Thought of the week

So I’ve joined a book club! I know I know…Swedish lessons, Wedding planning, Weekly yoga, Meeting friends, Making time with my fiancé and family, working and soon to be dancing again hopefully too etc. etc. I’m living a busy busy life, but (and whilst I’m not crashing or burning out) I love being busy and having things to do. Always have and I suppose always will. I love relaxing on holidays and relaxing in general, but I love life to be full and rich with things done when really living.

Now for the second I know I know….A book club you ask…really? Hell yes is what  I say! Before my wonderful friend Amber left to head back to Australia, she monthly would give me her hand me down books, from a book club she was a part of. I love reading but I really loved, when she would give me books I’d never really pick up in a book store. I loved the not knowing what types of books would appear for me when we had catch ups and in return I would give her some she too would never in a million years expect to read, let alone enjoy. So I’d asked Amber if I could join her book club, not just for the books, but for the monthly catch ups with others where you can share the joy of some fab literature and interesting plots, or equally ask the bemusing questions in the cases where ‘you just didn’t get what was going on’. I always think differences in conversation = really interesting conversations and broaden our knowledge and understandings for one another. Unfortunately there were no spaces when I asked, until last week! Anna had received my details from Amber and wondered if I was still keen. So here I am now – reading my first book in a new book club. I’m super excited (busy busy still in life but full of joy and happiness).

I must however mention, and apologise to those I have already informed, but in all of my excitement for joining the book club, I had a colleague who sits near me say the following “Well that’s a bit loser-ish isn’t it.” Firstly: 'Did you seriously just say that?' I thought and Secondly: How utterly judgemental and closed-minded.
I understand books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but are we really living in 2013 where the stigma is that books are loser-ish and uncool. I know in school being overtly academic was seen as the no-no in the books for coolness (no pun intended), but a strong and steady intellectual interest in expanding your mind and outlook I think is so awesomely cool! It led me to really question though – how judgemental today’s society can still be. How we’re still trapped by stigmatism and closed minded ideologies I had assumed we’d grown out of.

I really want to just flag it and raise that open-mindedness is not easy but really should be exercised. As Beyonce (yes I’m quoting the famous Bey in all her superstardom) was recently quoted in discussion of life after her baby saying that we really need to appreciate ourselves for all of ourselves and all of the quirks and differences that make us, us. It resonated with me, that it’s just so damn easy to judge (same ways we do with books in the store) at first glance, and get trapped by that. I really urge you to find peace in the differences of the human race, and see these differences as beauty instead of loser-isms, as was presented to me. It took all of my might, to realise that generally (and I’m truly culprit of this) judgement comes when one is insecure. I really have found with hindsight, when I’m being overtly judgemental it’s an insecurity within myself over something – Like I wished I had this, or how can this person act this or that way. Instead of holding my head up high and moving beyond, I judge…..but that’s the easier way out, and in fact leads us to more damage within than we think. SO food for thought this week, think before you speak, think before you act, and really think before you internalise that judgement you’re just about to make.

Wishing you a fab week J

A Well Oiled Machine...BalletBoyz!

So last night was really overwhelming and totally cool! Filip and I went to see BalletBoyz, a show consisting of two pieces presented with 10 amazing male dancers. The first choreographed by Liam Scarlett entitled Serpent opened the show, for me in a beautifully classic contemporary way. It allowed newbie contemporary viewers to ease in, and perhaps allowed Liam (who's first venture it was choreographing on contemporary dancers) the same chance for an un-adhered approach to start the show. For me it was a simple welcome back to live performance. The lights rose, the score began, an arm appeared, and tears fell down my cheeks. It really had been too long since I saw movement - let alone movement as rich as this.

I had forgotten how dance provides a sound score, especially contemporary dance. It's like, the movement contains a musicality unlike any other. Every sound you hear is what you're meant to hear, and Serpent reminded me of that. Every jump and land - whether it be in silence and falling into the ground or trembling with sudden force, created an ambiance set amongst the sound score already created with physical music. It was a great reminder to really listen to all of the sounds. I was also reminded (maybe this is just a reaction from a dancer's eye) of how each movement creates its own breath. Or maybe the breath required per sequence/movement appeared to be noticeable again for me. Just nice to be reminded and to note it. Scarlett had explained in his video montage, he had wanted to experience movement in an elegant way without the dependency of women in his work. Or more so without women dominating, as generally when it comes (I say generally here, as I realise the political stance of sexism being apparent) to women dancing - expressionisms of soft and elegant movement can feel inevitable, ditto for men expressing raw, physical movement. Serpent showed a unified and rich expression into movement in it's pure form. It contained total continuation - the movement never finished, they elongated into the next one, and each part of the movement felt explored. It really gave me a visceral feeling. I could feel the stretch or the reach it seemed within my own body.The gaze into the audience from the dancer's eye established the relationship of performer meeting audience. It felt powerful and unique - an unspoken language. It was really beautiful to see the movement and not be focused on the relationship of the performers - instead having a focus of performer and audience member. Exquisite work.

Serpent by Liam Scarlett

Enter Russell Maliphant with Fallen. The stage was stripped back - there were lighting decks only - no wings, and the bare stage laid bare hosting only the ten men we had just seen in such an elegant piece. But they weren't the same men...or that's what it appeared like. This piece transformed them into a well oiled machine, and interestingly enough enabled Maliphant's goal (explained in his video montage) to succeed. The goal being to introduce the dancers, each with their own skill set, to the other dancers and form a new set, whilst keeping their own. It would form a new language and a new learning for both choreographer and dancer (Maliphant had explained he generally had worked within many duets/trios and not a whole group previously). The sound score and staging transformed us to a factory or workshop. Raw metallic sounds filled the stage, and the movement eased into a physical attack and showcased jagged-edged movement in its finest form. The partner work and group relationship highlighted this new skill set and the vocabulary really spoke for itself - nothing else was needed and nothing less. It showed that there wasn't a need for independent identities - even though it kind of juxtaposed in that, they lost their identities and became a part of this 'machine like feel' yet still highlighting their unique independent voice. Similarly in that the movement didn't feel romanticised but then it's power resembled an era of romancing the movement instead of the relationship perhaps. All in all - a stellar show, and stellar performances.

Fallen by Russell Maliphant

And from an ex-dancer still holding nothing but passion for the craft and art - What an amazing show to reel me back in!

:)

A little bit of.....Culture Fever

So life has been busy busy busy...... After an intense December/January period of studying and working really hard (Prince 2 Project Management course and gaining my Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK - this entailed studying for an exam that is all about life in the UK, and a trip up Sheffield with a wait of 4-5hours!), I finally really feel free. Free to enjoy life again and explore and really do the things I love and want to do, rather than have to do - February I spent recovering I think...well kind of......

I enrolled into Swedish lessons officially to really truly and finally grasp Swedish! After learning Swedish from my friend Caroline, way back in 2008, I then met Filip at the end of 2009 and could mumble a few sentences....it must have impressed him enough cos we've made it this far :) But a few sentences doesn’t feel satisfying enough...especially when one day we plan to have some mini Swedes running around! So I leapt out of January's study time straight into Swedish lessons once a week at London's Kings College. It's been really good - I still don’t feel that I’m much better than I was before, and the late nights are kicking my butt, but I'm in the process and for me that is a good enough start. So officially Jag lär mig...I'm learning!

I'm also doing yoga again which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! I stumbled across Yotopia when Filip and I lived in Leicester Square. I used to be taught by the amazing and beautiful Eunice Laurel at Pineapple Studios but when she went on Maternity Leave I knew I needed to find something/someone to fill her shoes...and boy was that to be a challenge! But Yotopia did more than fill the gap. It's changed the way I do yoga in that, I breathe far more out of yoga than I ever used to, and the focus for me is really carried out of class now in a way it wasnt before. Maybe it's just me who's changed and grown a bit, but it feels (as I say to Filip all the time when I'm trying to nag him to come along too) that I can breathe true fresh air. Like its new oxygen in my body...odd maybe...but it really is an amzing feeling whatever it is! I've managed to drag a number of friends along, and have really just found the piece to the puzzle for now...Katie, my fave teacher at Yotopia is also soon to be on maternity leave, so whilst I'm so excited for her to be on an amzing journey ahead, am selfishly sad I'm to lose another amazing and inspirational teacher....I think I'll just absorb as much yoga as I possibly can until she heads off for the next journey in her life.

So with all of that said, that's taking up some time in my week, and making me although tired - feel good i'm so active and able to get out into London and find these gems in my life....It makes me appreicate the time I spend at home a whole lot more, and then also the time i spend with Filip too...I miss him the most but am just finding so much value in London, far more than before. With that kind of feeling circling my life at the moemnt, I've also booked Filip and I tickets to see BalletBoyz at Sadlers Wells nmext week, and I am SO excited to see some DANCE again. It ahs been way too long, and I'm just so hoping this show re-ignites a passion for live and good preformance, as Im thinking it will!

So what next.....or what more....I've still a llong list of goals to achieve, and classes to take, and sights to see. And of course, I'll be sure to update you all on that soon.

Have a wonderful week!
P.S Stay tuned to see what I get Filip for his birthday this year...I love birthdays so much and I love the art of being creative in gifts, so definitely stay tuned for this one!
x

Fashion Statement - Segment of the week

So to kickstart the ending of Winter and the beginning of Spring (March arrives tomorrow woo hoo!) I've placed a few more of my faves, for the wind down of the warm-wear outfits, and the introduction of showing our shoulders the sunlight again. Enjoy!


Clothing:
(Always loving Zara - so do forgive me for the amount that store will appear on Fashion Statement's segment)



Boyfriend jeans are just oh so comfy!
Zara £29.99

Love love loving the brightness and cosy sweatshirt style
Zara £19.99



.

ssssssssssssssss

Rain dress...a little out of my price range, but I still love to window shop :)
French Connection £250.00

Hello Spring!
Cos £89.00

 

I actually bought these (On Sale) and am thinking they'll be perfect with Heels and Converse!
French Connection $70.00

Not sure if I have the flair for wearing this, but I def like :)

River Island always has the riskier but oh so fun looks!
River Island  £55.00

Very 2013 Spring I say
River Island  £55.00




Now for Accessories:  

a

If Dreams were Free!
Topshop £300.00

 

Such a cutie pie for Spring
River Island £35.00

 

A def must I think :)
Cos £25.00

And that will do me for another week...Loving the items I've window shopped this week, wondering which one I may make the latest addition to my wardrobe.....like I said if Dreams were free :)

Until next time......

A Brand New Year

So firstly: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Secondly: I am truly sorry for being completely MIA - I think it's been over 4months since I've placed pen to the paper, and boy has it been a missing link in my life recently.

I've had a really trying couple of months shall I say. But I'm back to write and explore London and the world again and document it piece by piece if I can.

I've been following a few blogs recently - maybe since Filip and I got engaged, I wanted to explore different ways and ideas, and so I really started following other artists around via the Internet, and whilst no disrespect intended...after viewing a number of blogs, many many of them can be fuelled by this constant bubble of their own lives, and whilst interesting to read - you become so engrossed forgetting your initial ideas and concepts, and forget what you'd set out to do in the first place. It, for me, verges on the realm of narcissism, and I really want to avoid that ambiance on Eye Spy, so I've decided to utilise 2013's events differently...if I can.

I'd like to base the blog around more than just travel - whilst that will remain a huge part, I'd like to really place the focus back out to YOU and what you're looking for, and explore different ways and new events via the blog. Whilst I don't want it to be an 'advertising blog' in its primary form, I want to highlight what goes on around us, in the city of London and share the events along the way. So I'm going to try and feature posts within areas of Editorial ideas and reading material, Cultural aspects happening around (specifically in London, but I'll look to develop this depending on how events turn out), Fashion and the Arts, and artistic Creative ideas.

I'm so far hopeful, but of course nervous I'll babble and bore you instead of trying to highlight some great things in the busy lives we all lead....So stay tuned and here's to a wonderful 2013 ahead!

Speaking of the road ahead, we've so far planned: Venice/Verona, Rome, Berlin, Cork, Dublin, Vancouver and of course Sydney for the wedding and Thailand for the honeymoon....so should make for a fab year :)

xx

2 days in Berlin

Life has been beyond hectic! So I've been MIA for the last 2months...but Berlin has remained firmly on my mind...Just my fingers seemed to forget how to type. So after much long awaited time and hectic times flying past me, here is the Berlin affair. Life was such that knowing I was going to Berlin for the weekend was somewhat comforting and somewhat nerve wracking as I thought I would feel too stressed to go….How wrong I was. Berlin removed any ounce of stress from my life the moment we landed. It was like the feeling of seeing an old friend for the first time in years, that comfort, the warmth, the beauty and natural feeling you get just in one moment. I literally felt that the moment we landed in Berlin, Germany.

Picturesque Berlin

Berlin has been on my top list for some time. The history, the culture, the arts have always appealed to me, and inspired me to go, so to finally have the honour was nothing but a joy. We began with exploring the area of our hotel, on the outskirts of the eastern side, and being overly eager to begin exploring the next day. Now never one to complain about the weather, I was desperate to hit the Museums – specifically the Jewish museum, but waking up on Saturday morning to 40 degree heat meant there was NO way Filip would even think about being inside. We walked to the museum – after getting the wrong map direction for brunch – and decided we would come back to Berlin in the winter time, to explore all of the inside art offerings at one time that made sense. (I tell you London has missed the sunshine this year, so any chance we get we grab it.)

Ice-cream is always needed when the sunshine is out :)

After making the decision to fully walk the streets of Berlin, we did not let any moment go to waste. Starting off at Check point Charlie (the American gates separating East to west of the Berlin Wall) I saw my first site of the wall, and just couldn’t begin to imagine how such a separation could occur. Of course separations are everywhere in our history – in different ways – but having such a strong symbol was a pretty powerful site to see.

The stories surrounding us, were intense and overwhelming, and seeing how everyone casually stood on the road where the wall once stood, made me stop for a second and try and imagine. It was surreal to say the least.

      

We explored all over the city following the line of the wall – upto Brandenburg gate, and along to Museum Island – Berlin is a true gem to explore by foot, and I thoroughly recommend you truly stroll. We stumbled across buskers and markets, antiques and nick nacks, each unique and mesmerising in their own ways.

Brandenburg Gate :)

 In the evening we walked along the water front to an amazing potato restaurant called Kartofel Keller Berlin – I really don’t need to say any more other than you MUST try it when you go! Was fab fab fab, and although in a touristy area (water tends to call to the tourists) was up a street from the main road.

The next morning – after researching and double checking we went to a Brunch restaurant opened by a woman from Seattle and reviewed by The Guardian…This led me to believe it would be amazing coffee and well trusted and recommended. I wasn’t mistaken. This brunch was quite possibly the best ever – fresh, amazing light, fabulous surrounding buildings, tucked neatly away in a sweet neighbourhood, and brilliant coffee! Could you want anything more….I don’t think so at all! Barcomis is a must do – and spend a few hours – no need to rush it’s perfect for any stroller passing through on their Berlin expedition.



Reading for Him...

  

...& Reading for Her :)

Best food ever - such a treat!

With fab weather and full tummies we went back to the end of Museum Island to chill in the park, and listen to buskers and bathe in the fountain. What a day! Peaceful, chilled and fabulous weather. Oh and I randomly met a woman also dipping her toes with her kiddies in the fountain, who was from London and a choreographer in Berlin. Jo Parkes  creates works of wonder and mostly in site specific places.She reminded me of my previous life, and I urge that when in Berlin look out for her work – she sounds amazing and was a pleasure to meet with her and admire her passion infused with her family life.

All in all – it really couldn’t have been better. Berlin relished in all of my expectations infusing them with even more and topped it all off with fab people, weather and culture. I so look forward to seeing my good friend again!

The last few weeks...

So sorry I’ve been away from blogging for what feels like forever! It’s been a busy couple of weeks to say the least. Wanted to quickly update you on what I’ve been up to.
So after the engagement, the hype still hasn’t died down, and I’m still catching up with friends gushing over the beautiful ring Filip had made, and that was chosen himself, to wanting to hear all the ideas and details etc. I knew right away we’d have to get some save the date cards out there quick smart, as with 95% of our guests having to travel overseas I wanted to prepare them and give them the option to plan well in advance. The beauty of save the dates is they buy you the time to really plan a beautiful invitation and provide all the right details etc. The tough part – is the fact that I chose to make the save the dates myself. But that’s the fun part too right!
I asked our friends Keith and Sylwia to take a picture of Filip and I, in a funky and beautiful café nearby our house (well old house…more on that later!) where I envisaged writing the details on the photograph in paint. Keith did a fab job, and the picture turned out better than expected. I set to work on two images, finally deciding the best one with Filip. I then wanted to provide a nice border, and after purchasing what I thought was green paper (turns out I had a momentary colour blind moment picking highlighter yellow…How did I get that so wrong) I returned and settled for a beautiful speckled cream, flecked with gold, tan and the natural colours I originally envisaged.

So then the task of sticking the pics to the pages began, and voila! Here’s the final copy. Most of these are now in the post, so they’ll be on their way, but for those who prefer electronic and ASAP viewing – here you are (minus the pretty paper)!

SAVE THE DATE!

Was such fun to make, and we’re now considering to do the invitations also….we’ll see how stressed I get later on.

We then, in between the entire save the date madness, flew to Dortmund to see Ulrika (Filip’s sister). Was so lovely as we’d just had Louise (Filip’s other sister) in town, and to be able to see both amazing women in the same time frame was fab. The weather of course didn’t co-operate entirely, but neither did the fact that I became ill either. So one stomach bug, two days of rain and cool weather, and three still smiling people later, we realised (actually I think we prepped ourselves prior to landing) Dortmund is amazing to visit because Ulrika’s there. Many people say – especially German folk, “Why are you going there?” But I love the cute little city… No not much to do, but we managed a street market, a Tunisian restaurant, a game of tennis when the clouds broke to release the sunshine, and champagne, flowers and chocolates all purchased and given to us, by our amazing family! Was a fab weekend and re-energised me back to London…unfortunately the sickness continued, but I’m now back to my normal fighting self. Thank goodness!

I did a charity run on Wednesday evening for Barnadoes – was so much fun and I ran the entire 5.8kms – was so proud of myself and was such a  brilliant cause. Will definitely be looking into more of that next year too!

I’ve also been captivated since last weekend with…wait for it….yes the latest rave…The Fifty Shades series. I love it! I love the relationship the two characters have, and it’s just a can’t-put-it-down kind of read. I’m already on the second book less than a week after starting the first. So my advice – pick up a copy, and don’t pre-judge it based on the content from first glance – there’s a lot more to it, than first meets the eye.

And lastly as I’m sure you’re now well bored of hearing about my busy few weeks– buying a house is on its way. The contracts are almost ready to be exchanged, and that means I’m almost a home-owner…. I’ll touch on this more next time. But very very cool is all I can say for now.