I fancy a snog

Green tea frozen yoghurt.

Fresh raspberries.

Summer lunch.

Done.

'Breath' by Tim Winton

"There are spring days down south when all the acacias are pumping out yellow blooms and heady pollen and the honeyeaters and wattlebirds are manic with their pillaging and the wet ground steams underfoot in the sunshine and you feel fresher and stronger than you are...A bit of sunshine and nectar goes straight to your head."

I've just finished reading Winton's coming-of-age tale set in a coastal Australian town with a backdrop of long beachy days in the scorching sun. Like all Winton's books, the writing is poignant and beautifully cinematic, especially in regards to the climate and geography. Highly recommended.

Recent bargains: part III

After looking for the perfect washed-out cropped denim jacket for months, New Look has come to the rescue. Purchased last Saturday, I've already worn it a handful of times. Cost per wear on this baby is going to be pennies.

Recent bargains: part II

Very vintage-looking ivory-coloured cuff.

Just £4.

From Peacocks, of all places.

Who would've thunk it?

St Giles

I love walking around the streets of central London as there really is something new to see every day. Standing in the grounds of St Giles, there is a beautiful juxtaposition between the cathedral and Renzo Piano's new development, painted in his signature primary colour blocks.

Gormley @ White Cube

Step 1: Before or after a visit to the RA, head to the White Cube. It's two minutes away and entry is always free.

Step 2: Skip the ground floor iron sculptures and head down the stairs to the basement.

Step 3: Let your eyes adjust to the low light. Be patient and don't trip.

Step 4: Bask in the phosphorescent beauty that is the 'Breathing Room III' installation.

Recent bargains: part I

More big love to my local charity shop, the source of some of my most-worn pieces.

This gorgeous late-60's style print French Connection skirt was only £5.99 and it's already gone into high rotation in my summer wardrobe.

It's long enough to provide a bit more coverage when the sun goes into hiding and the generous amount of fabric provides a beautiful drape.

Villandry

My friend C was over from NYC for two short days so Miss F and I put an end to our mid-week alcohol ban to celebrate with a gorgeous dinner at Villandry on Great Portland Street. Kicking off with a vodka cocktail, we soon progressed to a fine Bordeaux and got to work on our starters.

My globe artichoke was a winner, especially the whole hazlenut and aioli dressing. As the artichoke was bigger than my head, it drew admiring glances when it was brought to the table.

My main was a gorgeously melting duck leg with a herby toulouse sausage in a tomato broth. It was incredibly rich and probably a little on the heavy side for midsummer but I finished its lipsmacking goodness nonetheless.

We ordered a dessert to share and it was an excellent choice: a cheesecake with Mars bar chunks and a side of full-fat vanilla bean ice-cream. Service was a little on the snooty side but I suspect our toptable discount (a very generous 50%) had something to do with that. I'd still go back anytime I wanted a French-style feast in the heart of London. Brunch is particularly good too.

Sebastian

I was saddened to hear about the early demise of Sebastian Horsley, the artist, writer and embracer of decadence. Working in Soho, he was a frequent sight - dressed in a suit (usually velvet), usually a cape (lined in scarlet) and top hat. Always the Victorian dandy. Not long ago, my colleagues saw him walk past the office dishevelled and with ripped clothes, as if he had been attacked not long before. Mental note: must book tickets to see the play based on his autobiography: Dandy of the Underworld.

Barry Flanagan @ the Royal Academy

As much as I love and support the RA, I find the Summer Exhibition totally overwhelming and a classic case of when museums try to be everything to everyone. The Flanagan Hare sculptures at the entrance however add a lively and unexpected dash of humour to proceedings.

Sagrat Cor, Barcelona

Cathedral, Barcelona

Park Guell

Street art

MACBA by Richard Meier (and surrounds)

The Apartment, Pere IV, Poble Nou

Yummy

Iberican jamon from acorn-fed little piggies. So tasty.

So many cakes, so little time.

Poble Nou, Barcelona