Rocking the Season....

The magic and sparkle of Christmas and the Holiday season is evident on every street corner in New York City, but never more than on 5th Avenue and the Rockefeller Centre.
The Rockefeller centre is the home of the most iconic New York Christmas tree. Today in the city the Swarovski Star was lifted into place with the help of fashion model Miranda Kerr and filmed by the Today show. This beautiful 6-ft spruce will be lit when I am in the city next month and will look forward to visiting whilst there.

From the ice-skating in the plaza below to the stunning tree; this square block really brings the magic of the holiday season alive.

The promenade walkway leading down from 5th avenue to the centre is flanked by trumpet & cornet wielding angels in glorious white lights. 

Looking down from the Tree towards 5th avenue you look directly onto the equally iconic 5th avenue store of Saks.

Saks has always been known for its holiday windows, but in recent years they have transformed the front of their store to showcase the holiday season and the city in visual & cinematic sound.

as you can see it really it quite magical and I have yet to find something in London that comes close to the entertainment and wonder that this creates on the faces of the families watching.

The Rockefeller Centre and its surrounding streets are a must for any visit to New York during December and even at its busiest times it really is worth the queueing and jostling for that perfect picture. The tree really does sprinkle its own dusting of magic among the needles, I've seen proposals, big family reunions and 1st dates under the branches, spreading lots of christmas cheer.

Here's to a magical 2015 Rocking the holiday season.

Christmas in August...

Yes I have written the C word in my title and I am talking Christmas!....  Back in July I had hinted that I had been scrap-booking and crafting and over the last couple of months I have finally completed my Christmas album from 2014.
For the past 4 years I have completed December Daily / Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle, but haven't blogged it or shared much... Here is my Christmas in its entirety for 2014.
Had a lot of fun compiling my album and pages.
August also saw the Christmas shop open at work... this years Selfridges shop is all about  blue, gold and stars.

July / August also saw multiple Christmas press shows across the city - Selfridges included .... very odd seeing fake snow Christmas trees and Reindeers in St Christophers Place on one of the hottest days of the year.
This Christmas be prepared for a Star Wars take over..... more to come nearer the time.

New York moments.... XOXO gossip girl style

As we are currently in amidst fashion weeks I thought I would share a couple of my adventures from December that featured in one of fashions favourite TV shows, Gossip Girl.
Of the many locations featured in the series, today I am sharing 2 which featured in the Pilot episode.
The New York Palace Hotel which sits on Madison Avenue and 50th street behind the gorgeous St Patricks Cathedral. Along with Gossip Girl, many of you will recognise the hotel from other movie moments, including 27 Dresses. I love the Palace courtyard and at Christmas time it just becomes magical.

I had lots of fun taking arty shots in the baubles on the Christmas trees as you can see below...

  As beautiful as this hotel looks in the daytime, it comes to life at night and is a must see, perfect to pop in and sample a cheeky cocktail at their old school glamour bar called Tavern 51 which has a cool 'Mad Men' vibe from a New York of yesteryear. The courtyard really is stunning after dark.

My 2nd location that I visited this year for the first time was The Campbell Apartment tucked up in a corner of Grand Central Station.(15 Vanderbilt Avenue) Although never an apartment this very old school NY location was the office of 1920's tycoon John Campbell. Restored to its former glory it is one of the chicest cocktail bars in the city. (Plan ahead if visiting as there is a dress code to enter). The venue is full of antiques, complete with a glorious baby grand piano and oodles of glamour.... this location ticks the box of any Gatsby, Truman Capote or Mad Men fan. (Gossip Girl fans will recognise this bar from where Nat & Serena romped in the pilot episode)

After a short while I was seated at the bar, where I enjoyed a leisurely hour sipping a cocktail, people watching the city folk of NY.

My Cocktail of choice was The Prohibition Punch;

"A refreshing blend of Passion Fruit Juices, Appleton Rum Estate VX. Gran Gala VSOP crowned with Moet & Chandon Champagne" - deliciously decadent but very lethal!...

I had a gorgeous time in The Campbell Apartment, a fabulous find, and one I will be going back to the next time that I visit New York......





If these have wetted your appetite for more GG moments, there are 100's of locations featured in the 6 seasons of Gossip Girl and if a fan I would recommend the GG tour, which features favourite locations and gives you a fun and different view of NY......

.................. xoxox NY gossip girl x

Pancakes from across the Pond....

A trip to New York is not complete without a breakfast of pancakes.... there are many places that claim to serve the best in NY, but my favourite has to be at Pershing Square. This fabulous little eatery is tucked underneath Park Avenue viaduct and opposite Grand Central Station.

It claims to be the busiest & best breakfast venue in the city, and on all the occasions that I have visited I've never had reason to be disappointed....filled to the rafters with business wear along with tourists, be prepared to queue.
The menu is vast catering for all; from the healthy options of egg white omelettes and fruit & oatmeal to full breakfast and pancake stacks..... as you can see I opted for a healthy option! pancakes, bacon & maple syrup, topped off with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice and coffee. All absolutely delicious, pancakes melt in the mouth fluffy filled with blueberry's.
This fabulous diner has a real old school feel of  new york of old and with a great sweeping bar its the perfect location to meet up when travelling via the station.

Along with a great breakfast menu, Pershing square offers a great take-out option... great for grabbing coffee & muffin on the go...
Pershing Square is one of my musts when visiting this great city, and I cant recommend it enough, it offers great service, food and a very stylish diner perfect for people watching and sampling a taste of city living NY style... delicious x

Musical Moment in Times Square...

Times Square over the 20 years that I have been visiting New York has evolved immensely.... it has gone from being a sleazy junction of electric bill boards to a very busy predominately pedestrianised family location.Crowds gather at multiple locations, early morning to feature in the back drop of Good Morning America, or at the Ticket booth for discount Broadway shows, there is always something happening.
On my first night in New York I was returning to my hotel via Times square, I had earlier in the evening walked up to the Rockefeller and along 5th soaking up the sights and sounds.

On turning into Times square at 48th, I noticed that something was happening in the square and it was extraordinarily loud and lots of red screens.... a friendly NYPD officer who was holding a "Do Not Cross" tape asked if I was going to the 'show' and if so I could sneak in the side entrance!..... I opted to duck in the side, having no idea what was going on, to be greeted by a huge red stage which was hosting U2 for an unannounced gig for World Aids Day.  With Bono incapacitated from a bike accident they were being fronted by Chris Martin in a fab Substi2u T-shirt.
Even though the weather was turning a little damp, I chose to stay for a while and watch 2 music icons perform on stage.....it really was a beautiful day.... closely followed by With or without you

Its not often you get to see one of America's rock legends for free in Times Square, but I did experience that as Bruce Springsteen joined U2 on stage ....... soaking up the moment was magical. 

As I was watching I had a complete klutz moment and ended up tripping over the man next to me, who gallantly helped me up, when I looked up to thank him I came face to face with Bill Clinton!.... the klutz then became a stuttering idiot and just about managed to murmur thank you.... by this stage I though it was best to make a hasty exit before an FBI agent apprehended me!

I couldn't have planned a better first night in New York  if I had tried.... completely unexpected with some fantastic memories that will stay with me into my old age!....heading back to my hotel a little wet & cold but with a big smile and a bucket list moment to talk about.....
What a fantastic start to my 5 days in New York....

Welcome to New York...

8 weeks ago I landed in the city that doesn't sleep for 5 days of city living New York style... with Christmas & financial year end I haven't had much time to sort my photo's and post any of my adventures... but February's here and I'm determined to share them with you through this month!...

My New York adventure kicked off at Heathrow and this year I flew Delta and was upgraded at the point that I checked in!... with a comfy seat / bed, films & food and drink on tap the 7 hour flight passed in a blink of an eye...Landing at lunchtime in JFK refreshed & relaxed was a lovely and after the regulatory queues through immigration and customs I was soon in arrivals. This year unlike many others I opted to travel into Manhattan via the airtrain and subway. I have always taken the shuttle bus or taxi but after several visits to the city, I was confident that I would be able to get to my hotel via the train without getting lost!....

The air train took me to the Long Island Rail Road where I swapped over to the subway (E) train to Times Square. ... what a breeze, and for the bargain price of $7, instead of a $70 taxi! and only took an hour (traffic dependent this can be considerably longer via taxi/shuttle)
Travelling by train I got to see a different approach to the city and its fabulous landscape, which I snapped from the train
I found the train so straight forward that I decided that if my luggage allowed I would travel back this way, saving $'s both ways.
Arriving into Times Square mid afternoon my hotel was a short walk from the subway on West 45th street. I stayed at a little hotel called Room Mate Grace, which was in a great location, free wifi, a very comfy bed and a very funky swimming pool...

New York room's are small, (unless you book luxury), this hotel ticked lots of boxes for me and although it was basic it was in an ideal location, had a small fridge, flat screen TV, comfy double bed (raised on a platform) and very luxurious bedding and very funky wallpaper!... perfect sleeping zone after busy days in the city.
With bags dumped and unpacked I headed out to explore the city!...... pop back tomorrow  when I share my first night adventures in New York City, featuring rock stars & former presidents!

Literary adventures in New York...

with Ali and Scarlett.

 Ali McNamara's 3rd book in her From Nottinghill series published late October and with much self control I refrained from reading until I embarked on my own New York adventure early December. I read book 2 on a previous visit and loved reading Scarlett's escapades whilst in the big apple.
Book 3 ~ From Nottinghill with Four Weddings actually sees Scarlett commuting between New York and London as she manages 2 successful businesses each side of the Atlantic... her popcorn business in London and the dragonfly trust in New York. She is also planning her forthcoming wedding with her gorgeous fiance Sean.
In typical Scarlett's ditsy style she finds herself becoming friends with paparazzi darling Gabriella Romero and soon her little life is thrown off plan as it becomes a little hectic. With best friends Oscar and Maddie both having wedding & marriage dramas, Scarlett's perfect wedding is thrown into jeopardy, especially when best man Alex starts to meddle.
This book features so many of my favourite locations in both London (The Globe & Nottinghill) and New York and it was a joy to read whilst stateside.

It was lovely to catch-up with Scarlett and co, like meeting up with old friends. Alli's book features some new locations and old friends from The Plaza to Bradley Cooper and during my stay in New York this time, both featured in my week!.... pop back soon when I share both adventures!... along with a many more.
Thanks Alli for keeping me entertained whilst in New York... it was like having an old friend with me x

14 festive reads from 2014...

Over recent years festive reads have become part of my Christmas musts and a glorious way to spend some 'down'time during the busy holiday season.

I love a Christmas book... and look forward every year to compiling my seasonal wish list... this years selection is as varied as a tin of quality street and as delicious to unwrap.
Here's my thoughts on the 14 read for 2014;

1. Christmas in the Snow - Karen Swan ~ Allegra and Isobel are sisters, however they couldn't be more different. Allegra works in the cut-throat world of finance and is pitching the biggest deal of her life. Isobel is a yummy mummy to a toddler and happy to be a stay at home mum. Although their lives are different they have a mutual bond in caring for their mum who is in the grips of alzheimers. Mysteries and secrets unfold as a 60 year old hut is discovered in the swiss alps which link the girls to the body found. This leads to a impromptu visit to this ski village, where further secrets unfold. Aside from this Allegra is fighting for her pitch and career as a gorgeous one-night stand becomes a business rival and her safe and controlled world starts to un-ravel. I devoured this book when stuck on a delayed train and loved it. It takes you from the corporate financial world of London to the apres ski resorts of the swiss alps, throw in a gorgeous man and a little mystery along with some sisterly bonding and family secrets and you really do have a glorious read *****
2. The Perfect Christmas - Kate Forster ~ Hollywood movie star Maggie embarks on an impromptu trip to London over the festive season with her friend and manager Zoe. Maggie plans to have the 'perfect' Christmas in London. Holly who works at the hotel that they stay at sets on arranging the perfect treats & sights for them during the holiday season, .. Maggie & Zoe embark on their own matchmaking trip during their stay at the hotel, which all culminates in Christmas eve carols at St Paul's Cathedral.... a lovely little read, showcasing London and some festive favourites in a gorgeous little read. ****
3. Forever his Darling ~ Sarah Randall ~ Anastacia is at the top of her modelling career when she finds herself snowbound in the heart of Yorkshire at a Melville House - home and stud farm to Matt Darling. With an abandoned shoot and Christmas approaching Matt & Ana get to know each other with a lot of meddling from his sister and housekeeper. This seasonal read is filled with much fun, misunderstanding and some great characters.... a romp of a read, with a gorgeous brooding leading man.... loved it ****
4. Christmas with Billy and me ~ Giovanna Fletcher ~ in this lovely little novella we re-join Sophie and her movie star boyfriend in Rosefont Hill at the little tea shop. Sophie is anonymously emailed to ask if the Little Tea shop can be used for a Christmas eve proposal, agreeing Sophie along with help from her family create the perfect proposal venue, culminating in a lovely surprise. It was lovely catching up with Sophie & Billy and their lives, especially set in such lovely festive surroundings. This little novella was like a big mug of hot chocolate, warming, delicious and like a very big hug. ****
5. Little Shop of Hopes & Dreams ~ Fiona Harper ~ Alex is the New Years eve kiss that Nicole can't forget and now she finds herself planning his wedding to someone else with her wedding proposal business, the Little Shop of Hopes & Dreams. Alex & Nicole's paths keep crossing, culminating in another New Years eve. This was a lovely read and you completely start to root for Nicole from the start as she embarks on her business adventure, overcoming the school bullies and dealing with the 'one that got away'. ****
6. The Little Christmas Kitchen ~ Jenny Oliver ~ When Ella & Maddy's parents divorced, Maddy lived with her mum in Greece and Ella stayed in London with her dad. Now adults, the girls find themselves trading places at Christmas due to Ella's errant husband's affair and Maddy desperately wishing to leave the Greek island that is home. Both girls embark on adventures that will not just change their Christmas but their lives... with a sprinkling of gorgeous greek christmas bakes and a great supporting cast of characters, this book whisks you from London to Greece in a great little read.***
7. One Hundred Christmas Proposals ~ Holly Martin ~ in this Novella we join Harry & Suzie from One Hundred Proposals in the busy Christmas period. They have committed to arranging 100 proposals in December, culminating in a special New Years eve finale. Engaged themselves, Suzie starts to doubt if Harry still wants to marry her, especially when he starts to behave a little secretly. This was a lovely return to one of my favourite books from 2014 and a gorgeous festive read. delightful. ****
   
8. Maybe this Christmas ~ Sarah Morgan ~ this is the 3rd book in Sarah Morgans snow trilogy, and the story of Brenna & Tyler. Brenna has lusted after Tyler since she was a schoolgirl, however Tyler has only ever seen her as his skiing partner and best friend... this Christmas things get shook up and suddenly Brenna & Tyler are more than friends. This book was a lovely return to Vermont and the family ski resort, catching up with old friends. This really is the ideal book of what the perfect christmas would be in a ski lodge, from the breathtaking snow capped mountains to the hot men!.. this book is like a winter snow globe, sprinkling magic and fairy dust on all. ****
9. Sealed with a Christmas Kiss ~ Rachel Lucas ~ returning to the Scottish island of Auchenmor and the lives of Kate and the laird Roddy. Having decided to open up the ancestral home Duntarvie House for weddings, they find themselves agreeing to host a wedding over Christmas for an acquaintance of Kate's who is launching a wedding planning site. When things don't go according to plan with the wedding couple, Plan B kicks in involving Kate & Roddy and a Christmas eve wedding.... loved returning to Auchenmor and Rachel Lucas has written a gorgeous Christmas novella wrapping up Kate & Roddy's story in sumptuous festive style... ****
10. The Great Christmas Knit off ~ Alexandra Brown ~ Heartbroken at being jilted at the altar, Sybil finds solace in her knitting, now her flat is filled with the overflow of her obsession. Realising that she may have caused a huge mistake at work, she flees to her best friend and the village of Tindledale. Here she finds Hattie's House of Haberdashery which is 'run' by Hattie who is now in her 80's and being bullied by her nephew to move into a nursing home. Sybil embarks on helping Hattie reestablish the house of haberdashery by knitting Christmas Jumpers... this was a delightful read, filled with fun and as warming as any Christmas jumper. It will make you want to move to the village of Tindledale and pull out your knitting needles, delightful. ****
11. The Christmas Party ~ Carole Matthews ~ Single mum Louise is new to the corporate world and this is her 1st Christmas party at Fossil Oil Corporation... in amongst the fun, & frivolity of the festive party things aren't as perfect as they first appear and during the evening secrets begin to unravel and loves lost and new attractions start to rekindle and blossom. Spanning 3 days, Carole Matthews yet again sucks you into a story that you don't want to end. A fabulous read with some great characters that become like friends as you get to know them. Bravo CM.. rapidly becoming a Christmas tradition. *****
12. I'll Take New York ~ Miranda Dickinson ~ I adored this book and desperately want the bookshop in Brooklyn owned by Bea. I think it helped that I was visiting New York when I read this book, which made it even more delightful. This book follows Fairytale in New York, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Beas boyfriend lets her down in spectacular style so she swears herself off men, Jake Steinmann moves back to NY from San Francisco after his wife asks for a divorce, a chance meeting as the 2 only singletons at a party see the pair make a pact to no relationships.... as friends they begin to explore the city and realise that the city may have other plans for them. Miranda Richardson has written a book, where New York becomes the 3rd character in the story and I loved exploring some of the paces that feature in this book... a must for any NY fan, culminating in a real "When Harry met Sally" moment on New Years eve.... magical *****
13. Mistletoe Mansion - Samantha Tonge ~ masquerading as a housesitter- newly single & homeless Kimmy moves into Mitletoe mansion over the holiday season. Here she meets WAG Melissa who soon helps her launch her cupcake business by ordering lots of her Merry Berry cupcakes .. with a distracting handyman and a equally disturbing ghost Kimmy begins to live the life she always imagined. A fun read which eased my commute and had me chuckling on the tube. ***
14. The Christmas Bucket List - Ella Fairlie ~ a cute little novella which follows Isobel as she works through her Christmas bucket list in London. Isobel's christmas in her native south africa is a continent away from her perfect christmas imagined. When her boyfriend/boss goes awol 5 days before Christmas, Isobel finds herself working through her list with work colleague Jamie. a delightful read filled with everything we imagine a perfect christmas to be... perfect for curling up in a cozy armchair with a hot chocolate.***

I throughly enjoyed working my way through these 14 reads at Christmas ~ thankyou ladies for such fabulous reads and for keeping me entertained during my commutes & travels over the festive season.

As delicious as a warm mince pie and a cream filled hot chocolate.....

As you can see there is one book I haven't reviewed... pop over here for my thoughts on Alli Mcnamara's From Nottinghill with four weddings actually....

Christmas isn't Christmas without Buble...

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a sprinkling of Michael Buble!... along with his festive album's, he has over the past 4 years owned the holiday season special.  He is a much part of my holiday traditions, which is why I was very excited to get tickets for his London show in December.
I have seen Michael Buble several times over and is one of my favourite live acts.... an all round entertainer.

Michael opened the show in glamorous red lit stage to Fever complete with legendary slide action!... he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand... Michael's set list comprised of 20 songs and 4 for an encore, including some Christmas favourites - owning the stage for 2 hours.
Set Listincluded: Fever, Haven't Met you Yet, All I want for Christmas is you, Try a Little Tenderness, Mack the Knife, Moondance, Come Dance with me, Feeling Good, Crazy Love,

I've got the World on a String, Everything, Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, White Christmas, Home, Let it Snow ,

Get Lucky, Ain't Too Proud to Beg,To Love Somebody, All you need is Love, Burning Love, Its a Beautiful Day.

To Love Somebody, All you need is Love, Burning Love, Its a Beautiful Day.

Michael crooned through many of his classics, fighting a cold and being very naughty with the audience!.... his opening speech promised a lots of fun, entertainment, some Christmas classics and to all the reluctant men in the audience a guarantee of some hot dirty sex when they got home!... much to the laughter and the camera crew zooming in on 2 very cute little girls in the front row!... this set the atmosphere for the night, which was fun, festive and fabulous.

Encore:
Cry me a River, Save the Last Dance for me, Christmas (baby please come home)
and my absolute favourite A Song for You

Michael put on a fabulous show and did not disappoint, the O2 was full to the rafters and every one was on their feet cheering at the end..... I loved it, he made me laugh, cry , dance & sing... the perfect night and a fabulous prelude for Christmas.... Christmas really isn't Christmas without a little Buble!

Rooftop dining at Le Chalet

One of the most sought after tables for alfresco dining during the summer was on the rooftop at Selfridges and their collaboration with Q-Grill. Following this success of Q on the Roof, Le Chalet launched within the space for the Winter and it is a perfect apres-shop delight. Nestled on the rooftop high above the streets of the West End Le Chalet is shoppers ski lodge retreat.
You enter Le Chalet via an express lift that transports you to the rooftop, where you enter via a fairy-light lit corridor into a space that is warm & inviting, bathed in sunlight during the day and candlelight during the night.

Tables complete with woollen throws and rugs for chilly shoulders & knees add to the apres-shop ambiance. Le Chalet's menu offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner as well as some amazing hot chocolate cocktails.
Friends & I grabbed a table in December for a quick bite to eat before we went for an evening with Michael Buble ... I chose the Buttermilk chicken schnitzel, with blue cheese fondue & seasoned chips. All were delicious, especially the buttermilk chicken.
This was followed by Spiced Apple tart and custard, which was just perfect..... well worth the wait to bake!

I loved the whole ambiance,and styling of Le Chalet, the food was good, however the service wasn't great and something that I did pass back to the team after visiting. I will visit again before the pop-up closes and hope to go during the day to enjoy the views across London as there is still more on the menu I would love to try.

Le Chalet can be booked here.

Q Grill also have a pop-up at Canary Wharf at the ice-rink as well as their signature restaurant in Camden.

Hello 2015.......

Well January is here and it cant come quick enough for me. The last week of December I spent predominately under a duvet, with the worse flu virus I've had (note to self, DO NOT miss flu jab in 2015!).. I did return to work too early, and its taking me ages to feel anything other than tired.
I had so many gorgeous things planned in December and to finish off 2014, some I did do, which I will share with you this month; they include Dinner at Claridges, evenings with Alfie Boe and Michael Buble and of course Christmas. There is no news on Florence, so I am now battling the insurance company which will continue into 2015 unfortunately.
Normally by this stage I have some plans mapped for the new year, but this year I am bucking the trend and sharing some of my favourite moments from 2014.

1. Back in March I spent that day with 6 lovely ladies learning how to love my camera and to use it for blogging/social media and styling. Emily was a lovely teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and have gained confidence with my camera in 2014. (more of the day here) 
2. In September the gorgeous David Gandy launched his underwear collection for M&S to much delight by myself and many other ladies in London!
3. Christmas 2014 saw one of my favourites Michael Buble return to the O2.... perfect night. The king of croon and Christmas did not disappoint. Here's Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas 
4. In October I spent a glorious Sunday at the Savoy in decadent luxury, which was just amazing, now saving for another stay!
5. September saw me meet the Spandau Ballet boys on the red carpet at the Albert Hall and watch the premiere of the Soul Boys movie..... relived my teens in glorious surroundings.
6. An afternoon tea Mr Selfridge style and and evening in Memphis were the perfect treats with my 2 golden girls.
7. The poppies at the Tower grew throughout the summer and became one of the most humbling sights in London for 2014. I visited often and every-time is left me speechless, here are more images from posts in 14.
   
8. Summer in the City.... had a fabulous summer exploring the city, its parks and enjoying the glorious weather.
9. Jonny Wilkinson hangs up his golden boots..... May saw me travel to Cardiff to watch JW play in the final of the Heineken cup against Saracens, it was his last game in UK soil before retiring from the game.... those gorgeous thighs will be missed!
10. Claridges at Christmas was one of my festive favourites and I will share more details in January.
11. New York in December was just gorgeous..... so many adventures which will be shared in full in 2015. My favourite city at my favourite time of year, magical.
12. Paddington made a huge return in 2014 which was delightful, bringing back so many lovely memories from childhood, complete with marmalade sandwiches.
13. Invictus Games - from the opening ceremony to the wheelchair rugby I had a humbling experience cheering along the wounded armed forces heroes. ( Prince Harry & Jonny Wilkinson were added bonuses!!) 
14. Books & coffee, the perfect combination for downtime in 2014. I read lots and drunk lots, finding some great little coffee venues in London and NY to relax & read.... my kindle was my best friend in 2014.

I hope that 2015 finds you all well and I look forward to sharing my adventures over the coming year....Thank you for sharing my adventures so far, for all the lovely comments and good wishes... Happy New Year to you all x

Christmas wishes to all

As I type this Christmas Eve is coming to a close and Christmas Day is rapidly approaching. I want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

I will be updating blog on the flurry of festive activities over the coming week, however now I'm doing the last minute bits before the big day arrives. Much Love Teresa & Merry Christmas x

Please look after this bear.....

Some weeks ago I shared the Selfridges story of Paddington Bear and how fabulous the Everyman Cinema is in the basement of the big yellow store.
Recently I spent an evening in this gorgeous little cinema to watch this Christmas's family treat Paddington. It really did feel that the lovable bear had come home.

The film is magical from start to finish, a couple of times during the film it tugged on my heart strings an a tear came to the eye, it also had lots of fun and laughter and made my heart smile lots.

Paddington finds himself leaving his beloved Peru and Aunt Lucy to embark on a huge adventure to London. Homeless and lonely he is found by the Brown family.... 

here he is having tea & cake with Mr Brown (played by English gent Hugh Bonneville)

Paddington is desperate to find the original explorer who visited Peru many years before and The Brown family offer their help in this, although thinks don't go to plan and he finds himself out in London on his own in the rain at Buckingham Palace.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, it was feel good, funny and had a fabulous villain in the guise of Nicole Kidman who plays a villainous taxidermist who resides in the bowels of the Natural History Museum. Great supporting cast & characters from Julie Walters, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent and voices of Ben Wishaw, Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon.

Paddington has been making a surprise appearance in the yellow store during December much to the delight of children big & small!

A slice of the Big Apple....

Hello.... I'm back from the Big Apple and straight into the flurry of work and Christmas events!

The suitcase is only partially unpacked and I have over 1,000 pictures to review and edit!.... some of which I will be sharing over the coming weeks, so bare with me as I share a brief slice of my week.

My 5 days stateside were fabulous and I packed so much in, when I look back on the pictures I think I will be posting all through January to share my adventures!....and adventures I had!

My 5 days featured seeing rock stars, film stars and former presidents!...  I ate a sprinkle of cupcakes and supped a few cocktails, and savored lots of coffee!. My travels saw me walk many miles, and I lived lots of movie moments.

There was also lots of fun and festivities as New York switched from Thanksgiving into full Happy Holiday's mode. The gorgeous tree was lit at The Rockefeller Centre whilst I was there. In amongst the festivities there was also time for some quite reflection at St Patrick's Cathedral and the heartbreaking 9/11 memorial museum and lots of protests in light of recent news events.

My love of books also featured heavily in my trip.... my kindle was filled with fabulous NY reads which I will be sharing with you along with some great literary loves in New York, including the gorgeous NY library.
I hope that I have tickled your taste buds from the Big Apple, and pop back for some bigger bites in days/weeks to come....

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

There is no avoiding the festive season when you are bombarded with Christmas adverts on the TV. Over the past few years, these have become bigger than some of the TV programmes that they sandwich and are now a huge part of the Christmas countdown. Here are my favourites from 2013 and my 5 festive favourites from this year 2014. It seems this year the big names are all trying to show Christmas as less commercial, which is a little ironic and showcase what its about; sharing, happiness, good deeds,peace, love and friendship.... gets a big hug from me!
1. Sainsbury's ~ Silent Night - haunting and symbolic of this years commemorations of the first world war. Symbolising Christmas is for sharing, made in collaboration with the British Legion, it is stunning.... every stocking should have a bar of chocolate in it this year.

2. John Lewis ~ Monty the Penguin - JL have done is again, they have every year pulled out all the stops for their christams ad, and this years tugs on all the heart strings,... loving Monty & Mabel

3. Waitrose Gingerbread Stall - simple & effect, when you own something, you care just a little more.

4.Magic & Sparkle from M&S.... a little disappointed that M&S didn't have  David Gandy in his pants and aSanta hat for their ad his year, but liking the fairies... Marble Arch M&S looks fabulous, I will share some pictures soon.

5.Give a little Happiness ~ Coca Cola.... Holiday's are definitely coming when the Coca Cola truck pulls over the hill... liking the give a little happiness.

 Are you loving the ads? and if so which ones are your favourites?
x

Paddington has arrived in London

Way back in June I shared my excitement of the news that Paddington would be heading to the big screen for Christmas.... there has seen some changes since the 1st trailer with BenWishaw  replacing Colin Firth as the voice of Paddington.
I also shared that I had some things that I needed to keep under my hat... I can reveal that Paddington is also taking centre (more like corner) stage in Sefridges on Oxford Street with his own curiosity shop and windows.

Back in 1956 on Christmas Eve, Michael Bond was shopping in Selfridges Oxford Street, when he spied a lone bear sitting on a shelf in the Toy shop. He purchased he bear and took him home to his wife, where they named him Paddington ... this little bear became the influence of so many books written by Mr Bond over the years. Within the Curiosity shop, sits the original typewriter that Michael wrote the books on and also some of the costumes from the forthcoming film.

3 of the windows have had a Paddington takeover, complete with train track, lost & found post and trunks and marmalade galore.

The pinnacle being a golden taxi, covered with marmalade and a golden bear (designed by Kate Moss for the Paddington Trail)

The Paddington Trail will come to life across London this week, where 50 specially designed Paddingtons will be sited for children and adults to find across the winter holiday season. I look forward to spending some time finding these!.... minature versions of some of the bears will be available in the paddington curiosity shop.

Having seen the 2nd trailer of the film this week I am looking forward to seeing the film in December

Along with many gorgeous bears, the curiosity shop also houses some gorgeous bear essentials.... including some very special golden labeled marmalade and buttered marmalade popcorn. The perfect accompaniment for bears and santa!

pop back for more paddington adventures over the holiday season....