miss b loves.......the Design Museum, London

One of the highlights of my unexpected trip to London last month was a visit to the Design Museum. One ticket gives access to three fascinating exhibitions .....

'Hello My Name is Paul Smith' was due to end in March but by popular demand has been extended until 22nd June. Paul Smith is an established British Designer who combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge, innovative design .... 'Classic with a twist' is the way he describes his style. The twist may be a flamboyant lining in a suit or adding vibrant colour to a conventional tweed.

There are recreations of his first tiny shop (just three metres square!), his Covent Garden design studio and his office, which has been described as creative chaos!

The walls of the gallery space are covered with framed prints and photographs including David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Banksy and works sent to him by friends, family and fans too. It's a small part of his collection from the walls and basement of his office.

"Is that a Paul Smith coat?"

miss b loves ......... an unexpected stay in London (Part 2)

Day 2 in London .... and it seemed as if spring had suddenly arrived ....with blue skies and temperatures in double figures!

A perfect day for a walk along The Thames!  The Tower of London looked stunning against the cloudless sky......

The Yeoman Warders in their striking uniforms are a symbol of London and not only guard the Tower but provide entertaining tours. They are required to have served in the armed forces for at least twenty-two years.

Of course they are more commonly known by their nickname ... 'Beefeaters.' It is thought that the name was derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard which apparently allowed them to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King's table! 

The Middle Drawbridge is being restored and I like the way they have screened the building work with boards showing a timeline of the history of the Tower.

Cute little peep holes for nosey people like me!

miss b loves ........an unexpected stay in London (Part 1)

Last week I had the opportunity to stay in London overnight and it's surprising what you can fit into a day and a half with just a little forward planning (the two hour train journey from home gave me enough time to write my 'to-do list'!) Impromptu getaways are often the best! 

Sometimes I enjoy being just a tourist again in London revisiting those special iconic places which draw the crowds ......

St James's Park is a favourite spot of mine and standing on the Blue Bridge over the lake there are two very special views of London......

Looking east towards the London Eye
 and the Horse Guards building

Grey clouds were beginning to form over the Palace yet it still looked stunning ......

Looking west towards Buckingham Palace

The Queen's Foot Guards in front of the palace were wearing their grey winter coats. They usually change over to the more famous red tunics in May just as we change our outfits according to the season, I suppose! 

I spotted four guards at the front of the palace which I believe means that the Queen was in residence. There are apparently only two if she is away!

miss b loves.........Waterlogue travel pictures

I have a new crush, obsession which I'm sure many of you are already familiar with, as everyone seems to be talking about it ... Waterlogue. This clever little app transforms your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch photos into beautiful watercolour versions in minutes!

Just select the chosen photo from your camera roll or take a new one and wait for the magic to happen ..... watch the 'sketching' then the 'painting' process ......it's fascinating! 

I decided to start with a few of my favourite travel photos(Click on the caption to read the post and see my original photo)

Before

After

Nan Lian Gardens, Hong Kong