Wednesday 25 March 2009

Shopping

Today I went shopping to an outlet shopping centre at Portsmouth with a friend. Rather than drive on the motorway we went by ferry which takes you across from Gosport to HMS Warrior.

Many years ago when my husband was in the navy we had pre dinner drinks on this ship before a summer ball. You can now get married on here too as it is licensed for marriage ceremonies. What a wonderful venue. You can just see the building where I once worked in the background. My office window overlooked HMS Victory. It was a bonus that it had a good view as it was the most boring job!

Beside the shops is the Spinnaker tower, 170 metres tall. I haven't been to the top as I just hate heights!The first shop we visited was Jack Wills and my friend was surprised to see this jacket, which her daughter designed, on display. (She now designs for Boden).


After a very nice lunch we got down to some serious buying. My friend is a beautician and always 'encourages' me to buy makeup and face creams when we go shopping together. I usually end up buying them in the hope that they will make me look as good as she does!

The lady who lives opposite me is a potter and has her own kiln. On Monday I am going to Highcliffe Castle with her where she is exhibiting some of her work. When we moved her she gave me this very unusual vase in the shape of a female torso which she had made and I love it. I think it looks great displaying these grape hyacinths but equally good just on its own.

7 comments:

  1. Was that Gunwharf Quays? I used to shop there a LOT before I had children, and I used to love the Gap outlet.

    Funnily enough my husband went on HMS Victory last week with work (M.O.D outing) and we have soooo many pictures of the inside of it.

    Mel xxx

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  2. The flowers suit the vase! If you take a look at my blog, you will see an award waiting for you.
    Isabelle x

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  3. What a great day out you must have had with your girlfriend.
    I love days out like that, all girlie bits and bobs.
    What a venue for a wedding! now that does sound interesting.
    The little vase is most unusual, now that is something I would love to have a go at, pottery!
    Carol x

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  4. Thank you for visiting my blog! Sorry we didn't get to say Hello at Shepton. See you there next time, happy to send you comp tickets. Just let me know your address & I will pop them in the post!
    Lizzie x
    PS they are only good for the Saturday & Sunday. Sadly Friday is "trade day" and they charge to get in....

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  5. That sounds like a good idea about the library, I know they do have exhibitions and things so I must look into it. Thanks v much for the suggestion!

    My birthday isn't until the 3rd of July but that doesn't stop me thinking about it now!!!

    Hope you have a lovely weekend, Mel xxx

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  6. I've heard a lot of things about a shopping outlet in Portsmouth. My mum and I have scheduled a date to visit Bicester Village... mainly so I can check out the Cath Kidston store!!!

    Victoria xx

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  7. Ruth I'm so impressed with your anagrams. I'm sure you can find a space for those 2 other letters somewhere!!

    Sue x

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