Hey Sweeties,
Happy Christmas jumper day! –did you all wear yours and donate to Save the Children? If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen me wearing mine!
A couple of days ago (day 10) I mentioned at the end of the post that yesterday I would be working in the morning and then having the afternoon off work to have a mooch about London but mainly to attend something top secret with Benefit and Elle magazine in the evening… which I still can’t tell you about as I have been sworn to secrecy! But I can tell you a little bit about my afternoon…
As the event was over at Marble Arch, I lingered about Oxford Street for the couple of hours prior so I didn’t stray too far away and then have to mad dash it across to make it in time. However, Oxford Street is a nightmare at the best of times but yesterday was ridiculous, what was I thinking this close to Christmas? The next mad thing I did was visit the Primark store which I always just avoid, but I have been searching all over for the little finger puppets I saw on Primark’s Instagram which I know would be perfect for my Godson. The update is that I failed, the staff didn’t even know what I was talking about which meant I had now got myself stuck in a heaving store, trapped by rails and rails of clothes and the exits difficult to find. To say I almost had a panic attack was an understatement!
When darkness falls London looks beautiful
Well if Selfridges says it…
However, once I made it back onto the street, I decided that I just needed to escape to the confines of a coffee shop and wait it out for a bit. Could I find a coffee shop? … no. The far end of Oxford Street doesn’t really have anything except Primark so I rarely ever venture that far down. On the way back up I got caught by a lady working for Cancer Research and kicked myself for not paying attention and allowing myself to get accosted. However, she was lovely and delighted that I had stopped and to be fair, if you approach me with a kind face (and this applies to Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door), I’ll give you five minutes of my time without complaint. The only reasons why I avoid charity workers is because I am crap at saying no; I really have a hatred for being pressured for money when I’m not exactly rolling in it at the moment myself; when I’m made to give out my personal details (on the street); being tied into a direct debit I don’t want; and made to feel guilty when I walk away. If I want to donate money, I’ll do it another way. However, this lady that stopped me got to the point quickly rather than bore me with spiel and rather than ask me for details, she gave me the option to simply text and donate £3, 4 or £5 of which I was more than happy to do. The money aside, it made her day that I had stopped for her and that made me feel good too and distracted me from the panic I was feeling.
Fortunately and quite by accident, I discovered St Christopher’s Place which is a little alley way off of Oxford Street which instantly takes you out of the crowds and the noise and at the end of it was a Costa –Yes! I really fancied a hot chocolate and undecided which Christmas drink option to go for, I asked the barista who recommended the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. Done! It was delicious and not too sickly either!
Yummy!
I then remembered that I wanted to visit the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and had now left myself only about 20 minutes to do this… but for me, that was more than enough. If Ian was with me I think I would have enjoyed it more but on my own, I found the place very overwelming and was pleased that I had the excuse to turn around and head out quite soon. I love Christmas markets though so I think I will try and find a smaller one somewhere else…
Finally it was time to head to the Elle Insider event with Elle Magazine and Benefit and all I will say is that the new launch is amazing! You’ll find out more in January! Man I am such a tease!
#CurlsBestFriend
Until tomorrow x
