Recent Acquirements | Bags, Home Decor, and Luxe Key Rings

Hello lovely reader! I hope you are having an enjoyable and eventful summer! I've been back home from London for about two months now and haven't really stopped readjusting or reminiscing since. I'm thinking about doing a series of posted related to studying abroad/international travel, as I have lots of thoughts and tips for those of you getting ready to embark on some amazing journeys this fall or spring. For today's post I wanted to share a few bits and bobs that I have received and purchased since being back. None of them really quite go together, but the majority have an underlying London theme, some accessories, a new bag that I have been wearing everyday, and a few little home pieces. 

"The key to heaven", slight exaggeration but not far off for me! I was given this by a family member shortly after returning home and as soon as I saw the name on the pouch I knew it was going to be class. The key ring is a gorgeous blonde gold and is so simple and nice. Inscribed on it is the Victoria Beckham logo as well as the address to the flagship store in London.

Sticking with the purse accessory theme, I was also given this chic Rebecca Minkoff black leather coin purse. The size is really nice because its big enough to fit cards and some folding money and can clip to your keys which is super convenient for when you're running a few errands or going to the gym and don't want to bring an entire purse. 

Okay so how freaking cute is this little guy. I would just like to say that as would be expected from Burberry, the amount of detail and quality that goes into even their smallest products is unreal. From the logo on the buttons to the white leather straps and chains, his ensemble is not that far off from those of the Queen's Guard that I saw a few months ago. Mr. Regimental Thomas Bear Charm among the other version of Thomas Bear is most definitely my favorite. 

This bag has been my bag of the summer and my buying it was 100% meant to be. Flashback to a few months ago where I was really wanting a circle shaped bag and looking through all the shops unsuccessfully. After returning from my defeating excursion (overdramatized but accurate) I gave my mom a call and was telling her how I really wanted a bag like this, couldn't find one, blah-blah-blah, and then hung up, only to get on instagram and have this beauty be the first thing on my feed. So of course my heart skipped a beat as I hopped over to the Matt & Nat website to learn more about this bag, only to find out that 100% of the proceeds go to a charity of your choice and being a Matt & Nat bag, the interior is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, thus appealing to my sustainability love and becoming an immediate addition to my life. The Hope bag was literally an ultimate win for me. There are 10 different charities that you can choose from, my choice being the "Keep a Breast Foundation" who are a non-profit organization with a mission to empower young people around the world with breast health education and support. As I've mentioned before breast cancer is something that has directly affected my family before and is a cause that I am very passionate about, so I was thrilled to have that as an option!

Now for two room decor pieces, the first being this "smart" little block sign from Home Goods. Which is a lovely addition to my bedside table and goes along with a pillow on my bed that reads, "Do you have any idea who I am?"...lets just say I have big dreams.

Last but certainly not least is this tin tea box that I picked up in Notting Hill. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories and I love the original artwork as well. As you will know if you have followed the blog for a while I am a massive fan of quotes and on each side of the tin is a different quote from the book. It was the perfect momento type piece for me to get and I keep it on my desk now as a catch-all.


Have you picked up anything special lately? Xx

The Perfect Sunny Afternoon | Notting Hill - Kensington

 Hi lovely reader! We are nearing the end of spring and summer is coming quickly which means more sunshine and warmer weather and with that more opportunities to be outside! Since living in London my view on weather has changed in that when it is sunny, I am more aware of it and appreciate it, feeling like I need to take full advantage of this time and do as much outside as possible! So I thought I would share my ideal day out in London, including where to eat and what to see, and some insta-worthy spots. Notting Hill is a great area with tons of shops and restaurants and of course pastel colored houses that lead to OOTD and Instagram pic goals. Kensington Palace is not far from the main area of Notting Hill and of course houses the royals and some gorgeous gardens which are really worth seeing in the spring and summer. 

Like I said, so cute and picture ready. There are multiple side streets with these colorful homes just off Portobello Road.

Of course you have to start the day off with some breakfast and Eggbreak is too cool of a place to pass up. As with many brunch spots, the place is smaller so there may be a line but don't let this scare you away as it typically moves pretty fast. They serve breakfast items from 8am-12pm so just make sure you give yourself enough time to wait. I got the McMuffin when I went which is of course a play on the golden arches classic but with much more natural ingredients and was really nice. They also serve "regular food" from 12-10pm which I have heard is good as well. And of course after eating breakfast there is no better way to walk it off than with some shopping.

Portobello Road is packed with little shops such as Alice's which is worth a peak inside to see the amount of things in the store! Some of my favorite shops are Ragyard which does really cool clothing and accessories and The Blue Door which has a mix of teas and tea-ware. Portobello Road Market is definitely worth going to and is up at these times:
09:00 – 18:00 Monday To Wednesday.
09:00 – 13:00 Thursday.
09:00 – 19:00 Friday Antique stalls
If you can go on one of these days you'll see everything from flower stands, to tapestries, to old post cards, and souvenirs. 

After you've done some walking and shopping, Farm Girl cafe is the perfect place to have a nice lunch. Now, I will admit that after seeing blogger after blogger post about this place on Instagram I wondered if the food was actually good or if it was just picturesque. So in my honest opinion and based on what I had to eat, the taste and quality of the food is just as good as the amount of photo opportunities, if not better. 

I had a Chicken sandwich which was full of flavor. There was beetroot on it which prior to ordering it I was unsure about but it was actually delicious and one of my favorite sandwich or salad additions now. I also go a side of sweet potato fries which were seasoned to perfection and so good.

 

After lunch you can take a walk or a tube to Kensington Palace where you can relax and enjoy some time outside strolling through the gardens or sitting in the park.

Where's your favorite place to take in some beautiful weather? Xx