Shop shop shopping

Sian and I went to the far flung outskirts of london to visit Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush today. There was a tonne of shops (which I guess is the point of shopping centres) but also lots of good food.

Steam pork buns are my favourite of all chinese food. Mmmmm. Unfortunately I seem to have been enjoying my food a bit too much recently and am looking a little on the chunky side. I just do love the sweet stuff. Ah well. People give up crack. I guess I can cut down on chocolate.

I finally met up with Nickerjac again last weekend and got to play sandpits with the increasingly adorable Pete as well as being introduced to their two cats. I had forgotten how small kittens are. It was Pete's birthday recently and lots of fun was had at the toy shop and with presents. He is so well behaved and a joy just to watch, never mind play with. Nic also had my japanese books from when Lucy did a bulk order from amazon.jp.

One of them is a stitch dictionary so is obviously yum. One of the others is a sewing book with lovely clothes. I love this dress...

You can see it better in this one.

The other is norweigan knitting and has some lovely techniques. I love this hat and the crown.

I feel I should have a crown.

Having admired Mingled Yarn's baby towel I made good on my decision to make one for Pooch - being modelled here by sistero uno - siano.

It doesn't quite meet in the middle - they just make towels like they used to - but it does allow him to do a great jedi impression.

I also did some cooking - cherry pie! It was the recipe from the 'what to eat now' with the crazily enthusiastic Val something or other who communicates mainly through noises like "mmmmmm".

I've highlighted my own special touch - pastry cherries. Mmmmmmm.

Leaving the best til last...my parcel finally got to me from my secret pal. Hoorah!

She did say it had a theme and there is no greater theme to anything in life than red with white polka dots. There is a gorgeous Kath Cidston mug, tissues and mirror for my handbag. An awesome oven glove and insulated box just right for packed lunches with a can of pepsi max. Mmmm, pepsi max. Plus some brilliant cup cake cases and cherry green and black chocolate. Mmmmmm. And finally....saving the best til last.....some dotty yarn yarn bonny. It's so pretty and perfect for the vanilla socks I wanted to make.

Thanks Secret Pal! I love everything!