My Little Black Book by Cassi

The Artist (and Uggie)

2012-01-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

I guess if you rarely watch old films, and are unaware of how the industry evolved from silent films to the talkies, then The Artist is a real eye-opener.

I'm mad about early films so I knew I would enjoy this one - by French Director Michel Hazanavicius and being tipped for an Oscar this week - in the same way I liked Amelie (2001).

The Artist is a fun tribute to Hollywood history, and Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford in particular. Jean Dujardin is fabulous as George Valentin the world-famous silent movie star whose career crashes as the talkies evolve and Bérénice Bejo gives an accomplished performance as Peppy Miller, the determined young starlet who pursues her career quite ruthlessly into the new era of films. It is also great to see John Goodman on form. The actors must have had a ball working on this film, the acting being so different from today's films. Each movement is exaggerated and facial expressions and timing count for so much more.

Having said all of that, I'm not convinced that The Artist is comparable with, say, a Woody Allen and certainly not with, say, an early Hitchcock. It is very refreshing in an age of the Hollywood blockbuster but not let's get carried away and pretend it's entirely original or unique. It is a faithful reworking of an original 1920's film (including the opening credits) but it has, after all, been done before and often better.

As the film opens it did cross my mind that I might find the lack of dialogue a stretch but this wasn't the case. It's easy to remain engaged apart from the last third of the film which would have benefited from a cut, being just a soupçon too long at 1.40 hours.

I can't go without joining in the acclaim about Uggie, who is Eddie reincarnated (Frasier) and worth all the praise being heaped upon him and a Golden Collar Award. He is so sweet and 'acts' his little heart out. In fact, I'd go so far to say that without Uggie the film wouldn't be quite so cute.

So en enjoyable evening but don't worry too much if you miss it this time around - or can't afford the extortionate £8.50 ticket in these tough economic times - I'm sure it will be on TV before too long.

On the other hand I wanted so badly for The Artist to be a new treatment of an silent, black and white film. It just like watching, well an old, silent, black and white film. And hasn't that been done before?

deep blue sea

2012-01-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

Legendary diver Carl Spencer

I always thought I would like to deep sea dive and so in Egypt a couple of years back, I started by trying snorkelling with flippers and googles. Flippers are weird and I felt like Donald Duck but without the natural buoyancy. At 30 metres I definitely felt out of my depth. Enough said.

So I have nothing but admiration for divers on the telly who seem to glide effortlessly through the secret world under the oceans, as colourful and exotic sea life drift past (or big scary sharks). I sat glued to my screen when the Mary Rose was retrieved from the sea in 1982. I am awed and immensely grateful for the skill of the divers and their courage that allows me to experience this hidden wonderland, even second-hand.

The estate of the late Carl Spencer who worked on dives such as the Bluebird project in 2000 to recover the body of the late Donald Campbell to research used in making the film Titanic. Spencer, together with two other divers were invited to be pallbearers at Campbell's funeral. The team returned to Coniston Waters in 2007 to seeking the missing piece of the famous Bluebird's frame. It was Carl Spencer who ultimately found it.

Carl Spencer died tragically on a dive on the Britannic wreck in May 2009 at the age of only 39 years.

On Monday 23 January watches and memorabilia from Carl Spencer's estate will be come under the hammer by auctioneers Fellows. For information on the auction contact mary@fellows.co.uk.

Be My Valentine

2012-01-10T03:11:00.000-08:00

I simply refuse to believe that there's not a gift for everyone on Etsy. These are some of my favourite Valentine gifts ... big hint xx

Denise 5690

Wexford Jewelers

Sherles Vintage Jewels

SGG Jewlery Boutique

new year, itchy feet

2012-01-05T01:42:00.000-08:00

image courtesy Joinery, Brooklyn

The only drawback to the internet (well, there may be more but let's not get too serious here, it's early 2012 yet and anything can happen, such as the Euro going bust) is that I find wonderful things and places and I want to BE there.

Trawling the New York Times this week I found a little boutique in Brooklyn that makes me want to hop on a plane right away. Joinery is run by Angela Silva a former Art Director and design blog editor. Inspiration struck while writing her blog (I'm hoping something similar will hit me in 2012!). Stock is sourced from around the world including arty printed tops from a Japanese-Brazilian designer Fernanda Yamamotao and gorgeous pieces from Osei-Durro, a women's co-op in Ghana.

Joinery can be found at 263 South First Street, Brooklyn (347889 6164 joinerynyc.com

Carol of the Bells

2011-12-23T02:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas one and all!

2011-12-15T03:35:00.000-08:00

While I'm not able to show the Warhol image
this is one I prepared earlier
(image MLBB)

Warhol's Portrait of Elizabeth Taylor sells for $662,500

The iconic lithographic portrait (1964) of Dame Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol has made £428,000 ($662,500) at this week's auction of the possessions of the late, great actress in New York.

Taylor's incredible collection of jewelery has broken all auction records. More personal items continue to come under the hammer, including clothing. The dress she wore for her (second) marriage to Richard Burton fetched around £40,000.

How is it that some people make such a dramatic and lasting impact upon the world? It takes a combination of things I think.

Taylor was one of the most beautiful women in the world, a beauty that never diminished. A fabulous actress (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8 and more). A long-time philanthropist. A true lover of life. Down-to-earth despite all her fame and wealth. Her many marriages, ever a romantic, simply added to her appeal. And Elizabeth Taylor certainly knew her diamonds!

Much of Taylor's stunning jewelery was owned by Royalty in previous centuries, which only adds to their fascination and value. These pieces and their owners are documented in portraits. Elizabeth Taylor was well aware of her place in history and is equally documented in hundreds of beautiful media photographs. The camera adored Taylor and you can see in the photographs that she, in turn, loved wearing these precious gems. But she certainly wasn't precious about her fame. Taylor wore the 33.19 carat diamond ring given to her by husband Richard Burton every day of her life. Now that's class.

Part of the auction sale proceeds will go to Elizabeth Taylor's favourite charity The Aids Foundation.

For a slideshow of some of these awe-inspiring jewels visit the BBC.

Viva VivaLaModa

2011-12-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

VivaLaModa is a great little online magazine I've recently discovered featuring fabulous fashion, accessories, beauty and more.... latest issue available now. You will find gorgeous features on original one-off pieces - handmade and vintage - you won't find on the High Street. I met the Editor, Ainhoa, at a recent event hosted by This Is Your Kingdom where designers, vintage stockists and craftspeople came together to celebrate the creativity in Winchester City.

The winds of change are blowing through fashion as 2011 draws to a close. The days of herding like sheep into the High Street multiples to buy a piece of quick, cheap fashion now feel stale and unoriginal. The international financial landscape is scary and if we are to be persuaded to part with our hard-earned cash, we want fashion that is individual, thoughtfully sourced, quality and beautiful pieces that we have had fun tracking down online or through recommendations. The off-High Street boutique is having its day again and has been reincarnated online too. Try ohmplayground or Edelweiss by Sarah as a starting point.

VivaLaModa Dec 11 issue

wear your heart on your sleeve

2011-12-08T01:57:00.000-08:00

wearing your heart on your sleeve... for a cool £75.00

I've worked a lot with charities from a corporate standpoint, helping to raise their public profile and attract supporters. So I feel fairly confident when I say that the new 'friendship bracelet' from Links of London makes me feel slightly queasy. For each sale Links will make a donation to help feed hungry children around the world. A very worthwhile cause they call their marketing strategy 'fashion with a conscience', urging customers to buy a 'stack'.

For a cool £75 each, according to the company you can wear this 'visual reminder of the personal donation that you have given to this important cause'. Or you could take a trumpet and blow it loudly in Oxford Street this Christmas. Or maybe take out an Ad in The Times colour supplement.

Peace and goodwill to all this Christmas.

Fancy a little Downton Abbey?

2011-11-21T03:39:00.000-08:00

Now you too can become part of the aristocracy. Well, in name anyway. Up for auction are nine 'very rare Manorial Titles', including Lordships and Baronies from Wales, Ireland and England apparently once held by Kings and Queens. Mind you, you need to be a little flush to begin with as there is a £500 deposit just to bid for one title.

I rather fancy the Ladyship of Liscool, which has a certain ring to it. Apparently King Charles II once held the Lordship of Liscool, he was also affectionately known by his public as the Merrie Monarch after his return to the English throne after 10 dreary years of Puritan rule.

Sunday 4th December for more

Graffiti by Twitter

2011-11-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

Artist Lizzie Mary

Beginning Wednesday 23rd November at 1pm, for an incredible 48 hours, artist Lizzie Mary will be drawing non-stop on a studio wall. The idea is to create a story illustrated entirely from tweets sent in from the public. Cool.

Want to ExCel this Christmas?

2011-11-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

Pick up some tips for festive entertaining from the likes of Jamie Oliver, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Rachel Allen, Gary Rhodes, Eric Lanlard, Michel Roux Jr (one of my favourites, there's something very old world but rather sexy about Michel).

Christmas stretches further and further every year and so you can treat yourself to an extra day of celebratory cheer at the Taste of Christmas at the ExCel from 2 - 4 December.

Experience 'seasonal menus' prepared by the capital's top restaurants. Get some holiday entertaining ideas at the Ryvita cheese and wine theatre, La Patisserie Peugeot and Aga cooking classes. The last would be a good idea I recently stayed with a friend who thinks the sun shines out of her Aga and yet despite three attempts I still can't cook a good jacket potato in an Aga oven.

For more info and tickets, visit tasteofchristmas.com.

some of my favourite Christmas things ...

2011-10-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

beautiful art glass apple from VintageBiffann

So tomorrow is the 1st November and the crazy season is officially open for business. I've started casting my eye around for some really fun and original gifts for family and friends. Here's my first thoughts...

cozy coffee warmer Natalya1905

Hand-stitched leather satchel from Kushn

delicate greetings cards from paperfiction

crocheted pouffe! from lecasadecoto

edible chocolate-filled seashells at andiespecialsweets

arty farty

2011-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was at the preview of a contemporary art exhibition recently in Henley-in-Thames. I really enjoy photography - my own amateur attempts and the real deal - and so made a bee-line for this stunning section.

A family of elephants by Jasper Dalgliesh copyright

images by humanitarian and travel photographer Marco Ryan copyright

Desert Patrol by Marco Ryan (copyright) has a sepia and violet
light, stunning

The charming and very amusing Simon Brett was the guest speaker and the Mayor of Henley - Pamela Phillips - was great fun too.

Mrs Pamela Phillips, Mayor of Henley with writer Simon Brett
(copyright Vincent Allen)

The cupcake... you heard it here first

2011-09-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

image My Little Black Book

With yet another cupcake press release in my mailbox this morning, I just have to come clean and say - delicious though they are - the day of the cupcake has passed. Enough already. Pink ones, blue ones, rose flavoured, with sprinkles, chocolate chip, pistachio, swirls, cherries, chocolate buttons, fairy wings, peanut butter, jelly shapes. Cupcakes delivered to your door, cupcakes for weddings, cute cupcakes, cookie monster cupcakes (!), Halloween cupcakes, cupcake bouquets, rainbow cupcakes, horse cupcakes (yes really), the low fat cupcake (what's the point here?) cupcakes in boxes, on vintage cake stands, designer cupcakes at silly prices.

Carrie Bradshaw has a lot to answer for. Let's move on to the next new thing please. Well, ok maybe just one more bite.

Masterchef Live

2011-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Greg Wallace and John Torode
image Masterchef Live

I've done my stint of making chocolate cupcakes for the school fete and now I like preparing simple, quality food at home but I've been thinking lately about why I also enjoy watching someone else cook. I mean, I find it really relaxing and comforting somehow. Like most little girls I cherished the time I spent with my mum in the kitchen. In a big family it wasn't always possible to have her all to myself and making mince pies on Christmas Eve, peeling and chopping windfall apples for pies and making quince jam are some of my favourite memories from childhood.

So, I'm a closet fan of Masterchef. The current celebrity series sneaked in recently and I nearly missed it (there's only so much you can catch up on the iPlayer for heavens sake). And, yes, some of the 'celebrities' are unrecognisable but it's good to see Linda Lusardi still has a screen presence and she made it to the semi-finals.

Masterchef Live runs from 11 - 17 November at Olympia in case you need a fix of real live cooking or want to catch a glimpse of 'celebrity' judges/hosts Greg Wallace and John Torode.

Ralph Lauren retro fashion

2011-09-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

Vintage Genuine Snakeskin Bag Love Sixties

Not a lot of people know this.Well, they probably do but either I didn't, or had forgotten. Ralph Lauren designed the costumes for the film The Great Gatsby, a film that always makes me cry at the end because Robert Redford was just so beautiful, and that's before you even take a closer look at the clothes he, and co-star Mia Farrow - are wearing.

Lauren's new runway collection in New York this week featured beautiful silk dresses with more than a nod to the film and the Roaring Twenties generally. Slinky silk and satin dresses that hug the female form, furs (faux I hope), velvet, sequins, embroidery, and snug little hats.

Vintage dressing is even more popular than ever at the moment and part of the fun is seeking those special little one-off pieces that you know nobody else is going to have. Top to toe vintage is not a good idea but a fantastic bag or a vintage scarf, a pair of gloves or a little piece of jewelery is so stylish. After years of throw-away fashion it's so good to wear a pre-loved piece with panache.

Images...Ralph Lauren autumn/winter 2011 at New York Fashion Week in pictures

Elizabeth Taylor's Collection Christmas Auction

2011-09-09T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Taylor Collection
copyright Christies

This must be the event of the year. And if you 're looking for that original little gift look no further. The auction of Elizabeth Taylor's fabulous jewelery collection was announced by Christies this week in time for Christmas shopping.

Taylor and Burton were one of the most famous love stories of the twentieth century. The stunningly beautiful Taylor was eclipsed only by her equally fabulous diamonds, rubies and emeralds which Christies have announced will go to auction in New York.

Their off-stage, passionate lifestyle, was equally matched by their on-screen presence. Taylor and Burton were Benedict and Beatrice, Kate and Petruchio, Cleopatra and Mark Antony. They were stars in way not seen today (except for Joan Collins who remains a class A role model in how to age with fun and panache). Taylor in Butterfield 8 and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof will remain as two of the greatest of performances in the history of cinema. Later in their careers Burton and Taylor gave a wrenching performance as Martha and George in Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Edward Albee's in-depth analysis of a stifled middle class marriage in the Sixties.

If you have never heard Burton read Dylan Thomas, get a copy. His voice is like molten molasses. His lead role in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold still gives me shivers.

Burton (and third husband Michael Todd) adorned Elizabeth with the most stunning and unique jewelery ever made.

A ONE-OFF OPPORTUNITY

There is a once-only three month touring exhibition of these incredible pieces which begins in Moscow, visits Paris, Dubai, Los Angeles, Geneva, Hong Kong and London this month. We shall never see the like of this collection again. Some of these antique items will disappear into private vaults around the world, possibly for many lifetimes to come.

ETAF

Elizabeth Taylor was a lifelong supporter of humanitarian causes and Christie's have announced that "a portion of exhibition admissions, events and select publications related to sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), Founded 1991."

For simply the most divine images go to the BBC here

For full details of the exhibition tour visit Christies here.

Ramsay empire strikes back

2011-08-31T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Bread Street Kitchen (Gordon Ramsay Holdings)

Gordon Ramsay is to open a new restaurant on 26 September in East London. The Bread Kitchen is a converted old warehouse and I really love the space. Designed by Russell Sage for me it has the look and feel of some traditional old places I've eaten in while travelling around Spain in the eighties. Restaurants that have developed over the centuries in cellars and old Paradors.

This is partly because the fittings at The Bread Kitchen make use of reclaimed materials, vintage armchairs and leather banquettes. The exposed old life shaft - and much more of the old warehouse - remains, which is really pleasing. At the risk of sounding a little OTT, old architecture feeds the soul too. The time feels right for old industrial buildings with the resurgent interest in all things vintage during troubled social times.

Modern exterior but more interesting vintage industrial interior
(Gordon Ramsay Holdings)

As for the food, the menu is designed for a 'relaxed' dining experience. Guests can drop in very early for a Bread Street English (hopefully not a fry up). At the raw bar lunchtime diners can try a 'stone bass carpaccio with avocado, horseradish, ginger, honey and wakame'. In the evening, the ground floor bar serves cocktails and wines from an extensive list - and I mean extensive...the amazing wine 'gallery' holds around 2,000 bottles - and a 'small plate'. A favourite way to socialise in Spain is over tapas and a glass of crisp dry Fino. I've been a devotee of the beautiful nectar ever since my travels, much to the amusement of my English friends who still associate sherry with Hinge and Bracket.

The Bread Kitchen at (where else?) Bread Street, EC4M 9AB
www.breadstreetkitchen.com

winter festival

2011-08-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

image Tea & Coffee Festival 2011

Festivals are not just for summer. It's good to have things to look forward to, perhaps more so for the winter season which will soon be upon us. So here's one for your diary. Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, watch the transformation of the ubiquitous little green coffee bean being roasted into the delicious rich dark liquid we all know and love, or maybe watch a Chinese Tea Masterclass. On the Sunday there's more with cookery demonstration 'Romancing The Scone' where you can learn the secrets of the humble scone - the staple of the English tea table - and try your hand at making a professional Latte with the chance to win a prize.

So there's no excuses for hibernating this winter.

The Tea and Coffee Festival Winter 2011 runs from 18 to 30 November in the Southbank Centre Square every day 11am to 8pm (Sunday 6pm).

stone the crows

2011-08-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

The new granite floor in a private jet
image copyright Ocean Sky

I'm amazed to read today that a stone floor has been installed in an aircraft as part of the luxury interior design. Wow! I'm not sure whether that's impressive or just plain scary. Not for the anxious flyer who is already concerned about whether the plane is going to actually take-off and land safely at their destination.

Private jet company Ocean Sky flies the wealthy passenger anywhere in the world. For the rest of us mere mortals we still need to weigh our suitcase before setting off for the airport on our hols to avoid being penalised with extra-baggage weight fees.

The Baltic Brown granite floor was fitted over a two week period and apparently features a "defined crystal pattern". Intended, no doubt, to match the bubbles in your glass of Crystal champagne. You will also be happy to know I'm sure that it matches the carpeting in the loos.

The other good news for the poor old cleaners is that it's apparently very easy to clean. Well, that's a relief.

delicious soups

2011-08-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

Parsnip and Apple soup mmmmm

I know it's still summer but I'm getting lots of info through for winter and Christmas! This lovely recipe landed in my inbox today from the Loseley people. I really like parsnips and Bramley's so I'm going to give it a try when the weather gets chilly.

It's only supposed to take 10 minutes prep and is a low calorie option (if you leave out the cream, as if...)

INGREDIENTS
Loseley Summer Meadow Butter 50g (2oz)
Dessert Apple 1, cored, peeled and sliced
Parsnips 680g (1½ lb), peeled and sliced (if liked add 1/2 tsp dried sage)
Bramley cooking apple 1, cored, peeled and sliced
Vegetable stock 1¼ litres (2 pints)
Sage leaves 4, plus extra to garnish
Whole cloves 2
Single cream 150ml (¼ pint)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD
1. Melt the half butter in a large saucepan and add the dessert apple slices. Sauté until lightly browned, remove and set aside. Melt the remaining Loseley Summer Meadow Butter and add the parsnips and cooking apple. Cover and cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Pour the stock into the saucepan and add the sage and cloves. Bring to the boil, cover and then simmer for 3o minutes, until the parsnip is softened.
3. Remove the sage leaves and cloves, then puree in a blender or food processor. Return to the saucepan and reheat gently with the cream. Season to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the sage leaves and apple slices and serve with granary bread.

John Lennon memorabilia up for grabs

2011-07-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

Two rare pieces of Lennon memorabilia are coming up for auction on 9 August. John's cowboy hat and a pair of sunglasses are to go under the hammer.

Authentication letter [image Cameo Auctioneers]

John Lennon's Cowboy Hat [image Cameo Auctioneers]

Cowboy hat by Fenix Hats [image Cameo Auctioneers]

The items are authenticated by a letter from John's uncle Charles Lennon.

Other fab pieces in the auction include an incredibly rare first pressing of The Beatles, Please Please Me album (Parlophone PCS 3042 UK 1963 stereo) with an estimate of £5,000. One of my all-time favourites (along with Rubber Soul) as it's an early one with A Taste of Honey, Do You Want To Know A Secret and more titles in their early, unpolished style. So that's on my Santa's List for this year.

For more - or to bid - go to Cameo Auctioneers.

wearing the pink ribbon

2011-07-29T01:32:00.000-07:00

[image indigogaffiti]

Found this dear little ring - hand made at indogograffiti - with the Breast Awareness Ribbon at a very modest price. Made from a white lampwork bead and wrapped with light pink artistic wire. AND for every ring sold 10% will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Cute huh?

here comes the bride

2011-07-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

(couture wedding dress
image courtesy Alison Pordum Couture)

No, not me silly, but in celebration of all the beautiful brides and dashing bridegrooms this time of year this is a mini Wedding Special feature.

The MLBB mail box is stuffed full with the latest on dresses, venues, food and all things nuptial. And like all other females I'm a real pushover for beautiful dresses, pretty bouquets and towering wedding confectionery so I just had to share some of my favourites with you. So even if, like me, you're not walking up the isle this summer, you can still enjoy all the lovely bits of the centuries-old tradition of getting hitched.

(a country wedding
image courtesy Real Cut Flowers)

Fun Wedding Cake hand-made from felt (image Vivian's Kitchen)

(couture wedding dress
image courtesy Alison Pordum Couture)

(real English flowers
image courtesy Real Cut Flowers)

(a simple bouquet
image courtesy Real Cut Flowers)

(wedding favours
image courtesy The English Rose Bakery)

Real Cut Flowers I met Charlie Ryan at Hampton Court Flower Show last year when her beautiful stand caught my eye. Charlie produces the most lovely simple English flowers at Hay on Wye.

I was at a lunch recently where Alison Pordum was giving a fascinating talk about her time as Dressmaker to HM The Queen. Alison now has a workshop creating stunning couture gowns, wedding dresses and unique contemporary pieces.

Emma Brown at The English Rose Bakery was inspired by the French patisserie during a holiday and began to make her own macaroons. Although I haven't tried her little sweet biscuits yet I'm hoping to very soon.

Finally....Spa Secrets Magazine is running a competition to win a holistic holiday in Bali, the perfect honeymoon destination.

(to enter Spa Secret Magazine)

Hampton Court goes retro

2011-07-05T02:38:00.000-07:00

on the right a paper dress using NGGV 50th Anniversary vouchers (image by Cassi)

At Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this week...don't miss David Domoney's Catwalk in Bloom. Flowers have always played a key part in fashion from design to colours and here the TV presenter and garden expert explores the relationship with a fun fashion show expertly put together.

some great role playing by the guys (image by Cassi)

Set to classic sixties songs - how long is it since I've heard 'These Boots Were Made For Walking' by Nancy Sinatra! in the marquee there are also fabulous floral stands which take inspiration from more classic sixties hits.

A little skit from the 'Beach Boys' (image by Cassi)

'Puppet on a String' by Sandi Shaw tribute in flowers (image by Cassi)

'She's Like A Rainbow' by The Rolling Stones
tribute in flowers (image by Cassi)

Floral tribute to fashion icon Jackie Onassis
and others including a nod to Mary Quant and her black and white designs
from the Sixties (image by Cassi)

I've been up to London to visit the Queen

2011-07-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

(Centre) Couture Dressmaker Alison Pordum with
(left) Lisa Allen and (right) Jenny Brown (image by Cassi)

Well, not exactly. But the next best thing. Had a fabulous lunch today at Chilworth Manor in Hampshire and met couture dressmaker Alison Pordum. Formerly Dressmaker to HM Queen Elizabeth in-house (as in 'Buck House') Alison was responsible for many of the sumptuous outfits worn by HM at official engagements around the world.

Based now in Bournemouth Alison Pordum has clients all over the UK. Alison's passion for combining traditional couture dressmaking skills with modern trends in fashion design means she is able to produce stunning one-off wedding gowns, suits, ball gowns and even men's fashion. She only ever makes an outfit once, tailored to a client's specifications.

Camilla Goodman of Wilkins Kennedy and Leigh-Sara Timberlake (image by Cassi)

Unusually, Alison actually makes all her own patterns, sourcing bespoke fabrics and hand-finishing many details to produce garments of such a fine quality reminiscent of vintage couture. Think Doris Day's costumes by Norman Hartnell for the film Move Over Darling (1963) or Katharine Hepburn in Suddenly Last Summer (1959). Alison also enjoys customising client's own vintage clothing to create something even more unique.

She says; "I have only ever made three outfits for myself! One of these was my own wedding dress."

Alison even made her groom's tailored wedding tuxedo! One regular client has his sixties-style shirts made to measure. "My grandmother made my mother's wedding dress so I guess I have inherited her dressmaking skills".

Alison is very down to earth and highly creative. Her final Degree Collection 1999 was shown on the college catwalk during London Graduate Fashion Week in 1999 and is edgy, organic and reveals influences of Westwood and McQueen.

Louise Hill and Elaine Hibell (image by Cassi)

Many thanks to host Naomi today at Wilkins Kennedy and everyone at Chilworth Manor for a wonderful lunch.

Will you be glamping this summer?

2011-06-20T03:32:00.000-07:00

TV presenter Emma Willis 'glamping'

Going to a festival this summer? New research has identified 'The Top Ten Festival Essentials' among women:

Wet wipes (59%)

Food (57%)

Underwear (56%)

Make-up and toiletries (53%)

Loo roll (52%)

Change of clothes (49%)

Mirror (43%)

Wellingtons (41%)

Dry shampoo (29%)

Beauty and skin treatment (23%)

We girls are apparently no longer prepared to sit in a soggy tent with damp clothes, eat unhealthy take-away food all weekend and sleep rough on bumpy ground. Research reveals that many women going to top festivals Glastonbury, Reading and Bestival - will be opting to 'glam' it up in posh pre-erected tents. Many will also be taking their hair straighteners or a hair dryer, and some will even be taking scented candles.

TV presenter Emma Willis who is fronting the Alpro breakfast campaign says, “I, too, would much rather opt for the ‘glamping’ option and enjoy a little luxury and culture, as well as making sure I also see my favourite bands.”

Watch a video for more tips from Emma on glamping it up this summer ... (as someone who can never find her car in the supermarket car park, I especially love the iphone gadet for locating your tent!).

------------------------------------------------------

Source: The survey was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Alpro soya: respondents:

1, 200 (100% female, ABC1: 18 - 55 years but predominantly under the age of 44 years) 20th June 2011

swallows and amazons

2011-06-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

Open Air Shakespeare on the island every summer
www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk

Sandbanks, three miles of golden sands

Sandbanks on the Dorset coast consists of three miles of golden beach. Close by is Poole, an unspoilt British seaside town with a quay, good places to eat, fabulous views out to sea and over to Brownsea Island. You can also take a little boat over to the island which is a nature reserve.

Brownsea Island viewed from Poole quay

On the boat over to Brownsea Island, blue skies

Brownsea is jointly owned by the National Trust and the Dorset Wildlife Trust. It's the only place in the UK apparently where you can still find our pretty little native red squirrels. We were lucky enough to see one yesterday but not quick enough to catch a photo!

... I did manage to snap this beautiful peacock

a small hotel on Brownsea is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for staff holidays!

Make sure you don't miss the last boat back to the mainland!

This area of Dorset is also a playground for the wealthy - the Sunseeker boatyard

Sandbanks is the fourth most expensive property market in the world!

Live jazz at The Jazz Cafe on the beach - good for celebrity spotting

-------------------------------------------

Swallows and Amazons is a lovely little book (Arthur Ransome, 1930) about a group of children who spend the summer messing about in boats and on an island. Brownsea Island has been a favourite camping spot for Scouts and Girl Guides since Baden Powell set up the movement in 1907

Jersey Boys come to town

2011-06-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of musicals pop down to the Leicester Square Box Office to snap up cheap tickets.

The LSBO are offering tickets for The Lion King for as low as £26.50 and Jersey Boys (telling the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) in the stalls for a special offer price as low as £39.50 compared to the face value price of £62.50, while a ticket in the grand circle can be as low as £20.00.

As always it's probably first come first served so get your skates on. If you're outside the UK but coming to London this summer go to the LBO or call 020 7494 2301.

summer festivals

2011-05-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

Morris Dancers up close and personal (image by cassi)

It's that time of year for village fetes, music festivals and celebrations of all things wild and whacky. This weekend I was at the Alresford Watercress Festival in Hampshire. Items on sale included watercress soups, scones, pates and pesto plus delicious cakes, breads and so on. I think the photos say it all!

taste of the exotic (image by cassi)

who can resist sweeties? (image by cassi)

TV chef Sophie Grigson cooked up some treats on the cookery stage (image by cassi)

the green stuff, fresh Hampshire watercress (image by cassi)

The Courtyard Tea Rooms (image by cassi)

delicious breads on sale (image by cassi)

Rule Britannia (image by cassi)

welcome to summer (image by cassi)

Morris Dancers. Alresford is a Georgian town, The Market Inn dates back to 1767 (image by cassi)

It's also asparagus season here in the UK (image by cassi)

'the choir' (image by cassi)

Beetles rocks

2011-05-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Chris Beetles recently opened a new London gallery with his business partner Giles Huxley-Parlour, dedicated entirely to photography. I dropped in this week to see the Bruce Davidson exhibition 4 - 28 May which covers his 50 year career with 40 stunning black and white images.

The new gallery is a glass-fronted building just off busy Regent Street. Once you have rung the doorbell and been admitted inside it's a quiet, beautiful, clean and light space.

Davidson's work is highly emotive. At times poignant (Mr Haralson and His Sons Ira and Isaiah In Front Of Their Cabin, Selma, Alabama, 1965), often shocking (Jimmy At A Local Diner, Palisades, New Jersey, 1958) and occasionally making you smile (Nannies With Baby Carriages in Kensington Gardens, London 1960). Art, social history and comment simultaneously.

www.chrisbeetlesfinephotographs.com

Bruce Davidson also made three films in 1968 - 1972 and his photography has a cinematic feel to it. Facade of Building On East 100th Street, East Harlem, New York City, 1966-68 evokes Hitchcock's Rear Window, 1954. Or Child On Fire Escape, East 100th Street, New York City, 1966-68 which is echoed in Slumdog Millionaire, 2008.

While the Davidson images are not within my budget, I did purchase a catalogue at only £10 which is beautifully produced with sharp photographs to keep and look at again and again.The foreword is a piece written by the photographer himself back in the 1970's and reproduced here as the exhibition covers his work from the fifties through to the seventies. It's a great autobiographical story which really adds to the exhibition experience. It's also full of wonderful photography tips - a little Masterclass - which I love.

Sadly, I'm not able to reproduce any of the images but you can see them all online here.

the humble pretzel

2011-05-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite nibbles with a tall glass of chilled white is a tiny packet of pretzels by Penn State. I have a weakness for the sour cream & chive flavour.

This week the company launched a new ... chocolate flavour! Sound an odd taste combination? Trust me, these savoury little pretzels half-coated in real milk chocolate are to die for.

At the launch on Thursday Chef Kieran Moore experimented with these humble little snacks. Best of all was the caramel dip and praline sprinkles! The loaded chocolate pretzel was a little mouthful of heaven.

Desperate for more, I suggested to Chef Kieran that he produce "The Little (Recipe) Book of Pretzels". That would be next year's Christmas stocking filler for all my mates sorted.

The launch was held in the stylish bar The Anthologist close to the Bank of England, London. The basement walls are adorned with some interesting original art works. The champagne flowed and the cocktails were equally scrummy.

Romans, writers and the River Itchen

2011-05-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

'Flying butresses', Winchester Cathedral (image by Cassi)

A pub lunch today and a walk around the Medieval city of Winchester. You need to get off the beaten track a little to find these gems. Actually the city was built in Roman times, around 70AD, when it was called Venta Belgarum which - a quick Google tells me - means capital of the Belgares who were a local Celtic tribe in ancient Britain. History wherever you look...

Medieval gateway, Winchester (image by Cassi)

The River Itchen runs through the city, nice spot for a picnic! (image by Cassi)

The last home of Jane Austen, d.1817 (image by Cassi)

Jane Austen's house,. Winchester (image by Cassi)

Party People - book review

2011-05-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

David Jamilly has featured in Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire and I’ve been reading his book Party people; how to make millions from having fun which David co-authors with journalist Tammy Cohen. Party People tells the story how “David Jamilly (the second)” and sister, Kim Einhorn, built up their multi-million pound business – Themed Traders - starting back in 1989 having ‘fun’ and making a fortune on the way.

If the company name conjures up the image of Del Boy and Rodney (aka Trotters' Independent Traders) then the many anecdotes in the book reinforce this as, in the early days, brother and sister jumped feet first into a business about which they – admittedly – knew nothing about. You have to admire their “can do” attitude, something which is stressed again and again in their story.

Early cinema

The book opens well with the brief story of grandfather “David Jamilly (the first)” and his innovative travelling cinema. Their father, Victor Jamilly, set up the “iconic cult fashion” store, Laurence Corner, where the siblings worked for many years. By fortuitous accident they later stumbled into event management after providing props for BBC TV and organising children’s parties.

For the next three quarters of the book Party People struggles to find its genre. It’s part biography, a history (of event management), a ‘How To’ (organise a party) manual and a business management guide, meanwhile wandering into philosophy, anecdotal humour and the motivational speaking arena.

Mavericks

David and Kim are described as “mavericks” and “bohemians” with “anarchic leanings”. There is a whole chapter on Kim’s personality and people management style. Kim is apparently “blunt”, gives “legendary bollockings” and can erupt in the office like “Mount Vesuvius”. The regular “conflicts” between the two siblings can be “daunting”. This brought to mind the subject of another Channel Four programme on Rachel Johnson (sister of Boris) and her editorship of The Lady magazine in 2009.

Good, bad and the ugly

The juxtaposition of chapters in Party People is sometimes confusing. A chapter on the recession and the effect on the luxury party market is immediately followed by an unrelated – Kiss and Tell-style - chapter dedicated to ‘stubborn’ or ‘demanding’ clients. David describes his favourite client as one who hands over complete autonomy to the team. His ‘least favourite’ is the ‘power tripper’ but the ‘window shopper’ and the 'corporate player' also come in for criticism here. Although names are not named you can’t help feeling the client would recognise themselves in the case studies.

Jamilly is an interesting man and there’s clearly no doubt he and his sister have worked extremely hard to build up a highly successful business. There’s a lot of material in the book and I can't help feeling it would have benefited from choosing a genre and sticking to it.

Either way it’s an interesting read and a good companion to the Channel Four programme. If you're planning a big party any time soon give it a try.

(1) Secret Millionaire, Channel Four

Royal Windsor

2011-04-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

A pretty barge on the River Thames, Royal Windsor [image by Cassi]

Windsor yesterday... walking along the River Thames enjoying the sunshine.

By the River Thames, Royal Windsor [image by Cassi]

Easter holidays

2011-04-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

A Happy Easter 1910

I received this lovely little vintage post card from a friend. It's dated 1910 so before both World Wars and in a much gentler era. Have a Happy Easter!

summer comes early

2011-04-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

The Great British Seaside, little beach huts at Hayling [image by Cassi]

The Great British Seaside [image by Cassi]

The beach yesterday at Hayling Island on the south coast, around 21 degrees mmmmmm.

the natural world

2011-04-09T01:48:00.000-07:00

Photographer Vincent Allen

Vincent Allen is an extraordinary photographer and I really love his work. Partly because I like black and white images whether film, art work, book illustrations and also because his images are a little moody, dark, clean and sharp.

'Flying Arches' copyright Vincent Allen

Vincent will be exhibiting this summer at Natural Tendencies in Henley-on-Thames.

Morris... still alive and kicking

2011-03-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Morris Dancers in Winchester [image by cassi]

Morris Dancers in the ancient city of Winchester. This choreographed dancing by grown men in 21st Century England is claimed to date back to around 1448, although it was suppressed during - spoilsport - Oliver Cromwell's time. Historically dancing groups used staffs, swords and - here - handkerchiefs.

Morris Dancers always draw an big audience wherever the dancers appear. We English remain an eccentric race and thank goodness for that!

the real thing... Fifty Years At The Top

2011-03-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

Chris Beetles Fine Photographs Gallery
23 March to 23 April

I briefly met Terry O'Neill at an event at Alfred Dunhill in Mayfair. I was representing the company providing the courtesy, iconic luxury chaffeur-driven car. Later that evening, when the job was finished and the driver and I were about to leave, O'Neill's teenage son cheekily asked if he and his friend could have a lift home in the big limousine. 'No problem, jump in', I said. The two boys were over the moon and the friend called his girlfriend on his mobile to say, "You'll never guess where I am...". A fun evening.

Always a fan of O'Neill's work, I love his images partly because they are of their time and also, of course, due to the stunning simplicity in capturing a moment in time. There's a sort of innocence to O'Neill's images although I'm sure all the subjects weren't necessarily so - including Frank Sinatra who, it was claimed, had links with the mafia.

Fifty Years At The Top runs at Chris Beetles Fine Photographs Gallery from 23 March to 23 April.

international women's day

2011-03-03T01:15:00.000-08:00

Dame Judi Dench, Hampton Court Flower Show 2010
image by Cassi

So Tuesday 8th March 2011 is a day to celebrate remarkable women. Should we also have a celebratory day for men? We're not talking your average celeb here but people who really make you sit up and take notice. Make you re-think your own life and even maybe change society for the better a little. Quite a tall order.

On my list of men and women I admire are people who have values and stick to them even when their lives are at risk. One of these is Aung Suu Kyi put under house arrest for over 15 years for standing by her unshakeable belief in democracy. How amazing that one petite women should strike such fear in the face of such strong opposition that they have to lock her away.

Then there are those who are really pushing the envelope by continuing to work and contribute to life's great debates well into their senior years. David Attenborough is a remarkable man not only for his life-long work with wildlife but - like others such as Judi Dench and Bruce Forsyth - still working and loving life. You may not be fans of their work but be grateful that there are people like them pushing the boundaries for the rest of us and changing attitudes.

There are many more - including the ones who are not 'famous' - but I'd really like to hear who you would nominate. Enter the MLBB poll on the left hand side or, if you can't find someone you admire on the list, please add your own comments below...

holding back the tide

2011-02-16T03:15:00.000-08:00

There's really nothing quite like the great British seaside even in winter. In low temperatures walks need to be short and sweet this time of year. The grey seas and equally grey skies together with a strong blustery wind is like knocking back a strong, bitter espresso. Delicious!

I took a brisk walk with my sister around Bosham (pronounced Bozzum) Harbour last week and love this image. There really is a road beneath the sea here where cars park in this tiny little village... but only until the tide comes in. Look out if you forget where you parked!

Where did I park the car?
image by Cassi

Not even King Canute (AD 944-1035) can keep the waves back and Bosham is where he is reputed to have tried. Legend tells that he became tired of flatterers and when one suggested that as king - of England Denmark, Norway and parts of Sweden - he could even command the waves, he staged the scene to show them how wrong they were. Canute sat on a throne-like chair on this part of the harbour and attempted to hold back the tide. As you can see his feet would have got pretty wet. A lesson in humility for some celebrities and politicians today maybe?

Bosham is also an ancient Roman site and dates back to 681AD. The village church is a mixture of Norman and Saxon architecture and I like the simplicity of this early style. It is also depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

Saxon Tower at Bosham Holy Trinity Church
image by Cassi

This beautiful swan was very happy to pose for me.

the unspoilt Bosham Harbour
image by Cassi

There's also a new little deli called 'Doodle Deli' which serves good coffee (including espresso). Unfortunately, they don't have a web site yet but if you're in the area check them out. Bosham is very small so you can't miss them!

Further Trivia
Did you know there is also a Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry in Reading Museum? Made in sections, each one is 'signed' by the relevant needlewoman. The original tapestry at Bayeux in France features a naked man but in the Victorian copy undergarments have been added!

For more on the history of Bosham visit http://www.bosham.org/bosham-magazine/history/King-Canute.htm

the flirty Thirties

2011-01-27T01:53:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of films from the 50's and 60's. On a rainy Sunday afternoon there's nothing quite like snuggling down on the sofa with Breakfast at Tiffany's or Alfie (the original although the remake wasn't bad).

Recently though, while mooching around charity shops (another of my passions Dear Reader), I couldn't resist All About Eve (1950) at £1.99 with the great Bette Davis and The Hitchcock Collection, including the totally brilliant The Lady Vanishes (1938) and some I've never seen including Secret Agent (1935) starring a very young and totaly unrecognisable John Gielgud, for a bargain price of £3.50.

Fabulous fashion, social history, top class acting, flirty dialogue, moody atmospheres, great scripts, clever humour if you listen closely ... simply value for money and pure pleasure.

P.S. The Prince Charles (!) Cinema (just off Leicester Square) is having a little Silent Films feature at the moment.

Sweets for my sweetie

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Chocolate heaven or an overdose of the brown stuff?

Looking for a sweet treat for your Valentine? The Chocolate Hotel...yum, sounds like my kinda place. Situated in Bournemouth and looking a little like Fawlty Towers it is offering a special deal for Valentine's. Book for Monday 14th February and you will be rewarded with 'a chocolate fountain, a chocolate cocktail and a 500g slab of chocolate'.... hmmm, all that chocolate might make your loved one a little icky, not so romantic. Nice idea, if anyone tries it out let me know how it goes. For more visit http://www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk/.

Cupcake Dolly made to order

Or how about some gorgeous little cupcakes from CUP CAKE DOLLY. I met the co-owner at a recent fair and was really impressed as I just love entrepreneurs. Set up by a husband and wife team, their cakes are gorgeous. For more and to order visit http://www.cupcakedolly.co.uk/a%20love%20token.html

Tick Tock

2011-01-09T03:36:00.000-08:00

tick tock at Pride of the Valley

I stopped for lunch at a pretty hotel this week in Tilford - The Pride of the Valley - in Surrey. Originally a pub it dates back to 1887 and maybe this lovely old clock spotted on the wall does too. Well, it was hard to miss as it is at least three feet across. A not-so-subtle reminder to drinkers when it's time to go home. Time gentleman please!

The pub stands opposite what used to be Lloyd George's country estate called Bron y de where my grandmother was in service at the beginning of the last century. The pub was the premier's local and also my grandfather's (a local farmer) and, although there's no family record - maybe this is how my grandparents met.

P.S. They make great Brie and cranberry sandwiches, real 'doorsteps' you can get your teeth into, yummy.

First of the First, Eleven

2011-01-01T04:03:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book by Cassi

Today is 1/1/11! The first Baby Boomers make 65 and retirement age today, this year is the centenary of the launch of the Titanic, the Berlin Wall went up 50 years ago and Susan Boyle will turn 40 in April.

Here's looking forward to 2011 and a Happy New Year to you all.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

2010-12-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

"At Christmas I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth,
But like of each thing that in season grows,"

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) Love's Labour Lost

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

A slow train to Venice

2010-12-20T04:07:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book by Cassi

Johnny Depp is barely believable as a tourist in Venice (as Frank Tupelo a math teacher on holiday) when Angelina Jolie - as even less likely special agent, Elise Clifton-Ward - picks him up on a train in The Tourist.

There are the usual baddies in pursuit of Elise, in the hope she will lead them to her nameless English lover - played by Rufus Sewell who flits in and out of scenes like Hitchcock in one of his own films - who has stolen billions from his former mob-style boss.

Jolie - walking straight-backed like a sleepwalker or a model on the catwalk throughout each scene in heavy make-up, false eyelashes and designer clobber - makes an attempt at glamour. However, looking painfully thin - this simply evokes concern, which is distracting in a weird sort of way.

The film cannot decide whether it's a thriller - without any suspense whatsoever - or a comedy (Depp clambering over Venezian rooftops in his stripey pyjamas to escape the heavies in pursuit). The plot is weak, the scenery uninspiring and characterisation fuzzy.

There is a very heavy handed twist at the end when it turns out that Frank is really the lover robber and 'The Englishman' is a decoy.

All very disappointing especially as a cinema ticket at my local is now almost a meal-for-two price at £8.40.

Depp is brilliant as Captain Jack Sparrow and deserves much better roles.

0/10

The real Upstairs Downstairs

2010-12-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a good period drama on a Sunday evening. The new series of Upstairs Downstairs will be showing over Christmas and I'll be tuning in. A great cast includes Jean Marsh from the original 70's series, Keeley Hawes (star of the brilliant Ashes to Ashes), Ed Stoppard and the wonderful Anne Reid.

My grandmother was in service to Lloyd George at his country estatate during the early 1900's. Here she is on a rare day's outing.


My grandmother (fourth from the right back row)

P.S. check out Keeley Hawes blog at http://keeleyhawes.blogspot.com

Trees are good for you

2010-12-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ancient Olive Tree in Florence
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

The government announces today that it's going to plant more trees to try to mitigate modern day stress and as an antidote to all the proliferation of building works. A waste of public money or a sound investment in terms of reducing stress and making the world a prettier place to live?

Bay Tree The Garden Museum, London
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

Apple Blossom in an English Garden
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

There's nothing to match the wind rustling through the leaves of a tree. There's something so calming about walking through a forest or woods in the autumn, kicking through the piles of dried leaves on the ground. As a girl I loved to climb the big sycamore trees at the end of our garden, hanging on for dear life when a strong wind made the tree rock wildly.

Wisteria in the walled garden Stansted House, West Sussex
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

From a little Bonsai...
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

... to the perfect tree for climbing
Image by My Little Black Book by Cassi

Steve McQueen King of Cool

2010-11-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

The coolest man on the planet in the last century died tragically 30 years ago at only 50. Yul Brynner apparently accused McQueen of stealing all the attention in The Magnificent Seven. Brynner played the lead role and McQueen - a relative newcomer to the big screen - would make little, unscripted, movements in the background during filming.

Not a man you could miss in a crowd really. His passing was one of those that really shocks and it's impossible to say which of his brilliant films is my favourite... Bullitt, Le Mans, The Great Escape, Tom Horn, Papillon. ... The Thomas Crown Affair.

A Tribute To The King Of Cool is a new book by Barbara McQueen and Marshall Terrill about his life from delinquent farm-boy to world famous star. Choc full of fabulous photographs. The perfect Christmas present : )

Santa Swops Rudolph

2010-11-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Only 34 shopping days left... past Christmas in Egypt. Santa borrows his transport from the Three Wise Kings.

Fred Astaire's Dancing Shoes

2010-11-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Chuck Berry's guitar

Played hookey today and popped into Reading Museum... they have a little exhibition running in the John Madejski Art Gallery featuring Fred Astaire's dancing shoes (beautifully hand-made all in leather) and other goodies such as Michael Jackson's jacket, a shirt made especially for Austin Powers and Chuck Berry's guitar... signed by the great man himself. Celebrity it runs until 9th January 2011.

For more visit Reading Museum

Touring Tuscany

2010-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Florence this summer...messing about on the river... Ponte Vecchio in the background

There are four beautiful things to see in the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles) in Pisa but the focus is usually on the tower, which is as incredible as all the tourist books claim. But the Duomo de Pisa is equally stunning. Building began in 1064! They don't build them like that any more.

The beautiful tower has been undergoing cleaning - you can see scaffolding at the top still - and now you can see every little detail of this wonderful piece of architecture.

Food Glorious Food

2010-10-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

In an Italian artisan market this summer...

Demi Moore selling hand made cheeses?!!

Porcini and other funghi, freshly picked that morning

Prize-wining enormous aubergines

Singing Cockles and Mussels

2010-10-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

photograph courtesy Susie MacMurray

As part of a major national project one of my favourite contemporary artists - Susie MacMurray - is making Promenade at Kedleston Hall. Museumaker, the prestigious art project, involves 16 museums across 4 participating regions. The aims are to "unlock the creative potential of collections through imaginative interchanges between the heritage and contemporary craft sectors".

Each museum has commissioned one or more outstanding makers to create intriguing new work in response to the venue and its collections. I can't wait to see Susie's work. Previous works have included the fabulous wedding dress (made from white surgical gloves), a long wall made from surgical gloves (reminiscent of the walls of the trenches) at the Florence Nightingale Museum at St Thomas's Hospital, London and the absolutely A-mazing wall of mussels displayed on red velvet at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester as few years ago.

Susie MacMurray's Promenade visit museumaker 2010/11

Cassi meets creator of Elmer The Patchwork Elephant

2010-10-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Author and illustrator David Mckee

I really enjoyed meeting author and illustrator David McKee last night at The Lightbox. He has a lovely quirky outlook on life which gives him the inspiration for his fabulously successful children's books; Elmer The Patchwork Elephant, MrBenn, King Rollo and many more.

"I write for the adult the child will become and the child within the adult", says David. "Picture books are for everyone".

2010-09-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

From Escape To Wonderland; Judith Kerr Event Hi Res

At The Lightbox this weekend, the delightful Judith Kerr author and illustrator of Mog The Forgetful Cat and The Tiger Who Came To Tea.

Judith is a Miss Marple character who tells the story of her escape from Nazi Germany in 1933. It's a riveting, first-hand experience of World War Two and the end of childhood innocence.

Judith's father was a well-known drama critic, journalist and script writer who spoke out against the Nazi's. Subsequently he was number two on their hit list and this prompted them to flee Berlin. Living firstly in Paris and then Britain, Judith settled and became, in her own words, "a true Brit" when she realised how kind people were to her family.

The first in a series of Celebrity Lectures as part of the Escape To Wonderland; A History of Children's Book Illustrations the exhibition runs until 2nd January 2011. A real privilege.

A Star Is Born

2010-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

From Tuscany 2010

Did you know ... that Pinocchio was first brought to life in 1883? Here he is alive and well in a shop in Florence.

Love Is In The Air

2010-09-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

From Tuscany 2010

In Florence today,mingling with the wedding guests in front of the Church of St Lorenzo. One of the sweetest moments in anyone's life...

Afternoon Delight

2010-09-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

From Tuscany 2010

Pisa is more than just the leaning tower... some gorgeous little shops in the back streets

Just One More Cornetto

2010-08-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

I love food and one of my favourite blogs is Anice & Canella which combines food and stylish photography. The pictures are so gorgeous I like to drop in from time to time to drool over the gorgeous pastries and other Italian treats.

Next week I'll be in Italy, writing my own food diary La Dolce Vita so tune in! I can't guarantee the photography will be quite as stunning but I do promise you food, wine, gorgeous landscapes, fashion on the streets of Florence and much more...pasta, Italian gelato, antipasto, Prosecco, Zabaglione, panetonne with good coffee, mmmm.

Anice&Canella

Artist At Work

2010-08-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I was at the launch of the new exhibition Escape to Wonderland at The Lightbox in Surrey today. From Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac to Kate Greenaway and Anthony Browne (Children's Laureate, did you know there was such a thing?). The art works are displayed in 'Giant Books' created by theatre stage designers (who also designed Lord of the Rings, Chicago and Yes Minister).

However, don't get the impression that this exhibition is for children only. The exhibition is packed with beautiful illustrations from the last two centuries. Favourites of mine are Arthur Rackham's Peter Pan In Kensington (great title); a woodcut print of a work by Arthur Boyd Houghton and - shown here - the Captain Pugwash puppets by John Ryan produced for the BBC series. Apparently the arms and legs were joined with paperclips which accounts for the characters' famous jerky movements. Pre-technology days, sigh...

The original Captain Pugwash puppets for the BBC programme
image by Cassi

It was fascinating to watch illustrator Cassia Thomas creating a unique drawing to mark the event... and giving drawing workshops to the children. (It was so funny to hear that the girls wanted Lively Elizabeth drawn dressed as a 'Princess Ballerina' and the boys suggested she wore 'football' gear, nature or nurture, you may well ask).

Some guests had dressed for the event in ballerina tutu - artist and illustrator Cassia Thomas

Cassia's new illustration featuring award-winning gallery The Lighbox, to celebrate the exhibition opening... more on this later in the year.

Original drawing by Cassia Thomas, 'Lively Elizabeth at The Lightbox'

The Lightbox won The Art Fund Prize 2008.

The exhibition runs until 2 January 2011 and entry is free.

Cassia Thomas is the illustrator of Lively Elizabeth.

People are doing it LIVE

2010-07-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

Brownsea Island is a National Trust property... yes, the whole island. Not only is the island stuffed full of wildlife but once a year they host a two week production of Shakespeare.

Now, we've all read about how everyone is apparently spending more time on-line with virtual this, virtual that and the other (well, almost). But so far this sizzling summer I've been to polo on the beach at Sandbanks, music in the park at Larmer, all things flowery at Hampton, more music at Christchurch Festival, and now live theatre under the stars at Brownsea. And I've noticed that audiences at all of these events have one thing in common... they are clearly people who enjoy getting out in the summer and doing things LIVE. And it's totally fabulous.

Last night we picnicked out under the stars and watched a really quite brilliant performance of Taming of the Shrew. The Brownsea Island Open Air Theatre are very professional, highly talented - there are many sure-footed and talented comic performances in this production - and clearly passionate about live theatre.

The costumes are top notch, the scenery (and the backdrop of night sky) incredible and the cast equal to the West End. [Only slight criticism was that Kate's character was often too literally 'shrewish' and lacking the sense of intelligent wit inherent in Shakespeare].

If you haven't booked tickets I'm afraid you've missed the boat (sorry about the pun) for this year as it's already sold out. Next year they will be performing Julius Caesar which is sure to be a big hit too.

P.S. My all-time favourite performances of this comedy is the truly brilliant Taylor/Burton combination (Franco Zeffirelli 1967). Art imitating life as this real-life partnership was at the time just as volatile and passionate.http://www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk/

L'arnacoeur

2010-07-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

The French are making some great little movies. They always have, of course, but the new-style mainstream 'le rom-coms' are fast-moving, brilliantly acted and funny in that off-beat French manner that results in delightful little surprises.

Heartbreaker had me laughing out loud in that embarrassing way you do sometimes. Well, I certainly find I'm sometimes the only person in the cinema giggling and snorting at some odd little moment. I forget where I am, thinking I'm curled up on my own comfy sofa at home. Definitely the sign of a good film, don't you think?

For instance, a key strand through the film is Dirty Dancing - a lovely tribute to Patrick Swazeye with a short clip - and this provides the opportunities for some funny moments as the lead guy (more later) and his accomplice practise the great seduction scene.

There's also a little A Fish Called Wanda moment too when an electric stunner is used to subdue the big baddie guy chasing for unpaid debt. Ok, so the storyline here is not very original but it doesn't really matter as the plot and the action keep you involved.

Romain Duris is in turns both nerdy and stunning attractive. Likewise Vanessa Paradis is sometimes very ordinary looking and at other times very beautiful.

The setting in Monte Carlo is also gorgeous.

Enough rambling, see it soon!

7/10

Grooving

2010-07-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fave band Raghu Dixit

The Larmer Tree Festival 20th anniversary 2010

Fun at the 20th Anniversary of the Larmer Tree Festival. Held at the Larmer Tree Gardens near Salisbury.

Art imitating life... stage side artist sketching the audience

Lots of dressing up

and finally...

Life's a beach

2010-07-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Mussie Emmetu (left), Kate Godfrey and Matteo Rosella (right)

Wearing my journalist hat yesterday, I popped down to Sandbanks for the British Beach Polo Championships. Everyone had made a big effort to dress up and look totally gorgeous. The champagne flowed,, the ponies looked fresh despite the scorching heat, a few 'celebs' turned up, everyone got sunburned (very little shade unless you were one of the honoured hospitality guests), and we paid £3 for a can of coke ...

Hampton Court Virgin

2010-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dame Judi Dench receiving a new rose (image by Cassi)

HRH the Duchess of Wessex with Brownies (image by Cassi)

I didn't really know what to expect... this being only my second horticultural show ever in a week. The first was the HTA's inaugural, no-frills plant show for trade. This week I was lucky enough to be invited to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Would it be full of boffins and specialists, I wondered, who would quickly suss me out, realising that I was a very basic gardener who thought pruning was the verb for eating that particular breakfast fruit?

James Wong TV Presenter and environmental botanist (image by Cassi)

Lady Wogan accepting a new rose "Terry Wogan" (image by Cassi)

Of course, going on press day made a tinsiest difference. No crowds to battle with for a start. This is not counting the big burly photographers who nearly trampled me underfoot in the rush to get that special photo of Dame Judi, Julia Delves (Isabella Blow's sister for the unfamiliar and who isn't in this case) and the Tog Meister's other half, Lady Wogan.

Highlights of the day...Pink Champagne, little pots of clotted cream into which we dunked the most divine strawberries I've tasted this season, a chat with James Wong, ethno-Botanist and presenter of Grow Your Own Drugs, the stunning display of Amaryllis and Alliums, the gorgeous Gardens Illustrated marquee (great goodie bag, thankx) and a lovely independent grower called Charlie Ryrie who produces the prettiest English flowers and delivers! For lots more... see my pictures.
When I asked him if he had any gardening tips for me, James Wong said; "I think people can get too concerned with the rules of gardening, just like cooking, all that chopping and sieving. They should simply get out there and enjoy their gardens". And if you don't have your own garden at the moment get out and enjoy the ones at Hampton Court.

Old MacDonald had a farm

2010-06-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

At the HTA Inaugural Plant Show today and these fun characters caught my eye, made from - I think - house leeks.

Daisy and friends
image by Cassi

Art2gether now

2010-06-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Out and about this week at an Art2gether event this week. They do fabulous work with schools and their pupils. Shown here painting on silk....

www.art2gether.co.uk

City Limits

2010-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

Sex And The City 2. In a nutshell?

Liza Minnelli strutting her stuff, really cool and looking good.
Kim Cattrall is fab...the character Samantha has been prostituted by the writers this time around.
Reminded me of A Hard Day's Night, all that sand and whacky characters.
John Thomas, Cinematographer... hadn't noticed this on the previous film credits, love it!

Not the beloved TV series of yesteryear but the times they are a changing. Has the backlash begun? See Joan Bakewell's comments in the press this week; "Mary Whitehouse was right".

What Lies Behind

2010-06-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

In London today and couldn't resist taking time out to see Irving Penn at the National Portrait Gallery. (Thanks Art Fund for a 50% member's reduction on my ticket). A lovely BIG exhibition of the black and white portrait photography spanning his whole career. (The last exhibition I saw was the Grace Kelly; Style Icon which was quite a small collection and I felt a little cheated.)

Too many Penn favourites but a selection from the fifties and sixties...

Jacques Cousteau

Grace Kelly

Audrey Hepburn

Simone de Beauvoir

Richard Burton

Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in the famous 'Harlequin Dress'

Harold Pinter (no wonder Joan Bakewell fell for him in the sixties)

Edward Albee

Woody Allen as Charlie Chaplin

Rudolf Nureyev (listed in the brochure as "Russian ballet dancer", a tad understated don't you think?)

Nicole Kidman

Dora Maar

Then again from 1948, the Marlene Dietrich is stunningly beautiful. Joan Miro, Paul Cadmus (mmm) and a very handsome young Orson Welles spotted amongst a group of intellectuals in Caffe Greco,

and more and more.

Lovely lovely lovely. Only on until 6 June so if you haven't seen it yet you'd better get your skates on.

Exclusive Backstage Pass

2010-05-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

From Tour backstage CFT

Ever wondered what goes on behind the Stage Door?

Not a lot of people know this but it takes months of work and many £££'s to design a fabulous stage set and when the production goes on tour it has to be adapted to fit the different theatres!

Independent charity - the Art Fund- organises exclusive events at fabulous venues around the country. On Saturday 18 September you can join them for a private tour backstage at the award-winning Chichester Festival Theatre. Not only that but the tour will be led by top set designer SIMON HIGLETT who will give the low-down on the process of stage design from sketch... through to three-dimensional model.

Simon's work includes Nicholas Nickleby in the West End and on worldwide tour, The Grapes of Wrath at Chichester and Amy's View at the Garrick....

For more information or to book tickets contact sussex@artfund.org.uk.

Notes: The Art Fund helps museums and galleries - throughout the UK - buy art for everyone to enjoy. Next time you're visiting your favourite museum or gallery please remember this is possible due in part to the amazing work by this independently-funded charity.

Life on the run

2010-05-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

Henri Cartier-Bresson at the MOMA until 28 June. The Master.

From My Little Black Book

[Photograph courtesy MOMA]

From My Little Black Book

[The Bathers Georges Seurat]

Bay watch

2010-05-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

Could be Santa Monica... Swanage in Dorset this weekend.

From The great British seaside

Love Is All You Need

2010-04-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

Dutiful Italian wife and mother Emma Recchi (brilliant performance by Tilda Swinton) is magnificent in her transition from haute bourgeoisie to bohemian in this made to measure role. Looking stunning as Signora Recchi - long blonde hair twisted into a neat chignon, twin set, pearls and red lipstick - with her hair cropped boyishly towards the end of the film, she reverts to her Russian roots, leaving Italian middle class life to live in the wild countryside with her working class lover.

The film follows the corresponding fall-out culminating in her beloved son's tragic demise.

Io sono l'amore is listed as a drama. It also falls within the genre of classical neo-realism. The camera wanders in real time, often completely randomly and at odd angles, to produce a jarring effect to mirror the disrupted family life. The clashing music, employed to denote rising tension during family quarrels and orgasmic sex, though reminiscent of say Pier Paolo Pasolini's work, was more Hitchcock and a little clunky.

There were a few more comic moments including a scene of passionate lovemaking between Emma and her lover chef Antonio (played by Edoardo Gabbriellini). As their passion rises Emma recites a secret family recipe for soup! Food is synonymous with sex - or a lack of it - here and throughout the film people are in the process of talking about, cooking or eating it. By revealing this soup-making process, Emma betrays her son (it was his favourite dish) and this leads ultimately to his accidental death. All very Oedipus.

A nice little effort and such a refreshing change to the usual Hollywood diet.

5/10

Being Grace Kelly

2010-04-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

Popped into the Grace Kelly Style Icon exhibition at the V&A yesterday. It's amazing how the clothes designed specially for her - or the occasional homemade dress from a McCalls pattern - often look commonplace on the tailor's dummy. Add the inimitable Grace and voila! the clothes transform into something extraordinary.

My favourites have to be the LBD Grace wore in the Hitchcock masterpiece Rear Window and, of course, the costumes from High Society (a film I never tire of watching).

The exhibition includes a collection of hats (divine), sunglasses (at any one time she had around 50 pairs to go with different outfits) and shoes (naturally).

For my money the exhibition emphasis was a little too heavy on her role as Princess Grace of Monaco rather than her early life, which as a model and film star was just as exciting and intriguing. If you get the opportunity don't miss it.

Age Becomes Her

2010-04-17T02:38:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book
[photograph writer Jung Chang]

Actress Harriet Walter has put together a stunning exhibition of photographs celebrating the "beauty of the ageing female face". I popped into the contemporary gallery at the Salisbury Arts Centre (a beautifully converted old church) for the first time ever yesterday to see the exhibition and loved it.

Included in the exhibition are photos of women in the various stages of the ageing process. Judi Dench, Annie Lennox, Mary Quant, Jane Birkin and Charlotte Rampling... and many women who are not in the public eye, friends and relatives of Walters. Many of the photographs have been taken by the former 60's model Jill Kennington.

"Youth is something very new: twenty years ago no one mentioned it."

Coco Chanel 1883 - 1971

In our society where eternal youth is the Holy Grail it's so wonderful to see these truly beautiful images. We're all living much long so it's about time we all celebrated that fact and learn to enjoy every age of our lives.

Infinite Variety, Salisbury Arts Centre until 15 May

Tracey Emin Eat Your Heart Out

2010-04-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

I wasn't particularly good at art at school. My pottery always turned out "wobbly" (if it even survived the kiln) and I can't now recall a single skill that has survived those tortured attempts to produce my very own masterpiece.

So I'm really interested in Art2gether which is all about people working and having some fun together to simply learn new skills and have the confidence to put pen to paper, brush to easel or even needle to fabric! Go into any art shop and the choice of materials is daunting to say the least. Which pencil should I use to sketch and on what paper for heaven's sake? I'm guilty of having bought all sorts of arty stuff and then left them to gather dust and finally donated them to my local charity shop. Well, at least I'm recycling!

Art2gether is run by artist and qualified teacher Linda Ebbett. Adamant that everyone has artistic talent she says; "Art is a form of self expression and everyone has a creative streak. It can be very cathartic!"

Regular regular workshops include Saturday mornings in schools for parents and their children, private birthday parties or even a girls' night with a glass of wine! Art classes at school were never like this. Linda shows you how to begin, provides all the materials, gives much needed encouragement and promises you will take home your own little work of art. I'll drink to that!

From My Little Black Book

Fashion Before Coco

2010-04-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you missed it last year buy or rent it out. I bunked off for an afternoon and caught the film at a little independent cinema this week. Bright Star is the story of Romantic poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Don't be put off if you're not a fan of poetry, it has all the elements to make a brilliant girls-night-in-movie... a real tearjerker. Plus extra brownie points for the fashion. Fanny was apparently a fantastic dressmaker and her hats and gowns are stunning.

Director Jane Campion; the film has a similar quality as another of her timeless films, The Piano. There's something of Ada McGrath's quiet determination in Fanny.

6/10

Small is Beautiful

2010-04-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

Walked along the Jurassic coast in Dorset yesterday... very muddy and windy but so worth it. Came to the tiny Norman chapel dedicated to St Aldhelm born 650 ACE (a bishop and scholar who liked to write riddles!). Buildings like these, dating back hundreds of years, give me goosebumps. Inside everything is in miniature; the vaulted roof, tiny stained glass window facing out to sea to catch the best light. Beautiful.

Ashes to Ashes - The End

2010-03-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

Ashes to Ashes the final countdown... don't miss it. Friday BBC 1 9pm. Philip Glenister (Gene Hunt, love him or hate him, who can resist?) and Keeley Hawes (fab new hair in this series).

Bridget Jones Comes Of Age

2010-03-18T03:08:00.000-07:00

From My Little Black Book

[Photograph NY Daily News]

According to IMDb My One and Only is based "on a recollection" of his childhood by Hollywood actor George Hamilton"...a quaint way of describing his memories of a roller-coaster family life.

Having said that, it doesn't really say anything new about life in the Fifties for women, when the best career option seemed to be finding a man to marry you. Any man, the films suggests, so long as he pays the bills.

With a script by Forest Gump writer Charlie Peters, the story has that "is this a spoof or a drama" quality about it but that doesn't detract from a surprisingly credible performance by Renée Zellweger. Once or twice she slips back into that Stepford Wives' jerky sort of body language, and pursing-of-lips that she seems to favour. In between times, however, this is the first time I've seen Zellweger actually act emotion and she does it well. The scene where her character, Anne Devereux, is (erroneously) arrested for soliciting in a hotel bar is very touching and you feel outrage on her behalf.

Good to see Kevin Bacon again on screen even though it's a supporting role here.

Not Oscar winning material but hopefully the sign of even better things to come from its principal actor.

5/10

My Secret's Out

2010-03-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

I have to own up. I am a list-maker. And not only that, but I enjoy making lists and the satisfaction that comes from ticking completed tasks on my list! Mainly, though, having committed notes to paper I can simply forget all about them!

There, now you know... but it seems I'm in excellent company. Some of the world's greatest artists are seasoned list-makers.

One of my favourite lists - "wig calls" - taken backstage at the Chichester Festival Theatre
for Cyrano de Begerac in 2009 starring Joseph Fiennes (6.30)
image by Cassi

While my list-making is constrained to to do lists or shopping lists it seems there's more to this than I realised. Famous list-makers featured in a new exhibition include Picasso and American artists Charles Green Shaw and Alfred Konrad (who made a pictorial list of clothes to pack for his holiday). Finnish architect Eero Saarinen even made a list of his wife's most attractive qualities. Was he afraid he'd forget why he married her?

And for all you work-aholics out there, be warned! A chaotic inventory of work by the colour theorist Oscar Bluemner is practically illegible. He committed suicide shortly afterwards.

The final word goes to artist Charles Green Shaw: "Real happiness consists in not what we actually accomplish, but what we think we accomplish." I'll second that.

P.S. The companion to the List-maker is surely the 'Doodler'. Come on now, hands up if this is you!

More: Lists: To-dos, Illustrated Inventories, Collected Thoughts and Other Artists' Enumerations from the Archives of American Art runs until September 2010, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC.

Avatar: Not So Down To Earth

2010-03-04T02:12:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

So, what would H G Wells have made of Avatar? The storyline is not so very different from War of the Worlds after all. A clash of cultures, one hostile, the other the peace loving underdog until pushed to react.

Who was it who proposed only 12 story lines which repeat over and over in literature? Well, Avatar is a mix of the age-old Romeo and Juliet, with a dash of American history ('cowboys and Indians') and ancient Druids, the hubris of a Greek tragedy, and yet right up to date with a liberal dose of environmental concerns.

Remember Roger Rabbit featuring a whole gamut of cartoon characters? Avatar incorporates Lara Croft, the "blue" Na'vi with their long, floppy limbs and mobile ears reminiscent of Jar Jar Blinks in Star Wars, Colonel Quaritch struts his macho stuff (encased like a robotic Transformer) in tribute to Bruce Willis in Die Hard or attacking the Na'vi Robert Duvall-style in Apolocalypse Now. (Nice touch; Quaritch drinking a cup of coffee going into battle and standing on the bridge of his menacing aircraft).

All of the above makes for a truly enjoyable film but... add in the AMAZING 3D effect and you are blown away. The stunning forest plants, the wildlife stalking through the trees, the vistas and waterfalls.... brilliant. Every little drop of water or fleck of tree fern floats right in front of your eyes, off the screen. It takes a little getting used to. I was so busy watching things float around in my vision - formerly only experienced after a glass or two - that I forgot to follow the plot for a few minutes.

10/10

P.S. I was a little disappointed to see Sigourney Weaver reduced to an 'also-ran' role. It seems Alien condemned Weaver to Sci Fi /Fantasy forever and the roles are becoming a little cliched.

At the Baftas

2010-02-22T01:19:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

Great speech by Colin Firth. Accepting the award for Best Actor (A Single Man), Firth, 49, thanked fashion-designer-giant-turned-film-director Tom Ford for leaving him "resuscitated, a little more worldly, better groomed, more fragrant and more nominated than one has ever been before". Cute.

Pleased for Carey Mulligan - Best actress in An Education - but nonetheless disappointed on behalf of Meryl Streep, for her role in It's Complicated, who is totally brilliant and seems to be on a run of success after success, long may it last.

Prince William ... the new President of Bafta. Hmmm, without a doubt a PR move. Not sure that it will do a great deal for Will's reputation, or Bafta's. Cachet, talent and charisma don't simply rub off.

More pictures here

The day after Valentine's

2010-02-15T02:36:00.000-08:00

I like the offbeat and slightly bizarre... did you know there's actually a Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia? Their second exhibition is currently on tour in Pula (Croatia).

AKA 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover....

The exhibits have been donated and include a mobile phone from an anonymous donor that reads: “It lasted 300 days too long. He gave me his mobile phone so I couldn’t call him anymore.”

The museum is an art concept set up by Olinka Vištica and Drazen Grubišić after consoling friends over their failed romances.

See more exhibits here ...Museum of Broken Relationships

Roses are Red...

2010-02-14T01:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's!

I have always wanted a happy ending...Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.

Gilda Radner (1946 - 1989)

From My Little Black Book

Alexander McQueen: Genius

2010-02-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

Eye Spy...

2010-02-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

Well, not by me actually (am still struggling to get to grips with all the options on my digi camera). Spotted in Ian's back garden this week... a gorgeous Sparrow Hawk having lunch!

From My Little Black Book

Photographs copyright Ian Wilcox and Christy Pix.

Valentine's: it's that time of year again!

2010-02-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite museums is the V&A. Currently planning a big exhibition on "Wedding Fashion through the Ages" scheduled for 2013, they are inviting the public to upload their own family wedding photos onto the V&A database.

While you're on there, browse through the photographs already featured... there's some wonderful images. Surely brides are everlasting, whether a marriage succeeds or fails - for whatever reason - a bride remains a bride. That one magical day in your life remains forever. See how the fashion has changed and been repeated, adapted and developed throughout the past century or two.

From My Little Black Book

Pictured here is my beautiful mum married forever to my handsome dad in 1945...

V&A Wedding Fashion Through the Ages

Chanel Deserves a Better Biography

2010-01-27T02:53:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

Having a bit of a film-fest at the moment. Finally, caught up with Coco Before Chanel (July 2009).

Audrey Tatou is perfect for the part and I thought I was in for a real treat. Really though, how unusual was Gabrielle Chanel's early life in Paris in late 19th /early 20th Century, as portrayed by the film? Abandoned by both her parents, left in a Catholic orphanage, going on to sing in sleazy bars, becoming a rich man's mistress... the film sanitises this whole period in her life. Everything is shown as very clean, polite and civilised.

Choosing instead to focus on how Gabrielle is nicknamed Coco (unremarkably, it's the name of a little dog) by her older lover the film shows her making her own clothes and, yes, you guessed it, going on to become a fashion designer by sheer good luck it seems.

I came out feeling the film didn't do justice to the pioneering fashion designer, who literally changed women's lives and founded the enduring iconic brand. And Tatou didn't get the chance to really act, again. It's about time someone gave her a spiteful, 'baddie' role to play, a la Bette Davis. I'm sure she has it in her.

Clooney still makes me swoon

2010-01-25T01:25:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

I really like independent cinemas. New Park at Chichester has a fabulous international film festival every summer... The Ritz in Belper, Derbyshire serves tea and homemade cake and Harbour Lights in Southampton, like all independents, shows an amazing range of international films.

At the Harbour this week I saw George Clooney's latest film Up In The Air. A quiet unassuming story reflecting life in the new "Twenties". According to research so many people are now choosing to live in single households and we're all hooked on internet communication (well, not me and you obviously). Clooney's character - a suave businessman who makes people redundant on a consultancy basis - actually goes one step further. Travelling around the globe for his work, living in hotels, he doesn't actually bother to have a home. With a women in every city he doesn't have long term relationships either. Not so original but when he does fall in love, it turns out the woman of his dreams is married. He is simply her "bit of fun". (Nice turnaround in roles here). And, yes, when he turns up unexpectedly on her doorstep you actually feel sorry for him when he realises the truth.

There's no CGI in this film, no big bangs or loud music, clever gimmicks or even a huge cast. In fact, the people who are made redundant in the film are real people (not actors) who have actually recently lost their jobs. So their reactions are as close as you can get to the real thing. Great support too from Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick.

A story then without much of a story but nonetheless it has some hard hitting messages a little too close for comfort and some very funny moments. See it if you get the chance.

For news on the Guardian's recent poll on independent's here on Picturehouse blog.

Dodge (in the) City

2010-01-13T02:07:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

I have a lot of respect for Mark Kermode as a film critic but must admit I was a little sceptical about his band, Dodge Brothers. A mix of skiffle, country, blues, Rock n' Roll. Listen for yourself and make your own mind up.... London 2nd April 2010.

Waking up in Narnia

2010-01-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

...just needs the White Witch to come sweeping down the hills surrounding the village. Wow!

Love in a cold climate?

2010-01-04T01:49:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

You must have seen the recent news about the party of 60 New Year revellers snowed in for three days in a pub in North Yorkshire... idea for a new reality show?

Great footage here from the air shows just how remote the pub is... interested? It's up for sale. Perhaps the vendor will throw in a snowmobile as part of the deal! lol.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-30T03:24:00.000-08:00

From Lavender Fields Launch Event - 9th July - High res copies

Here's to 2010... health, wealth, peace and happiness to everyone x

Enjoy the Christmas sales!

2009-12-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

From My Little Black Book

The Greatest Show on Earth, Tra La

2009-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

From Drop Box

GRAND CENTRAL one of my favourite places in one of my top cities in the world. A stunningly beautiful architectural gem, there's so much going on and that's without even getting on a train!

From the wonderful indoor market, to the ticket windows, to the incredible ceiling way up above I could spend hours here.

If you're in New York soon don't miss the Holiday Light Show - until December 31st.

It's the little things in life

2009-12-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

I can't help myself, watching Delia Smith preparing for Christmas is like being a child back in the kitchen with my mum!

Making mince pies was the best. I'd get all floury, helping mum roll out her wonderful shortcrust pastry with an ancient wooden rolling pin - which for some reason was burnt at one end! - stamping out lots of little crimped shapes and stacking them to one side. We made tons of pies as we were a big family and Christmas meant uncles and aunts, cousins, friends and neighbours all dropping in. Once the pastry shapes were nestled into the battered old cake tins and a good dollop of mincemeat added, the "lids" were plonked on top. Then came the best bit. I was in charge of pressing the lid into the base to seal it, using the rim of a floured egg cup, so all the lovely brandied, fruity juices didn't escape. If I didn't dawdle, I also got to pierce the lid, jabbing each one with a fork, to let the steam escape and sprinkle them with castor sugar. Perfect!

Once I had a son of my own, I carried on the tradition only varying it by adding crushed walnuts and orange zest to the pastry. The one thing I have remained faithful to is keeping things like mince pies for Christmas only. Along with mulled wine and a home made trifle. In the same way, we only had Hot Cross Buns at Easter and crumpets for tea in the winter. It's the little things.

Christmas has lost a lot of its magic but Delia's right, preparing and sharing a special feast in the dark winter months is very special. Whoever you're sharing your Christmas with I hope you have fun and laughter.

P.S. If you missed Delia's Classic Christmas this week (or just want to watch it again!) go to BBC iPlayer

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