Revenge Friday: Researching...

 Hi Darlings,

I am still here; I am so sorry its been a while. I work a busy job and I wasn't quite in the mindset to blog in the first quarter of the year because I was quite busy and then I went on hols and then I just became avoidant tbh because it had been so long but I am back.

What I have been watching and listening to

The Coming Storm (BBC Sounds)- This podcast is about the American politics. It is made up of lots of fascinating vignettes which sort of tell the story of America today and yeah some interesting background to QAnon and the conspiracies. This is definitely the type of podcast I like.

Anatomy of a Cancellation (BBC Sounds)- This podcast is about an author, Kate Razall who was accused of racism; she had written a book about her experience of being a teacher... and what she has written in the book is quite shocking. It is a really thought provoking podcast and I would definitely recommend it. 

Down Cemetery Road (can't remember)- I quite enjoyed watching this TV show, however when I had completed the last episode I realised I fundamentally just didn't understand the series. Like... there were either major plot holes or... it just went completely over my head. It didn't add up and it was a shame because I found it relatively entertaining. The AI in the intro sequence is weird too.

The History Bureau (BBC Sounds)- This podcast is about four bombs that took place in Russia in 1999 in the span of 12 days... and yeah sort of the significance of it. It is a really interesting listen and I hadn't ever heard of the apartment bombs before. 

I am not good at Life Research...

So I had this realisation a few months ago that I am not good at life research (I don't have another name for it). Life research is research you need to do to make informed decisions in life: for example career paths, places to live, companies you may want to work at, schools/universities or even just research that opens your mind to other options (like studying abroad or internships or just other opportunities).

There is some life research I can do with relative ease, maybe the more immediate e.g. personal finance (not in a cringy way), choosing restaurants and following news stories. Researching in general I quite enjoy like just reading about people on Wikipedia etc... but its the life research that doesn't feel easy to me. Hoping I am making sense?

I have friends that opened my eyes to this issue because they are very good at life research and it yeah it just put me to shame because I realised I am so deficient at this skill. There are probably like deeper reasons tbh why I am shit at this. Now I know this is a problem of mine I have been making an effort to be better with this.

Love,

Happy hippo

Revenge Christmas 2025 #2

 Hi Darlings,

I hope you are having a good week so far!

I am really looking forward to a break I must admit. I am getting a train to Cornwall to see my family once I have broken up from work next Wednesday.

Festive Day Out

My friend and I had a festive day out in LDN for his birthday (planned by me). We went to Battersea Power Station Ice Rink, although we were late, we got completely lost walking from Victoria station- literally the time to get there had passed and we were still on the other side of the river which was a painful experience 😅

It was such a nice atmosphere, really vibey. It had been raining really heavily alll morning and big puddles of water were on the ice- falling over was not an option this time. Luckily weather was clear when we were skating.

We had a look round the power station in a few shops and grabbed a drink. We then walked to King's Road and we went to a pub for dinner (The Surprise). I went for a vegetarian roast which was sort of a treat because, I normally don't eat roasts (only once a year at Christmas). It was such a nice atmosphere.

My partner also unwrapped his gifts: a Muhle double edge razor and some chocolate.

Yeah it was such a lovely day and he had a lovely time.

Late Night Shopping

I have been going on a few late night shopping outings recently and it has really got me in the Christmas spirit. I went and did some damage at Glossier a few weeks ago where I got some bits for various people. They were really sweet and helpful in there helping me choose what to get, and they gift wrapped everything which is really convenient.

My sister said she wanted a Boo Basket for Christmas so I picked out a lip balm for her boo basket and I got my mum a fragrance gift set (I went on Black Friday week so everything was 30% off).

I have also been meeting up with my dad once a week, as he works in the central London so we have been going for dinner, typically a Chinese in China Town although we did recently go to a noodle bar and canteen called Marugame Udon which I would actually recommend (I got a Katsu pumpkin Udon dish). 

Going shopping after work in London guarantees to bring up my festivity levels.

Love

Happy hippo x

Revenge Christmas 2025 #1

Hello,

Apologies for this very late blogpost and this is sort of backlog of blogposts which I will be sharing in the next few weeks.

I thought I will begin on catching you up on what I have been up to:

What I have been up to

Christmassy Day Out in Chelsea

I met up with my partner one weekend to go to Chelsea for a bit of browsing. There was a Christmassy fair in the middle of Sloane Square which was a Ralph Lauren sponsored pop up.

There was also loads of decorations and in Duke of York square there was an installation of light up flowers which was pretty.

We went to a sushi restaurant that we really like on Kings Road, it is called Oka and its my go-to dinner place when I go to Chelsea. If anyone has any recommendations of like more lunch places to eat in Chelsea, let me know.

I have been doing a couple of festive shopping outings at Kings Road recently- it is one of my favourite places to go shopping.

Courtauld Gallery

I went to see the Wayne Theibaud exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery. It was really great actually. He painted food such as delicatessan produce, cakes, fast food and sweets. It was a really fab exhibition. It is only a small exhibition but it was good.

V&A

I went to the V&A with a pal of mine. We went to the Marie Antoinette exhibition at the V&A which was really goods; there were some really interesting items. I think I may go back as I was speaking with my friend and so was sort of not really absorbing the exhibition. After, we went to grabbed a cream tea and then did some shopping in Kensington.

Day Out at Lewisham's Winter Wonderland

I went to the Lewisham's version of Winter Wonderland in Beckenham Place Park with a few friends a few weekends ago. It was... an experience lol. So disorganised, the power kept on going out and the ice rink was quite small- the AI images on the website gave us really high expectations. I don't think it helped that it was raining really fucking heavily (although the ice rink was covered which is good) and it was the opening night (as the opening was delayed by one week) and there was a lot of confusion from staff.

I did have fun though when we were actually skating. I used to take lessons as a child, so I am a confident skater although I fell twice and I was aching so badly for a week after.

My festivity level took a hit, ngl.

Chat soon x

Cosy Revenge Autumn

 Hi darlings x

Happy Halloween!

I got some Halloween chocolates from an LA Chocolate company, my dad got me them as gift when he was in America recently.

New Camisole

I decided to get my sewing machine out, I hadn't done any sewing this year... my sewing machine was in storage and the idea of getting it out just overwhelmed me, like I wasn't in the right headspace.

Anyway, I made a camisole using a UFO fabric I got ages ago. I fell in love with this fabric and I can't believe it has taken me so long to use it. 

The sewing pattern is free from Tammy Handmade, you can click the link here to get the download. It has a scallop neckline, which on mine is... subtle. It doesn't have darts so its very easy to sew other than the slightly fiddly scallops which you can omit if you fancy. I think it is great pattern and I will defo use it again. It is a very quick sew and one of those reliable projects. 

Please overlook the terrible photos-  my back camera was playing up (my phone is 5 years old and the back camera likes to just decide not to work from time to time) and the room has the worst lighting!

I am very happy with this and I just know I am going to wear it allll the time.

Wintery Things

I have started doing some planning for winter and Christmas. I have been putting some money aside weekly for Christmassy gifts and activities. There is going to be a Winter Wonderland style of event in Lewisham this year. I have booked in advance for the Ice Skating... and I am actually excited; I think it will be nice. The location is really lovely.

I have decided to make a few gifts for people this Christmas. I want to make my sis some pyjamas and my friend I will make him some pyjama bottoms. I have the fabric for both projects, so I just need to get cracking and do my best to project manage them to get them completed on time.

I also have like other Christmas craft plans... but its literally fucking November next week so I need to get cracking. I want to make some cross stitch cards.

I have been seeing lots of DIY rosettes on Pinterest (google what I mean) and I think I might make one for my sister- something cute like 'visited by Santa' or 'I am on the good list'. Hopefully you are seeing my vision.

Also I am sort of fancying sewing a stocking for my partner. I don't know I have a lot of idea but you really have to plan ahead to get everything you want to do before Christmas.

I am feeling the Christmas vibes this year- normally I am mentally checked out of Christmas but I am feeling the vibes this year.

Revenge Friday

I was having a convo with someone today about how Friday evening is such a struggle. I don't have a social life tbh so... I am always at home on Friday. But I am too tired to do anything but I am also energised and excited for the weekend. I want to do something but I can't think straight because I am so knackered. I am just couch potato but I am too restless to even focus on a TV Series or a craft project. 

Give me advice if you have any.

I think its my hormones tbh. I am looking forward to a pedi on Saturday morning and yeah just read my book and relax, get a matcha.

Speak soon!

Revenge Friday: Mini Haul and Battersea Power Station

Hi Darlings,

Sorry I have been away; I have had PMS, which I get badly.

Honestly, I have actually been in my feels recently and just feeling sort of lost. It got so bad that I am considering seeing a psychic as I just want like another perspective or insight on my life, and guidance.

Idk, I just have a lot on my mind.

Battersea Power Station

I finally went! …and it was so much nicer than I thought it would be- it is really nice. They have more like high end shops and it has a really nice ambience.

I am planning to go to Sri Lanka in the New Year, so my mum and I were looking at potential footwear in Office. I am sorted for sandals but I think I could do with bringing some trainers. I was thinking Solomons maybe. I need to consult my sister- she normally helps me with decisions like this.

I went in a few shops that I don't normally go in which is quite nice- like sportswear shops and make up shops.

My mum and I looked in a Korean supermarket and we picked up some bits: miso, crispy chili oil (my fave), kimchi and those sugary treats which were on Squid Game.

I had a nice trip out. It isn't the easiest for me to get there but I think definitely revisit.

Sri Lanka Vinted Haul

Like I mentioned, I am planning to go to Sri Lanka in the new year. I realised I don't have any modest clothes (Tbh); my summer clothes are like mini skirts and camisoles- that's my thing. So I purchased some modest things on Vinted.

I thought it would be nice to get some lace or broderie anglaise trousers. I picked out these ones from H&M, the lace is like on the side and its really pretty. 

Then I got a little top, which says 'the world is your oyster' which I thought was really cute. Not quite sure what it means.

I brought another pair of trouser which were really nice.... or they would have been if they actually fit. They were meant to be a small but I think they would fit a medium. Zara sizing is the worst. I will find someone to give them to because they are nice.

Falafel Friday

I was at work until six but after work I stopped by Kings Road and I browsed a few shops for half an hour. Then I went home and ate a ready meal... really boring.

At home, I watched My Life with the Walter Boys, which is soo bad. Please recommend me something good to watch this Autumn- I need to get into a new series.

Chat soon!

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday: Wedding guest look, Day Out in Islington

 Hi,

I hope you had a lovely bank hols. I didn't get up to too much. I went to Greenwich one of the days which was really nice. My mum and I walked through the park to a food market where we picked up some Ethiopian lunch. It was nice.

I did actually have a driving lesson, it was my first time ever driving a car. Honestly, I felt really sad afterwards, not sad but like... fuck I actually have a lot to learn. I didn't even have like any anxiety before, but afterwards I felt so daunted.

Wedding Guest Look

I attended my parents wedding last week. This is the look I pulled together.

There was a lot of pressure to look good as obviously I will be in the pictures... like there is no hiding when it is a close family member's wedding.

The dress was a Free people Sample I picked up in the charity shop for £26. Actually when I tried it on in the charity the first thing I thought was- 'this would look so nice for a wedding' but I hadn't been invited to a wedding at that point.

The sandals I brought from Vinted and they are NEXT (cost me maybe £7). I think they are really pretty; I did have a pair like this in the past but I completely wore them out, so it is nice to get a replacement. The bag I borrowed off my mum and is from Chloe. 

I did actually buy some ballet flats for the wedding but actually when they arrived I wasn't sure they worked with the dress but I kept them because I thought they were really gorgeous. They were stripey rattan. Ironically the most expensive thing I brought for the wedding and I didn't wear them.

Day Out in Islington

I went to Islington with my mum and sister last weekend which was really lovely. We walked from Highbury and Islington to Angel, which has some really lovely boutiques, cafes and charity shops on route. We got a coffee and cake from one of the shops.

The charity shops are really good round there. My sister brought quite a few things actually as she was in the market for some long sleeve tops.

I picked up a gorgeous skirt, this is a old Topshop piece and I paid £6.50. I have some ballet flats that look really cute with this. The headband I had brought a week before from a charity shop I think I paid £2.

Camden Passage has a really sweet row of shops and there is normally some antiques stands too which is good for a browse.

For lunch we went to a restaurant called RE:1996 which did Lebanese small plates. I would definitely recommend, very good.

Anyway its a really cute day trip if you are staying in London for the Summer.

Chat soon,

Happy Hippo

Revenge Friday: Haul and Day Out in Portbello

 Hi Darlings,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying your bank hols. I was in Cumbria last weekend and I have ended up with a backlog of blogposts and I am just piecing things together so everything is out of chronological order, but I will try not to be too perfectionist about that.

I was in town a few weeks ago and I tried this crumble place that has gone viral. I wasn't a fan.. there wasn't a good ratio of crumble and compote but you know you have to give these things a try.

Fruity Booty Haul

I sort of fancied treating myself recently to some new underwear because whenever I go on holiday in the summer I always buy myself some underwear... but I am not going away this summer (I am on the grindset). I was looking at some underwear brands (please comment below recommendations for cute underwear brands) and I found this really cute brand called Fruity Booty.

This is so stupid but I had picked out what I wanted and it was in my basket but I didn't feel worthy enough to buy it. So I am not joking, I asked universe- give me a sign, if I am meant to have this, give me a sign. A few days later I won some money and so I logged straight on to the site...

what I wanted was sold out...

Luckily a few days later they restocked what I wanted so I made my purchase. This is what I got: a pink stripey bra and knicker set, a cherry pant and also they had a complimentary tote bag promotion with a dolphin on (the flipside is a picture of some sardines- its so cute).

I think after all that, I will gift the cherry knickers to my sister for her birthday- I just think its more her vibe than mine.

Day Out in Portobello

I went to Portobello Road last Saturday with my friend and yeah it was really good. I thought it was going to be hell on earth but actually it was nice. When we got there we were feeling a bit frazzled when we arrive so we went and got a light bite to eat in a Cafe on Westbourne Grove- it was quite naff, it was called Juice Baby. Westbourne Grove has lovely boutiques and it is sort of away from the crowds.

We had a browse of the (overpriced) Fashion Market at Ladbroke Grove. My friend saw some ceramics he liked and I brought him something as a house warming gift- he was really pleased.  We went to a bar at the bottom of Portobello Road near Goldbourne Road. Goldbourne road is not as touristy and they have some boutiques and bars.

It was quite busy in the restaurants there and we weren't ready to eat so we decided to have a stroll to High Street Ken and from there we got on a bus to Soho. We just went to an Italian restaurant and I had my first calzone.

I so recommend the visit to Notting Hill this summer- it is really nice. My friend and I had visited a year prior during the summer but he had spent 1.5 hours driving round looking for a car parking space by which time the shops had shut- so we didn't get to see the best of it.

Okay chat soon!

Happy Hippo