by | May 12, 2012

my hood

I have lived in three different homes over the last 15 years and each time I have moved no more than a street away from the last.  Here are some of my favourite haunts:

Hampstead Theatre 

This is a theatre with a difference.  Specialising in commissioning and producing new writing as well as supporting and developing the work of new writers, Hampstead theatre has been an inspiring local cultural attraction since it first opened 53 years ago.

EtonAvenue  NW3 3EU
020 7722 9301

Lanka

The newcomer to the ‘hood is the Japanese bakery and café, Lanka.  Its sister café in Primrose Hill has been a firm favourite of mine since it opened a couple of years ago.  Lanka Swiss Cottage only opened a month ago but already the smell of freshly baked green tea madeleines is wafting down the street.  Specialising in French-style patisserie and cakes but with a Japanese infusion, the café also offers a small daily menu of savoury dishes and good strong Monmouth bean coffees.  Perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch.

9 Goldhurst Terrace
Mon-Sat 10:30-18:30
Sun 11:00-17:00

Merito Coffee Stall

Time Out was not wrong when it voted Merito’s coffee the ‘Best inNorth London’. But Jason does so much more than just man the stall.  Coffee guru and high-powered intellect, he makes the most exquisite Cappuccinos, flat whites, filtered and espresso coffees, sources his coffee (ethically of course) from around the world whilst suffering no fouls in his queue.  I hear coffee aficionados travel far for the treat, his tasty homemade baking and take the opportunity of purchasing his coffee beans (ground or whole) while supping the black stuff.

Swiss Cottage Market Tues – Fri 8am – 4pm

England’s Lane Bookshop

This independent bookshop is one of my escapes from the hectic lives we all live. Although I have never made it to their Book Club, I keep promising myself that I will one day. The members of the club decide bureaucratically on the books (next one is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain).

Next event:  every 2nd Thursday of the month    7-8pm.  Free of charge.

Garuda

Garuda is where pilates and yoga combine to form human art and a revolutionary and holistic way to exercise.  Garuda was conceived and developed by James D’Silva, personal trainer to Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Trudie Styler and has taken North West London by storm since he launched more than a decade ago.  Expect more toned muscles, better co-ordination and flexibility as well as a long waiting list.

50 & 54 Abbey Gardens   020 7624 5008

 

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by | May 11, 2012

Abigail James: rumours of her healing hands

The Blurb:

I find women are divided into those who have regular facials and those who don’t. I don’t. The reason for this, is that nothing is worse than a disappointing facial. I tend to feel irritated – mostly about all those things I can’t get done while lying under an electric blanket. However, having heard rumours of healing hands, authoritative skin analysis and outstanding results, I made time for the holistic facialist, Abigail James, and braved the pouring rain to head down to the new Lomax on the Fulham Road.

The Process:

Padding over to me in her beautifully pedicured bare feet, Abigail was already analysing my problem skin and, as she asked stress-level questions, I realised my damp clothes, constantly buzzing blackberry and tense shoulders were already bothering me less. She is a natural beauty, anti-stress aficionado and practices all that she preaches with her hands and in her manner, simultaneously.

It turns out that her hands are as powerful as her reputation indicates. My treatment incorporated her trade-marked skin manipulation techniques, which involve rhythmical massaging, craniosacral therapy and a general stimulation of the facial muscles. Although I could have immediately relaxed, I was more interested in her aim to increase my circulation. Before long, I gave up asking technical questions and allowed the tension to melt away (although I did discover that she isn’t wedded to any one product line – she dips in and out of various organic ranges, but feels most aligned with Dr Alkaitis’ soothing and replenishing potions).

I must just elaborate further on Abigail’s personality, as this is key to her facial. Despite oozing calmness, she is a little strict. My forehead was showing signs of dehydration and my fingers clearly find it hard to leave a blemish alone. Instructions and much-needed advice were given for a new regime going forward and, in honesty, I have dared not disobey.

The Result:

Reluctant to part company with this facial goddess, I struggled to drag myself off her warm bed.  And glancing in the mirror, my skin looked fresh, clear and plump.  Outside the rain had stopped and there was even a glimpse of sun breaking through the grey clouds.

From £100 for one-hour facial.

www.abigailjames.com or Lomax Chelsea 0871 512 0770

 

this article appeared on West London Living.

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by | May 9, 2012

I.D. Gritty Viewing.

Last night I was transported back to the 80s.  Not in a ‘Walk like an Egyptian’ Bangles sort of 80s way but a grittier, violent flashback to the football ground hooliganism which, at that time, dominated ‘the beautiful game’.   Directed by the incredibly talented, Phil Davis, the cult film I.D. was first released in 1995 in the world of VHS.  But last night I had a sneak preview of the re-mastered version on blu ray (before its release on 14th May) and can confirm that the film will be praised once again for tackling such a hardcore subject and revealing the darker side of football passion.

And I have no doubt, in its new updated format, it will appeal to the non-football fanatic and the die-hard fan alike.  In fact, maybe more so in 2012 when there is a more comfortable distance from the disgraced era of infiltrated riots pitch-side.  I, for one, understood that John (Reece Dinsdale) is an ambitious young policeman seeking authority, a sense of belonging and the sheer thrill of fighting. He leaves his world as a respected member of the community and destroys his relationship as he finds the thugs and their way of life to be irresistible.

I was fascinated to hear Davis talk after the screening.  ‘This is obviously not a celebration of football hooliganism’ he told us as he explained the drug-like feeling his protagonist clearly experienced as he broke the conventional boundaries of behaviour. Adding that the film was not solely about a love of football, he quoted John’s girlfriend response to his objections of mowing the lawn or changing a light bulb:  ‘What’s wrong with being happy?”.  The script is a stark reminder for us all to remember what it is in our lives that makes us happy.

So, in summary, this film tackles an ambitious subject matter: the dark side of our nation’s game as well as the tempting lack of personal control.  The acting is convincing, intense and, be warned, some of the scenes are deeply unsettling.  Perhaps it is an unsavoury contribution to British culture but, nevertheless, a must-see in my view.

I have 3 DVDs of I.D. to give away to my readers.  Subscribe to my blog to be entered into the prize draw!

 

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by | May 8, 2012

Spring beauty woes

It has been a long, cold winter and typically, our flaky faces, frizzy hair and chipped nails prove it. But now that Spring is finally upon us it’s time to crawl out of hibernation and breathe life back into our neglected beauty regimes.

Turning my immediate attention to my biggest beauty woes (not helped by a week of helmet head and freezing-thawing hands in the French Alps), I have found some wonderfully luxurious solutions worth sharing;

Hapless Hair

The winter weather combined with hats, hoods and ski helmets has been far from kind to our previously luscious locks.  Appreciating that the less than glamorous chinese-takeaway looking packaging might not be an indication of their quality, I indulged in Davines’ Melu shampoo and Love conditioner £13.10 / £14.35.  It might have been the essence of Mediterranean herbs and fruits or, in the case of the conditioner, the fig extract and borage oil, but either way I was delighted to notice that, after only two washes, the shine was already returning to my dulled hair.  Demanding more (of course), I was drawn towards the Indola Glamour range, and specifically the Glamour Precious Oil £15.95.  Claiming to add ‘sparkle’ to your hair, I conditioned and styled with zest before standing back to admire some seriously luxe shine.  And there was cynical old me thinking that only fairies could add sparkle….

For my tips on tatty nails, season-change complexion and some spirit lifting, read the rest of my feature on Beauty and The Dirt.

 

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