The fabulous Merle Berelowitz (who hand painted the flowers I used recently in my new lariat) is in town and I am pleased to spend time with her, especially on my home ground.

I was heading to a Swarovski event today to find out about their new beads etc for next year (the new rose gold finish ...I am in love) and it was the perfect opportunity for us to meet up and take in the nearby sights. Also at the event was Dorothy Wood who I have never met before but I technically edited her book: The Beader's Bible so it was nice to finally meet.

After hours of being dazzled by sparkles we headed across the road to Liberty which is one of the nicest shops to look around. After perusing fabrics, glassware and scarves, all in the name of research of course, and refreshed with a cup of tea we headed our separate ways planning to meet again tomorrow.

I next popped into Creative Beadcraft which I hadn't visited in years so it was nice to see how they're expanding their seed beads etc. Dangerous now I now that.

Then I began meandering my way back to the station (passing Mele e Pere whose window was full of exquisite glass fruit and ornaments) to head home when hunger hit and I realised it was about 4pm and I hadn't eaten. I then realised I was right by Polpo who I first visited about 18 months ago and I knew it was my destiny to while away some time there.

It was such a treat to take time out and sit at the bar, enjoy great food and drink and chat with the bar tender and browse my magazine. An hour of of my busy schedule and my batteries felt all the more recharged for it. Then it was back home and back to work ready for another day out tomorrow.