Kings Cross Station, London

13 of us will be riding the train from York to London tomorrow, luggages and all. 

Wish us luck!

We will be putting up at Holiday Villa (Malaysian owned hotel, how loyal!) and the best part is halal food. 

Praying for journey mercies, good weather and safe travels. May our tickets never be lost and all little ones accounted for.

On a serious note, we are leaving Jemina the Puddle Duck to guard the flat in York. 

Looks like she is all cosy!

Toodles!

Cook Conveniently

Forget the pounding and grinding, herbs and paste in a tube is the way to go when cooking during a vacation!

Now I feel like bringing some home with me (sad case I am, truly!).

Do you have such moments during your holiday too? What would you have lugged home if it were possible?

Typically English

Narrow streets, cul-de-sac, small cars, brownstones, white window sills, heaters at windows, gravel, the list goes on.

My view while I sipped my cup of English tea at the window, taking in the view and fresh air.

I love moments like this: the feeling of home away from home. We are so blessed, syukur alhamdulillah. 

Gratitude: Summer Blooms

My £2 pot of joy. 

Lately, I find blessings and look for beauty everywhere I go, simply because it is much easier on myself this way.

Castle Howard

The vast grounds, lush vegetables and flower gardens. Big blue skies, fresh air and sunshine. 

All but 40 minutes' drive away from Earswick. 

Sometimes I do wish we live in York!

York Designer Outlet

I got 15 minutes to myself and so I went out to buy what I needed. 

I learnt that Timberland produces comfortable leather wedges, other than the boat loafers and trail sneakers that the brand is famous for.

I learnt that Fossil lamb leather purses are so buttery soft and the tannery has introduced vivid summery colours that can take my breath away without bankrupt-ing my own bank account.

Honestly, I now cannot wait for another 15 minutes to myself at the shops for such great bargains!

Here is how I got my 15 minutes:

That responsible adult would be The Other Half, who watched The Little Girl while she played under a large canopy. 

There is also a play area for the younger ones within the same enclosed, single gated play area:

What have you bought for yourself lately simply for self-reward? Please do share your great loot!

Also, please share location of your favourite designer outlet and shopping experience!

Good Old York, Good Old London

It always feels good to have that "we are home" fuzziness when in York.

This is The Little Girl's third trip, and a maiden trip for Bean. Both enjoy the big blue skies, wide open fields and fresh air very much. Syukur alhamdulillah for His Bounty.

When on family holidays, we live like the local would (laundry at the rented flat, groceries at Sainsbury's, cook our own meals) and York Designer Outlet shopping is as touristy as we get.

Next week, we will ride a train to London and back. We know for a fact that The Little Girl looks forward to Windsor Legoland! Personally it will be a bummer for me as Bichester is not on the programme but since I do not get any say in the programme, I will just have to go with the flow, look for blessings and find beauty the best I can.

Are all your family trips typically children-centric? How do you add some shopping hours in between? Please do share your useful tips!