By Celine

Super Snapper - Annamarie Stepney

2012-10-25T14:37:00.000+01:00

This weekend is a pretty special one for me. It marks exactly one year since I vowed to be a best friend and partner in crime; to encourage, inspire and conspire with in mischievousness (yes, that's actually what I promised!), to one person, for the rest of my life.

Looking through our wedding photos, I was transported back to all of the precious moments of the day and realised how lucky we are to have a collection of photographs that can put butterflies in my tummy and make my heart swell with love and pride in exactly the same way as it did a year ago.

I could happily make this the laziest post ever and just display all of Annamarie Stepney's incredible photos, as they speak so much louder than words.

They lady herself, however, deserves a little introduction, for any of you who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her. "She's a positive force", was how my husband described Anna having met her last summer. I couldn't agree more.

We were in the process of trying to choose a photographer to capture the day and, luckily for us, Anna made that decision pretty easy. Not only had we seen her beautiful website but, when we first met, we spent the whole evening laughing and giggling and left feeling like we'd been catching up with an old friend.

A couple of months before the wedding, we caught up with Anna in Brighton for an engagement shoot, which is a fantastic idea if, like us, you're not especially comfortable 'Vogueing' for the camera.

We started off rather awkwardly; me trying to emanate the typical celebrity red carpet pose - hand on hip, one leg in front of the other - and hubby resembling a very keen army cadet. With some helpful tips and encouragement from Anna, we were soon posing like pros and feeling so relaxed it was almost natural. As you can see, in some shots, perhaps a little too natural!

It was a brilliantly fun day topped off by Anna’s lovely husband buying some delicious cupcakes to pep us up after the weather turned a bit blustery on the sea front. The pictures didn’t disappoint either – not only were they stunning, but they captured us as a couple, silliness and all, which is exactly how we wanted to remember the wedding day.

On the day itself Anna did us proud, from helping the boys with their button holes when they were all nervous fingers and thumbs to being a very calming presence amongst the girls rushing around though clouds of hairspray and flourishes of red lipstick. Oh, and she took some pretty awesome photos too!

Here are a few more shots to indulge my happy memories and showcase Anna's talent.

The photos were truly the icing on the wedding cake and then the cherry was popped on top when the gorgeous Annabel featured our wedding on Love My Dress. I had poured over her blog pretty much every day from the moment I got engaged, sourcing inspiration from all the beautiful posts, so it's fair to say that I was more than a little excited. Even now, I can't resist a sneaky peak at each new wedding post.

So, if you're embarking on the exciting process of wedding planning, may I make a little suggestion: your photographs are your memories and the person who takes them plays a very big part in your day. Make sure it's someone who you trust, who is a consummate professional and, above all, who you genuinely like and get on with. I can confirm that Anna is all of the above and we were extremely lucky to have found her.

All photographs featured in this post were taken by Annamarie Stepney.

Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

2012-10-09T21:44:00.001+01:00

I've never been a big fan of cats. This marginal aversion has, however, recently intensified to become an active dislike, after a frenzied feline broke my camera.

I won't bore you with the details but it involved a Greek Island, the perfect vista, the self-timer, and a rogue paw. I'm resigned to snapping with my iPhone until it's fixed.

One thing that the moggies and I could form a friendship over is a serious love of seafood and so, upon returning from holiday, it was off to the newly-opened Bonnie Gull to drown my sorrows in shellfish.

As we ducked under the striped, seaside shack awning we were greeted with a Captain's welcome.

Inside is small but perfectly formed, with some wonderfully nautical touches that almost make you forget that you're somewhere in Fitzrovia rather than on the Cornish coast.

We kicked off with some Bloody Marys, each of which was topped with a plump and juicy oyster - a pretty inspired touch.

With our minds firmly fixed on mollusks, we surveyed the 'catch of the day' map to decide which of the British oyster varieties to sample next... and settled on four of each - wild Loch Ryan Natives, Portland Pearls and Mersea Rocks.

Having consumed our recommended monthly allowance of Zinc, we then plumped for the North Sea haddock and chips and the sea bass with fennel and grapes.

Sustainable, fresh, British seafood at its best.

The restaurant is now fully open and you can even pop in for brunch at the weekend. I reckon 3 or 4 oyster Bloody Marys would cure even the most raging of hangovers or, at the very least, ease the pain of a cat breaking your camera.

A lunchtime saviour

2012-09-26T12:30:00.000+01:00

Nestled in the shadow of Blackfriars railway arches, is my busy-day-lunch saviour.

Flying Fish Sushi is an independent outfit that delivers freshly made sushi, dim sum and other oriental delights to central London locations. Or if, like me, you work around the South Bank area, you can pop by and collect your haul too.

The retail and office spaces under the railway arches are pretty industrial, but I’m always impressed by how the companies that inhabit them turn them into cosy, quirky spots that are full of character.

Although Flying Fish is predominantly a takeaway, it’s still made an effort with its ‘front of house’ area so that you can pull up one of the eclectic pews and eat in too.

On this occasion I went for:

the pork dumplings,

Teriyaki salmon salad

crab and mango
crystal rolls

chicken Panko

(I was hungry, okay?!)

A crunchy carrot and Chinese radish salad accompanies the dumplings and dipping sauces, wasabi and ginger are all thrown in.

If I'm forced to have a desk-based lunch, I'll order online, specify a collection time (within a 20 minute slot) and pop down to pick up a freshly made, reasonably priced, rainbow of a meal. It beats an insipid canteen sandwich hands down.

September New Beginnings

2012-09-17T21:51:00.000+01:00

September. New schools, new Uni's, new jobs, new jumpers.

It's a month for change, for new beginnings and what a perfect month it is. Much more preferable to starting a new than January, without those feelings of overindulgence-induced guilt followed by collective sacrifice.

The summer's drawing to a close and the Olympics and Paralympics have sparked dreams of greatness and achievement. With relatively long evenings and sunny mornings to lift the mood, there's no better time to put a bit of effort into chasing your dreams and passions.

Maybe you've finally decided to put the wheels of that business idea in motion, or maybe these are the first steps towards a healthier and happier you.

Whatever your reasons for a new beginning, here's a little bit of motivation to help you on your way.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

2012-08-23T10:05:00.001+01:00

We all know Regent's Park. The Royally commissioned, John Nash designed green space in the centre of London, with elegant white stucco terraces of houses lining its periphery.

Grand gates open onto paths laid out in concentric circles that lead to London Zoo and The Regent's Canal through rose gardens and sports fields.

But did you know that, if you stray slightly off the beaten, circular path, you'll find an enchanting world that plays host to nightly performances of some of the most magical theatre productions ever written.

The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre celebrated its 80th birthday this year and marked the occasion by releasing a number of tickets at the equivalent 1932 price of 5 shillings (or 25 pence in new money).

We were lucky enough to acquire a couple of tickets and made our way down on a somewhat overcast evening.

Regardless of the weather, you can't help but feel that you've stepped into some kind of wonderland upon entering the grounds of the theatre.

A lush glade with a canopy of twinkling fairy lights provides the setting for for a pre-show BBQ.

Having filled our bellies, we made our way into the auditorium to marvel at the set of Ragtime The Musical.

All of the theatre's sets feel as thought they're an extension of the trees and shrubbery in the park. When watching a Midsummer Night's Dream, you could easily be in that enchanted dell.

We watched the first half as the sun set and the fireflies came out before heading to the bar for a Pimms interval.

Although the weather turned, the actors put on a sterling performance and kept going throughout the drizzly evening.

The audience clearly had that British Bulldog spirit too and shrugged off the rain with a waterproof poncho and a few more glasses of wine.

The 'stage-moppers' even had to make a cameo at one point.

We all soldiered on through a performance that was so absorbing, we almost forgot about the showers.

As the cast took their final bow, I admired the glimmering surroundings feeling like I was in the middle of a fairytale.

A beautiful summer's evening at the Open Air Theatre is a must for visitors and Londoners alike. Do pop along and help them to celebrate 80 years of one of the most innovative theatre experiences in the capital.

Feast

2012-08-07T18:54:00.001+01:00

Last Friday I momentarily shook off my Olympic fever and hopped, skipped and jumped over to London Bridge to Feast.

With the London street food revolution well and truly underway, Feast seeks to bring some of its best offerings together under one roof (figuratively speaking, seeing as it's open air).

We crossed the kitchen utensil threshold to The Quad at Guy's Hospital and surveyed the appetising scene.

The stalls that stretched along the sides of the quad included Morito, Patty & Bun, Pizza Pilgrims, Hawksmoor, Meringue Girls, Big Apple Hot Dogs to name but a few.

We strolled amongst the communal tables flanked by tea towel bunting and savoured an Aperol Spritz whilst debating what to eat first.

Following a long debate and two more Spritz, we decided that oysters from The Wright Brothers would aid brain power and assist the process.

I then plumped for the pulled pork and coleslaw from Barbecoa:

Followed by the Meringue Girls' incredible Eaton Mess:

Although I could have happily eaten everything on offer, these two dishes were exceptional and surprisingly large portions for the price.

As the sun set and the square glowed from streetlights and pizza ovens, the live music began.

A quartet of talented young men serenaded us with some Ragtime sounds.

When we left, the party was still going strong - a perfect mix of food, drink, music and merriment.

Do follow Feast on Twitter (@wefeastlondon) as they'll be back with another offering very soon. Who knows where you might be feasting next.

It's Rye Time...

2012-08-01T15:28:00.000+01:00

...for a snack.

As much as I love freshly baked, crusty, white bread - and I do, I really do - sometimes my body needs a few more nutrients than it can provide.

At those times I turn to an open rye bread sandwich.

Rye is a fantastic alternative to wheat-based breads; it's full of fibre and vitamins such as manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. All in all, a pretty healthy base upon which to pile a colourful bounty of tastiness.

Rye bread is also pretty dense and filling, so it's the perfect candidate for an open sandwich, as you don't need to use too many slices.

Here are three of my favourites: 2 savoury, 1 sweet.

Avocado and goat's cheese

- 2 mashed avocados spread onto the bread

- 150g goat's cheese sprinkled on top

- Lots of cracked black pepper

- A pinch of coarse sea salt

- A good lug of extra virgin olive oil

Smoked salmon and beetroot

- A couple of chopped cooked beetroots mixed with some cream cheese and splash of red wine vinegar

- Spread on the bread

- A few pieces of smoked salmon layered on top

- Some chopped spring onion tips

- Cracked black pepper

Peanut butter, banana and mixed berries with yoghurt

- Good quality, crunchy peanut butter spread on the bread

- A sliced banana laid on top

- Berries mixed with probiotic natural yoghurt dolloped on top (strawberries and blackberries, in this case)

- A good drizzle of honey and some toasted flaked almonds

And there you have it: a breakfast, lunch or snack packed full of goodness, which will fuel you through all that intense Team GB support.

An Olympic Plea

2012-07-25T15:31:00.001+01:00

Londoners, Your City Needs YOU!

I don’t usually make a habit of begging, but I’m going to now. Just this once.

I’m going to because, despite the naysayers, the pessimists, the whingers, the doom-predictors, les miserables and those who really couldn’t give a tiny rat’s arse, the Olympic Games begin in T-2 days and they will be one of the biggest sporting events in our lifetime as Londoners.*

I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the technical rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony last night, which was an incredible spectacle to say the least. I have enough respect for those who have spent years organising it to #savethesurprise, but I will say that you are truly in for a treat if you choose to watch it on Friday.

Here are a few snaps inside the Olympic Park to whet the appetite.

Now, back to my plea. Over the next few weeks I will be sporadically donning a bright pink tabard and taking to the streets to assist everyone who’s trying to make their way around London. Yes, my name is Celine I am your volunteer Olympic travel ambassador.

I’ll admit, when I’m walking behind a tourist who stops suddenly to point, laugh at and then take pictures of a pigeon eating a Kit Kat wrapper, I have visions of bludgeoning them to death with their own camera. I am, however, taking this opportunity to see our capital in a different way: through millions of fresh, excited and hopeful pairs of eyes.

My request (or challenge, if you’d prefer) to you is to go about your daily business with the same mentality. Here’s what I mean:

- You’re a Londoner, you know your hood. If you see anyone looking a bit lost or confused, take a minute to ask them if they’d like a hand figuring out where they want to go. Get a warm, fuzzy feeling from helping someone before you’ve even had your first latte of the day.

- Dust off that GCSE French / German / Spanish and take a couple of moments to remember how to say ‘you’re welcome’ and ‘good bye’ in a few other languages. Use them. It’s exceedingly funny watching a Frenchman drop his croissant in surprise when you make an unexpected effort in this way.

- Tell all tourists in central London to walk and to use the ‘Legible London’ maps to get around. You know when people get on the tube at Covent Garden only to get off at Leicester Square? Educate them on that.

- Carry a few spare tube maps in your bag and hand them out like some kind of be-suited map vending machine.

- Download some useful free apps onto your phone so that you’re prepared when someone asks you where the nearest loos are (ToiletFinder UK).

- Remember all of the many incredible things and places that you love about London and share them with anyone who might ask for a recommendation.

- Smile at people. I know it's against our religion as Londoners, but do it. Just this once. You might even enjoy it.

This is not about the money that has been spent, the security debacles or the impact that it will have on the transport network. It’s about the impression that the world and the millions of visitors during this period will have of London – our home - and what we can each do to feel like we had a small part to play in making it the best impression possible.

I promise, when it’s all over, you have my express permission to tut loudly at anyone who is incapable of understanding why every other person on that escalator is standing on the right.

*I’m aware that I’ve mentioned the words ‘Olympics’ and ‘London’ numerous times in this post which, if you believe the reports, is likely to result in my hanging, drawing and quartering by the Brand Police. So I might as well chuck in ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, ‘Bronze’, ‘summer’ and 2012 to ensure a swift demise. Oh, and I’ll sell you chips if you want – WITHOUT ANY ACCOMPANYING FISH!

It's Spritz o'clock

2012-07-18T16:19:00.000+01:00

I love a Pimms No. 1 as much as the next woman. Slightly sweet, refreshingly fruity and relatively low in alcohol, it's the perfect summer tipple (or session beverage, as the boys would call it).

But even during this miserable summer, I feel like I've OD'd on the faithful fruit cup. This is where having a little sister who's taken up residence in Italy comes in very handy.

On her last visit, the gorgeous girl presented us with this:

Snuggled up together in their shredded paper bedding were two best friends - Aperol and Prosecco.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Aperol, it's an Italian aperitif that's a less bitter version of Campari with a slight orangey flavour.

It also forms the basis of Spritz, a wonderfully refreshing 'aperitivo'.

The classic mix is:

3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 splash of soda or seltz
Ice, half a slice of orange.

It's often served in a short glass with lots of ice; although I don't usually mess with Italian classics, this time I chose a wine goldfish bowl sans the orange slice.

I appreciate that it resembles a large measure of Iron Bru but, trust me when I say that once you try it, you'll be quaffing it for the rest of the "summer".

Plus it's more alcoholic than Pimms, so will turn that drizzly rain into a warm, fuzzy haze.

Enjoy with a bowl of queen green olives and pretend you're kicking back in the sunshine overlooking a Venetian piazza.

Oh, just so you know, it doesn't taste the same if your ice cubes aren't shaped like tube signs.

The Little Things: a Friday thought

2012-07-13T11:14:00.002+01:00

Most mornings, on my way down the hill to the station, I pass a gentleman walking back up. An elderly gentleman in his eighties, possibly even nineties.

I always wish him a good morning and, in response, he returns the greeting, gives me a twinkly-eyed grin and doffs his flat cap.

This brief interaction and act of – I’m not even sure what to call it – politeness, chivalry, manners, a bygone era, or perhaps mischievousness (well, he does still have that twinkle), makes me smile without fail. In fact, it can keep me smiling throughout my entire commute and well into the morning.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s the little things that count… and that more gentlemen should wear hats.

Buddhapadipa Temple - Wimbledon

2012-07-09T22:50:00.000+01:00

Close your eyes and inhale. Can you smell it?

That heady, muskiness of incense, the sweet tang of lemongrass and elegant jasmine.

Now listen.

Birdsong is the only sound punctuating the tranquil air with a light breeze occasionally rustling the trees.

Open your eyes again.

No, you’re not on a remote hilltop in Thailand, but at number 14 Calonne Road, Wimbledon.

The Buddhapadia Temple is a Buddhist Thai Temple a stone’s throw from Wimbledon Common. It was the first of its kind in London, originally established in Richmond in 1965 and moved to its current site in 1976. Visitors can wander freely in the grounds during the week and inside the temple itself on weekends.

We pottered down on Saturday and spent some time admiring the impressive statues and carvings surrounding the building as well as the beautifully adorned exterior…

before taking off our shoes…

and following this lovely gentleman inside.

Photography is not allowed inside the temple building, the walls of which are covered with the most incredible mural depicting the life of Buddha. It was hand-painted by a group of 14 volunteers and is a colourful, spiritual journey that you could spend hours marvelling at.

The gardens are a serene enclave filled with words of wisdom & positivity, numerous shrines and areas for quiet meditation.

They were awash with colour when we visited.

The temple runs a number of events, talks and classes throughout the year and regular meditation sessions too, however, I happen to think that walking through the grounds can be just as relaxing and equally as good for the mind and soul.

If all the recent tennis drama has got you a bit worked up, stop by for a wonderfully different Wimbledon experience.

L'Enclume Restaurant

2012-07-03T21:14:00.001+01:00

Nestled in the heart of the southern Lake District is an enchanting medieval village called Cartmel.

When exploring its charming lanes and stone passageways you may discover a babbling brook...

ancient country pubs with eclectic garden furniture...

whitewashed gates leading to diminutive cottages...

and, if you're really, really lucky, L'Enclume.

You may be familiar with owner and chef Simon Rogan from his recent stint on the Great British Menu. He has, however, been cooking up a storm in this beautiful part of the country for a good few years.

Simon uses seasonal, local, often foraged ingredients and turns them into some of the most innovative and exciting dishes I have ever had the pleasure of eating.

Seated in the conservatory, with a view onto the lush garden, we were asked if we would like the 5 course or the 16 course lunch - no menu, just those two choices.

Needless to say, we plumped for the 16-courser and what followed was a 4 hour feast that I will remember until my dying day. In fact, I'd have happily carked it after coffee, safe in the knowledge that I'd just experienced a veritable food memory.

Now, I'm no food blogger and I'm certainly not a restaurant critic, so this won't be a dissection of each course. Instead, here is my best attempt at capturing each delectable dish for your viewing pleasure.

Oyster pebbles

Dock pudding with nettle emulsion

Cream cheese wafers

Asparagus with bay shrimp

Cod 'yolk', sage cream, salt and vinegar

Kohlrabi dumplings in Westcombe, hyssop and purple sprouting

Valley venison, charcoal oil, mustard and fennel

Sea scallop with spiced strawberry, grilled cauliflower and coastal leaves

Cucumbers, pineapple weed, lobster and rat tails

Eel smoked with wood sorrel, marrow and onions

Lightly smoked Bay bass, cockles, courgettes and cotton lavender

Reg's guinea hen and offal, turnip and elderflower

Iced chamomile, spruce, celery and black pepper

Cumbrian slate, gooseberry, apple and lemon verbena

Cherries with meadowsweet, hazelnut and apple

Gingerbread and iced watermint*

* which comes with a confession: I was so enraptured by the whole experience by this point, that I forgot to take a photo until I'd almost finished!

With friendly and informative service and an excellent wine list, I would recommend making a detour to visit L'Enclume if you're ever in the North West... actually, it's worth a trip even if you're in NW London.

Festival necessities...

2012-06-22T23:51:00.000+01:00

...for the over 30s.

There. I said it. The game's up. I'm a tricenarian and proud.

Although I do get stupidly excited on the rare occasion I'm ID'd – except that one time in Waitrose when I misunderstood and triumphantly brandished my driving licence at the cashier, only to be told that she'd actually just asked if I wanted a carrier bag – I have to admit to myself that some things have changed since hitting and exceeding the big 3 0.

Things like my sensibilities towards sanitation, sleeping conditions, noise pollution and people in their late teens; all of which can be experienced at festivals.

There was a time when I'd have rolled around like the proverbial pig for 4 days straight and not batted a mud-fused eyelid. A time when a 10 minute snooze every 48 hours would have happily kept me going. A time when I could have emerged from a vomit-stained tent with a hangover gifted by Beelzebub himself, looking dewy-skinned and perky.

Not. Any. More.

I appreciate that the Glastonbury babies, born into a pair of wellies, will already have this down. They’ve been doing the festival thing for years and are well versed in both the necessities and horrors of camping en mass to music. But, for those of you who may have come to the world of festivals slightly later in life, here are a few points to note and some essentials for what will, no doubt, be a brilliantly fun weekend.

1. Toilets / Lavatories / WCs / Loos / Shitbox

When, on the first day of the festival, someone asks you if you'd like to purchase unlimited usage of the 'luxury loos' for a tenner, you say 'YES'. 'Luxury' does not mean luxury, it just means clean. By day two, you'll be willing to sell your tent for that privilege. By day three, your husband/wife/children.

Alternatively, buy a Shitbox (below) and DIY.

2. Tent

If you're planning on getting more than a little squiffy, I would recommend attaching some kind of insignia to your tent. Picking your way back drunk, in the dark, through a giant campsite full of tents that all look the same is a recipe for disaster.

You could invest in a Field Candy classic to ensure your temporary home really stands out.

3. Clothing

Clearly this is a matter of personal taste, but one thing I would say is that it makes life a lot easier to wear swimwear instead of underwear. For some reason, stripping down to your bikini in public makes you feel far less exposed than whipping out your smalls; useful when trying to get changed in a space the size of a kitchen cupboard.

I also favour short wellies over long - much cooler in the heat and can always be supplemented with a big pair of wooly socks if it's particularly chilly.

4. Slap & Barnet

Wet wipes, Flash Balm, BB moisturising cream, waterproof mascara, dry shampoo, done.

5. A good night's sleep

This is where I start to sound like a bit of a fogy, but if I'm only going to get three hours sleep, those hours had better count. This is where the ear plugs and eye mask come into play. Don't be embarrassed, no one will see you wearing them inside your tent and you'll emerge smug and much more rested than your neighbours who've been kept awake by your drunken snoring all night.

The necessities above can be found here (clockwise from top left):

- Field Candy Tents

- We Are Handsome swimwear

- Shitbox

- Hunter Survival Kit

(includes eye mask, poncho, ear plugs, tissues, wet wipes, waterproof plasters, mini torch, glow stick, toothbrush, toothpaste, karabiner clasp)

- Hunter Shoreditch Boot

- Nordic House cushions

- Clarins Flash Balm

- Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo

- L'Oreal revitalift BB Cream

I have no idea what this is but it sounds pretty hardcore.

The Lawn Bakery

2012-06-09T15:48:00.000+01:00

"Another local shop's closing down!" I wailed, having walked past the Wimbledon Village bakery on my way home.

I'm a huge believer in supporting local independent businesses, so the thought of the bakery that has operated on the same site for over 100 years succumbing to the recession and, no doubt, being replaced by some average chain was rather distressing.

I was promptly told that I needed glasses and that the sign on the door actually said that it was being renovated rather than closing down. Phew!

Relief soon turned into excitement when, a couple of weeks later, I saw the sign on the sunny, stripy awning: The Lawn Bakery.

If you've ever visited The Lawn Bistro, chef Ollie Couillard's exceptional restaurant at the other end of the high street, you'll understand why I was quite so delighted by this discovery.

Pressing my nose against the glass the day before the official opening, I felt (and probably looked) like a child outside a sweetshop on pocket money morning. Here's what I saw:

After waiting patiently for a full 24 hours, when I finally stepped inside I was greeted by the tantalising smell of freshly baked bread and a multitude of sweet and savoury treats to tempt even the most die hard of dieters.

The bakery seems to work to the same philosophy as the restaurant; using quality, seasonal ingredients to create freshly made classics that deliver highly on flavour.

You can grab a pastry on the go, or settle down at one of the tables to feast on any of the goodies on show or brunch classics like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Also on offer are charcuterie boards, my favourite being the chorizo with quince jelly.

If you're in the mood for elevenses, I highly recommend Ollie's fresh out the oven sausage rolls - the perfect meat-to-pastry ratio - get 'em early though, as they don't stick around for long!

I stop by most mornings for a creamy cappuccino...

...and one of these gooey gems often jumps into my hand too.

It's open daily from 7am, so pop in for a feed to set you up for a day of serious tennis watching at Wimbledon and let me know what you think.

Propstore - Southbank

2012-05-29T20:33:00.000+01:00

My last two posts have been a bit like buses, but I couldn't resist quickly sharing a great find.

Whilst sauntering along the sunny South Bank during my lunch break, I came across Propstore, the National Theatre's new pop-up bar & cafe.

This quirky little place is built from and furnished with scenery, sets and props from previous National Theatre productions.

Upon peaking inside, I was struck by the huge array of paraphernalia hanging from the bar and ceiling.

The gorgeous weather today had coaxed all the punters outside, but the bar is open until 2am on the weekends and features DJs and live music.

I urge you to pop in and play 'spot the prop' over a drink and some grub. I was enthusiastically presented with the goose puppet from War Horse by a very sweet member of staff, but there are others which aren't quite so obvious.

Such a fun and novel idea - I look forward to returning to sample their wares soon.

Run, fat girl, run!

2012-05-29T11:19:00.000+01:00

Please don't be offended, I didn't mean you. I was talking to myself - something I'm sure a lot of you do when out pounding the pavements, in an attempt to make time pass that bit quicker.

It happens every year. I watch the London Marathon, feel exceedingly inspired by and in awe of all those taking part, swear I'll sign up for a similar challenge and then... that feeling dissipates and is replaced by the need for a glass of wine.

Well, not this year. I’ve made an Olympic effort (sorry!) and signed up to a 10km and a half marathon. I’m not a complete running novice, but it definitely wasn’t something I enjoyed and I really needed to dig deep to find the impetus to start and keep going. That was until, I joined a running club.

A discount email popped into my inbox advertising 60% off 10 sessions with Run Club London. Now, I could claim that Run Club is a bit like ‘Fight Club’, given how much pain I was in the next morning, but then I wouldn’t be able to talk about it with you lovely people, so let’s scrap that assertion.

I meet Lizi, our trainer, in Wimbledon Park and it’s immediately obvious that she’s extremely friendly and super-encouraging as she asks about my previous running experience (nigh on zilch) and whether I have any events lined up, as I’m sumo-lunging my way around the periphery of the park cafe.

The group, 9 of us this evening, is a mixture of newcomers and regulars and, as we set off for a lap of the park, I soon realise that there are varying levels of proficiency. With my legs burning from all the lunging, I manage to complete the lap not too far behind the front runners and am feeling pretty jubilant until I realise that this is just the warm up.

Run Club

Now the real work begins, which comprises a series of tempo and agility exercises using cone markers to map out our course. We’re split into two teams and start by ladder running, hopping over and weaving in and out of the cones and then running backwards to the starting point, repeating twice.

Next we race to complete a circuit of cone exercises and short bursts, which culminates in 3 sprints, each one about 10 metres further than the last, by the end of which my legs are screaming and my heart pumping furiously. Then it’s onto our backs and non-stop bicycle curls until the last person in the team finishes the circuit. Although the ground is wet and muddy I drop straight onto it, legs flapping in the air like a debilitated beetle, grateful to give them a few minutes’ rest, even if those minutes do involve ab work.

Our penultimate exercise is to try to complete as many laps of the green as we can in 4 minutes. Lizi gives us our time for each lap and the intention is to use this as a benchmark that you aim to improve upon each session. After a couple of minutes to get our breath back we go again and, strangely, it’s easier the second time around. Maybe my legs are starting to get some of that muscle memory people are always talking about.

As we walk towards the steps to do some dynamic stretching and a warm down, I get chatting to a girl who’s signed up to do a half marathon at the end of the year. We bond over the fact that neither of us actually enjoys running... yet... but agree that if we keep up these sessions, that’s highly likely to change. The combination of endurance, tempo and agility training, with a group for a whole hour, is so much more effective than anything I would push myself to do.

I’m told by one of the regulars that the difference you experience in your running after a few sessions is considerable. The main difference I experienced the day after was the inability to walk, but that can only show how hard the session must have worked me. I'll definitely be keeping it up but the real test will be my first 10k in 3 weeks’ time. I'd imagine it'll make Bikram feel like a walk in the park... well, maybe more like a jog.

A local gem

2012-05-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

Well, local to me, that is. But I strongly recommend a visit if you're in or around SW19 - perhaps during a little-known tennis tournament hosted by the area in June?

Bayley & Sage is a neighbourhood food store that stocks an incredible array of fresh, seasonal produce, luxury artisan brands and products from independent local suppliers. For those of you who know and love Wholefoods, it's a similar deal but, in my humble opinion, ten times better.

For starters, it's small but perfectly formed (this is coming from someone who has been lost in Wholefoods countless times, mind), thereby narrowing down choice and making the process of deciding what to have for supper a whole lot quicker and easier.

Plus, there is only one store, so it feels like a true independent food-lover's paradise. It's also within a stone's throw of Wimbledon common, so you can work up a real appetite with a brisk walk first and have even more of a reason to treat yourself once inside.

But that's enough talk from me - why don't I let some photos speak for themselves. Happy salivating!

Fresh, fresh, fresh!

At last, somewhere I can buy handfuls upon handfuls of samphire as opposed to piddley little packets (this is obviously when I don't go foraging for it myself!)

Soooo many different breads and freshly made goodies.

Olives for every day of the week.

Breakfast cereals made by Bayley & Sage customer Kate Freestone - talk about supporting local producers.

At least 4 pigs' worth of gorgeous cured meat.

One word, 'yum'.

Say fromage.

Well, you can't have one without t'other!

A true local gem.

Do let me know of any similar places near you that I can investigate (read: drool on the floor of) when around and about London town.

Web Fuelled Business

2012-05-04T11:36:00.000+01:00

Source

"I love free stuff," says Doug Richard, ex 'dragon' from the den, entrepreneur and founder of the School for Startups, an enterprise focussed on teaching entrepreneurship across the UK.

I couldn't agree more, which is why I've come to the beautiful Union Chapel in Islington to attend a day's FREE bootcamp aimed at helping small businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers to get the most out of the web.

Union Chapel

Web Fuelled Business is the brainchild of the School for Startups; sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Yell, it means that they can provide the vast knowledge and experience of an otherwise very expensive man for free - (not presuming that you can buy Doug - maybe just hire him by the hour!)

Doug takes to the stage in front of around 600 budding businessmen and women and proceeds to keep us interested, intrigued and entertained for the majority of the next 7 hours.

He is genuinely one the best public speakers I have ever encountered, making you feel like you're simply absorbing the information and advice he imparts, rather than struggling to understand and remember it. (Rather like sleeping with your uni revision notes on top of your head, in the hope that something would seep in - or was that just me?!)

The day is split up into sections covering topics such as e-commerce, search engine optimisation (SEO) and using social media for business purposes, with a couple of networking breaks and lunch in between.

Even though I like to think of myself as fairly web-savvy, I was furiously scribbling during the sections on SEO and learnt some invaluable points on exactly how Google (or the very clever people behind it) works. For example, did you know that you can actually damage your Google rating by too much repeating of key words on your web pages, in a scatter gun approach to trying to improve your SEO?

Although I obviously can't rip off all of the very useful advice we received throughout the course of the day, I'm sure Doug wouldn't mind me sharing his top ten questions to ask yourself before going it alone - whether that involves starting a business, going freelance, or stepping into the world of part time e-commerce.

1. What do we do that people need or want?

2. Who is our customer?

3. How do customers find out about our products?

4. What distribution channels should we consider?

5. How much is this worth to the customer?

6. What pricing model should we choose?

7. What kind of relationship do we want with our customers?

8. Who are we up against?

9. What do we have in common with our industry?

10.What must we be good at?

These focus the mind and encourage you to be completely honest with yourself. Try them out and let me know how you get on - good luck!

Web Fuelled Business ran a number of bootcamps in various locations across the country during the first part of 2012. This series of events has now finished but, fingers crossed, there will be more to come. I recommend hopping onto their website to register your interest for future courses as well as snaffling a bit of free digital marketing advice - you can also follow them on Twitter

Bikram basics

2012-04-28T16:48:00.000+01:00

Namasté

It’s likely you’ll have heard of Bikram, or hot yoga, as it’s sometimes called, and claims that you can burn up to 1000 calories in one session. You may even have given it a go and sweated your way through the 90 minutes wondering the entire time what on earth you were doing there.

As far as I know, every Bikram yoga studio in the UK offers the opportunity to take on a '30 day challenge'. It costs around £30 and challenges participants to undertake 30 consecutive daily classes, the thinking being that it takes this amount of time to make or break a habit.

I took that challenge and can honestly say that it was one of the hardest yet most beneficial things I've ever done.

There are many incredible benefits that can be listed, but I believe that everyone will experience different ones, depending upon their body and lifestyle. So instead, I've established a few helpful tips to assist anyone tempted to give it a go or still in their first few weeks of practice.

Top tips

1. Breathe: This is perhaps the most important thing you can do in the class; slowly and deeply, in through the nose and out through the nose (except at the very beginning and end sections of the class). Focusing on your breath and slowing it down after each posture helps you to block out everything else that’s going on – the intense heat, the sweat, the voice in your head that’s screaming at you to leave the room. Your breath is your strength.

2. Keep hydrated: Given the amount you will sweat in class, this means more than the usual 2ltrs a day – around 3ltrs on days that you practice. I’d also recommend including coconut water in your diet. It has more potassium than the equivalent amount of bananas and is full of electrolytes; a perfect natural sports drink.

3. Check yourself out: Okay, not quite like that, but it is very helpful to be in a position where you can see yourself in a mirror during the class. Try to lock your gaze and keep the focus on you and your body’s alignment. Don’t be tempted to check out the guy standing next to you – he’s all disgusting and sweaty anyway, eeuwgh!

4. Don’t wipe away the sweat: a) It is one of the most fruitless exercises you will ever undertake as more and more will keep forming and b) You won’t be allowing it to do its job of eliminating waste through the skin and cooling you down. If you're finding it difficult to keep hold of your limbs due to slipperiness, keep persevering - your muscles will become stronger the more you try.

5. Remove your make-up: All of it. Not only will this allow your skin to breathe and for the better expulsion of sweat along with all those nasty toxins, but it will also prevent you from looking like a panda, which is extremely distracting when you’re concentrating on point 3.

6. Respect it: Now, I'm definitely no purist but, having made the mistake of drinking a couple (ok, quite a few) glasses of wine the night before a morning class, I seriously suggest re-thinking this type of preparation. I should have stuck with just a couple.

7. Less is best: When it comes to clothing, that is. Small, tight items in sweat wicking fabrics are best - you'll regret those heavy joggers and baggy t-shirt about 15 minutes in. Please believe me when I say that you won't feel in the least bit self-conscious about your body during the class and will be more concerned with what it can do than what it looks like.

8. Don’t eat for at least 2 hours before class: If you do, you will feel sick. Fact!

I challenge you to give it a go! Do let me know how you get on.

NB. Please consult your GP before embarking on any kind of exercise programme.

Lifestyle...

2012-04-23T15:52:00.000+01:00

Lifestyle [laif-stail] - noun

1. A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person

I don't believe that there's a more all-encompassing word.

It has a different significance for everyone, but pretty much sums up day to day existence, whatever that may involve.

Banksy

Recently celebrating my 7 year anniversary as a Londoner made me wonder whether I'd get 'the itch'. You know, the 7 year one, where you inexplicably feel like you want to do something or be somewhere different but are not quite sure what or where.

Well, I'm very glad to say that I can't foresee the need to scratch happening any time soon.
Almost every day I discover something new and exciting that I think is worth sharing. Everything from a yummy recipe to a little-known London hangout, or some killer quick exercise moves to a great freebie business resource.

Maybe it's because I'm lucky enough to live in (what I think is) one of the world's greatest cities, with endless options to tickle any fancy you might have on any given day.

Or maybe it's because, with a little imagination, passion and fun, life can be full and varied - wherever you may be.

Whatever your lifestyle, I hope you'll find something here that interests or inspires you, or even just a few silly pictures that make you smile.

I'm Celine and I hope that you enjoy reading my blog as much as I do writing it.