all went down very well with the dry crackers in the center of the table.... 

The bill made us take huge gulps of air (over 70 quid each - J gave me the receipt for a souvenir!)  I even took home the menu as each night the menu changes.  (I asked permission so I didn't 'steal' it!)  We have got good mileage out of that restaurant.  

I just emailed Lyndon the link asking him to book a table for our 12th anniversary of being together, that is coming up!  

I wish.  Boy, do I wish!!