I thought you might like to see the walk from my house to the beach, along my favourite street. The seafront is all of two minutes away, so ... we go out of my front door, up my own street and turn left.
The Paint Box, run by Julie, is a favourite of The Girl Genius who loves to paint. There's a huge range of blank, white ceramics to decorate in your favourite style and colours, plus a warm welcome and a cuppa.
The Brasserie is a new French cafe and is half of an old public house called "The Queen's" We never did know what bit of the Queen it celebrated! Haven't been in here yet but looking forward to it.
This is Sea View Street, shame about the cars in the way. It's in the oldest part of town and has seen many changes but has always kept a charm of its own.
Guru is a fab clothing and shoe shop with some amazing fashions, albeit out my price range. This is the other half of The Queen's.
Mercers's, my favourite local coffee haunt. They're great with children so it's a pleasure to take The GG here.
La Vie en Rose, run by the lovely Kathy, has some of the most wonderful clothes in the world here. Many are Magnolia Pearl and Ewa i Walla - soooo beautiful but even more expensive than Guru, sadly. I sell my dolls here at Christmas time.
Abode houses some wonderful Shabby Chic, French-styled furniture and accessories. I buy a few gifts for special friends here.
I have never been in
Papillon, this lovely children's clothes shop, but have picked up some great ideas from the window display.
The Girl Genius passed by Hermes Antiques once when she was even tinier and asked "Bargain Hunt?". I think she thought she saw Tim Wonnacott in there!
Super-duper cookshop,
La Cocina stocks Jamie Oliver, Maxwell Williams and Cath Kidston among other great brands.
Cote Est is a newcomer to the street. The young man who runs it with his parents has a wonderful sense of style that's a bit different to the usual shabby/vintage option. He also sells statement flowers - those huge, glorious blooms that you buy just one or two of, put in a vast vase and point your visitors at.
P & L Interiors - my source for Farrow and Ball, Little Greene and scraps of gorgeous fabrics from the remnant baskets. I'm frequently to be found sitting on the floor rummaging through the baskets for textile treasure.
Tillett's stock Joules and other excellent brands. Note the pink wellies!
You want Emma Bridgewater, Pilgrim, ceramic cupcakes, bunting, Hello Kitty, union flag accessories -
J.K's stocks it.
Marples is another very good cafe though we don't go in here nearly as much as we used to, ever since they twice failed to bring Mr C his teacake!
Think Bubbles stocks Oillily, Lapagayo and other trendy children's togs as well as accessories and lovely ladies' items.
J.K's other shop, containing shoes, boots and unusual furniture. These last two shops are situated at the base of a set of pricey apartments called "The Point" which overlook the water.
We're now at the end of the street. Look right ...
... look left
... and look back down the street.
Here you are at the beach, looking down towards the Leisure Centre and Boating Lake.
This way towards the folly called Ross Castle, and the Pier.
Hope you enjoyed your little walk in the sunshine.
Have a lovely weekend and do have a go at the Giveaway!
