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Where would I be without my Sharpie permanent markers?  Well, if you read my previous post about my utter boredom at sewing in name tags, you’ll know that these Sharpie pens are my absolute go-to when naming the Smalls’ uniforms, pencil cases, shoes etc.

Sharpies – for naming, colouring and everything in between

What I DIDN’T know was that Sharpie sells an enormous assortment of deliciously coloured pens…. the lovely PRs sent me a bumper pack and we have been busying ourselves this afternoon decorating… and colouring with a spot of labelling too.

So, I have 4 prize bundles (each worth around £25) of Sharpies to give away for 4 lucky readers.  All you have to do to enter this competition is sign up to my blog (top right of homepage),  follow me on Twitter and the 4 packs of pens will be sent to the 4 lucky winners, picked at random on 19th September 2013.

pen by Sharpie (pencil case by Tiger)

To check out Sharpie’s full range, click here.

Forgive me while I repeat myself.   And I’m sure I’ll mention it again before the year is out.  You see, it’s a common angst I have.  While I spend a reasonable amount of time running East, too much time running West and often slip South, I do worry that our Smalls only see the square mile of this city surrounding our home.  I properly fret that they might think that this is all there is to London.  So, I hatched a plan for the almost-last-day of the long summer holidays.

We started our adventure in Marylebone where Mini had her brace fitted.  Although it’s a really pretty rainbow colour (!), her speech and gag reflex are being seriously challenged as she becomes accustomed to it.  Anyway, she’s a trooper and, from what I could understand from her slurring, she was keen to press on with my plan.

Koya Bar on Frith St

day one of Koya Bar

Soho was my plan.  Lunch was to be at Koya’s new (baby sister) bar (50 Frith St) which opened today.  I wanted to prove a point – that Japanese isn’t just sushi.  They shared a big bowl of Hiya-Atsu (soup with pieces of chicken, spring onion  plus those big, thick, cold udon noodles on the side £11.1o) and they also picked at my Kiaso salad and Kinoko Nametake (both £6.10).  Edemame on the stalk and Small falling off his stool thrilled us further.

a half bowl pre noodles

and those fat udon noodles

For dessert I thought they ‘needed’ to experience Gelupo on Archer Street.  No further comment needed there but if you haven’t been, GO.  NOW.

probably the best ice cream in town… @gelupogelato

Small legs started to complain but I had one more mission.  They had seen a DJ or two in Ibiza rocking some tunes on vinyl.  And, of course, didn’t know what it was.  Shocking, I felt.  So, as part of their education, I dragged them into BM Soho on D’Arblay Street and introduced them to the workings of those black shiny disks.

some vinyl education at BM Soho

Small ears listen to BIG beats

Ps John Devitt’s Koya Bar is an all day affair.  Once the Smalls are back at school, I plan to return for a properly Japanese breakfast of traditional rice balls or Okayu (rice porridge).

Charlotte Tilbury make-up in Selfridges

British make-up artist and best friend to many a celebrity, Charlotte Tilbury has launched her own line of cosmetics today in Selfridges.  Neighbour and I abandoned our Smalls at sports camp and jumped straight on the tube to find out what all the fuss was about.

Charlotte Tilbury’s eye pop up before the concession fully launches on Monday 2nd Sept

With more than 20 years in the industry, Charlotte confessed to having spent at least 10  of these years conceptualizing, planning and daydreaming this range.

I asked Charlotte to pose by her wheel

Neighbour was intrigued.  The Charlotte Tilbury make-up pop-up seemed to be solely focused on eyes – as the full concession doesn’t open until Monday (2^nd September).  And all the products (eyeliners/shadows/mascaras) had been curated into 10 colour-wardrobes that reflect the lifestyle and personality of 10 different women. Each look shows you how to match the right eyes to your desired look – and of course your face.

Charlotte’s wheel of women’s make-up looks

There was a massive wheel at the centre of the pop-up encouraging us to do some seriously wishing.  For example:  today, Charlotte, I’d like to be a rock chick.

into the chair Neighbour jumped

Into the chair Neighbour jumped (at my instruction, with camera poised).  She was after Charlotte’s infamous feline flick.  Our make-up artist explained that a feline eye uses eyeliner to elongate the eye, just like a cat.  This adds intensity, along with the effect of an instant eye lift.  Hard to resist for any of us. (There are various online tutorials if you fancy having a go.)

mid make-up

done and dusted – my feline neighbour

By the end, her eyes looked absolutely stunning.  It was almost as if the colours used and the shape of the eye flick were highlighting her brown eyes.  So she promptly bought all of Charlotte’s magic tools.  Thank god the rest of the range wasn’t available today – her Wonderglow, Take It All Off and Retoucher all look irresistible too.

The Charlotte Tilbury collection is available from Monday 2nd September 2013 at Selfridges Oxford Street, Selfridges.com, Net-A-Porter.com and CharlotteTilbury.com