A Golden day at the Seaside

A couple of Sunday's ago I spent a gorgeous afternoon at the Essex seaside town of Leigh on Sea and an evening of entertainment at the Cliffs pavilion in Southend. We were blessed with the most glorious weather which made for a perfect stroll along the seafront and promenade.
The afternoon started with lunch at Leigh on Seas The Boatyard. Nestled amongst the cockle sheds in Old Leigh The Boatyard is a stunning restaurant butting onto gorgeous views of the Essex coastline.

Offering a fantastic menu and sunday roast this restaurant is perfect for small and large parties. We were seated on the mezzanine floor which gave us views of both the restaurant and the sea. With a relatively late lunch booking it allowed us to watch the sun start to set over dessert and coffee.
This was my first visit to The Boatyard and will definitely be adding it to my "re-visit" list, service, ambience and the food were gorgeous and look forward to going again.
The Golden sunset set us up perfectly for an evening at The Cliffs Pavillion where we were entertained in True 80's style with Tony Hadley.
I was with a friend that hadn't seen Tony before and he was really impressed with the show. Accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, Tony's set was a mixture of Spandau Ballet classics, own songs and some great rock & crooning tunes.
A Truly Golden day with great company in gorgeous Essex style.

Welcome Back Bridget.....

There haven’t been films this year that have had me wanting to rush to the cinema, (the last one being Me before You) but there has been one that has been on my MUST see list since the trailer aired and the location images started to appear on social media late last year. I am of course referring to Bridget Jones Baby.

Bridget is up there in my top favourite films for so many reasons. I have followed Bridget’s adventures since she first appeared as column inches in the Independent, which led to the book and then onto the movie. I too like Bridget have despaired over the size of my thighs, smoked too many cigarettes, drunk far too many units of alcohol and invariably fallen for the  very wrong type of man! (on several occasions) and acknowledges that I will always be ‘a little bit fat’.

My mum too tried to set me up with every ‘nice ‘ guy she knew during my twenties to no avail. I stumbled headlong into my 30’s in a drunken partying haze still falling for every wrong guy possible until they all but gave up with me and acknowledged that I would be the ‘forever’ singleton that could at times be the ditsiest klutz possible who loved her friends and was married to her career.  

I shared my love of Bridget with my Nan, and she too adored the movie and affectionately called me Bridget on occasions that deemed necessary, we went to the cinema together to see the first movie and I have really fond memories of the fun that we had with it afterwards.

Friday saw the release of the 3^rd instalment of Bridget’s life, and I can honestly say it’s the funniest Bridget ever. I laughed from the open through to the final credits, at one point thinking I was going to slide off the chair. Casting is just fabulous and its lovely to see so many old favourites back along with a couple of newbies. Patrick Dempsey who plays the very delicious Jack is just gorgeous and of course a welcome return to the ever lovely Mark Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth).

This movie has had lots of press, social media coverage and hype and it absolutely lives up to all of it and I’m thrilled that the surprises that are within the movie haven’t leaked all over the networks. The press junket has had me salivating over the fabulous styling of Renee Z along with the gorgeousness of Patrick & Colin.

Bridget may be 43 a little thinner but she hasn’t lost her fun, ditziness and vulnerability that we all fell in love with 14 years ago…. Welcome back Bridget, we’ve missed you x

Farewell Mr Selfridge - my final week

Ten days ago I said my goodbyes to Mr Selfridge and my Selfridges work family from the last 10 years. I had an amazing adventure at Selfridges and look back on the 10 years there with fondness. It wasn't easy and at times was incredibly stressful with long hours and challenging situations, however it really is an incredible, amazing place to work which has set me up to go onto pastures new.
My last week was incredibly emotional, but also lots of fun, I was dined by several of the directors and colleagues in all the lovely restaurants across the store along with being taken to The Wolsley for breakfast and then an after works drinks on my last night.
It was a great evening and lovey to catch-up with many friends and colleagues past and present. Prosecco and pint flowing in abundance !.

My last day was incredibly emotional and we kicked off with our team breakfast "Fry-up Friday" which was then followed by a drop-in lunch with speeches and lots of gift giving.
I was completely rendered speechless and humbled with the generosity and love shown with gifts I received from my Selfridges family and friends. Completely overwhelmed and I cant thank them all enough. There will always be a small part of my heart that is yellow and what an amazing adventure it has been.

Movie moment with Me before You

I have shared previously my love of Jo Jo Moyes book Me before You, and was thrilled when the

news broke that it had been picked up for a movie.  The book left a huge impact on me even though I sobbed at the ending I loved the book.
With the release of the trailer, the tears fell again and applauded the casting of Sam Claflin as the quadriplegic Will Trayner and Emilia Clarke as the ditzy loveable Louise Clark.

Friday the movie was  released and I booked a ticket to see it at my local Everyman cinema after work - (fully booked for a 6.20pm showing) armed with a box of tissues I settled down for 2 hours of tears and laughter. Jo Jo Moyes has written the screen play and what a fabulous job she has done. There are some parts that have been cut (as with all book to screen adaptations) but the casting is fabulous and they absolutely capture the characters. 

Those not familiar with the book; Lou Clark finds herself being

employed as a carer /companion to Will. Will is a gorgeous live life to the full kind guy who after a tragic accident is bound to a wheel chair dependant on all to just manage the basics of living. He has promised his parents 6 months and they employ Lou as his companion. What evolves is a magical heartbreaking journey of discovery and one of the most romantic love stories bought to the screen.
I thoroughly enjoyed the film and cried at several key moments during the film as did the majority of the audience. The subject matter is controversial, but has been shown in a beautiful way and the film has had as profound affect on me as did the book. Huge applause to JoJo Moyes and the cast and crew.

It really is quite beautiful and I will see it again. For now I am reading book 2 and finding out what happened next.

This book / film will question your beliefs, it will make you treasure those that you love and it will make you #liveboldly. Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today.... 

Guilty pleasure .....

A few weeks ago I spent a lovely evening with my friend C celebrating her birthday with some fabulous food and then an evening of entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall. It is ages since we both have caught up in much detail and it was nice to spend some time chatting over dinner before we headed to what is one of my favourite venues in London. 

I had booked for her birthday tickets to see Michael Bolton, now those that know me well and have followed my blog over the years will know that this isn't the first time that I have seen MB and it a bit of a guilty pleasure for both me & C.

On arrival at the venue we had a little problem with our seat, and the lovely man was able to accommodate us by moving us and we ended up in a box for the night!...so much fun!

With Gabrielle warming up the crowd Michael opened to a lively audience of which he serenaded, rocked and crooned his way through an impressive set list. What I like about seeing MB in concert is that his sets are incredibly varied, an acclaimed songwriter he has the ability to cover multiple genres and generations with his songs that he has written for himself as well as others.

Set list for the evening included;

·         To Love Somebody

·         Sittin on the Dock of the Bay

·         Said I loved you but I lied

·         That's Life

·         You Don’t know me

·         Nessun Dorma

·         When a man loves a women

·         To make you feel my love

·         Time, Love & Tenderness.

We had a fabulous evening, singing and dancing along with many others and have no doubt that we will book again to see Michael when he tours again.

Tea & treats at Harvey Nicks

Last Saturday I spent a fun afternoon with friends having fun, shopping and a spot of afternoon tea.

The venue was Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and was a belated birthday treat from my friend C.
 Due to my friends ill health in the 2nd half of last year it hadn't been possible for us to get there, so decided on January when we could coordinate diaries.

On previous visits the restaurant at Harvey Nicks has been located away from the 5th floor food court in a lovely area. I was a little disappointed to see when we arrived that it has been relocated to an area adjacent to Yo Sushi and the Bar. The space is quite small and the tables are very near each other; not somewhere that lends itself to a leisurely ladies that lunch or afternoon tea. HN's have a small balcony seating area and we asked to be-seated there as we thought it would be a little quieter and relaxing. The only downside to this was that it is a smoking area, but we were quite fortunate that we were only bothered by this at the beginning of our tea as the large young male party that were drinking left before our tea arrived.

We opted for the classic afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones & pastries, also include were some mini quiches, which were delicious, and a sweet pineapple baba type dessert.
The tea was nice, my favourites being the quiche and the scones. The sandwiches and pastries were nice, but think Nicks is trying to be too adventurous with what should be a classic tea.
The service was excellent and the team couldn't have been more attentive. Seated under a heater, it was still a little chilly and the only thing that was lacking was the option of a blanket/throw to place on your lap / shoulders.
We still enjoyed is and we laughed lots and it was lovely to catchup.

A handtied bouquet of Cornish Life....

Today sees my friend Ali McNamara release her 6th novel The Little Flower shop by the Sea. Having received a
 pre-release copy as a birthday treat from Ali and having read it I can safely say that she has written another fantastic story with some fabulous characters.
The Little Flower Shop follows Poppy, who has recently inherited her grandmothers beloved flower shop in the village of Felix in Cornwall. Poppy and her brother Will spent many weeks each summer at their grandmothers, exploring the beaches & cliffs of this village. Some of their most special time's being spent exploring the secrets of Trecarlan Castle and listening to the wild stories from its mad owner Stan.
Grandmother Rose's bequeath of The Daisy Chain is accepted reluctantly by Poppy as she finds herself in Cornwall – somewhere she never thought she would return to. On Poppy's first day she meets Jake the local flower grower and owner of Miley (a very cute mischievous capuchin monkey) and a friendship starts to blossom. With a run-down flower shop to revamp, Poppy soon finds herself surround by a village community and friends of her grandmothers willing to help. For a girl who is more comfortable in her own company, opening up to strangers and accepting help doesn't come naturally to Poppy but soon she finds the magic of Felix and the Flower shop seeping under the tough exterior and into heart.
As with all of Ali's books the supporting cast of characters are as pivotal and strong to the storyline as the main character, and also have a way of capturing your heart My favourites in this book include Miley (the monkey), Basil (the basset, Jake (the hottie!!!) and Ant & Dec in the bakery!....
I absolutely loved his book and think it's my favourite read this year so far…. Loved it x
Thanks Ali for allowing me to visit Felix before other guests and tourists arrive…. It has been a joy and made my commute this week much more delightful. It evoked so many wonderful memories of childhood holidays along the coast of Cornwall; especially the cove of St Ives….. a magical blossom of a read.

A few weeks ago Ali and I caught up in London for a late lunch and to celebrate the new book. Our dining experience couldn't have been more appropriate; a slice of Cornish village life on the rooftop of Selfridges. Vintage Salt as previously shared is this year's rooftop dining experience for Selfridges and Des McDonald.

Going for the whole Cornish feel we opted for fish & chips which were huge and delicious. (the batter was amazing ) with chips and peas. Accompanied by raspberry lemonade... it was one of the hottest days of June when we visited so neither us could cope with alcohol & sunshine on a gorgeous afternoon.
Followed by 2 fabulous desserts it was a lovely leisurely lunch, gossiping and catching up on lots of book news.

As you can see we had much fun. Even taking a chance to have a giggle in the the drift bar beach huts.

Unfortunately I can't be at Ali's launch event today... hope that she has a fabulous day and I'm positive that the book will be a huge success.

May days....

how can we be halfway through May... this month I am failing miserably with Elizabeth's #BEDM so think I am going to just enjoy reading the posts that are falling into my list, and give up on trying to post daily.

Life has been a little rocky over the past few weeks, predominately work but also stuff going on personally, so I am hoping to get back on track this week with catching up with friends and stuff. Due to some changes and restructuring at work I have a new boss, which means probably some more change over the coming months.

I have a list of blog posts to update including some fun with Shaun the Sheep, a fantastic day celebrating Victory in Europe Day (VE day in London) which was completely unplanned and some day to day stuff including fun with Fitz & Darcy...

Last night I went for an early supper with friends followed by an impromptu trip to the cinema. It's been some time since I saw a film trailer that sparked interest for me to see on the big screen and not wait for the DVD, however Spooks ticked the big screen box.

For those of you that have followed by blog will know that I am a huge Spooks fan, and was interested to see how this movie translated to a big screen and could Kit Harrington follow in the footsteps of Rupert Penry-Jones and Richard Armitage.

Having watched the movie, I can claim that yes Kit Harrington does a great job as 'lead' Spook;

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, shear escapism, full of action and London looked fabulous on the big screen. Fans of the Bourne movies will enjoy this British version, it was great to see some old Spook favourite characters along with some new faces.... I hope that this isn't the only foray in the Spook movie franchise, as it is sadly missed on our TV screens.

Looking ahead I have a busy week planned; including an evening at the Theatre and an afternoon at the Chelsea Flower show as well as a busy week at work. Hopefully I will get some time for blogging and updates before May finishes!.... have a lovely Sunday evening and a great week... 

Fab Friday with Friends & Fashion...

As previously blogged March was a month where I spent most Friday's doing fun things involving fashion, food and  friends...
The last of my Fun & Friends Friday was a day filled with the above in decadent and gorgeous settings... the morning started with an trip to the Victoria & Albert museum to see the critically acclaimed Alexander McQueen exhibition. I saw this exhibition when it was originally staged at the Metropolitan Museum in New York 4 years ago and when I heard that it was coming to London I booked tickets as soon as they were released.

The exhibition is beautifully curated and showcases some of Mcqueens iconic pieces beautifully.
The exhibition is again sited across several rooms which are aesthetically styled to showcase the pieces to their maximum beauty. Original quotes from Mcqueen are engraved into the masonry which seem more poignant now than when I saw it originally in New York.

This feels more personal than NY and I was reduced to tears then, but London somehow feels more personal, especially as you hear Lee narrate his inspiration through sound-bites across each collection and room. It is very much about Lee the Londoner who was infinitely proud of both his London and Scottish roots.

Mcqueen started his craft as an apprentice within the tailors of Saville Row and it is this that sets him apart from his contemporaries and is evident across the designs on show. The first room that you enter is the London room and it is here that this inspiration is most evident.

Mcqueen was a genius of his art and craft, obsessive and so very gifted, this exhibition is a must for any fan of fashion and art. The V&A have done a fabulous job of bringing this exhibition to life and enhancing and evolving the amazing job that the Met did 4 years ago.... if you have a ticket enjoy it truly is a stunning exhibition, if you don't have a ticket then beg & borrow and see this before it closes in the summer.

The exhibition is staged at the glorious V&A, which was beautifully showcased in spring sunshine when we visited.

Fab Friday with Friends & Food ~ One Aldwych

With a busy work orientated January and February I was determined that once we hit March I would get out from behind my desk and spend some quality time with friends & loved ones. Planning fell that nearly every Friday in March turned into a “Friday with Friends” day. 

The first fell early in the month with my friend C’s surprise 60^th birthday, which gave me a chance to catch-up with many. The 2^nd was with my oldest friend K and a very lazy lunch at One Aldwych in London.

One Aldwych is a bit of a hidden gem just behind Covent Garden on the corner of The Strand & Aldwych. My previous experience at One Aldwych was when I visited for afternoon tea Charlie & the Chocolate factory style a couple of years ago.

We arrived for a lunch sitting at 1 and we left the restaurant at 5.30!... a very lazy lunch.

We were seated in a booth type table downstairs in the Axis restaurant. Dominic Teague is the executive chef at One Aldwych and prides himself on a a Modern British menu incorporating seasonal ingredients.

With an amazing selection to choose from we both opted for Organic pork, sea purslane, crackling and truffle emulsion to start, neither of us had had sea purslane previously and thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The pork was cut in thin slices, tender and very tasty. The truffle emulsion had a strong taste but didn’t over power, which can quite often happen.

For Main courses I chose Braised beef cheek in red wine and port, creamed potato and pancetta – and  a side of heritage carrots. With ‘cheeks’ being one of the on-trend dishes at the moment I was intrigued to try this, as it is something I wouldn't consider cooking myself. The flavour is quite strong but was completely complemented by the wine and port and succulently cooked to the point it melted in the mouth, accompanied by perfect mash and a glorious array of multi-coloured carrots it was a gorgeous dish for a chilly spring day.

K chose 28-day dry-aged rib-eye Denham Vale beef with slow-roasted tomatoes, French fries and béarnaise sauce – this looked amazing when it was presented and K said it was the best steak she had had.

After a leisurely rest it was time for dessert- our choices were crème  brûlée  & soufflé.

The Crème brûlée,was with poached Yorkshire rhubarb – sweet & sharp in equal parts.

Blackberry soufflé and blackberry ice cream – cooked to perfection the soufflé was gloriously sweet & sharp and was like a huge blackberry cloud in your mouth, complemented by a

Lunch was accompanied by a gorgeous bottle of Rioja Crianza, Romesa, 2010, Spain (Strawberry and blackberry. Vanilla and cocoa smoothness) perfect for our mains & desserts. It’s been a long time since I drank red wine and it was a lovely treat, especially as we were not rushed and could savour and enjoy over the afternoon.

All of the team were fantastic, attentive when they needed to be, what we both really loved was that they let us just sit and chat with no pressure to leave the table or hurry us up, the service was fabulous and the knowledge offered by all the team that we dealt with were a credit to the restaurant and hotel.

A huge thank-you to Mark Tucker who’s customer service was amazing prior to my visit

We had a lovely time and it really was a fabulous Friday with friends & great food.

Goodbye March, Hello April.....

Saying a late goodbye to March and a much welcomed hello to April... March was a roller coaster of a month filled with many trips down memory lane. It was a month of surprises, love, nostalgia, sadness and lots of friendship....
March kicked off with me picking up my new car, a fabulous little Fiat 500. I have had new cars before when I had company cars, but this is the first car I've driven out of the dealers that is mine!... I've had much fun driving around the city this month in my 500, styling my accessories to suit

Early March saw a surprise little 60th birthday soiree for my lovely friend C, where I made a cake for the birthday girl!.... featuring a little bit of leopard print, handbags & shoes. Late March saw 50 artfully designed Shaun the sheep located across London for a charity trail. I was very excited to find Liberty Shaun as my first sheep, planning a Shaun adventure in April....

Two occasions fell in March which enabled me to spend some time with my mum, Mothers Day was one and the anniversary of Gramps's passing. We have now got into a little routine where I pick her up and we go to the cemetery, followed by coffee & brunch at a little local cafe, it doesn't sound much but its a nice couple of hours.
March saw me loose a close colleague at work suddenly, which has devastated us all and completely changed the balance of my month and really has made me think hard about my work/life balance and making the most of every day.

March saw me spend time with loved ones, friends & family. My oldest friend K and I had a leisurely lunch at One Aldwych in London which was gorgeous. I also had another fabulous lunch at The Ritz with my friend C for her 60th birthday, which was preceded by a morning at the McQueen exhibition at the V&A and then a late afternoon at the Sky Garden in Fenchurch street which was stunning.
An evening that we all spent together was at the O2 seeing the Spandau Ballet boys on stage ... a fabulously nostalgic evening.
The end of March also saw another 60th birthday bash; this one a full Irish shindig for my friends partner John!.... held in a club that I used to work evenings behind the bar it was a real trip down memory lane, for so many more reasons than I am willing to share on my blog!....
My hair got its spring makeover with some burgundy foils, complimenting my blog theme for the month.

In-between the rain showers and even having a new car my sneakers have been used lots in March with trips to the station and gym.... all suitably styled with Longchamp, Kate Spade & Nike.
I am hoping to get out and about more in April, and surprisingly at the moment don't have many plans. I am sure that they will feature my Fiat  & Shaun the Sheep!... what was March like for you? ...

A night of True Gold....

Earlier this month myself & 3 girl friends spent an evening reliving our youth with the Spandau Ballet boys at the O2. It's no secret that I am a huge Spandau Ballet fan, so when the tickets for their highly successful Soul Boys of the Western World tour were released my fingers were poised over the keyboard to grab them as quickly as I could.
Spandau Ballet's True tour was one of my first big concerts that I ever attended back when I was 14 years old, nothing was going to stop me seeing the 5 back on stage 30 years later. It seemed 20,000 other people thought the same as the O2 was filled to the rafters.
Spandau Ballet have always managed to span a wide fan base and this was evident within the audience range that night; 80's Blitz club devotees, new romantics male & female and the middle age women whose idols adorned their bedroom walls in their teens. Rusty Egan warmed the crowd up with a DJ set playlist legendary from his Blitz club years, before Spandau hit the stage with their new track Soul Boy

The boys were back, Tony's baritone belting out across the O2,  the Kemp brothers strumming the base and guitar in rhythmic style flanking Tony on either side of the stage, Johnnie Keeble drumming and the incredibly talented Steve Norman strutting across the set, playing percussion and sax in infinite style.... Spandau were back!

Soul Boy lead into their Parade back catalogue; comprising of

Highly Strung 

Only When You Leave 

How Many Lies 

Round and Round all with some great clips of yester year

this led nicely into a couple of new tracks, produced with Trevor Horn as part of their Soul boys story.
This Is the Love and Steal before  taking us right back to the year of 1981 and the Blitz years.With a huge glitter ball dropping from the ceiling and a hardcore base and synthesised beat rippling out across the stage it was time to pull on the frilly shirts and party new romantic style.
kicking off with the classic Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)

Blitz Medley: Age Of Blows Intro / Reformation / Mandolin / Confused / The Freeze 

To Cut a Long Story Short and Raw followed

the band partied hard and finished with a heart-stopping tribute to Steve Strange, their friend & founder of the Blitz club who they had buried a few days previously. He would have loved to have seen the boys back on stage in such synthesized up style!
Glow (Instrumental played by band) After a fabulous instrumental medley from Martin, John and Steve which showcased their considerable talents as musicians, it was time for Tony & Gary to pop up in the middle of the audience for a small acoustic set of Empty Spaces and a fabulous audience participation of Gold.

Empty Spaces (Acoustic)

Gold  (Acoustic singalong with audience) demonstrating how far these two had become and what talented individuals they are

Once More
 I'll Fly for You

it was time for the huge hits back catalogue to get the crowd back on their feet with the boys launching into some of the crowds favourites....it was evident now that the 5 were having a ball and it really felt that issues that had kept the 5 estranged for so many years and been put aside and the crowd were loving it.

Instinction

Communication

Lifeline

2 hours whizzed past in a flash and it was soon time for the song that launched Spandau Ballet from a North London new romantic band into global superstars, millions of girls fell in love to this song and it still has the ability make me smile, sigh and remember the guy (aside from Tony Hadley) that I fell in love with to this song...

True

With 20,000 people on their feet serenading Spandau as loudly as Tony was belting out the bands classic hit, flanked by the Kemp brothers, and Steve Norman taking centre stage with his epic sax solo it really was hard to believe that 30 years had passed since this school disco classic had hit the No.1 slot across the world.

With feet stamping and shouts and claps of encore ringing around the arena the band took to the stage to finish the night with 2 of their biggest hits and favourites.... in the words of John Kebble it really did feel like the band had a better end.... with movie flash backs showcasing the struggles, friendship and love these 5 have had over the 30 years it really showcased how they had overcome the barricades to deliver True Gold..
Encore:
Through the Barricades

Gold

As with all legendary Spandau Ballet encores, the evening wasn't complete with a few bottles of beer and a jack daniels on stage to toast the evening with gold!

With a final that had every one on their feet it was time for the band to take an emotional bow and party with their loved ones.... allowing 20,000 people to leave south London with a golden glow in their heart and a smile on their face.

The Soul Boys tour will take the band across the world throughout 2015 to places that I imagine that they never thought would play again.... I hope that they enjoy those shows as much as I and my friends enjoyed the O2... it really has been a Journey of Glory for these 5 boys from Islington, and they delivered a truly stylish set of nostalgic gold. Having been at the Albert Hall for the movie premiere and the O2 for the 2009 reformation tour ut really does feel like this band has found the thing that made them great in their hey day and as a fan I am happy and thankful to have seen them back on stage together again. The 5 have still got it and flaunted it in style !                                            I shared some of my images on instagram the following day and to my delight it seems that Gary Kemp liked them too....