Saturday at Primrose Hill

It was a beautiful fall day in London, hubby wasn't in town, so that means call out the girlfriends! And away we went

to explore Primrose Hill--which is literally a 200 foot hill and the area that surrounds it. From its highest point, the views of London are outstanding.

A pretty and rather affluent village just outside of London, Primrose Hill is the home of celebrities and actors, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jamie Oliver.

Did we spy any of them?

No, but not for lack of trying!

The cute little village is full of inviting pubs,

and quaint shops

with many enticing wares.

Robin thought a pair of leg-highs, boots that is, might be fun

and we all wondered who this sweet little frock might fit best.

Flowers were in abundance,

as well as places to take a little break 

and rest after climbing up and down the hill.

You might even find a trinket you just can't live without at this vendor's street stand.

As lunch time rolled around, thoughts turned to food-

a duck confit sandwich, perhaps?

A pastry you spy along the sidewalk?

Or how about a cupcake from the renowned Primrose Bakery?

The choices were almost overwhelming,

but we settled on chocolate, salted caramel, chocolate banana, lime-coconut, and Hummingbird to share. After a pub lunch, we divided the cupcakes amongst us and did our "official" taste testing of all 5. All in the name of statistical analysis, you understand. 

Hummingbird and salted caramel were at the top of everyone's list.

So what would be your favorite?

And speaking of favorites, here was our favorite "unexpected spotting" of the day. 

This gal with her new "do." 

Dangerous...

Cupcake Time

Once upon a time, a Gigi and her Jordan took the afternoon off to make some "princess" cupcakes.

Wearing a royal princess dress and a sweet Cath Kidston apron,

it took a lot of concentration to make

cupcakes fit for a royal family.

Once in the oven, there was a bit of time to play

and wait until they came out just right.

While waiting for the cupcakes to cool, there was a chance for a spin around the room

and a twirl to the music.

Then when cool, they were ready to frost,

tasting a lick every now and then,

and then decorate

and display with pride. Which one should I taste?

Because tasting is the best part of all.

And when we're not baking cupcakes, we love playing Cupcakes by Maverick Software. So much fun to bake, decorate and "eat" delicious cupcakes on my iPhone. Truly a favorite of both of ours.

So that's the end of our cupcake story, and we all live happily ever after.

And because I'm an "equal opportunity" grandmother, I'll close out with a picture of this little "cupcake," sweet enough to eat: our little 10 month old Jackson!!

Sweet thoughts to all of you....

Printemps Loves New York

During the past month, the ever-surprising department store Printemps in Paris has been celebrating the Big Apple with a pop-up store full of Americana.

Superman reigns supreme and King Kong rules over the street entrance.

Much of this celebration goes hand in hand with the opening of the first Coach boutique in Europe, right near the front door among all the European designer big names. 

You can see a video of their grand opening here. Click twice to view full screen.

American fashion design is also being celebrated, and 15 designers, including Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Tony Burch, were asked to create an exclusive signature T-shirt just for this occasion.

Selected American products are also available for purchase. I found it amusing which iconic products were selected for purchase. Caesar dressing, which was offered at $12 a bottle, peanut butter for about $7 a jar,

marshmallows, and all types of syrup

including strawberry syrup.

And who really buys strawberry Fluff in America?

A small jar of Hellman's for $6 in a country that is known for its delicious homemade mayonnaise.

The very trendy Berko counter located in Printemps, added to the fun with its decorated cookies

and a yummy selection of cupcakes, which have just recently been introduced in France.

The pièces de resistance, however, were the hot dog and Obama "necklaces," I guess you could call them, which were retailing for about $225, yes $225!

Non, merci. My suitcase was not big enough for even one more souvenir, even at that very enticing price!  

Catch it quick--the promotion only lasts until October 10!

This is Why I Walk

It's not easy living in London. I know you may think that living in one of the world's most fascinating cities with history oozing from every pavement, is a piece of cake, but it's not. 

Well, let me take that back--maybe you could call it a piece of cake. Stick with me here.  In a tight circle surrounding the South Kensington tube station that I use, you find no less than nine shops selling sweets. Starting with the Hummingbird Bakery...

and its infamous cupcakes

known worldwide,

the spiral of shops beckons you at every turn.

 Ben's Cookies

in competition with Miss Ellie's cookies.

The brand new Crème de la Crêpe has just opened, challenging passersby "don't be a pancake!"

SNOG with its frozen yogurt and selection of toppings is a big favorite! You'll enjoy their cute website here where, Oh my goodness, they've just announced a new shop opening next month just steps from my house on King's Road.

Le Pain Quotidien, which originated in Belgium, is known for its communal tables and open face sandwiches,

but many jump straight to the pastries displayed in the window.

Another cute Crêperie, that I've been meaning to try.

Paul's, a French patisserie and boulangerie, and you know what that means! Translate pastries and bread!

And the new guy in town--the Wafflemeister with their handmade Belgian waffles. Having spent a couple of years in Belgium, I have a nostalgic yearning for Belgian waffles.

They are offered with toppings, fruit, chocolate and ice cream, but

my favorite way is straight off the waffle iron, pure and simple. Of course, Belgian waffles have a sugar glaze, so even simple, they are sweet and tasty.

 With all the options calling out for me every time I go through the tube station, I must remain strong. Stay focused. And to balance out a treat or two from time to time, I walk--I mean I walk a lot. Several miles a day just going to and fro. It's the trade-off, you realize, for indulging. And if you eat and walk at the same time--all the calories are cancelled. 

Please don't try to educate me and tell me otherwise.