THERE ARE NO WORDS

OMG my fans! ALL MY FANS! I can't appologize enough. I know it's been MONTHS since my last post, but I have an excuse! A REALLY GOOD ONE!  I'm PREGO!  Yup. Knocked up.  Got a bun in the oven.  Or up the duff as they say here. Not a huge fan of that expression if I'm completely honest. Anyway, I'm back and would like to start a fresh.  Of course you've missed tons.  LOTS of meals out including a 5 hour lunch at The Fat Duck (check out my fave dessert from the meal above), cooking extravaganzas, trips to Berlin, New York, San Fran, Napa, Wales, The Cotwolds - mistaken drug induced comas, you name it! But no point in dwelling. I'm here now and prepared to share all the trials and tribulations of my pregoness.  So that's the big news.  Still working - still enjoying it.  They're carting me off to Singapore in two weeks, so I'm sure I'll have lots to share! For today I think you've had enough.  Stay tuned for updates on a girl's taco night tomorrow with the London ladies.  Sure to be some good goss....and ice cream sandis of course!

Weekend Delights

Fabulous weekned per usual!  Saturday we celebrated the twin's first bday with Dim Sum at New World in China Town.  It was delish and a special treat because they had carts, which can be hard to come by in London!  Next, we headed over to Camden Market where we got the fab new chair pictured above!  SOO Mad Men!

Saturday night had some friends over for cocktails, another Mister LaPoo special.  Then we walked over to Hereford Road for a triple date plus one dinner.  Food was FAB as always and such a good deal.  Started off with the fois gras, potted crab (which was ranked number 1) and a lovely octopus salad.  Then I moved on to the rabbit and for dessert, we pretty much got everything on the menu.  Robyn even ordered the sorbet, which I have now renamed snorbet.  I was obviously quite pleased with myself and will be retelling that one for a good few years. 

Roka My World...

Went to dinner last night at Roka - the yummy Japanese resto on Charlotte Street.  I've been looking forward to this dinner for quite some time, so may have built it up a bit too much in my mind.  Don't get me wrong, it was REALLY good, but not J'AMAZING.  Had a lychee martini as soon as I sat down, which is one of my fave cocktails.  However, our friend Simon ordered a frozen cocktail called the Elegante.  YUM - even better than my martini!  May have stolen quite a few sips.  Food was all good, but again no major stand outs.  Went on from there to Bourne & Hollingsworth and the Charlotte Street Hotel - both favourite drinking spots.  Love Fitzrovia and that whole area around Charlotte Street.

Today had the perfect hangover cure at work...cupcakes from Primrose Bakery.  DREAM.  AND, even in my fuzzy headed state, I managed to pull together quite the cutie outfit today for a trend presenation at Vogue House.  APC black knit top over white Paul Smith puff sleeve button down, new grey Vanessa Bruno Athe harem trousers (harem in a subtle/good way, I swear), Chanel strands of pearls and black patent Belle by Sigerson Morrison party girl heels.  Nailed it.

Tried Something LaNew!

Sunday we did a standard brunch with Rhys & Ellie, BUT decided to steer clear of our usual choices (i.e. The Electric, 202, blah blah blah.)  We went to the Notting Hill branch of Raoul's - been there for lunch before, but never brunch. It was delish and everyone at the table agreed the french toast for the table was better than the Electrics' as of late. 

After stuffing our faces, naturally, we wanted to go shopping. Because what could be better than trying on clothes bloated and full of bacon? Nothin'!  I went to my fave one stop shop, upstairs at Urban Outfitters on Kensington High Street.  I found a FAB APC denim anchor bag (AHH NAUTICAL!) for only 12 pounds AND a cutie striped APC tank, black silk Vanessa Bruno top and grey kinda harem trousers (also by VB), but in a cool casual way.  Someone's getting VERY excited for spring/summer.  Yours LaPooly!

PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

OH LAPOOP have I been neglecting you! So much to catch up on, will have to just give the highlights!

Saw Tom Ford's movie debut, A Single Man at The Electric last week with Liz and Sonia.  We wore our Tom Ford-esque black rimmed glasses for the occasion of course.  

Really loved the film visually and for the story.  Colin Firth was amazing, but Julianne Moore STOLE the show.  Also, could not BELIEVE the young hot student was the awkward kid from About A Boy.  He really FILLED out nicely.

Had a brunch and a dinner at Dean Street Townhouse - the latest installment from the Soho House Group.  Brunch was delish and fun, dinner was a bit of a disaster, as we were seated 45 minutes after our reservation time and the food was just so-so.  AND, in typical British fashion, nobody apologized or offered us free drinks.  Instead they gave us a crappy table and a snarky German waitress.  Tip deducted.

Next on the list, I got a nice little hair cut from Wanger at Aveda in Westbourne Grove, and have decided with the above pic as a haircut to aspire to.  

Dinner last Saturday, with fan favorites Natalia and Jason, at St. John Bread & Wine.  Never have a bad meal there.  End of.  AHAHAH that's what trashy British people say.

ALSO, attended a bday dinner in east London at Cantaloupe - food was fine, vibe was fun, loved the shot girls that walked around the bar like we were in Key West Spring Break circa 1998.


OMG. I almost forgot.  Phenomenal lunch in Primrose Hill at Melrose & Morgan, which is perhaps my favourite gourmet grocer in London. No. THE WORLD.  Amazing cheese scone sandwich with goats cheese and carmelized onions, salmon sandwich and fresh spinach salad.  For dessert super (hate the word, but have to do it) moist orange cake with rich chocolate icing.  I'm salivating as we speak.

There's more there's more! Last week grabbed a margarita solo at Crazy Homies, as I was ridiculously early per usual to meet a friend for burgers next door at Lucky 7.  Really enjoyed my drink and the vibe at CH, and of course Lucky 7 never disappoints.  It was crawling with Americans, which was so typically sad, but I suppose I can't really comment being one and all.

ALSO, had cocktails last night at Hix downstair's bar, Mark's Bar.  YUM! Great scene, excellent service and super delish drinks.

In other LaPoo's news, still loving the new job and gearing up for a trip to NYC and San Fran in a few weeks with the Mister! No exciting new purchases to report, but I feel one coming on any day now.  STAY TUNED!

LaPoo Is So En Vogue

I can't believe I have waited this long to mention the poo article in the March issue of Vogue!! British Vogue that is.  It's all about how girls actually do poo!  It starts off talking about how most girls don't like to talk about it or do it in front of anyone, etc.  I was getting really nervous that I was a freak, but don't worry. The second half is all girls that don't care who knows, who sees, blah blah blah.  PHEW.  Anyway, I really enjoyed it.  ALSO, really enjoyed, LOVED even, the new Missoni ad in the same Vogue issue.  That Margherita is just the coolest.  I bet she talks about poo.  All the time.

Oh the ENGLISH

Sometimes I make notes to myself of stuff to include on a post.  I was going through these yesterday and came across one that said, "Sometimes I just think ugh British people."  Lucky for you I actually remember when I wrote this. I was in a particularly bad mood, sitting in EAT off Savile Row, waiting for my friend Natalie and there were a few annoyingly British guys and a girl, in their mid twenties, sitting next to me.  Don't know what they said exactly, but it rubbed me the wrong way.  You have been warned.

Girls Gone WILD!!

...hardly!  Last night was a deligtful blend of girls, gossip, grub and gulping. Sorry tried to stick with the alliteration - I'm sure you get the idea.  The meal was a big success, especially with the help of my little sous chef's Amelia, Liz, Maddie and Lily. Although, apparently I'm bossy in the kitchen! Very exciting!  Check out the pics of the menu, food and the gorge flowers Lily brought me! 

 

C is for Cookie...That's Good Enough For ME!

Mister is away this week so am having some girlies over tonight.  Started the preparations yesterday...baked about 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies and made them into ice cream sandis. OR, as I have now renamed them...Ice DREAM sandis!  Will let you know how they go over!

Flash Back

Woke up this morning and instantly began daydreaming of tomorrow night when another episode of Glee will be on! YAY!  Started thinking about the main character Rachel, and how she has two dads....which then all of a sudden reminded me of the hit 1980's show, My Two Dads!! REMEMBER?? I used to LOVE that show.  Paul Reiser (Mad About You)?  Giovanni Ribisi (Friends, Lost In Translation)?  Was trying to recall if there was any kind of gay undercurrent, but really don't think there was, which seems SO ridiculous in retrospect.  How times have changed.  Might need to youtube a couple epis later today while the Mister is watching the Chelsea game....I'll report back!

Other Mentionables

Saturday afternoon we went to Dover Street Market, the always fashion forward concept store in Mayfair, for a quick shop and lunch at Rose Bakery on the 4th floor.  I had an open faced warm sandi with ham, leeks and parmesan.  HEAVEN.  I've decided I'm SUPER into leeks right now.   Also managed to run into two ex colleagues from my last job.  Wasn't nearly as awkward as it could have been though - phew!

Dinner was at The Clarendon, a "trendy" gastro pub near our flat.  It's pretty inside and our waitress was super nice (American of course), but I wasn't blown away by the food.  My steak was actually cooked perfectly and quite tasty, but nothing on the menu jumped out at me.  Usually there are one or two things I'm dying to try, and last night I actually found it quite difficult to decide on anything.  Maybe worth going for a drink though, for the nice atmosphere and friendly service.

After dinner we traveled east for Tanya's bday drinks at Green & Red Bar, a fun Mexican restaurant with a downstairs drinking area.  It had a fun vibe, delish margaritas and it wasn't overly crowded, which now that I'm not 25 anymore (a recent development mind you), I thoroughly appreciate!  

The Bill PLEASE!

Friday night had the inlaws in town, so rushed home from work and the Mister and I cooked up a feast.  Steak and guiness pie and I made some Bill Granger blueberry and pear crumbles in my Le Creuset ramekins.  Delightful!  And while we're on the subject of my hero, Bill... I have BIG news to share!  On Saturday I stopped in our neighborhood cookbook shop Books for Cooks to pick up a Bill book for my friend Tanya's bday.  I started chatting with the lady at the register about rumors that Bill might open a resto in London when she told me that Bill has officially relocated from Sydney to London and is living right here in NOTTING HILL! WELL...you can imagine my reaction.  O.M.G.  Don't think the lady was super impressed with me, and might be warning Bill of a stalker in the hood, but all I'm saying is KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED MY FRIENDS!!  KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED.

FIRST WEEK

I am RELIEVED to announce that my first week at the new job went splendidly!  Think I'm really going to enjoy this one, and hopefully make some new friends too.  On Wednesday I had a long "working lunch" with the Account Director from the PR Agency we use.  I went and met her at her offices, in the middle of nowhere...got a little lost along some desolate residential roads (Check out my panic pic above) ...but it all worked out in the end, as she was super nice and young and cute and loves Gossip Girl! PHEW!  We had lunch at High Road House, the latest installment from Soho House.  It was very similar to the Electric (also part of the Soho House group) in decor and food, with a fun buzzy vibe.  I had a delish pork and cider pie, and we shared a chocolate melty cake for dessert.  Nailed it!

Wednesday night met Sally & Liz for a catch up sesh at the Carluccios in South Kensington!  Chain restos are not usually my first choice, but I have to admit the food is good at Carluccios and it is always packed.  I had a wild mushroom pasta, which was surprisingly tasty, but I think anything carby would have been after all the wine we drank - YIKES! Thursday was a bit of a hangover nightmare.  Made it through the day with only one slightly idiotic comment.   When asked where I was from in California, I replied, "Outside California."  Yup.  New hire's a sharp one.  REAL SHARP.

New LaPoo Era

Started my new job yesterday! So far so good!  I already have an email address, desk, computer and a phone from this decade!  Still in the stages of having not much to do, so feel a little guilty, but I know that will change soon enough.  Also have scoped out a couple potential friends.  They won't know what HIT 'EM!

Weekend Round Up

Another delightful weekend all around! Saturday was sunny and glorious!  Took a walk around the hood with the Mister, and in the evening I met some lady friends for drinks at Montgomery Place on Kensington Park Road in the hood.  I partook in a French 75 and Mojito - both good, not AMAZING.  My friend Paige loves MP, but for me it's just OK.  It is one of few of its kind in London - a nice actual cocktail lounge, as opposed to a pub. BUT, coming from NYC, which is full of amazing cocktail lounges, Montgomery Place doesn't quite hit the mark for me.  Tries a little too hard and the crowd can get a bit iffy. Still, we had a table in the front and a great catch up sesh, so we were all happy and liquored up!  Next stop, dinner at The Electric.  Always a good time, although they made us wait a half an hour to be seated, even though we had a ressie, and then even longer to serve us our burgers!  Luckily, they comped us our drinks.  I mean, did you really think three American girls were going to let anyone get away with making us wait to sit and eat?  Not so much!

Sunday, we took a trip over to Spitalfields Market, to check out the chachkas.  Nothing exciting, but I did discover a new Dim Sum stall called KeKe.  So, while the Mister popped to the Loo (yess!), I decided to order a few dumplings to sample.  I mean, I had to report back to you with thorough research did I not?  I ordered the shrimp chive dumplings and they were perfect! Flavourful, fresh and not greasy at all.  Everything looked delish and I will defintely go back to try the rest of the menu! Yum yum KeKe!

After the dumplings, we got our actual lunch at another stall in the market, Rainforest Creations. They do amazing fresh vegetarian salads - I think Carribbean inspired.  They are always a treat, although I do recommend them as a summer lunch rather than winter.  Mine was so cold, it lost a bit of taste.  A costly error on my part, but luckily I had a PB&J later in the afternoon to warm up! I'm sure you were concerned.

Sweet & Sour Friday!

Friday the Mister & I drove to Wales for an unhappy occasion: a funeral.  Though it was sad, on the cheerier side, it was very nice to see a bit of country side and the charming village of Usk, where Mr. LaPoo's mom's side of the family is from.  We had a delish pub lunch at The Three Salmons in town, where I sampled some local duck. It did not disappoint. Neither did our outspoken Italian waiter for that matter.  Later in the afternoon we attended the reception at the Glyn Yr Afon Hotel, where I could have happily gotten fat on fresh raspberry tarts for days.

Friday night we rushed back to London to attend our friend Rhys' black tie birthday dinner at The Carlton Club, which is a very old conservative private member's club in St. James.  Terribly British.  The dinner, for around 20 of us, was an excellent seven course meal in a private room with all the superfluous silverware a lady LaPoo could ever dream of!  As Mr. LaPoo pointed out, we could have easily been in any number of centuries in this lovely room surrounded by dashing men in black tuxedos, seated in the traditional manner of boy girl boy girl.  A few of the women's outfits may have been a give away though, as I always find their definition of "black tie" much looser than a man's.  Anyway, it was a MOST enjoyable evening full of great friends, food, wine and port!  I only suffered one typical, and I promise unavoidable, etiquette faux pas towards the beginning of the dinner.  Major wardrobe malfunction - spent a good ten minutes trying to pin my dress back into my bra.  Don't ask.   And yes, I'm pretty sure everyone noticed.

More Cupcakes

Thursday was my last day at the PR agency I've been with since December.  While I think we all know it wasn't my fave, I did meet some great people, new friends even, and it was sad to say goodbye!  They got me a lovely cupcake and card as a send off! It was really sweet.... both the cupcake and the gesture! 

Wednesday Catch Up!

Oh my little poodles...I've fallen behind once again!  This week and weekend are FULL of social engagements, so I have to do my best to keep you updated.  

My Wednesday night was threefold in events.  First, I met my friend Julie and we stopped by the TwoBirds Bridesmaid Notting Hill launch party on Kensington Park Road.  A friend's company that makes super cute bridesmaid dresses that can be worn in a billion different ways.  There was a great turn out at the party and the space looked fab, fitted out by Shabby Chic.  The canapes were delish too, and as Julie and I left, we grabbed two chocolate cupcakes for the road. 

Next, we took our cupcakes up Westbourne Grove to Taqueria, my fave neighborhood Mexican fix.  I think it's been mentioned before, so I won't go into too much detail, but always get the fish tacos and the Sandia Agua Fresca.  It's like drinking a watermelon.

Last stop of the night was The Electric Cinema to see Up In The Air.  Me, Julie, two cupcakes and George Clooney.  What could be better?  Loved the movie - though be warned it's a little on the depressing side.  Especially loved Anna Kendrick's character, Natalie.  Check her out - she's the prissy girl in Twilight.  Anypoodles, it was a great night.  Stay tuned for Thursday and Friday's adventures!

Brace Yourselves!

I'm TOTALLY on a roll lately with great accessory purchases! I had a gift certificate left to Paul Smith, so went in the other day and found this J'AMAZING bracelet by Dinosaur Designs, a fab Australian label. I absolutely love it and am so excited to have a new big bracelet that is something other than Chanel....AHAHAH YESS almost got that out with a straight face!  Ohhh I know I know, nobody likes a show off.

Too Cool for School

 Uhh...you know when you're walking home from work feeling SUPER cool, jamming to a Girl Talk mash-up, flaunting your fancy new Miu Miu bag, reading an email on your iphone....and you walk straight into a pole?  No? Guess that's just me then.

Weekend Delights!

Another successful dinner party at the LaPoo residence on Saturday night!  There were six of us in total, but we ate enough to feed a small third world country I would say.  Mr. LaPoo actually was responsible for most of the menu, but I'll break it down for you!  He made another signature cocktail, which was basically a caipiroska with ginger, a delish kale and feta tart to start and the main, beef ragu with gnocchi.  I contributed a Mario Batali butternut squash with honey and mint side dish.  AND for dessert, individual molton chocolate pots in ramekins! YUMMM!!!

After stuffing ourselves silly, we played a round of Name in the Hat Game.  This did not go over quite as well as the meal.  Let's just say some people didn't like the HOUSE rules.  I'm sorry. No passing. Not on my watch.  Not ever.

NEW JOB!!

BIG NEWS my friends!  Someone got a new job! I know what you're thinking....didn't she just get a new job?  WELL, this is a different one.  One that I'm very excited about.  It all started a couple months ago, but has finally just come through.  Nearly lapooped myself when I had to resign last week, but it's all behind me now!  I start one week from today and will be doing in house PR and copywriting for a fun UK based beauty brand.  Stay tuned for further DEETS, but I just wanted to keep you abreast.  THANK GOD we all have the picture of my current job's phone on reserve when in need of a giggle or two.

ALSO, do note the glorious flowers my mister gave me as a congrats on the new posish! What a dream!! 

I have NO words!

Uhh...make that punctuation!  Check out this temporary sign at the Barclays I pass on my way to the gym every morning.  All I can conjecture is that punctuation cost extra??  CHEAP BASTARDS!

I HEART SALE TIME!

Today I popped into one of my fave neighborhood shops, Couverture & Garbstore.  Lo and behold, the top I've been eyeing all season long was on sale!  Naturally I scooped it right up.  It is everything I aim to incorporate into my everyday look.  A bit nautical-schoolgirl-frenchy '40s with a twist of Tokyo chic.  POO LA LA!!

CHRISSY POOS!

UHH...have totally failed to mention the J'AMAZING (New word. Get into it!) Chrissy present Mr. LaPoo got me.  Check out my fab new Miu Miu bag!  And please ignore the weird pillow setting.  I was in a rush. 

Similarly, I got Mr. LaPoo series 1 & 2 of Mad Men, which he and I have been enjoying IMMENSELY.  I'm one lucky lady!

36 Hour in Bangers!

On our way home, Mr. LaPoo and I spent a quick 36 hours in Bangkok.  Very quick, since about 18 of those hours were spent sleeping.  Here is my photo diary of the day!

We'll begin with the lovely "mini bar" in our room at the Rose Hotel.  This consisted of snacks, some liquor and flavoured condoms of course!  This is a slight tip off to the quality of the hotel.  Actually the rooms were fine and definitely clean.  Nothing amazing though.  The best part of the hotel, by far, was the lovely pool area!

Our Bangkok brekkie...

Run in with real life Thai School Girls!  Those of you that know me, which, let's face it, is probably all of you, know how much I LOVE a good Asian school girl!  And one of these had a cutie little Harrods bag with her. I asked if she had been, to which she replied, "My father."  Fabulous.

Next we took a ride in a Tuk Tuk to the nearest mall!

 

Got our shop on BIG TIME at several different malls.  I found these two adorable necklaces for the equivalent of 20 pounds!

 

At the same mall where I got these necklaces, Mr. LaPoo and I also discovered a great Thai brand called Viera by Ragazze.  I bought some adorable white leather sandals and the Mister got a cooler than most leather portfolio case.  One store in particular, however, completely stole our attention for at least a good two hours.  It was called D&O shop, for Design and Objects.  A super cool open stall in the Gaysorn shopping center with home and fashion items from established and up and coming Thai designers.  Read the below if you can - it's super cool! We pretty much bought out the store. Suprised? Me neither. 

 

We also visited the food court at Siam Paragon Mall, upon our friend Dave's suggestion.  It was AMAZING.  I was mesmerized by the giant fish tanks, bright colours, uniforms, international foods and fashion statements that surrounded me. 

 

We even found a cupcake cafe!  Who knew that craze reached as far as Thailand! 

We really just needed a snack at this point in the day, so opted for some Japanese, we think, fish balls to tide us over 'til lunch.  As Mr. LaPoo said.  Nothing refuels like fish balls!

Lunch was at Soi Polo Chicken - fried garlic chicken, salad and a pork dish! All finger lickin' good! NO GREAT!

Later in the afternoon, Mr. LaPoo and I treated ourselves to his and hers Thai massages.  I mean you can't go to Thailand without getting a cheapy massage.   These actually weren't AS cheapy as we could find, but we decided to spoil ourselves at the spa at the Grande Centre Point Hotel.  Best decision EVER.

We finished off the day with some more amazing food and drinks...

 

....and maybe a little something from the minibar!