Country live

This year's trip to Country living fair was brilliant. I went with my Partner's mother and took babyG to the event. Knowing the building of the event earlier, I felt comfortable breastfeeding around the spare sofa placed outside the exhibit booth. Luckily it was Saturday and most of the offices and shops were closed, and it was quieter than I would've expected.

I think for £12 as an entry ticket was pretty good to see pretty things. I occasionally love to buy the magazine and the product on show was as predictable as their usual content. This time I manage to only spend in one booth for some paper craft supply. My partner's mother really enjoyed the event and picked up more items, as she have more time to look around and tastes many delicious sample around the food section.

My favourite booth display this year was Eliza Wray and treutmade. A new fashion brand Blue Marmalade has the softest fabric to wear for all occasions. On my way out I was admiring greeting cards range by Ashley Thomas, for her 'English quirkiness' graphic collage.

It wouldn't be a trip to Islington without going to Camden passage. Most little shops I like are very pram unfriendly, but if you have someone to look after your baby outside. Do check out Loop for their beautiful collection of yarn. They have sweet collection of Natalie lete product and Julie Arkell's famous papier mâché creation. Then there's Smug for their trendy lifestyle products. My favourite vintage shop for great books Fat Faced Cat, also has great selection of immaculate vintage dresses. Unfortunately their Saturday antique market are especially brilliant. This time I managed to snapped 2 beautiful vintage postcard for £1. I would say a day like that, was 'a successful shopping trip'.

Tiaz

Follow the Foyles

I used to never being able to find this store when I was a poor student and visited London as a tourist. Back in the days when website were pretty basic and mobile phone shopping barely exist. I used to browse hours on end on Foyle's website to find a Louise brook's book, or some rare textile publication that the library didn't have.

Fast forward to 2014. It was one of my favourite spot to browse on books. Currently I am very lucky that I only need one bus to get to Tottenham Court Road. And it is so easy to spot the clean new building from outside and large glass door that's very inviting. 

On my recent trip I picked up Frankie and French Vogue magazine as a birthday treat. Also few children book for DD (dear daughter).

Amazed by how fast the new elevator in Foyles took me from top floor to lower ground floor. I'd say it's a pretty neat place to use the toilet. Each department was easy to find. They have plenty of events happening on the upper floor and very sweet cafe with one of those trendy looking industrial lights.

Being a new mum I absolutely love their collection on children books. During my pregnancy I also picked up some very very good after birth book that I still read through for quick guidance. The new floor layout is far from the cluttered old display and very confusing navigation to find what I need. 

Holiday season was rather busy to move around. Especially with a pram. But at the end I was very pleased that the que was very fast. I'm happy to also see that they were anticipating the pre-New Year rush and still employed lots of human staff rather than 'hello can I help you?computer screen.

Tiaz