Gails Bakery A Tale Of Two Loaves - only one fresh baked straight from the oven

I go back even though the prices are super high and the service is like going through a Wallace...

SusieQ

2026-02-26T15:08:00.0000000 2026-02-26T15:39:42.8870000

I use the Wallace and Gromit analogy to describe the service at Gail’s. When you feel you must be careful not to order too much, everything looks very inviting but I always worry if I have enough money in my bank. The queue always so long with people tutting behind you if you take too long taking your turn. It reminds me of moving through a machine that tips you out of bed into your pants and then plops you at the table ready for breakfast, except Gails tantalises your taste buds with gorgeous ready made cakes and pastry, has it packed in bags before you can blink an eye and then the extoriant bill is presented before you can say actually I had no idea I could have spent so much on four or five items.

There are things I love about Gails Bakery namely the food, although I did buy 4 hot cross buns the other day that looked delicious, glazed and enticing and ending up being quite heavy, flavourless and underwhelming but in the most part the food never disappoints, why I’ve been returning more and more of late.

There’s usually a queue which does attest to the popularity of not just the take out but the eat in cafe as well where the coffee and hot chocolate is served barista style with aplomb, for a price and the hot soup, sandwiches and cakes make it an easy choice for a catch up with friends, if you don’t want a proper sit down lunch. Sort of the poor relation to Panzers deli across the road where the offering is similar, Kosher and the prices higher. Although for reference not technically certified Kosher they do offer a lot of Kosher products.

The downsides of Gails Bakery, it’s expensive if £10 for a coffee and a cake isn’t your norm. Four croissants or danish pastries to go and you won’t see much change from a £20 note, except they don’t accept cash.

Every time I go in they ask me about whether I am using their app. Does that wind you up too? More and more places just seem hell bent to get you on their app.

This visit I said maybe I needed to get it, so I asked if the food was cheaper if you use the app. No the lady told me. It’s a points based system. She said you have to collect 9 points, one per visit to get a loaf of bread at the end. I don’t often buy bread so not worth the bother for me.

I am totally addicted to the Rhubarb and custard danish pastries. Glistening pink slivers of fresh rubber on a cushion of vanilla creme anglaise enveloped in a crispy crumbly pastry case. Cost £5.40 I know extravagant but these are totally irresistible, worth queuing for. I eat mine in the street most days as you have to pay an additional £0.60 to eat in.

It’s London luxury for you. Whilst Gail’s say everyone is welcome in their shops and they are all about community, like many shops in the neighbourhood they don’t take cash, so the lady who sells the big issue on the corner, I have to purchase on her behalf. I guess allowing customers to pay by cash literally stops them over spending.

Like I say the food is really good. Not 100% convinced on the “giving back” community ethics. I’d say more marketing than reality.

Poke House International Vibes In London

Poke Bowl California Beach Vibes in Locations around the world, with 4 locations in London

SusieQ

2026-01-06T12:46:00.0000000 2026-01-07T15:27:12.7030000

You know that feeling when you are drawn away from your usual lunch spot and you discover something that’s been becoming you for a while you just haven’t had a reason to change. Tasting a Poke House bowl was the only push I needed to change my regular lunch spot. It was snowing, I didn’t get my usual parking spot, and I couldn’t be bothered to back track to grab lunch before meeting my friend for a little shopping in the west end.

The Fitrovia location is pink pretty, with cute tables inside to sit and enjoy the super fresh bowls, that start with rice and veggies and end with salmon, chicken, nuts, dressing, a whole array of fresh cold and warm options including spicy and smokin if that’s where you want to head.

I began with a basic vegetarian, I’ve never had cold salad and hummus over rice but it worked a charm. I was tempted by the Caesar bowl, which came with Chicken and vegan bacon I was keen to try. It sounded really good. And I wanted to see if vegan bacon could take the place of regular in a BLT I like to indulge in.

It the kind of place when you eat there, my small bowl cost £9.95, they do a medium and large option, you want to find out more about the story, how this company came into being.

It was started in Milan, by two friends after one had spent time in California enjoying Poke and watching how healthy active people loved to tuck into the easy to deliver fresh mixed bowls that actually originated further west in Hawaii.

In twenty years the chain has grown through nine countries, over 160 houses, employing over 1000 people with a supportive global community of 320,000 Poke House subscribers and loyalty club members.

I didn’t sign up for the loyalty program this time but I am sure I will explore the offers and discounts available for frequent visitors the next time I visit. They have quite a few locations across London. The one in St John’s Wood is probably the closest to my home, but also Notting Hill Gate, Covent Garden and Bayswater.

The lady that served me was really great. The one thing that did dampen down the experience was I asked for a little carrot adding to the bowl and I was told I’d have to pay an extra £1.00, for a few shreds of carrot. I declined the carrot which surprised the member of staff as she went to add it unconsciously I had to repeat I didn’t want to pay what I considered a lot for a little bit of carrot. I would understand chicken, nuts, avocado even but a whole carrot costs what 10p, it seemed cheap so I declined in principle and did without. I could tell the member of staff felt bad about the policy and went over and above to make the rest of the experience positive.

Until I tried to pay with cash and that wasn’t acceptable either. Thank goodness my friend has a card with her as I didn’t have my phone or wallet so would have found myself in the embarrassing position of being unable to pay for the food.

I”ll obviously know for next time but something the consider if you are visiting for the first time, it’s card payment only.

Fortnums and Mason Dark Chocolate Pearl Biscuits and Ginger Stem Cookies Pass The Dunk Test

Notable British Biscuits That Don’t Dissolve In Your Tea

SusieQ

2026-01-01T07:47:00.0000000 2026-01-01T13:59:41.3970000

A friend of mine sent me these two tins of biscuits for the celebrations. One I have opened and almost devoured The Ginger stem biscuits and one is yet to have the cello tape removed. I am prolonging the enjoyment as they are not just any old biscuits. After moving from South Korea to the UK and working as a teacher I have experienced a lot of tea and biscuits. The varieties that come in cellophane packets and get “dunked” in strong tea until they almost collapse. A ritual I initially found amusing and now I am a convert. There is something amusing and challenging in equal parts about a sufficiently soggy biscuit that doesn’t drop in the tea, left a moment too long.

I think that’s why my friend sent me these two gorgeous tins of biscuits from the world famous Fortums and Mason grocery store.

I have no idea what they cost, I will google this information now, wow £11.95 you only get about 12 biscuits in the tin, 200g so they do work out pretty expensive and when I looked to see if I can buy a refill pack for my gorgeous new biscuit tin, this is not available. Which is a shame as the biscuits are completely delicious. This is a mistake because as a completely new customer I would repurchase the expensive biscuits without the tin but would be unlikely to buy another tin for myself. I would maybe buy for a gift for someone else but this is less likely.

The biscuits are melt in your mouth, buttery, sweet, powerful ginger flavour which I absolutely love, the perfect present.

Here are the ingredients,

Flour (Wheat Flour (Gluten), Calcium, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Salted Butter (19%) (Milk, Salt), Stem Ginger (16%) (Ginger, Sugar), Sugar, Invert Sugar Syrup (Sugar Syrup, Cane Molasses), Rolled Oats (Gluten), Free Range Pasteurised Eggs, Ground Ginger, Raising Agent: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.

They are produced in an environment that handles : Tree Nuts, Soya & Sulphur Dioxide.

They also dunk very very well. I ca state with clarity after multiple experiments Fortnums and Mason Ginger Stems are a substantial biscuit that doesn’t collapse, a quality I like very much too.

I give this biscuit 4 stars out of 5. It would be 5 stars out of 5 if I could buy a refill for my beautiful tin. It seems wrong somehow to refill the tin with cheaper biscuits. It would be such a let down everytime you go to open it. And I don’t want to throw the empty tin away. Maybe I will find another use for it at school. For scissors or pencils.

Vinted; Selling and Buying Fakes Online

In my experience on Vinted there are loads of people selling fake designer goods

SusieQ

2025-08-19T16:15:00.0000000 2025-08-19T17:17:27.7370000

I've been reading about a few people getting scammed on Vinted lately, there's loads of people discussing this on Reddit asking for advice so I thought I'd share what I have discovered in the hope it will help people navigate and enjoy their shopping experience more on Vinted which in my view, regardless of the obvious pitfalls (some people are just low lifes and con artists) does have some great advantages for both sellers and buyers. I just helped my friend who has been on a weight loss journey photograph and upload all her large sized clothes which were snapped up very quickly and she ended up with enough money to buy a whole new wardrobe for her new slimmer body, a great result.

I have another friend who loves a designer dupe and there are loads of these on Vinted. Vinted say in their policy to sellers you must not sell counterfeit, fake or dupe products which of course doesn't stop people. And I don't see Vinted doing anything to close these sellers accounts down or stop them posting fake everything from Sunglasses to handbags all using the brand names Chanel, Prada, Hermes, whomever, to market their listings and get more people looking. There’s a lot of demand for these designer dupes.

Some sellers are pretty honest about what they are selling. And it’s obvious a "Hermes" bracelet say for £10 isn't real or a £3500 Alaia handbag for £300. I've even had sellers say outright in the messages, "It's a dupe", or "It's a great copy" again Vinted must be able to see these conversations and don't seem remotely bothered. There are simply too many of them to be an issue.

The things I have noticed you need to be very aware of reading the conversations on reddit, and there are quite a few, anyone who asks you to do anything outside of Vinted is up to no good, don't listen to anyone who is particularly complimentary or overly nice, chances are they are up to no good too.

I've had a pretty good experience on Vinted to date, however the lines do get blurred when you buy something higher priced expecting it to be real that ends up being counterfeit.

Should this happen and you hit the "Everything is OK" button before realising, it's game over for you, there is absolutely no recourse and you are stuck with the item. Vinted customer service is non existant. All they will do is tell you, you must take up your grievance with the seller, like they are going to help you out once you have paid an over inflated price for the hot potato you are now holding. Nah, they probably won't even respond so don't waste your finger strength even typing the email.

I got in touch with Vinted legal department, it was the only email I could find anywhere following an incident. I did get a reply so I have posted it here.

Vinted is great if you are smart, keep your purchases under say £30 so in the event you do get scammed the burn isn't so painful. People with good review history are obviously better than no history at all but this doesn't guarantee they'll do the right thing when they know Vinted don't get involved and it behoves them to keep as many people selling on the platform as possible.

Vinted policy around selling fakes items is very clear. It strictly forbids it but like many sites that are as massive as Vinted and operating globally what they say and the reality are often miles apart.

To stay protected in the event someone sends you an item SNAD seller not as described, make sure you hit "I have an issue" within the allocated two day period. Do not hit "everything is OK" regardless of how many times Vinted email you and encourage you to.

Then at least you may have a shot at getting your money back should something go wrong.

I thought the last line in the letter was pretty humourous, "If you decide to report the matter to the local authorities, we will fully cooperate if they contact us for information" Could you imagine, ringing your local police station and telling them you got ripped off on Vinted, someone sold you a fake handbag pretending it was real? And when you told them you knew and wanted your money back they didn't reply. No shit Sherlock.

Fabs Are Fab but it doesn’t have to be the branded version

Everybody has made a dupe lolly

SusieQ

2025-07-14T07:29:00.0000000 2025-07-14T08:06:18.0200000

I didn’t experience Fabs growing up, it was only when I came to the UK I tasted the icy treat, which has become a go to in my freezer all year around. I like ice. I like a lot in my drink, I like to chew it strange I know, I just do. And I like the sensation of ice melting in my mouth so when most people are enjoying an ice on a stick in hot weather I eat them in the winter too.

I don’t read the Sun newspaper but I included an article about all the different cheaper dupes available, from Iceland, Aldi, Asda and how they faired in a taste test. I usually stick to the branded Fab from Nestle at £2.00 for a box of six from my local coop the supermarket savings aren’t enormous and the cost of the petrol to get to my local larger superstore and the inconvenience of traffic I’m not going to do it to save 50p. That said when I bought 6 boxes for my class at the end of term we did try the Ice Blitz from Aldi which were gratefully received by all even though we collectively agreed the Fab from Nestle is better. Kids don’t hold back on their opinions. I spent the extra couple of quid on the real thing the next time. I found boxes with 12 Fab lollies, the big family pack, which saved me money.

For anyone who hasn’t tried a fab, they are a layered strawberry ice, topped with vanilla ice dipped in a thin layer of chocolate, not really but hey it’s just semantics the chocolate covered in sprinkles.

They are easy to bite into without head freeze or tooth pain, then gone in a flash. Other benefits low calorie if you are watching your weight. Simply all around delicious.

In the sun taste test comparison they found the Iceland version coming out on top. They said this version was lower in calories, cheaper and no one could tell the difference. I haven’t tried this version so cannot comment but the next time I am passing an Iceland, not somewhere I ususally shop as we don’t have a freezer, I know, but next time I see an Iceland I’ll be going in to get some. Friends ask how we cope as someone who loves ice so much, we have the tiny freezer compartment in our fridge and I have a kind neighbour who provides us with extra ice should we need it and tend to cook fresh all the time anyway.

I only really need the freezer to store my fabs.

The Iceland version costs 24p per lolly compared to the branded Fab version from Nestle at £2.50 for 6 from Tesco, £1.90 with a club card.

I pay £2.50 from the coop for 6, so 42p each approximately and no driving, I can walk to the shop so this works out best value for me.

And if you find the family pack where you get 12 in the box instead of 6 they cost under £5 so even less per lolly. In our coop they are sadly always sold out. Tells you something about how many people love a fab.

The Oxford Market great fun bar close to Oxford Circus for after work drinks

My husband loves a Pint after work

SusieQ

2025-07-04T16:23:00.0000000 2025-07-04T17:35:48.3170000

The Oxford Market is one of our favourite after work hang outs hook ups in central london really close to Oxford Circus so close to my husbands office. He likes a pint after work especially in the summer and it’s easy to me to walk to from home after work and meet him there. We can walk home too if not too late or grab an Uber so we get to enjoy central London and a young fun place especially in the summer.

The beer garden, best and biggest in the west end is covered and heated, an added bonus if it’s raining or gets chilly in the evening.

Best things on the menu, the salads are really good at lunch time, prices £10 - £15. I always order the Market Caesar salad. Chicken, baby gem lettuce, anchovies, croutons and Parmesan at £14 is tasty and good value. And in the evening we like to order the Baja fish tacos, generous portion, you get 6 tacos for £25 so really good to share and tasty. Really tasty. Everything is made fresh which in a busy bar is unusual. The food in bars can be a bit dodgy but not in the Kitchen at the Oxford Market.

An extensive cocktail list if that’s your thing and I have it on good authority the beer’s decent too. Staff quick and very friendly. Check out this place. You’ll have a good time.

We love it in the summer. The best heated beer garden.

Grilandia Lebanese Set Menu Buffet style dining and vegan tabbouleh difficult to beat

Outdoor street seating in Mayfair

SusieQ

2025-06-25T07:16:00.0000000 2025-06-25T15:15:45.3430000

I am not vegan but the vegan tabbouleh was the best I have ever tasted and a reason to return to Grilandia for sure.

Fine cut parsley, onions, tomato, mint & burgul with fresh lemon juice & olive oil dressing topped with pomegranate seeds.

I love a mezze plate and Grilandia offers mountains of food made with love for a great price right in the heart of Mayfair.

I’d never been before and we decided to try because of the outdoor seating on a warm day and could smell the food inside, it was inviting.

We didn’t order a lot, the vegetarian platter £19.95 which had aubergines, Baba Ghanoj, falafel, hummus, Batata Hara, a sweet potato thingie, everything was really fresh and super delicious. And the mixed dips that came with pita, more hummus, it was good and lovely Tziziki.

The inside restaurant is very spacious and the friendly staff told us they cater a lot of events. It is the perfect style of food for sharing big colourful platters of lots of vegetables.

Don’t get me wrong there’s options for the meat eaters; lamb; chicken kebabs, we didn’t want anything heavy and vegetarian vegan is always cheaper if you are on a budget.

We finished with a pot of fresh mint tea which the staff were happy to replenish with more hot water for an extra cup each.

We didn’t have any other drinks, just water and the bill was about £65 excluding a tip. We added £10 as the staff had been extra warm and welcoming.

A bargain for so much food in Mayfair.

Inside the decor is based on eastern Mediterranean outdoor dining with flower garlands strewn from the ceiling and live music playing which could be heard outside added to the ambience.

There’s another smaller Grilandia off Regent St, 11-12 Hanover st in the west end. And three of four more scattered about. The first one opened in Westbourne Grove in 2018 and the chain has expanded since then.

A great place I’ll definitely be returning to. Even if it’s just for fresh mint tea.

Tortilla Burritos Worth Walking For Healthy Food

I'll Walk For Your Flour Tortilla

SusieQ

2025-04-11T11:03:00.0000000 2025-04-11T12:08:12.0470000

I live close to Regents park in North London and there are two tortilla shops I go to both are about the same 30 minute walk away, I don't have a car. On a nice day I walk on a rainy day I might take a Lime bike which I pick up in Regents park or St Johns Wood High Street.

One is on Market St closes at 9pm in the west end which sounds like a long walk but actually is the nicest through Regents Park or there's one on Euston Road which closes at 8pm. If I am going to Waitrose on the Finchley Road, I always make a point of stopping next door for my burrito although this one is definitely too far for me to walk.

The food at Tortilla is fresh and delicious. And the service is usually good. Not super friendly but hey they are always very very busy. It's not unusual for the one on Market St to have a long queue, especially between 12 and 2 when the lunchtime rush hits. Not many places you can get this much food, very filling for under £10. They will charge you extra for any additional side, even a squeeze of lime which is a bit cheesy. I guess it stops people taking advantage. Oh and NO cash which again I don't really agree with as it means the homeless person I just gave money to cannot eat here which is not super inclusive.

Maybe they don't want light fingered staff in the till????? I like cash, I just have to remember to take a card. They do have a loyalty program I have never joined and they do delivery through Uber Eats and Deliveroo however the beauty of Tortilla is getting exactly the burrito you love, custom so delivery doesn't work really. A Tortilla burrito has to be eaten fresh to be best enjoyed but don't think if you don't finish in one sitting it's going to waste, oh no, I enjoy a cold half left over for breakfast with some extra salsa.

If you arrive and the queue extends out the door which isn't uncommon, it moves fast, takes about 20 minutes and is worth the wait. The customers are friendly and I've met a few different people here, all sharing a LOVE of pretty authentic Mexican street food, the last one told me about another sit down place he and his veggie girlfriend love Wachana, never been myself but he said the sides especially the cauliflower are really good.

Of all the fast food take out brands Tortilla is defo my favourite.

Vegan Girl from Rochas Paris

Top notes of neroli citrus middle notes jasmine base notes sandalwood

SusieQ

2025-04-02T07:01:00.0000000 2025-04-03T10:56:17.5830000

For the first time ever I bought this perfume because of the packaging. The pale green box appealed to me but the messaging on the side 90% natural origin and ingredients, neroli extract with relaxing properties, 40% recycled glass and vegan and that’s even before I know what it smelled like.

I did read the Frangrantica review which was useful, Neroli at the top, that’s citrusy lemony, floral in the middle, jasmine I love and then musk (not so keen) at the bottom, sandalwood, the heavier fragrance that makes you think of Christmas.

The very first perfume house I was ever introduced to was Rochas Paris. My mother had a bottle of Madame Rochas and I remember clearly the enamel bottle with a tiny floral spray pattern. I can even faintly conjure the scent.

Girl by Rochas Paris is not the same quality of fragrance I remember. I think produced for a younger audience with other things like sustainability and cruelty free on their minds.

The scent is fresh modern light, perfect for every day. Kinda like anais anais by cacherel or the green perfume by Chloe Chloe Eau de parfum which has a similar fresh and delicate cedrat essence mingling with green, sparkling blackcurrant for a pop of uplifting spirit, with the same base notes of musky cedar adding a powerful woody longer lasting scent.

I do like Girl by Rochas Paris. It’s young fragrance for sure. My only complaint and not really a complaint I couldn’t smell it the next day.

Not as expensive as other scents though at around £35 for 100ml this one comes in much cheaper than Gucci, Chloe or Chanel.

For modern stylish girls on a budget I love this spritz for every day.

Girl is the fragrance for a new generation of women who are mindful of and attentive to their own wellbeing every day.

Classic Words Scrabble App Teaching Aid

Prefer it to Go Scrabble App

SusieQ

2025-03-27T08:00:00.0000000 2025-05-14T10:45:44.3770000

For scrabble lovers the world over this is the app if you want to play scrabble for one against the computer. For me it's an amazing teaching aid too

It doesn't offer a community like go Scrabble so you cannot socialise and play with other people but on the flip side no upsetting anyone you are taking too long, a wonderful learning tool for kids and it's the perfect way to relax, take your time, practise and also learn as an adult, the app will play some words for sure in some spots you will think bloody hell that's good, I've certainly learned not to play the word Ration as I've seen generation, separation, auguration and liberation come out for big scores.

The app offers varying degrees of difficulty. I have made my way up from Good to Extremely Hard in about six months. The app is still beating me on the hardest level so there is definitely a challenge.

The best thing of all absolutely no annoying pop ups and you are free to play when ever you wish. You can also pick up and put down whenever and your game will be waiting for you when you return.

It would be a great teaching aid too I think for kids working on reading and spelling maybe an alternative to detention or isolation. I fun way to kind young brains engaged and active.

Wizard Of Lies

An HBO original movie staring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer

SusieQ

2025-03-05T08:57:00.0000000 2025-03-05T10:30:52.6430000

We have only recently invested in a smart TV. We had an old Sony terrestrial TV and an old DVD player so had swerved the whole internet TV thing. Now the allure of all the choice has worn off, we seem to spend more time looking for something to watch than we do actually watching and the Sky internet broadband package we have doesn’t work that well so we can find ourselves buffering quite a bit which is not the best TV watching experience, that said we managed to get through Wizard of Lies without interruption, it was obviously a quiet night online in our neighbourhood.

We paid £4 to watch on Amazon Prime compared to the other options £15 for Nicole Kidmans Babygirl and about the same for Oscar winner Anona, which was OK, however we had an unexpected visitor pop round just after paying, (no buyers remorse or refund scheme I don’t think?) so had to watch the following day because after paying you only get 48 hours to complete watching, kind of another inconvenience.

OK so the movie. It’s based on the true story of the downfall of Bernie Madoff, played by Robert De Niro, one time chairman of the New York Stock exchange and the mastermind of the biggest Ponzi scheme in history. A Ponzi scheme is a fraud where you take money from people and pretend you are investing it for a return when in fact the whole thing is a rouse.

When the work on the 17th floor, a division of the huge financial investment firm called “The Advisory” is finally exposed as the centre of the fraud by the FBI and SEC securities exchange Commission in October/November 2008 following the blood bath on wall st and the collapse of banking investment house Lehman Brothers, the investigation into the firm and all the people close to Madoff commences. It’s a family affair.

Bernard Madoff in real life March, 2009 ended up pleading guilty to 11 federal counts of securities fraud and sentenced to 150 years in prison. His clients, J.P. Morgan, HSBC amongst them never testified in court.

In the film it was speculated the trail of Bernie Madoff was the biggest government financial cover up ever. One of his son’s Mark who worked for the family business committed suicide, (unable to endure the blame and scrutiny from the victims and media) Andrew, Madoffs other son who also worked for the firm, died of Lymphoma in 2014.

One of my favourite stand out bits in the whole movie is when Bernie’s sons Mark and Andrew are being grilled by the authorities, the SEC investigator played by Amanda Warren and the FBI and the questioning official projects on the brothers how they could possibly have been unaware of what was going on, and a frustrated Mark loses his cool and throws it right back at them, suggesting how was it possible they hadn’t cottoned on sooner. Not much she could say except he was the one being questioned not them.

The story is massive, gripping, meaty and totally shocking. I do remember seeing the news coverage for the trial and having no real idea about the scale of the crime perpetrated. The New York Times compared Bernard Madoff to serial killer Ted Bundy, his behaviour that of a sociopath and De Niro is epic in his portrayal.

The HBO script by Sam Levinson, Sam Baum, and John Burnham Schwartz, adapted from the book of the same name by Diane Henriques.

The film was fast paced, superbly acted and completely character driven by the amazing ensemble cast, who build the story as their characters develop.

Very clever film, very scary business. Left me wondering if I know a Bernie Madoff someone I admire and trust implicitly who is the complete opposite of who they appear to be.

Pizza Express

Great vibes in St John’s Wood

SusieQ

2024-11-26T15:38:00.0000000 2024-11-27T10:38:43.4970000

I love the Pizza Express chain. Growing up it was always the place we’d grab a quick lunch as a treat.

This particular property is really inviting. Located very close to the famous zebra crossing on the Beatles Abbey Road album cover you can kill two birds with one stone and snap a cute family selfie as well.

It’s in like a converted detached house with a super patio in the summer and a light bright summer house extension for indoor outdoor vibes in the winter.

The menu is familiar of course, it’s a chain. The dough balls to start and the sticky chocolate brownie and ice cream to finish, we have a few favourite pizzas and pastas we mix and share in the middle.

The wine is drinkable and the crayons and kids packs are entertaining for tots.

There is also plenty of street parking which for central london is unusual.

This Pizza Express is our family comfort blanket. A place the kids love and a home from home when we are too tired to cook or got nothing in the fridge.

The staff are marvellous too.

McDonalds Monopoly Peel Power Game

How many meals needed to win?

SusieQ

2024-10-03T14:37:00.0000000 2024-10-03T14:50:56.4270000

Harder to find a winner than Willy Wonkas golden ticket.

And we’ve had to eat so many of them the monopoly power peel is making us all put weight on. Urghhhh.

I’ve been going to McDonald’s more than I should since the launch of Monopoly and now there’s the chance to win £100 K and loads of other cool prizes plus free food I’ve found I’ve been in there even way more than usual. The TV ad campaign and all the giveaway marketing is working.

We’ve got a sweepstake thing going at work to see if any of us can win something. Times are tough so we decided it would be a great once a week treat for us all, a laugh and good for moral. We tried to get the petty cash to cover it as a team building exercise, but couldn’t get it past the boss. Ha ha. Although she did join in.

There are 12 of us in total in my team at work and my husband works in a garage with 7 or 8 blokes all eating McDonalds.

At my office, once a week for the last 7 weeks we have been playing the McDonalds monopoly power peel game.

In the last 7 weeks we’ve purchased 12 x 7 meals from work and the only thing we have won is going to the app for another peel.

In the last 7 or 8 weeks (going to a different McDonalds) my husband and his co workers haven’t won anything either except a free go when you download or go to the app.

In fairness we haven’t gone to the McDonalds app, maybe all the prizes are there, but after everything we have purchased, all the McDonald’s meals we have bought over the last two months you’d think someone would have at least won one a free burger.

If you’re a winner please comment to let us know it’s not the biggest fix ever just to drive traffic to the app.

Strictly It Takes Two TV Show

Stopped watching after 15 years

SusieQ

2024-09-28T11:14:00.0000000 2024-09-28T11:31:22.5000000

5 days clear and I do believe it’s the end of something.

How hard is it to give up something you like or become accustomed to?

When Claudia Winkleman hosted until 2010 I was a die hard fan and rushed home from work to tune in at 6.30pm frustrated on the rare occasion I missed it.

In 2011 Zoe Ball took over and at first I missed Claudia’s comedy, she is hilarious, but Zoe soon found her groove, the consummate professional and we tuned in to see her dodgy (in the nicest possible way) fashion choices, 1980’s stiletto ankle boots, rock and roll fringe and a little too much glitter even for Strictly.

In 2019 when Rylan Clark joined her to co present, I watched at the beginning of the week not the end. I like Rylan but didn’t really see the fit. Did the BBC just need a job for him.

Then in 2019 Zoe left after 10 years and in June, 2021 it was announced on the One show Janette Manrara got the job as the host.

As far as I am concerned bad casting, no experience, terrible presenter, and even worse styling. Which is a shame as she is a fabulous dancer, choreographer and teacher and would have been better suited to the judging panel than to compete with the experience of Claudia Winkleman and Zoe Ball. Even Rylan with absolutely no dance experience is a better TV presenter.

When Rylan left after 4 years presenting the show he was replaced by TV’s floating temp; Fleur East, X factor contestant, strictly contestant, celebrity masterchef contestant I want to say but maybe it was I am a celebrity get me out of here, outdoor presenting for Anthony and Decs Saturday Take away show, pop star with hit Sax, in June, 2023 I stuck it for another season last year. It takes two had definitely become a habit. The two presenters today are very talented women but not TV presenters which is where the mistake is for the audience. Even when you are a die hard fan and hooked on the show it’s not a pleasure when things aren’t seamless.

I’ve been following Gionvanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima since the launch show as I still conflicted about what exactly has happened and why these two amazing dancers have lost their jobs with no words or explanation about the BBC investigation findings and no mention of the last year from show host Tess and Claudia.

That said I have abstained watching it takes two all week, watched tipping point repeats instead, sad maybe and you know what I didn’t even remember we hadn’t put it on until yesterday.

And before you ask, haven’t given up on the main event, not yet anyway.

Intimissimi

Affordable Luxury Lingerie

SusieQ

2024-07-07T15:46:00.0000000 2024-07-07T16:22:06.9870000

Found this brand while shopping in a mall in Tenerife and it was a memorable and very positive experience in store where I was measured and told not to look at the sizes but to try what was recommended by the knowledgeable assistant. I did so and spent about 250 euros. I came home with 4 new bras, 10 pairs of knickers and a long sleeve cashmere T-shirt. In the past I have paid the same about for one bra and knickers from L' Empreinte, or La Perla.

7 months later I am still wearing and loving the so comfortable products every day. I am not a small perfect size either. And the fit (although no longer the size I thought I was) is really great, no digging in and great support without loads of padding. Win win for me. They have washed really well in the machine. 30 degrees, no fabric softener, no lingerie bags. So many of my expensive bras need hand washing. Practical and affordable luxury for every day, promoting fair wages and transparent manufacturing using eco textiles like Modal and Tencel where possible.

For anyone searching for lovely comfortable ethical lingerie that doesn't fall to bits, modern, stylish, flattering design for reasonable prices - what M&S used to be only much more European in style.

Can't say enough about this company. I haven't taken advantage online yet so haven't experienced their returns or E commerce customer service however couldn't imagine sending anything back now I know my size. So far my in store experiences have been good but they also give bundle deals online and sometimes gifts with purchase. I got a gorgeous beach bag FREE when I shopped with them in Portugal. You got me Intimissimi. The brand for anyone who loves lingerie brands like Rigby and Peller, Marie Jo, Agent Provocateur, Chantelle, Aubade or Coco de Mer.

Pride

SusieQ

2017-04-18T11:51:10.1570000 2017-04-18T16:57:20.9930000

Imelda Staunton was nominated for a BAFTA best supporting actress for her role as a middle aged Welsh woman committed to helping get her community of Dulais through the clashes with police, the public and a conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher during the miners strike of 1984. This is British film making at it's best in that style only the Brits really know how to pull off.

In this unlikely coming together of two diametrically opposed groups, the miners and gay activists that share one thing in common, being isolated and alienated by people in general we see how change happens and it is really uplifting. The script is clever, witty, extremely touching at times and I did find myself welling up in places. This film in heart rending but in such a positive way with stand out performances from Bill Nighy who plays a gay man in the closet and Dominic West who plays gay activist Jonathan Blake, the 2nd man in the UK to be diagnosed HIV positive and who when interviewed in the press believed the story might never be told.

This film is perfect family viewing for kids aged 10 upwards with some incredible life lessons about prejudice, struggle and fighting against all the odds. A heart warming and inspiring true story where the coal miners collectively, through their union changed history for Gay and Lesbians in the U.K. Must watch for everyone who loves British cinema, brilliantly acted, really powerful stuff.

Jour D'Hermes Absolu

SusieQ

2014-07-24T09:01:00.0000000 2016-06-14T09:02:57.9300000

Although this fragrance is described as floral, compared to many it is not sickly sweet, in fact i would describe it as more fruity, even citrus and although Grapefruit is not mentioned in the description this is what I get from it, the reason I absolutely love it.

I picked the Absolu version of this new fragrance from Hermes but there is a lighter version too if you prefer. The small bottle 50ml, I think set me back about £60 in duty free which is high ticket but quite a saving compared to £81.00 online.

The Herbalist

SusieQ

2014-04-17T10:43:00.0000000 2024-11-19T15:53:40.1800000

First couple of chapters in and I wasn't impressed but after 4 or 5 and I was in. The characters are the key, rich and colourful, relatable and the story is woven in such a way to keep you in the story turning the pages eager to unravel what is going on.

The author cleverly gives you just enough to make his book impossible to put down. Beautiful lilting use of language that does take you to Ireland with plots and sub plots woven in such a way, not surprisingly this book was recognised as an award winning read. Not the type of book I'd usually choose but loved it, really did and would highly recommend.