Valentine's Day - Sorted.

Like it or lump it, the most loved up, couple canoodling, vomit-inducing holiday is upon us.  Whether you’re smuggly smitten or sick of the schmaltz, here are some things to get everyone through the big V-day.

 
For the lovebirds among us, The FlowerAppreciation society has all our last minute floral fiascos sorted with their pop-up shop at Boxpark selling exotic bouquets.  For the evening, the BFI is hosting a selection of romantic film screenings including A Place in the Sun, perfect for pashing in the back row.  For the more adventurous lovers, Corset & Diamonds’ Memoirs of a GAYsha, is a bizarre night of old and new Japan; expect Harajuku dancing with a burlesque twist along with peep shows, Japanese bondage and ‘love games’, washed down with Sake-it-to-me cocktails and sushi.

For singles in the mood for lovin’, check out some of London's matchmaking events.  Slagbox is a single’s night with a twist; bring a friend of the opposite sex, take a number and the let the magic happen, while For The Love of Mic, gives you the chance to fall crazy in love with your very own Jay-Z or Beyonce.  For something different, check out the launch of the Anonymous Sex Journal, a collection of sex tales spanning from the touching to the utterly awkward, or to see if there really is a point in looking for love, head to The School of Life’s ‘How Necessary is a Relationship’ class.

For a Valentine’s Day where anything goes, head to a pie shop in Shoreditch and indulge in Fat Cheek Love Bites’ 4 course ‘of the sea’ supper club on 15th February.  Alternatively, don your glad rags and head to the Museum of London’s Valentine’s Day Late or the Vintage Dance Club Tea Dance at Canary Wharf for a night of 1920s charm, full of music, dancing and downright debauchery.  If that doesn’t do it for you, why not recreate a bona fide romantic American experience at The Book Club’s Teen Dreams Prom, where British revellers will pay homage to the great American romantic clichés before ripping them apart with icebreakers such as ‘this one time at band camp’.

And last but not least, for those of us who simply refuse to recognise, celebrate or acknowledge the Cupid's arrows adorning every window, there’s always a take away and a bottle of vodka.

Hark! The Herald

I've eaten my body weight in mince pies, drunk enough mulled wine to flood Cornwall and have battled my way through the Christmas shopping hoards.  But something is still missing...my vocal chords have been given a work-out while I warble away to 'Last Christmas' and 'Baby it's cold outside' but there has been a distinct lack of caroling to my Christmas build up this year.

Luckily, St. Paul's is here to answer my festive prayers and is hosting a free carol service with unticketed entry on Sunday 23rd December from 4pm.  Expect all the golden oldies, 'Once in Royal', 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' and, my personal fave, 'Hark! the Herald'.  Get there early and come ready to belt those beauties!

Wok+Wine!

Most conversations with my family and friends generally always return to the same topic - food.  It's not that we're all pigs, it's just that...just that...ok, maybe we are.  This fodder nattering is the mantra behind Wok+Wine - 40 strangers, 40 pounds of jumbo prawns and 40 bottles of wine.  People eat, people drink but people also meet and talk with other like-minded prawn and wine loving individuals.  I mean really, what more do you need in common?!

Starting in November 2008, Wok+Wine has taken the world by storm, with over 3000 guests attending their events across the globe, from New York and London to Venezuela and Whangarei!  Everyone gets down and dirty by eating prawns with their hands from a huge communal table.  The relaxed environment (as well as at least a bottle of wine each) gets the conversation flowing and allows interesting people to meet others for just £35.  The locations are announced near the time of the event and luckily for us, the next London Wok+Wine is this Friday, 19th October!  Hurrah!  But hurry, with just 40 tickets on sale, they disappear in no time! Head to the website for more information and your daily dose of prawnography!

Long to Reign Over Us!

What better excuse is there for a seriously long weekend, lots of pimms drinking and a good old British party, than Queen Liz’s 60^th anniversary on the throne?!  In short, there isn’t one, which is why I thought I would share all of London’s best weekend Jubilee jubilations with you!

First things first, although a glorified, jewel encrusted hat may seem a little over-the-top for a street party or picnic, its not.  Jubilee celebrations are the only time when you can acceptably wear a tiara, so until 15^th June, The Tiara Shop at Selfridges is your one stop pop-up shop for bling headgear, with tiaras ranging from royal budgets of £50,000 right down to a good old fiver.

From Thursday 31^st May

Although not technically starting at the weekend, why not get the party started early?!  Selfridges are hosting a truly British afternoon of tea and crazy golf on their roof terrace.  Truly spiffing!

Saturday 2^nd June

Not strictly a Royal celebration, BUT the Queen is attending this year’s Epsom Derby!  So get down there to catch a glimpse of the lady of the hour, place some bets, watch some races and soak up the atmosphere.

Saturday June 2^nd and Sunday June 3^rd

For the kids among us (including me!) there is the Sainsbury’s Jubilee Family Festival invading Hyde Park.  With everything from The Magic of Disney and Warhorse to the Commonwealth stage filled with African Gospel Music and Maori dancers, there’s something for all tastes.

Sunday June 3^rd

This is the big one – The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.  Over 1,000 boats are set to make their way down the River Thames from Battersea Bridge to the West India Docks.  It is one the largest flotillas ever to have breached Thames waters and is sure to bring it to life in a way we have never seen it before.  Check out this map for the best spectator spots.

The Book Club has Royal festivities mastered after their Royal Wedding party.  To carry on their outstanding reputation, they’re whipping out the bunting again for a Diamond Jubilee edition of feasting, drinking and general merriment.

Monday 4^th June

The Big Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace will have everyone from British legends, Sir Elton John and Dame Shirley Bassey through to Robbie Williams and, randomly, Australian Kylie.  Big screens are being put up on The Mall, St. James’ Park and Green Park if you want to mingle in the crowds or will be broadcast on BBC 2.

Tuesday 5^th June

The Queen of Hoxton is hosting a royal extravaganza in the form of their Jubilee Jamboree party.  Following footage of the Queen’s Royal flotilla, the perfectly groomed rooftop bar will be filled with the sounds of Majesty’s Pleasure DJs and Cash Cows live, and accompanied by the tastes and smells of burger master’s, Patty and Bun’s pop-up restaurant.  With everything from toffs and rah’s dress up, lawn croquet and even a rent-a-corgie service, it’s set to be a right royal knees up!

The weekend will culminate in a service at St. Paul's followed by a Royal procession, and the signature balcony wave from our favourite lady.  This might be the best chance to see her all weekend if you get the right spot, do some research and you might catch a glimpse of her fluffy, silvery barnet.

There you have it folks, my guide to the Jubilee’s best bits.  However we celebrate it though, there’s only two things that matter – we love a celebration and we love you Queeny!

Rock and Roller!

From the near death of my roller blades after one of my mum’s ‘new year clear out’ invasions (they may have been lying there in dust for 10 years – but who knows when I might take it up again?!) to one of my friends being permanently on wheels in an effort to perfect the art in 4 days, roller skating has been a hot topic of conversation this week amongst my family and friends.  All this hype has seriously made me consider getting back on those wheels in a big way.

So imagine my delight when I heard about the London Friday Night Skate and London Sunday Stroll?!

The London Friday Night Skate is a weekly (weather permitting), free, marshalled, fast paced skating tour around London starting in Hyde Park.  In addition to whizzing through London with the wind in your hair, there is also a portable sound system to accompany you!  Although this sounds like fun and games, it is not for the amateurs (like me), it is pretty fast and you are legally required to stop by yourself on your skates.

If, like me, your mantra is ‘If I’m going down, you’re coming with me’, then maybe the London Sunday Stroll may be more suited to your abilities.  Although they still state that you must be able to stop, change direction and control your speed on hills, the Sunday Stroll’s pace makes this a more achievable feat.

The skating tours are entirely free and are put on just for fun!  The London Friday Night Skate usually leaves from Wellington Arch in Hyde Park every Friday at 8pm, and the Sunday Stroll usually departs from Serpentine Road in Hyde Park at 2pm every Sunday.  The website provides full details including routes and if the skates are running due to weather.  There's also information on there about the Easy Saturday Skate, skate hockey and the Speed Skate team!

So what are you waiting for?!  Dig out those skates, brush away the cobwebs and recreate your very own Starlight Express around the streets of London!

Christmas isn't over just yet!!

Picture Credit - guardian.co.uk

Now I know some people may describe my festive enjoyment as a completely unhealthy obsession with Christmas and think that it is time for me to let go, but I thought I'd let you all know about the last thing on the festive calendar!!

The Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road is hosting it's annual 'Farewell to Christmas' event this Friday, 6th January, 4-5pm!  I think Chrimbo deserves a proper sending off complete with carols, mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake.  It is held in the garden of the museum with fairy lights galore - so wrap up warm, eat lots so you don't get blown away, and don't even bother bringing an umbrella because it just won't survive!  

Now, I promise that's Christmas wrapped (get it?)...until next year!!