2015 winner

Another dog.
I love dogs. But am I the only one who finds the dog acts on Britain's got talent really boring?

50 hour improvathon

Absolute craziness:
A core of around 20 actors were playing for the whole 50 hours - without any sleep! - while other guest performers joined in along the way. I wonder whether anyone in the audience made it through the 50 hours. I somehow doubt it.

A and I dropped in for just one session. It was good fun. I have a lot of respect for actors but improv theatre must be that much harder. Coming up with the lines as you go along, not knowing what the others actors will say and which direction it will all go. Amazing!

(it actually just came to an end right now: at 9pm on Sunday 31st May 2015)

it makes no sense

I have an overflowing wardrobe and keep adding to it with the dresses I sew myself. But once in a while, I am set on getting a specific item of clothing. A few weeks ago, I decided that I really wanted a boyfriend style jeans. All the jeans I found had the 'distressed' look - holes and all. Not exactly the style I go go. But the more I saw them, the more I warmed to them.

Last Wednesday, I found a pair in Zara and only didn't buy it, cause I didn't want to carry it around with me that afternoon on my visits to art galleries. When I went looking again on Friday, I of course couldn't find exactly that model again. I went to three different Zara branches on Oxford Street, tried on dozens of jeans. Finally, back at the branch I had been to on the Wednesday, I finally found that pair again. I was already cursing myself for doing my usual thing of going back to the very first place and buying what I spotted first but didn't buy the first time round in the hope I'd find something better...

BUT, I found an even better fitting pair. So, I was quite pleased that I didn't buy that first pair.
And yes, that is a very exciting story! ;-)

And no, the right leg isn't shorter than the left - the left one is folded up. While in shopping mood, I also bought this cardi/jacket for a tenner on sale at H&M, the stacking rings and the earrings - which match one of my rings.

And I don't care how decadent it is: but shopping does make me happy :-)
Even when it makes no sense.

All you can eat sushi

Do I need to say anymore?

Sushi place on Frith Street, Soho

Sourdough cheesy heaven

I finally got round to trying the sourdough pizzas at Franco Manca. And I agree: they are delicious. 

Personally, I like having a choice and their menu is rather limited. That's the only criticism I have. 

Stripes and flowers

After reading a review about how the band doesn't stay in place, I decided to sew it without the band. Pity that I wasted the fabric that I had already cut for the band... Also, when I tried it on, with the band pinned to the top, I didn't really like the look. I think it might work better on either contrasting fabric or with un-patterned fabric.

I have to admit that I ran out of patience towards the end... I don't like the shoulder area - I suppose not using the band, I would have needed to adjust that area. On the upside, the fabric is super soft and comfy to wear. I'll see how I feel after wearing it 'for real'.

Sprueth Magers

More lovely art. How do all the art galleries survive?
And why is it, that my brain is unable to memorize any useful information? But I can remember all sorts of trivial sh*t... I would love to be knowledgeable. About something.

another example of my outstanding photography skills: once with flash, once without;
looks great right next to each other, of course...

Painting and photography, 15 May - 27 June 2015

David Hockney exhibition at the Annely Juda Fine Art gallery near Oxford Circus.
I prefer the paintings over the photos. Absolutely loved the colours and his style. I had never of that gallery before, and the space itself (on the third and fourth floor) is great. Especially as it was a sunny day and the sunshine was streaming in through the skylight.

As British as it gets

Art, food and more food - perfect day off, right?

the biggest scone ever! and bread & butter pudding with custard in the cutest dish at Muriel's kitchen

Ceviche

We had our heart set on the all you can eat sushi - but by the time we finished with the two galleries, it was already 14:45 - and the sushi place stopped serving food at 15:00. Soho is of course full of options when it comes to food. Peruvian food had been a big craze probably a couple of years ago now, but I had never been to a Peruvian place - until now.

The plates are all tapas sized portions - mix and match is of course one of my favourite ways to eat food. Most of the ingredients meant nothing to me, so it was a bit of a guessing game but I think we chose well:

Causa Nikkei: tuna, potato mash nigiri, avocado-wasabi puree, radish
Bombas de Tiempo: Cheese puff balls, quince, amarillo chilli sour cream
Pork Chifa Tequenos: pork wanton fritters, chifa spices, amarillo chilli and coriander with a rocoto chilli dip
Trucha Andina: sea trout, panca chilli, huactay herb, lucuma superfruit, sweet potato puree
Jalea steamed buns: deep fried sea bass and salmon, steamed buns, salsa criolla, amarillo chilli sour cream kecap manis

Toilet decoration on the left - my love for anything miniature!

Dean Street Townhouse

Pre-theatre menu at Dean Street Townhouse in Soho

Don't forget to check out the toilets!

While we're young

Was the second part of the double bill at Regent Street cinema. I've been meaning to watch this for weeks, but somehow didn't get round to it. Well, when I did and had actually gone all the way to the cinema in Dalston, it turned out that it was a mother & baby show  - so I gave that a miss.

Really enjoyed the film. Interestingly, A thought that Jamie (played by Adam Driver) was a complete dick. And I just started reading a review that said that all of the young characters in the movie are assholes. I don't agree with that at all! Yes, Jamie was playing a game - but is that really so different from the networking we all do these days? I see it more as driven and being ambitious. And of course that didn't sit well with Josh (Ben Stiller) who was too proud to accept help and advice from his successful father-in-law. So that's really just envy dressed up as righteousness.

I didn't like the ending of the film, but would otherwise recommend it.

Just live your life and who cares about age?

Ha

The Regent Street Cinema recently re-opened. It was built in 1848 and was the first cinema in the country to show moving pictures. It's just a short walk from Oxford Circus and is part of the University of Westminster.

Judging by the small number of people attending Monday night's double bill, the word about its reopening doesn't seem to have spread just yet. Which made it an even more pleasant experience to be honest. Tickets for the two movies was just £15, and I got another £2 discount thanks to my Time Out card.

I enjoyed both movies a lot. But Frances Ha also made me rather sad. The film starts with the portray of the beautiful friendship between Frances and Sophie. Only for Sophie to 'dump' Frances when she gets into a relationship. Frances might be a little weird but she is also wonderful and amazing and yet she seems so alone for most of the film.

I admit that I probably focused on that particular aspect of the film, as my move is making me anxious about growing apart from my friends... The film also shows how it's up to us to lead the life we want to lead. How we need to follow our own path. 

The secret is in the shower

On weekends and days off, I tend to lounge around in my PJs until midday at least. This seems to be conducive to doing f*ck all. Which is nice, of course, too, once in a while but I tend to also feel annoyed with myself for having 'wasted' a whole day.

The trick seems to be to have a shower and get dressed which leads to me being much more productive. It's the little things that make all the difference ;-)

change

Near Shoreditch High Street station - the first pic was taken last September, the second on Sunday.
I love the bottom one!
And had to wait for a little to get a photo without pedestrians walking into the photo...

mid afternoon pho at Pho - a chain but apparently still family run business

Enter the fridge

Sometime last year, somebody told me about a secret bar in the basement of the Spitalfields branch of the Breakfast Club. I of course completely forgot about that, until I happened to be in the area on Sunday evening. At 18:00, there was no queue for a change, so we made our way in. You need to know the password to get access to the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. The staff take this quite seriously, so don't bother asking for 'the bar'. But once you say the right thing, you get led to the little, dark bar. Entrance through the massive American fridge. They don't take reservations and as it's become one of London's well known secrets, it's a busy place. With a long list of delicious sounding cocktails.

I always wonder how some places manage to create such a cult around them, given that there are so many places in London! The Breakfast Club is certainly doing well for themselves. A little bit of googling revealed that their branch on Southwark Street also has a 'secret' bar - Call me Mr Lucky.

I had the (very strong) peat-nut butter cup: chocolate, peanut & vanilla:
four roses bourbon, Advocaat, Mozart dark chocolate, Liqueur 43, peanut butter, Laphroaig spray

I don't think I saw it

"You either see it or you don't" - that's the motto at Dennis Severs' House. Somebody on the Happier app had recommended it to me. Another one of the hidden sights in London.

The house on Folgate Street is a short walk from Shoreditch High Street station. You walk through in silence and are not allowed to take photos. Most rooms are simply lit by candlelight. The idea is that you follow the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th century. You don't meet the family, but the rooms are left as if they've only just walked out. Lots of every day items, plus sound recordings and smells.

I did enjoy the experience but I was struggling to be 'transported back in time'. I just couldn't really relate to it. I was thinking of all sorts of different things:
How does my own flat reflect me and my life? Not very well, I would have thought... Other than that it's messy all the time. Which might mirror the chaos inside my mind!
I suddenly had this yearning for a family home. The thought was immediately followed by how much family life really takes place when people live under the same roof though?
I was wondering how much longer until the house falls apart.
About how little Dennis would have paid for the house in 1979 and how much it will be worth now.
And about how few families would be able to afford such a house in that part of London these days.

How it all began...

Listening to the latest album from Passion Pit Kindred. So upbeat it makes me want to dance.

Some matter and some don't

I don't care about what others think about me.
In theory.
In practice, I care.
Sometimes way too much. I'd like to think that this has improved significantly and that more often than not I can rely on a safe and strong foundation of self-confidence.

I can say that certain people's opinions really don't matter at all. And I am trying to be honest with myself here. Letting go of anger or upset or whatever else I might have felt at some point.

Other people's praise are like a pat on the back though and will always be welcome. As long as the absence of such praise doesn't have any effect on me, it's all good, I think.

One thing I am very pleased is, that nobody's opinion with regard to a certain aspect of my life changes the way I feel about it. This has taken a long time, and there has been a lot of guilt along the way. But I now know and feel what is 'right' for me. Right now. That doesn't mean that I still wish things were different. But at the moment, I simply cannot see how they could be different, so it's a matter of accepting what is.

fearless

I grew up with a fearful mother. Fear of just about anything. I'm not blaming her, but it's safe to say that I learned to play it safe and could probably be described as risk-averse. And that is of course a sensible way to be in certain respects. But it also holds you back significantly in other areas.

Nevertheless, I've also always been very stubborn. And judgmental, which probably worked in my favour at times. While feeling fear and being scared, I judged myself for it and decided that most of these fears were weaknesses. The benchmark tended to be: would other people do it? And I usually came to the conclusion that they would without even thinking much of it. There was always an underlying embarrassment about being such a scaredy cat.*

It seems that the stubbornness outweighed the fear in a some of the cases and I am very grateful, as it has pushed me out of my comfort zone more than once and has led me to some great experiences. 

Today I came across this blog 100 days without fear (on Ashton Kutcher's facebook page). I love the idea. Facing your fears can only ever be a good thing. Looking down her list, I realized that my list of fears would look a bit different but also highlighted some of the fears I already faced up to. Which is satisfying and reminds me to feel good about myself as much as being critical and keep pushing myself. 

* the older I get, the more I can see of course that a lot of people are scared.

Inspired

... by the fitting of this dress, I decided to do another one with sleeves in a different fabric. And managed to finish it within just a couple of days and just in time for my trip to HK. Given that the fabric has a lot less stretch than the one I used for the first dress, I cut it at least 1 size bigger (I estimated, by simply cutting a few cm from the size 8 I had cut for the first dress). I also decided to cut the back piece on the fold rather than cutting two pieces and sewing them together. Lazy me...

I adapted the length of the sleeve to end just above the elbow. I'm very pleased with the result and got a few compliments, too and it's so comfy to wear. The one thing I still don't master is the under stitching at the neck facing. So, I used top stitching again to keep the facing from rolling to the outside. A minor detail, I guess. I also didn't get the sleeves sewn in evenly. According to the pattern, the sleeves should have just fit in but I had to gather the sleeves as it was otherwise too big. Unfortunately, I didn't distribute the gathering evenly on the left and right side. But again I hope it's only noticeably when you know and/or know a bit about sewing and pay attention to these things.

and attracting an attractive woman
is an added bonus! ;-)

Heart to heart

Ok, that is probably exaggerated but I had a nice dinner and drinks with J. While we get on well, we don't tend to share too much personal stuff. Primarily because we don't have much opportunity for socializing outside of work, I suppose. And partly, as I prefer to keep work and personal life separate to a certain extent.

In addition to having a nice conversation, it also reminded me of how life is about being in the moment. And I am very pleased to say that my life has been filled with many beautiful moments. I used to look forward to special events which were spread over the year, when nowadays, life is a string of continuous special moments. Isn't that just amazing? Not wishing to be anywhere else or wishing for things to be different. Not least as that's pointless anyway.

Don't worry, I am fully aware that complaining, worries, fears, anger and all sorts of other negativity are still a major part of my life. And none of that serves any purpose. I like to think that awareness is the first step.

And another quote from Mr Tolle:

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.

Make the Now the primary focus of your life."

I will miss the sunset view from my flat.
But I am looking forward to new sunset views, too.

Eckhart Tolle says:

I came across these quotes the other day:

"Life isn't as serious as the mind makes it out to be."

"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."

"The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but thought about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral. It is as it is."

Especially useful to remind myself at times of worry, anxiety and unhappiness. It's certainly helped me a lot in the last year to re-frame the way I think about situations and the way I perceive what's happening in my life.

Fear-flashback

I'm very happy that I gotten over my fear of flying. Just about five years ago, even booking a flight filled me with terror, let alone getting on a plane. I still remember distinctly a flight to Singapore by myself when I didn't sleep at all and every time there was just a tiny bit of turbulence, I convinced myself I was about to die. It was pretty terrible.

I am still not keen on flying, but feel OK most of the time.

On the return flight from HK, I had a bit of a shaky moment though. About half way through the flight, the plane sank into one these air pockets. Nothing dramatic. But I somehow felt as if the engine noises decreased and the plane seemed to start to descent - much too early of course at that stage. In addition, the guy next to me had left his seat and didn't return in ages which of course made him a terrorist suspect in my crazy mind. I started to panic slightly, thinking about germanwings, and just kept thinking: I don't want to die...

Interestingly, just a few days before that, I'd had a conversation about what life is really all about. And how I sometimes feel, that I am simply 'filling' my life with activities that are meaningless in itself. Fun and enjoyable activities for sure but that I could also do without.

Hm, not sure what I am trying to say. Other than that being in that moment with those thoughts and emotions was not a pleasant experience. And a reminder that I do enjoy my life even if I don't understand what the point really is.

Stylish haggling

I'm not into designer stuff. I just don't see why I would/should pay that kind of money when I can get a similar item of clothing/handbag/shoes for much less. And I either like something or I don't - it doesn't depend on the label on it. I was telling our President about this, as my boss had ventured out to one of the markets to get a particular bag for his wife. H seemed very surprised by this and commented how stylish I always look. What a sweet compliment :-) Especially, as I don't think of myself as 'well-dressed' and 'stylish' is certainly not a word I'd pick to describe myself.

Haggling is of course a must and I really get into it. And I couldn't resist and bought a pink (of course) clutch despite my best intentions NOT to add to my already extensive bag collection... Anyway, I think I got it for a good price by negotiating her down from 250 to 80 HK$ (=less than £7)! Helps when you are not really bothered either way and start walking away.

And of course, I had to go to Sneaker Street where I bought this beautiful pair of pink adidas for £32:

I was having a little trouble finding shoes in my size. These are a 5.5 (instead of my normal size 6) but they fortunately fit.

Five years in the making

We generally plan our events at least a year in advance. This one took five years to put together. And now it's all over. Yes, my usual post-event-blues hit me! Making it even more poignant this time, of course, as it was my last event with my current job.

Except for battling with jet lag (on the second day of the three day meeting, I was properly broken... Thank God for an understanding boss who let me sleep in the afternoon! And no, I would never do that during an event that I run myself, but on this occasion, my only task was to sit at the exhibition stand, so I feel that's ok) and some minor frustrations with the PCO we had hired, everything went smoothly. Which always means, it doesn't really feel like work.  I seem to easily forgot about all the work that went into pulling this together, including all the early telecalls (7am)...

For a number of reasons - mainly financial - we held the meeting at the University, which isn't in central HK. Which helped keep people at the venue. Together with heavy rain most of the time... And both also helped me, not to spend too much money on shopping :-)

Most of all, it was a lovely opportunity to meet up with my Aussie friends, members and meet new people. And with most people travelling quite a lot for work, I have high hopes to see at least some of them again. Even if not as frequent as I would like to.

And maybe, I should see this as another reminder that I can make friends wherever life will take me. The closer my moving date comes, the more I am worried about sitting in my new place all alone and lonely...

Not quite the Suite we had last time, but an upgrade nevertheless and a very comfy king size bed
my room at Le Meridien Cyberport

Different countries, different customs
fish fingers, samosas and dumplings during the mid-morning coffee break

super fresh and delicious sushi at Umami at the Cyberport hotel

the travel paradox

I love travelling.
I hate travelling.

I love seeing new places. I love meeting friends and making new friends. I love eating new food.
I hate waiting around at airports. I hate feeling jet-lagged. I hate packing suitcases. I hate unpacking suitcases. And I am still not keen on flying.

Having said that, I am also very grateful for being able to travel and for work giving me the opportunity to travel (basically for free).

On the flight from London to Hong Kong, I hardly slept. But managed to watch three movies instead:
Wild with Reese Witherspoon. Which I enjoyed and cried over (of course!). Nevertheless, I didn't think it was quite as great as some of the reviews I had seen.
Cake with Jennifer Aniston. Which was a real disappointment. I LOVE Jennifer. But the film did nothing for me. I did like her 'evil' character. But of course she wasn't really evil but heartbroken and hurt etc. Is it wrong that I want mean people to be portrayed as simply being mean and manipulative?
Horrible Bosses 2. Another Jennifer Aniston movie. Not quite as good as the first one but funny enough. I thought Chris Pine's character was rather annoying though.

The woman next to me spilled her wine on me. So, I had a stain on my skirt, a wet bum and stank of wine. Also didn't help with trying to sleep. Plus being super annoyed with her, of course. She had already toppled over the empty wine bottle TWICE. It really was just a matter of time to knock over the glass of wine. Not least given her state of inebriation.... She had also introduced herself with a little speech of: don't wake me up, don't want food but water, just climb over me to get to the loo. I won't talk to you not cause I'm ignorant. Brilliant. Glad she 'shared' her wine with me...

On the flight back, I was asked whether I'd be happy to book onto the later flight cause the flight was full. Despite a misunderstanding at first, I realized that the flight would have left HK only 45 minutes later and A thought I should have asked for compensation. But quite frankly, I just wanted to get home, had a taxi booked at the other end and couldn't have cared less about any financial compensation.

At least I was able to sleep a little on the flight back. I started watching Birdman but was too tired to enjoy or finish it. Then watched This is when I leave you with Jason Bateman and Tina Fey and Adam Driver. An easy watch but also way too predictable.

The taxi drive back home led across the city and as it was so early, there was hardly any traffic. Until we got to Tower Bridge where all roads leading east seemed closed... The taxi driver then charged me £60 instead of £50. He asked me to call the taxi office, but I just wanted to get into bed. And I suppose, he has to pay for parking at the airport (as opposed to drop off on the way there). So, for once, I wasn't in the mood to argue! (I know, it doesn't happen a lot ;-))

*travel rant over*

and some more plane photos

Ich bin wieder da...

... war nie wirklich weg.
For the very few readers who know the German singer Marius Müller Westernhagen.

Back in London after a week (work trip) in Hong Kong, and I feel as if I've never been away. Always reminds me of a summer holiday with my siblings, when we were probably in our early teens. On the train from Germany to The Netherlands, my brother said: and we are already on our way back. It's kind of an insider, and primarily I think my brother would be proud that I remember this ;-)

Anyhow, it's 7:42am now and I am not quite sure what to do with myself. I'm not feeling particularly tired even though I didn't sleep very well on the plane. But I am also not feeling very energetic. I might start updating my blog, emptying my suitcase, organizing my upcoming trip to Germany. And then probably have a nap.

We shall see. For now, I leave you with the HK skyline:

Belly laughs

One of my tasks at the moment is to delete emails. Having been in my job for more than seven years and essentially not deleting anything means that my outlook is taking up a lot of space. As a side effect this means going through lots of old emails, reading 'across' and remembering the people I've met over the years. And it made me a little sad. As much as I embrace change, I'm realizing that for a number of reasons this change is bigger, more 'substantial' than most things I've done in my life.

So, what a great way to end the week: A got free tickets for the Channel 4 Comedy Gala at the O2 arena in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Over three hours all sorts of (famous) comedians entertained us and I couldn't sop laughing! Too many to name, but Michael McIntyre and the revolving doors had me in stitches. I could just about stop myself from snort-laughing!

Plus my first time inside the O2 Arena - another tick on my London list.

The O2 filling up

Pedro

Went to see Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown at the Playhouse. Another Time Out offer, seat right in the upper circle, but full frontal to the stage, I had a great view. I really enjoyed the songs and the music. At times, it was all a bit much nervous breakdown, but overall, I felt entertained. I laughed, was moved to tears (when am I not?!) and felt like singing along (I didn't - for the benefit of the people around me). And I totally loved most of Tamsin Greig's outfits, especially the red and black coats!

I haven't seen the film, so I don't have a comparison.

 

Rendezvous

Probably my last lunch with R in a while. As per usual he picked a lovely little place not far from both our offices: Le Rendezvous. I asked R in January last year to be my mentor and I can say that this kicked off so many positive changes in my life and I will be forever grateful for it. And even though we didn't meet often, on every single occasion he offered me his words of wisdom. Many times during my daily life I remind myself of them and they've helped me more than once.
In our training session at work a few weeks ago, our coach asked us all to think of a famous person we admire. And I could only think of R.

Anyhow, while I've been pouring my heart out over the last 18 months, I only ever caught glimpses of R's life. And on Tuesday he revealed a little more. Rather unexpectedly but somehow fitting in nonetheless. It was very nice for him to share this with me.

I was updating him on the last few months and while I was babbling away (as per usual...), I was feeling rather proud of myself. Of everything that I have achieved. And happy with how much happier I've become. And excited about what lies ahead paired with a new found confidence that I am able to handle whatever it is that will come my way. With the support of my friends. Wherever they are in the world, they are close anyway.

Krol Roger

Pre-theatre menu at Busaba Eathai: starter and main for just £9.90!!! In Central London. Pretty good deal, I'd say. The spring rolls and the salmon were delicious. I wasn't too keen on the calamari though.

Off to the Royal Opera House to see Krol Roger. Which was announced as 'a meditation on identity and desire.' Hm, not sure I'd agree with that. Despite the subtitles (supertitles?), I couldn't really follow the story. On our £5 seats, we could also not see half the stage. But to be honest, I don't think that made much of a difference. So, in the interval I read up the plot on wiki. Is it just me, or is that simply a weird story?

Either way, I enjoyed the music and singing and the Royal Opera House, of course. And not least it was great to catch up with T :-)

Herman ze German

Yes, there is such a place in London. Places even. And as you may guess they specialize on German food, more particularly sausages and Schnitzel. For YEARS, I've been meaning to try it. And yesterday the day had finally come, simply cause I happened to be near one anyone.

I had the Bockwurst in a roll. And I approve.

cheese mites

Things I never wanted to know. If you like cheese, I suggest not to google it.

Why I'm not on twitter

I'd be a bitch. Somehow social media seems to make it acceptable to write nasty things that you wouldn't dream of telling somebody to their face. And I have a feeling, I'd be no exception.

heartwarming

Like most - if not all - Londoners, I hate public transport. Especially during rush hour. I am aware that in the grand scheme of things it runs surprisingly well but it's still a pain being squashed, not getting a seat and being breathed on (urgh)...

But it's also the perfect place to people-watch. And when you pay attention you get to witness some heartwarming interactions. Babies and toddlers regularly give you their most beautiful smiles, and strangers offer their seat to other strangers.

The other day, I overheard a family having a conversation about the priority seats. The girl was sitting in one of them and her mum was explaining that when it's busy, you should offer your seat to people who need it more - pregnant women, elderly people etc. That's when her son (maybe 12?) piped up: you HAVE TO give up your seat, right? Lovely thought but unfortunately there's nobody around to police it. But it's the right attitude to have.

Germany's favourite pop star

Hoff The Record will come to Dave from 18 June. Sounds hilarious!

Always

“Always, always, always believe in yourself,
because if you don't, then who will, Sweetie?
So keep your head high, keep your chin up,
and most importantly, keep smiling,
because life's a beautiful thing
and there's so much to smile about.”

Marilyn Monroe

a thought

I'm tearful at the best of times, but even more so recently (lots of happy tears, may I add!). The other night, on my way home from the theatre, I passed by the Tower of London - and choked up. Again and again, the beauty of this city overwhelms me. Even after eight years of living in London, I still have this 'pinch me' moment of not quite being able to believe that I LIVE here.

Now that I am preparing (ok, not much preparation going on just yet...) to leave, I suddenly had this thought that this feels a bit like carelessly throwing away the privilege to live in London. I know I can come back whenever I want. But a little voice in my head says that it won't be the same...

I had hoped that with time, everything will become clearer in my mind and that excitement would set in. And at times, I am indeed feeling excited. About a new job, a new challenge, a new city, new people. But I equally question my decision and ask myself what exactly made me sign the contract more than a month ago. Most of all, I am grateful for a long notice period...

feeling it

After finally sitting back at my sewing machine last weekend, I'm very much back in sewing mood. I have to say though that the pattern cutting and tailor tacks are rather annoying tasks. But so rewarding when the actual sewing begins.

I started and finished the 6829 Burda wrap dress. It did include undoing the side seams at one stage as I didn't read the instructions properly and as I like to ignore the tacks that annoyed me so much in the first place... There's still a bit at the side where the seam isn't quite right, but a) I cannot quite work out how to amend it and b) I think making it any tighter is not a good idea.

Same fabric as for this dress - and I still have some leftover...

improv

With still a month to spare, I finished my competition piece for Simplicity's Star Sewist. I won't comment on my chances... but I really enjoyed it! Even if it primarily turned into an exercise of improvisation.

I had planned to do top A, with the sleeves. But at home realized that I hadn't bought enough fabric. Secondly, I didn't have any navy thread, so I decided to use red thread and incorporate the flash of colour as a feature. Thirdly, the only navy zip I had, was a bit too long - but better too long then too short!

As per usual, I had to make the too tighter at the top. When I sew the zip in by hand, I think I didn't take enough off the seam allowance, which it rather baggy at the back. I therefore decided to insert a couple of darts in the back. Unfortunately, despite cutting a size 12, it was still too tight around my hips... So, my final alteration was to have vents at both sides.

I am most of proud of the bias binding I used for the armholes. I had only ever tried to use bias binding once and it went horribly wrong. I had therefore always avoided using bias binding to the extent that I would rather line a dress, then make another attempt of using bias binding for armholes.
And what can I say: it worked perfectly! :-)

So, all in all, a great learning experience and thanks to a cute Russian Doll pattern, a cute top. Perfect for the office as well as for leisure. Bring on the summer!

work in progress

and the finished work

Everyman

... is playing at the National Theatre with Chiwetel Ejifor (from 12 years a slave) in the title role. The story is based on a late 15th century morality play. I'd say the story is particularly 'original' - the theme of a man being faced with death and being summoned by God. He desperately looks for people to accompany him to give witness to his life, which seems to lack good deeds. Not only does he realize that he is essentially along but also that all his fortune is worth nothing when it comes to death.

The staging is absolutely amazing though and I would highly recommend it! I got a ticket for just £15 and the play is still on until August - go and see it if you can.
Chiwetel enters the stage lowered down on a harness, it rains on stage, God is a cleaner, there is a tramp and beautiful music. Overall very touching and a good reminder about what matters and what doesn't in life.

View from the theatre - before and after the play

Blood

I love, love, LOVE London! Whether it's the small production of Blood at the Soho theatre which has less than 50 seats or Everyman at the National Theatre on the South Bank. The city has so much to offer.

Caneze and Sully's love story is acted out by just two actors who are simply fantastic! Their northern accents, their dramatic love story, the hurt and pain and ultimately their love are beautifully portrayed. The small stage is used very well, and a number of props make it all original. I am always fascinated by sitting just a couple of metres from the stage and actors. It's a brilliant experience.

Adding to my healthy diet... massive pizza at the Soho Theatre

Literary Death Match - London, Episode 47

Another great death match, this time held at the Ace hotel in Shoreditch (aka hipsterville).
Tom Moran with Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers won over Lucy Foley's The Book of Lost and Found. And Jessica Cornwell's The Serpent Papers won over J.Ryan Stradal's Kitchens of the Great Midwest.

In a very competitive game of musical chairs which also involved four volunteers from the audience, Tom cheated to victory.

Judging panel:
Robert Olen Butler on literary merit
Elizabeth Day on performance
Anthony Davis on intangibles

Judges and authors were on great form! Even though Anthony started off by a very tasteless joke about the  Germanwing crash. And somehow managed to still get applause despite an audible gasp...

And to top it all of, Quercus gave away goody bags! Rather disgustingly, certain people grabbed a handful of bags and in the end not everyone got one. Seriously??
Anyway, I am very pleased to have a copy of J Ryan's book which isn't even yet officially published!

10 ways to be THAT person

Two months later, I am still using the Happier app. I check it first thing in the morning and last thing at night and it is just so wonderful and inspiring to read about all the happy and positive things out there. A lot of the people using the app are experiencing tough times (most of us do at times, of course), which makes it even more inspiring to be looking at the bright side even on a cloudy day.

It's nice to share, nice to feel other people sharing your own happiness and putting positive thoughts and energy out there. I'm also signed up to their newsletter. Read the post on 10 ways to be *that* person everyone loves. I still have a lot to learn.

One of the users posts really nice quotes. Here's just a small selection:

Be yourself

It sounds simple but it requires great faith.

Despite the doubters, the detractors,

the risk of failure and the self-doubt,

dare to believe in yourself.

If you're not prepared to back yourself,

don't expect others to.

If you have confidence in yourself,

so will others.

What you think, you become.

What you feel, you attract.

What you imagine, you create.

Buddha

Design your own future

Consider the possibilities in your life,

not what seem to be the realities.

Look at what you can do,

not what you are doing.

Realities are often just misconceptions.

Take a different view.

Find your opinions.

Create your own future.

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.

Coco Chanel

We must understand what we have been, to decide what we will become.

John Faulkner

Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.

Michael Jordan

cancelled

Just cancelled my phone and internet. Lovely lady on the phone who says she waived the cancellation fee of £30 for me.

One more thing ticked off the list (which currently is just inside my head. might be time to write stuff down...), making everything a little bit more real.

Slides? Yes, please!

Why aren't more offices like these?
The most fun offices in London

Severndroog Castle

Check out Severndroog Castle  in Greenwich for the most stunning views over London!

#GE2015

The first coalition government in 70 years came to an end yesterday. The General Election has of course been in the news for the last weeks or even months. As I cannot vote in this country, I have to admit that I have been paying little attention to the campaigns.

The exit polls predicted the actual outcome which means that the Tories will be reigning thanks to winning the majority. With the Lib Dems losing most of their votes and the SNP winning most Scottish seats with their overall number of seats rising from just 6 to 56 (out of 59 Scottish seats!). I suppose not all that surprising after the very close result in the Scottish independent referendum last year.

Otherwise, a shocking result which came as a surprise to most.

CHAMPIONS!

With their victory against Crystal Palace last Sunday, Chelsea sealed the deal. 

Yeah for Jose, yeah for the Blues :-)

Stax Diner

Amazing burger, moreish Oreo-Baileys milkshake at Stax Diner at Kingly Court near Piccadilly Circus. It's a tiny and very popular place and unfortunately you can only book for parties of 6 or more. The half hour wait was so worth it though. And Kingly Court in general is really cute with lots of other restaurants and bars. So many new places I keep discovering.

A first

South Indian food at Woodlands restaurant near Piccadilly Circus

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Also known as the Neasden temple and another relatively unknown gem in London. It's celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Visits are free, but at certain times - during worships - parts of the temple are not accessible. You aren't allowed to take any bags in but there is a place (across the road at the car park) where you can leave your belongings. Once inside, you need to take off your shoes and you are not allowed to take photos inside. It's impressive from the inside, but even more so inside. The intricate ornaments are breathtakingly beautiful. I'm very glad I went to see it and it's made me curious to find out more about Hinduism.

The hidden gems of London

Have you ever heard of Eltham Palace? I hadn't, until it recently was in the press as they opened their doors to visitors. If you get a chance, I would highly recommend it. It used to be a royal residence and was bought in the 1930s by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who had excellent taste and made it into a fantastic home. And anyone who keeps a lemur as a pet is cool in my books!

unverhofft kommt oft

Isn't it just beautiful when you make a connection to another human being? Sounds a bit grand and lofty? Maybe. Either way, I had a really nice evening last week, getting to know somebody. And yes, it feels like 'too late', now that I'm leaving (shortly). And I am sure that's how I would have felt maybe two years ago. But now, I just felt grateful for having spent a lovely time together. Even if it was the first and last time. I was recently thinking about the various people who've touched my life. Quite a few just passed through and others have stayed. But all of them have added something.

Lots of sunshine in London last week; Regent's Street

Little Venice

It's a nice enough area in London (and I've never been to Venice in Italy - so what do I know), but I have to admit that I was rather disappointed when I first went some years ago. Last week, I finally managed to meet up with D after having tried to find a date for possibly more than 6 months... I don't know the area around Paddington very well, but my research showed that there were some restaurants along the canal leading from the station to Little Venice. We ended up at Smith's Bar & Grill. Great little place, actually. Just a few minutes away from the station (once we worked out how to get there and nearly ended up in the car park...) but nice and quiet and very friendly service. I'm afraid no food piccies on this occasion.

Junge

Taste the moment

I watched an interview with Betty White (Golden Girls) and she was asked about good advice she'd gotten in her life. And she replied that her Mum always told her to taste the moment and that she would never want to hear Betty say: oh, that moment (in the past) was so beautiful and only to appreciate life with hindsight instead of living in the here and now.

It related nicely to what I read and shared on facebook the other day:

"Stop waiting for Friday,

for summer,

for someone to fall in love with you,

for life.

Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it

and make the most of the moment you are in now."

No more washing up

I practically eat out all the time these days. Well, I've got to make the most of what London has to offer, right?

paneer with satay sauce; pad thai with prawns; blurry calamari

Dinner with C at XOXO  near Angel station - 2 for 1 on the tastecard deal. Window seats and lovely waitor. And cocktails for a fiver during happy hour: the Jungle Fever (Apricot Liqueur, Lychee Liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice & lime juice) was deliciously sweet! Two cocktails and I start having problems speaking clearly... But I am NOT drunk!!!

"I tried to walk away..."

Sunday showcase brunch

The Pullman St Pancras hotel generously invited (potential) clients + friends/family to try their detox brunch and check out their venue space. Food was great, Dani looked after us very well and views from their top floor are stunning.

a spacey boardroom on the top floor to get creative ideas flowing

looking for inspiration

After having added to my already substantial fabric stash, I also bought some more patterns... Put together this will hopefully inspire me to sit at my sewing machine this weekend and produce some wearable clothes.

Sketch-y

I can't believe I had never heard of this place! Sketch in Mayfair is quirky and fun and serves excellent food. Admittedly it comes at a cost. But thanks to their £50 off deal, it didn't break the bank after all.

They have different spaces within the venue and they are all so cool. Check out their website for photos. We had dinner in the gallery, with David Shrigley's art all around us. And don't forget to visit their toilets. When you enter the cubicle, you hear animal noises. It sounds weird. And is a little weird but just so cool!

Starter 1: Crabmeat, tête de veau, squid with cucumber consommé and jellied green apple, creamy brandade gougère
A red pepper cocktail. Served in an actual red pepper and it tasted of red pepper.
Starter 2: Twice-baked haddock soufflé, crispy white cabbage and sultanas, Colman’s mustard butter. The cabbage wasn't actually crispy but tasted wonderfully buttery
Main 1: Roasted Galician rump steak, spring cabbage, Cantal cheese, potatoes “coin de rue”, vinegar mist - the potatoes on the right hand corner are part of this dish, as well as 'The truth' gravy.
Main 2: Fish + tartare sauce and mushy peas
Part of main 2: spring roll and potatoe roesti
Shared dessert: Lemon foam, bubble gum ice cream, panna cotta, orange blossom and strawberry marshmallow

Absolutely amazing! Everything! :-)