Christmas Celebrations

Christmas day was a quiet one spent with family this year.  We exchanged a few small gifts, ate loads and played games.  Basically what Christmas should be about in my eyes.

The build up was somewhat different though.  I made sure I crammed in as many festive activities as possible.

A day was spent in London, wandering the streets and checking out all of the decorations and lights.  It is still by far one of my favourite cities to visit and especially at Christmas time.

I don't know about you but I find garden centres to be one of the best places to visit round Christmas time.  This year I tried two new ones and neither disappointed.  The first was the German themed market at Meadow Croft Garden Centre.

The second was Summerhill Garden Centre.  How I have never been here before I will never know, but I am glad I have finally made the visit.

A lot of Christmas films were watched.  Including a new release at the cinema, Bad Mom's and a couple of favourites at the drive-in.

I was even able to explore a new city, with a festive trip to Norwich.  Only a short train journey for me and yet somewhere I have never been before.  So many beautiful buildings and a good few hours spent taking in what was on offer.  It's definitely somewhere I would return to.

A very busy build up to Christmas but for me that is the best bit.  After all, Christmas is not just one day and I always endeavour to fill the season with as much as I can and this year I'm happy with what I have managed to squeeze in.

How was Christmas for you this year?

~ Gem x

London Bucket List

Of all the cities I have ever visited London is still by far my favourite.  There is just so much crammed into the city that it is so easy to miss, hidden little gems tucked around street corners or out of sight high up on the roof tops.  I also feel that as it is somewhere so close to home it is easy to over look some of the more touristy ventures in London.  I know I have done a lot of things but with things changing all the time and others being over looked there is always so much more that I want to experience which is why I thought I'd create a little London bucket list to go with my 40 before 40 list.

The chances are I will be adding to it over the next 10 years, no doubt longer but for now the main things I'd like to check off my list in the city are:

1. Walk along the glass floor of Tower Bridge.

2. Have a drink at the Ice Bar.

3. Venture behind the clock face of Big Ben (if it ever re-opens).

4. Attend a London lates event.

5. Smell the flowers at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

6. Wander around Highgate Cemetery.

7. Dine at the OXO Tower.

8. See the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

9. Explore a part of London I've never visited before.

10. Dine at Aubine restaurant in Selfridges.

11. Climb to the top of The Monument.

If anyone can recommend any thing else I should check out or do I'd be more than happy to hear them.  You can never have too many recommendations.

~ Gem x

Tea House Theatre ~ Vauxhall

I arrived back into work after a lovely if not quiet weekend today to find these little treats waiting for me on my desk, bought especially for me by one of my lovely colleagues.

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE chocolate M&M's.  Aren't these colours just beautiful.  M&M's have recently opened up a new shop in Leicester Square, I have yet to visit it myself but I will, don't you worry.  I have visited their store in Las Vegas & New York, so I am quite excited to know that there is one on my continent that is a little closer to home. 

Another new addition to London is the Tea House Theatre which opened a few weeks ago in Vauxhall.  I can see it from the window in my office.  I have visited a couple of times now and it is a lovely for a little treat.  I had lunch here today as it happens with a friend and thought I'd take a few snaps to share with you. 

Nice comfy chairs

Pretty china with teapot and tea cosy

My All Day Breakfast Breakfast

There are lovely quotes painted on the walls which add such a nice touch.

The staff are so attentive and really friendly and the sound of classical music adds a really nice touch to the atmosphere.  The service is brilliant, with proper cotton napkins and silver cutlery, this is somewhere I can see myself spending quite a few lunch breaks.

~ Gem x