a tired tourist

20 October 2013

Hurrah! I'm still alive, living amongst the aftermath of moving house! I have moved home so many times I have lost count. But this time for some reason, it was oh so stressful and traumatic I have to say! I don't want to sound melodramatic, but yes, it was more stressful than giving birth and similarly rewarding.
Anyways, more on that later. I'm just checking in to say that we are back in London for a few days. We have to clean up our flat and give back the keys in the hopes that we get back our small fortune of a deposit. And to do some jobs at our workshop. It is weird to be a visitor here, but we are starting to look at London with a different view and certainly make more of our time here now.

We are keeping our little Fiat car in London near our workshop (we'll use the train to get from Isle of Wight to workshop) as it works out cheaper and more relaxing than driving (well I can't drive but my chauffer has too!). My husband found a nice street of shops when he went to rent the parking space. Its called Amwell Street (EC1R near Islington). I'm sure all you trendy London folk have known about it for agies, but its news to me. I loved this shop called 'In with the Old'.



I came away with quite a few treasures from there to be honest!

Some other interesting shops and cafes on the same street...

nice doggies bum view!

I'm really excited to start collecting and making things to decorate our new house (I still can't believe we have a house, I keep saying flat!). We had a stroll around Angel, and went through the little antiques market there.

I loved this £55 mug, but I ended up just buying a plate for £1, much more my cup of tea.
(blimey I look like I have been dragged through a hedge backwards! tired eyes and cold sore. Nice)

Nao bought lots from the collection above. Also this guy called George is an old friend of his.
I bought a hammer.

One thing I HATE about Central London is trying to find a seat in a cafĂ©.

anyways, we had afternoon tea in a Turkish restaurant which was lovely.

And we went to After Noah which is like a fairy tale for kids. Toys hanging from every surface, and some vintage bits and bobs in the basement. We bought a few small things for decorating and some very expensive wooden pegs. We have bought a few of these much cheaper from B&Q, but these were beautiful wood and we couldn't resist a bit of luxury.

So we will be back home very soon, and my head is whizzing with ideas of things to do and make. In fact I don't know where to start! Our house is still full of boxes and half painted areas. It may take a while to settle in but we managed to finish our Daughter's room just in time for her 1st birthday last week, so I'll post about that next. Phew, I need a cup of tea and a sit down!

p.s Nao should take the credit for most of these pics!

13 comments

  1. exciting times! lovely post....looking forward to my next poke around islington.....

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  2. In with the Old is such a great store - I always try to visit it when I'm close by. They support lots of local artists by selling their homemade wares, and also run some pretty fun workshops. Enjoy your new home!

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  3. Oh I feel like I've had a little fantasy trip...thank you!

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  4. Im very happy for you in your new house, takes some getting used to.looks like your in a good area, and have lots to do.Take your time and ponder a little and tackle each room at a happy pace x

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  5. Oooh... Drooled over all of these pics! Nothing quite like a day of thrifting fun. Best of luck settling and unpacking and decorating... Tea & cake are the necessities methinks! It goes without saying I'm super excited to see more of you're home!! ❤️❤️

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  6. Lovely pictures - London always seems so interesting when you live in the sticks - love all the interesting bits and pieces you found:)

    http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. That's a lovely street and love the photos - tho it looks expensive! What were the prices like?

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    1. £3 any good for you? It's London, I wouldn't expect bargains generally speaking. Shop rents and business rates would prob make you faint

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  8. You moved to the Isle of Wight? That is so exciting! Can't wait to see the pictures!
    It's funny how things feel so different when you're suddenly a tourist in your own city.

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  9. I've lived in Islington for years, and have never stumbled across In With The Old! I'll have to head down there soon!
    After Noah is one of my faves though, as is Camden Passage, could spend ages looking through the market there :)

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  10. p.s. Blogger preferred this irregular layout and size of photos, so who am I to argue with it.

    Go back to the editing layout and click on each of the pictures. Blue pop-up would show beneath
    the picture and there you choose "original size".

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    Replies
    1. There was no blue box hence layout malfunction.

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  11. hi....i noticed the two buckle boots in the last photo....can you share what kind they are?
    thank you,
    rebecca

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