Monday 29 December 2014

December 2014 Insta Part 2

The blog turned two this month and I am so glad to have made that decision and stick to it.
My original resolution was one year no matter what. 
I have done that so now the rest is just gravy to me.  
I have met so many interesting people I would never have met not only on the web but in real life. 

Assouline bookshelves
The latest fellow blogger turned friend is Meg from the engaging and informative blog Pigtown Design.  I am sure most of you know her as she was one of the earlier bloggers. What you might not get from the blog is just how funny she is in real life! 

We had a great afternoon going to the museum, browsing at the Assouline bookstore chatting to a very handsome book restorer, lunch and a peek at Ham yard house.

After going to the Cecil Beaton exhibition at Colefax Fowler
I also went browsing for fabrics in their showroom in what was Nancy Lancaster's home. 
Isn't this fireplace with folding screen,throws and luggage rack just perfect?

The showroom in Mayfair is so quiet and I think a lot of people are a bit intimidated to walk in but the staff there are so polite, welcoming and helpful! 



 Meanwhile I have the hump with John Lewis
For those who are not familiar, the employees are mean to be shareholders in the business.  It is also the first pit stop of middle England.  I like to go to their haberdashery as they have a bargain bin where I like to collect bits of fabric.
The service that I wasn't even asking for was so terrible and I got eyes rolled at because I had too many bags on the floor which weren't even blocking a route and it was 10:30 in the morning and I was one of only 3 customers on the whole section. 
I apologized ( I've been here too long) and the sales attendant kept rolling her eyes and shaking her head and mumbling things that were audible. 
So uncalled for that I wrote a proper letter.

The holiday windows were okay but the best ones go to Tiffany.
The brand may be getting a bit mall-y but they know how to do a great eye catching window.

The worst windows go to Bvlgari.
( There goes my sponsorship deal!)
How on earth do they think that display is enticing?
Flat, boring, one dimensional, no color, no story. Then just when you think it's bad, they didn't even bother steaming out the scarf that has a fold that ruins the fall of the fabric.

Most of you don't get this but sometimes 
I feel like an immature and overgrown freshly graduated student when I go to some homes where the people are the same age as me but they live like proper adults.
I went to a party with probably one of the best views in London.
Sorry for the blur but I had been a bit tipsy by that point.
I can't drink anymore for at least three months!

Went to the winter wonderland in Hyde Park with Mr CSW as is our tradition. This house was festive/freaky.
I love amusement park rides and Mr CSW hates them so he waited for me while I got on this.
The views up top were unbelievable! You have to go on it.

Went to Bristol for Christmas for a few days.
The sunset on the M4 was a treat.
Bristol has some of the best examples of Regency architecture in the country.
It gets forgotten because most tourists just go to Bath but the cliffs of the city add a very dramatic dimension and a contrast to just architectural beauty.


The village of Clifton has hills, parks and a massive cliff hence the name - Cliff town which becomes Clifton for short.
 I am considering moving here in the future.
But I am also considering Vermont, Arizona, and Argentina so don't expect me to exchange contracts on a house soon.

This is the view from the other side of the 
Clifton Suspension  Bridge looking towards Clifton that was built by the famous engineer Brunel.



It used to be a major port to rival Liverpool so there was great wealth and the houses were impressive but now are headquarters or split into flats.
The weather albeit cold has been sunny and perfect for walks in the park.

I hope you are all resting and recuperating from the festive eating and drinking. I am excited for 2015 aren't you?
If I don't post again until next year I wish you a heartfelt and happy new year and hope 2015 is a memorable year for all xx



69 comments:

  1. Thanks for the shout-out! So glad you think I am funny, because I think I am funny!

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    1. Gotta laugh at yourself!
      Thanks for this beautiful wintery post, N. Happy new year to you and all the lovely readers here, and greetings from christchurch nz xx

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    2. Happy new year Cilla and have fun in NZ and Meg - it is a blessing to be able to laugh and make people laugh! x

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  2. Love this - you know I adore your picture posts - I always feel like I am on the trip with you! I must go visit Pigtown Design! If she thinks she's funny, I already love her! Happy New Year Naomi! And pick Vermont - it's only a few hours away!

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    1. I hear Vermont is pristine and there are places that still speak French. I haven't been though...I need to test drive it first! And yes Meg is a hoot- you would love her!

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  3. Spectacular loveliness allround, ok next year in December you are Mr Tabitha's side kick, I stand and watch at Winter Wonderland - there's no way I am getting on any big rise ride!

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    1. oh COME ON!! You would love it really. such a thrill!!

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  4. Festive fun, and the New Year to look forward to! Hurrah!
    Is that a new sausage pup I spy Naomi?

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    1. No we still haven't committed - that lovely sausage is my neighbour's dog we were walking while we were helping walk!

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  5. Bristol is beautiful, lucky you to escape there for a few days. I saw so few of the windows this year, and see what you mean about Bulgari happy new year!

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    1. It was lovely to get some sun wasn't it? Crisp cold but the sun made it bearable and everyone was in such a good mood. Loved seeing your posts - what fun! happy new year

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  6. Bristol, Vermont, Arizona, or Argentina? Is this a witness protection program?

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    1. LOL!! You are right - bar Bristol they are popular relocation cities!

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  7. Happy 2nd bloggerversary. I enjoyed the post,
    all the best to you & yours in 2015! i'm excited too :)

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  8. Congratulations on reaching 2 years, that is very exciting! I laughed at the amusement ride comment! My husband loves amusement park rides and I loathe them. I am the one always standing beside the line minding all the children that are too short to go on the ride with all the others! At least my fear comes in use I guess. Happy New Year!

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    1. Yes Mr CSW stood there with the dog worrying and sighing and shaking his head! I do wish we could ride them together but the rides at the park were very scary this year! Happy new Year to you

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  9. I loved seeing all of your photos, and commentary on the shop windows in London. I've just returned from Gotham and some of the windows I saw there were astonishingly elegant and creative.

    Loved seeing Bristol, a city that I've yet to visit but is on my hit list. Bath is my absolute favorite so I know I'd enjoy Bristol with its Regency architecture.

    Wishing you a fabulous New Year and congrats for having made it in blogland for two years - terrific twos not terrible twos that is.

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    1. Yes Bergdorfs makes a whole season out of its windows and it is a new art form right? Bristol is a lovely little town. Bath is beautiful but very very touristy and the people are mostly Londoners who moved out but the energy in Bristol is much more relaxed. I think you would really enjoy it plus the nature surrounding it is a bit more dramatic. Happy New Year CD!

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  10. beautiful places you've visited N. Love seeing bits of Bristol - we have friends from there (they moved to Australia 2 years ago), and I always remember my Mum talking about what a lovely city it was when my parent's were there 10 years ago.
    Love the window wrap up - the Bulgari one is typical of the "Christmas" windows we get here in Oz… so disappointing!
    That John Lewis story is unbelievable! They do usually give good service in there, so that woman must've been in a complete shocker of a mood to have been so rude to you!! xx

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    1. Congratulations on your second blog-a-versary! Happy New Year to you and all your readers!

      Agree with Heidi, JL used to be super. Good quality merchandise and good service. But the last time there the service was dreadful. At an island counter found a scarf under the glass top I wanted to look at properly. There was an assistant at other end - no-one else in sight. She could see me but completely ignored. I waited and waited, finally called out politely. She looked at me in utter boredom and loathing and said "You'll have to come here." The scarf was where I was standing but she insisted I come to her! She didn't appear to have any disability or incapacity. Then she was very reluctant to remove it from under the glass. It completely put me off JL. Haven't been back since.
      You are brave! Those high rides would freak me out!
      Have a great New Year break! Best wishes, Pammie xxx

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    2. Heidi, you would love Bristol because the architecture while similar to Bath it has its own unique style and set on cliffs so you get two things going on at once. The windows at Tiffany's were really a pull and even if no one bought things there was a buzz around the store. It's basic 101 marketing no? Yes John Lewis really has been disappointing. I shudder to think what would have happened if I asked for help! At l;east online - no one is rude to you...Happy new year H xx

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    3. Pammie - I hear ya - what is this attitude from? Service was never great in this country anyway but that takes the mick! Sometimes I wonder if they should impose a bonus system like the States bc that is the main reason why service tends to be good there. Even though I am not a speed demon I love my rides! Happy new year Pammie xxx

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  11. I'd forgotten how lovely Bristol is!
    Sad to hear how awful the John Lewis service was, and glad you wrote a letter.
    Have a wonderful end of year!

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    1. I love that bridge. so dramatic. yes the maddest form of expression in the UK is a letter right! :) Happy new year Ruth

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  12. What a beautiful place, Clifton. Sigh. Shame on John Lewis. I often wonder why retailers think they are in business as they sometimes seem to dislike selling things to people... Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

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    1. Yes more and more the service needs to improve to compete with online not get worse...You need to teach them a course Jen! Happy new year

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  13. this anglophile adore your posts and taking us along on your travels! congrats on 2 years and here's to hoping you chose to share for many years to come.
    what Illinois is not on your list?! i would trade in a second!!
    happy 2015
    debra

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    1. Thank you Debra - I love Chicago but those winters would do me in!!! Happy 2015 to you

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  14. Beautiful photos! Congrats on everything you've achieved with your blog so far.

    Sorry to hear about the John Lewis experience.

    SSG xxx

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  15. Well almost Happy New year! Love all your pictures and the narration. I would have ridden the ride but cussed the entire time. I do believe I would have cussed at JL store also. Any of your relocation picks will work for me...I shall visit wherever you are.

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    1. I just scream! only legit time to do so it's a good stress reliever!! You would be a hoot on one of them rides!! happy new year BB x

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  16. i absolutely hate john lewis too - will compare stories when i next see you ..xxxx

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    1. I thought I was going to be the only bad john lewis story!!! x

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  17. Well done you on your 2nd anniversary! I haven't been around here, so I must tell you that your images are far more beautifully composed more than ever :D I love wintry shots, so I'm loving your photos of Clifton. Happy New Year! xx

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    1. Thanks - it has gone oddly quick! Happy new year to you too x

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  18. Helloooooo!! Congratulations on turning 2! I am right behind you in blog age & in front of you in the other. So glad we stuck with it - "A Bloggers Life for Me" (us!) Lovely post. All the very best for 2015...let's keep in better touch - I know we all say, that but I mean it! xx

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    1. Yes we started at the same time and we are still chugging along! All the best for you too x

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  19. Bulgari boring display and awful bags..though the Christmas shop windows in Sydney are nothing to shout about

    My sister lived in Brtstol in her 20s and loved it ..it has had a fascinating history, well so much of the UK does, really will have to get there one day .

    Have a very happy 2015

    PS know what you mean about grown up houses...mine isn't

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    1. Bristol is such a manageable city. It has everything you want ( including a westfield!) and yet you are in the country in no time at all. Wishing you a very happy and fruitful 2015 x

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  20. I must admit I have been impressed with a lot of the window displays, especially in London although yes the Bvglari window is less than impressive - maybe they were in the process of revamping it? Oh Bristol; I attended a conference there once in the city centre and was not too impressed but we didn't get the opportunity to venture out beyond the hotel and the train station so it's interesting to see this view. Inspired to give it another go, especially as I love the accent ha!
    Happy New Year to you when it arrives, hope you had a lovlely Christmas xx

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    1. The city center like most is drab but like most cities anywhere near the train station is a no go! Hope you get to visit again and see all the good bits. Have a happy new year Colleen xx

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  21. Happy New Year, I laughed about the Bulgari window. And I also feel other people are grown up while I am some sort of ageing teen, so you are not alone xxx

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    1. I know it's a cliche but I could have done a better job!! I am so glad that the ageing graduate thing is not unique to me! xx

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  22. Oh,no. My comment ate itself again. Happy New Year, Naomi. Another lovely roundup. Never been to Bristol. But, might have to go now. Your John Lewis experience has shocked me to the core...please report back how they respond. I hope they are contrite. & please, please keep blogging. Xsue

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    1. Sorry! I wish I could help bc that happens to me all the time on Wordpress! But isn't that just so crazy from John Lewis! I would have not believed it almost if it didn't happen to me!! But thank you for your company here Sue and of course on Pinterest :) wishing you a fabulous 2015 xx

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  23. Lovely post. Bristol looks charming and I didn't know much at all about it! I will have to get there on my next U.K. visit. Good for you writing that letter. It's just not acceptable to get service like that nowadays!! I also love holiday windows and didn't get up to San Francisco this month to see them so this was fun. I am so glad you are blogging and here is to another year of your fun posts and good things for you too dear Naomi! xx Kim

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    1. I hope you add the city to your next visit over. Wishing you and yours all the best in 2015 xx

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  24. My Dearest Naomi
    For me, I am so glad your blog turned two this month; it is like the best Christmas gift ever, and one I hope to continue unwrapping and enjoying…

    Peace
    Love
    &
    Happiness

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  25. Your observations are right on the money, as usual. Tiffany's is getting rather mall-y and the Bvlgari windows showed no spirit at all! Popping over to meet your friend. I do adore funny people. Happy New Year!!

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    1. She is way funnier in real life though! Happy new year to you too Jennifer!

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  26. Naomi! I always love these posts because I feel like you are taking me on your jaunts with you. It's so fun but really I am glad you wrote that letter because rudeness in retail is Ridiculous.
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year and so happy we have been able to become friends through blogging. I hope your 2015 is your best year yet- xo.

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    1. Thank you so much Dani for your cyber friendship! Wishing you and the rascals all th ebest for 2015! xx

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  27. Happy New Year, Naomi!!! I am really glad you decided to keep your blog going. I really enjoy your Instagram posts, they are so much fun. All the best for 2015!!!

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    1. I wish you much focus and productivity for 2015 and am sure success will follow once you finish your degree! x

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  28. Dear CSW, a very Happy New Year to you and the Mr.! I have a question for you: have you never been scared of those rides even when you were young(er)? My son half-jokingly blames me for his fear/intolerance of them because he thinks that if one were accustomed to them while young, there wouldn't be a fear (or at least, one would be more tolerant) of those scary rides when grown. I kinda doubt that! :-) Emily

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    1. No I was never scared! Only of speed funny enough but I am half Australian so was taught to be a bit bolshy and my father let me jump off those diving platforms even when the lifeguard said it might be a bit high! but Mr CSW for some reason is scared but then he doesn't even fly...Don't get me started! Happy new year to you too Emily!

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  29. P.S. Just to clarify . . . I wouldn't let him go on those rides when he was younger. Heehee! :-) Emily

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  30. Your photos so often make me feel as if I am watching a film. The plot for a novel with your New Year's view and the countryside is waiting inside each photo. Love them

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    1. Thanks Mary but it really is much more mundane really!! Wishing you a happy new year!

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  31. Happy 2nd Birthday of your fabulous blog, Naomi! I always love a peek at London through your eyes. I love the holiday windows...thinking I saw the same ones at Tiffany in San Francisco this week....interesting!
    Happy New Year to you and here's to the success of you and your blog this year! Cheers!
    xx, Heather

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    1. Thank you so much Heather! I think Tiffany has a set directive to unify their brand all across the world. Wishing you all the best for 2015 xx

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  32. I am afraid I am with Mr CSW watching the rides safely from terra firma. But I will cheer you on! I would, however, keep pace with the travels and wanderings-I love your explorations into London (and beyond)and I am an enthusiastic follower. Happy Blogaversarie, and Happy New Year!

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    1. I would rather you join me rather than the cheer though!! Thank you for keeping me company here!

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  33. Well, really, Coulda, you shoulda told me you were coming to Bristol,I woulda met up with you! Good for you for writing a letter to John Lewis, I also have had rather sniffy treatment from staff in that store - anyone would think that they owned the place! Colefax Fowler is on my list for the next time I come to London.
    DO keep blogging. I also intended to blog for only one year and look at me now, I can't shut up!
    Every good wish to you for 2015.

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    1. You are going to love the Mayfair branch snd don't forget the yellow room! Here's to a great 2015!

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  34. Happy New Year and Happy Blogging.

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Thank you for dropping by!