Sometimes it is hard to make the effort to get away from it all and I find it harder than most – time away is something that both my hubby and I need to redress next year as we really don’t switch off and relax as much as we should – leading such busy lives we never find the time just to enjoy each others company or just chill out but last week we did manage to grab a few days together when we didn’t actually “have ” to do anything in particular.
Finances didn’t and lack of planning didn’t allow an actual break away so we decided to have a little “staycation” on our home town, just take a time to wander and take appreciate the fact that we live in a rather fabulous city.
First of all we headed to the far side of town Upper St Giles – where you will find some amazing interiors shops, a deli and one of the most intsagramed coffee shops in Norwich – Breadsource where we indulged in coffee and one of their delicious pastries.
The extremely tempting window – it was very hard to choose which one to have!!
Fuelled for the day we took a few short steps to the home of a fabulous designer Carol Lake who opens her studio and home up on Saturdays to view her beautiful botanical prints, and incredible interior design skills. Her entire house is a total inspiration and I took so many photos of ideas that I am going to steal for our own house re-vamp!!
A vintage chair covered in one of her designs, she sells the most amazing cushions of many of her prints – I love the bold and sometimes clashing colours – some of these cushions will have to find their way into the new living room design.
The small courtyard garden is packed with exotic plants – garden goals for next year!!
Further along we hit one of our interiors shops which is closing down due to the owner being in ill health but we had one more chance to wander around the most incredible Art Deco pieces that he has collected over the years. We have spent many hours drooling over lamps, statues, furniture and everything in the shop. Some of our most treasured pieces have been bought from here and it was always such a joy to listen to him talk of his passion for Art Deco.
I could totally see us living here – all we would need is a radiogram and a cocktail or two!!
Whenever I can I really try to support independent shops and businesses but one chain shop I love is The White Company – it goes against my love for colour and clashing print but there is something about the sleek elegance that I love so I had to take a look at their first stage of the Christmas decorations.
This wonderful garland was created by local florist Jo Flowers – I love the rustic feel to this display and the mix of foliage and fruit.
I love entertaining and am always looking for inspiration for dressing the table – this is so simple and elegant.
By this time we needed a sit down and to get out of the crowds so we headed to our “go to” sanctuary in the city for a spot of lunch The Sir Garnet – always such great food, a good choice of gins, and fabulous bar staff too!!
Bar food to tempt you!!
Lunch – market tapas and a fish finger sandwich – delish!!
I just had to take a quick snap of one of the festive windows at Jarrold – they always do the very best window displays – this time a touch of Alice In Wonderland.
After a bit more wandering and shopping for flowers on Norwich market we finished off our day in another of our favourite places to sit and chill – Wallow.
Choose you wine, sit and make plans for new adventures, home re-vamps and much more besides!
I think that sometimes I/we forget what a fabulous place we live in and it was really lovely to take a time out to explore and do something together that didn’t involve work but indulge in some good food and wine, take a few moments enjoy just wandering around, planning our house re-vamp and just enjoying doing nothing in particular!!
Norwich is a great place to live and visit so if you are planning a stay in this fine city here is a great list of major tourist spots while you are here.
