Revenge Friday- Culture in Mayfair, Kings Road

Hello darlings,

I hope you had a good weekend. I am sorry that this is being posed late, admittedly I had pretty much written it but I was struggling to write the intro bit- I am worst blogger. Anyway here it is...

Day Out in Mayfair

I went to Mayfair because I wanted to go to Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo at the RA. The exhibition was really fabulous, and his drawings are so atmospheric and characterful. I would recommend going; also if you are under 25 you can get a half price ticket (I think it was like £7.50).

I then walked down Bond Street and I needed to respond to an email so I went to John Lewis Cafe for  a cream tea (OAP vibes) and yeah did some emailing. Then after that I was sort of ready to go home, so I slowly walked back to Victoria station. 

Revenge Friday

I went to Chelsea on my own because I wanted to have a browse of a few shops. I went to a bouji stationary shop and picked up a couple of items. Then I received a text from my father to say he was in Kings Road Five Guys with spare chips and I legged it down Kings Road to Five Guys. I got myself a milkshake and had some chips. I then walked up Kings Road. I looked in Zara because I needed some black work trousers to wear when I am on my period; I didn't see any I liked. I looked in Peter Jones and Waterstones- nothing took my fancy.

In the stationary shop I purchased a chic notebook for work (navy, lined paper, ring bound and lovely quality) and I got a box of stickers that I thought my sister would like (my sister is visiting LDN in a few weeks and I just like to give her a little something something whenever she visits). Now when I got home I was excited for my new purchases and so I opened the box of stickers... it was empty... there were no fucking stickers inside the box... I was sold an empty box. I then proceeded to piss myself laughing for like an hour. 

I had a good day. I really like going to Kings Road- it is defo one of my fave places to go if I want to do some browsing of shops. If you have any recommendations of caffs or restaurants on Kings Road let me know.

Okay that is a wrap for this week. I will chat to you next Friday. 

Love

Happy hippo

Revenge Friday: Soho Shopping Trip, Charity shop purchases

 Hello darlings x

I had a couple of nice days off this week and I have a little haul to show you of odds and ends. I hope you enjoy reading; hopefully it is useful to you somehow. 

Fun Shopping Trip in London

I went into London on Sunday by myself because my father wanted me to have a look and see if there were any of the records he wanted for Record Store Day. If you don't know, RSD is it is basically a day to celebrate Record Stores and they will have like special vinyl releases which are only available to purchase in a participating store. It actually took place on Saturday but I thought I would go and have a look and see if there was anything available that my father wanted, it is a shame because it would have been a nice atmosphere but I still had fun. I went to Soho where there are 5 record shops close together.

These are what I got...

I wasn't quite sure what I was buying lol. I did purchase one for myself, you can probably guess which. 

Then after doing some shopping I went to Farmer J Piccadilly; my mum has really got me into this lunch place. It does like salad plates, where you pick a main (I always go for the tofu) and two salads- it's yummy and feels healthy.

I also popped to a stationary shop Choosing Keeping because I wanted to buy my father a Birthday card. My father drinks lots of herbal tea, so I got him a card that looks like a tea bag and the envelope is the tea bag envelope... you get the picture. I was also planning to buy him some tea (it is a theme); I was thinking about going to Postcard Tea but it is closed on Sunday. Then (tbh I am not sure why I brought this) I also got my dad this kiwi shaped rubber... I thought it was cool, now I am not so sure. I also got my sister a Postcard for Easter, it is a bit of an inside joke with the shadow puppet.

I just realised writing this that I already got my dad a birthday card... 

Then I went to Glossier and brought some skincare. Then I made my way back. I actually had such a fun shopping trip.

Charity Shops

I popped down to my high street for brunch and I stopped by a charity shop because I thought I might be able to pick up some bits for work... and I did. 

Ignore the jeans.

I purchased this gorgeous blazer which (you can't really see from the photo) is purple and white herringbone. I think this would look really nice over a shift dress or just a shirt and smart trousers. I think it is really pretty and chic. I paid £12 and it is Ralph Lauren.

Then I purchased this beautiful linen shirt/Jacket. The photo doesn't do it justice because I hadn't fastened it very neatly, it is gorgeous. I think with black trousers, briefcase and ballet flats, it will look very smart. This cost £16 and it is by Max & Co. I think I just need to alter the sleeves and I will add a hook & eye to just ensure the neckline stays closed.

So altogether I paid £28 for the two which I think is actually a fair price.

Another thing to buy in a charity shop for work is like wristlets or pouches. I like to keep a clutch or pouch in my big work bag (something that holds banks cards, a plastic bag, phone, pads, lipstick, pens etc) that I can take to the bathroom or coffee shop. You can normally pick up some cute ones from the charity shops. I saw this chic red leather brand new Bimba Y Lola one in a charity shop... I sort of regret not buying it tbh but I do have a lot of pouches so I couldn't justify it. I also saw a Smythson one. Defo have a look in charity shops if you are after that sort of thing. 

Easter Treats

What Easter treats are we enjoying this year? I brought these white strawberries from M&S and I was so excited to try these... but they were lowkey not good... they were just strawberries- sort of average ones. They do taste a bit better if take them out the fridge and leave them to sit for a little, before eating 

I, of course, picked up some speckled eggs- love these. I love simnel cake so hopefully I can pick up a little one for myself. Yeah let me know what you are tucking into this Easter.

Anyway, I am wishing you a fabulous revenge weekend!

Love,

Happy Hippo x

Revenge Friday: Work outfits and Day Out in Marylebone

 Hello darlings x

I hope you are really well. I have been away for a little bit because I have been busy with some career planning and also I have had the worst PMS, I am not going to lie. Other than that I haven't been up to too much exciting. I did go to an exhibition at the Tate about Leigh Bowery, which was quite interesting, although maybe a little bit lost on me; I was excited to see this exhibition because I was really keen to learn more about him. 

Work Outfits?

I have recently needed to build my work wardrobe and I have been doing some googling regarding what to wear; it is a business formal dress code. Shoes are sorted tbh... I have a few options of shoes I can wear. I have created a board on Pinterest of outfit ideas. 

I have been googling like what Amal Clooney wears to work, because she seems like someone with her shit together. I am also lusting over the shoes on Sororite Vintage instagram page, they do some lovely designer stilettos, loafers and gorgeous Chanel two tone slingbacks which would be soo nice for work- inspo only because they are really expensive. 

I think Alice bands are quite nice for work and I have a couple which would be nice to wear, but if anyone knows of any good brands that sell Alice bands, please let me know because I fancy getting another one in black (I had one... it went mouldy).

But let me know, if you have a similar dress code for work, where you shop and what you wear.

Day out in St Johns Wood

On my day off, on Tuesday, I went to St Johns Wood. It was really lovely weather. I had a browse of the charity shops hoping I would be able to pick up some pieces for work and then I grabbed a spinach pastry and drink from a deli which I ate in Regents Park. Actually I heard a car crash while I was sat in a park; no one was hurt but someone has lost a section of their wrought iron fence. Then I continued to Marylebone to look around the charity shops there.

I didn't buy anything from any of the charity shops; I think sometimes it is helpful to go charity shopping with a second pair of eyes. I then walked to Jeremyn Street where I brought two shirts. I had a really nice day out.

Okay these are the outfits... just picture my hair not being a puffy mess, the shirts being ironed and me wearing the shoes rather than holding them in a very awkward manner x

The bottoms are from mango and I love these; I want to get a pair in navy too but they have sold out in my size- I am so hoping they get restocked.

I purchased the skirt from a charity shop, it is Isabel Marant and the heels are from M&S.

I will defo be back with you soon for another blogpost. I hope you have a fabulous week.

Love 

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday: Florence tips and haul

 Hello darlings x

I have just come back from a short trip away to Florence with my mum and sis. It was really gorgeous and I had a really great time. 

Florence Advice and Notes

What I got up to:

We went to the main attractions. We went to the Galleria dell'Accademia, we went to the Uffizi Galleries which was really great and we also walked up the Duomo.

We also went to the Palazzo Pitti which has some interesting things; it has a fashion gallery which had some really gorgeous clothes (I was getting some sewing inspiration), it also housed a collection of Russian Icons, there was also a gallery of the Medici Family art collection and some other galleries. It also had a garden attached which had some nice views but otherwise honestly looking a bit worse for wear. 

We also had an afternoon which we went to the Ferragamo Museum and a Gucci gallery. The Gucci gallery was quite pleasant... tbh we weren't wowed by it but it was nice anyway. We really liked the Ferragamo museum and I found it really interesting because I love like the old Hollywood aesthetic; Salvatore Ferragamo had opened a boutique in Hollywood and had designed shoes for the cinema and many film stars.

I can imagine myself going back to Florence if I was in the Tuscany region. I think there is enough to do there to warrant a second visit- it is quite a romantic place so I could imagine going back with my partner. It has also sort of given me an appetite for going to Venice. 

Tips for Florence:

- The galleries and museums are really fabulous but I was definitely feeling myself getting a little faint (fucking anaemia) so make sure you are fed, caffeinated and your thirst is quenched before going into the galleries. Do your research beforehand about whether you can bring in water and if you can definitely do. Be really careful in the summer. 

- I would recommend staying in the Santo Spirito area because its quite a trendy neighbourhood. That's where I stayed and I thought it had a really good vibe- some nice restaurants and boutiques. It is nice not to be in the really touristy bit but its still only a short walk to the attractions.

- Expect to book in advance for the attractions. For the Uffizi, Accademia and Duomo I think they do sell out.

- Basically make sure you are budgeting in for the attractions because you will pay like in total €120+ per person on going to the galleries and museums. A lot of them are quite expensive because they are joint tickets (i.e. you can get into multiple attractions) or if you are booking in advance you pay extra booking fees. Obviously they are really great, so they are worth it. Florence is on par with London prices I would say.

-I would say it might be worth doing some research on the history of Florence before going. I would say particularly the Medici family... admittedly I didn't know who these people were and it might have been good to know about them lol.

-Definitely get yourself to a good supermarket (Eataly is good) to get some souvenirs.

-Not really a tip but something you might be interested in is going to the Vasari Corridor which is like a passage that goes from the Uffizi gallery across the river to the Petti Palace but it has only just reopened after renovation so it is a bit of a lesser known attraction. I think it would be really cool to visit. I didn't go because you needed an additional ticket and we didn't know how to buy the tickets lol. 

Florence Haul

I did buy a few things while I was in Florence also we did not get too much time for shopping. I went to Tezenis and brought a black lacy long sleeve top because the long sleeve top I had taken to Florence had like the worst deodorant marks on lol. 

There were some really gorgeous stationary shops in Florence which sold like handmade marbled paper stationary- really fancy. I didn't really know what to buy and they were quite expensive so I didn't get anything. However, I did pop into a bookshop (it was really quaint because it was in an old cinema) which sold stationary which had that Italian aesthetic and I brought some notelets.

You can’t see in the photo but the notelets have the prettiest gold foil. I also got my dad this whimsical birthday card which is a puzzle.

Then for my friend I brought her a chocolate bar and for my partner I got him these Fiat branded hazelnut sweets and a packet of Mon Cheri. The Mon Cheris are like a cherry liquor chocolate and they have that really 1950s kitsch aesthetic- I have never tried them but my partner likes them.

Terrible lighting.

There were some gorgeous shoe shops (lots of revenge shoes) in Florence and I didn't really get a chance to look around them. I did go in a boutique called Ballarette which sold loads of ballet flats and I purchased these Chanel style ballet flats. I am really pleased with these- they are adorable.

Revenge Friday

I just did some computer admin which was pretty chill. Coming back from hols I do have a bit of steam for improving my life and yeah I am definitely on the grindset.

In the evening I went out with my partner to a restaurant in london. We went to the French restaurant Mon Plasir in Seven Dials. I got French onion soup, tartiflette and I got a cafe gourmand.

My sister is the Cafe Gourmand connoiseur and so I sent her a pic and she said it looked really good. It tasted really good.

Love

Happy hippo xx

Revenge Friday: Tottenham Court Road, Kensington and Growth vs Fixed Minset

 Hello darlings 

Hope you had a good week! I have had a really busy week and I am also coming down with a cold.- I feel rubbish ugh. 

Fixed vs Growth Mindset

I was talking about this with someone a few weeks ago about fixed and growth mindset which is quite an interesting theory. It is basically the idea that there are two mindsets. So a person with a fixed mindset would be threatened by other peoples success, they see talent as being quite fixed and maybe they don't like to be challenged. So then a person with a Growth Mindset would embrace challenges and see it as an opportunity to grow, they believe you can cultivate intelligence and that feedback is useful. 

I definitely used to have a very fixed mindset but I have shifted towards the growth mindset. Anyway, it is quite interesting.

Revenge Day Out in Tottenham Court Road

I went out with my partner to Tottenham Court Road to have a look at the furniture shops there. We had a look in Heals which used to be such a good shop but is just lacking; the basement showroom just looks like a homebase. They were a bit unfriendly in the shop too. I have this thing where if I go to a restaurant or a shop and I have like a shop assistant or waiter be rude to me, that evening I will have to check Google reviews just to be reassured that it wasn't my fault.

We also went to the Wellcome collection which had an exhibition on called Hard Graft: Work, Rights and Health which was really interesting. The Wellcome collection is one of my favourite places to visit in London and the exhibitions I think are always free (don't quote me on that). However the museum no longer houses Henry Wellcome's collection which I find sort of strange.

We also went to Chutneys which is a an all-you-can-eat Vegetarian Indian Buffet on Drummond Street which I have been going to for many years but I haven't been for a few years (covid right) so I did actually have to ring up to enquire about the buffet timings. 

I think the price is good like it came to £35 for two of us which for London is good value. I recommend it and it is close to the UCL and also on the parralel street to the Wellcome collection.

We also walked to Soho and we went to a cafe for a natter and a Matcha Latte.

I had a nice day out and I like going to that part of London because it is slightly dead and Tottenham Court Road doesn't get the crowds of nearby Oxford Street.

Revenge Day Out in Kensington

My sister is back from France, so we decided to have a day out and since it was raining we decided to go to the V&A. My sister wanted to go to the Naomi Campbell exhibition, so we had a look around. That was my third time visiting- no idea how I ended up going three times because I wasn't even that keen on it the first time. We went for cream tea in the members room which was cute. Then we walked to Sloane Square to have a look around the shops (my sister was after a dress for a wedding) which was fun.

Anyway, have a good weekend! I was thinking about posting maybe a rant about London or sort of a Deinfluencing of London because… London is not how it used to be since covid.

Love

Happy Hippo x

Revenge Friday- Organisation and life

Hello darlings

I have not had the chance to blog in a while but I am back. Anyway this is sort of a boring blog but I thought I would just discuss what I have been up to and also some little organisation things.

What I have been up to

 I visited my sis in France for a week. It was raining nearly everyday so we didn't really trek too far but we did do some fun things. My sister and I went on a few fun day trips on her scooter. We visited a Greek Style Villa in Beaulieu Sur Mere which was interesting. We did some shopping and went to a few restaurants. Yeah it was lovely trip.

My boudoir is currently undergoing a transformation; it is being redecorated and I have purchased some new furniture. Unfortunately, the furniture is not arriving until April (it is being made and shipped from Poland) but when everything is assembled ect I will do a reveal. This is also why I have not been in the headspace for blogging because all my stuff is stored away.

Organisation

I have always loved organising my life with notebooks but even I am acquiring notebooks at a faster rate than I am using them up. I thought I would share what I use my notebooks for... tbh I had intended this segment to have slightly more substance but I have literally no idea what to say lol.

I briefly wrote about how I create a language revision notebook in this blogpost. I also wrote a blogpost with tips on creating a holiday scrapbook. Enjoy :)

I also keep a notebook next to me when completing job applications just because I like to jot down notes- it gets my brain in action. I have a dedicated inexpensive notebook just for this purpose and I find it really helps.

I keep a notebook which I use for planning sewing projects which I might delve into in a later blogpost. I write down project ideas, goals and other little notes.

Other organisation:

I created this revision timetable on Excel for a car theory test. I think Excel is really good for creating revision timetables because it just takes away the stress of doing it by hand and it is really quick to do.

Revenge Friday

Last Friday I went to a career fair in Westfields... and it was rubbish. Such a waste of my time. It was tiny and none of the exhibitors actually piqued my interest- I just wish I had looked it up before going. Anyway I had a Wagamamas which was nice (I went for the vegetarian katsu) and I had a browse of a few shops.

I nearly brought some bed linen from H&M but I just got overwhelmed lol. I am sort of looking for something in cotton but with like an interesting texture like double gauze or seersucker but nothing too expensive. If you have any recommendations let me know.

Anyway I hope you have a great week. I feel like I have forgotten how to write blogposts, I have been away for so long.

Love

Happy Hippo x

Revenge Friday- New Year, I am fucking reflecting

 Hello darlings

I am back darlings. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas. It was okay but... I couldn't have felt any less Christmassy. I find Christmas Day actually quite boring; I nearly started doing work at one point (one of my family members was so bored they actually did end up doing work for three hours). I do feel like sign of a good day is having a low screen time and I spent hours on my phone on Christmas... how long did you spend on your phone? It wasn't even like I was on my phone responding to people's Christmas messages (not many messages lol) I was simply scrolling Instagram.

I cant work out if I look cute or a bit mental... or both.

The new year is going well and it sounds so weird but I really feel like I have found myself in my job. I was at work a few days ago and my work colleague was saying 'aw ruby its so nice how you have come out of your shell'... omg I wanted to die from cringe and in my head I was like okay like I am going back in my shell now. I feel like this might be my comeback year.

What is one new years resolution you know you should have... but you aren't ready?

Obviously this time of year you are reflecting and maybe you have come up with some resolutions or some things you want to do next. Maybe its something positive like lose weight, learn to drive (this one is me) and save money. I have all that but I have something playing on my mind that I want to change but... I can't face it. 

Maybe you are the same, like you have something on your mind and you know deep down you want to change (or you know you really should change) but you really don't want to or you just don't feel ready. It could even be something taboo or maybe not cool or maybe even something dramatic like breaking off an engagement idk. Maybe it is something that won't look too cute on an aesthetic manifestation board. For me, I want to change my crippling fear of cooking but I am not ready to change. 

What I got for Christmas

I asked for money towards driving lessons for Christmas so I only got a few gifts. I am actually really good at staying hydrated and I always like to have water next to me, so my parents brought me a new glass. I was also gifted a bento box Christmas tree decoration. I was also gifted an umbrella and some Anya Hindmarch Uniqlo socks (these match my purse).

My partner brought me a bottle of YSL Libre which I have been loving wearing to work- it is my classy work perfume for my very unsophisticated job but it is such a pretty scent. He also gifted me some skis. I went skiing a very long time ago... and I was not good.

I haven't got my Christmas presents from my sister yet (I assume she has brought me something lol) but she did her Christmas shopping in Cuba so I think I can guess what I might be gifted. 

New Year Notes

I am stressed because we are already quite a few days into the new year and this whole New Year New Me hasn't really materialised. I do have a few ideas for this year.

• This year in my Lana Del Rey year because I really got into listening to her music in 2024 and I am discovering and listening her songs. So, LDR is all I have been listening to atm and I am going to see her either with my dad or with my sis in July sometime I think.
• I am going to France soon (surprise) which is really exciting because I haven't been since August I believe. I am reading Tender is the Night (it has taken me a while with a bad phone addiction) and it is set on the French Rivera- I think Cap d'Antibes. However, it sort of gave me the inspiration to maybe visit that area and retrace F.Scott Fitzgerald's footsteps.
• I made a list of 10 or so goals for this year which I think are do-able so, they aren't too heavy and more fun so I think I will achieve them.
• I am just scared about waking up at 40 with not a huge amount to show for my life lol.

Chat next week.

Love

Happy Hippo x