I haven't read 'Et Ils Eurent Beaucoup d'Enfants...' (I've got kind of snobby about reading matter in French now that my comprehension speed is almost the same as in English) but I am absolutely fascinated by the author (who oddly attended my London university) the book is a follow up from a suprise hit reality TV appearance, and there is also a 2+ hour interview on a French Oprah style programme available in its entierety on YouTube, (which I highly reccommend) as well as several interviews in the newspapers. She comes across as one of the most intelligent, composed, self assured women I have seen, and she discusses the dynamics of family and intimate life in **the most french** way.

The best news about Itsu is that 30mins before closing time everything in the shop goes to half price. Really amazed by how well you've planned everything out, so enjoyable to see you discover places which are so familiar to me. (and the ode to Heinz baked beans is genuinely touching, especially following the Italian food) If I can give any more practical or extravagant tips please don't hesitate to put a question in the blog post, I love being bossy with visitors.

I forgot to mention M&S food hall, it's an absolute delight. I can't think of the pub precisely, although you conjured up the atmosphere perfectly. The name seems right though, because the Freemason's Hall is right next by. They have a free, extensive and extremely odd museum inside.

sorry last one, here's the link for the walks: http://www.catholichistorywalks.com/forthcoming-walks

General Bloomsbury Area with Kids Tips. You've chosen probably the best area, millions of museums within walking distance. Check out the smaller one's, e.g. UCl's Petrie Museum of Egyptology if you want, and you're likely to have the place semi-to-yourself. (Even the British Museum will be quiet first thing in the morning., some treasures in the British Library as well, which is close by). There are tons of Georgian Squares for letting of steam in. I strongly advise taking a walk through the back streets of Inner and Middle Temple (historical legal district, beautifully maintained). You can visit Temple Church and Sir John Soame's absurd c.18th Wonderkammer house, tiny, free to enter, stuffed to the rafters. Also The Foundling Hospital Museum is very interesting and accessible for kids. (check out the musical chairs in the Handel exhibit on the top floor), and Coram Fields, very close by, has a (modest) adventure playground and petting zoo. It's free to enter, you can only get in if accompanied by a child, and there are (gentle) guards at all the entrances, so the kids can run around freely. Catholic Stuff. More history to name, but Westminster Cathedral is truly beautiful, and hasn't lost itself to the tourism industry the way Westminster Abbey has. Brompton Oratory is ... interesting, it's the big name in English traddism, certainly worth popping into en route to the V&A for Mass or a candle. I can also heartily recommend a walking tour of London's Catholic/ Christian history offered by possibly our most enthusiastic and resolute anachronism: Joanna Bogle (Dame of St. Gregory). Please let me know if I can help with anything else!

Another long term reader and London resident chiming in! - Food Shopping There's a very decent sized Sainsbury's directly opposite Holbourn tube, you'll be able to find everything you need, it's the best for price v. quality (plenty of organic, good range of nice cheeses/ smoked meats/ bread/ preserved veg etc if you want to make a picnic) and the basics range is perfectly fine and you can save money on simple stuff. (You'll be able to buy any essential household/ toiletry supplies in one trip aswell). For pleasurable food browsing: cannot reccommend Borough Market highly enough, it's touristy, but with good reason, and it's the kind of tourist location that's a pleasure to take visitors to, not one that locals avoid like the plague. There are food markets popping up everywhere these days, you'll probably chance accross several without planning, but check out the word food pop-ups at the Southbank Centre, and markets at Covent Garden and King's Cross. It can often be cheaper to buy an enormous sandwich/ bowl of something and split it than go to somewhere like Pret-a-Manger. You can also order deliveroo from almost anywhere in Central London to your house. -Pubs I would skip Yelp (we have it, but I don't know anyone who'd post a review, so I think those who do so aren't especially representative) and just check google maps for your nearest 'Sam Smith's' pub. It's a brewery which owns dozens of pubs in central London - many within walking distance of where you'll be. They're extremely cheap, relaxed and well preserved with original victorian features (stained glass/ carved wooden booths), often in historically significant buildings. It will be busy (although civilised) with post work drinks, but daytime and weekends will be quieter. [map for the pubs: http://www.samsmithschallenge.co.uk/map.php]

Wholeheartedly seconded!

"The faith that Christians are supposed to have is not the same thing as trust that God's love exists and is steadfast to us. The faith that we are supposed to have, I am certain, is faithfulness *to* God -- fidelity to the laws and precepts that He sets out for us insofar as we are aware of them. When we are told to have faith, this is not at all a command to believe something. (How can you be commanded to be convinced of a truth?) It is a command to do something: to live your life, in your body, in your mind, in accord with the will of a God". Thanks for the repost. I'll be thinking about that quoted passage especially.

This was a very interesting read. I've come back to your weight series periodically over several years (although without any implementation on my part). Your systematic approach and discussion on gluttony have both been sobering for me, but I especially trust your writing because of how much emphasis you place on contextualising health and body image concerns within a framework of human dignity and flourishing.