Being fancy in Polesden Lacey... Maybe not so fancy x)

Halloooo!!

On 13th August I didn't stay in London, but I ventured out. To Polesden Lacey to be exact. My parents were in the neighborhood so we decided to meet up. On Sunday I headed to Edinburgh for a mini break, just because :)

Polesden Lacy was the party house of lady Margaret Grevill, daughter of a rich Scottisch brewer who had an affair with the house maid. Margaret was the result of this union. Although she was a 'bastard', her father always ensured she and her mother had a comfortable life, that she had the best education, etc. But as she had the status of 'bastard' she wouldn't be able to marry well in in the early 20th century, that was, unfortunately, still important for a woman. So her dad married her mum and Margaret met an agreable, wealthy man whom she married and lived happily ever after. -Ish.

WARNING this is a picture heavy blog post.

Being fancy at Polesden Lacey

Her husband and she had a town house in Mayfair, London, where they entertained friends, family and royality, but they wanted a smaller country house were people could come for the weekend, relax, party and generally have a good time. Polesden Lacey was the perfect candidate. It needed a little glamouring up (she hired the architects who designed the Rits in London). Near the end of her life, she wanted to give the house to the Royal family, more specifically to queen Elizabeth (queen Mum) and king George VI, but as they became king and queen unexpectant (surprise!), she decided to leave the place to the National Trust, as she did with her London town house.

The story speaks to the imagination. She was a socialite of her time (early 20th century), organising parties and entertaining and match making people. The interior is truly glamourous. Unfortunately a lot is still closed for public, but as of September a few new rooms on the first floor should be accessable to the public. And over the next few years more and more rooms will be opened up. I'd definitly like to go back :)

The view is absolutely stunning and we sat around for a while on the chairs provided by the National Trust. The we did the guided garden tour which was quite interesting and a nice way to explore the gardens. We had an afternoon tea, walked a bit more on the grounds and eventually ended the visit to the house by sitting a bit more in the garden chairs with our faces in the sun ^^ It was an incredibly relaxing day.

The main reason why I wanted to visit Polesden Lacey is because of Hannah and Stef, two YouTubers who have a son of nearly 3. I saw they've visited the house in one of the their vlogs and I just really wanted to visit it as well :)

Here are the two vlogs that gave me the inspiration:

 

Mini break to Edinburgh

Sunday morning at 8am I arrived at King's Cross to this:

A nearly empty train station. Something I had never seen before. As my train left at 9am (I was one hour early) I bought myself a coffee and apricot croissant and sat at a tafel with over view on the station below. Harry Potter and coffee, I couldn't have imagined a better start of the day.

As I was only staying one night, I was able to pack all the essential in my trusty old back pack of the North Face. Say again that women always pack too much to go on holiday.

I arrived in Edinburgh Waverley place around 1.30pm, a little too early to check in in my hotel, so I headed to the Royal Mile as I knew the Fringe, biggest free festival in UK (I think), was happening. August is a massive month for the city. As my two previous trips to Scotland were in June I always missed out on this big event. Well, not this year ;)

There were a few shows I actually really wanted to see, such as a play of the Chronicle of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ('Aslan is on the move') or an acapella group. But unfortunately I was only there for one night and those shows were on Monday evening and after. Bummer, again... Maybe next year?

This is Aslan

I had never seen the Royal Mile so busy though.

I made sure I had a tea at the recently discovered Starbucks in New Town with view on Edinburgh Castle.

And in the evening I made my way up on Carlton Hill to see the sunset over Edinburgh.

But I actually managed to snap this gem on the North Bridge on my way back to the hotel.

Monday morning I had breakfast in the Rabbie's Cafe (it doesn't always have to be Costa, Starbucks or Nero) and then made my way to Holyrood House. Before I went in, I sat for a couple of hours in front of the parliament, looking at people posing with the miniature Kelpies statues. I'm truly fascinated with them. I also saw two lines of clouds cross in mid air with the blue sky as the back drop... The sign of St Andrew's... The inspiration of the Scottish flag... I wasn't sure what to make of it so I just took a picture x)

Holyrood house was fabulous. Current home in Scotland of the queen and former home to Mary, queen of Scots. Lizy was in town at the beginning of July so the house (palace more like) was closed (how dare she?) so I couldn't visit it :( But yes for being able to visit it now. I highly recommend it!! You actually get to visit the chambers of Mary, queen of Scots, and if you don't know yet, I'm fascinated with her and her life.

I wasn't allowed to take any pictures inside, so here are a few shots from the garden and exterior.

This is a picture I've taken when I was on the train on my way back to London, on Monday evening with this mind blowing sunset oO

The rest of the week was normal. Working all day, going home, eating, sleeping and repeating. Pretty boring, so I'll keep it on the travel stuff ;)

If you've made it this far, congrats! Thanks for reading (or looking at the pictures), I appreciate it :)

Thanks!
xo - Sara

Lightsaber combat in the garden

Halloooooo!!

Saturday 6th August was a particular happy day. It ended with lightsaber combat in the garden. How cool is that? Sunday was spent relaxing in doors and then Monday the work week started again. Thursday evening I met up with some friends so the week passed by pretty quickly :)

Some of you might not know yet, but from February 2016 until June 2016 I followed a class called Ludosport. This is basically lightsaber combat. Yes, you've read that correctly, lightsaber combat. Lightsabers. Inspired by the things Jedi's fight with in the Star Wars universe. Anyway, the classmates turned out to be pretty chill and we started going to the pub after class. And then a Ludosocial and before you know it you're part of a somewhat weird group of friends. Age, gender, sexual orientation,... nobody cares. We're all there because we're all geeks in a certain degree ^^ I'm not claiming I've met friends for life, but it is a nice change to my solitairy life. I'm not going to lie :)

So Saturday 6th August we were invited for a barbecue at a friend's house. We were so lucky with the weather! It was sunny and warm. There were two beautiful labradors running around. We drank and talked and messed around with the garden hose. After dinner it was time to get the lightsabers out and start battling or chilling on the grass. It was such a blisfull afternoon and evening. Michelle and I were planning to leave around 8pm, maybe 8.30pm... Next time we checked the time it was 10.30pm. Oops. We did catch the last train back to London and from their each their way home.

Sunday I decided to just stay in and watch YouTube videos and movies. I knew the next couple of weekends were going to be busy so I took advantage of the "I have nothing planned" moments.

As said at the beginning of this post, I met up with some of the Ludosport people on Thursday evening. As it was in an arcade I was not comfortable turning up by myself. It is unlike me, as I'm usually not really fased about showing up somewhere by myself, but because it was in an arcade, a scene that is not my style, I was intimidated as hell. So I went to Harrods to meet up with Michelle from where we went to the arcade together.

At the arcade we sat around a few tables, chatting, drinking, not really deciding what to do. I was game for a game of bowling, but I was the only one x) It isn't exactly an exciting sport/game, but I can enjoy it every once in a while, even though I usually loose. We ended up going for a late dinner at the local Slug and Lettuce and ended up staying there until people started drifting off home again.

The arcade was near the London Eye, nearby the Big Ben. I couldn't not take any pictures of it. Below you can see the view on the Elizabeth Tower over the Thames as the evening went by. The first one was when I arrived. The second one was when we left for the Slug and Lettuce. And the last one was on the way to the bus stop. I don't think I'll ever get sick of that view.

Thursday morning I woke up with a Friday feeling which sucked. But Friday turned out not to be too bad. After work I joined my friend to St Pancras as she left for France for the weekend and I needed to be at the Platform9 3/4 shop as I wanted to buy a present for a friend. And any excuse to surround myself with Harry Potter items or fans alike is a good one ;)

And this is it for this week!
As always, thanks for reading!
xo - Sara

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child midnight book launch *squeals*

Hallooooo!!

I hope you are all doing splendid! I have had the most amazing weekend. And the only reason being: I attended a midnight launch of a Harry Potter book! Well, script... It wasn't the same experience as it probably would have been say 10 years ago, but it was a midnight launch non the less and I was stocked^^

My friend had send me a link earlier in the week to an event on Saturday, but I was a bit 'naaaah'. I'm not the biggest fan of large crowds anymore, so I kind of didn't pay any attention to any event announcements. But when Saturday 30th July came around, I of course, changed my mind. I might have pre ordered my book, but I wanted to attend a mid night launch. The majority of the midnight launches at Waterstones in centre town were ticketed events and were of course sold out, but thank god that Waterstones Tottenham Court Road organised Quidditch beerpong with free entrance and the meanfocus on adults. Kids were welcome, but because it was an event that actually served alcohol, it was less likely to attract kids and was therefore free. Just to double check, I called the store and sure enough, it was free. My friend agreed to accompany me. She is familiar with my squeals and funny noises when I get excited and enthousiastic about something and yet she still wants to be seen in public with me...x)

Sunday I stayed indoors. There was an event that basically blocked all the major street in London, so I was determined to avoid going into town or anywhere with the public transport.

Monday I picked up my own copy of the Cursed Child and I started reading immediately. By Thursday I'd finished the book and I loved it ^^ I also have tickets for the play! They're for next year, so I'll have to wait a while. But it's been 14 years so far, 1 year is not going to make a difference^^

This is what my Thursday morning looked like from 11am. By 12.30pm I had tickets.

Unfortunately the tickets for the 2017 production are now sold out as well.

I had a few early mornings during the week as well, so I had time to grap a coffee at Costa coffee or Nero cafe and read a bit before heading to the office.

Breakfast on Regent Street

I had a Skype call with my parents on Thursday evening and Friday evening was the leaving party of one of my colleagues. It was fancy dress and the theme was Back to School as she is returning to uni to complete her master degree. It wasn't a late night, but it was a fun one :)

And that is it for this week's update. The high light was definitely the midnight launch party of the 8th Harry Potter story and being able to read a new Harry Potter book (well, script).

Thanks for reading!^^
xo - Sara

Some people go Pokemon hunting, I try to find the BFG Dream Jar's... Each there own, I guess?x)

Halloooo!!

Another weekly update! No spontaneous meet ups with old acquaintances, but a BFG Dream Jar trail to write home about!

The Dream Jars were placed all around London. Well, I say placed, they were probably mislayed by the BFG himself! The trail, and little marketing stunt, are here so celebrate Roald Dahl's 100th birthday and the release of the latest movie adaptation by Steven Spielberg. Various celebrities visualised their dreams and the jars were spread across London and beyond. During the month of July you could go around town and try to find them all. The trail ends 31st August. The jars will be auctioned to raise money for Save the Children. If you're interested in purchasing one of your own, or if you just want to contribute to the good cause, here's the link: BFG Dream Jars.

It is pretty much the same concept as they did for Paddington, when that movie was released back in December 2014. Paddington Trail and the Hunger Games: Mockingjay: part 1 premiere

Some of the Dream Jars had beautiful backgrounds...

So yeah, Saturday morning I had my hair cut in a salon near Clapham Junction. And no, you can't actually tell it's been cut and yet it has cost me too much money... It looks a bit healthier now, so I guess that is something... After I left the salon I sat in the park for a bit, contemplating life and how I was going to avoid the hot weather, I started forming a plan. "Take the bus to Westminster and start your Dream Jar hunt!

It turned out that it wasn't as hot as they predicted and I ended up finding a few jars ^^

Sunday morning I left the house for another trail hunt. This time it was in the London bridge/Tower bridge area. Mind you, I walked around for about 4 hours... I've found sooo many jars!!! And more film locations! One from the DaVinci Code and another from Bridget Jones' Diary :)

It was also on this morning, when I was walking on South Bank, looking at the Tower Bridge that it hit me again: I live in FREAKING LONDON! For nearly 2 years and half now! I love it that every once in a while it still hits me. I don't think I'll get tired of this city anytime soon. If ever *sigh*

The work week was the same as per usual so nothing exciting to mention there :)

I'll just leave the trailer for the BFG here and I'll leave you to it ;)

Thanks for reading!
xo - Sara

Crumbs and Dollies and 2nights in 1 week when I drink alcohol!?

Hallooooooooo!!!!

Come writing this blog post, I completely forgot what I did on Saturday, so I'll just start on Sunday.

A girl who I used to go to college with was in London for the Star Wars exhibition. We know each other, but it is not like we've hung out when we were still studying, let alone afterwards. She is a good friend of one of my good friends though. But yeah, we're more like acquaintances so I didn't know she was going to be in London that weekend. However, she posted a photo on Instagram of Carnaby Street, to which I replied: "You're in London!?" to which she responded: "Yeah, for the Star Wars convention. We can meet up for a coffee on Sunday if you like?". And so it happened that on Sunday afternoon I made my way to town centre. Something I had told myself to avoid, but sometimes you just have to make an exception.

We met up at Nike Town Oxford Circus. We hadn't seen each other in like two years and like I've said before, we are more acquaintances than friends. So I'm not going to lie, it was a tiny bit odd.... At the beginning. After walking on Regent Street to Piccadilly to go into the giant Boots and from their back up to Carnaby Street in search for a cute coffee shop, it was all talk talk and talk, awkwardsness long gone ^^

Whilst we were walking towards Kingly Court we passed this tiny cake shop "Crumbs and Dollies". I had seen the shop in one of Zoella's vlogs and actually wondered where that was. Now I know x) I'm not the biggest cupcake fan, in the sense that, I enjoy eating them, I'm just not really motivated to make them. And by coincidence, my friend had eaten a delicious cupcake two days prior which she highly recommended, so now that we were here: cupcake time!

And boy that was good! I had a mini peanut butter and jam cupcake and a cappucino. It was soooo good. And we sat on the bench outside, out of the sun ^^ I'd really like to do that again, like, real soon x)

Her boyfriend then joined us and we went looking for a late lunch, which we found in a Chinese restaurant on Kingly Court itself. I had never met her boyfriend before, only heard a lot of stories. But as we are all grown ups, we had good converstation :) Wouldn't recommend the restaurant though :s Anyway, after that late lunch, it was time to part ways. They needed to go to St Pancras to catch the Eurostar back to Belgium and I, well, I had time on my hands x) Off to Cath Kidston! But first a little snap of an auto free Regent Street.

At Cath Kidston I bought something my sister had asked me to buy for her and whilst I was at it, picked up a few Christmas presents. It's July, time to start thinking about Christmas! But that was my Sunday pretty much ^^

Monday evening I had a looong Skype call with my dearest friend Molly. I hadn't heard her in a very long time, but as soon as I picked up the call, we were chatting and ranting and giving advise like we've only seen each other yesterday^^

Tuesday evening I went to Regent's Park again after work with my friend. We have a little routine now: buy a bottle of rosé and a bag of crisps during lunch, let the rosé cool in the fridge, walk to Regent's park after work, select a bench, sit down and crack open that bottle. Another 3 hour chat. My friend was on holiday the week before and a little catch up was needed ;) Also, we saw the most beautiful sunset I've seen in a while.

Wednesday and Thursday were your regular 'go-straight-home-after-work-day" but Friday was a bit of a surprise. My friend from work had asked if wanted to see Now you see me 2. Sure, I'm always down for a movie. Because I wasn't too keen on going to town during the weekend, I suggested to go after work. Why not? So, that happend. 6pm screening. By the time we got out, it still wasn't dark and it was so lovely. Why go home? Hup, off to Covent Garden in search for a drink. It took us a while, but at last we found a little pop up and ordered two glasses of Lambrusco. I had no idea what to expect, but it was a nice surprise in a glass ;)

By 9.30pm we were 'kicked out' and then it was time to go home. Well, not exactly. On our way to the bus stop, we had a little late night "dinner" at Five Guys. I have to admit: not my brightest idea...:s But it was delicious non the less x) After that it was definitely time to go home ^^

And that is it for my week! Before I go, here is the trailer for Now you see me 2. In case you'd be interested. I'd recommend it ;)

Thanks for reading!
xo - Sara