Shopping Day in London!

Today was yet another fun day in London, but it was much more low-key than our past days because we really had nowhere to be at specific times and we weren't worried about attractions getting busy in the afternoon.

We started our morning with pastries we'd purchased the evening before from a nearby supermarket. I had an almond croissant and it was mouthwatering, so much so that I've got another one for tomorrow.

After breakfast while primping for the day, we headed out for our shopping adventures. We took the tube over to Old Spitalfields Market (our original destination), but saw Petticoat Market on the way and stopped to see what wares were for sale. We bought some souvenir magnets and key chains for friends and I bought a really cute pocket watch necklace that's the shape of a heart. Best 3£ purchase I ever spent. 

After walking through Petticoat Lane Market, we made our way to Old Spitalfields Market, which was by far our favorite shopping destination of the day. It's an outdoor, but covered area filled with both temporary stalls and permanent shops and restaurants. My favorite purchase there was a ring that was handcrafted by the seller that was made out of a silver apostle spoon, so theres a little man on the ring. I absolutely love it. 

In the market, we also found a neat cupcake stand (there were food stalls as well as clothes, purses, jewelry, crafts, etc.). The "Posh Peanut Butter Cup-Cake" that we split was delicious. Who says you shouldn't eat cupcakes in the morning?! 

A panorama shot of Old Spitalfields Market from the second floor. 

We enjoyed a small lunch at 'Giraffe,' where we split a grilled chicken club and sweet potato fries. Yum! .

Outside the market we realized we'd gotten very close to the Gherkin without even realizing it. It's hard to keep perspective as to where you are in the city when all of the moving around you do is underground. 

After Old Spitalfields Market, we checked out Harrods, which is the most ridiculous department store I've ever seen. They had a food section with all sorts of baked goods and ready-to-eat food. This is where be bought breakfast for tomorrow.  

I saw this (below) and chuckled. The company whose tea the American revolutionaries threw into Boston Harbor. I joked with my mom that we need to get some and liberate it in the nearest body of water. 

After walking around for a while in Harrods, we stopped in the Godiva Chocolate Bar and shared a warm brownie with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream. Really, we were just looking for a place to sit down for a while and this presented a great opportunity.... plus we got chocolate!

After dessert, we had dinner (yeah, we did thay a little backwards) at Candesa, a tapas restaurant in Covent Garden. It was fabulous! Since we'd made reservations the night before, when we arrived our seats were reserved via a note on the bar.

We split a few tapas... a cheese plate, chicken mozzarella quesadillas, pulled pork sliders, and a green salad. 

The restaurant was great and the food was delicious. We'd definitely go again!

On the way home, we went through Baker Street tube station and I had to snag a picture of this artwork on the wall. Sherlock Holmes! Makes me even more excited about the next season, but sad that it won't come out forever!