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Friday 31 December 2010

this year.

This will be the year that...
  • Cardy and I finally moved in together and have had a glorious twelve months in our cosy flat in Brixton
  • I 'found my tribe' and 'became my own hero' by taking up roller derby (hey, don't judge me for the Whip It references!)
  • I made some amazing friends who can get away with knocking me on my bum
  • I finally listened to my mother and applied for a job in HR - I should've taken her advice sooner
  • Cardy and I experienced the Star Wars Lego explosion
  • I remembered how great it is talking to my dad about inane crap on the phone
  • I realised that I'm made of tougher stuff than I thought
  • I found that I rock a fringe and therefore found my perfect hairstyle
  • I discovered that I can actually bake stuff
  • I grew up and got a phone on contract
Bring on 2011!

this week.

  1. Hairy Growler Jewellery - Cardy bought me some gorgeous jewellery from the Hairy Growler for Christmas. I love it so so much, especially the lock and key necklace. Cardy is most definitely in my good books.
  2. Follow the White Rabbit on Etsy - I've been admiring Follow the White Rabbit's plush deer on Etsy for some time so I was overjoyed when Cardy bought me one for Christmas. I'm now the proud owner of Blueberry Ice. So cute!
  3. Mario Kart on Nintendo Wii - the parents bought this for myself and Cardy for Christmas. Not only do I love it because it's Mario, I also love it because I won a race!
  4. Christmas in general - I had a really good one this year. I got to spend it with my family plus Cardy, his dad and his sister. We ate good food, exchanged lots of lovely gifts and watched Doctor Who. Bliss.
  5. Staying in for New Year's Eve - myself and Cardy don't really go out so we didn't see the point in going out on the one night of the year when everything costs more and you can't actually move. So we've had a Chinese takeaway, watched plenty of Futurama and will spend the evening on the sofa.

Thursday 30 December 2010

style9.

I figured that it was time for another template, a warm rich one to welcome in the new year.

Many thanks to pinkpretty for this gorgeous 2011 palette.

Saturday 25 December 2010

christmas.

A huge Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful day. Mine has been spent in the company of my loved ones, I've eaten loads of beautiful food and received gorgeous gifts. All in all a perfect day.

Friday 24 December 2010

this week.

  1. Urban Decay's Preen Shadow Box - the three of us in the office decided that we would do a 'not so secret Santa' for Christmas. My gift was Urban Decay's Preen Shadow Box. I really love the peacock hues so it's going to get a lot of use.
  2. My MacBook case - I finally had an excuse to use my MacBook case from Kitsch Confection on Etsy. I love the matching pouch for the power lead!
  3. Stollen - I had my first taste of stollen this week. Marzipan goodness!
  4. My work colleagues - everyone has been so happy and generous this week. They've really made the run up to Christmas special.
  5. Going to my parents for Christmas - I travelled up to Cambridgeshire today to spend Christmas with my parents. Cardy and his sister have gone to their dad's and will be coming over tomorrow morning. Very exciting!

Friday 17 December 2010

this week.

  1. Launceston Place - I've never done fine dining before, so going to Launceston Place this week with some girls from work was a real experience. I'm not usually good at trying new food but each of the courses I ate were things I hadn't eaten before. And the port... oh, the port. I'm already looking forward to next year's Christmas treat!
  2. Paperchase's Christmas cards - their selection of wrapping paper is pretty dire this year but they have a rocking choice of cards. I am especially fond of the Eskimo card set - nothing says Merry Christmas! like a smiling narwal.
  3. Wrapping presents - there is nothing that gets me in the mood for Christmas quite like wrapping presents. As most of my presents are already at my parents' house I haven't had much of an opportunity to get wrapping, so Christmas Eve is going to be busy!
  4. My job - I don't think I've really felt this happy when it comes to my work life. I'm really loving working in HR (this is where I hear my Mum shouting 'I told you so!' from a few counties away) and the people I work with are so supportive and nurturing. There's even the possibility for post-grad study if and when I feel ready for it. Exciting! I passed my probation period on Monday so I'm now officially permanent. Hurrah!
  5. Getting dressed up - I have a gorgeous silk dress from Monsoon that I don't really get to wear that often, maybe once a year if that. So going to a fancy restaurant this week was the perfect excuse to give it an airing. Just a shame that the only shoes I have to go with it stripped the skin off the top of my feet - no skating for me this week!

Friday 10 December 2010

this week.

  1. Scrimmage - we had our first roller derby scrimmage session on Saturday and, if such a thing is possible, I'm in love with the sport even more. Absolutely amazing. I got some beautiful bruises!
  2. The work Christmas party - having worked exclusively in schools since graduating I haven't really had the opportunity to go to a proper work do. So I was more than happy when the Routemaster bus turned up to take us to the London Transport Museum. A good time was had by all.
  3. The Kill Bill films - myself and Cardy have watched both Kill Bill films over the last two weekends. I hadn't seen them in far too long. Uma Thurman is the only person who could work a canary yellow tracksuit.
  4. My new Irregular Choice shoes - I'd been looking for a reason to buy Irregular Choice's Mini Magical Floral shoes in purple and this week's Christmas party was a brilliant excuse. I'm already looking for the next occasion on which I can wear them.
  5. Timesplitters 2 - because we all need to shoot stuff up sometimes. One day I will graduate from playing it on the easy setting. One day...

Friday 3 December 2010

this week.

  1. Snow - yes, it leads to slippery pavements and the trains can't run, but it's white, fluffy, sparkly goodness and I had a jolly good time prancing about in our snowy front garden this evening. And this is coming from someone who didn't even get any time off work due to the stuff. So stop with the snow hate!
  2. Pesto in toasties - we cracked out the toasted sandwich machine at work today and made pesto, cheese, ham and onion toasties. I think I may have a new addiction.
  3. Unexpected curry - my Dad was meant to be staying with us on Thursday evening and was going to pay his board with Chinese food, but a combination of snow and a headache meant his trip was cancelled. We ended up going to the Indian takeaway on the corner and feasted on curry. All in all a good evening.
  4. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - now we've got our second hand PS2 up and running we're finally able to play the games that Cardy has been gathering for the past year. At the moment one of our favourite evening past times is playing Broken Sword, and not only for the childish innuendo about George's tool. It's nice to be playing a game that isn't just about running about shooting stuff (although that is rather fun, especially TimeSplitters 2).
  5. Not breaking any bones in roller derby - there was a horrible moment in this Saturday's practise where I thought I'd had my first serious derby related injury. I'm a bit bruised, but nothing's broken. What a relief!

style7&8.

I rather stupidly forgot to upload a cap of my previous layout, and even when I managed to remember today I forgot to log out so I've still got the silly little icon on my widgets.

This template was created using the palette (i ♥ raymie) by sugar!. It was inspired by the gorgeous Christmas decorations near my place of work.

And now for something a little more festive...


I couldn't resist using nancythequilt's leatherbound palette to create a Christmas template. Bring on the roast chicken and pudding!

Tuesday 30 November 2010

snow.

London has just been hit by the first snow of the winter, and I don't think we did too badly. I'll admit that some of the rail networks don't seem to be coping all that well but the roads seem to have been well gritted and most of the pavements I've seen today were clear.

I know that some people grumble at the first sight of the white stuff, but I actually love it. There's just something about looking out the window and seeing a fluffy of snowflakes falling from the thick, heavy sky. I was on a course this morning and there was a Starbucks round the corner, so while I waited for other people to arrive I sipped my huge hot chocolate and watched the weather from the warm indoors.

Sunday 28 November 2010

portraits.

I spent this morning taking some photos of the girls. I'm rather impressed with how the winter light turned out.





Friday 26 November 2010

this week.

  1. Cinnamon and Nutella cake - I found this recipe in a book that my mother sent me to London with and my second attempt to cook it this week has been a great success. I baked yesterday morning as my parents were coming for lunch before we had a day out in London and it went down a treat.
  2. Winter weather - I will be the first to admit to being cold, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm complaining. I'm quite small so I do feel the chill quite easily, but I actually prefer the winter to the summer months. I like coming in from the cold and sitting beside a radiator or curling up in a blanket with the laptop warming my legs and a cup of hot chocolate on the go. And you can't really snuggle that much when it's stifling hot.
  3. Dressing up my dolls - I had the day off today and decided that it would be silly to go outside when I didn't really have to. My girls have matching underwear sets so they've been lounging around in them since January. As the weather has turned I thought it was time for them to wear something a bit more substantial. They look good in anything since they're thin and have legs that go on forever, so it's fun to play with different styles.
  4. Liberty's Christmas Shop - I adore Liberty in general. There's just something about it, a combination of the rich woodwork and the elaborate displays. So going to their Christmas Shop with my parents yesterday was a trip well made. More fairylights than you could shake a stick at, cheery Christmas music and the decorations on offer were beautiful.
  5. The new series of Peep Show - it started tonight and it looks like it's going to be a good 'un!

Friday 19 November 2010

this week.

  1. Kensington and Chelsea's Christmas decorations - I have never seen such pretty decorations. They've attached little Christmas trees to the top of the lampposts and iridescent stars have been suspended above the streets, casting purple and green reflections on the white buildings. Even the shops have put up their own beautiful displays. Beautiful.
  2. The 'local' - the girls took me to the local pub for lunch today and we ate toasties in front of a proper fire. We all felt a bit drowsy when we got back to the office.
  3. Desigual's 'MULA' jacket - so cute! I especially like the star detail on the collar and the asymmetrical buttons. And at 30% it's almost a bargain...
  4. Homemade flapjacks - I did some baking on Monday and it seems have gone down well with Cardy. If anything the flapjacks have got better since I made them. Yummy!
  5. My new bag from Sakura Urban - I've been a huge fan of Sakura Urban on Etsy for a long time and I'm so happy to finally own a piece of her work. She's going to be making me a bigger bag for everyday, but I am really enjoying my small poppy bag. The quality of just astonishing.

Friday 12 November 2010

brit com.

I am a huge fan of British comedy. Don't get me wrong, I do like some American series, but I prefer the subtly of British humour. Here are my top five...

No.5 - The Office

'I can read women. You've got to know their wants and their needs. And that can be anything from making sure she's got enough money to buy groceries each week to making sure she's gratified sexually after intercourse. '

It took me a while to get into The Office . I'm not a huge fan of Ricky Gervais and the short clips I'd seen of the programme made me cringe behind a cushion. But then Cardy suggested we watch the series on DVD and I thought I would give it a go and I'm so glad I did. I think that what really makes this series special are the well formed characters. The burgeoning love story between Tim and Dawn is just heart breaking and I want to set Gareth in a vat of jelly. Perhaps my favourite moment is Tim and Dawn asking Gareth whether he has ever had to blow a man harm whilst in the TA. The innuendo is just brilliant.


No. 4 - Black Books

'Add a drop of lavender to your milk, leave town with an orange, and pretend you're laughing at it.'

When I was a young teen I became mildly obsessed with the film You've Got Mail. I was rather taken with the idea of working in a quaint little bookshop with wooden panelled walls and friendly local customers. Then I grew up, Meg Ryan made some hideous cosmetic surgery choices and the idea of being a bookshop owner lost it's charm. That was until I found Black Books. Moran's Bernard Black is the cutest misanthrope I have ever seen while Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig are fantastic as the eccentric and slightly lost Manny and Fran. My favourite episode is the one in which Bernard and Manny write the most perfect children's story ever created and Fran discovers the peril of too much cake and Life Cry. It's an important lesson we should all learn.


No. 3 - Peep Show

'Life is all pain. Pain, rejection and gloom. Why do we even pretend that there's anything other than a yawning blankness at the heart of... Hey! 33% extra free! I'm doing excellent shopping. My depressed state of mind is making me even more frugal than normal.'

I only wish that Mitchell and Webb's sketch show was as good as Peep Show. I mean, don't get me wrong, Sir Digby Chicken Caesar is great and I yearn for a full length episode of Numberwang, but it's just not quite up to the same standard. I think that one of the reasons that Peep Show has such an impact is the first person camera work - it creates a level of intimacy that you seldom find in comedy shows. Seeing everything through Mark and Jeremy's eyes really allows you to feel empathy for them. You share Mark's triumphs and tribulations as he tries to woo Sophie (who doesn't 'like' his Frank Sinatra moment) and you feel Jeremy's frustration and shame about... well everything really. I think that their lowest point involves some fake pizza and pepper spray. 'It's for your own good.'


No. 2 - The Thick of It

'How dare you. How dare you! Don't ever ever call me a bully. I'm so much worse than that.'

Malcolm Tucker is one of my favourite characters ever. He is foul mouthed and power crazed, and he has the equally terrifying Jamie by his side. The Scots are coming, and they're going to make you cry.

I really love political satire and I think that The Thick of It is perhaps the best of the best. It's so eerily spot on with some of it's scandals and policies that it's almost uncanny. I sat down and watched a few episodes with my civil servant father. He said it was spookily accurate and laughed a lot. I think that's the insider seal of approval. I don't think I could pick a favourite episode, so I'll just tell you to go out and watch it yourself.


No. 1 - Spaced

'You are so blind! You so do not understand! You weren't there at the beginning. You don't know how good it was! How important! This is it for you! This jumped-up firework display of a toy advert! People like you make me sick! What's wrong with you?! Now, I don't care if you've saved up all your fifty 'p's, take your pocket money and get out!'

You're right, Tim. The Phantom Menace was crap.

I am so desperately in love with Spaced. I think it's perhaps the most perfect series ever created. The whole premise, boy meets girl, girl suggests that she and boy pretend to be a couple in order to rent a flat, boy and girl find themselves living with an alcoholic landlady and creepy artist, could have been so cliched and dry, but it is brilliantly executed. Tim is the bleach blond graphic novel artist who proves that geeky men are bloody hot and Daisy is the aspiring writer who will forever remain aspiring. Along with drunken middle-aged flirt Marsha, socially awkward abstract artist Brian, gun loving ex-TA member Mike, tactless fashionista Twist and Colin the dog, they are perhaps two of the most beloved characters in the eyes of Brit com fans. I love the show's subtle references to big Hollywood blockbusters and 90s culture (The first rule of Robot Wars is, you don't talk about Robot Wars!) and the utterly charming characters. And unlike a lot of comedy series, there's nothing too flash and wacky - it's just two friends trying to be successful creative types in London.

I've tried to pick out a favourite moment from series, but I just can't. It's all so amazing. Go and watch it.

this week.

  1. Remembrance Day - well, not quite a 'favourite', but it is very important to me. This year I wore my poppy with pride and had a quiet two minute silence on my own in the office on Thursday. Cardy went to a small service at the war memorial in Docklands. My Dad is a veteran so it has a lot of personal significance.
  2. Pukifee - I never thought that I'd ever like a BJD this small, but I've been overcome with Pukifee admiration. I'm especially fond of Luna and Zoe. So cute!
  3. Our new lampshades - I'm slightly embarrassed to say that although we've been living here since January, we have only just found lampshades that we liked for our living room. No more naked lightbulbs for us!
  4. Peep Show - during the week myself and Cardy like to watch one of our many TV series DVDs. This week we have got through the first series of Peep Show. Alan Johnson - what a legend. But remember, there's man love and there's business love, and never the twain shall meet.
  5. My sturdy umbrella - it's been foul outside this week and my umbrella has blown inside out a few times, but it's still going strong. We salute you little brolly. We salute you.

Monday 8 November 2010

chill.

I bought myself a new winter coat a few weeks ago and then the weather turned positively tropical on me. Today, however, has been deliciously cold, the fantastic kind of cold that makes your fingers tingle and allows for some funky layering. And so I got to wear my new coat. This makes me far happier than it should...

Friday 5 November 2010

this week.

  1. Fireworks - I know that some people find them a nuisance and I will admit that it sounds like a war zone outside, but I feel a certain childlike glee whenever I see fireworks. The best thing is that we didn't even have to leave the flat to see them. Result!
  2. Waitrose pizza - myself and Cardy used to have a tradition, 'Pizza and Glee Night'. Every Monday we would stick two pizzas in the oven and would then delight in the cheesiness of Glee. But then something changed. More to the point, our usual pizzas changed and we weren't able to find a suitable substitute in Brixton. Today on my lunch break I decided that it was time to try something new, and it would seem that Waitrose has stood up to the test. Bravo Waitrose. Bravo.
  3. Making my own jewellery - I'm by no means a pro at this, but I still find it highly enjoyable. At the moment I'm perfecting my memory wire bracelet technique. Seed beads are addictive!
  4. Spontaneous dinners out - I got out of work early on Tuesday and rang Cardy to see if he wanted to meet up and go out for dinner. Half an hour later we were sitting in Wagamama, chatting and enjoying not having to cook. It was really lovely and unexpected.
  5. My new Riedell Vandals - my new skates are AWESOME. Slightly scary, but awesome. I managed to get up to 20 laps on Saturday. Still not 25, but getting there

Thursday 4 November 2010

style6.

I've not just muddled with the colours, this blog has gone fancy!

I must say that I am hugely enjoying the tabs and the rounded edges. A huge shout out to hiver for creating such a lovely rich palette.

Starla(365). has also gone upmarket!

Please excuse the hideously garish festive photo.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

date night.

I was sent on a course this afternoon and was told to make the most of it and enjoy having an early finish. Once the course was over I rang Cardy who had just left his office. While he Tubed it over to London Bridge I went to my favourite German deli to stock up on condiments.

When Cardy arrived we headed over to Wagamama at Clink Street. I love that place, in the summer it feels open and airy, yet in the winter the yellow brick exudes warmth and comfort. Having indulged ourselves on katsu curry (me) and chu chee curry (him), we trundled home, smug with the knowledge that we didn't have to cook anything when we got there. I love spontaneous dinners.

Monday 1 November 2010

red velvet art.

Words can't quite describe how much I want to hope on a plane over to the US to visit this enchanting little shop. The brainchild of Elsie, her sister Emma and friends Rachel and Holly, Red Velvet Art is a glorious mixture of handmade accessories, vintage goodies and delicious cupcakes and, of course, bubble tea.

I don't really get much satisfaction from high street shopping - I get frustrated when I'm standing in a generic chain store and there is no character about the place. I'm always looking for the complete shopping experience, somewhere that feels welcoming and quirky, rich with brilliant little trinkets to be discovered. I think that's what I love so much about RVA, it looks like the kind of place where you can go and play dress-up.

I can't, however, see myself going over to the States anytime soon, so I shall have to make do with reading the girls' blogs. I shall definitely be keeping an eye on A Beautiful Mess to see what crafty ideas she comes up with for the holiday season, and From Scratch makes me want to crack out the food mixer and the cupcake cases.

Man, I wish I was more creative!

Images belong to Red Velvet Art.

Friday 29 October 2010

this week.

  1. My hair stylist - I'm extremely fussy when it comes to my hair. I've had some really awful cuts in my time, so when I moved to London I felt extremely anxious about trying a salon that I trusted enough to be let loose with a pair of scissors. Well, my hours of Google searching paid off and I'm now sporting what may become my signature look, a Louise Brooks style bob.
  2. Miss Violet Lace on Etsy - I won't lie, as much as I love my natural dark brown locks I do on occasion wish that I had gone crazy with colour in my student years. Nowadays I wouldn't even consider colouring my hair as not only does the thought of coating my head in peroxide make me panic, but I don't think they would quite appreciate it at work. So I think that one day I may have to treat myself to one of Miss Violet Lace's fun wigs. You're never too old to play dress up!
  3. My new winter clothes - although we're currently experiencing an odd warm spell, it has felt like winter is definitely on its way. I had found what looked like the ideal candidate for a winter coat on the Laura Ashley site, but when I tried it on it didn't feel like it was going to keep my very warm. In the end I decided to check out my favourite label and trotted off to Desigual. I bought myself a gorgeous thick coat and a cozy polo neck jumper, one that doesn't make my neck itch. My word I love that shop!
  4. Discovering new blogs - A Beautiful Mess and The Dainty Squid to be precise. Wholesome crafty goodness with a smattering of cute interiors, yummy recipes and adorable cats thrown in.
  5. Having time off work - I am loving my new job, but I have really enjoyed having two days off to recharge my batteries. It's always good to chill.

Friday 22 October 2010

this week.

  1. Skate Attack in North London - when I decided that I was going to be joining the LRG Rec League I searched for a shop in London that would be able to kit me out. I tried one of the recommended skate shops in Central London but they hadn't even heard of the training skates I was after. So I decided to travel that little bit further and go to Skate Attack in Southgate. Myself and Cardy went on Saturday as he had decided to get his own skates after watching the bout. He now has all the gear he needs including a swanky pair of Diablos, and I ordered some Vandals which arrived at work this morning. I'm really looking forward to trying them out tomorrow!
  2. My fingerless gloves - we've had some really bitter mornings this week so I've been glad to have my gloves with me. I'm going to have to find some proper gloves for when it gets really cold though.
  3. Buying my lunch in the morning - four words: pecan and maple yumyum.
  4. Sitting by the radiator at work - pretty self explanatory really!
  5. Roehampton hospital - I'm so glad that I'm lucky enough to be in the postcode range for Roehampton. They really are amazing.

Friday 15 October 2010

this week.

  1. The Chilean Miner story - call me soppy, but it was so heart warming to see the fantastic concluison to what could have been such a tragic story. I have been struck by the number of people who will openly tell how they had tears in their eyes watching footage of the capsule rising to the surface. It's rare that we have something positive and reaffirming on the news, and I am so happy for the miners and their families.
  2. Live bouts - on Saturday myself and Cardy went to our first roller derby bout and it was amazing. We were there for five hours and, despite feeling rough as hell due to a sore throat, I had a briliant time. Cardy was so impressed that he not only bought himself one of the team t-shirts (The Harbour Grudges - boy has good taste) but he's planning on getting himself some
  3. Napoleon Dynamite - this was our Sunday evening entertainment. I'd watched it with Cardy a while ago and didn't quite 'get it', so it was good to watch it again and understand the humour behind it. I definitely appreciate it a lot more, and I wish I could draw unicorns that
  4. My new pencil case from TokyoInspired - I couldn't resist this fabulous pencil case from TokyoInspired on Etsy. Comical cats are always
  5. Hot Vimto - I don't tend to drink that much coffee when I'm at work and so I will be relying on hot Vimto to warm my cockles over the winter months.

Friday 8 October 2010

this week.

  1. Winter recipes - Cardy and I have cracked out some of our warmer recipes in light of the change of weather. The other night we cooked a Malaysian chicken dish and afterwards my lips tingled from the chilli.
  2. Whip It - I found myself with some time to kill the other day on my way to work and just so happened to be near a HMV store. They had Whip It for sale and I couldn't resist. Cardy and I watched it on Tuesday night and I was impressed. It's not the most realistic representation of roller derby, but in the same way that Indiana Jones isn't a realistic representation of archaeology. It got me thinking about what my roller derby name could be.
  3. Hot Vimto - I have come down with an awful cough and this is one of the only things that is getting me through the day.
  4. The return of The Apprentice - Sir Alan Sugar is a top bloke. I don't know how he manages to put up with some of the arrogant suits that pass through his boardroom. The best line in Wednesday's episode was from a particularly annoying man who claimed that everything he touched 'turned to sold'. What an idiot. I can't wait until he gets fired.
  5. Our neighbours - we were invited to one of our neighbour's flats on Thursday for a building get together. It was brilliant! We left shortly before midnight and could've stayed for a few more hours if we hadn't have got to get up in the morning and go to work. It's so lovely to know who they are now. We will no longer just be people who pass each other on the stairs and have stunted conversations.

Friday 1 October 2010

this week.

  1. My new iPhone - I've never even had a contract phone before, so getting an iPhone was a huge step. I'm really glad I made the leap. i've already been in contact with people much more than I would've usually. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful geeky friendship.
  2. The Hipstamatic app - I'm not ashamed to admit that this was one of the reasons for getting the iPhone over other SmartPhones on the market. I would love to be able to take my DSLR everywhere with me, but it isn't going to happen. This will be a great toy to take everywhere with me and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do. I've already started a 365 project.
  3. The arrival of Autumn - while I do appreciate that summer bring sunshine, lazy days in the park and a brilliant excuse to eat copious amounts of ice cream, I'm not really a huge fan. If I had to pick I would have to say that Autumn is my favourite season. Burnished leaves, layered clothing and fuzzy scarves, it doesn't get any better.
  4. hine on Etsy - I remember finding hine's Etsy store a number of years ago due to the cult status of her camera camera cases. I've recently treated myself to one of her iPhone cases and a Holga style purse that is meant for a digital camera but will serve as my make-up bag. I'm stupidly thrilled to finally own some of her work.
  5. Douglas Coupland's Girlfriend in a Coma - Coupland is up there in my top five authors, and Girlfriend in a Coma and Microserfs are my favourite books of his. I try to get everyone reading Coupland, I think it would make the world a better and more beautiful place.

Tuesday 28 September 2010

365.

As I am head over heads in love with my new iPhone 4 I have decided that I'm going to start a 365 photo project. It has it's own blog and everything.

I'm going to take a photo everyday for one year using the Hipstamatic app and upload it to Flickr and the blog. Hopefully the 'camera on the go' nature of the iPhone will mean that I find it easy to keep up!

Sunday 26 September 2010

toy.

I bought myself an iPhone 4 yesterday and I am in love. It's such an amazing bit of kit. I decided to talk it for a whirl and see how well it copes with various internet sites. This post is actually being typed on the new shiny.

Saturday 25 September 2010

style5.

Autumn means a new layout. Thanks to caff for this lovely palette.

burning.

I couldn't resist taking photos of the leaves growing on the trellis outside our flat. The colours are absolutely stunning. I love the shades of Autumn.

In other Autumnal news, it's started to get really chilly out. This means layers. This makes me very happy.

Friday 24 September 2010

this week.

  1. Seven Ply on Etsy - I came across Seven Ply (aka Lynn) when she was the featured seller on the Etsy homepage. I really admire her ethics: the concept of taking something that would otherwise be scrap wood and turning it into something new and beautiful. She's the second artist I've found who seems gifted at making jewellery out of recycled materials. I decided to treat myself to one of her bangles and I'll admit I'm already keeping an eye out for more in other funky colours.
  2. The Lego Luke Skywalker minifig - I would love to have been present at the meeting at Lego HQ where someone turned around and said 'Hey guys, what about making Star Wars stuff?'. It's a genius idea and combines two of my favourite geeky pleasures. Myself and Cardy have built ourselves up quite a collection of Star Wars Lego (including a motorised At-AT) and one of my favourite featuress by far is the little Luke minifig. I think it's the helmet that does it. The devil's in the detail.
  3. Pop Tarts - thanks to the wonderful folks at Cybercandy I have been reliving the joys of the 90s for breakfast this week. I don't, however, think I'll be indulging too much due to the inflated price tag (I'm not complaining, they are imported after all). My Mum sent me a very excited email on Monday saying that she's heard that Pop Tarts are on their way back in the UK. I'm keeping everything crossed!
  4. Jeeves and Wooster - what a gem of a TV schedule find. Myself and Cardy can get our weekly fix care of ITV2. Young Hugh Laurie plays the part of the clueless young gent perfectly (although I still maintain that he has got better with age) and Stephen Fry, well, he can do no wrong.
  5. My purple leopard-print DMs - I've worked out that rather than change trains, it's actually quicker for me to get off the Tube at Victoria and walk the rest of the way to the office. It's a lovely walk, but not that fun in my work shoes. So they're now living under my desk of an evening and I'm wearing my good old favourites for my commute. They sparked what has become a love affair with DMs and they have a lot of sentimental value. I'm tempted to have a look on eBay for a second pair, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I don't know why anyone would want to part with them.

Friday 17 September 2010

this week.

  1. My new job - I'm enjoying having more of a career focus and the people in my department are really warm and welcoming.
  2. Wagamama's Ginger Chicken Udon - I'm sure they've changed the recipe. I had it for lunch on Tuesday and although it's always been lovely it tasted particularly divine.
  3. Grey suit trousers - I've only ever had black trousers before for work but I'm really taken with my new grey and purple trousers from Next. It's nice to have something a bit different.
  4. Dune by Christian Dior - my Dad picked me up a bottle of Dune years ago on a trip to the States. I don't know he did it, but he managed to select a scent that works really well with my skin. Cardy commented on me smelling good which is always a positive!
  5. Sleep - after a full week's work after an extended holiday I'm in love with my bed.

Friday 10 September 2010

this week.

  1. London Rollergirls - I went to my first training session on Saturday morning and I am in love. I'll admit that I was aching for days afterwards, but I had so much fun and I'm so excited about the next practice.
  2. My first BJDs - I took some photos of the Merchant Twins the other day and remembered just why I fell in love with Fairyland dolls in the first place. They still take my breath away.
  3. The 'Love Lewin' Collection at T M Lewin - I'm starting a new job on Monday so went out to do some work clothes shopping today. I found the most amazing purple shirt. The ruffles!
  4. My parents - when I was at university my Mum would sometimes come and stay with me for the weekend. We would eat ice cream in bed and watch a chick flick, then go to Manchester and eat Nandos for lunch. We had so much fun. Last night I got to play host to my Dad. He crashed at the flat as he had to attend a two day conference in London. He treated myself and Cardy to a Chinese takeaway, I treated him to some Polish beer and we watched The Thick of It. I love being able to socialise with my parents.
  5. The Thick of It - Two words. Malcolm. Tucker. Google it.

Tuesday 7 September 2010

peacock.

Last month my lovely Mother came down to London so we could have a girly day out. My Father was also in London on business, so we met up with him after we'd eaten lunch. That morning myself and Mum had found the most spectacular coat in my favourite shop, Desigual. Seeing as I'm such a fantastic daughter and all, they decided to treat me (thank you so much, if you're reading! I love you both to bits). Now I just need to wait for it to get cold enough to wear it!

This afternoon I decided to take some shots of the different textures and fabrics going on in this masterpiece. I did take more, but my Photoshop couldn't quite cope with the pretty.

You can see more shots on my Flickr.

Friday 3 September 2010

ghost.

I do so love my little Asphodel. Bisou is such an amazing sculpt.

this week.

  1. Trikky by Kidrobot - I've been tempted to have a go at customising one of these for a while so I picked one up this week. Now I just need to decide what to do with it!
  2. My new skating gear - I start training with the London Roller Girls rec league tomorrow. I'm feeling slightly apprehensive but I'm really excited!
  3. Lego Mind Storms - Cardy has splurged and bought this fancy robot kit from Lego. So far we've built a robot that can shoot things and a robot that can boogie. Cardy has a grand plan to turn it into a prototype Tachikoma. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
  4. Futurama Season Four - Futurama at it's best is absolutely magnificent. And I really want Lela's hair.
  5. My Archaic Smile t-shirts - my Mum posted some of my old t-shirts up to me so I can wear them when I skate. I don't think they're quite 'me' anymore, but they'll be perfect for when I'm wearing all my gear.

Friday 27 August 2010

this week.

  1. Come Dine With Me - a delicious blend of three of my favourite things, cookery programs, snooping around other people's interiors and catty reality TV.
  2. Pinup RDJ - brilliantly photoshopped images of buxom retro beauties with the face of Robert Downey Junior complete with tongue in cheek captions. Read and fall more in love with RDJ with each picture.
  3. My dressing gown - after the sudden turn in the weather myself and my dressing gown have been reacquainting
  4. Death Note - Cardy has been reading this and keeps telling me how brilliant it is, so I thought that I would give it a go. The guy has good taste. I'm hooked!
  5. The trailer for Sucker Punch - I heard about this film from one of my Flickr contacts posted the trailer on her blog (she was on the animation team). It looks EPIC. Samurai? Check. Gangsters? Check. Robots? Check. Steampunk Nazis? Check. Kick arse female leads? Check. Did I forget anything? Oh yeah, dragons. As I said, EPIC.

Tuesday 24 August 2010

style4.

It's new template time again. Thanks to axl for this wonderful palette.


critters.

I've been pining over the amazingly cute work of Kit Lane for a while now and this summer I actually bit the bullet and started bringing some of her creations home. Please meet Turgle, Squoodge and Blip. They're so cute they give me toothache.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

conversion.

I remember an afternoon in 2008 when Cardy suggested we go to the Apple Store on Regent Street. I was not best pleased. I don't know why, but I'd got it into my head that Apple was the source of all evil (I don't know where I got that notion from).

Over the last two years he has obviously converted me. For Christmas 2008 my parents bought me an iPod Nano. And on Saturday I finally bit the Mac bullet and bought myself a MacBook Pro.

I am absolutely in love. I can't work out why I haven't stopped using Windows sooner. This really is a dream machine.

Sunday 11 April 2010

tourist.

On Friday I had a wander round central London with my camera. It was the first time I've had the chance just to walk, without wanting to go into shops and without feeling guilty about holding friends up while I pause to snap a scene. It was a glorious day - the sun was shining and it was warm, but not too warm.

I always forget just how much I love Trafalgar Square. I love watching the tourists' faces - they have this expression of wonder. I like to go there in the summer and sit downwind of the fountains. The spray is so soothing.

The set can be found on my Flickr.