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: 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 Christmas: Craft sesh and Revenge Christmas announcement

 Hello Darlings

This is the first Revenge Christmas blogpost. I have a few ideas but definitely let me know if you have any ideas on anything you want me to do a blogpost section on. I apologise it is being posted late; I have recently started a new job and it has been a bit busy. Then I recently passed my driving theory (one step closer to getting my Porsche). So yeah I am working on my 2025 revenge life. 

I have been watching some good things on TV at the moment. I have been watching Wolf Hall and also Slow Horses. I recommend both. 

Craft Sesh

I made these really cute pyjama shorts last weekend. I made them for my sister in gingham with cute little heart buttons; my sister loves gingham so I think she will appreciate them. The PDF pattern The Darcy Boxers, is a pay what you can pattern (link for it here). It has variations for male and female. Instructions were really clear; I had never sewn a fly before but it turned out really neat. I am really pleased with these.

This was one of the fabrics I wanted to use up, so I am really pleased I have managed to make something from it. 

Revenge Thursday

I had to go shopping because I have a new job and I needed to buy some trousers and work shoes. I had never done much online shopping but I decided that I would buy some trousers off Asos; I purchased four and they were all.... abysmal. I returned them all. I just thought it would be easier to order them online rather than crying in a changing room but obviously not. 

I was at Victoria Station 5 minutes and some weird man had come up to me and started threatening me- completely unprovoked. It was really unpleasant and I just wasn't in the mood for shopping after that but I needed trousers. I brought a grey pinstripe pair from Mango which I am really pleased with. Then a really boring pair of black trousers from Zara. After shopping I met my friend for dinner in Peckham which was really good.

As you can see from my face I’m fucking thrilled with these.

Okay I will chat again on Friday (probably) and yeah I have a few ideas for Revenge Christmas blogposts. 

Love

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday: Job Searching, Autumnal Vibes and Frazzled English Woman Walk

Hello darlings,

Hope you are having a good weekend. Sorry I didn't post last week... I just had nothing to say tbh. 

I thought this week I would share how I track my job applications using a table because there are a few people I know who are currently looking for jobs and it is quite hard to keep track on what you have applied for and the ones you want to apply for- I think this table helps. 

I am also going to share with you like my autumnal faves and things I have been watching.

Using Excel to keep a record of Job Applications + Job searching motivation

So for my job applications I will always keep track of them on a document. I will also add to the table any positions I want to apply for but maybe don't have the time to complete the job application there and then. 

I made a quick example of a table- these aren't actually jobs I am applying to and they are made up companies obvs. You could modify it however best to suit you, you can add another column for location or maybe the name of the hiring manager. Whatever is most helpful to you.

I will defo do another blogpost in the future about applying for jobs ect. Some tips I would say to stay motivated is like have a manifestation board nearby and also have a little reward in the back of your head for when you get a new job, like... a celebratory dinner with your partner or maybe like a new pair of ballet flats. 

Autumnal faves +things I have been watching

New bag: My Longchamp tote bag held up for like 7+ years until recently when I was on hols the zip broke in every single way a zip can break and plus I had been losing things out of the holes in the corners for the past few months. I originally came to own it because I found it outside a house... sort of a random story. Anyway it is a really great bag and I wanted to replace it- it is the same colour and size (large). My mum picked it up for me in France a few days ago where they are slightly cheaper.

Alma's Not Normal: This is a comedy on BBC and the series begins with Alma breaking up with her bf and she then goes to look for a job. The writer also is the main character in it and it has auto-biographical elements and it is slightly dark but it is really sweet. Alma is really gorgeous and likable. It is sort of a comfort show. I am so bad at describing it- watch it; it is good.

Twin Peaks: I have loved watching this. I am nearing towards the end of series 2 but I starting to pace myself; I don't want to watch it too quickly. It is very autumnal perfect for Halloween vibes.

All of Us Strangers: I watched this on a flight recently and it is really fabulous. It is about a writer who starts a relationship with a man who lives in his block of flats and at the same time he starts to visit his childhood home where his parents, who died when he was a child, are there as ghosts. They aren't like scary ghosts, like he just talks to them as if they were alive. The film is great and it stays with you. I don't really love supernatural elements but this is just executed so well. This is actually perfect for the Halloween season if you don't love spooky films.

Autumnal beauty products: I purchased this lip and cheek tint a few days ago. I already own a bright pink version but I see that as a more summery lip colour so I wanted to get one for Autumn and Winter. I have been loving wearing this and I have actually been getting complements. I love a lip and cheek product like this because it is just so easy to use.

It is also the time of year I get my poisons out. Dior hypnotic poison and poison girl are my autumnal scents and they are an acquired taste- my partner might not be thrilled that the poisons have made a return. I love how these make me feel: sexy and dangerous.

Lapsang Souchong: Another scent that fills my house at this time of year is lapsang souchong tea. I feel like everyone will remember their first cup of lapsang souchong because it is quite a unique taste. It has a beautiful and relaxing smokiness. This is perfectly autumnal because I can just sort of imagine some witches drinking this.

Definitely give it a try- you can get a box of bags in Waitrose for under £2.

Revenge Friday

I am actually really quite troubled by the death of Liam Payne and I just needed to leave the house to try to clear my head. I went for a walk around Blackheath and I did an architecture walk- my parents had a handout from a guided walk they went to, so I followed that. It was a guided walk of span houses... I was not in the right headspace tbh.

Afterwards, I grabbed some food from a bakery to eat on the heath. I walked around the common and the village- they have some really quaint bookshops and caffs.

I am defo due another trip to Greenwich so I look forward to being back in that neck of the woods soonish.

Love,

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday- Crystal Palace, Uniqlo haul, life

 Hello darlings, 

I hope you had a good weekend. Also, who else wasted last Saturday Morning in that fucking Ticketmaster queue? At 12:15 I made the executive decision to cut my loses because I knew even if I did access it I would have been totally priced out by that point. I wasn't even in the actual queue, I was just in the queue to access the website.

I did manage to salvage my Saturday: I went to Sloane Square to the Saatchi Gallery to see a fashion photography exhibition Beyond Fashion. There is a really great food market on Duke of York Square and there are loads of options and if it is good weather you can have a picnic on the square; that is what I did and I went for Moroccan cuisine.

 On Sunday I met up with my partner and we went to the British Museum- I hadn't been in years. We had a walk around the museum which was fun and actually it was good going with someone who is into history . 

After we went to an arcade called Novelty Automation which was like a 6 minute walk away. The arcade machines are sort of very quirky and satirical; there was one which recreated working in an Amazon warehouse, one which you practice money laundering, another where you fight to keep the house in a divorce and yeah some really funny games. Most of the machines were created by Tim Hunkin who is a cartoonist and engineer. We purchased 10 token for £9 and the machines take 1-2 tokens. I would definitely recommend visiting if you are in the area. It was really good fun.

Revenge Friday

I planned to go to Battersea Power Station on Friday but for some reason I could just not bring myself to go... it just does not seem my vibe at all. So instead I just had a lowkey day.

I decided on a trip to Crystal Palace. I am planning a bedroom makeover and I have decided to replace the  furniture so I had a look around a few second hand furniture shops there.

Crystal Palace Antiques has four floors of mostly mid-century furniture. I have been wanting a mid-century dresser and they had quite a few in the shop but... I have to be realistic with myself: my clothes are not all going to fit in a 1960's dresser. People didn't really own as many clothes back then and so the dressers are quite small. Nothing else peaked my interest.

So hunched haha.

I did quite like these mirrors which they had two in the shop and I love how elegant and minimalist they look. Although I think before I start buying accessories, changing the furniture is a priority.

For lunch we went to Spinach which is a new brunch place on the triangle. It was really good. 

They have several really good health food shops and refill shops on the triangle. We got some empty soap bottles refilled in La Amazonas. We went in a few boutiques.

Then I just went home to relax and do a bit of work on my laptop. I say this all the time but my period was really getting to me.

Uniqlo Haul

I was in Oxford with my partner a few days ago and I went to Uniqlo which is a shop I used to shop at a lot but in the last few years I hardly ever go in tbh. When I was younger I used to get really sucked in by their sanrio (I love hello kitty) and other cartoon character collections.

Anyway, I popped in and I was really pleasantly surprised. I picked up this white turtle neck jumper and I think the shape and fit is really chic; it is 100% wool so hopefully it holds up okay (sometimes knitwear from fast fashion brands can be really questionable quality). This will be perfect for work though with some smart trousers.

Then I also purchased some flared leggings which again I like the shape of these- I find some brands have a really exaggerated flare.

I feel very huggable in this outfit.

Okay so I am not going to post until October because I am going away for a month but I have loads of blogposts planned for when I come back. Stay fabulous!

Love,

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday: V&A, Shoreditch and life

 Hello darlings

I hope your bank hols was restful. I always find that the end of summer and September is when I like to set some intentions for the rest of the year. So yeah I have been deep in thought and I am trying to do as much on my days off while it is still summer.

Bank hols

I have been watching Twin Peaks (on Paramount +) which I have been really liking so far I am on S1E4. I am loving it. 

On Sunday, I went to the V&A and I went to see an exhibition called Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence; it was quite a nerdy exhibition but I did sort of get it and learn something. I had the impression that everyone there was really into it and I don't know anything about this basically. The premise of the exhibition was about the modernist architecture that was built in India and West Africa designed by architects such as Le Corbusier. 

On Tuesday I went to the Young V&A because I wanted to see the exhibition Japan Myths to Manga and it was really interesting to learn about the Japanese folklore. I have purchased a membership for the V&A so I am trying to get my moneys worth. Afterwards I had lunch in a Venezuelan place opposite (Arepa & co) and I got a vegetarian Arepa which was really good. I then walked to Shoreditch and had a browse of the vintage markets- I always find the vendors to be really intimidating. I walked to Columbia road because I like the boutiques on that street they feel quite upmarket but on a Tuesday it was completely dead. I went in a shop and felt pressured (weird story) to buy an overpriced birthday card for my sister (4.50!). Then I grabbed a matcha and sat in a green to sip it. Grabbed some bagels on Brick Lane and headed home. I had such a nice day and I love that area. 

However... (I am going to go on one of the tangents) I had gone to this museum in my childhood but I haven't been for many years since it was renovated. It is completely different, when I used to go there as a child it was called the Museum of Childhood and it was basically just a museum about toys but since its been renovated it is now the Young V&A so it is like a museum for children. That may sound like the same thing but they are completely different concepts. So basically I didn't realise I was going to a children's exhibition basically... 

Revenge Friday

I was at work and then when I got home I was exhausted and processing the day I had. I watched a Twin Peaks and I am also working on a little project at the moment- I will tell you when I have some success in it. So I didn't do anything too exciting.

Also comment below like what time of year you like to set goals, intentions and resolutions. Okay have a fabulous week. 

Love 

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday: Gut feelings don't exist, Summery Days Out and Life

Hello darlings

I hope you are doing well and have some nice plans for the bank holiday. I had quite a chill week. I was at work on Friday but I have had some time this week to do some fun summer days out.

What I have been up to

Charity shop brunch day: I popped to the highstreet one day this week to do some errands. I got some brunch. I went for a matcha and toasted sandwich. There are over 8 charity shops and once a month I try to do a charity shop run. I picked up this adorable dress which tbh I could wear to work or on a date with my partner- with some espadrilles or some ballet flats it will be sooo cute.

My back camera has broken lol, so I had to take a selfie next to a mirror- I must have just forgotten self timer exists.

Serpentine Gallery: I went to the Serpentine last Sunday (I think- the days are sort of bleeding into each other) which is always a summery vibe. The gallery is in two buildings; in the South Gallery they have Yinka Shonibare's Suspended States exhibition and in the North Gallery they have Judy Chicago: Revelations. Both exhibitions are worth a visit (they are also free entry) but Judy Chicago was particularly amazing and an artist I wasn't familiar with. In the Serpentine they have their yearly summer pavilion... it wasn't my favourite.

They also had a Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin in Hyde Park. 

Defo go to the Serpentine before summer ends; I think both exhibitions are ending early September. I grabbed some sushi to eat in the park and it was really zen.

The Biba Story (Fashion and Textile Museum): My mum and I went to the Fashion and Textile museum to go to the Biba exhibition. Biba was like a fashion and lifestyle boutique in the 60's and 70's which tbh was quite short lived. The exhibition was interesting but I did sort of have more questions than answers, like it didn't really explain why it closed down. I also wish they made it feel like you were in a Biba boutique. Exhibition was really interesting; some of the clothes were gorgeous. I think I defo would have shopped there if I was born 50 years earlier.

 After visiting the exhibition I had a browse down Bermondsey street and I went for a matcha latte at Fuckoffee. I really like Bermondsey street ugh I wish I could live there.

Can we really trust our gut? No, not if you have anxiety.

I don’t know if I will be able to articulate this but I was thinking about the idea of gut feelings or gut instinct. When talking about gut feeling people are normally talking about a bad gut feeling: the feeling that a situation, something or someone is bad or dangerous. A gut feeling is often portrayed as a premonition. On social media we hear stories of people who had a gut feeling who heroically acted on it or fatally didn’t. Or we hear guru’s who tell us to be aligned with our gut and to always trust our gut feelings.

Gut feelings don’t exist. We can have a bad feeling about something or someone, but it is based on the evidence in front of us however subtle that is. Do premonitions exist? I don’t think so. Now you might disagree with me. The truth is though if you have anxiety you need to forget the idea of a ‘gut feeling’ because a ‘gut feeling’ (whatever that is) feels like anxiety vice versa. Anxiety is going to present itself as a sort of premonition- ‘I have a feeling something terrible is going to happen today’ or ‘I think I am going to die in a car crash today’.

I just want to reassure you that it is not your responsibility to live by your gut or be in tune with your gut. You live with the logic in your head and hope for the best. It is quite bold for me to say ‘don’t trust your gut’ because it goes so against what we have been told but the idea of a gut feeling is going to keep you trapped and confused.

Revenge Friday

I left work at like 15:00 and I hadn't eaten since breakfast- I was about to drop. So, I grabbed myself a mezze platter from a Turkish restaurant which was really good. Anyway, I went home and rotted on my bed for two hours.

I said I would read 5 books this summer and I have managed to complete one today so four more to go. I probably need to speed it up a bit lol.

Okay have a fabulous week. 

Love

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday- I am back from hols, Holiday Reset and London

 Hello darlings

I have been on hols for a couple of weeks. I went to stay with my sis in the South of France and then I went to the champagne region of France. I also had two day trips to Paris to see the Olympics which was fun. I went to the Women's Break Dancing final and then another day I just spent exploring Paris. I had a fab time.

Random Things I Have Purchased on hols

-I picked up these sandals from a shoe shop in France. My other sandals I have had for two years and I have still been wearing them but they are falling apart. I picked up some silver sandals with studs (Valentino vibes) from the brand Les Tropeziennes. I love these. I don't think they are as versatile as my other sandals but they are really cute for like wearing with a dress on a night out or a cute denim short look.

-I was walking past a boutique in the Marais and a white belt with a beetle buckle caught my eye. Sadly they didn't have my size but I did pick it up in black and I think it looks cool. I have been after a new belt for ages but I haven't really liked anything. This is perfect.

I'll post a better picture when I get round to wearing it.

-I love buying local delicacies when I am on holiday. I kept on seeing champagne liquor truffles shaped like champagne corks (cute) in the town and I purchased some as a gift and I got some for myself too. I didn't think they were that nice when I first tried them but the taste has actually grown on me- I have had two as a little treat in the evening for the past week. Then I purchased these pink biscuits which were also like a delicacy in the area and... I am not a fan of these. I got a packet for my friend so I hope she likes these better than I did. I got a few other little treats for my partner- wine, chocolates and Les Anis de Flavigny sweets (I have always wanted to these). 

-I wanted to buy my friend some beauty products because when we went to France together I was showing her some of the good items to get from the Pharmacy but she didn't have any room in the liquid allowance bag. Anyway I purchased a cute little Nuxe set for her- I love getting the sets just to try out the different products. I also picked up this Caudalie travel set for myself because when I left the SofF I didn't have a shower gel or face wash.

Revenge Friday

I have been trying to do a few things in London since I have been back. I met up with my dad one day after work and we went to an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. There is an exhibition, Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere which has some really interesting artworks: the first room has large striking collages/paintings; there are sculptures that use human hair; and on the roof of the building is a model ship of the Black Star Liner but it is like a party boat playing music. There are loads of other really interesting pieces in different mediums. It is really good. I really like the Hayward.

I went to a really great film at the BFI Southbank. It is called Sky Peals and it is basically about a man whose estranged father dies and basically in his grief he starts considering that maybe his father was an alien. The core of the film is about someone who doesn't feel they fit in; the main character Adam works in a motorway service station (which sort of looks like a spaceship) and he is experiencing these physical and psychological sensations and weird things keep on happening to him. It is small release so I think it is mainly being shown at the BFI but yeah I would defo recommend it if it sounds like something you would be interested in.

If you are under 25 you can get £3 tickets at the BFI Southbank- it is a bit of a faff to sign up because you need to show ID in person but it is worth it for affordable tickets in a Central London location. I have heard that at the Barbican you can also get £5 tickets for films and exhibitions if you are under 25. 

Holiday Resetting

I often get it where you go away on holiday and half way through the holiday you sort of get desperate to come home and do everything that’s waiting for you at home like idk water the plant on your desk, catch up with your colleagues, finish that DIY project, apply for a job, organise your wardrobe, or whatever it is. Holidays give you a lot of time to think about your life and reflect. Like you want to action all these ideas that you are thinking about.

Anyway I have done some re-evaluating while I have been away. I am going to make a manifestation board (I normally make them for the new academic year- for me September is like the new year) and I have written down some things I want to do in the summer.

Chat soon!

Love

Happy hippo

Revenge Friday- Girl Dinner Special, what I have been up to and Notting Hill

 Hello darling, 

I hope you have had a lovely week. I thought this week I would share with you my favourite girl dinner and also like what I have been up to and reccomendations.

What I have been watching/ been up to +recommendations

Gentleman in Moscow- This is quite a sweet show. It is basically about a gentleman who has been forced into like a sort of exile in a luxury hotel. It is set in Russia from 1917. It is quite a charming show and (it feels wrong saying) it is quite easy watching- it is a nice show to watch in the evening. The last episode is out soon and I look forward to watching.

Sargant and Fashion (Tate Britain)- This was such a good exhibition. It is the exhibition of portraits by John Singer Sargent and they were really gorgeous. I went a few weeks back and I defo recommend going- it is on until early July. Btw if you are under 25, you can get the tickets for £5 and you just have to make an online account.

Ezra Collective- I went to see the Ezra Collective at the British Library which was such a nice evening. I had seen them play once before and they are so good to see live; they are so joyful and fab. I had never gone to the British Library before and I sort of want to visit properly at some point.

Peckham- I met up with my friend in Peckham and we went to Il Giardino which is an Italian restaurant just off of Peckham High Street. It's a really quaint restaurant. I had the walnut pasta which was really good. Then we went to a cocktail bar that I hadn't been to before and it is called Zapoi. It has such a romantic and quirky ambience; I really want to bring my partner. The cherry bakewell cocktail was soo good. I would say though the toilets were character building because when I went upstairs there were no lights on and so I was shining my phone torch and there were like dolls, masks and curiosities everywhere. I was so freaked out.

The People's Piazza: A History of Covent Garden (BBC Iplayer)- This is a bit random but I watched this documentary on BBC Iplayer which is basically about Covent Garden and it was really interesting. So i recommend watching it.

Girl Dinner

I thought I would share with you my favourite girl dinner components. In my family we call this sort of dinner 'pick up', like 'lets have pick up for dinner'. Sort of embarrassing when I say it in front of people. Anyway here are my favourite components:

Homemade Hummus- I love how easy it is to make hummus and it is just far better than buying shop brought. It is also made of things I normally have on hand anyway; it is tinned or jar chickpeas, lemon, garlic, olive oil and tahini + whatever spice you fancy such as zatar or paprika.

Raw vegetables- Cucumbers, carrot batons and Avocado

Sauerkraut- This is soo nice. At home we always have sauerkraut in the fridge. It is really good on top of crackers, as a side, in salads. If you are not familiar with it, it is fermented cabbage. The brand we get is Vadasz which you can find in the fridge section at the supermarket.

Cottage cheese on crackers- I used to take cottage cheese and crackers as my pack lunch to work (I would pack them in separate containers to avoid sogginess) so often. I sprinkle Everything But the Bagel seasoning on top and it is soo good.

Omelette- I don't know why I don't make omelettes more often- they are so easy and tasty. I also love trying out different cheeses inside, like I like having it with gruyere or Ossau Iraty which is really good.

Marinated Artichokes- for the marinated artichokes you can find them in the fridge section at supermarkets. They are soo good. I did used to have an artichoke recipe on my blog which was for boiled artichoke and a marinate- it was a family recipe and I gave the most chaotic instructions.

Revenge Friday

I relaxed in the morning; I was making a gift for my partner. In the evening I was meeting up with my partner for early dinner in Notting Hill. So I got there in the afternoon and it was such gorgeous weather. It was actually nice to go when all the shops were closing and the tourists were sort of leaving for the day.  My partner had driven round for about an hour and a half looking for a place to park, meanwhile there was miscommunication and I had walked up and down Portobello Road several times lol. We did meet up and we were both overheated so we just had like a leisurely stroll.

We actually wandered and window shopped along Westbourne Grove (it is just off Portobello Hight Street) which was really nice. I want to go back next time I am in Portobello because they have some boutiques such as Love Shack Fancy and Reformation. The restaurants on Portobello were so busy, we eventually found a Chinese fusion place which was really relaxed. I had a really good evening and I am pleased I went out because it was a really lovely weather that afternoon.

Also I fucking missed the eclipse- I totally did not get the memo.

Also apologies that I didn't post last week- I had a cold. I had a fun craft day at home which I felt so much better for and then I went to Oxford at the weekend. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed reading slightly chattier blog. Let me know whether you try any of my recommendations. 

Love, 

Happy Hippo

Revenge Friday- PoMo bike tour and second hand purchases

 Hello darlings, 

I hope you have had a good week. As part of my like revenge life, I am trying to do more like culture things and tbh I will go and do what I like regardless if anyone wants to come with. So yeah Thursday night after work I went for dinner and to a small exhibition opening for Close to the Hedge. It is an exhibition of photographs of bushes/hedges and it was in Deptford at the Gareth Gardner gallery. Defo if you are in Deptford the next week, check them out. I would say do not go out of your way because it is only small. I went for dinner beforehand at this really nice Italian restaurant called Marcella. It had quite a small menu of small plates and pasta- it was relaxed and I was on my own so I was just sat at the bar chatting to the lovely staff. So that was good fun.

Second Hand Purchases

I have recently made a two second hand purchases. I picked up this camisole from the charity shop. It is actually nightwear but I think it is actually really cute and I will probably wear it with (surprise) jeans and some ballet flats. I like the way it cinches at the waste. I was actually examining it when I got home and the fabric has some text printed on it which says 'I'm in demand because I am never late, to start a job or keep a date'- huh?

Then I brought a dress on vinted. It didn't look like much in the images on Vinted- it didn't convey how lovely it is. I had a google and I found a picture of a runway model wearing it to the 2017 Victoria Secret show. She looks gorgeous in it. 

Image Source- FASHION Magazine

It arrived and I am so pleased with it. I quite like that it isn't too fitted or short- it looks more relaxed. I love the lacey bits on the shoulder, so fun. I will wear this with a pair of black heels in the evening or some summer sandals for a day look.

The brand is Club Monaco and the body of the dress is 100% silk. Both items totalled to under £20 (£3.50+£16) which is quite fair.

Revenge Friday

So my dad has recently been organising and researching a bike ride architecture tour. He wanted to do like test run on Friday and because I couldn't be there on the actual day of the bike ride I thought I would join him on the exclusive preview. We started in Bank/ City of London, went across the river and along the south bank to Greenwich and back to Tower Bridge via Isle of Dogs. It was loads of fun.

We had to skip over a lot of the buildings from Greenwich because we had gotten so side tracked that it was actually getting late.

Here are two of the buildings we looked at...

So China Wharf  (the red building in the image) was one of the buildings on our ride this was built around 1986-8

I used to walk past this a lot as a child and I never noticed that one of the balconies is a boat- such a revelation.

Then this the Isle of Dogs Pumping Station- its basically a sewage pump built 1986-1988.

Then after the bike ride, I had like 20 minutes at home to get ready and then I had to go out again to go to an event at the Barbican, it was author Kate Atkinson doing readings accompanied by BBC Orchestra. So yeah I really enjoyed my day.

Lots of love,

Happy hippo x

Revenge Friday - Summer Wish List, Day Out in Bermondsey and What I Have Been watching

 Hello darlings, 

I hope you enjoy reading this post! This week I am going to tell you about my day out in Bermondsey and what I have been watching. Also Netflix has released a few more shows and I am very relieved because I was getting slightly desperate. I was so desperate I watched this awful show called My Life With the Walter Boys- it was so bad. I do apologise for this slightly boring post. 

What have I been watching

Ripley: I watched this with my mum because she loves the book and also the film. I was a bit reluctant to watch it- I am quite fragile and stuff like of that subject matter really upset me. I did really get into it and I had watched the film but I like it as a TV series because it is like a slower pace but it is very exciting to watch over several nights. I really enjoyed watching it over the past week. Yeah it also defo makes you want to go back to Italy. Defo give this a watch.

Baby Reindeer: I am currently watching this series and it is really unique. It is based on the writer of the series, Richard Gadd, (he plays himself in the series) experience of being stalked by a woman who claims to be a lawyer. She sends him these really unhinged, incoherent emails and it gets progressively more sinister. It is soo fucking chilling and scary. It is slightly excruciating at times because you really see like hindsight. I am only on episode three but I am soo gripped. It is very like thought-provoking.

This Town: This is on BBC iplayer and yeah I watched this a few weeks back. It is basically about a teenager called Dante growing up in like the 80s and he is trying to start a band with his friend and his cousin. I enjoyed it but I found it slightly cringy and it is co-written by kae Tempest who, I am ngl, I am not a fan of at all... I just don't get their music. There are several story lines such as Dante and his cousin's quite dysfunctional family. Dante's cousin Bardon is also being like forced by his father to do tasks for the IRA. There is a lot going on in this six part series, idk if it completely works. That being said, I quite enjoyed watching it.

Summer Wishlist

I am so done with this weather and so looking forward to summer. I have been thinking about some things I want to get for summer. So here is what I fancy.

Black linen dress- I had this really nice black linen dress and I had a few clothes at university that just didn't make it back home (I hate losing things) and this dress was unfortunately one of them. I loved this dress. So I would like to replace it and I am going to try to make it. It was a really lovely dress and I have been thinking about how I can remake it- I have a plan.

Embroidered Cardigan- I have a pink cashmere cardigan that I have had for years and to be totally honest it is so not my colour despite the fact I wear it all the time. I would sort of fancy getting a new cardigan but I would quite like it to have embellishments and to be a cosy cashmere. I have a few saved on my vinted so I think at some point I will pick one to buy.

Sol De Janeiro 68- I went to the cinema a few weeks back and the person sat next to me was wearing this perfume (or one really similar) and granted I think they had way too much on but I was not complaining because it smelt gorgeous. I would like this but in order for me to buy it for myself I need to finish three perfumes- that is what I am saying to myself. I find it really hard to finish perfumes because every scent is like a time in your life and a memory.

Revenge Friday 12/04/24

My Mum and I went to London Bridge because there was an exhibition at the fashion and textile museum that we wanted to see. Firstly we had a browse down Bermondsey Street and we got a coffee and matcha latte from Fuckoffee which was really chill. Then we went for a viewing at Kerry Taylor Auction, it was a fashion sale and accessories sale and it had some cool things. I tried on a few things but nothing was really doing it for me. We didn't end up putting a bid on anything. I think there is another auction in June so I will probably go again for that.

We got some lunch at a Vietnamese place. Then we went to the Fashion and Textile Museum and it was basically so busy they weren't excepting walk-ins for another two hours. I just couldn't be bothered to wait. The exhibition is on for another few months so we will probably go another time. Then we went to Borough Market but I suddenly got really bad period cramps- agonising. We ended up heading home but yeah despite it not going completely to plan I still had a really fun day.

Okay I will chat to you again very shortly.

Love

Happy Hippo x

Revenge Friday- Easter vibes

 Hello bunnies x

I hope you are well and having a good Easter. I am working unfortunately on the Saturday and Easter Monday too. 

My Easter decorations.

Revenge Friday- Revenge Trip to Crystal Palace

I am on my own for easter and I feel like everyone has left London so I sort of wanted to go into town and go to a department store and buy some Easter treats to get in the mood. However, I woke up and just couldn't be arsed. So instead I just went to Crystal Palace and it was actually so lovely. I went to a Cafe for lunch and got an omelette and chips which I ate on the terrace. I am trying to remember the last time I went to Crystal Palace and yeah it has been ages- I sort of forgot how lovely it is. I had a browse of the boutiques, antiques shops and charity shops. I promptly left one charity shop when I saw an ugly shein dress for sale for £10.95- they're delusional.

Then I went to a chocolate Cafe, Blowing Dandelion which was really cute they had like lots of easter eggs and truffles for sale- it was very busy as you can imagine. I chose four little eggs and I also got a hot chocolate to-go because I wanted to walk through the park with it. The staff were really friendly and the hot chocolate was good. So yeah I recommend you going if you live in the area and you want to buy some chocolate.

They let me pick the ribbon colour too! I also picked up some earl grey tea from the health food shop because I want to make an afternoon tea on Sunday with hot cross buns and I will have my chocolate.

Then I walked through Crystal Palace park and made my way home.

Anything else?

I am going to have a think about some things to write for the next few Revenge Friday posts.

I actually did manage to finish sewing a dress. I think it looks really cute. I have decided to start doing a quarterly sewing post. So that will be posted maybe next week.

Alright see you next week!

love, 

Happy Hippo 

I am back! x

 Hello darlings

I am so sorry I haven't posted in almost a month. I was actually really unwell and I half wrote a lot of blogposts but never posted them... basically I am just going to sort of put it all together in this blogpost. Yeah quite a few factors: I was quite unwell, I had a migraine/ positional headache that lasted for four days, I was also hit by a car while I was crossing the road lol (I was actually like completely unscathed) and I was on holiday last week. I am back and living to fight another day. But yeah I hope you enjoy this sort of mismatch of all the blogposts I didn't get round to posting in the last month. Enjoy x

Revenge Friday- Day out in Forest Hill and Results Day?

I was in Forest Hill for a bit of a random reason: I was collecting my GCSE certificates. I was having dinner with a school friend a while back and I was saying how badly I did in my GCSE's particularly my Religious Studies GCSE which I got a D in (which always surprised me because I was on track to get way higher than that). Anyway she told me that the exam board had our years RE GCSE remarked and a lot of students' marks had gone up significantly. However, I would have never known because I never collected the certificates. I sort of got excited as well because I didn't do that well at GCSE (I have four lol). So I popped into the school when I had my day off and unbelievably they still had them after 6 years. So I opened them... absolutely no change haha.

So after that I had a facial booked which was really nice. I felt very zen afterwards. I am sort of loving getting like doing beauty appointments- I feel very adult.

I had some lunch at Aga's, I got a cheese toasty and a chai latte which was really delicious. I had a browse of some of the boutiques. They have a really lovely boutique called Better Things which stocks like small independent brands and merchandise from small makers. Then after browsing a few shops I headed back home and just had a chill afternoon.

Revenge Friday- Sloan Square

 I was going on holiday and so I thought it would be nice to get a new pair of ballet flats. I decided to go to Sloan Square because they have some really nice boutiques that you could probably get ballet flats from. I first wanted to go to Anya's Village which is like a selection of themed shops by the designer Anya Hindmarch. It's very fun. I went in a few shops. I wanted to go to the Anya café but I was on my own and honestly it looked full and intimidating but I would love to book it with someone at some point because it looked really nice from the outside. Then I walked to Sloan Square and grabbed some lunch.

I went to Peter Jones/John Lewis and I brought some ballet flats. I also tried on a few denim dresses. Then I ended up buying a perfume, its Chloe Nuit d'Egypte and it took my fancy- I did fall slightly victim to a very persuasive sales assistant. It is very nice though- it makes me feel classy. Peter Jones is a really nice department store and it feels very relaxed- it is quite a good place to go if you have like an occasion you need to buy an outfit for.

Then that was it, I didn't really go in any other shops in Chelsea. They have quite a big Zara but I didn't fancy going in (iykyk). 

Yeah I had a really chill day.

These are the ballet flats that I got and I chose a Mary Jane style with a square toe because I think they look slightly more contemporary and I think they will work with everything. Excuse the terrible photo, I keep saying this is the year that I learn to take better photos for my blog.

Then this is the perfume I got and the man was quite sweet because he gave me loads of samples which I ended up giving to my sister. 

Perfect Days... and Japanese Cinema?

I went to see the film two weekends ago, Perfect Days which is about a man who cleans toilets in Tokyo (I slightly needed a piss half way through and it was like just unbearable watching all these toilets so I did have to nip off to go) and he lives like a very zen life, quite routine and very understated. This is sort of a spoiler but he has sort of curated this life sort of because he is estranged from his family, although we never really find out why. It is a really beautiful film but I will say I am in my early 20's and I don't know if it is an age thing but my parents loved this film and it was a bit lost on me. 

I am potentially going to Japan at some point, so I need to like get into Japanese Cinema because I have never really got into the Studio Ghibli films. I think I have watched Spirited Away as a child and I was quite disturbed. So let me know if you have any like film recommendations Japanese or like Studio Ghibli.

Holiday to Nice

I took some days off and I went to Nice with a school friend. We had loads of fun. 

We went to Monaco one day and we went to Cafe du Paris which is in the same square as the casino and hotel so it is really fun for people watching. We sort of just went for a wonder about and we also went for happy hour in the evening which was really fun and there was live music which... was quite a laugh. The bar I like to go to in Monaco is called La Rascasse 

Then we spent just a day in Nice wondering the shops and looking around the old town and we had another day which we spent in Antibes. We had a cheese board one evening at Les Distilleries Ideales which is my favourite bar in Nice. Yeah we did loads and it was really lovely to just host and show someone around. We had loads of fun. I need to do a post where I like recommend where to go and places to eat in Nice.

I feel so dorky.

All right I will chat in my next post. 

Lots of love,

Happy hippo x