Oxo Bar and Brasserie

Although being in London for many years now there are a number of landmarks I have yet to get round to visiting. One of these was rectified yesterday when I went to the Oxo Tower for lunch. The bar and brasserie appears to be a part of Harvey Nichols, the champagne on arrival certainly didn't disappoint.

We were led through to the Brasserie, by some amazing force of nature the sun was gazing down through the floor to ceiling glass - end of January in London, amazing. Having a hankering for a good burger for days I was extremely happy to see a bacon, cheese, onion - all the lashings burger on the menu with triple cooked chips, you absolutely can't go wrong. What threw me however was the site of fish and chips with wasabi mayonnaise. It was the wasabi that made it so appealing.

The pull of the burger was all too much, luckily a dining companion opted for the fish and chips so I was able to lather my chips in the wasabi mayonnaise, which was likely the only disappointment - by far not enough heat for me. It really was a great way to spend a Thursday afternoon, with all the sun and enjoying the wine I couldn't resist a chocolate tart with nougatine ice cream and candied pears. The nougatine ice cream was better than the tart. I left in a very, very stuffed way.

Highly recommended for a late lunch when they have just gone past the rush, before the early evening drinkers arrive.

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Almost too good to eat...

The last of my Christmas chocolates (apart from the sneaky box of Lindor I found last night, it was my 'emergency' present in case I received something unexpectedly I had something to return the favour - but should I not receive anything unexpected it is mine all to enjoy...clever eh?)

I saved the best for last completely. Charbonnel et Walker is absolute heaven. I also had a dark truffle bar which barely saw it into the new year. These however I am savouring. 8 little bits of pure deliciousness I am going to try and ration to two a day.

They are almost too good to eat, gorgeous presentation box...

I said almost too good to eat right (gulp).

Oh and for ref, the nail polish is O.P.I dulce de leche.

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Superhero by day, Superhero by night

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Last night was Superhero fancy dress for a 30th birthday. Fancy dress is not something I've done aside from Halloween since leaving University, it has somewhat lost it's appeal (not that it had much then). However the bar in Covent Garden was a good one (classic 80's tunes and free flowing champagne) and I decided on a subtle outfit that could be easily covered up with a coat.

My secret identity? Clark Kent. Not superman, but his daytime guise. I already have the glasses so shirt on top of Superman top (technically pyjamas I already own...) and bright blue skinnes with knee high boots. Effortless, classy (as far as fancy dress goes) and season appropriate.

Luckily others made significantly more effort than me. It was a veritable wash of poly-blend acrylic and over shoe material boots...

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Not very Common

On Friday I was lucky enough to be invited to the House of Commons - I have never been inside any of Parliament before (I certainly haven't been invited to Lords...) and in all honesty I've only ever appreciated the building from a far - well maybe as close as Big Ben.

On walking in, the building is extremely cavernous. Almost a bit more how I would expect to see the Abbey, but not decked out. There is also an intricate stained glass window on the far wall. Unfortunately I am still getting to grips with my new camera...stain glass is not easy to shoot.

We were there for the passing of the Live Music Bill (making it easier for smaller more intimate venues to host live music without a lot of red tape - better for the fans, better for local business and better for nurturing up and coming British talent). We were treated to some live music by Daytona Lights and also a great spread of sandwiches and wine...House of Commons wine no less.

There was some serious wallpaper in the room, as well as a picture showing the room when in full swing.

After Commons we popped into the Red Lion, a gorgeous proper English pub with a very random crowd of after work drinkers, tourists and complete randoms. I even managed to acquire a bottle of Commons Sauvignon Blanc to take home...

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Slacker

I hang my head in shame. I am a terrible slacker - no posts in two months = bad form. I am blaming Christmas and general December craziness. I am also by no means going to try and catch up on what's gone on. A couple of photo highlights will suffice.

On a high note a got a brand spanking mew amazing camera for Christmas. I did however think this would instantly make me into photographic genius...it did not. I'm trying my best at getting to grips with the settings however I have become strangely addicted to fish eye...Another revolution in my life is Instagram. Yes I may be late in adopting, but what I lose in speed I've made up for in commitment! It has replaced my regular camera on the new iPhone 4.

Not a believer in new years resolutions but I am intending to do better and keeping my life in order and blog up to date (two very separate things you understand.)

Cliff Richard is a standard feature in our household at Christmas time, who can resist a bit of Mistletoe and Wine

The duck to accompany the turkey...

One of my first forays into the world of Instagram! This is taken from inside Bafta

My amazing advent calendar, Lindor, bunnies and one the last day a chocolate Santa

Not a fan of Christmas pudding but THIS I love

Enjoying the unseasonably mild weather we were having in December

Ice skating in Brighton

Utilising the fish eye effect...badly

Organisation in the Carrie household for dinner

My presents all wrapped for the family with little critters poking out the top, who wouldn't want one of these?

It was love at first site, Jimmy Choo, sequins, peep toe everything about this is right.

Day trip to Brighton, the sun desperately trying to poke through the clouds

The family tree, fire on, it doesn't get cosier

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Thought of the day...

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This really made me laugh and doesn't need anything else said about it. What a way to keep your 2012 diary.

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The Switch On

Follow @CarrieRussell24

I have been to the Oxford Street area more times that it is probably healthy this week, I have therefore grasped a good idea of the different area Christmas lights. Carnaby Street are my favourite - they have gone for mistletoe and Holly and it works really well in the setting

Oxford Street have gone for presents and umbrellas (no, I didn't get it either...) but they do look nice. Regent Street have Arthur Christmas.

A couple more that made me smile..

Liberty (obvs)

And Woody:

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