Books from London

I'm bad when it comes to buying books. Not that I'm bad at the buying but that I tend to have less restraint. I simply reason that one can never read enough and that books are good. Are you like that too?

This trip to London was no exception. I bought quite a few books and magazines, especially those that were harder to find in Singapore. Here are a few. You'll see my buying was slant towards illustration related books this time. I can't wait to dive into them!

Yes, I do like children's books as well.

[London] - Polpo

T and I popped into Polpo for some drinks and food before we headed to catch The Mousetrap (which was EXCELLENT by the way). We loved the little candles, warm lighting and chill out music which filled the room. It was nice to know we were in a place with locals we came by after a day at work, as opposed to being in a tourist-filled restaurant. Food was once again yummy and they had amazing cocktails. Thumbs up! 

With this, I'm wrapping up this London series. It's a short one, mainly because I was posting quite a number of images on my Instagram while I was there. I hope you've enjoyed the series. More travel posts coming up, I promise! *wink*

Sew-Cat-Tote Workshop (2nd session)

For those who missed the first tote bag making workshop, good news! I'm doing a second session this month! 

Date: 21 April 2013, Sun

Time: 2-5pm

Venue: Sculpture Square

           155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977

Limited spaces for the workshop! To register, drop an email to dawn@sculpturesq.com.sg

[London] - Mari Vanna

On a night when we managed to resist watching another play/musical at West End, our friends in London took us to a Russian restaurant, Mari Vanna. Upon entering, I was immediately smitten by the interior. It was so warm and lovely, it resembled someone's house. I felt like I was having dinner at a friend's.

Cute menu.

The one on the left we were told is like Russian Coke and the other is some fruity drink. Russian Coke tasted earthy. I quite like it. 

The bread platter was enough to make me happy. Love the black bread.

Our friends made sure that what we had were traditional authentic Russian food. And for the Singaporeans reading this, there was no Baked Alaska on this menu. I checked.

Weren't all our drinks colourful?

We all left the restaurant as happy diners.

[London] - Wool House

The Wool House exhibition was on at the Somerset House during the period we were in London. Lucky me! Of course we had to pay it a visit.

The Campaign for Wool launches Wool House which offers a window on the way that wool can inhabit a space. Invited designers offer their visions with seven individual rooms showing how they use the fibre in their work. Room sets , wool art installation... Additionally, an artisan in residence demonstrates the heritage of industry skills to the public.

Yes, they brought real sheep to the location. Look at that fluffy-haired one at the back!

My favourite room was the one by Donna Wilson.

[London] - The Breakfast Club

T and I stumbled upon The Breakfast Club one afternoon as we were looking for shelter from the sudden snowfall and respite from the cold. It looked warm and inviting from the outside and we weren't disappointed when inside! A place that serves all day breakfast can only bring happiness!

I love the warm colours and the retro magazine tear outs that were casually plastered on the wall. There was a laid back ease to this space. 

After our first meal in London, T and I learnt our lesson. Portions here are generally big, especially given that we eat more meals than we should here (can't help it!). So, we decided to share our pancakes. At first, I was skeptical about having pancakes (which I usually associate as a sweet food) with savoury items. When our generous serving of 4 pancakes came with an egg and lots of ham, I drizzled maple syrup over them as usual, took a bite, and was pleasantly surprised by how well they went together! No problemo, my taste buds said. We also accompanied our meal with yummy wedges. I don't know if you understand what I want to convey, but these were really potato-y :D! In all, a perfect comfort meal for cold and snowy days.

[London]- Borough Market

Hello! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I was in London not too long ago. So, we'll be having a little series of blog posts on London over here :) I don't know why it took us this long but it was both T and my first time to London. Perhaps it's the distance (upon returning home, the jet-lag took forever to wear off)? Anyhow, we hopped on a crazy long flight to the capital city and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there! Yes, the weather did get to us (once again proving to myself that I'm meant for the tropical climate). It was snowing! I mean, I was prepared for cold but snow? In March? Anyhow, we were determined not to let it deter us from the fun. 

One of the first things I knew I wanted to do when we first planned the trip was  to visit the markets. Vintage, flowers, food... I love markets. They are always so colourful, vibrant and who doesn't dig a good find or fresh produce and yummy food? 

On a cold, windy but thankfully "rain-less" morning, T and I checked out Borough Market. One of the things I will always remember about London is the fresh fruits and vegetables. Yes, you can taste the natural freshness, sweetness. And I can't believe this, but I'm going to say, they are cheap compared to what we pay here! Oh, I had the best bratwurst from one of the stalls there too. There was a lot to see and taste in Borough Market. It was buzzing with action! Other than the food, the nearby buildings had architecture with a charm to them.