nip it in the bud.

I would say I have been ‘living the average lifestyle’ recently. This I understand as making a living, saving money, spending a little on things you like, seeing out the rainy season, and accepting that most daily excitement comes in the form of the emerging signs of spring. But this also means I have passed the ‘3 month time period’ without travelling ANYWHERE outside of the UK, congratulations?! Nothing’s even booked, although Ibiza is on the cards for June, which is some consolidation. BUT, who needs a foreign expedition when the first rays beam down through the clouds in an english back-garden, surely this is the most deserved & wholly appreciated instance of patriotic morale in the world! We slogged through 7 months, battling the elements for that warm, (wouldn't go as far as hot yet) ambient light! The daffodil’s came out, the clocks changed, and British summertime nipped this feeling in the bud.

To keep the brain ticking over, I have been to a couple of exhibitions. The first was Taylor Wessing- Photographic Portrait Prize of 2010 at the NPG in january. This showcased the work of the best young & amateur photographers alongside professional’s work. In the Pub over a beer discussing the expo after viewing the gallery, Ted & I decided collections like that always have a certain number of raw images that are guaranteed to be there; The transvestite, the tainted adolescent teenager, the country girl, the nude, the gay man, the obese, the abused woman, the elderly portrait, an ethnical study shot, the black man, the working tradesman and probably something deceased somewhere in context. This is “exploring a range of themes in contemporary societies” Some of the images were beautifully taken, but can we find a new idea to document now? It was hard to get excited over this prize set of imagery. I also went to ‘Photographic Typologies’ at Tate Modern the other week that explored topics using photography to create multiple images of similar subjects, pioneered by the German photographer August Sander. This is a clever display created by ordering a series of work with either similar or contrasting subjects, which could then be read by themselves or together as a related group or story. A group of friends and I tried to go to the Rankin Live exhibition in Kentish Town too but it wasn’t open on the weekend, please open up, this is a must see! A weekday venture it will have to be. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/rankin-exhibition-london-article-9464.html

I got myself invited to the Institute of Travel Management charity Ball in Bristol this February which was a nice little surprise. I went to visit my friend Gemma, explored the city abit and later slipped into our best ball dresses & headed to a posh-as-you-like hotel! We were treated to a 4course dinner, drinks, dancing and won a free weekend at the Hilton in Cardiff!! The next day we thought we would carry on a good thing and went for a full roast dinner at the Hilton, Bristol. I think I made the sensible decision to go on a weeks detox after that.

Work has been pretty interesting recently as I’ve been trained up to do more work with magazine promotions which I’m enjoying. I also had another event to organize, which was the catwalk final of a competition we run at the studio with Model’s Plus, London. There were 50 models, and so I absolutely relied on the Choreographer to kick them into shape before the evening show, Lisa was amazing! We also had help from Anna Watts (Miss London) and Stevie the model agency director. We had a full house at the venue for the show, the DJ created a really good atmosphere, everything went to plan, but I didn’t let go of my clipboard and was very glad I wore flat boots as I ran a lot that day! Looking forward now to our winner’s photoshoot coming up in the studio, we have had a big refurb in the building adding more sets, including a full size retired London taxi cab, so that’s going to look pretty cool.

Whilst waiting for this year to wake up, I’ve been exploring a few of the city’s social hubs. To name some favourite places; The Piano Bar, book a table & then get serenaded by various super talented pianists on a big grand glass-top piano. Dogstar, Brixton, a pub-like venue that suddenly switches, packs out, and gets dub-tastic through the night! Fabric Club, Charterhouse Street, BIG guest DJ’s. Buena Vista, aka ‘The Rum Bar’, Clapham, a small intimate place decorated in Cuban/ Spanish décor, with amazing bar staff and cocktails. The Kensington Rooftop Gardens, so pretty its worth a peak www.roofgardens.virgin.com/en/the_roof_gardens/the_club . The Hospital Club, Covent Garden, a lift upto a Maze of rooms and members only cinema screen viewings. Soho House London, a snug of a venue where your bound to spot a celebrity or two.

To eat; St Christopher’s Place, fine dining and cafés between Selfridges and Bond Street so you know its good! ‘Windmill on the Common’ Clapham, lovely for a Sunday lunch with mates, best muscles in town. Bar Italia, Frith Street, opposite the famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Pumping out smooth coffee & loud tunes until the early hours of the morning, very busy place with a special formula.

And for something alternative; Night out at the Dogs! Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium, makes great fun out of your spare change ☺

I think I might go and plan a holiday now, or make a daisy chain...