Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 51: New Music? Yes Please!!

I watched some of the Grammy's today and I may of found some new acts to lend my ears too.

Bruno Mars, B.o.B and Janelle Monae did an amazing performance showcasing a song of theirs.

Bruno Mars has been on our radios for a few month and boy is that guy talented. Piano, Drums, dancing feet.. Loving him. So much so, that I think I maybe owning a copy of Doo-waps and Hooligans very soon.

Janelle Monae. WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! Voice. Energy. Fantastic talent. I think I will be stealing the album from my housemate as someone with this much charisma should not be overlooked!

Another artist that emerged from what seemed like nowhere, are a band called Lady Antebellum. I think they have just hit mainstream in the US so I don't know how long it will be until they reach our airwaves but I never thought I would say I enjoyed listening to a Country band. I have only heard 1 song (which I will post below) but I am intrigued about their other work. You tube me up!!

Other stand out performances (good and bad - I will let you decide!, Cee Lo in a half bear half bird outfit, Gwyneth Paltrow dancing on his piano, Rhianna getting jiggy with a hoodie around a fire, Muse front man Matt Bellamy getting all mushy over his pregnant girlfriend, Nicole Kidman caught singing along with Katy Perry and Will Smith busting some moves to Beiber!

I'm off to run my itunes and youtube in to over drive.

Night All and enjoy the week ahead

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 50: Post - Brits

The Brits.

Famous for being a right royale, **** up with numerous notable ones over it's 31 years.

This year, I missed it on the night it so I caught up over the weekend on the performances and awards.

Compared to the other Brits, it seemed pretty calm! No bums exposed and not as many swear words. Maybe this was due to the re-jig of the format to have more emphasis on the music, which is what the awards are about after all. 

There were some great performances and some AMAZING performances, namely Adele and Mumford and Sons. No flashy props or overkill sets. Just pure voices in an effortless performance.

I think all awards were well deserved in most categories....(Lets not talk about the Beiber).

If this is the winning format for the BRITs now, long may these awards reign as I felt it was about the music and for once, I wasn't wanted to break the TV because of the bad jokes that had been scripted or the shocking apperances of the nomination hosts.

Well Done to the BRITS. You have a fan once again.

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 49: Train Spotting

Commuting back to my homelands, I decided to jot down my observations.
Busy concourse at Victoria, suitcases all around.
Men in suits running through the station to the platforms to take them their destination.
Took a seat on the train. To my Right, Facebook addict next to me. Updating status and geo-tagging.
To my left, tinny noise seeping from headphones.
In front, I see a grown man in a bobble hat on a man's lap drinking wine from plastic cups.
Discarded free sheets all around the carriage, high and low
With a pastie smell drifting through the carriage.
Bing-Bong. The next stop is mine.
Familiar sights woosh by
I see bright lights.
The bright lights of home.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 48: Masterchef - xfactor style

MASTERCHEF is back.

As a youngster I always used to be bored by Masterchef when my parents watched it. Those were the days with one TV in the house and you had to like it or lump it. Now, I find it interesting and even though I have other things to be getting on with I am drawn in to watching it.

Tonight, I watched the new series on Masterchef and it's gone all XFACTOR on us.

The chefs are now preparing their dish and then taking it in to a room with the judges to finish creating and plating. Once ready, drunk looking John Torode and Gregg ' I wanna get all over that dish ' Wallace try their food and decide.. Do they get a clean white apron with a M on it or not! If their dish doesn't cut the mustard (*giggles to self*), they have to push their food trolley out the door to consolation hugs from their loved ones, with their apron strings between their legs

Masterchef hasn't changed that much that they get an apron for cooking well, its to symbolise they are through to the next round when the 'heat is really on!'

Why change the format masterchef!? We enjoyed it the way it was before. Now it seems so copycat and not orginal. I bet Mr. Grossman was screaming at the TV too!

I'm still going to tune in next week, it looks like it might go all Hell's Kitchen on us!

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 47: The start of something new??

I'm going to be needing this tomorrow... it could pave a way!

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 46: Reflection

Sitting on the tube.

I turn right.

I see someone looking back at me.

It's me.

My reflection.

In a dirty window.

Somehow I look better.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 45: Will you be my Valentine?

Valentine's.

I speak to most and it's agreed that it is too commercialised and they don't take want to take part... but a card would be nice!

My better half and I decided to buy something small for each other and I liked doing that as it's not something heart emblazoned or chocolate coated and filled. We got each other something as a token and seeing the smile on his face and hearing him laugh was the best part of it.

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 44: And the winner is...

My BAFTA Highs and Lows

HIGH - King' Speech won some well deserved gongs!

LOW - Tim Burton.. zzzzzzzzzzz

HIGH - Hoorah! to Harry! Winner of the Outstanding Contribution

LOW - It's depressing how beautiful Jessica Alba is!

HIGH - Dominic Cooper & Rosamund Pike's autocue hell.

LOW - The reminder of the greats that have passed away. " I am serious... and don't call me Shirley".

HIGH - Four Lions won an award for the best debut by a director. A great film I would recommend

LOW - Gemma Arterton didn't win rising star

HIGH - Christopher Lee. What a legend

LOW - Helena's Speech.. LONG!

HIGH - Jonathan Ross's comment after Helena Boham Carters Speech.

Going to finish on one final high...

ANDREW GARFIELD! *heeeeeelllllllllllllllllllooooo! :P x*

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 43: Giant Jelly Babies

I'm thinking I may have to take a visit to see these statues in Marble Arch.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11549879

It could be a great opportunity to practise different lighting and settings with my camera.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 42: Furry Feet

Ill.

Wrapped up.

These bad boys keeping my tootsies warm

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 41: Breath!

Imitate me by *pinching nose* and saying "I godda blocked up knos"

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 40: Stick a Fork in Me - I'm Done!

Residents, Tourists or workers of London, lend me your ears!

Looking for a reasonably priced eatery that offers a taste of various cusines from the globe?

Then you must go to Kitchin N1 in Kings Cross.

I must confess early on that this is not my first visit to Kitchin, or my second. It's my sixth! Kitchin has been the place that I have taken parents, friends and a date and everytime I have been, I have stuffed my face!

For just under £15 per head, you can indulge in the delights of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Italian and the newly introduced, Japanese (Sushi).

It is a buffet restaurant with an open kitchen in the centre where you can see the chef's at work. The best part of Kitchin is the Stir-fry section.

It's brilliant! You choose your own ingredients and pile it on a plate. You hand this to the Chef and you can add Chicken, Prawns or mixed seafood to the meal. He will then ask you how hot you like it and in the wok it goes! Your dish gets swished around and made to order and in a few minutes it's steaming hot on a plate ready for you to enjoy.

I ate A LOT and 4 plates and 10 spring rolls later I felt huge, but very much satisfied!

Without a doubt, I will be back again!

 

and hopefully with room for desserts!

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 39: Note Taking

Got to put the theory into practise at my course on Tuesday.

It was interesting, if not difficult at first as I was in a group with 4 people who didn't really talk! I had to lead, which I wasn't comfortable with!

It was a great lesson though, I got to use my brain and put my understanding on the topic in to good use.

We didn't do bad, but there is still areas to read up on. I can't wait 'til my text book arrives :o) *GEEK ALERT!*

[Good use of two coloured pens apparently!!]

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 38: Monday Observations

I spotted something today and it inspired me to write a list of observations to share with you. Today, I spotted the following:

Big Grin! - " A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks" 

Today, I saw a huge smile. A smile of relief. A smile of joy. A smile of someone who got an opportunity. A smile of someone who took the opportunity. Then I saw a smile, mine. I was smiling for this person and how happy they are.

A Look of worry! A look of Anger.

At Kings Cross tonight, some guy decided to get his foot stuck in the door of the tube train. He ran for the train and as he took a step, the doors closed on his foot. One foot on the tube, the rest of his body on the platform. He tried to raise the alarm and attention of the platform working but waving. No noise. Just a jolly wave and a look of worry across his face.

The doors opened and as he smiled with relief, everyone else looked at him with anger or disdain. I am sure as soon as those doors shut again, there were some very loud tuts and huffs to be heard.

A Not So Dreary London - "London is so grey!"

Not tonight! Tonight, I saw a red coat and on the other side of the street, another. Then from automatic doors from Tesco's another red jacket appeared before my very eyes with another ahead of me crossing the zebra crossing.Shaking my head in disbelief, I looked up to find a red jacket smoking by the doors of the tube

5 Red Jackets in 1 day.

London obviously does have vibrancy after all.

Shuffle me up Baby!

My ipod sometimes bores me. I feel let down by the 1000 plus songs I have on it and I always find myself skipping. (Want to ease this woe of mine?? Click here!) Tonight, on my interesting journey home I was treated to the back to back toe-tapping, finger drumming joys of:

David Bowie - John, I'm only dancing

Jimmy Eat World - A praise chorus

White Lies - To Lose my Life

Muse - Plug in Baby

Feeder - Buck Rogers

White Rose Movement - Love is a number

The Beatles - I want to hold your hand

Editors - Bones

Supergrass - Pumping on your stereo

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 37: Creative Writing

I personally don't think I have got the hang of this creative writing. I feel a lot like I'm writing emails or texts.

There are a lot people out there that have amazing ability to write so well and draw you in to their world.

On Sunday, I read a blog by one of the 'One a Day' project bloggers as it was recommended by the project boss, Pete. He did advise us that is a difficult read as it is so personal to the writer, Daniel and also such a tragic story.

Daniel is posting parts, day by day and so far I'm up to Day 5 and what this guy has been through so far is just so .................. I can't even think of the right word but his writing has really struck a cord as I'm drawn in and find myself shedding a tear or two.

I don't know Daniel but what I do know is that he is a very brave man to put this very personal account of a tragedy into words and make it so public.

If you would like read Daniel's story, it starts here

Another writer, who I am extremely jealous of is my mate Gemma. Gemma, I have known for many, many years and she is amazingly talented in many respects as well as an amazing friend. Gemma, inspired by my lacklusturous efforts has started her own blog which I am so jealous of! It's a cute little blog where Gemma often reflects on her memories and her most recent project, her new home!

If you have five minutes, take some time to read Gem's Blog and smile along with the all too familiar memories of been a lot smaller and a lot younger than we are now.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 36: Oh Procrastination... i'll finish that line later

I wanted to tidy the house the other day. It needs a hoover and an all round good scrub.

I donned my 'knocking around the house' clothes. You know the clothes that your mum used to tell you to wear when you were at home, for fear of you getting your 'best' clothes dirty or ruined.

Hoody and Joggers - Check!

Bin Bag - Check!

Oooo.. someones messaged me on facebook..

DOH!

Goodbye an hour what could of been a massive clean up operation!

I pulled myself together and started to put some washing on and started tidying my room. Radio blearing out some classic 90's tracks causing quite a few air punches and air guitar of an elite standard. The mini clean up was going well. Socks matched up and rolled up, clothes folded or hung, put a few bits and bobs away, all good stuff until I clocked the time. It wasn't long until I had to ditch this and get my glad rags on to head out for a night on the town.

Decided to put the dinner on, finish my room and get ready to go out. Except Mr. Procrastination decided to pop by again.

Don't worry, I didn't put off the dinner!

Just the completion of the task I started 6 hours ago!!

So I'm still sitting in a pig-sty... I guess I will start again in a bit :/

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 35: Note to self: Be aloof in a mini-cab

After catching up on 4OD, my eye caught this image!

WELOME TO ROMFORD - a one off documentary set inside the mini-cabs that service the Romford area.

It's all eeriely familiar, falling asleep in a cab, singing BADLY with friends and the all too common 'You had a good night tonight??'

I found myself giggling a lot watching this, with some great characters caught on film. There were a few mouth wide open moments that I couldn't quite believe.

Got 25 minutes to spare, then watch WELCOME to ROMFORD. You will certainly think twice when your in a cab tonight!

 

 http://www.channel4.com/programmes/welcome-to-romford/4od#3160916

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 34: Fashion! Turn to the left! Fashion! Turn to the Right

Anyone ever look at someone and think.. 'Wow if only I could pull that look off! I love everything that they are wearing but I would look like a idiot if I tried!"

That happened to me today. This girl looked amazing. Playsuit, heels and a cute bag with a cape style coat. If I put that together in an ensemble together, I would look like I had a fight with a sale rack in TKMaxx and lost.

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 33: Adj. defeated - not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome

Wednesday.

Mid week.

A blue, blue day.

[ My face, for most of Wednesday - attractive eh! ]

Today, I felt defeated. When I was penning this, I wasn't sure defeated was the right word. I looked up a definition and I still wasn't sure until I saw a few posts on google from forums and blogs.Most of the people who had posted seem to be in a worse frame of mind than myself, however the message was still the same.

I felt god damn awful today, possibily due to the fact that I was tired but all I wanted to do was get up from my desk and walk. Walk out into a cold breeze and walk. I don't know where to, but just wander aimlessly.

I think I felt defeated as it feels like I have so much on and so little time to organise myself and complete tasks and duties. My work finish time is a haze, it drags on to a hour which most would see as unreasonable, but its the only way I can seem to manage things.

On top of this, I have other things playing on my mind and I cannot seem to socialise or break away from the work mode. This is not resting well in my relationships and I am awaiting the moment when they crack too.

My definition of deafeted maybe different to the Oxford or Collins one, or to anyone elses but to me, to be defeated means I am failing to or have failed to acheive.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 32: Make Me Laugh!

I starting reading a book today. One that my Grandparents kindly bought me for Christmas.

I have starting to read in to the life of Michael McIntyre, not everyones favourite comedian but one I think that is generally liked by most. (If you are not part of the majority, sorry if this blog affends your eyes!)

I have only read the first few chapters and the writing style is very much like Michael's speaking and performance style. I even find myself, reading it (in my head) in the same way he speaks and imaging the animated head wobbles and arms being waved around. 

So far, he is discussing the early years of his life (yes,I know this is the generally the way autobiographies begin!) and I am finding myself smiling through the paragraphs as he describes his mixed ethnicity and the characteristics of his family members.

So far, a very easy book to get into and I am looking forward to learning more about his hysterical and embarrassing stories of growing up and how he became famous.

I cannot wait to get to the photo pages though, oooo there are some crackers!

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 31: 1 Month down, 11 to go

31 Days on, this is still hard work.

What inspires me to going, is the fact that there are people reading this. So, Thank YOU, for your support and if you have commented via the box below or on facebook/twitter or even in person, Thank YOU again for taking the time to do so, it is encouraging and does make me want to continue it.

Finding inspiration is the toughest thing. As the title says, this is meant to be a Photo-blog but unfortunately the areas I seem to pass through are not inspiring really, which is sad considering I work and live in a pretty random and vibrant city. So I apologise for the basic and crappy clip-art but I think a picture of some form keeps you all interested (she hopes!!!!!!!!).

With all your support, I would love to make it Day 60, so I welcome all your support in any form as I want to unlease my creativity on you all... if I can find it first.

 

Thank you once again

xxx

 

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 30: I blame inflation and the VAT rise

Since when did these guilty pleasures become so pricey?

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 29: Planning the perfect send off

Planning a Hen Night. Daunting.

Getting a response. Frustrating.

Seeing all the possible ideas. Exciting.

Costs. Vague.

Time Constraints. Limiting.

Making it a success.  Pressuring.

.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 28: And the winner is!....

My Raffle Prize at the staff party :)

xx

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 27: Falling behind - #FAIL

I'm writing this post for Day 27 (Thursday) in the last remaining minutes of Day 29!

Messed up eh!

Trying to conjour up a story or a post is challenging as nothing caught my eye on Thursday nor did anything exciting happen.

I guess you could call today, or this day a write off!

 

EPIC FAIL!

Please feed me inspiration!

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 26: Pricey Rant

There is never a day when Jordan, I mean Katie Price, no wait... I mean Jordan as she's blonde again now but there is never a day when she is not in the media. Obviously the most recent thing about her is the break up of her marriage to cross-dressing-cage-fighter.

Her press stated that the break up was due to Alex Reid beign fame hungry and using her to up his status.

Funny as this comes from the women who has sold her implants online.

Katie Price has a price for everything and will promote or sell anything.

I think the majority will agree with me when i say, I don't think Alex is entirely to blame. She is as fame hungry as him and it just shows how unaware of her actions and words she is and how it makes her look.

But she doesn't care as the press love her and she loves the them, even though she pretends she doesn't when they don't post her in the best light.

Out of everyone, I feel sorry for her very adorable children. Let's hope this lifestyle and the constant upheaval doesn't leave them with a negative outlook on things, especially families and close relationships.

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 25: My First Day

At First, I was nervous, heart racing, worried.

Apprehensive about the unknown.

Not knowing what to expect.

 

Waiting.

I waited around a long time before it started.

I was extremely early.

I started to recognise all the familiar noises that are linked with being inside this establishment.

Screeching, Shouting, hundreds of footsteps pounding the corridors and stairs.

At first they rested uneasy. I sat rigid like I was attending an important interview.

I started to relax and occupy my mind by reading the daily free sheet whilst munching on my homemade sandwich.

 

Clock watching. The minutes ticked by in slow motion.

I wanted to leave the lingering looks and get settled in my new environment of which I will spend time in for the next 10 weeks.

After what seemed like forever, I took a slow walk down the spiral staircase to my room.

The beats of my heart got faster again with the anticipation and nerves.

 

There it was. My classroom.

With a handful of students, equally as early.

Awaiting the lecture who could possibly change our careers.

 

The big hand struck half six and the I experienced an exciting, hope filled 2 hours.

I feel if I get all this and understand it, I will stand a greater chance of becoming who and want I want to be.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 24: My most useful friend

[An attempt at a Rhyme, which is all I could think of tonight! Sorry if it's a bit rubbish and if I offend any poetry bods!]

Google This. Google That.

Who is that twat in the hat!?

 

Google Here. Google There.

Where can I buy lacey pink underwear?

 

Google Him. Google Her.

Read about that hot new rumour.

 

Google Near. Google Far.

Why can I buy that new car?

 

Google a map. Google directions.

Search for images of perfection.

 

Google's there when I need it to be.

Summon a search and in seconds, Google is there in front of me.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 23: Sunday Night Ambience

Chilling out with a few candles this evening

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 22: Last night a DJ Saved my life

My iPod bless it's little size and contents but my god it's boring me.

It never runs out of things to entertain me with.

It even want to entertain me in the early hours of the morning.

But, it needs to change the record!

 

So readers, I need some recommendations of new music whether it's an artist or album or maybe their current single.

I want you

to help me spice up my iPod!

 

Enter your inspiration in the comments box below, Thanks

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 21: Getting Nervous

4 DAYS TO GO

 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 20: Proud

It's nice isn't it when someone recognises what you have done. A pat on the back is great and appreciated but when you received further recognition it gives you a sense of pride and those around you are proud of you and your achievements.

Today, I am proud of my boyfriend. Soppy, yes but he has worked his socks of over the last 12 months and tonight he is being awarded at this companies annual banquet for his achievements.

He's been through some ups and downs in his department but his passion for his job and his great rapport with his client has got him through it.

To be recognised for his huge achievement which other members of his team have not been unable to come close to, highlights how much of an asset he is and how much he is appreciated.

I can't be there tonight (well guests are not allowed), so this is my way of saying to him how proud I am

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 19: Hospitals

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I went to the hospital today (Wednesday) and you have preconceptions of what you are about to see, hear and smell. These preconceptions are based on past experience, what others have told you and what you may have seen on the telly or in the papers.

You know that smell. Those whitewashed walls, with neutral coloured surroundings. The moans and groans. The intermittent bleeping of the machine at someone’s bedside.

This either rest comfortably with someone or makes them uneasy, which is silly I guess when your supposedly in a safe place.

This hospital I went to seemed different to others. There was no over kill of an iffy disinfectant smell lingering in the corridors, stairwells or wards. Everywhere was bright, airy and clean and the wards were quiet with the beeping machines not even registering their presence with me. And the staff, they seemed happy to be there. A rarity I am sure from what you read and hear.

I don’t know if this hospital is an exception to the rule but if it is all others should take a leaf from their book and maybe the publics’ impressions and opinions of our hospitals will change.

 

 

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 18: A "B***h" of a commute

Another rant, you lucky lucky, patient people.
Just a short whinge about someone who thinks that the fact that they own a blackberry and wear heavy black frames on the tube makes them uber important darrrrling!
Not saying that everyone who owns a Blackberry and black framed specs is like this because your not, my moan is about this one particular lady of who I have the pleasure in sharing a tube with every other week.
She's probably late twenties to early thirties, swings her bag around when she gets on the tube to clear a walkway for her and her giant head and then tuts when she can't get a seat!
Oh yes, she's one of those. I'm sure you have all encounter one of these desirables on public transport.

[Not my photo]
The girl isn't old, pregnant or has any sign of a disability but she really gets annoyed when she can't plonk her boney arse & giant bag down whilst her elbows are out 90 angles as she rummages for her vasline with one hand and checks her BB with the other.
Today she brought an extra move out the bag.
On we got, she tried to push in front of everyone (must of saw a seat that didn't exist)
Stood and huffed and continuously looked around.
Tried to read the Metro whilst the tube was in motion and failed as she wasn't holding on to anything and fell into me.
No apology.
Then she finally decided after checking her BB for the millionth time, to put her bag on the floor
Shuffle backwards and LEAN ON ME!
The audacity of this woman!
So I made a series of tuts, throat clearing coughs and 'accidental' elbows in her back as the tube jostled about.
Luckily for her, I was getting off at Kings Cross. If wasn't getting of she would of felt the rath of my commuter rage.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 17: Getting healthy is mega £££

So how many of you are on a

- New Year Detox?

- Free trial at the Gym?

- Weight loss programme?

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They can be all quiet different but one thing they are not different on is cost. They are so expensive and the deals they try to lure you in with are quite frankly - poop.

I am looking to start a exercise regime. Nothing to heavy. Nothing too committed as my non- existent-work-life balance doesn't allow it. I remember the good old days of pay as you go. I used to go the gym and pay to use the pool or gym as and when I felt like it. Suited me down to the ground that arrangement but it doesn't seem to be available anymore or if it is, it is damn pricey.

My local Gym/Pool/Group Class vicinity is a chain but not one of these big ones that get plastered all over the papers. It's run in partnership with the council. Cheap you would think.

Nope. £5.60 for a class! But if you sign up for a membership (£34.50 per month for a resident) so still have to pay £4.20 a class. Not right at all. I have been to a few council run fitness centres in the past and you could pay as you go or pay a monthly fee and pay something silly like a £1 to attend a class.

There needs to be an option for those like me who, can't be that committed but at the same time is affordable. The options open to me are going to eat £40 a month from my pocket and I might only use the facilities once a month. I'd loose more ££ than sweat!

I am hoping the launch of payasugogym.com will be my saving grace!

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 16: A good ol' Sunday Lunch [in a pub]

I do love a good Sunday Roast.

I also love a good pub.

So imagine my luck when I stumbled upon (Well I saw it when I was on the bus one day) a charming little boozer called The Betsy Smith on the Kilburn High Road.

It looks really smart and clean on the outside, doesn't have that 'Old Man Pub' aura. I did a bit of research on the side before my housemate and I headed there and was pleasantly surprised with what was on offer. As we had done a bit of research we were ready to experience to crazy decor that the Betsy Smith has to offer.

The pub has that Gastro-Trendy pub feel without the expensive price tag. Everything is reasonably priced and what you would expect to pay in a pub. 

Wooden Floors, a decent size bar, Lots of Lampshades, Mirrors and Birdcages are what you are see when you arrive.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

We chose our seats and we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who offered to get us a drink. I asked for a J2O which they didn't have and he recommended a 'Crapple', sounds gross but it's not. It's simply Apple & Cranberry Juice. I loved it.

We chose a Sunday Roast to fill our empty stomachs and we were not disappointed. My housemate had Lamb with a very generous amount of Mint Sauce and I had the Roast Chicken.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Portions were plentiful but not too filling. We both had empty plates and were very impressed with the quality, quantity, seasoning and taste. I am definitely coming back for the roast alone.

After reading some of the Sunday Papers and their supplements, we ventured on to dessert. A Cheesecake (recommended by the waitress) and Chocolate Truffle Torte was ordered and again, a great portion size and we were pleased. The waitress actually offered the option of chocolate on the cheesecake and when my torte arrived I asked for some Ice Cream to go with it. The waiter advised I could have custard if I would prefer. Again, I accepted his suggestion. (He was very good at changing my mind!)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

I couldn't fault this pub. It was chilled with some great background music. It's interesting. The staff are friendly and attentive but not in your face and the service wasn't rushed nor slow.

A Perfect Sunday afternoon.

 

 

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 4-15

AH! I am so sorry I forgot you all!
I thought I would be able to cope, posting via 2 sites but I failed.

So please click http://michellekibblephotography.posterous.com/ for days 4 to 15 and from today, my posts should auto appear on this site.

It's going to be a feast for the eye! xx

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 3

DAY 3 - January 3rd 2011

(just a short post today!)
Spring Cleaning in the Winter. Why wait until spring I thought.
Lets throw away the clothes I don’t wear or donate some of my unwanted belongs to the local charity shop in my attempts to begin 2011 with a clear head with new ways of thinking, so getting rid of that ol’ junk should help the process.
30 minutes and 1 big pile later,

 Decluttering complete.
*Pat on the back!*

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 2

Growing up is inevitable... right? But what if you’re not ready to be a fully fledged adult?

Being that I am now the ripe age of 27, I probably have assumed this role without realisation but in some ways, my living ways are still far behind my years.

For example as a 27 year old woman, I should know how to sew, surely!?! Or not in my case. I did when I was younger (when I was a brownie with another badge to obtain) but I cannot honestly remember the last time I picked up a needle and thread. I do not even own a sewing kit!

Cooking is another thing. I’m learning and succeeding! Well evidence would suggest I have as I haven’t poisoned myself or killed the boyfriend. A year ago, I had no idea how to cook the basics like mash! I had never needed to or been taught to. Again something so basic that you the reader are probably screaming at the screen “How do you not know you dunce!”

The answer, I guess you learn by being thrown into things and in my case taking the very late plunge of moving out has fabricated that.

The next big plunge for me, a house of my own? Marriage? A family?
That stage of grown-up-hood,
I don’t know if I am ready just yet.

I need to learn to sew first.

Photo Blogging - One-a-Day! Day 1

Gosh, this is adventurous of me. A whole 365 days dedicated to photo blogging!
I've already realised a flaw to this challenge I have signed up to and that is that I will not always have access to a computer and my phone isn't hi-tec enough to do something like this. But I will hit that corner when I reach it.
So here it goes: 1 Photo - for each day - for 1 year. I was inspired to do this by a guy I follow on Twitter and I also wanted to continue to embrace my developing passion of photography.
Wish me luck on this venture and ladies and gents, let me in introduce you to:
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DAY 1 - January 1st 2011
Happy New Year one and all! A new year. New resolutions…

A new year of striving to fulfil our resolutions that we more than likely will forget. We will make ones that are potentially unattainable, ones that would make us feel like we've achieved something, ones to enhance appearance and ones to create a better lifestyle.
2011, is not necessarily a poignant year but one where I am hoping for changes in most aspects of my life.
I am trying to change things this year and I am sure I have said this every year to someone and maybe I do follow through with it, but if I have succeeded it hasn't necessarily made a huge impact.
This year is all about the obvious things that we all hope for, New Job, More Money, Become Healthier. However, I have little things that I want to acheive or take part in to enhance or even push forward these changes from the shadows to the big bright lights.
My first photo was taken as the little hand met the big hand at 12 o'clock.

A photo of a party atmosphere with great friends. From that moment another year has begun. A whole new window of hope, chances, decisions to be made opened out in front of me. Over the next 365 days, I am sure you will here of my successes and woes, my crazy moments and others embarrassing tales. I am hoping to keep you (the readers) entertained and curious to what post and photo will appear next.
I know this for a first post is pretty weak, but I'm sure I will find a natural flow for sharing stories with you soon.I hope you enjoyed my first post and my first picture and that you will be back tomorrow.
Thanks for your support! :)