Life Lately: Pink Peonies, Sailboats on the Thames & more

THE LAST TIME I did a Life Lately was way back in February, and a lot has happened since then. Here is the latest photo diary⏤a few snippets from the past days and weeks, from the pink peonies and tulips in Fulham (just before we stopped in at the charming Fox & Pheasant pub) to sailboats on the Thames, the Tate, chestnut trees in Bushy Park, and more…

Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a French pastry shop that opened in the city of Lille, France, in 1982, when Frédéric Vaucamps, its founder, was a young and ambitious pastry chef with a dream. Drawing inspiration from traditional recipes passed down through generations, Fred set out on a quest to reinvent a classic dessert: the merveilleux. The merveilleux (marvelous in French) is a delicate pastry composed of two meringue shells filled with a light whipped cream and coated with a variety of toppings (chocolate, praline, caramel and more). As Fred’s vision was to elevate this dessert to new heights of taste and artistry, he began perfecting his recipes, experimenting with flavours, and refining his techniques. Word of the pastry chef’s creations spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before Aux Merveilleux de Fred became a beloved local spot in Lille. The combination of airy meringue, velvety cream, and delectable toppings won over everyone who had the pleasure of indulging in these confectionaries. The shop’s popularity grew, leading to the opening of additional boutiques throughout France and eventually around the world, from Paris to New York, Tokyo to London. This one was in Battersea. Weeks later, we would also find one in South Kensington.

Surbiton Sailing Club is a renowned sailing club located in Surbiton, a suburb in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, England. With its rich history, dedicated membership, and picturesque location on the River Thames, the club has established itself as a prominent institution within the sailing community. It was founded in 1897. The Thames Sailing Club, also located in Surbiton, founded in 1870, is the oldest river sailing club in the world. We passed by both on a long bicycle ride along the river and fancied that we might take up sailing now that we’re here…

Bushy Park (above right), located in the beautiful county of Surrey, England, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. This expansive parkland (covering over 1,100 acres) is a natural and cultural landmark that was opened to the public in the mid-20th century, allowing visitors to appreciate the park’s diverse range of flora and fauna, including deer herds, woodlands, gardens, and waterways. Both locals and tourists alike wander along its tranquil paths, visit the beautiful Diana Fountain (built in 1637 and named after the Roman goddess), and picnic by the water’s edge. We love walking among all the enormous old Chestnut Trees.

Yes, you’ve seen my vanity setup at the cottage many times, but this is the first glimpse of the new setup at our new place. A bedside table turned vanity, I’ve added the sterling silver tray (it used to hold a carafe of water and a pocket watch on my old desk) to corral everyday makeup essentials as well as sunscreens, face oils, and moisturisers. There’s a huge window to the left, so there’s floods of natural light every morning for getting ready. It’s my new favourite setup.

We made a quick stop at the Tate Britain, just long enough to gaze at the unfinished Turners with their secrets and sunsets, and take in the large Hockney (A Bigger Splash). There’s plenty of time to visit again and again to explore the 500 years of British art currently housed there.

The pink peonies and tulips in Fulham are marvellous. Big, beautiful bouquets wrapped in brown paper, and I just noticed in the photos, ranunculi, too!

Battersea is a vibrant district located in the London Borough of Wandsworth, on the south bank of the River Thames. It is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse community, making it a popular place to live, work, and visit. We recently had the opportunity to spend an afternoon there, chasing a sandwich from a food truck that P had read about. It’s a lovely area with a lot of great independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the patisserie, Aux Merveilleux de Fred, which I wrote about earlier. It’s a beautiful district with a great vibe, and we’ll definitely be visiting again.