Tag Archives: Richmond

Looking for More?

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Welcome to #BookClubMonday. Today’s theme is a little different from my past book blogs & is inspired by a seminar I went to on Friday.

Nigel Botterill, award-winning entrepreneur, opened a Business Expo at Twickenham Stadium with advice on best marketing your business. Nigel delivered a memorable talk & gave us some useful tips, which will certainly help focus my attention for future business ventures.

So, today’s #5aday is dedicated to books to give you advice if starting a business, need motivation or simply want to improve yourself.

  1. Botty’s Rules: 29 Success Secrets from the UK Entrepreneur Who’s Been There & Done it… by Nigel Botterill Screen shot 2013-04-28 at 20.43.10
  2. From Crew to Captain by David Mellor – I was recently privileged to hear some of David’s advice first-hand. Screen shot 2013-04-28 at 20.43.23
  3. Getting More: How you can negotiate to succeed in work & life by Stuart Diamond - As recommended by my old boss. Screen shot 2013-04-28 at 20.43.32
  4. Mental Ketchup by Jamie Edwards - I was fortunate to meet Jamie a couple of years ago & was sold on his ‘PMA’. Screen shot 2013-04-28 at 20.44.20
  5. Wake Up & Change Your Life by Duncan Bannatyne – As recommended by my friend Tori, for being brilliant. Duncan Bannatyne

5 very different books to help improve your skills, attitude or business but which will be the most successful in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #BookClubMonday #GTopSpot goes to #3 Getting More: How you can negotiate to succeed in work & life by Stuart Diamond - Invaluable for both work & life. G x

Screen shot 2013-04-28 at 20.43.32

Go West!

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Welcome to #ThursdayFriday! On Sunday I featured some top eateries to visit in South West London on the Thames between Putney & Barnes.

Today I’m heading further west along the Thames to my current stomping ground & featuring 5 more must-visit places this coming summer…

Gaucho Richmond

  1. Kew – Rock and Rose – one of my favourite haunts & The Glasshouse – for something more special (one Michelin star).
  2. Richmond-upon-Thames – Gaucho & The Bingham - if you’re wanting to go all out at these fab river-side locations this summer.
  3. St Margarets – Brocca Antica – my fave Italian & Brula – for some very traditional French cuisine.
  4. Petersham – The Dysart Arms – lovely on a summer’s day & Petersham Nurseries - for an experience & one Michelin star!
  5. Kingston-upon-Thames – Jamie’s Italian – top atmosphere & Italian food & Las Iguanas Mexican - buzzing atmosphere & yummy Mexican.

5 great places out west… you must visit them all but which area receives today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot star?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #2 Richmond-upon-Thames - Gaucho & The Bingham - If you’re coming upstream, push the boat out! G x

The Bingham

Spring Preening

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Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday. Now that March is finally here & spring is around the corner, it’s time for a spring preen!

Over the last few days I’ve been preened & pampered. After a couple of months of no polish, now’s the time to shine with today’s #5aday! 

Fedora Polish

  1. Manicure & CND World Shellac Polish from the ladies at Kleo Beauty Richmond. My chosen shade this week – Fedora.
  2. Spa Pedicure & matching Fedora CND World Shellac Polish from the fabulous Mia at Kleo Beauty Richmond.
  3. A massage. Kleo Beauty have a fab loyalty scheme offering a massage after 10 stamps (1 stamp per £20 spent).
  4. Cut & Finish from lovely Monika at Aveda Vertigo Salon in St Margarets. Amazing head massage & sleek styling.
  5. Wax from Strip London, St Paul’s - for a quick, pain-free wax treatment & a browse of all the lovely lingerie.

5 pampering steps to look & feel polished & brand new this spring… but which is the ultimate in spring preening in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #WellbeingWednesday #GTopSpot goes to #5 Wax from Strip London, St Paul’s with the bonus of browsing the gorgeous lingerie boutique!

Get spring preening ladies! Happy #WellbeingWednesday. G x

Strip Boutique

C is for…

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Evening! This past week has been busy with celebrations galore from Chinese New Year to the BAFTAs, NYFW, Pancake Day & Valentine’s Day.

C is for-1...

If I were to sum it up in 5 words they’d be - Chinese, Cinema, Catwalk, Crepes and Cupid… Tonight’s #ThursdayFriday theme is ‘The 5 Cs’. So whether you fancy dim sum in Chinatown or a romantic cocktail, tonight’s #5aday features places to go in London, for things beginning with C!

  1. Chinese – New World, Gerrard Place for cheap & cheerful dim sum or Yauatcha, Broadwick Street for chic-er dim sum.
  2. Cinema – Watch Lincoln at the Curzon Cinema, Chelsea or Casablanca at Curzon Cinema, Richmond.
  3. Catwalk - London Fashion Weekend, Somerset House 21-24 Feb for highlights from London Fashion Week & designer bargains.
  4. Crepes - Crepes Affaire, Spitalfields for lunch or Chez Lindsay, Richmond for dinner & cidre.
  5. Cupid - William Curley Chocolate Classes in Belgravia or Cocktails at Duck and Waffle, on the top of Heron Tower.

5 ideas of what to do & where to go to enjoy the 5 Cs in London over the coming weeks but which will claim tonight’s coveted #GTopSpot?

Tonight’s #ThursdayFriday goes to #3 Catwalk - London Fashion Weekend, Somerset House 21-24 Feb. See you there #CanonFashion! G x

p.s. Happy Valentine’s Day! x

London Fashion Weekend

Love to Hate

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Evening! It’s #HealthandFitnessFriday & nearly the weekend! One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to take up Bikram Yoga…

3 weeks in & I’ve developed a bit of a LOVE-HATE relationship with it. I love how I feel lying in Savasana at the end of class but… WOW!! It is a truly challenging yet invigorating 90 minutes & while I do find some of the postures eye-wateringly tough… I LOVE it because it is SUCH hard work! Today’s #HealthandFitnessFriday #5aday is 5 reasons to LOVE Bikram Yoga.

Richmond Bikram Yoga

  1. Detoxification - Embrace the sweating & you’ll see the benefits as the body rids itself of all toxins, leaving you with glowing skin.
  2. Weight Loss – The heat allows you to stretch quicker & deeper. This increases the flexibility in the muscles, in turn burning fat.
  3. Strength, Stamina & Stretching – As a runner, it’s the perfect supporting exercise to improve running both physically & mentally.
  4. Flexibility, Alignment & Posture – For runners, this will help prevent injuries & improve technique. For others, you’ll stand taller!
  5. Mental Clarity & Reduced Stress – The intense focus empties the mind & the benefits of deep breathing will carry into everyday life.

5 great reasons to take-up Bikram Yoga but overall it’s an holistic approach to bringing health, vitality & well-being into your life.

After 3 weeks I’m definitely seeing the benefits. Thanks to Johnny & the Bikram Yoga Team in Richmond I’m addicted! G x

Richmond Rocks!

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Evening & welcome to #ThursdayFriday… tonight’s #5aday theme is great restaurants to sample in Richmond-upon-Thames this winter.

  1. A Cena, 418 Richmond Road - Great family Italian restaurant. Delicious food from their female chef.
  2. Bill’s, 1-3 Hill Rise - Lovely relaxed atmosphere, great for Sunday brunch. Expect a warm welcome.
  3. Gaucho, Richmond Riverside - Beautiful setting on the river, makes this perfect for a special occasion.
  4. Rock and Rose, 106-108 Kew Road - Glamorous decor & tasty menu make this perfect for a girls’ night out.
  5. The Dysart Arms, 135 Petersham Road - Had delicious lunch but portions could have been larger. Friendly staff.

5 great restaurants & reasons to visit Richmond… but which restaurant rocks in tonight’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot?

Tonight’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #4 Rock and Rose, 106-108 Kew Road - It rocks & Richmond rocks! G x

Gastropub Grub

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Hello & welcome to #ThursdayFriday. Tonight’s #5aday theme features some of my favourite gastropubs around South London…

  1. The Abbeville Pub, Abbeville Road, Clapham - Charming pub restaurant. Great for Sunday lunch in the winter.
  2. The Anchor and Hope, The Cut, Waterloo (no website) – Popular spot. No bookings taken. Prepare to wait & then share a table with other diners.
  3. The Cadogan Arms, King’s Road - A real pub for drinking as well as eating good food. Great for larger groups.
  4. The Duke, Richmond - Good food & atmosphere. Opt for the informal bar menu or go upmarket in the restaurant.
  5. The Prince of Wales, Putney - Cosy bar for drinking (& scotch egg) or more formal restaurant area for great food.

5 delicious reasons to venture south for excellent pub food & atmosphere but which will win tonight’s #GTopSpot Gastropub Gong?

Tonight’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #2 The Anchor and Hope, The Cut, Waterloo - Bustling atmosphere & scrummy food. Love the sharing options.

p.s. now it’s time to venture out of South London to sample some of the award-winning gastropubs north of the river… G x

Ginger’s 100th Post

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Today is a special day for Ginger & Spice. This is my 100th post, so today’s #MysteryMonday takes a look back at the highlights.

On this special occasion, I have rated my favourite posts so far. So in order from the top, here are my 10 favourite posts:

  1. ROYAL SOLE OF APPROVAL posted 1 June - A Jubilee inspired #ShoeFriday post featuring shoes fit for a queen.
  2. EDINA! SCOTIA’S DARLING SEAT! posted 21 May - A #MysteryMonday post featuring 5 things to do when in Edinburgh.
  3. LOVE ST MARGARETS posted 5 May - A #SaturdayShopping post featuring gorgeous shops & boutiques in St Margarets.
  4. CUISINE CULTURE posted 3 May - A #ThursdayFriday post featuring 5 different national food eateries around London.
  5. RICHES OF RICHMOND posted 1 April - A #SundayHome post on 5 stylish ‘interiors’ shops in Richmond-on-Thames.
  6. THE ONLY RED SOLE posted 15 June - A #ShoeFriday post featuring my 5 favourite Christian Louboutin Shoes.
  7. SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF LONDON posted 7 June - A #ThursdayFriday post featuring 5 cool things to do around London.
  8. SWEET DREAMS posted 17 June - A #SundayHome post featuring 5 beautiful bedroom pieces/accessories to inspire romance.
  9. BABY GIFTS posted 17 April - A #TuesdayTreats post showcasing 5 cute personalised baby gift ideas.
  10. RACE READY posted 21 March - A #WellbeingWednesday post sharing 5 race tips from my friend & ultra-runner FitChickTori.

So the #GTopSpot goes to a #ShoeFriday post! Here are the Top 10 most viewed posts by you…

  1. BBQ SUMMER posted 6 May
  2. WHO’S THE DADDY posted 12 June
  3. WALL OF FAME posted 13 May
  4. DRESS TO IMPRESS posted 2 June
  5. EDINA! SCOTIA’S DARLING SEAT! posted 21 May
  6. HOLIDAY ACTION posted 12 April
  7. CENTENARY CELEBRATION posted  4 June
  8. THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY posted 7 May
  9. A FAT LOT OF GOOD? posted 16 May
  10. AL FRESCO DRINKING posted 24 May

Thank you for following my blogette & for your feedback so far! From now on my 5-a-day #GTime will be posted every other day from 6pm…

So please clock in at 6pm this coming #WellbeingWednesday for my next #GTime post. Thanks again for following.

Lots of Love. Ginger x

Birthday Mum

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Evening! What a wonderful long weekend. I hope you’ve enjoyed all the celebrations. What’s been your favourite #DiamondJubilee moment? This was my fave moment - The Queen’s sheer delight at salute from @WarHorseOnStage Joey at the @NationalTheatre.

It’s #TuesdayTreats & in honour of my mum’s (last night’s interviewee) upcoming birthday, today’s theme is great gift ideas for mums.

  1. @mejomalone Lime Basil & Mandarin Gift Set - Signature fragrance wrapped in distinctive box and ribbon @ £34.
  2. Viyella Floral Silk Scarf - In raspberry & khaki tones & made of 100% silk @ £49.90.
  3. @ghostlondon Ghost The Musical - Tickets to see highly acclaimed show at Piccadilly Theatre range from £25 to £85.
  4. @SanctuarySpa1 Gift of Time Vouchers - 2 hours of Sanctuary treatments plus a glass of Champagne @ £120.
  5. Smythson Ivory Collection Photograph Frame 10×8 - Ivory leather works in traditional or modern settings @ £150.

5 delightful gifts to say Happy Birthday mum but which is the most special receiving today’s coveted #GTopSpot?

Today’s #TuesdayTreats #GTopSpot goes to #4 @SanctuarySpa1‘s Gift of Time Vouchers - Perfect pamper treat for mum. G x

Al fresco Drinking

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Evening & welcome to #ThursdayFriday! This weather is amazing & to celebrate today’s #GTime features 5 great beer gardens around London.

  1. Pitcher and Piano, Richmond – Amazing views over the Thames where @Queen_UK‘s Jubilee boat is currently moored.
  2. The Phene, Chelsea – For sophisticated evening drinks in posh surroundings. Great spot for people watching.
  3. White Horse, Parson’s Green - AKA “The Sloaney Pony” this has long been a popular spot for drinking al fresco.
  4. Avalon, Clapham – Perfect place to enjoy a glass of blush if you can find a spot in the beautiful back garden.
  5. The Ship, Wandsworth - One of the most popular outdoor drinking spots on riverside in Southwest London. Great atmos.

5 beautiful places to enjoy al fresco drinking this summer but which will be toasting a victory in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #1 Pitcher and Piano, Richmond - A stunning location for al fresco drinking. Cheers!

I’m off to Edinburgh tomorrow, so taking #GTimeOut for a few days… Ginger’s daily #GTime will return to normal next Monday. G x