Hamleys, Carnaby & Battersea
Today was full dopamine hunting…
my go-to at Harris + Hoole
hello again, lovely,
This morning started slow and sweet. We stopped into Harris + Hoole (again), my favorite London coffee spot, before the day really began. The kiddos each picked muffins and shared a pineapple peach smoothie (yes, it tasted as good as it sounds), while I sat with my beautifully delicious cappuccino—the kind that feels almost too pretty to drink.
From there, the crew wandered over to Hamleys. A staggering five floors of toys! It’s one of those places where you don’t know where to look first—performers ourside the store, demonstrators of all the very cool interactive toys, candy, games, THE works. The kids were buzzing with excitement, darting from display to display, and honestly, I was right there with them. B got a boomerbang and a floating ball (propelled by a tiny fan- so cool). My girl got a Anna doll to represent her part in the Frozen play this Summer. After a full hour, we were finally ready to depart to the next dopamine activity.
Not far from Hamleys, was the famous Carnaby Street in Soho. If you could bottle the feeling of London energy, I think it would taste like Carnaby—colorful storefronts, street music, people everywhere. And tucked into all that, I found myself a little treasure: a pair of Adidas leopard sneakers. Completely unnecessary as a “souvenir,” but you know me—couldn’t resist. They’ll always remind me of today.
As if the day hadn’t been magical enough, we ended at Battersea Park. This place is a dream for kids: endless football fields, a playground bigger than anything I’ve seen, Putt-putt and then—GoApe, the aerial ropes course. My girl strapped in with the Mr. and just soared. She looked like such a pro, zip-lining and climbing with this confidence that made me want to bottle the moment forever. B played some putt putt, ran around pretending he was the Leeds United forward, Dan James and finished the day on the massive tube slide.
Coffee, toys, sneakers, treetops—it was one of those days that somehow gave me everything. Family memories, a little fashion keepsake, and those heart-bursting moments I wish you’d been here for.
with love,
Missy
