Day Out: Taste of London 2014

Foodie? This weekend Regents park plays host to the Taste of London Food Festival. Sample and buy food and drink from restaurants, bars and shops from around London. Watch demonstrations of cooking tips, recipes, and new products.

If you book in advance there are some sites that have special 2 for 1 deals. Otherwise booking in advance over the organisers website will save you a few pounds rather then paying at the entrance.

Personally I was a tad disappointed. As I brought my 2month daughter in tow trying to find food. I found more alcoholic beverages then anything. The food and drinks cost more then going out to eat for the size portions you get, so I'd advise you to eat before you arrive. Average cost of food is £4 for a small bowl of anything that looks like child's portions and £5-£10 for drinks.

As an avid baker I was hoping to see more demonstrations and at least one baking shop participate. All I found was a couple bread shops.

It was however an enjoyable day. Good idea for a date or even a day out for with your besties. As my friend put it we are 'ladies who lunch'

Go on try some culinary delights and have a few drinks, even have a bit of a dance at the silent dj stand.

www.london.tastefestivals.com

Organic Make Up

Burt's Bees - lip balm

I was researching organic skin care for babies when I came across this little fun "lip shade finder" questioner..

"What is your eye colour?"

"What is your hair colour?"

"Do you look better in gold or silver?"

As I was going to try out the nappy cream for my daughter I thought to treat myself as well. I bought the lip shimmer in fig.

It's slimmer then an average lip balm stick. It's smooth, gives my lips a slight minty tingle (not taste) and doesn't feel like it sits on top of my lips like a sticky residue. The colour they picked for me is actually nice a slight stain makes me think of autumn or that natural Bobbie Brown look.

Why not see what your natural bee colour is.

www.burtsbees.co.uk 

Neal's Yard Remedies - Mascara

I saw this featured in Stylist magazine as it was co created by them. When it comes to mascara I look for one that makes my lashes longer rather then fuller, and this one is said to be "the ultimate chemical-free lengthening mascara"

They talked about the wand, the wiper 

"as you pull the wand out you can actually hear it remove excess formula"

the ingredients and, the formula 

"uses a finely milled bamboo-derived silica to thicken the mascara, making it quick-drying and smug-resistant but not flaky"

It doesn't make a big difference on 1st try. It is soft, natural feeling and drys quickly. Apparently it should lengthen my lashes up to 85% and you should see a difference in 2 weeks. Watch this space.

It was advertised as being available in November, but its actually available now.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

bronzing powder, mascara and burt's bees xoxo

Ear Cuff: Ryan Storer

If you have read and seen my obsession of last years Ear Bling that was seen on the catwalks and models and as usual transcended on the likes of read carpets and music artist, you'll understand how happy I am to find the originals.

Ryan Storer jewellery.. My wish list!!

http://www.ryanstorer.com

YEY!!

Pregnancy Photo shoot: Shoot by Hobbs

No one really tells you how exhausting it can be to be pregnant. If your not sick you could be juggling work, home, midwife appointments and preparing for the new arrival. So I finally decided to go on maternity leave and spend some me time.

I have many pregnant, or just gave birth friends, after all we are at that age group now, and people have been asking if I was going to do a shoot. I hesitated since all the shoots I have seen are in studio, cheesy and all looks the same. I like to think there should be a feel and look to a photo. I just couldn't find someone that was giving me that creative individuality, and with my photography background I guess I was being more picky as I wanted less edited pictures something natural.

I pretty much thought not to do the shoot, till by chance whilst walking the dog with my sis, I come across a vintage shop with fashion, cafe, and photography.

Chloe Hobbs Photography.

We talked about what I was looking for and how she works and samples of her work, and there I knew I wanted to book her. I sent her samples of pictures I found on line, to show her the feel of what I was looking for. She also helped me book a make up artist and hairdresser, who was just next door!

Francesca MUA and Hair

Day of the shoot I turn up, was offered tea, tell Francesca what look I am going for, get a mini facial, have my glam face on and hair done. Francesca was also trained as a Midwife before going into Make Up and worked on shows like "Don't tell the Bride" so she was great and bubbly, understanding how to make you comfortable with your big bump. As I wasn't sure how it would look like on the pictures, she even came to see the test shots if I needed a touch up.

Chloe showed me some pictures that she had found so we both knew what we were trying to achieve. She had some clothes and accessories as well for me to try. Shoot lasted about 3 hours with about 3 costume changes. A butterfly even came into the room, so we took the opportunity to place it on my belly. I said before I don't want my belly out, but she made me comfortable and knowing the type of belly out pics I liked, it wasn't such an issue anymore.

I truly love my pics and would recommend both Chloe and Francesca to anyone who wants natural pictures and someone who will take their time with you. The only editing done to some of my pictures are the vintage colour grading! Me and bump have not been edited in any way and when I was doing my viewing selection it was so hard to pic between the shots and the edited and non edited versions as well.

Lets put it this way a girl from antenatal classes went with pixie. She was slotted in for an hour she felt rushed and could only pick large size photos. She said she wont be using them again.

Details:

Chloe Hobbs Photography

www.facebook.com/shotbyhobbs 

Francesca MUA

www.facebook.com/francescafonzarellimakeup

Looking back at Vouge Night Out 2012

This year is probably the first Vogue Night I'll be missing. I've been awol as the last 2 months I've been suffering from Hyperemesis, so far been in hospital 4 times for what is best to describe as extreme vomiting and dehydration seen in some pregnant women. Yes I'm pregnant and having a hard 1st trimester that blogging or anything has been on hold.

As an ode to my annual Vogue Night, I thought to put up the pics of last years. As last year I had no computer to post it.

Last year I went with friends and dinner at Patara after. The main attraction was the jive dancing stage out side Hermes and loudest party must have been Micheal Kors. It looked so packed and hands in the air rocking from outside!

 

I am upset I cant be there this year. Last year I was actually paped by a magazine. My hair was shaved on one side my outfit chinos rock vest and wedges. This year I was planning long tutu skirt.. oh well next year it is then.

The House Of Peroni: Master Class with Haizhen Wang

If you have been following my fan page on facebook you would have known about such events like The House of Peroni. In the month of July The House is hosting an array of art, food, and fashion, basically the Italian lifestyle. You can walk into the rooms and see the sculptures, photography, and art. Drink and eat on the roof garden. As well as attend master classes they are holding from fashion, food, drink mixing and DJing?

I went to the Concept to Catwalk hosted by Haizhen Wang. The winner of the Fashion Fringe award 2012, and with his own label launched in 2010.

He talked about how he goes from the idea to the sketches to the making of a pattern, and in that 2hr master class, little did I know I was cutting out paper and learning about bust points, and how to make a pattern, and darts, to pinning on a template on mannequin.

I might be going to another one next Sunday. Check out their website for more information and events. Its something different to do and if you miss this month, they will be back in November.

Details:

Location: 41 Portland Place London W1
Nearest Station: Regents Park
Admission: Free unless taking a class.
Classes: Range from £16.50 inc. charges (says £15 on the site) to £20. This inc a soft drink or a bottle of Peroni.

web links:

http://thehouseofperoni.com

http://www.haizhenwang.co.uk

Haul: Greek Shopping VieStyles

As every trip I try to do some what I like to think as country inspired shopping. Buy things you can not get in the UK and things that can be used here. Bets are you like it when people say where did you get that? knowing that they would have to travel themselves to get it! and you will always have something that wont eventually make the bin or collect dust.

In Lindos you can find lots of jewellery, clothes and home wear. It is slightly cheaper in Rhodes, But the market here for these types of items seem of a better choice for home wear at least. When at markets always shop around, most hidden ones tend to be cheaper and if your lucky hidden streets with hidden shops have hidden treasures!

I collect hanging lanterns to create a light piece in the corner of my room... So here is what I got for €16.50. A good luck ceramic hand painted with Rhodes Greece 2013 discreetly inked at the bottom. 

In Rhodes I bought jewellery. I already have an evil eye bracelet given to me, they have been fashionable for a few years now but also a tad superstitious. This came in different colours and you can tie it as a necklace or anklet.

Old town they say is more expensive then the new. But if your only buying things like magnets buy them back in the supermarkets. You can also find cheap bracelets there.

If your looking for something hand made then yes... you cant buy that at the supermarket.

These are hand made silver, gold plated.. and very Greek.. Square is meant to be good luck and circles are long life. Each one is different as they are hand made. Around €10 -€13 each

They also sell fur in Rhodes...

Finally just to show you what jewellery I wore on the beach....