Wednesday, 12 August 2015

Breaking Ankles Beautifully

Why do we do it? My knees often hurt after walking in flats: in heels, well that is another degree of pain! To add to that I will openly admit that I cannot steadily walk (even ten steps,) like an average human being in anything higher than 2 inch heels! I may be more clumsy than most, however you do not have to go far to see women stumbling in stilettos. I would love to know the injury statistics of such stylish shoes. But would that stop us from stomping around in them? I highly doubt it! We may have a giggle or two as we recall our personal shoe predicaments ...But at the end of the day beautiful footwear just has to be worn and is worth the pain! 



The history, of the hellish heel has been explained extensively but excitingly in an the exhibition:Shoes Pleasure & Pain at the V&A, London. 

Some spectacular shoes, including iconic designs and cultural creations wall the wonderful space. 
Upstairs describes the design and production process of producing the perfect pair and the future fashions for footwear. 

The perfect size. I highly recommend those with a love for shoes or design to make time to visit this visually vibrant collection. 



Can't get to the spectacular shoe showcase? Or maybe you need something to inspire and accompany an opulent visit to the V&A? If you haven't already, I highly recommend all fashion fanatics watch the Channel 4 Documentary: Louboutin - The Worlds Most Luxurious shoes. The designer's dedication to his job - his life - is admirable, inspirational and astonishing. His beautiful creations cry quality which more than justifies the fame and fortune the footwear brand bestows. Wear-ability isn't key for all of the decadent designs, but the desirability definitely does not falter as
a result, proving the pleasure is worth the pain! 

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

Economy and Cake, Past and Present

Sometimes I have too much to write about ... that often means I struggle to find time to collate all my thoughts into posts. 
Like exercise, blogging is hard to return to after a break... especially when that break includes living my last few weeks in New York, and then mourning my move away from the city that never sleeps!


However, today I took my Grandma for a typically British morning delight, consisting of tea and scones. This is when my kick start story surprised me.  Unfortunately I was made aware Jennie's Tea Room on Wellogate, Grimsby sadly closes its doors tomorrow. "A real family business offering premium quality teas, fresh coffee & delicious cakes" has been a favourite of mine with its old fashioned music, style and good service.
Enjoying the pleasant atmosphere today with the even more pleasant scone and hot chocolate that I devoured, it was clear to see how much the cafe will be missed by its regulars of all ages. 


It is a real shame how much loved, independent businesses are those that struggle most in the current economical climate. Grimsby and the surrounding area is a prime example of this economic struggle for many businesses both independent and otherwise. 

Come and support the truly tremendous tea rooms in its final day of service, and grab a scrumptious sweet or savoury snack... I definitely intend to go one last time to this cute coffee shop, so I may see you there! 

Thank you Jennie's for your fabulous service!


Sentimental customers can also grab a piece of Jennie's at the closing sale Thursday 11th August also at the old shop. 




Wednesday, 17 June 2015

SWEET Treat

It's Wednesday, you're halfway through the working week well done!
In Boston today? Like Cupcakes? If so SWEET  could be the place to treat yourself for all your hard work. With six beautiful bakeries in and around Boston, each with a variety of delectable delights its hard to resist!
Maybe the whole office is in need of a pick-me-up or are celebrating something? SWEET Bakery offer both an advance pick up and delivery service especially for such occasions. Convenient cupcakes...could it get any better? To take a look at the mouthwatering masterpieces or for more information check out their social media platforms.
Facebook:   facebook.com/SweetBoston
Twitter: @SweetCupcakes_
Pintrest: pinterest.com/SweetBoston/
Instagram: instagram.com/SweetBakeryBoston


Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Designer Dover St.

I will admit that when I have visitors here I often learn something about the city I did not know. On this occasion I had never heard of Dover St. Market... in New York anyway! However, I am so glad I was introduced to it. A quirky, magical, and yet somehow sophisticated space combines collections from a mix of designers that you wouldn't usually see placed together. 

The garments sold here have clearly been selectively chosen, which allows the focus to be on their amazing designs and construction. 

This is arguably one of the best places I have been in the city for customer service: the intense training and briefings the staff have here is obvious. 


From  a design point of view the space has been used magnificently. Each floor was like a set for a modern show. This display definitely aids the sales of the beautiful clothes. 

The customer can definitely be defined as artistic here: even people watching from the delicious cafe on the ground floor is fabulous. 

With various locations world wide, I highly recommend a visit to at least one! 

Thursday, 11 June 2015

Polaroid in the Park

I had the pleasure of hosting my friend for the last few days of her six month stint in America. We have been close since the beginning of secondary school and so it was nice to share such a big experience as living abroad. 

Both very much in love with all things retro, we just couldn't resist marking the occasion with a Polaroid picture when we came across the service in Central Park.  

Central Park Polaroids is ran by Brian Fass, and for just $7 you can have a lovely keep sake to take home with you. 
It is friendly service that appreciates both the art of photography and the special stories behind each image. The photographer even kindly took a second picture for us free of charge because the image didn't develop properly - which wasn't his fault at all! 
The old style image adds that extra magic to each experience and Fass is very much aware of this, also documenting people's stories in a short film. 

If you find yourself in Central Park anytime soon and want to remember the event find Fass! 
Check out Central Park Polaroids on Facebook! 

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Jumping over East River

Ok so you can't actually jump over East River but you can ride 200ft over it! 
For just a standard New York MTA subway charge you can travel from New York to Roosevelt Island on a 4 minute cable car journey. 


The views are outstanding, and even with a maximum of 125 other people sharing this fabulous experience with you!.. In fact if anything it adds to the atmosphere!  Travelling at 16mph for a duration of four minutes, there is plenty of time to take some great pictures. 

The trams run every quarter of an hour from 6am- 2.30am from the Tramway Plaza, 59th St., 2nd Ave. to Roosevelt Island. 

The island itself is definitely worth the visit  with the New and beautifully tranquil Franklin D. Roosevelt- Our Freedoms Park and spectacular views of New York City!

(Statistics from NY.com 09/06/2015)

Curiosities and Wonderments

For a special and beautiful, but different gift...even if that is a gift to yourself, these items designed and fabricated with love maybe what you're looking for! 
Stern Design Works describes themselves perfectly as: 
"Jewellery - Sculpture
Curiosities - Wonderments"
They could really add that little extra originality to an outfit and make it sparkle!
 
A magical stall of these wonderful pieces can be found in Chelsea Market, New York. Otherwise check out their website for their fabulous offerings: www.sterndesignworkd.com