Fortnum & Mason Hampers

Depend on the British to come up with christmas hampers, ok hampers for all occasions. Fortnum & Mason has all manner of hampers and everything required therein...
This is your basic hamper...

Inside you'll want F&M's splendid traditional sweeties...

Barley sugar goes back to the 17th century by boiling down refined cane sugar and barley water, cream of tartar and water. Created by Benedictine monks in 1638 of Moret-sur-Loing. There is even a "Barley Sugar Museum" (Le Musée du Sucre d'Orge) in the town. Don't you love F&M's traditional Victorian packaging?

How else should christmas pudding look?

Edible toys for adults of all ages...

Fortnum & Masons candy counter heaven...

Gingerbread of course!Et macarons bien sur for your hamper.

Nutty balloons!

My nutty balloons during my 'Dickensian' period...

Why not go up in a balloon sitting amidst F&M's goodies? Are you expecting an xmas hamper for the holidays?

Earl Grey Classic

Ta-Da! The Eurostar trip was pleasently uneventful and London is sunny! Peyton And Byrne has lemon meringue cupcakes but I'm saving myself for les Paris meringuees.
Off to my digs in Chelsea (I wish I was biking)

A Chelsea 'Yummy Mummy'.

Time for shopping!

First stop Fortnum and Mason.

I'm on assignment. French Girl must have her Earl Grey Classic tea but it MUST be in a bag, not a tin (she's French you know).

Of course they were out of the bags and had only tins. But this kind gentleman emptied out some tins into a bag for FG. That could never happen in France. Doodly, doodly, do.
This gent told me Frenchies come in looking for Mariage Freres tea, which of course, is not allowed to cross the water...ahem

The packaging in Fortnum and Mason is soooo witty and soooo British.

Remember the 'Infinite Jest' exhibit at the Met?

Nearby bookstore Hatchards has tables of PG Wodehouse - I'm tempted. When in London.

The Underground is packed.

No wonder it's called the Underground!

Loved these Fall windows at Mulberrys.

Cath Kidston - another sign you're in England.

Time for bed.
I'll sleep in a Designer's Guild chaise lounge bien sur.

Cheers from London!

What 2 Eat in London?

I'll have four days in London during my Paris trip... What to eat? Starting the day with a proper English breakfast sets you up perfectly. You could almost eat nothing until tea time... I love the food served in the streets in London... All you need is a 'fiver' and you can eat superbly at Covent Garden...

Or Borough Market...

The classic fish n' chips - a must-do this trip

I've been going to Food For Thought for years - it offers balance to...

 Ottolenghi's divine passion fruit meringue tart.

However did I miss Ottolenghi's Lemon tart? This oversight must be remedied a toute a suite.

Stopping in at Sketch Tea Parlor is another repeat not-to-be-missed - perhaps the best tea salon in the world!

Faux cakes at Liberty's plus a stop at Fortnum & Mason are essential browsing.

Finally Gelato at Selfridges. Where should I eat during my 4 days in London pray tell.
BONJOUR LONDON EATS!

THE KING'S SPEECH

Yesterday I had a British moment. I succombed to a jar of orange marmelade (It was Sarabeth's not British). Then I went to see The King's Speech very spur of the moment and I LOVED it, but more later. Have I told you about the London Transport Museum? An oft overlooked London museum - loads of fun. Floors and floors of British travel immersion awaits you from all periods of history...

AND you can hop aboard the trains... Just 'Mind the gap',
'Keep clear of the doors'
'DON'T SPIT'!It's tucked in a corner of Covent Garden and surrounded by fabulous outdoor eating stalls = not-to-be-missed. Your entry ticket is good for a year. I loved the old graphics...

Some of the best posters ever were created for London Transport.

 During the Second world War...

When Underground stations became a refuge...

Winston Churchill's poster graced the Underground and he's present in...

The King's Speech, based on old diaries found by speech therapist Australian Lionel Logue's grandson in the attic.

Director Tom Hooper tells all on NPR.

I was expecting the usual Masterpiece Theatre concoction...

Instead it's a griping thriller both brave, witty, all-engrossing with superb acting. I can't think of a better movie to see this holiday week-end.

BONJOUR THE KING'S SPEECH!