I'll Have the Bowl of Water LaPLEASE!

Happy to report we had a delightful weekend! Kicked things off with lunch on Friday with my friend Carla at La Pain Quotidien. Food was delish, but the service was abysmal and somewhat strange. We asked for tap water. Twenty minutes later two soup bowls of luke warm water were plunked down in front of us with no explanation. Turns out they ran out of glasses, but I mean who doesn't just say that? I thought they were getting all fancy and giving us finger dippers.

Saturday I just hung with the fam and baked a chocolate tort. The Mister made an amazing pork roast and we caught up on our TV. Sunday, had some friends over for a vegetarian feast and then an impromptu playdate with some other new parent friends! All in all two thumbs up. (We are of course skipping over the hour the nugget spent crying because he suddenly refuses to take his bottle. Oh and his 2am feeds that he has recently decided to throw into the mix. I mean why not, right?)

Queens La Park

Yesterday the nugget and I explored a new area in London - Queens Park - with other local yummy Christa. LOVED IT! Of course it helped that it was sunny and warm out for the first time in DECADES.  (Check out the spring-like lilies blooming on my table!) We had a delightful lunch at Gails - they have one of those in Notting Hill, so you know it's good.  Then a stroll through the park, which has a petting zoo, ping pong tables and a pool. JAMAZING.  Finished the afternoon off with carrot cake at Jacks Cafe. All in all, I'd say I'd go back.

NOW, in case you thought I had forgotten, last night I took things to a whole new level. Yup. I had a dream about the hightops. I decided to host a press event so I could contact Margiela to get fragrance samples for goody bags. Don't think Margiela makes a fragrance, but anyway, I therefore had to get in touch with their PR, build a relationship and gain access to their discount. All for the sneaks. Kinda brilliant for being unconscious if you ask me!

Rain Rain GO AWAY!

Having an I HATE London day. Well I had an I hate London moment as I attempted to maneuver the nugget down the millions stairs from our flat, through the rain to the car where I keep the pram...because of the STAIRS. Couldn't strap him into the car-seat (attaches to the pram) as I had him in a snowsuit... because of the RAIN! I was only mildly placated by my fab outfit today, a lovely lunch at new fan fave Ukai with another yummy and a free fringe trim!

Yesterday worked out at the gym and left the nugget at the creche again. When I arrived to pick him up, I found him snoozing amongst a chaos of kids in a little bouncy chair. BLESS. Second activity of the day, I had to take him for two more immunizations. Hated it obvio. He snoozed and whimpered for the remainder of the afternoon. Was kinda nice though as he slept on my chest for over an hour.

And on a totally different note. I was OBSESSED with the Gwenyth Paltrow Glee episode. OBSESSED!

Copy Cats!

Today took the nugget to the Electric Scream to see Burlesque. He wasn't a huge fan of all the flashing lights. I wasn't a huge fan of how much it reminded me of Coyote Ugly. BUT I did enjoy the all-star cast. Can't go wrong with a little Stanley Tucci.

Have to say, actually, have been noticing quite a few 'knock offs' lately. First, on the new Beverly Hills 90210. Liam, bad boy turned good, all of a sudden living in the rich family's pool-house. Wreaks a bit of Ryan Atwood shacking up with the Cohen's on the OC. AND, did anyone catch John Mayer at the Grammys? I thought he was Johnny Depp for sure the first time the camera went to him. Of course, in all cases the original is far far SUPERIOR.

OH, and just a quick update - the rest of the weekend was somewhat uneventful! Lots of eating mainly! Pizza from Firezza and brunch at 202 on Sunday. I visited my sneakers at Joseph and got another yummy hooked on them. Not sure if that was wise, although we don't wear the same size so doesn't really matter.

Single Mom Again!

The mister went skiing with his male pals this weekend, so the nugget and I found ourselves alone again! Luckily we had Aunt Keeks to hang out with! Thursday night she came over for leftover Chicken Marbella and Oprah! Friday we hit the hood hard! First lunch at Taqueria  - major Mexican piglet fest! Love their Sandia (watermellon) aguafrescas and Al Pastor tacos. We then shopped up a storm. Well I browsed (maternity cover is NOT lucrative), but Keeks made some excellent accessory purchases at Couverture and the Garbstore, Aubin & Wills and Whistles! I've got my eye on a black jumpsuit at Sandro... plus the gay French sales assistant there who watched the nugget while I looked downstairs! He was a dream!

Friday night we ordered in Sushi from Ukai - highly reco their tuna tartare. Followed it up with a cupcake and red velvet cake from Hummingbird.  Yup. We're DISGUSTING and loved every minute of it! More food updates from the weekend to come!!

OH and some major nugget milestones this weekend.  He grabbed a rattle out of my hand and held it for a while! Shaking it around. AND took two naps in his very own crib. First time ever. He's such a big boy!! Obviously I cried.

Living My Lunch!

Outing number one of the day - took the nugget with me to the gym for my first solo workout! A little chest pain towards the end of my stint on the elliptical, but I survived! Picked up the bundle of joy at the creche after and he gave me a big smile! Wonder if he recognizes me??

Next stop on the activity train, went to Byron Burger on High Street Ken to meet the workmates for lunch.  One of the best burgers in London I RECKON! Definitely the best shakes. Just the right thickness.

Strolled home through Holland Park and the sun came out, which was a real treat!
P.S. The nugget has been snuggling up in the Patagonia Baby Blanket lately - a gift from friends - and he is LOVING IT! It's so soft and cute, I want one for myself!

P.P.S. OMG just realized my day was... like a BURGER. I exercised. Then ate a burger (i.e. fatty boomsticks) then exercised again. I sandwiched my fat in workouts! Shut it. The walk totally counts.

Activity Machine

This week has been more of the same I'm sorry to say! Monday went for a LONG walk in Hyde Park with some other yummies. Tuesday went to the gym. Yup, that was my big activity. Most days consist of one main activity/outing so I feel like I've really achieved something. Today, however, I managed TWO.  I dressed the nugget up in his crunchy Golden Gate onesie and took him to a baby massage class in the hood. He loved it and was nice to meet some other local moms. Then, activity numero dos, went with some friends to Ukai on Portobello road for a giant sushi platter and a passion fruit, orange and jasmine tea mocktail! DEEEELightful!

We're home now and I just got the chicken into the fridge to marinate. Was going to try and tackle a tort, but realized we don't have any eggs. I mean I guess that would have been WAY too many activities for today anyway. Not fair to the other days really. Maybe tomorrow!

Food Fest

My brother was visiting over the weekend, so we had a REAL food fest! Saturday we took the nugget for his first dim sum at Royal China in Bayswater. It was surprisingly DELISH! A shame that they don't use carts, but I guess we can't have everything. After a few hour's breather, we made our way to local fave Hereford Road for another outstanding meal! Highlights were the smoked haddock starter, the whole lemon sole and the spiced pear and meringue dessert! LaYUM!

Sunday it rained, so we stayed in, played boggle and cooked up a lamb roast for dinner... topped off by individual chocolate molten cakes by Bill Granger.

Swimming LaPool for Nuggets

So much to report!! Friday was JAMAZING! Took the nugget with some other yummy friends and their little ones to the Baby Spa in Kensington... which is exactly what it sounds like. A spa for babies.  We walked into a typical zen environment of tiles, white wash, soft background music and a waiting room decked in pillows and cushions... oh and about two thousand buggies. Three of us at a time were taken into the 'therapy room' where our babies put on swim nappies and had a floatation ring fixed around their necks. They were then gently placed in a giant tub surrounded by toys and left to float around for twenty minutes without us holding them! It was UNBELIEVABLE to watch. Couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And I know this isn't really possible, but the nugget seemed aware of the other babies in the tub. One lady nugget in particular in fact! He absolutely loved it and seemed like he was showing first signs of learning to swim! After his soak, the nugget was given a relaxing massage by the owner, Laura. I feel my description of the experience doesn't even do it justice. Check out the pics above. We will definitely be back!!

Sonia Rykiel.. you're Naut-y-cal!! And I'm in BIG trouble!!

                

Lucky Lucky

Today was a typical rainy grey London day. Luckily I had these gorgeous flowers from Liz to brighten my day! Managed to get out of the 'house' in the downpour though. My yummy friend Christa came and picked us up (the Nugget and me that is) and we attempted to go to lunch at the Oak. Unfortunately they don't serve lunch on weekdays, so quickly ducked in to the next closest resto - Lucky 7.  Cheeseburgers, fries and oreo cookie shakes. Thank god The Oak was closed! Only other snafoodle was the car seat didn't quite fit on the banquet, so the nugget sat on the table.  Couldn't help but notice the disgusted look from the lady at the table next to us, but whatevs. We all survived just fine.


Came home for a later afternoon of elastic waist pants, boobs, Where the While Things Are and some internet surfing. Just discovered Boutique by Jaeger .  Kinda obsessed with with their S/S 11 line.

Lady Who Lunches

It has really hit me this week that I am kinda a lady who lunches now. Plus baby stuff - signing up for Gymboree and possibly Aqua Babies. Anyhoo, yesterday I met a friend at Le Pain Quotidiene in Kensington.  Always surprised how good it is for a chain. Over priced though I think. For a chain. Last night, my friend Liz came over and cooked me pizzas and helped with the nugget. (Pictured above!) We watched some bad TV and gossiped - an excellent night over all.

Today I went into the office for the first time to see everyone. Surreal but nice. (Name that movie!!) Next stop? Lunch of course.Went to the Electric for a change with the Monty ladies. AND, another first, the nugget actually woke up and started to cry in the resto. My worst fear realized. But, I held him for a while. He burped. He farted. And then was all smiles for the remainder of the meal. PHEW.

p.s. Still thinking about the Margiela hightops. Somebody stop me!! OH AND I fit into my J Brand jeans today. I'm BACK!

Monkey Business

Another eventful day in mommy land! Went to the gym this morning and left the nugget at the creche there! Leave it to London, by the way, to use an antiquated religo word like Creche for the place where I'm entrusting my child with strangers for the first time EVER! Got a bit choked up as I walked away, but an hour later he was fine, sitting in a bouncy chair and apparently didn't cry once. And no baby Jesus in sight. PHEW.

After my workout I went and met a fellow American at Bumpkin for burgers and Brit bashing. Thoroughly satisfying on all counts.

Check out the nugget above in his new vintage looking monkey T compliments of Nina & Travis San Fran Style!!

A Little Bit of the LaBlues and Weekend News!

Two big achievements this weekend and some exciting news!
FIRST, I baked a caramel apple cake. Anytime I bake something since the nugget came along, I feel pretty proud. Served it up with some vanilla ice cream right after the amazing dinner the Mister made. Indian Pot Roast Chicken with lemon potatoes from the second Leon cookbook and a chickpea and carrot salad from the new Ottolenghi cookbook.

TWO, the nugget fell asleep while I was holding him, which he hasn't done in a while. Made me feel loved. I'm feeling a little fragile because the Mister has now gone to Geneva for work for a whole week. Luckily I have LOTS planned so stay tuned. I'm not taking this single mom thing sitting down!

OH and the exciting news... Keeks got engaged last night!! In Paris!!! NAILED IT!!!

No More Sweatpants

Yesterday I decided to stay in and have a sweatpants day thinking it would be relaxing. Turns out there's no such thing anymore. By the time the Mister got home I was just angry with him for being a boy. SO today things were different. We will start with my outfit. APC denim shortalls with the suspenders hanging down, timeless classic. Sessun navy sweatshirt top over a white Paul Smith button down shirt WITH APC black bowtie pin on the right collar. Black APC flat tall leather boots. black tights... ALL topped off with a pony, camel Uniqlo cape and the Hermes bangle Chrissy pressie from the Mister. I MEANNNN!!! 

Took my outfit and the nugget to lunch at the Electric with other yummy friend Julie. I had the pumpkin and gorgonzola rissotto. Not quite as good as last time. Next stop Joseph to finally try on the Margiela hightops. Unfortunately, they looked AMAZING, were super comfortable and are now on hold until end of day tomorrow. Stay tuned. Then wandered around the corner to Ottolenghi to buy some desserts for this evening. Was just paying when KIRSTIE ALLSOPP stepped into line behind me. Have always hearted Kirstie, but she didn't so much as sneak a peek at the nugget and his sleepy angel face, (visual aid above). Needless to say, she has been crossed off the list.

Sophie LaPooies

Day two flying solo and I'm totally nailing this stay at home mom thing! Thought about baking something, but didn't quite get around to it, but more importantly, all of a sudden I have an excuse to add a 'y' onto the end of every word and talk about poop non stop. Quite frankly, I don't know why I didn't have a baby sooner.  My first text of the day to the Mister was "He poopied again". AND FYI pillies with predictive text actually comes out pillows.

In other news, the nugget and I took a walk today using the Baby Bjorn and I am OBSESSED with this season's Martin Margiela's leather and suede hightops. I WILL find a way to make them mine.  So yummy mummy chic.

Snooze News

Nothing super exciting to report today... although I had another first. My FIRST day with the Mister back at work! He sent me a picture of the gorge view from his new desk, so I replied with the above pic. My view from bed.

The rest of the day has been so far so good. I went to a get together with the moms from my childbirth class to talk to the next generation of pregnant women. Really felt like an expert...until the nugget puked all over my nice crisp white shirt. ANYHOO, next we all went to the mall for a late lunch at Chillies. For you Americans out there, don't be fooled. This was not the same Chillies of our youths. This one was a Mexican restaurant, and not a good one at that. I had the Three Amigos, if that's any indication.

Tonight I will be cooking salmon in a mustard sauce, with rice and asparagus. Simple and healthy.

Such a mom day I can hardly even stand it. In a good way.

A Day of Firsts

Today the nugget wore his super cute new striped Petit Bateau gray hat with the ear flaps for the first time. Rode the bus for the first time. Loved it as you can see below. And, most importantly, went to Uniqlo for the first time and helped mommy pick out some of-the-moment dark boyfriend jeans! Plus some ridiculously soft navy chinos.

On a non-nugget note, for our final lunch together before the Mister returns to work tomorrow, we had 2 Heston Blumenthal pies from Waitrose. I HIGHLY reco the spinach, mushroom and kombu one.

OH and this morning I managed to make it to the gym for a workout with my 21 year old trainer. He had me do four sets of squats on the Power-Plate (that vibrating platform thing), which kinda made me feel like my hoo-ha was going to fall out!! Of course, what doesn't these days.