this week.

1. The three day week - I don't know if I could do it all the time as I actually quite like working and having a routine, but it was very good having a three day week due to the mega bank holiday weekends.
2. Having a tidy flat - we've had a bit of a spring clean and the flat is looking really great. I love it when everything looks fresh and tidy and there isn't any clutter.
3. Kick Ass - we finally got this on DVD (and I got IDed in the process - rather embarrassing!) and we were not disappointed. Hit Girl is my new hero. Cardy bought me the graphic novel for Christmas so it's my current bedtime reading.
4. My friend's roller derby blog - she's working on a book and has started a blog telling the story of her trials and tribulations as a trainee roller girl. Well worth a read!
5. Fire and Stone in Covent Garden - Peking duck pizza, need I say more?

japan day.

When Cardy suggested that we have our own little 'Japan Day' I thought it was a fantastic idea. The theory was that as well as donating some money to the relief fund at the Japan Centre on Regent Street we would, in our own small way, be contributing to the Japanese economy.

We started the day with lunch at Wagamama. I realise that Wagamama isn't actually a Japanese-owned company but we do love the food. I think we need to try to find an authentic Japanese restaurant in London, I'm sure there are plenty about. I've even heard we have one in Brixton! Anyway, I had the duck gyoza and ginger chicken udon with plum wine and Cardy had the mushroom and asparagus gyoza and chicken katsu curry with green tea. Delicious!

About a minute's walk from Wagamama is Japan Centre, perhaps one of my favourite food related stores in the city. We now have a stock pike of Pocky and other sweet goodies as well as rice seasoning for onigiri. I also bought a bento box with chopsticks and some cute little animal bento picks. I'm going to have to find some recipes for bento and give it a go!

Our day also included trying out the new Nintendo 3DS (I think we're going to put in a preorder tomorrow - eek!), buying a new anime DVD, Paprika (brilliant but somewhat confusing, just like all good anime should be) and searching gaming shops for the newly released Okamiden. Unfortunately it only looks like it's available online, so I'll have to have a nosey.

All in all a very good day. I think we should do it more often.

this week.

1. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - it's so nice to see something that you loved so dearly as a child being given a good treatment when it's rebooted years later. I haven't quite forgiven them for what they did to Polly Pocket (she's meant to fit in your pocket - POCKET!) so I was overjoyed to see My Little Pony being turned into something fun and exciting that adults seem to enjoy as well as the target audience.
2. Japan Day - I really loved Cardy's suggestion to have a Japan Day. Lovely food was eaten, yummy/cute things were bought and a very good if somewhat confusing anime was watched.
3. The Nintendo 3DS - I got to have a play on one of these beauties today and OH MY WORD it is spectacular! I think that tomorrow Cardy and I are going to be trawling the internet to find the best offer and then put in a pre-order. Squee!
4. The free SXSW FreePak from Hipstamatic - I love it when Hipstamatic release free sets, especially when a new lens is involved. The new SXSW pack including the Tejas lens is full of fun.
5. Flowers by Sweet Female Attitude - we did this in choir this week and it sounded amazing! I've had it in my head all weekend.
   

this week.

1. Hearing survival stories from Friday's earthquake in Japan - I'd been nervously waiting to hear whether people I know via the internet were safe and it sounds like everyone is accounted for. I still can't get over how terrible it all is. My thoughts are with all those people who have been affected.
2. Pancakes for breakfast - we decided to use the last of our eggs and made pancakes for lunch today. Pancakes + lemon juice + sugar = amazing.
3. Later sunsets - it's such a treat to be able to leave work and it still be light outside.
4. My new shortcut to work - not only does it take me past some very beautiful houses but it also shaves at least five minutes off my journey.
5. Homemade soup - we've been cooking up huge batches of vegetable soup to go in the freezer. Gorgeous with some hot buttery toast.

this week.

1. Looklet.com - I've never quite grown out of that girlish love of paper dolls so when I heard about Looklet.com I was THERE. Created in association with Vogue and featuring fashion from real designers it is every little girl's dream wardrobe simulator.
2. Skating at Earl's Court - as there was a bout on Saturday we had our training session at Earl's Court. The floor is concrete and a bit lumpy but it was so much fun! I couldn't really walk for three days, but there you go, that's derby love for you.
3. Valentine's Day - Cardy and I aren't hugely into Valentine's but we do exchange cards. I was also treated to a post-training back rub. He's a good'un.
4. Cardy's ever increasing Japanese game collection - Cardy has recently got a Sega Saturn and Dreamcast and he's been buying Japanese video games from eBay. I'm eyeing up ChuChu Rocket! - oh the excitement!
5. Late night noodles - I don't usually like to eat too late but on Saturday I really needed some food before going to bed so it was noodles in teriyaki sauce the rescue. Delicious!

this week.

1. Meeting up with old friends - I met up with a friend from uni on Sunday and a day of window shopping, Wagamama and gossip over Starbucks was had. It's always great when you meet up with someone you haven't seen for a while and you pick up the conversation like you'd only seen each other the day before.
2. Japanese pickles - Cardy is torturing me by keeping a jar of red pickled veg in the fridge. I fear I may wake up on the kitchen floor one morning with the stuff smeared all over my face.
3. South Park - thank you Viva for your week night showings of this fantastic cartoon. Cartman truly is a legend.
4. Wearing PJs during the day - I was meant to have a girly day with a friend on Monday but she was 'more snot than human' (her words, not mine) so we had to cancel. I therefore spend the day in the flat, wearing pyjamas and eating pasta. Happy times.
5. Creating palettes on Colour Lovers - so far I've been a watcher more than a do-er, but I've tried my hand at making some palettes and I've really enjoying it. Sometimes it's very frustrating, other times it just clicks.

1. Firefly - Cardy fancied watching some Indiana Jones last week but we don't have any of the films on DVD. I suggested that Captain Mal might be a good substitute and so began a week of watching Firefly over dinner. Although I won't deny that it would be nicer to have more episodes of this amazing show I'm sort of glad that they cut it in its prime. Now it will have the tragic luxury afforded to those beautiful people who die young - it will be forever brilliant.
2. Training so hard I have to sleep afterwards - exercise induced slumber is pretty wonderful.
3. Super Mario Bros. - I don't want to sound like I'm full of myself, but myself and Cardy do rather rock when it comes to playing video games together. We manage to reach a level of Ultimate Zen Coupleness which allows us to become this perfectly in tune gaming machine. And when we don't do too well we find it absolutely hilarious. We're therefore greatly appreciating the experience that Super Mario Bros. offers.
4. My new bag - I'm a bit gutted in that the custom bag that I'd ordered hasn't ever materialised, but I decided that rather than sit around a mope I should do something more productive about it. So I went out and bought a new one. From Desigual. Any excuse really. Needless to say it's a dream and I'm still not over the novelty of actually being able to fit my stuff in my handbag.
5. I Love Katamari on iPhone - absolute glee! Portable Katamari = ultimate love.

this week.

1. The return of Being Human - myself and Cardy are both happy to see Series Three of Being Human on BBC3. A werewolf, vampire and ghost sharing a flat? Yes please!
2. Choir - one word. Madonna. My WORD I am looking forward to our concert!
3. My new haircut - I've got my Louise Brookes bob back and I'm loving it. I'm not having to sweep the hair out of my eyes anymore and it looks so glossy.
4. Nakd's 'Cocoa and Orange' bar - I decided to try this out as an 'on the Tube' snack on my late nights this week. It's delicious and strangely filling. Definitely going to become a firm favourite.
5. Cardy's bolognese - last weekend Cardy cooked up some bolognese for the freezer which we cracked into on Tuesday night. While it was defrosting he told me that he hadn't even tasted it. He didn't have to worry, it was brilliant, especially with garlic bread.

1. Skinny jeans - roller derby is excellent. I can buy skinny jeans! And I don't look like a beast!
2. Glee - namely the Britney Spears episode. 'I petted a snake'. Good for you Britt!
3. Desigual's new collection - especially this top and this skirt. I'm already saving my pennies.
4. Paramore - after last week's Glee I tracked down the original 'The Only Exception' and found Paramore's fantastic music video. I won't lie, I've been doing my usual trick of having my iPod on repeat.
5. The 'just ordered new dolls' feeling - I finally ordered my Luka and Chloe. Now the waiting game starts! I don't mind the long production time, I've got so much to organise before they get here.

this week.

1. Urban Decay's Preen Shadow Box - the three of us in the office decided that we would do a 'not so secret Santa' for Christmas. My gift was Urban Decay's Preen Shadow Box. I really love the peacock hues so it's going to get a lot of use.
2. My MacBook case - I finally had an excuse to use my MacBook case from Kitsch Confection on Etsy. I love the matching pouch for the power lead!
3. Stollen - I had my first taste of stollen this week. Marzipan goodness!
4. My work colleagues - everyone has been so happy and generous this week. They've really made the run up to Christmas special.
5. Going to my parents for Christmas - I travelled up to Cambridgeshire today to spend Christmas with my parents. Cardy and his sister have gone to their dad's and will be coming over tomorrow morning. Very exciting!

this week.

1. Launceston Place - I've never done fine dining before, so going to Launceston Place this week with some girls from work was a real experience. I'm not usually good at trying new food but each of the courses I ate were things I hadn't eaten before. And the port... oh, the port. I'm already looking forward to next year's Christmas treat!
2. Paperchase's Christmas cards - their selection of wrapping paper is pretty dire this year but they have a rocking choice of cards. I am especially fond of the Eskimo card set - nothing says Merry Christmas! like a smiling narwal.
3. Wrapping presents - there is nothing that gets me in the mood for Christmas quite like wrapping presents. As most of my presents are already at my parents' house I haven't had much of an opportunity to get wrapping, so Christmas Eve is going to be busy!
4. My job - I don't think I've really felt this happy when it comes to my work life. I'm really loving working in HR (this is where I hear my Mum shouting 'I told you so!' from a few counties away) and the people I work with are so supportive and nurturing. There's even the possibility for post-grad study if and when I feel ready for it. Exciting! I passed my probation period on Monday so I'm now officially permanent. Hurrah!
5. Getting dressed up - I have a gorgeous silk dress from Monsoon that I don't really get to wear that often, maybe once a year if that. So going to a fancy restaurant this week was the perfect excuse to give it an airing. Just a shame that the only shoes I have to go with it stripped the skin off the top of my feet - no skating for me this week!

this week.

1. Snow - yes, it leads to slippery pavements and the trains can't run, but it's white, fluffy, sparkly goodness and I had a jolly good time prancing about in our snowy front garden this evening. And this is coming from someone who didn't even get any time off work due to the stuff. So stop with the snow hate!
2. Pesto in toasties - we cracked out the toasted sandwich machine at work today and made pesto, cheese, ham and onion toasties. I think I may have a new addiction.
3. Unexpected curry - my Dad was meant to be staying with us on Thursday evening and was going to pay his board with Chinese food, but a combination of snow and a headache meant his trip was cancelled. We ended up going to the Indian takeaway on the corner and feasted on curry. All in all a good evening.
4. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - now we've got our second hand PS2 up and running we're finally able to play the games that Cardy has been gathering for the past year. At the moment one of our favourite evening past times is playing Broken Sword, and not only for the childish innuendo about George's tool. It's nice to be playing a game that isn't just about running about shooting stuff (although that is rather fun, especially TimeSplitters 2).
5. Not breaking any bones in roller derby - there was a horrible moment in this Saturday's practise where I thought I'd had my first serious derby related injury. I'm a bit bruised, but nothing's broken. What a relief!

this week.

1. Cinnamon and Nutella cake - I found this recipe in a book that my mother sent me to London with and my second attempt to cook it this week has been a great success. I baked yesterday morning as my parents were coming for lunch before we had a day out in London and it went down a treat.
2. Winter weather - I will be the first to admit to being cold, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm complaining. I'm quite small so I do feel the chill quite easily, but I actually prefer the winter to the summer months. I like coming in from the cold and sitting beside a radiator or curling up in a blanket with the laptop warming my legs and a cup of hot chocolate on the go. And you can't really snuggle that much when it's stifling hot.
3. Dressing up my dolls - I had the day off today and decided that it would be silly to go outside when I didn't really have to. My girls have matching underwear sets so they've been lounging around in them since January. As the weather has turned I thought it was time for them to wear something a bit more substantial. They look good in anything since they're thin and have legs that go on forever, so it's fun to play with different styles.
4. Liberty's Christmas Shop - I adore Liberty in general. There's just something about it, a combination of the rich woodwork and the elaborate displays. So going to their Christmas Shop with my parents yesterday was a trip well made. More fairylights than you could shake a stick at, cheery Christmas music and the decorations on offer were beautiful.
5. The new series of Peep Show - it started tonight and it looks like it's going to be a good 'un!

1. Kensington and Chelsea's Christmas decorations - I have never seen such pretty decorations. They've attached little Christmas trees to the top of the lampposts and iridescent stars have been suspended above the streets, casting purple and green reflections on the white buildings. Even the shops have put up their own beautiful displays. Beautiful.
2. The 'local' - the girls took me to the local pub for lunch today and we ate toasties in front of a proper fire. We all felt a bit drowsy when we got back to the office.
3. Desigual's 'MULA' jacket - so cute! I especially like the star detail on the collar and the asymmetrical buttons. And at 30% it's almost a bargain...
4. Homemade flapjacks - I did some baking on Monday and it seems have gone down well with Cardy. If anything the flapjacks have got better since I made them. Yummy!
5. My new bag from Sakura Urban - I've been a huge fan of Sakura Urban on Etsy for a long time and I'm so happy to finally own a piece of her work. She's going to be making me a bigger bag for everyday, but I am really enjoying my small poppy bag. The quality of just astonishing.

this week.

1. Fireworks - I know that some people find them a nuisance and I will admit that it sounds like a war zone outside, but I feel a certain childlike glee whenever I see fireworks. The best thing is that we didn't even have to leave the flat to see them. Result!
2. Waitrose pizza - myself and Cardy used to have a tradition, 'Pizza and Glee Night'. Every Monday we would stick two pizzas in the oven and would then delight in the cheesiness of Glee. But then something changed. More to the point, our usual pizzas changed and we weren't able to find a suitable substitute in Brixton. Today on my lunch break I decided that it was time to try something new, and it would seem that Waitrose has stood up to the test. Bravo Waitrose. Bravo.
3. Making my own jewellery - I'm by no means a pro at this, but I still find it highly enjoyable. At the moment I'm perfecting my memory wire bracelet technique. Seed beads are addictive!
4. Spontaneous dinners out - I got out of work early on Tuesday and rang Cardy to see if he wanted to meet up and go out for dinner. Half an hour later we were sitting in Wagamama, chatting and enjoying not having to cook. It was really lovely and unexpected.
5. My new Riedell Vandals - my new skates are AWESOME. Slightly scary, but awesome. I managed to get up to 20 laps on Saturday. Still not 25, but getting there

date night.

I was sent on a course this afternoon and was told to make the most of it and enjoy having an early finish. Once the course was over I rang Cardy who had just left his office. While he Tubed it over to London Bridge I went to my favourite German deli to stock up on condiments.

When Cardy arrived we headed over to Wagamama at Clink Street. I love that place, in the summer it feels open and airy, yet in the winter the yellow brick exudes warmth and comfort. Having indulged ourselves on katsu curry (me) and chu chee curry (him), we trundled home, smug with the knowledge that we didn't have to cook anything when we got there. I love spontaneous dinners.

red velvet art.

Words can't quite describe how much I want to hope on a plane over to the US to visit this enchanting little shop. The brainchild of Elsie, her sister Emma and friends Rachel and Holly, Red Velvet Art is a glorious mixture of handmade accessories, vintage goodies and delicious cupcakes and, of course, bubble tea.

I don't really get much satisfaction from high street shopping - I get frustrated when I'm standing in a generic chain store and there is no character about the place. I'm always looking for the complete shopping experience, somewhere that feels welcoming and quirky, rich with brilliant little trinkets to be discovered. I think that's what I love so much about RVA, it looks like the kind of place where you can go and play dress-up.

I can't, however, see myself going over to the States anytime soon, so I shall have to make do with reading the girls' blogs. I shall definitely be keeping an eye on A Beautiful Mess to see what crafty ideas she comes up with for the holiday season, and From Scratch makes me want to crack out the food mixer and the cupcake cases.

Man, I wish I was more creative!

Images belong to Red Velvet Art.

this week.

1. Skate Attack in North London - when I decided that I was going to be joining the LRG Rec League I searched for a shop in London that would be able to kit me out. I tried one of the recommended skate shops in Central London but they hadn't even heard of the training skates I was after. So I decided to travel that little bit further and go to Skate Attack in Southgate. Myself and Cardy went on Saturday as he had decided to get his own skates after watching the bout. He now has all the gear he needs including a swanky pair of Diablos, and I ordered some Vandals which arrived at work this morning. I'm really looking forward to trying them out tomorrow!
2. My fingerless gloves - we've had some really bitter mornings this week so I've been glad to have my gloves with me. I'm going to have to find some proper gloves for when it gets really cold though.
3. Buying my lunch in the morning - four words: pecan and maple yumyum.
4. Sitting by the radiator at work - pretty self explanatory really!
5. Roehampton hospital - I'm so glad that I'm lucky enough to be in the postcode range for Roehampton. They really are amazing.

this week.

1. The Chilean Miner story - call me soppy, but it was so heart warming to see the fantastic concluison to what could have been such a tragic story. I have been struck by the number of people who will openly tell how they had tears in their eyes watching footage of the capsule rising to the surface. It's rare that we have something positive and reaffirming on the news, and I am so happy for the miners and their families.
2. Live bouts - on Saturday myself and Cardy went to our first roller derby bout and it was amazing. We were there for five hours and, despite feeling rough as hell due to a sore throat, I had a briliant time. Cardy was so impressed that he not only bought himself one of the team t-shirts (The Harbour Grudges - boy has good taste) but he's planning on getting himself some
3. Napoleon Dynamite - this was our Sunday evening entertainment. I'd watched it with Cardy a while ago and didn't quite 'get it', so it was good to watch it again and understand the humour behind it. I definitely appreciate it a lot more, and I wish I could draw unicorns that
4. My new pencil case from TokyoInspired - I couldn't resist this fabulous pencil case from TokyoInspired on Etsy. Comical cats are always
5. Hot Vimto - I don't tend to drink that much coffee when I'm at work and so I will be relying on hot Vimto to warm my cockles over the winter months.

this week.

1. Winter recipes - Cardy and I have cracked out some of our warmer recipes in light of the change of weather. The other night we cooked a Malaysian chicken dish and afterwards my lips tingled from the chilli.
2. Whip It - I found myself with some time to kill the other day on my way to work and just so happened to be near a HMV store. They had Whip It for sale and I couldn't resist. Cardy and I watched it on Tuesday night and I was impressed. It's not the most realistic representation of roller derby, but in the same way that Indiana Jones isn't a realistic representation of archaeology. It got me thinking about what my roller derby name could be.
3. Hot Vimto - I have come down with an awful cough and this is one of the only things that is getting me through the day.
4. The return of The Apprentice - Sir Alan Sugar is a top bloke. I don't know how he manages to put up with some of the arrogant suits that pass through his boardroom. The best line in Wednesday's episode was from a particularly annoying man who claimed that everything he touched 'turned to sold'. What an idiot. I can't wait until he gets fired.
5. Our neighbours - we were invited to one of our neighbour's flats on Thursday for a building get together. It was brilliant! We left shortly before midnight and could've stayed for a few more hours if we hadn't have got to get up in the morning and go to work. It's so lovely to know who they are now. We will no longer just be people who pass each other on the stairs and have stunted conversations.

this week.

1. Seven Ply on Etsy - I came across Seven Ply (aka Lynn) when she was the featured seller on the Etsy homepage. I really admire her ethics: the concept of taking something that would otherwise be scrap wood and turning it into something new and beautiful. She's the second artist I've found who seems gifted at making jewellery out of recycled materials. I decided to treat myself to one of her bangles and I'll admit I'm already keeping an eye out for more in other funky colours.
2. The Lego Luke Skywalker minifig - I would love to have been present at the meeting at Lego HQ where someone turned around and said 'Hey guys, what about making Star Wars stuff?'. It's a genius idea and combines two of my favourite geeky pleasures. Myself and Cardy have built ourselves up quite a collection of Star Wars Lego (including a motorised At-AT) and one of my favourite featuress by far is the little Luke minifig. I think it's the helmet that does it. The devil's in the detail.
3. Pop Tarts - thanks to the wonderful folks at Cybercandy I have been reliving the joys of the 90s for breakfast this week. I don't, however, think I'll be indulging too much due to the inflated price tag (I'm not complaining, they are imported after all). My Mum sent me a very excited email on Monday saying that she's heard that Pop Tarts are on their way back in the UK. I'm keeping everything crossed!
4. Jeeves and Wooster - what a gem of a TV schedule find. Myself and Cardy can get our weekly fix care of ITV2. Young Hugh Laurie plays the part of the clueless young gent perfectly (although I still maintain that he has got better with age) and Stephen Fry, well, he can do no wrong.
5. My purple leopard-print DMs - I've worked out that rather than change trains, it's actually quicker for me to get off the Tube at Victoria and walk the rest of the way to the office. It's a lovely walk, but not that fun in my work shoes. So they're now living under my desk of an evening and I'm wearing my good old favourites for my commute. They sparked what has become a love affair with DMs and they have a lot of sentimental value. I'm tempted to have a look on eBay for a second pair, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I don't know why anyone would want to part with them.

this week.

1. My new job - I'm enjoying having more of a career focus and the people in my department are really warm and welcoming.
2. Wagamama's Ginger Chicken Udon - I'm sure they've changed the recipe. I had it for lunch on Tuesday and although it's always been lovely it tasted particularly divine.
3. Grey suit trousers - I've only ever had black trousers before for work but I'm really taken with my new grey and purple trousers from Next. It's nice to have something a bit different.
4. Dune by Christian Dior - my Dad picked me up a bottle of Dune years ago on a trip to the States. I don't know he did it, but he managed to select a scent that works really well with my skin. Cardy commented on me smelling good which is always a positive!
5. Sleep - after a full week's work after an extended holiday I'm in love with my bed.