Re-inventing the old…

…because, deep down, that’s what we’re all yearning for. We want the old to be re-launched today but we want it to be better and sleeker.

I-1 ANALOG INSTANT CAMERA by Impossible

I-1 ANALOG INSTANT CAMERA by Impossible

If you haven’t heard of the Impossible Project, you’ll be blown away but these genius people. The team there has recently released their I-1 and it’s the first new camera system in over 20 years for the original instant format. That’s Polaroid to you/me.

Impossible Project Camera

I couldn’t wait to get my mitts on one. Sold on the design, I watched endless YouYube films before pressing the BUY ME NOW button.

I-1 with its app

The I-1 has its own app too so you can use remote trigger, double exposure, self-timer and even a manual mode to modify settings such as shutter speed and aperture.

If you’re an instagram follower who also has a thing for photography, you’ll have stalked the #filmisnotdead hashtag.  Joining in the nostalgic conversation is one thing but actually combining it with digital control and stunning construction is that bit more special. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been practicing with my new toy and, I have to admit, although it’s a little trial and error (which of course isn’t a cheap hobby) I’m mighty impressed with the fancy ring flash and a USB chargable battery, so – it seems – the Polaroid days are long gone.

I-1 Analogue camera

I read somewhere that precious and unpredictable is the way film photography should appreciated – and that’s exactly how I’m embracing my I-1.

PS A massive Susannah Conway fan, I love the way she uses Polaroid in every day life.  Check out her thoughts here for some ‘instant’ inspiration.

 

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PARIS in the wet wet wet…

Paris is so close; it almost feels ridiculously close. And yet, the city and its inhabitants are a million miles from where Londoners come from.   It’s as if those Frenchies just want to make sure that we know that they’re different…

Life of Yablon in Paris
Life of Yablon in Paris
Life of Yablon in Paris

https://www.lifeofyablon.com/paris-in-the-wet-wet-wet/OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Life of Yablon in Paris

With a rental apartment in Le Marais and three Yablon smalls between us, we bedded down for some adventures in the most persistent of rains.

Life of Yablon in Paris

Instead of listing where we traipsed and what we ate, I thought I’d just share my trip in pics. Of course, it was as pretty as a postcard, even from under an umbrella.

Life of Yablon in ParisLife of Yablon in ParisLife of Yablon in Paris

Life of Yablon in ParisLife of Yablon in Paris Life of Yablon in Paris Life of Yablon in Paris Life of Yablon in Paris Life of Yablon in Paris Life of Yablon in ParisLife of Yablon in Paris

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The Hot Topic & the D’Souza way

I’ve no idea why broaching a conversation centred around the menopause is quite so taboo. Perhaps because it’s not 100% clear when and how it might begin / end? Or simply because change causes so many of us to FREAK out? Either way, I’ve always been a ‘let’s chew over this’ type of girl. In fact, I’d even go as far as saying that my mind is at rest after a slightly over-analytical properly ‘sharing’ discussion.

This week I’ve whipping through Christa D’Souza’s new book, The Hot Topic. Perhaps whipping is a poor choice of words, bearing in mind that menopause and bondage don’t exactly go hand in hand. Either way, Christa’s book needs to be shared.

Some of my longer-term readers will remember I had my ovaries removed aged 39. At high risk of developing ovarian cancer (thanks to my BRCA1 gene mutation), the decision to whisk out the organs was an easy one. Two babies in tow and absolutely no plans to increase on our A team, adios we waved to anything which certainly had plans to haunt me going forward.

I’ve already written in the past about the magic of bio-identical hormones and how the headaches, hot flushes and a general feeling of overwhelming chaos quickly departed once I started these risk-free creams and lozenges. But this post isn’t about me. It’s about this (apparently terrifying) topic which I don’t think anyone has ever tackled in the brilliant D’Souza way. She’s witty while also terribly wise from cover to cover. Plus it’s mind-blowingly accurate (I found myself nodding propped up in bed late into the night) and yet brilliantly written – no text book rubbish at all. I usually hate the word ‘empowering’ but she absolutely does this and reading The Hot Topic has made me understand (for the first time – 5 years on) what has actually happened to my body and mind as my fertility years were drawn to an abrupt close.

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So if you feel a burning sensation creeping up on you, don’t just ignore it. Grab her book and embrace this life-changing moment Christa style: appreciate how things might be changing and then party on as if you just don’t care…

The Hot Topic by Christa D’Souza

 

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social climbing

Over a freshly baked scone at tea-time on Sunday, I was asked YET AGAIN whether there is much point to social media. I wouldn’t have minded, except that the scone was warm and half way into my already salivating mouth. And I wouldn’t have minded so much either if I had some brilliant answer to this question I’m (too) often asked.

You see, none of us really honestly know. We hope and pray that a link through from Facebook will drive a sale (or 40). We absolutely wonder whether that last carefully crafted tweet was read by many (or any). And we more than presume that an instagram feed full of painstakingly edited images will make some sort of difference to engagement. But we’re honestly not entirely sure about any of it.

Free-3D-Silver-Black-Social-Media-Icons

Why am I asked? I hear you cry. Well, I suppose because these enquirers are already thinking that I spend far too much of my time observing all this social communication, let alone posting words and pictures.

Polly Vernon – one of my all-time biggest girl-crush columnists – has, in the past, pleaded for us all to down tools and donate to charity instead – or simply to stop living our lives by these nonsense streams of unconsciousness.  And off she popped to live in the ‘real world’.

But… oh… hang on… a tweet just rolled onto my screen: @SimplyMeasured‘s latest social report is declaring that 63% of social marketers have seen a positive ROI (return on investment) from their social media activity. Bring back the scones, add jam AND cream. This is a huge relief to all who tweet. Someone somewhere is actually listening.

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