Shopping | Norwich Guide | Elm Hill

Elm Hill is a picturesque street in the heart of Norwich that still has most of its original 16th Century buildings. Although much of it is residential there are a handful of restaurants, antique stores, craft shops and galleries. The quirky shop windows allow an enjoyable browse, filled with intriguing objects like stamps, traditional teddy bears and toys, board games and even cats (in the gallery windows).

I remember as a child going to the bear shop with my family, wishing I could take every bear home with me and it still gives me flutters going by there. I was lucky enough to go to university around the corner from here, it was a real treat to wander down here and get inspiration. If you visit Norwich be sure to take a walk along this street for the feel of a real English heritage treasure.

Shopping | Kate Spade Takeout Cup

Recently I bid farewell to one of my favourite take out cups and felt at a loss without the ability to have a drink on the go. This Kate Spade cup caught my eye a few weeks back, with a shiny metallic ring pattern with a cream lid and base it looked so chic and not too over the top. I've always appreciated Kate Spade's ability to be sophisticated but also bold without printing the brand name massively over it like other brands.

Now I can have guilt free take out coffee and this was £16 from Jarrold's of Norwich.

Lifestyle | Adventure Across Town

Today was very grey and dull outside but I didn't want to give in to the British weather so I wrapped up in a cozy jumper, my big parka jacket I got in Berlin and a blanket scarf like a lost eskimo. There is a retail park on the outskirts of Norwich called Longwater which has The Range, Next (with Costa), Staples, Argos and lots of other shops to amble around in but I particularly wanted to go to The Range. I'm not sure if they're everywhere but they are similar to B&M and Home Bargains I think. Really I was going to look at the stationery as I needed a cutting board and a case for my Kindle but I came away with neither.

One of the best benefits of retail parks is they often have coffee shops with great seating to watch the world go by. Although my seat overlooked the car park (I grabbed these seats after they cleared the table) the view past was of fields and trees, very relaxing. The Next there is massive and houses a home section and a clothes department with a great Petite selection too, great for shorties like me. I bought a set of rose gold rings which I'm apprehensive about using until I've coated the inside but they are so shiny! 

Apologies for the poor lighting here, taken in the evening and I haven't arranged a light box just yet.

I popped into town after the retail park since I had a voucher for the Intu Chapelfield mall and wanted to get The Martian, alas it isn't out until tomorrow but I did get Jurassic World and Mad Max Fury Road instead. Whilst in town I went into the House Of Fraser Paperchase (Geez Claire have some self control) and they had stickers for 25p! I clearly didn't resist, below is the result of this.

TRAVL// LONDON'S CALLING [IMAGE HEAVY]

For a wee while I have thought about venturing down to London, our Capital city, to enjoy the Art, Culture and cuisine. I took an early train, armed with; my map (only £2 from The Works), some travel snacks, my trusty camera and an eagerness to experience bustling London.

The train ride gave me ample time to get through 'How to be Danish', a brilliant book (one of my 101 in 1001) about Patrick Kingsley's experiences with Danish folk and much of their countries cultural attributes. It's a pretty short book but really gives you a sense of the calm, friendly and (for many) cyclist enthusiastic Danes.

I'm a fan of the stunning mixture of architecture to be found in London. The contrast going along the street below, with the immense glass structure of the shard facing the Tower Bridge, it is difficult to believe these two majestic giants exist so close together. It reminds me of Tokyo, where you'd see tiny old shrines the size of a shed stood proudly between two massive skyscrapers.

My University course is design based so it felt ideal to visit the Design Museum. I found myself sat on a bench outside the Museum, enjoying a Starbucks coffee and watching the world drift by, the sun making the Thames sparkle, it was such a lovely break from packed tube trains and the mad crowds of the shops. The Design Museum has an exhibition about Women in Power, showcasing photographs and clothing of women that have influenced the world. I was particularly fond of the Chanel suit and Skin's (of Skunk Anansie fame) outfits which had shoulder pads with immense layering.

I had the chance to meet with a friend for lunch at the new Shoryu Ramen restaurant, located behind Liverpool Street Station. We had a little difficulty finding it but it was so worth it, I had an awesome Garlic ramen dish and a bun with prawns and they were so delicious I would eat there every day if I could! After dinner we went to Liberty's to check out the cosmetic counters and I picked up a few things which I'll put in a later post, it is amazing in there, every time I go it feels like an other worldly experience. I sound like a crazy lady haha but seriously I adore all the beautiful prints and the luxurious displays of fine leather bags and sparkling jewellery.

I leave you with photos of my day, none of me because, well why would I haha I'll probably put my outfit and some Instagram shots in the purchases post.

LIFESTYLE// CAMBRIDGE ADVENTURE

This weekend has been very eventful. I had a lovely little meet up on Friday with old friends to chat, got a haircut then on Saturday went to Cambridge with my boyfriend. We had breakfast at Frankie & Benny's, such a treat since I never have breakfast in restaurants, I highly recommend F&B's as their menu is much like the usual American Diner style and super filling. 

It felt really nice to go on a little train journey, to such a beautiful place too. The town centre is pretty far so we did lots of walking, seeing plenty of grand buildings. We had a meal at Wagamama, which unfortunately wasn't as great as usual but it was lovely being together in the restaurant never the less. There is such a variety of shops in Cambridge and even though it was super busy the atmosphere was pretty calming. My boyfriend treated me to the beautiful charm bracelet, I love Fossil jewellery and it was so very sweet of him. 

Other than the Cambridge update I thought I'd post some other bits I picked up this weekend. Some candles on offer from Clinton's where they have a huge sale on Yankee candles, seriously check it out I'm excited to try them with my weekly candles post. Also some bits from Blott for back to University in October, I'm fond of purple and these are essentials for sure!