Nando Lopes at Richard Ward

I wrote about Richard Ward earlier this year and given it seems to be a favourite of yours, I thought I should share an update with you!

I swapped over to Nando Lopes (James Pryce had been cutting my hair for about four years) shortly after my previous post. I had another appointment cancelled at really the shortest possible notice they could possibly have given (for La Duchess'/ Kate Middleton's Canadian tour...), James had become v busy/ stressed* and, well, naturally his price rocketed so that he is now in the same bracket as Nando. My big sis got married in September and my mother had booked Nando out for the morning, so it just made sense for me to swap over to Nando (although there was some awkwardness at first with James working across from  us during my first cut with Nando). Nando has been a-ma-zing!!! I last had my hair cut in September and it has maintained its shape after four months!! Yes, it's grown about 1.5-2 inches and I'll get it done in January but previously I had to go about every 6-8 weeks....now I'll just go 3 or 4 times a year! So, if you do the maths, you could find that trying your luck with one of the stylists at Richard Ward may mean paying a bit more per appointment but can work out the same or cheaper as what you're paying now (per year) as you'd likely get a much better haircut and visit the salon less**!

I'll post some pictures of Nando's handiwork from big sis' wedding soon but just wanted to post a quick update in the meantime!

AB x

*I have been uncharacteristically and, if I say so myself, admirably reticent and tactful here....

**Unless you dye your hair....I go au naturelle so can't help you there, sorry...

Anniversary Gift Ideas

While browsing the sales online for some bargains, I came across this on Smythson's website:

Most likely inspired by Carrie Bradshaw's book of love letters borrowed from the New York Library in the SATC film, this leather bound book of amorous letters would make the perfect gift for your leading lady and it's reduced to £99! (Yes, it was more expensive than that to begin with....) 

Paper is the traditional gift for a second wedding anniversary (in the U.K. - in the U.S., it's the first) and leather is the third anniversary gift, so this beautiful book would be a thoughtful and creative gift for either of those anniversaries. Alternatively, it could be gifted as a Valentine's or if you're feeling particularly generous, any day of the year (maybe to mark a special occasion)!

Take note, gentlemen*.

Love, 

AB x

*or ladies! I'm sure there are some men out there who would be chuffed to receive this gorgeous book too!

Cupcakes

I am a BIG fan of cupcakes and think they're a great idea for small girly gatherings as they avoid the issue of cake cutting (a faff for off numbers and people will always say they want less than they actually do!). They're also fantastic for kids parties and the Hummingbird Bakery's book is great if you want a fun afternoon of baking with the kids!

However, if like me, you love baking (and eating sugary goodies!) but really don't have the time, here are some of my favourite bakeries in London. Click the title to be directed to their website...

Richard Ward

I had been planning on writing about my hair salon of choice for a few months now and had not managed to get round to it. Given all the hype over last week's Royal Wedding and Kate's hair, though, I thought now might be a good time to share it with you! I am, of course, talking about Richard Ward....

Hummingbird Bakery? There's an app for that....

The Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes have long been a serious vice of mine...I can't express how serrrriously delicious they taste...I'm getting hungry just writing about them!!! I was given their first book by a friend who noticed my fondness for cupcakes (read: obsession). Their recipes really do allow you to make cupcakes just like the shop! Well, my family and friends have certainly given mine their seal of approval - my nephew has named my chocolate ones (sans icing) as his favourite dessert ever! Quite an accolade from a chocolate-loving seven-year old!! 

Mmmm.....cake.....

Skylon

Skylon restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall offers gorgeous views and is a great place for a pre-theatre dinner.

I never really appreciated the romance that London's Southbank has to offer until quite recently. In the day, the Thames is just an expanse of muddy water but at night, when the tiny lights of the bridges are reflected in the gentle current, it becomes quite beautiful! Rather like the River Café views of the East River, Skylon offers panoramic views of the River Thames from just above street level. Although you can enjoy the views from further in the restaurant, it's best to request a window table.

Clos Maggiore

 
Clos Maggiore on King Street, Covent Garden, is one of my favourite restaurants in London. It has won numerous awards and is often named London's most romantic restaurant. It is one of the most romantic restaurants I have dined at in the world! (along with The River Cafe in New York - just under the Brooklyn Bridge...but that is for another time, another post!) The ceiling is covered in cherry blossom branches, which are laced with tiny fairy lights - beauuutiful!!


The conservatory (pictured...courtesy of Clos Maggiore's website as it is far too intimate a restaurant to get one's camera out and start snapping for you, my lovely readers!!) is the best place to eat for a date. The smaller room upstairs is darker but cosy, with its fireplace and traditional decor. 


The Head Chef, Marcellin Marc (previously at Michelin 2 star Le Clos de la Violette in Aix-en-Provence) has a delicate yet flavour-enriched, Mediterranean style of cooking that is quite spectacular. There is also an excellent wine list and the restaurant's Sommelier is always happy to assist you in your choice!


Starters are around £7-13, mains about £18+ and desserts are £7. The Prix Fixe menu is £22.50 for three courses or £27.50 with a half bottle of wine.


I cannot fault Clos Maggiore (a rare occurrence for me!). For the perfect evening date or anniversary, go for the Prix Fixe menu before ballet at the Royal Opera House (just around the corner). Your man won't mind because of all the brownie points he'll earn for treating you to such a romantic evening!!


Love, 


 AB x

Bob Bob Ricard

If you're wondering where the name came from....Bob (co-founder) owns 2/3 and Ricard owns 1/3! The quirkiness doesn't end there.....each booth has a "press for Champagne" button for those surprise revelations that require a prompt celebratory toast. Isn't that fabulous?

I love the decor at BBR...from the logo to the Prussian Blue leather booths, complete with curtains to completely cut yourself off from neighbouring diners. The bar downstairs is similar in style but with burgundy red leather booths. The attention to detail at this establishment is impeccable - from the logo to the pink & cream place mats.

Strip waxing boutique

O-M-to-the-G! I have finally found my favourite waxing spot. I have been to many many waxing salons over the years on my quest for the perfect wax. There are some other commendable ones out there, which I will mention in another post, but for now I must tell you all about this fantastic hair removal boutique!

First, the rooms: each is themed to a particular type of wax that Strip uses. I was taken to the Chocolate room, which is decorated with gold and brown striped wallpaper and gold-gilt framed pictures of partly unwrapped chocolate bars! There is also a small plasma TV in each room, which is a great distraction from the waxing process and a good ice-breaker for anyone embarrassed by stripping off in front of their beautician! I watched Date Night during my wax, which was hilarious and provided some conversation with my beautician, Samantha. The other rooms include Berry, Olive and Manifico (for men).

Ladurée

The Ladurée tea room at the back of Harrods is an elegant Parisian haven in the heart of London. Their light sandwiches with neat stacks of thick-cut chips are delightful for girly lunches.

It is their macaroons, though, that are truly iconic. Delicate and full of flavour, with perfectly creamy centres, Ladurée macaroons are heavenly. Rows and rows of the divine sweets are lined up behind the counter in the shop. Pistachio, rose, liquorice or vanilla - the choice is endless but whichever you choose I can assure you it will melt in your mouth in a burst of flavour.