3 Ways to spend your day off...

Days off are precious things. Being in the mood to actually get out of pyjamas and venture into the world when all you really want to be doing is catching up on Game of Thrones (yup, I'm still very behind) is a rare thing- so spending is wisely is important. Over the last few weeks I've been fortunate enough to try some more 'out of the ordinary' things (I feel a bit like Norman on GBBO describing pesto as 'exotic' here)- but trust me when I say there's charm in hitting a shopping centre and baking on your day off...

Have a shopping centre trip (trust me)...

Although hitting up one of the biggest shopping centres in the UK doesn't initially seem like the most chilled way to spend a day, when Joe and I hit up Westfield Stratford City recently- it was one of the most calm days off I've had in ages, honestly. Maybe it was because we headed there on a weekday morning- but the fact everything was under one roof (with a COS, Topshop and Lush being under that roof) and could sit down for a favourite mocktail and pasta fuelled lunch at one of my favourite places, Jamie's- it felt like the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street!

Get baking in London...

This is certainly an indulgent way of taking an afternoon off, but if you fancy a very special day out (this certainly is a little bit more of a splurge) then a cooking class at Peggy Porschen's Academy, is definitely a way of firming up those baking skills- and I'm sure Mary Berry would approve of the fondant fancies Kristabel and I were invited to make at the weekend! Alternatively, if the cost is a little much- than a visit to the Peggy Porschen bakery over the road is the perfect way to while away the hours whilst sampling some truly delicious cupcakes- the best way to people watch!

Have a bit of 'me' time...

I'll be honest, it was only this year that I had my first facial, and even then having the time to indulge in a bit of chill make up free time whilst in central London, was certainly not something I could regularly fit in. Queue the Elemis Skin Lounge. Tucked away in Debenhams on Oxford Street (yup, you really wouldn't know) the Skin Lounge offers a SkinLab treatment, to prescribe the perfect facial and treatment for your skin (depending on type)- and after nearly falling asleep during my facial, I can confirm it was one of the most relaxing hours I've had in forever!

How do you like to spend your days off? I'm always after new ways to spend my free time, so answers on a postcard!