Ohhh TK Maxx, how I love you! Sure we have our ups and downs. Sometimes you're filled with junk;…read moresometimes you've got the cream of the crop. It's a bit like a first date: you're never sure if you're going to score. Moving into our first unfurnished flat, we were flummoxed as to where to get saucepans and cooking utensils for a reasonable price. Wait! Lightbulb moment! TK Maxx! I scored a £250 set of saucepans for £80! A baking tray and muffin tins for £3 each! A purty lime green kettle! A slicing knife! A rubber whisk (so as not to scratch the new non-stick said saucepans!)! Bargains bargains bargains! This TK Maxx however only gets 3 stars as it's home department is a little limited. But the first floor is committed to all women's clothing and accessories, so that could easily change.

T K Maxx in Kew is great. It is not the sort of place to go to if you are definately looking for…read moresomething specific. However if you want to browse and look out for some great quality bargains then this is the place for you. I have brought several really good branded items from here for half price. I particularly like the homeware (I have just brought a great Newgate clock). The best time to visit is on a Friday, when the good bargains are still there, before all the hordes of shoppers come on a Saturday and snap them up.

Perfect place for small trinkets and gifts, stocking stuffers, or just a fun (and affordable) way…read moreto spice up your home! Tiger is filled with random things, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what's there but it's like a selection of Ikea goodies. They regularly have kitchenware there, so stop by for decorative bowls, storage containers, cake plates(£4), 2-tier serving platter (£7), all in different colors and designs! I saw a cute 2-person Japanese stoneware teapot and cups for £15. I think it's decent quality stuff for what you get. They also regularly stock colourful candles and decorative napkins, perfect for a party. Other cool stuff I've seen: -dedicated moustache section, anything goes! - home decor, storage baskets, candle holders, frames - art supplies, pastels, sketch books, canvas, pencils, paints - beauty stuff, shampoo, face wash - school supplies - kids stuff: games, stickers - umbrellas - storage containers - fun jewellery racks (saw a small square rack that rotates, fits 30+ pairs, for £4!!!) - packaging and gift bags - bicycle/travel section - snacks!! Anyway, it's not an exhaustive list but check it out, there might be done fun quirky things you can find. This is also a smaller store than the other ones I've been to (Brighton, Hammersmith and Tottenham Court Road). The only reason why I give 4* and not 5 is because its half the size, and and doesn't offer everything. This store isn't exactly the best first-timer's experience, so hit up the other larger stores first!

Great price for some quirky home items , I love it! Just got a quirky broom and a jumbo ludo game…read morefrom them today!

Sweaty Betty is more than just a fitness wear shop...It is initially that but it gives women an…read moreidentity and real encouragement to keep healthy. Not only because its better for your body health but also because it gives you peace of mind. The peace of mind you need after a hard days work as a career woman and a mother. Their clothes are comfy and really fashionable, they have in mind every shape and size of woman. Most of their collections come in regular, long or short length, and they have in a stock a jersey trouser than you can trim to your desired length with scissors and it will never ever fray. The Alex roll-down pant (£39) have snuggle fit and are ideal for yoga, traveling or relaxed weekends. Finally, what really makes this brand unique and more than just clothes, is their offering of running clubs. Basically, a group of women meet at the shop at a specified time (6:30pm on tuesday) and have a qualified trainer leading them in a warm up and then a brisk walk or run. You can join for FREE all you need is the motivation to be there, and a good pair of trainers. I am joining the club, and after 10 times I can have hal price on pair of trainers. (Ace!)

Stopped in for tea after exploring the mall a bit. I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich and my…read moresister in law got the classic sampler and we both got tea and a slice of the sponge cake to share. The service was excellent across the board and the meal we had was a great value for money. This was a great suggestion for lunch and we thoroughly enjoyed the food and the tea.

I was shopping for a new bra. I entered the fitting room to try on. I was met my Rashmi who…read moreoffered to help me. she spent quite a long time with me giving excellent advice about my cup-size and how to wear a bra properly. I am an old lady and it's the first time I have ever encountered such help and advice. she was very experienced and knowledgeable.

Made it a mission to go to every single one of M&S, this location has a great selection, and food…read morebar was very clean and kept.

The staff in the food department at this M&S are some of the best I've come across. I stopped by…read moretwice in the last couple of days and both times when I've asked for help the team members went out of their way to assist me and help me look for items or alternatives of what they were sold out of. Since I've been back in the UK most customer service has been terrible but they definitely do their jobs well in this department. Great selection of food and it's nice to try new meals knowing it'll always taste good!

THE quintessential aesthetic London department store…read more Harrods is for tourists with a lot of money. Liberty is for anybody with taste. An authentic London shopping experience that offers unique items you can't find elsewhere. A long history of beautiful design in a stunning Tudor-esqu building without a single escalator! (There are elevators) Gorgeous fabric from designers like William Morris. Come here for genuine London products, and for an authentic only-in-London shopping experience.

What a fun stop while shopping around central London! The front doors are lined with flowers for…read moresale. I absolutely love browsing their incredible selection of fabrics. I treated myself to a silk scarf with a stunning yellow/pink design this trip! The top floor is filled with festive Christmas items, looking so cute for the holidays, and there is something for everyone. Between the women's and men's clothing, bedding, home decor, holiday fun, and even a vintage clothing spot upstairs, it's easy to spend a happy hour exploring.

We came here for the Jellycat store and it was worth it. This is like a large department store with…read moremany brands inside, similar to Harrod's. The location was right in the middle of the action. Specific to JellyCat, they were having the Fish and Chips pop up, which offers limited edition fish and chips related Jellycats, where you interact with the staff as they present it to you with a sticker with your name and a personalized experience. You could make a reservation or just stand in line. We chose to do neither and my daughter got a lemon wedge Jellycat. The line was short and the staff was friendly.

We stopped by Selfridges to pick up a swim suit for the honey, but also ended up dropping into…read moretheir food hall. For the food hall I loved that they had a great selection of so many different types of food and drink. I was able to pick up some sushi and drinks, while the honey got some ramen to-go. I also loved that you could pay at the specific stall you got the food from and did not have to get in line for every single item. In relation to Selfridges' clothing section upstairs, the signage for the sections was poor and we ended up having to ask where the swim area was. Everything was £80 and up so we later ended up going to Primark since it was a little too rich for our blood (DH constantly loses his swim trucks when we travel). All in all, I was glad they were close to our hotel and the food hall definitely gives the nearby Mercado (which was our goto last year) a run for it's money.

No trip to England is not worthy of a visit to at least one Marks & Spencer…read more If you are an American and unfamiliar with M&S, just think of it as the Trader Joe's of America when it comes to food M&S Foods sells all M&S brands. The biscuits (especially the shortbread) are not to be missed and you should save room in your suitcases. M&S (regular) it is like a department store. Great quality clothing for great prices. If you are traveling to England during your birthday month, make sure to sign up for the Marks & Spencer loyalty card and you will get a sweet treat or grapes free for your birthday. These are located all over the country and all over London. If you go during any holidays, it's even better.

I love the fact that this store has cashew butter in a glass jar. Amazing flavor & they get 5 out…read moreof 5 in my book just for that! I have to scour the planet for this stuff! They need to have better selection of protein bars. Decent price & helpful staff.