I don’t like to party.  I hate noise, crowds, drunken weirdos and why would I want to go deaf any earlier than I already have to? And yet I like this crazy island where the airport departure lounge looks like an emergency room full of bandaged, grumpy survivors. Why? Because I’ve cracked the code. My kids and their friends do the dusk to dawn shift.

And just as their angelic heads are hitting the pillow, I’m spraying myself with factor 50 . The island is so peaceful when the revellers slumber. So dear readers, this blog is not about dancing on tables at Namos for lunch and then continuing on to other tables at Super Paradise. This blog is for those who like to sit at tables versus jumping on them.

First comes my morning dip. There are tons of lovely empty beaches here. This one called Kapari on the southwest side of the island just happens to be close to where we are staying.

Mykonos has plenty of slightly boho cafes for breakfast. You just have to look. Here’s Y-not in Ornos where the eggs are so fresh I am sure there’s a hen hiding in the kitchen. I see the same locals here every day.

The Melting Pot in Psarou is owned by an ex-hippie named Kostos who apparently used to live in a cave. He’s still pretty laid-back, as is the waitress who served me breakfast and then sat down nearby for a smoke.

Can’t come to Greece without tasting its sublime yogurt. Just needs some honey and walnuts.

Most beaches have casual restaurants. Some of my favourites are in Panormos Bay, Agrari and Lia.

A cute boat ferries people between Agrari and Elia beaches.

And for those who like to surf (yes, you Dave the Wave) Kalafatis next door to Agrari on the southern side delivers.

So there’s definitely a quieter, charming side to this island, as well as the wild side where boogying to Afrojack starts around 3am. I don’t have any photos of the latter, only the former. Boring! I know.

Even Mykonos town- heaving at sunset – is calm as a tranquillised tiger in the morning.

And no decent blog forgets about shopping tips. My favorite shop for presents is called

I always strike gold here. Its near Mattogiannis street, the area where the best shops are.

Just as I’m about to turn into a pumpkin, my kids are perking up… the secret to a happy holiday.

August, 2014

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But the zen Haybarn spa always leaves me feeling pretty ommmmmm.

And the Farmshop is the ideal place to stock up on some organic delicacies ..

Or possibly a post-yoga bottle of Daylesford’s delish Leoube Rose?

Summer sorted.

August, 2014

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First we headed to Beaulieu’s weekly outdoor market.

If olives aren’t your thing, how about dried fruits?

Or chic chapeaux?

And don’t let the elephant put you off this Salle des Ventes in town. Finds are to be found, especially if you’re with Isy.

One day Isy’s friends took us to Italy. An hour’s drive but another world  away is the dramatic hillside town of Apricale.

We ate lunch nearby in Dolce Acqua, the charming village where Isy spotted that urn. Here’s a sorbet-colored Franciscan  building.

This was the final course in a delicious six-course meal at U Fondu de Cascin, an agriturismo restaurant in Dolce where the owner is the chef, and his wife, our waitress. Before this chocolate fondant we feasted on seafood starters, a thin-crusted spinach tart, fresh pasta with a selection of divine, homemade sauces,  rabbit or lamb and fab wine  and grappa- all for under 30 euros!! (It’s only open Thursday through Sundays for lunch)

How to burn off  lunch? How about yoga on a paddle board?

Don’t lose your balance on that shoulder bridge.

Or do lose your balance and go for a swim in the crowded Med.

Go for a walk and enjoy the Cypress.

My favorite beachside spot for lunch…

Travels with Isy, the only way to go.

July, 2014

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Dedicated urbanites can still smell the roses amidst the diesel. Below are a few of my London summer-time picks. Kensington Gardens and the Serpentine Pavilion are easy green options.

Shoppers can catch some rays at Q, Selfridge’s pop-up terrace restaurant.

For something a bit buzzier visit Granary Square at King’s Cross where daily street vendors sell everything from Mexican tacos to Mumbai meatballs to Falafel wraps. It’s the edible U.N. here, otherwise known as Kerb street food collective.

You can watch the boats pass by.

Or follow the tennis.

And for a special garden treat outside central London –  Petersham Nurseries near Richmond Park is unbeatable. Its bohemian glasshouse restaurant (dirt floors, sublime food, cool staff) and the chic garden shop make the journey well worth it.

Fragrance maker Jo Malone believes in the power of gardens to provide solace and lift the spirit. Jo Malone Urban Community Garden Project  supports gardens in deprived areas in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol. Buy a Silk Blossom Home Candle in the UK to help this cause, and bring a little piece of garden home.

July, 2014

* Petersham Nursery photo courtesy of Keiko Oikawa

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I begged to differ and told her that the drawing below was much closer to the real moi.

Shrigley’s works deal with life’s everyday fears and banalities.

Or turning overheard snippets of conversation into farcical images.

 The Turner-prize nominated artist didn’t stop at the walls. He also designed ceramics for Sketch. Here are some witty salt and pepper shakers. Diners who want for nothing can have that too.

 A spot of tea?

The Glasgow-based artist said:

“It will be the first artwork that I have made that can go in the dishwasher. It will be very clean artwork.”

That’s not all that’s new in the Gallery Restaurant. The large brasserie has a soothing, new look – soft rose and feminine –  thanks to Paris-based architect and designer India Mahdavi.

 And don’t forget to powder your nose in Sketch’s cute cubicles.

Shrigley will be making a sculpture for the Fourth Plinth Commission on Trafalgar Square in 2016.

June, 2014

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