EATING AT THE HOSTE ARMS, NORFOLK

If you read my blog last week you'll know that I was in Norfolk over the weekend: a fabulous weekend of walking (plus a short run and an even shorter paddle), discovering lovely pubs... and eating a stupendous meal at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, rightly known for its great food. I started with Norfolk asparagus with hollandaise sauce, which I know is the classic pairing but I've never had the two together, followed by gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes, pea purée, pine nuts and Fontina cheese. For the omnivores, Bob had oriental-style fishcakes, followed by slow-roast pork loin with bubble and squeak, prunes and a shard of crackling. And I managed to squeeze in 'Cambridgeshire burnt cream' which, as the menu explains, may not be French in origin, as it has been served at Trinity College Cambridge since the very early 1600s. with a glass of dessert wine. On the way back to our accommodation, we stopped off to enjoy the tranquil evening with the sea like a millpond at Burnham Overy Staithe, where Nelson learned to row.

GOING TO THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Press day (the day before the Show opens to the public) is a lot less busy than the rest of the week, but it can still be hard to get to the gardens: if the judges are deliberating, everyone is ushered away and no photos can be taken; then BBC camera crews rope off gardens to conduct interviews, and lastly, the celebrities love to chat against the fabulous backdrop of a show garden. But it all adds to the sense of occasion: I love it! And you also get to see last-minute touch-ups, like grooming petals with cotton buds and (above) fishing leaves out of the best in show Laurent-Perrier garden). If you missed it, see my pick of the Chelsea Gardens, and check out the gardening trends from Chelsea Flower Show

WALKING IN NORFOLK

Last weekend in Norfolk, we did indeed walk the Norfolk Coast Path: from Blakeney to Cley and back, taking in great views from the top of St Nicholas church. Then we went from Morston to Stiffkey (pronounced Stewkey) then back inland to Langham. And finally, our shortest leg, from the quayside at Wells-next-the-Sea out to the beach and back.

RIDING ON THE PLATFORM OF THE 'NEW ROUTEMASTER'

A simple pleasure, but for all those of us who loved the old Routemasters it's good to know that the skill of stepping backwards off the platform while the bus is still moving is like riding a bike. This morning I cruised along Piccadilly on the 38 route, with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, before stepping backwards to walk off towards the office. If you're a bit of a bus anorak, Transport for London is celebrating Year of the Bus, with all kinds of celebrations and events.

PAINTING MY NAILS MATT

Try a new twist for your fingertips this summer: matt nails. My colleague Natalie gave me Barry M's new Matte Nail Paint in Rhossili (a magenta/pink shade) to try, and I'm hooked. The matt finish seems to sit more naturally with the texture of my skin, as if my nails had hanged colour with the sunshine! Hard to explain, but easy to try for yourself: Barry M Summer Matte Nail Paint, £3.99, launches in Superdrug on June 4 and in Boots on June 11. Here's how to paint your nails at work: first paint your pinky, ring and middle finger on one hand. Repeat on the other once dry. Paint the index and thumb of your less-used hand. Repeat on the other hand. That way you can still type, answer the phone, get things out of a drawer etc etc without smudges.
See more new nail polishes for summer

What have you tried this week?