A typical Saturday night in the heart of London

I don't believe there's such a thing as a typical Saturday night in London. An autumn evening begins with a fair amount of layering up - adding on a coat, scarf and boots before jumping on a rather empty Piccadilly line to Covent Garden.

Drinks at Tuttons
I warmed up with an Espresso Martini at Tuttons. Tuttons is an intimate bar and restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Attracting the theatre crowd and patrons of all ages, Tuttons has a standard cocktail menu, although I didn't try the Covent Garden Sunrise, and tempting bar bites. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a busy restaurant area.

After a tipple, we wandered to Leicester Square where the Christmas Fun Fair had begun. Unfortunately my lack of height and ball shooting skills were tested for 2.50GBP and I failed to win any Winnie the Pooh teddy bears.

Tempted by nutella crepes.

But not by the spinning, nausea-inducing ride!

An Autumn Sunday in London, Spitalfields market

When the sun actually shines in London, there's no excuse not to be outside!

Start the day with a big, greasy English breakfast for only 4.90 pounds!

Be tempted by pastries at Old Spitalfields Market

Or by the endless stalls offering vintage and designer threads.

Or perhaps just settle for some Turkish delight - but which flavour to choose from?

Wanderlust Wednesday - St Raphael, French Riveria

Sometimes when you're traveling the best laid plans go awry. We planned on going from Nice to St Tropez in a day which required a long train ride followed by a bus, having lunch there and then heading straight back. Yet being at the mercy of delayed (retarded I believe is the French term) trains and buses left us stranded in a town called St Raphael.

Being stuck on the French Riveria is not a bad thing. If I were a celebrity, I'd avoid Cannes and St Tropez to avoid the paparazzi and holiday with the locals. St Raphael has a buzzing cafe strip, local markets selling inexpensive beach gear and fashion boutiques for a spot of shopping in the main town. It feels much more relaxed and less touristy than Nice or Cannes.

As for St Tropez, maybe next summer?

Wanderlust Wednesday - Salad Nicoise in Paris

I miss Parisian food. Somehow since being in London the produce just isn't the same.

In Paris I was served this delightfully large salad nicoise. Fresh greens with the right balance of saltiness from the anchovies, olives and dressing. If I could only replicate it somehow...it's so simple but yet so good.