lovely jubbly london

New Year, New You, New Obsession

I'm not known for working out or going to the gym or being healthy in general.

I definitely like the food that isn't good for you. I may also lack motivation. Yes, there are a few activities I like, I just don't do them enough.

However, the husband's Christmas present changed everything.

Meet the Fitbit One. I now have my own.

It's like crack.

For real.

I stayed off Instagram for 19 hours. That has to be some kind of record.

Why? Because it tracks every.little.thing you do.

This was a good day.

This was a not so good day. Sitting at work all day doesn't help.

It is so motivating.

It also tracks your food and water if you are so inclined.

But, my favourite part?

It tracks your sleep.

This is like validation for me. I often feel like I don't get a good night's sleep and it proved it:

The husband (who gets 97% sleep efficiency every night) never believed me until he saw it in black and white.

So, that resolution you made to do better in 2013? Invest in a Fitbit and make it happen.

The Happiest Time of the Year

Sorry for the unplanned silence. I've been in the US living it up in ways only an expat can understand. Now it's back to reality.

Not fun. Especially when reality involves returning to work less than 24 hours after arriving home.

But there was lots of fun to be had. Mainly involving food, of course. And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Which I also brought home with me.

What is it about eating bad for 3 weeks that makes me want to carry on the trend? I spent all day yesterday at work googling copycat recipes for places like Taco Bell and Olive Garden. You know, just the usual 5 star dining establishments.

Anyway, I better run and do some laundry with those Tide Pods I dragged back so it actually looks like I accomplished something today.

In the USA

I made in home for Christmas and am very busy doing very important things.

Like eating Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Every day. 

Within the first 24 hours I managed to eat Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle and Bare Burger.

Speaking of Bare Burger...

Why yes, that is a burger topped with an onion ring, chopped fries and bacon.

Luckily, we've now made it to Florida where I foresee nightly bike rides on the beach to burn off those extra calories. But if I come home 10 lbs heavier we'll all know why.

Gift Guide {one stop shop}

Need creative gifts for the person who has everything?

Then make your way to the Conran Shop for all things fun.

Coffee table arcade game? Check.

Cool travel guides and accessories? Check.

Quirky cameras? Check.

Gadget accessories? Check.

No matter your budget, Conran has got you covered.

Guide Guide {for the kids}

1. R2D2 Lunch Bag. For your Star Wars loving little one, this lunchbox lights up and plays sounds.

2. AnyBook Reader. One of my absolute favourites, this wand comes with stickers which allow you to record yourself reading any book. No matter how far away you may be from your loved ones, you can always read them their bedtime story. Stores up to 60 hours. 

3. LeapFrog My Pal {UK} {US}. This little puppy can be programmed via a computer to say their name and other fun facts.

4. SpareOne Phone {US only}. For the child who isn't quite old enough for their own cell phone, this version allows calls to 911 with no monthly fees or sim cards required.

5. Crayola Glow Dome. I love anything that requires creativity instead of a tv and this glowing dome should allow imaginations to run wild. 

Gift Guide {for the home}

1. Belkin WeMo {UK} {US}. This magic plug goes with an app that allows you to control it from your location. Going on holiday and want to turn on your lights at different times? Doable with this device.  

2. Agate Coasters {UK} {US}. These brighten up any table.

3. Tipping Tea Cup. Know any tea drinkers? Why not throw in some loose tea with these teacups that sit one way to brew and another to drink. 

4. iPhone Gramophone. No need for electrics so this gorgeous speaker works around the world. Set your phone in the base and this amplifies the sound 3-4 times. 

5. Aeroccino {UK} {US}. Your latté loving friend can easily become his or her own barista with perfectly streamed milk every time. 

Gift Guide {wine & beer edition}

1. Vino2Go. Holds 10 oz of wine and is perfect for your favourite wino. 

2. Rewined. Wine scented candles in recycled wine bottles made in the USA. The perfect gift for an oenphile that says I know you enough to know not to attempt purchasing the real deal.

3. Beardo BeerMo. A little bit of fun for your man or hostess with the mostess. 

4. Corkcicle {UK} {US}. I love it. Oprah loves it. Need I say more?

5. Red Icon Party Cup. The best loved party symbol in reusable form. 

Gift Guide {for your fashionable friend}

1. Fresh Gift Set. I am super sensitive to scents so normally shy away from giving them as gifts. The only exception is Fresh. They somehow manage to create scented items that aren't overpowering and smell good on everyone.

2. Blue Nile Gemstone Earrings {US} {UK}. Everyone loves a little sparkle! Several choices available for under $120/£100.

3. J Crew Pyjamas. Classic menswear inspired pyjamas never go out of style. 

4. Kate Spade Tequila Bag. Oh, Kate Spade, you get me every time. This is the most expensive gift of the bunch, but funny pouches are also available. 

5. The South Print. Your best Southern girlfriend will adore this print. 

Gift Guide {gadgets & gizmos}

1. Icordination 10ft cable. Let's face it, iProduct cables are notoriously short. With this cord, you can comfortably use and charge your device at the same time.

2. Pivot Power. For the US and Canada only, this extension cable allows you to pivot the outlets so you can fit multiple large plugs on the same strip.

3. Pocket Projector. Stream your phones screen on any surface. Display capability of up to 50".

4. iPhone Photo Printer {US} {UK}. You know all those photos on your phone that you never get printed? Well, now you have no excuse. UK version also compatible with other phones. 

5. Digits. These pads attach to any glove so you can continue using your touch screen device no matter the weather. 

6. iPhone Scuba Suit. This 100% waterproof case allows you to use your phone to take some underwater holiday snaps.

7. QR Decals and Luggage Tags. Lost and found no more. Misplaced items can be scanned and reunited with you easily.

The Basement {at Selfridges} Part 2

I must admit it's been quite a while since I've been to my beloved Selfridges. Luckily, some things only change for the better and the basement is better than ever.

Like the new Anthropologie home section.

Anthro + Selfridges = true love

Plus a selection from Prince Charles' Highgrove shop.

Best of all?

The Christmas shop is back in it's original home.

Instead of Santa, this is the year of the reindeer.

I must admit I kinda wanted one.