Topman Fashion Friday's

Popped by Topman 214 Oxford Street after work today as they were re launching their in-store stylish service to the public. Beer and haircuts on the house, goodie bags and books from Time Out / London Calling, it was a very nice event with lots of boys (yes, boys) in skinny jeans around. Give your boyfriend a kick in the but on the last Friday of April, when the next Fashion Friday is due, and get him to sharpen up with the help of the professional Topman team... shopping made simple and hassle free. Yes please!

For more info go to www.topman.com/stylist

the Newcastle diet

T and I popped up to Newcastle over the weekend. It is a bit of a drive (almost 5 hours) for two days, but it is well worth the effort as we have a big bunch of lovely friends up there. When we do go it always end up being a big party!

Did you know that doing your highlights is £80 in Fulham, and £26.50 in Newcastle? Or that you can enjoy a 2 course meal with wine for under £10 up North? Entry to the coolest bars in Newcastle is, yes it's true, £5. And the shopping is great. Although we didn't end up having any fancy meals this time around. This is what I ate on Saturday:

Breakfast - full English breakfast (although I always leave out the sausages) including mushrooms fried in butter, scrambles eggs in butter, and buttered toast

Lunch - seafront fish & chips with salt and vinegar

Dinner - n/a. Ended up boozing away and could not feel hunger, although had a few handfuls of crisps

Night-greed - Subway

Given results include feeling bloated like a blow-fish and having a massive hungover that lasted for the whole drive back to London. About to have dinner now, green beans and carrots please!

Spring-Want's

* A free mind
* Touche Eclat from YSL
* Nude colored leather vest from Diesel
* Suede killer heels with peep toe
* Tongue-kissing
* Highlights & middle parting (yes, it works this spring again!)
* Black iPhone 3GS 16GB
* Pedicure & bikini wax
* OPI Honey Moon Sweet

Fabulous Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky pants were recommended to me by my dear friend Ulrica whilst browsing around shops on Kings Road last spring. I remember her saying that they were sexy, and in lace, but really comfortable. She said she always gets her dad to buy her a new stash whenever he pops over to the US (they are cheaper over there). Ulrica always have lovely underwear, and lots of them, and I didn't really take much notice of her comment...

...until I read in a book called Buzz the other day how Hanky Panky had revolutionized the way women in the US (hell, the whole world) wear thongs, making something sexy so easy and comfortable. Now, this book is a business book written by a man. And even he was recommending this product. I had to try them.

So, just in time for Valentine's I dropped a comment or two in front of my darling boyfriend T. I happened to know that they had them in one of my favourite shops on Fulham Road called Indian Summer. And yes, what was lying next to the 12 roses on my breakfast tray on Sunday, if not a little pink roll with two 'Hanky Panky, low cut, one size fits all'. (He had to leave work early to get there before they closed last week and I love him so for making the effort).

Well, it is Monday evening and I have just had a shower and slipped into my baby blue, shining new pants - and they are fabulous. They are really flattering, comfortable, sexy, and they fit perfectly. There is no going back now.

For all film lovers

Just a quick post to recommend my new favorite (online) club - Love Film. I became a member a few months ago and it is such a comfortable service, can't imagine how I could stand going to the film shop back and forth before. It works like this - become a member, make you rental 'wish list' online, and get the DVD's sent home one after one to your letter box. No late fees, when you send one back the dispatch the next one. Easy!

Some of the latest films I've had at home include: Coco before Chanel, Synecdoche - New York, the Kite Runner, Moon and Everlasting Moments. All definitely worth watching if you haven't.

I have recently discovered that this membership is an excellent way of avoiding those 'what-to-rent' related conflicts with your partner, and ending up spending a good hour arguing in Blockbusters on a Friday evening. As for me, I'm the member of the film club, hence I decide what to get. If Troy wants to watch my latest film with me he is welcome! ;-)

www.lovefilm.com

Pornstar Martini

If you happen to be in London and fancy a fabulous cocktail head over to Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill and order a Pornstar Martini.

They are my absolute favourites. And even better, they always come with a shot of champagne. Heaven!

Santa Lucia

On the morning of the 13th December (the middle of the darkest month of the year) Scandinavians celebrate Santa Lucia, a tradition which brings people together to sing hymns and light candles.

Lucy means "light", with the same Latin root, lux, as "lucid," which means "clear, radiant, understandable." Ironically, St Lucy's history is shrouded in darkness: all that is really known for certain is that she was a martyr in Syracuse in Diocletian's persecutions of A.D. 304. Her veneration spread to Rome, so that by the 6th century the whole Church recognized her courage in defense of the faith.