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The Lake District

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">For the long holiday weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;">we took a quick zip to the Lake District, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the largest and most visited National Park in England </div><div style="text-align: center;">located near the Scottish border</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPCEAuKW7eBGrAkkrhyeRUbP7Uhat9TUQCTY7y8nfjRBRmuZSOQqi81WfKpcVhoPmElHq0lbCc4Se68do_Rb8JckPUQd-kmgWD6qng4ZT5LylF15ZnScFrPr8Gyi0zwHc4QgS_4AbSVVn/s1600/DSC01358-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPCEAuKW7eBGrAkkrhyeRUbP7Uhat9TUQCTY7y8nfjRBRmuZSOQqi81WfKpcVhoPmElHq0lbCc4Se68do_Rb8JckPUQd-kmgWD6qng4ZT5LylF15ZnScFrPr8Gyi0zwHc4QgS_4AbSVVn/s1600/DSC01358-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see how this area has inspired so many authors</div><div style="text-align: center;">including William Wordsworth and Arthur Ransome</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTdCRcUBEYxsj2wbYATOGFnuqnhraJcGu9T1_dWJF5lYdJ5LnDVPHaA9dioupsqbtmoKUJiJdELOHGo8f9HYR8MLEamHvAKT2PRaCSzGnJ9RcxjwwrIccaVlZ9wbpgWz2xwXx67JdbTNy/s1600/DSC01325-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTdCRcUBEYxsj2wbYATOGFnuqnhraJcGu9T1_dWJF5lYdJ5LnDVPHaA9dioupsqbtmoKUJiJdELOHGo8f9HYR8MLEamHvAKT2PRaCSzGnJ9RcxjwwrIccaVlZ9wbpgWz2xwXx67JdbTNy/s1600/DSC01325-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The area is known for its </div><div style="text-align: center;">long, thin lakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">hills (known as 'fells')</div><div style="text-align: center;">verdant countryside (indicating it rains a lot) </div><div style="text-align: center;">and hardy Herdwick & Swaledale sheep</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GVkbUwKQuv3buCH_0UWn9qvV7JG4l8OHT71UgiXXLIIkDVBJuBn0tr0zjxEar8dZhGk56wwkr0AQMd2jPNnOVJG7HgE6a9pFuhG3rxUpWrlBD-bl9cUwjY0zkPsddc2VigiabNUpC9OB/s1600/DSC01383-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GVkbUwKQuv3buCH_0UWn9qvV7JG4l8OHT71UgiXXLIIkDVBJuBn0tr0zjxEar8dZhGk56wwkr0AQMd2jPNnOVJG7HgE6a9pFuhG3rxUpWrlBD-bl9cUwjY0zkPsddc2VigiabNUpC9OB/s1600/DSC01383-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't you in love already?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLxOtuIY2ZVH70L1dvvWb0GZ-YGhUQSKaTRmjUdApM1EA80c_-5CCDm_WcyB_nKq1iFPSExsikM_ip6QWeeSFa1xrDfLsns0oaNG_xuxQWFp6fFAt1GIbk9J_yCWIGWioeAhy0iyopJZ1/s1600/DSC01574-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLxOtuIY2ZVH70L1dvvWb0GZ-YGhUQSKaTRmjUdApM1EA80c_-5CCDm_WcyB_nKq1iFPSExsikM_ip6QWeeSFa1xrDfLsns0oaNG_xuxQWFp6fFAt1GIbk9J_yCWIGWioeAhy0iyopJZ1/s1600/DSC01574-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TTUI3OIRNOzdXQ3ZP67lLHHIwGg6DR3pPWTzB8RTZXIRECR3w21ORVCWSS0mDvDYDOPsz9W9EQMhlkboFaMgtRjxk0wQRWuVIxgHVzsxwgC01WgTnJ2uApf7h9_rQFU-kPzkN_BgWKZv/s1600/DSC01443-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TTUI3OIRNOzdXQ3ZP67lLHHIwGg6DR3pPWTzB8RTZXIRECR3w21ORVCWSS0mDvDYDOPsz9W9EQMhlkboFaMgtRjxk0wQRWuVIxgHVzsxwgC01WgTnJ2uApf7h9_rQFU-kPzkN_BgWKZv/s1600/DSC01443-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsALpgV-6GqVKgmmrdDzI6mCHMT3fBsHxdF_6x5BqXNDfUCbjDSMVZitUtzvSjr1_-S4QdsVmJ9RZbMSl9TfJ6FaoM12zbwpRf9UqLNthwqURRwoaafggXqc09otPOVKX1D5IHfbewMfiU/s1600/DSC01413-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsALpgV-6GqVKgmmrdDzI6mCHMT3fBsHxdF_6x5BqXNDfUCbjDSMVZitUtzvSjr1_-S4QdsVmJ9RZbMSl9TfJ6FaoM12zbwpRf9UqLNthwqURRwoaafggXqc09otPOVKX1D5IHfbewMfiU/s1600/DSC01413-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We visited Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse, <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top/">Hill Top</a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which was a real highlight</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw local village locations that appear in her books</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as this letter box</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrnacTBmvA76RLJzlfbpJ8j0shBUMfnMaBIFZ5wZS7c0p4zRTi0GNULdQhcBEiAzfAqHM9salsLQelIgj0LP5N0M-B7KAiT-0Mn8F8RMHmVKhBvyupWoG0RoQQhx4QfFLtE1obYT8XC1O/s1600/DSC01455-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrnacTBmvA76RLJzlfbpJ8j0shBUMfnMaBIFZ5wZS7c0p4zRTi0GNULdQhcBEiAzfAqHM9salsLQelIgj0LP5N0M-B7KAiT-0Mn8F8RMHmVKhBvyupWoG0RoQQhx4QfFLtE1obYT8XC1O/s1600/DSC01455-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Victoria was the first to put her 'royal cypher' on new postboxes<br />Here, 'GR' indicates this letterbox was placed during the reign of King George V (<i>George Rex</i>)<br />Queen Elizabeth II's royal cypher is EIIR (<i>Elizabeth II Regina</i>)<br /><i>Rex/Regina</i> is Latin for king/queen</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />So glad we fit in this last trip!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well worth the five hour drive :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all images my own -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Lake District

For the long holiday weekend we took a quick zip to the Lake District, the largest and most visited National Park in England located near ...

6:57 AM

Visiting London With Teens

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfL5doQzN57xJ8ME7MmNw2HIS4qO58T5O6kdKCGjSpEoV_Iv4TISCb6b90sVUXNIzSbDYuUraGNhjdNbla3fEoVJmtlXeKsDpPLHgTm1dUUT5_fRsBY_thRH_0NvEEY3P4wuGUfEjmShd/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfL5doQzN57xJ8ME7MmNw2HIS4qO58T5O6kdKCGjSpEoV_Iv4TISCb6b90sVUXNIzSbDYuUraGNhjdNbla3fEoVJmtlXeKsDpPLHgTm1dUUT5_fRsBY_thRH_0NvEEY3P4wuGUfEjmShd/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When visiting London,</div><div style="text-align: center;">of course you will visit the famous landmarks</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But what if you have a teenager (or grown up)</div><div style="text-align: center;">who needs to do more than just sightseeing?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few suggestions<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />- RIVER -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVuHbNS5RFzJt8GGqodjckvqL76VuF6x4KycLFoN4_kaqMdNR-PoRuyz6o3A2P6AtjKCEhy517avv8SqX_r3uPqALgGr2NKniQqA3Qt_9vmvlQoMWhnB925t0ptpTrWDJJilKCN0KBanF/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVuHbNS5RFzJt8GGqodjckvqL76VuF6x4KycLFoN4_kaqMdNR-PoRuyz6o3A2P6AtjKCEhy517avv8SqX_r3uPqALgGr2NKniQqA3Qt_9vmvlQoMWhnB925t0ptpTrWDJJilKCN0KBanF/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Zoom down river at a hair-blowing 35 knots<br />on a RIB speed <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/bond-girl-for-day-or-two.html">boat</a> past many of London's landmarks<br /><br />Or look for ancient treasures along London's river shore<br />with a local <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/mudlarking-in-london.html">archaeologist</a><br /><br />*<br /><br />- SKY -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nSrc8O5McpWQ_qRkl4qSSR6vZ62ziNcCQiMgBvHn3CsPju6voomy4YsTR3qlMYxp3VHD7SMuZtuHkMTkQfstwk8QHlYTnbvZ6kvUpeQX3Cf6HJ0z43Jn_mxvvFpPFEJ_ArgXwbWtNgJ/s1600/photo+4+(8)-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nSrc8O5McpWQ_qRkl4qSSR6vZ62ziNcCQiMgBvHn3CsPju6voomy4YsTR3qlMYxp3VHD7SMuZtuHkMTkQfstwk8QHlYTnbvZ6kvUpeQX3Cf6HJ0z43Jn_mxvvFpPFEJ_ArgXwbWtNgJ/s1600/photo+4+(8)-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Day or night,<br />enter a <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/">London Eye</a> capsule<br />for a spectacular vantage point<br />You even can rent your own capsule for a special occasion<br />with food and drink included<br /><br />Or take an elevator to the top of<br />the tallest building in the European Union<br />(and one of London's newest skyline additions),<br /><a href="http://the-shard.com/">The Shard</a><br /><br />For the adventurous,<br />climb the rooftop of the <a href="http://www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2">O2 arena</a><br />for an unusual aerial view of London<br /><br />*<br /><br />- EARTH -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUm5FhXf-X7-uE5yLfSe4JUjKg7qf2AyxcMsfPYJNe-B5fHhVZEqpKyE06yJIqoctyW5l9L2Wqa745TWUcSXxsyW71Y1A0RoGng7H-PCZfCR13Obrm5yKYjHH2kSg2g_Yzh-Xxfy1fDQl/s1600/DSC_0123-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUm5FhXf-X7-uE5yLfSe4JUjKg7qf2AyxcMsfPYJNe-B5fHhVZEqpKyE06yJIqoctyW5l9L2Wqa745TWUcSXxsyW71Y1A0RoGng7H-PCZfCR13Obrm5yKYjHH2kSg2g_Yzh-Xxfy1fDQl/s1600/DSC_0123-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Hit the sidewalk for a 2-hour <a href="http://www.walks.com/">walking tour</a> with first rate guides<br /><br />Jack The Ripper, ghost walks, and filming locations<br />tend to be popular with a teen crowd<br /><br />Or pedal through London on a guided <a href="http://www.tallyhocycletours.com/">cycling tour</a> on a British Pashley bicycle<br /><br />*<br /><br />- FOOD -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXbT2tsVKUdA4IsmdN7X_VC_v7OX8VuQMmnlwBqGrSU10YCsECmCA22F3nMRhhKsQmk4JhSA3TspXd-1jxsCKxckt8fbGkFJzE-ScDQVJFoPXVmo984SWwQBt11yYpNsIytdfLxMzB5MV/s1600/photo+3-018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXbT2tsVKUdA4IsmdN7X_VC_v7OX8VuQMmnlwBqGrSU10YCsECmCA22F3nMRhhKsQmk4JhSA3TspXd-1jxsCKxckt8fbGkFJzE-ScDQVJFoPXVmo984SWwQBt11yYpNsIytdfLxMzB5MV/s1600/photo+3-018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ever wanted to savor crickets, kangaroo, crocodile, or other exotic cuisine?<br />Here's your chance at <a href="http://www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk/">Archipelago</a><br /><br />Select your Japanese dish from a clever conveyor belt<br />passing by your counter at <a href="http://www.yosushi.com/">YO!Sushi</a><br /><br />Play other guests and order your meal<br />on your computerized tabletop at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/inamo-unforgettable-dining-experience.html">Inamo</a><br /><br />Don't miss a foodie's afternoon tea in this creatively decorated restaurant: <a href="http://www.sketch.uk.com/">Sketch</a><br />(check out those egg capsule restrooms!)<br /><br />Chocoholics will appreciate the chocolate artistry at <a href="http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/">Choccywoccydoodah</a><br />(sit down and enjoy a dessert and warm drink upstairs)<br /><br />Finish off your day with nitrogen smoking ice cream at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chin-chin-labs-nitro-ice-cream.html"><span id="goog_1048784649"></span>Chin Chin Labs</a>,<br />offering some very unique flavors<br /><br />*<br /><br />- SPORTS -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIxla7l_QFwr83zP60jd2z0YgtGHau8rvN91zjhC8VBUVMs5U2CmC2wKyPMQYX-_wbL-fvS5QMO2LA-q8ImvENvxhygYP8WhXbCGhkNrfpbwQ9BfoSYEgAVuiz0lruP6ZdVSz7L5RRck/s1600/photo+2+(9)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIxla7l_QFwr83zP60jd2z0YgtGHau8rvN91zjhC8VBUVMs5U2CmC2wKyPMQYX-_wbL-fvS5QMO2LA-q8ImvENvxhygYP8WhXbCGhkNrfpbwQ9BfoSYEgAVuiz0lruP6ZdVSz7L5RRck/s1600/photo+2+(9)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />For tennis fans, there is nothing like touring the grounds of <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/wimbledon-tennis.html">Wimbledon</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lords.org/lords/things-to-do/tours-of-lords/">Lord's Cricket Ground</a> Tour will appeal to cricketers<br />while football /soccer enthusiasts won't want to miss <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/stadium-tours">Chelsea FC Stadium</a> Tour<br /><br />*<br /><br />- ENTERTAINMENT -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPg4d1U9xWaL3qEucXg6nnIWdzUjxLq0hSWtW-1I7uTIxjdbJHP52gQq7hoYlsjmDscKqF2fQLxECBfOcbpScQVoa8dYG6II_XofkgQFEnpsChtMYfsgR6IMTXhpkWrb3TWLHpURPJCwV/s1600/IMG_2860-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPg4d1U9xWaL3qEucXg6nnIWdzUjxLq0hSWtW-1I7uTIxjdbJHP52gQq7hoYlsjmDscKqF2fQLxECBfOcbpScQVoa8dYG6II_XofkgQFEnpsChtMYfsgR6IMTXhpkWrb3TWLHpURPJCwV/s1600/IMG_2860-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />For Harry Potter fans,<br />a trip to <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/warner-bros-harry-potter-studio-tour.html">Warner Bros Studio Tour</a> is an absolute MUST<br />Although it is a bit outside London,<br />it is definitely worth the trip<br /><br />You'll need the full hour to escape out of a locked room at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/blog-post.html">Hint Hunt</a><br />Currently ranked as #1 Attraction in London by TripAdvisor,<br />this interactive game is 60 minutes of unforgettableness<br /><br />Sit in a television audience<br />by applying for <a href="http://golondon.about.com/od/londonforfree/a/tvaudience.htm">tickets</a> in advance<br />or get a 'behind the scenes' tour at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/bbc-tour.html">BBC</a><br /><br />Watch a current film on the BIG screen<br />with 832 other movie-goers<br />at <a href="http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/london_west_end/139/">Odeon West End Cinema</a><br /><br />For current events, refer to <a href="http://www.timeout.com/london">TimeOut London</a><br /><br />*<br /><br /><i>'There's nowhere else like London.</i><br /><i>Nothing at all, anywhere.'</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">                                                                   - Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">( all photos my own )</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">an unsponsored post</span></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Visiting London With Teens

When visiting London, of course you will visit the famous landmarks - Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge - But what...

4:43 AM

Mudlarking In London

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beachcombing the River Thames in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">is known as 'mudlarking'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1j7bXKx1syCvfeoUGhzLtxaXamNZr9kKYR-0aOofiCV9r3pLffnntEwMKSki_f3bsfs8U9eGgTWhhrXAIQxMJA_TdCn6_mDdOJNBvMZOsjOGb2VwJk7Ll-JqT35KwNQyPeBaWmeuKsS7/s1600/photo+1-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1j7bXKx1syCvfeoUGhzLtxaXamNZr9kKYR-0aOofiCV9r3pLffnntEwMKSki_f3bsfs8U9eGgTWhhrXAIQxMJA_TdCn6_mDdOJNBvMZOsjOGb2VwJk7Ll-JqT35KwNQyPeBaWmeuKsS7/s640/photo+1-172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the 18th and 19th centuries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">impoverished boys and girls aged 8 to 15</div><div style="text-align: center;">scavenged the river's mud at low tide </div><div style="text-align: center;">in search of treasures to sell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a dirty and unsafe job,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the river was a receptacle for raw sewage </div><div style="text-align: center;">and dumping ground for the city's rubbish</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today it is a bit of a gold mine for seeing into the past</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrreyho-HPmK7fzDJgln3HihNDvD2G5unhnVhGwpnGoDaNxixH5PwK-2ywKXSlh1zDFR-Xr3RodUDFXsDOEql0MKMrvc1M2sN9P9m1pKRb4waLAznIDOGh5RKOs0Ld54tjLvDh9Es324/s1600/photo+5-016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrreyho-HPmK7fzDJgln3HihNDvD2G5unhnVhGwpnGoDaNxixH5PwK-2ywKXSlh1zDFR-Xr3RodUDFXsDOEql0MKMrvc1M2sN9P9m1pKRb4waLAznIDOGh5RKOs0Ld54tjLvDh9Es324/s640/photo+5-016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Led by Fiona, a local expert archaeologist,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a group of us collected a few things along the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">we thought might be of interest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We showed her our loot,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and in a nonplussed way she told us much of it dated</div><div style="text-align: center;">to Victorian times or earlier</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once she showed us what to look for,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we saw Victorian roof tiles scattered on the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as old yellow bricks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay tiles with grey streaks were Victorian</div><div style="text-align: center;">Solid red tiles could be dated to Tudor times</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if tiles showed signs of being burned, </div><div style="text-align: center;">they could be from the Great Fire of London in 1666</div><div style="text-align: center;">(as they threw everything into the river to clean up after the fire)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wxfv-Eu4YRtOOG_rRBXKi7qe7dWFNKUJOLQ2IrO8T9GXV4e0Kcvm97857ZPGTVi-UWa07S0OPx7FcXZWuA2R8DXLh6GTBFsC40asLkb3I3WrBhmNdjsOcvJpsZ0PIwenOAnQtm6LgEm/s1600/photo+4-019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wxfv-Eu4YRtOOG_rRBXKi7qe7dWFNKUJOLQ2IrO8T9GXV4e0Kcvm97857ZPGTVi-UWa07S0OPx7FcXZWuA2R8DXLh6GTBFsC40asLkb3I3WrBhmNdjsOcvJpsZ0PIwenOAnQtm6LgEm/s640/photo+4-019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yes, that's a bone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We found glass waste from a factory that</div><div style="text-align: center;">operated nearby from 1700s - 1800s</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pottery known as 'tin-glazed ware'</div><div style="text-align: center;">would have been discarded</div><div style="text-align: center;">from kilns located on the shore </div><div style="text-align: center;">between 15th and 17th centuries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes were like cigarette butts of the time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">popular by smokers between 1580 and 1930</div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw these everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-RNIJzo0TF6q3Gmznp58maaiYr8thU_psYXE1t6rnuF9HcznPapQpKRFG4tw0C_vnuqhXLcAslUYc0trlwjN0BimZph7_LM915kqyaqc6tISDPCBWiFbYFz_KAo8Z1wZgztC1q7Di1Xh/s1600/photo+5-018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-RNIJzo0TF6q3Gmznp58maaiYr8thU_psYXE1t6rnuF9HcznPapQpKRFG4tw0C_vnuqhXLcAslUYc0trlwjN0BimZph7_LM915kqyaqc6tISDPCBWiFbYFz_KAo8Z1wZgztC1q7Di1Xh/s640/photo+5-018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes and a very old shard of tin-glazed ware (the piece with one blue stripe)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The plentiful metal nails and scrap were from the shipyard</div><div style="text-align: center;">that once stood where we searched </div><div style="text-align: center;">(late 1600s - late 1800s)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly they were handmade and did not look uniform in shape</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The most important discovery of the day</div><div style="text-align: center;">was a piece of coral found by someone in our group</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Fiona asked if she could take it to the Zoo as they are piecing together</div><div style="text-align: center;">what types of coral lived in the river -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although you could mudlark on your own,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you wouldn't know what you were seeing</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I would highly recommend giving it a go with Fiona</div><div style="text-align: center;">- great for all ages -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7zKdRPajbzZAODKyvco26J6fUrYfKA4XrUB3BLYeQkJ_Aa2d9fEz-7llcYWpA3glWIvTqpfxQ060hgPWON-RQ0eCcuvLTEKl3IIFZszhcp9CSTl2g-VgfVOFM91Yxn6wZkbVEDpZnF9p/s1600/photo+2-020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7zKdRPajbzZAODKyvco26J6fUrYfKA4XrUB3BLYeQkJ_Aa2d9fEz-7llcYWpA3glWIvTqpfxQ060hgPWON-RQ0eCcuvLTEKl3IIFZszhcp9CSTl2g-VgfVOFM91Yxn6wZkbVEDpZnF9p/s640/photo+2-020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were thrilled with our success</div><div style="text-align: center;">and thankful the bank was pebbly and mud-free</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll never look at the Thames the same :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mudlarking via <a href="http://www.walks.com/">London Walks</a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a nonsponsored post)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Mudlarking In London

Beachcombing the River Thames in London is known as 'mudlarking' In the 18th and 19th centuries, impoverished boys and girls aged 8 ...

2:21 AM

Hint Hunt London

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Browsing <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186338-Activities-London_England.html">TripAdvisor</a>'s site for things to do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the #1 Attraction in London</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hzJ842Ut87p5MPWonZzF7MppZO2p4ZvLsy7JjDfL-ltxHw1hF_FgIy6L5WHsM5P4DXujWT2Mn2p2p2VfulMpk06cYlnuLLU18uLSUen8bBO2_AFn9soqItd0P1Sqj3vdQWQZSm5MIuJz/s1600/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hzJ842Ut87p5MPWonZzF7MppZO2p4ZvLsy7JjDfL-ltxHw1hF_FgIy6L5WHsM5P4DXujWT2Mn2p2p2VfulMpk06cYlnuLLU18uLSUen8bBO2_AFn9soqItd0P1Sqj3vdQWQZSm5MIuJz/s640/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(being me),</div><div style="text-align: center;">HAD to check it out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shrouded in mystery,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt describes itself as</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A new simple and fun live escape game</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We lock up a handful of people (3 to 5)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>into a small space that looks like a normal room at first sight</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>However, it is a smartly designed environment where the captives</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>start discovering hidden objects, codes, keys, riddles and clues</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to help them escape the room in 60 minutes</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by a clever group of Hungarians, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt has locations in London, Paris, and Cape Town</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was CRAZY fun</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise it is nothing you have ever done before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfect for families or a group of friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt is conveniently located across from Euston Station</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put this on your 'must do' list for your next visit to London</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- minimum age of 9 with an adult -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://hinthunt.co.uk/">Hint Hunt</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br />

Hint Hunt London

Browsing TripAdvisor 's site for things to do, I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked as the #1 Attraction in London So m...

11:04 PM

Bond Girl For A Day Or Two

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">While our book club has covered many wonderful authors and correlating activities this year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to say this James Bond study has been my favorite so far</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been ridiculously fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the lowdown...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zipping through London along the River Thames</div><div style="text-align: center;">at a top speed of 35 knots,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this RIB boat ride had us grinning from ear to ear</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a few bugs in our teeth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vowing to bring our kids next time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is the best way to see London from the water</div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.londonribvoyages.com/">London RIB Voyages</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg404mHKxVzty_8r62y1bBA2Oa3NQ_eJKrURZfzjvxXJXFrEGjXl1Jwo0tsJQUxvBCzgDk6vxk0xPLKAXkPfzu_Mmu5XDSugMFoPwYzmSdDcrEU14AHux1oEAQWDJ68123A02UHCKtICJUV/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg404mHKxVzty_8r62y1bBA2Oa3NQ_eJKrURZfzjvxXJXFrEGjXl1Jwo0tsJQUxvBCzgDk6vxk0xPLKAXkPfzu_Mmu5XDSugMFoPwYzmSdDcrEU14AHux1oEAQWDJ68123A02UHCKtICJUV/s640/DSC08349-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We opted for the James Bond themed ride - Bond music included</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit tucked-away <a href="http://dukeshotel.com/">Duke's Hotel</a> in the heart of London</div><div style="text-align: center;">where Bond's author, Ian Fleming, enjoyed his martinis</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Sean Connery celebrated being cast as James Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(also a frequent Bond film location)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY8jbNN5jzNz3j7Wuk_GsM2t1sDY5d1bo7R86FcrTrc_1_jJE6r2SX-8-Lf2cVVcAffysx9qS104RGpki_N9UaJ2_3yPERV-KS-93fPGRkEijaX51GPcz3DyObSXF6y17nJR9-GsA78fw/s1600/DSC08267-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY8jbNN5jzNz3j7Wuk_GsM2t1sDY5d1bo7R86FcrTrc_1_jJE6r2SX-8-Lf2cVVcAffysx9qS104RGpki_N9UaJ2_3yPERV-KS-93fPGRkEijaX51GPcz3DyObSXF6y17nJR9-GsA78fw/s640/DSC08267-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offers afternoon tea and/or martinis concocted from a table-side cart</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating </div><div style="text-align: center;">'50 Vehicles. 50 Years.',</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beaulieu's <a href="http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/">National Motor Museum</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> is exhibiting the creatively cool collection of</div><div style="text-align: center;">jetpacks, submarines, cars, motorcycles, and flying contraptions</div><div style="text-align: center;">featured in Bond films</div><div style="text-align: center;">(ends January 5, 2014)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkt8KdsB2URpGxCXYMDW4ckdGqySakUtpBPyPl4MQkOk381U4xcdeVS0o1ufbSTfVusbTk84gddVBcT-RDHEme5SflyY3Sp9uJVlE5OpeYkcGQKhvKBG69D04wNZcXXMo1WO4ie-ErV-R/s1600/Photo+37-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkt8KdsB2URpGxCXYMDW4ckdGqySakUtpBPyPl4MQkOk381U4xcdeVS0o1ufbSTfVusbTk84gddVBcT-RDHEme5SflyY3Sp9uJVlE5OpeYkcGQKhvKBG69D04wNZcXXMo1WO4ie-ErV-R/s640/Photo+37-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge hit with my son</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Worthy of a standing ovation, Richard Walker's enthusiasm rubbed off on all of us</div><div style="text-align: center;">as we learned the backstory of author Ian Fleming</div><div style="text-align: center;">and true accounts of spies operating in London during his time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A two hour guided walking tour by <a href="http://www.walks.com/">London Walks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2SqYNvXg2J-CFjgBbXVLTT5l3_kG3wRKY_dAaMuMpr3SGbSpGXBHbgKisLvhBxQStHo6p9xZgYkt_AZFSiBLiJS3sRyjdYtUSVqoI3lle2uGjAdbn2ghKHxZDODxcVLgpeJx1f5y7cv/s1600/DSC08255-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2SqYNvXg2J-CFjgBbXVLTT5l3_kG3wRKY_dAaMuMpr3SGbSpGXBHbgKisLvhBxQStHo6p9xZgYkt_AZFSiBLiJS3sRyjdYtUSVqoI3lle2uGjAdbn2ghKHxZDODxcVLgpeJx1f5y7cv/s640/DSC08255-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spied Eon Productions, the film production company producing James Bond film series</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shaken, not stirred...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, we strutted over to <a href="http://www.windmilltaverns.com/jacks/">Jack's Lounge</a> in London's Southwark district</div><div style="text-align: center;">for a cocktail class with some friendly competition within our group</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Learning about bartender tools and how to properly shake a drink,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we made yummy Passion Fruit Martinis and </div><div style="text-align: center;">complicated Flaming Orange Cosmopolitans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU7W0__UeGuaQYvpv7ZZMv6lyS9a9aNuh0tf_-q1eiFnS1E6rIVH-o0ApH7T8wJx8D9BA5-32Mz2yuwqSW_RaN1YEBjhgGS2vFLlFWeAs8ioc59Hzoqt1Wej-1jx0TCIRc40_d3bOtWuw/s1600/DSC08373-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU7W0__UeGuaQYvpv7ZZMv6lyS9a9aNuh0tf_-q1eiFnS1E6rIVH-o0ApH7T8wJx8D9BA5-32Mz2yuwqSW_RaN1YEBjhgGS2vFLlFWeAs8ioc59Hzoqt1Wej-1jx0TCIRc40_d3bOtWuw/s640/DSC08373-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few ideas we didn't get to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Through <a href="http://britmovietours.com/bookings/spy-movie-outer-london-tour/">Brit Movie Tours</a>, </div><div style="text-align: center;">visit Pinewood Studios where many Bond movies have been filmed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/exhibitions/iwm-london/horrible-histories-spies">Imperial War Museum</a> is hosting Horrible Histories: Spies</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a fun interactive exhibition in London for families</div><div style="text-align: center;">(on my 'must do' list) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be a stunt car driver for the day on a challenging specialized track</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give high speed parallel parking a try after you make a reverse spin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offered by Top Gear's <a href="http://www.paulswift.com/ultimate-stunt-driving.asp">Paul Swift Precision Driving</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">near Guildford, Milton Keynes, and Durham</div><div style="text-align: center;">(would be a total blast with my husband)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there's more!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find out more about Ian Fleming and Bond in my next post</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More In Bond Series ::</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/interview-of-bond-girl.html">Interview Of A Bond Girl</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/fascinating-world-of-ian-fleming.html">Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Bond Girl For A Day Or Two

While our book club has covered many wonderful authors and correlating activities this year, I have to say this James Bond study has been my...

3:36 AM

The Polo Season

<div style="text-align: center;">Savoring local sports, </div><div style="text-align: center;">we made our way</div><div style="text-align: center;">to a polo match</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYd1CPWlYhQrKuxjWGNi2KF1TRCPUWqoA8BxQVXqFUzLDt2uTEc593PjHLa9o9a36ntNH_FZRWr1fwzSsRz1ylrWGLK6bskgn4gRlw3hV1YsQUdaihjjwZrSdR_Ea0PLRNA2L9YGm1u3/s1600/IMG_0073-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYd1CPWlYhQrKuxjWGNi2KF1TRCPUWqoA8BxQVXqFUzLDt2uTEc593PjHLa9o9a36ntNH_FZRWr1fwzSsRz1ylrWGLK6bskgn4gRlw3hV1YsQUdaihjjwZrSdR_Ea0PLRNA2L9YGm1u3/s640/IMG_0073-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing nothing about the sport,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we were happy we brought a smartphone</div><div style="text-align: center;">to educate ourselves during the day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were surprised by how casual the event was</div><div style="text-align: center;">and that some of the teams were co-ed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We sat in metal bleachers</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">and bought our food/drink from the nearby caravans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Costing just £5 for the 'picnic ticket',</div><div style="text-align: center;">we found it to be very affordable</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6_ZyWL-Fu7inP0eYwoTD1xRQGi7CIi1JbufO-gSfDhFIWor81XZDrSEXdCOE-Fq5FzuWTnWJFiCqDi_seQtdVO70YAVxi5Uivkzn2k8GW_vFF9fzXUgM7NJTqabAp5Mk3Nw3TiCdGPla/s1600/IMG_0054-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6_ZyWL-Fu7inP0eYwoTD1xRQGi7CIi1JbufO-gSfDhFIWor81XZDrSEXdCOE-Fq5FzuWTnWJFiCqDi_seQtdVO70YAVxi5Uivkzn2k8GW_vFF9fzXUgM7NJTqabAp5Mk3Nw3TiCdGPla/s640/IMG_0054-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The announcer had hilarious commentary</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We even helped with 'divot stomping' at half-time</div><div style="text-align: center;">just like in the film 'Pretty Woman'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a great way to spend a few hours with the family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Venue: <a href="http://www.hampoloclub.com/">Ham Polo Club</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Polo Season

Savoring local sports, we made our way to a polo match Knowing nothing about the sport, we were happy we brought a smartphone to educate ou...

10:07 PM

Day Out With The Girls

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">A friend and I had</div><div style="text-align: center;">the perfect day with our daughters</div><div style="text-align: center;">last week</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not a fan of musicals,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but <a href="http://uk.matildathemusical.com/">Matilda</a> is the best one I've seen EVER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxS15Q4kcpcP2DJ_aYWQZpxX2pFdUeDA2a9mf0hu0I1fmAN8OyTfYqIk93JOi2m19qceH4UrxeAYZmOQPkvfSlskeGxqbpZORMRDepcCnJZWkgR0mQT_FVJz65nSILZ7qtizSXohOQqiJ/s1600/photo+1+(15)-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxS15Q4kcpcP2DJ_aYWQZpxX2pFdUeDA2a9mf0hu0I1fmAN8OyTfYqIk93JOi2m19qceH4UrxeAYZmOQPkvfSlskeGxqbpZORMRDepcCnJZWkgR0mQT_FVJz65nSILZ7qtizSXohOQqiJ/s400/photo+1+(15)-0021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Based on a Roald Dahl story,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this musical oozes talent and creativity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">About a girl who is mistreated by her parents and headmistress,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this dark story has a happy ending </div><div style="text-align: center;">with snappy tunes, amazing sets, and delightful choreography along the way</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We started our day off right at Sanderson Hotel</div><div style="text-align: center;">with their <a href="http://www.sandersonlondon.com/en-us/#/explore/?id=/sanderson-london-mad-hatters-tea/">Mad Hatter's Tea</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5bxI8nuVvb_k8qBav88ldntDJT-w1MGIIbsQAHXLGkCQIsDo28XyjNrFjljUtHg1cu9JtJwC3AqeeIuXd972NjwJmmNl0m1aaDslEmwnlVKa1yFOjmBHHeWcnIhwaLoryou_eNHsWT0o/s1600/TeaCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5bxI8nuVvb_k8qBav88ldntDJT-w1MGIIbsQAHXLGkCQIsDo28XyjNrFjljUtHg1cu9JtJwC3AqeeIuXd972NjwJmmNl0m1aaDslEmwnlVKa1yFOjmBHHeWcnIhwaLoryou_eNHsWT0o/s400/TeaCollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Complete with marshmallow mushrooms, 'Drink Me' juice, and other fun (and delicious) bites,</div><div style="text-align: center;">my daughter had a hard time deciding if she liked the musical or the afternoon tea best</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd say it was a tie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Laura Porter's review of Mad Hatter's Tea <a href="http://golondon.about.com/od/afternoontea/fr/Mad-Hatters-Afternoon-Tea.htm">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Day Out With The Girls

A friend and I had the perfect day with our daughters last week I'm not a fan of musicals, but Matilda is the best one I've seen EV...

11:18 PM

The Lambing Season

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the dearest things to do in Spring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">is visit a farm during the lambing season</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And if your timing is right,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you may see one being born</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDMmA5RuY2oi7Ue6TkZ-YrDibq2YEa4r41eb9_fEEa6hvyOzBcnHeQh7TpSra1AHBS_82I9LU3oggkRjE3rUVVbi55Oy4CEOuuKW_ecBBdOkP2MSc13IVI1AhxZ60WXEzrjsr_7TdfxDB/s1600/DSC_0273-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDMmA5RuY2oi7Ue6TkZ-YrDibq2YEa4r41eb9_fEEa6hvyOzBcnHeQh7TpSra1AHBS_82I9LU3oggkRjE3rUVVbi55Oy4CEOuuKW_ecBBdOkP2MSc13IVI1AhxZ60WXEzrjsr_7TdfxDB/s640/DSC_0273-002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to ultrasound,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the farm sorts the pregnant ewes into different pens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">according to how many lambs each mama is expecting (usually 1 to 3)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The more babies she is carrying, the more help she may need to deliver safely</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once born, the mama and babes are painted with a number on their backs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so the staff can keep the family together</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhoN2Lf1R6wJ1dcb8shAWoYBoQpSqRzaMVNYBFNrm3iO3BBNhHd7I8c7qEM_f94cFUyYU552u4e_0zpILa0PfSVmJ5FngxEiKyXXd2uDrBLS6QVr_tZo6aprbvFw-KzQbJL8aKZsXEARr/s1600/DSC_0305-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhoN2Lf1R6wJ1dcb8shAWoYBoQpSqRzaMVNYBFNrm3iO3BBNhHd7I8c7qEM_f94cFUyYU552u4e_0zpILa0PfSVmJ5FngxEiKyXXd2uDrBLS6QVr_tZo6aprbvFw-KzQbJL8aKZsXEARr/s640/DSC_0305-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More going on at the farm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbakaVuZXdvF9WRIZ3QDd_a_mXWKa2Pggw0rlEPHo8ZNp-Y-h9-tDb7JKcspeIbEsBbnJNJqpAYNNuyOvcbutMH0j15WpttqOH_ofhoQp3HCUdjaGQCF5C_q6ee1CK3lGUdMbvFTVY8Q8Q/s1600/DSC_0280-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbakaVuZXdvF9WRIZ3QDd_a_mXWKa2Pggw0rlEPHo8ZNp-Y-h9-tDb7JKcspeIbEsBbnJNJqpAYNNuyOvcbutMH0j15WpttqOH_ofhoQp3HCUdjaGQCF5C_q6ee1CK3lGUdMbvFTVY8Q8Q/s640/DSC_0280-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Definitely the season for newborns,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lots of other babies are seen on the farm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRTotYjTDkVPc6qYjMOjzysURu3jKBTWxoTI-5w8urqKDMt-sgWzyylY5sKnHt1vF56wB1a-nvFfTk2yaBxNdBIUeBrqqmFKWiGNIYoGaNSc_G9QIiX5rF9zIYIJzi9Mb3IaQB8n50x-U/s1600/DSC_0320-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRTotYjTDkVPc6qYjMOjzysURu3jKBTWxoTI-5w8urqKDMt-sgWzyylY5sKnHt1vF56wB1a-nvFfTk2yaBxNdBIUeBrqqmFKWiGNIYoGaNSc_G9QIiX5rF9zIYIJzi9Mb3IaQB8n50x-U/s640/DSC_0320-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">With sun, blossoms, and the lambing season</div><div style="text-align: center;">England is at its best right now :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Lambing Season

One of the dearest things to do in Spring is visit a farm during the lambing season And if your timing is right, you may see one being born ...

10:59 PM

Chin Chin Labs Nitro Ice Cream

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a little culinary adventure?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSdhlAYEnFt5BYk11Gt6y90ngIRw_0oYmeNzujnzFytNvqO1AaWSLbXZoyWJjilApBHGWcpEn1bR61n8N8d_FxNKbW2TBswAHI88XszfWOUiCVI6x4F_b-KkM3xucAzpvJipDdNBgo8df/s1600/Chin+Chin+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSdhlAYEnFt5BYk11Gt6y90ngIRw_0oYmeNzujnzFytNvqO1AaWSLbXZoyWJjilApBHGWcpEn1bR61n8N8d_FxNKbW2TBswAHI88XszfWOUiCVI6x4F_b-KkM3xucAzpvJipDdNBgo8df/s640/Chin+Chin+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How about smoking ice cream :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chinchinlabs.com/">Chin Chin Labs</a> in Camden</div><div style="text-align: center;">blends its ice cream ingredients with liquid nitrogen upon order,</div><div style="text-align: center;">creating a real 'wow' effect as smoke pours out of blenders</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So 'cool'!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(An unsponsored post)</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Chin Chin Labs Nitro Ice Cream

Looking for a little culinary adventure? How about smoking ice cream :) Chin Chin Labs in Camden blends its ice cream ingredients with liqu...

10:06 PM

London Eye

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sure, we'd ridden the <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/">London Eye</a> before</div><div style="text-align: center;">but never at night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This slow moving Ferris wheel has amazing views</div><div style="text-align: center;">even in the rain </div><div style="text-align: center;">(as we found out)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe</div><div style="text-align: center;">and opened December 31, 1999</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPzdk5lm1RH4MwVmL4Ito0cuHPcanrW9fTVTXGu3CtMutBj40WBD4U7rAeg4IH9Wmt1QUXm7ACiwpoT0r2ycwAZqYH40u97Y0byCuMJ9YuIefZbjvk4u9dRrKH6tXgfjse4KatWal8afa/s1600/photo+(6)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPzdk5lm1RH4MwVmL4Ito0cuHPcanrW9fTVTXGu3CtMutBj40WBD4U7rAeg4IH9Wmt1QUXm7ACiwpoT0r2ycwAZqYH40u97Y0byCuMJ9YuIefZbjvk4u9dRrKH6tXgfjse4KatWal8afa/s640/photo+(6)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I recall correctly, it was supposed to be a temporary installment,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but its popularity made it a permanent addition to the London skyline</div><div style="text-align: center;">(and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now equipped with touch screens inside capsules</div><div style="text-align: center;">to give information about visible landmarks,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this attraction is even better than it was a few years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHPVfW5embLmhVdFzY9onxMJf8Oc1Jzo8lsVcJvGvx3cUmNzV5XLSuQcFfYG109SFq9zgLkFmhDZKXka0rHAAvgTshu9z8DTJ7q_0-Ilba5s0W44krLVc-RS6p-RSLT1O3jY72iUQCmfL/s1600/photo+(9)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHPVfW5embLmhVdFzY9onxMJf8Oc1Jzo8lsVcJvGvx3cUmNzV5XLSuQcFfYG109SFq9zgLkFmhDZKXka0rHAAvgTshu9z8DTJ7q_0-Ilba5s0W44krLVc-RS6p-RSLT1O3jY72iUQCmfL/s640/photo+(9)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a few minutes,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we got the Peter Pan view of Big Ben's Clock Tower</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the River Thames</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stunning :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all images by moi -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye">Wikipedia</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></i></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

London Eye

Sure, we'd ridden the London Eye before but never at night This slow moving Ferris wheel has amazing views even in the rain (as we fou...

3:53 AM

Forest Dens

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a walk through any Surrey forest,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you are likely to stumble upon one of these</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVj7MvmqpItv56wbNsRVDEXuWYT5-7yDvkTemNdRT6_Nlq7uP7uFSOMs6wkSQO7T5V2fyvFv2f4Z9qDA2fwzXg9I1qVu27IvFlClcaNghh1sSpyPG1xvjOL_io6bE0zsRDniG6N_KpOCu/s1600/IMG_3257-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVj7MvmqpItv56wbNsRVDEXuWYT5-7yDvkTemNdRT6_Nlq7uP7uFSOMs6wkSQO7T5V2fyvFv2f4Z9qDA2fwzXg9I1qVu27IvFlClcaNghh1sSpyPG1xvjOL_io6bE0zsRDniG6N_KpOCu/s640/IMG_3257-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Play dens are made by children with their families,</div><div style="text-align: center;">gathering nearby branches to prop against a tree</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Possibly standing for decades,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a passerby may add to the pile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a delightful playground accessory to any forest :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related post:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/50-things-before-you-turn-11-34.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">50 Things You Should Do Before You Turn 11 3/4</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Forest Dens

Take a walk through any Surrey forest, you are likely to stumble upon one of these Play dens are made by children with their families, gathe...

9:36 PM

London: Ceremony Of The Keys

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F5wyU10MMc-OgSE3NtXH0l5naIk9MDeAuKXpSadg1WGq2Ly1aL-auZ0ugusO8NQdHrwH38na2PfrqKmF_uL5Cjturv8Z9fLKhRajjO_Jx57ZqbMLtm9GACto-B6xzPwYLmo1M0hZxBTQ/s1600/DSC03433-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F5wyU10MMc-OgSE3NtXH0l5naIk9MDeAuKXpSadg1WGq2Ly1aL-auZ0ugusO8NQdHrwH38na2PfrqKmF_uL5Cjturv8Z9fLKhRajjO_Jx57ZqbMLtm9GACto-B6xzPwYLmo1M0hZxBTQ/s640/DSC03433-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Of London</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;">we attended the Ceremony Of The Keys,</div><div style="text-align: center;">one of the oldest ceremonies in England</div><div style="text-align: center;">and definitely the shortest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lasting only seven minutes,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we witnessed the official 9:30p lock up of this national fortress</div><div style="text-align: center;">which holds the Crown Jewels</div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as many stories of beheadings and WWII spies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Built by William The Conqueror</div><div style="text-align: center;">and used as a palace until James I,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Tower Of London became a well known prison thereafter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apply <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys">here</a> for free tickets to observe this 760 year old tradition</div><div style="text-align: center;">of passing the Queen's keys</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

London: Ceremony Of The Keys

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK Tower Of London Last weekend we attended the Ceremony Of The Keys, one of the oldest ceremonies in England and ...

11:21 PM

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