Ghost on Toast

Is Life Good?

2012-01-11T19:45:00.000Z

I love this wallpaper from Is Life Good

Happy Birthday David Bowie

2012-01-08T19:21:00.000Z

The great man is 65 years old today! Lets celebrate by looking at funny pictures of him and watching clips from Labyrinth.

Musical Thursdays: First Aid Kit

2011-10-13T09:50:00.000+01:00

Props to Just Music That I Like for leading me to the wonder that is First Aid Kit. This Swedish duo have been creating beautiful music for years, releasing their first album in 2009.

Their second album is due for release in January 2012 and they have made the title track available to enjoy on SoundCloud.

Have a listen The Lion's Roar - First Aid Kit

As if you need any further proof of their talent, they will be supporting Lykke Li at her UK dates this winter.

Official site: thisisfirstaidkit.com

Facebook: First Aid kit

End of the Road Festival, Dorset, 2nd-4th Sept 2011

2011-09-14T13:30:00.000+01:00

Earlier this month I went to End of the Road festival in Dorset. With a capacity of 8,500 it was the smallest festival I've ever attended, but turned out to be one of the best!

Here are some of my best bits (warning - picture heavy):

Piano in the woods for anyone to perform on.

Reading in the woodland library

Peace cranes and fairy lights

Lykke Li appearing out of smoke.

Pretty sunset and a flag

More pretty skies

Cool sign for the Woods stage - the letters lit up when a piano was played :S

Austra being very cool and generally amazing.

Everyone should start their day with Supermuesli

Tiny man sitting on a tree.

Cute Danish band Treefight for Sunlight were an early highlight on Saturday with this extraordinary cover of Wuthering Heights.

You can enjoy my End of the Road Spotify playlist by clicking right here.

Enjoy!

Photos of a Cute Kitten

2011-09-12T12:51:00.005+01:00

Meet Daisy, the cutest member of our family. As you can see she LOVES sleeping.

We adopted her from http://www.pussycatlodge.co.uk/ who are absolutely fab, please pay them a visit if you are in East London/Essex and looking to adopt a kitty.

Never enough bags - Totes and backpacks from threadless.com

2011-08-29T21:36:00.003+01:00

Vampire Orthodontics

Thumbper

My Favourite Pattern

We're on the Same Level

Although my boyfriend may disagree, you can never have too many bags. I'm not really a huge fan of 'handbags' but I do love a good satchel, tote bag or backpack.

I was thrilled to notice that my favourite t-shirt retailer, Threadless.com, are now selling bags. yay! I feel a bit of a shopping is in order...

Musical Thursdays: Turn Me On - The Grates

2011-06-23T12:39:00.001+01:00

The Grates are an Australian band that are actually quite good. This is their new single, and I like it. Please listen and enjoy.

Newsround - 19th June 2011

2011-06-18T16:15:00.003+01:00

Love this knitted lion head (via swissmiss)

The Secret Life of Skeletons is creepy looking but very cool. http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/the-secret-life-of-skeletons

Every year, a dozen Japanese people are repatriated from France due to Paris Syndrome (via Gala Darling)

This is just crazy, a guy getting a beautifully detailed skeleton tattoo (via Street Anatomy)

Musical Thursdays: Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells

2011-06-16T12:31:00.000+01:00

Ok so this song isn't super new but it is SO DAMN CATCHY. Listen to it and you will like.

MySpace / Facebook /Official site

It is my birthday tomorrow so I am extra excitable today :)

How to tie some handy knots - reef knot, clove hitch, sheet bend and bowline

2011-06-13T19:53:00.000+01:00

My Guides are going camping in a few weeks time and for many of them it will be a brand new experience. I'm trying to get them up to speed with some useful knots and found these videos really helpful in reminding me how to do them properly. Why not give them a try? I use reef knots all the time because they are so handy!

The Reef knot

The Clove hitch

The Sheet bend

The Bowline knot

Newsround - 12th June 2011

2011-06-12T22:34:00.002+01:00

Here's what I've been enjoying this week!

Apparently this has been retouched but it is still freaky as hell.

Two new, unnamed elements have been added to the periodic table.

This is an interesting but saddening article about child brides.

Great post about being productive when you are self employed.

Check out the bizarrely titled cebshop on etsy for really cool custom portraits.

And lastly, 10 cute photos of cats on small furniture.

How to make a bedding roll

2011-06-07T20:02:00.000+01:00

Another thing I am trying to teach my Guides before they go camping is how to make a bedding roll. I wouldn't bother with one of these for a festival, where everyone is usually too drunk to really care where they sleep and old enough to look after themselves anyway. But when you are camping with lots of kids bedding rolls are a great way to speed up setting up camp and make sure everyone has a warm, dry bed to get into at the end of the day.

1. Lay your groundsheet flat on the floor.

2. Place your roll mat in the middle of the groundsheet.

3. Place 1 blanket on top of the roll mat, with the left edge of the blanket against the left edge of the mat.

4. Place the second blanket on top of the first, with the right edge of the blanket at the right edge of the mat.

5. Place an unrolled sleeping bag on top of the blankets.

6. Put your pillow at the top of the sleeping bag.

7. Lay out your pyjamas on top of the sleeping bag.

8. Fold the 2nd blanket over the top of your pyjamas and sleeping bag, and tuck any excess underneath the sleeping bag.

9. Fold over the first blanket and tuck any excess underneath sleeping bag. This should leave you with a neat parcel.

10. Starting from the foot end of the sleeping bag, start to roll up the sleeping bag and blankets inside the roll mat. Roll as tightly as you can to make a small, neat roll.

11. Holding the roll together tightly (you can cheat and tie this with string), place the roll length ways on top of the ground sheet.

12. Hold the two long edges of the groundsheet together and roll down until the sheet is tightly wrapped around the roll mat.

13. Either kneel on the bedding roll or ask a friend to hold everything in place for you. Roll up the short edges of the ground sheet until they are neatly against the sides of the bedding roll.

14. Using your rope or string, tie around the bedding roll as if it was a parcel – around the middle first and then lengthways. Tightly tie a knot to hold it in place. A reef knot if usually the easiest type of knot to choose.

15.Test your bedding roll by kicking it around the room. If it starts to come apart you will need to try again and roll everything more tightly!

Newsround - 5th June 2011

2011-06-05T21:02:00.004+01:00

I love this illustration by Ray Fenwick. Via I Heart Guts

The Grates are a pretty cool Australian band (they do exist!) who have a new single out this month. Listen to Turn Me On at Hype Machine.

I really enjoyed reading this explanation of the mural painted next to Kilburn station. I had no idea that George Orwell and HG Wells are former Kilburn residents. Ian Dury is still my favourite local though! (via the fabulous West Hampstead Life)

For the 5th year in a row I will be away when Kilburn Festival is taking place. Think I'll have to send the boyfriend to investigate in my place. ( also via West Hampstead Life)

Maybe I am a sick freak, but I think this crochet anatomical heart pillow is totally cool.

I couldn't help but smile when I watched this adorable video of a little boy playing with an otter.

Glastonbury - A Smart Girl's Guide - What to pack

2011-05-30T22:06:00.004+01:00

As a veteran of 7 festivals in 5 summers plus a childhood filled with Guide camps, I feel fairly well placed to give advice on surviving festivals in an easy, stylish and enjoyable fashion.

This series is written with Glastonbury in mind (highlight of my summer!), but the majority of the tips will apply to any of the many other festivals taking place this summer.

I thought I'd kick things off with what clothes to pack.

Probably the best way to ruin your weekend is to over pack. I have spent too much time struggling with loads of heavy bags which are full of nonsense to want to see anyone else doing the same! Under packing is no problem if you have plenty of money (you can generally buy everything on site), but why pay over the odds for camping equipment and clothes when you could be spending your cash on having fun?

I can't claim that my method is perfect, but it works for me. You may need to adapt my list to suit you, but the biggest rule is: If you can't easily carry your bags, you have overpacked!

Lookin' good - The Festival Wardrobe - 50s Glamour

50s Festival Glamour by Ghostontoast featuring skinny shorts

Dress
25 GBP - axparis.co.uk

Flower top
15 GBP - republic.co.uk

Floral top
$40 - topshop.com

Plaid top
91 EUR - sereneorder.com

Polo Jeans Ralph Lauren striped top
45 GBP - coggles.com

Blue skirt
$60 - topshop.com

Skinny short
16 GBP - peacocks.co.uk

Jimmy Choo buckle boot
$425 - nordstrom.com

Dolce & Gabbana floral shoes
$314 - farfetch.com

Jane Norman two tone hat
14 GBP - janenorman.co.uk

Ray Ban metal aviator sunglass
$159 - mytheresa.com

Headbands hair accessory
$14 - topshop.com

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick - True Red : Target
$6.49 - target.com

I've gone for a glamorous 50's inspired look here but you can go with whatever you like. Just choose some colours and try to get everything to match as well as you can.

My essential wardrobe items would be:

Comfy undies
Spare socks + 1 pair of long socks for inside your wellies
Pair of shorts/skirt
Pair of lightweight trousers
A couple of tshirts and vests
A shirt/blouse (looks cute and keeps the sun off your shoulders)
Hoody or jumper
Hat
Sunglasses
Comfy trainers
Wellies
Waterproof
Add dresses etc if you have space!

Take my advice - don't pack loads of different options, and don't bother taking sandals or flip flops unless you want your toe nails smashed to bits.

You'll fit more into your bag if you roll everything up tightly. I find that stuffing my wellies with socks helps to save space too! Another handy tip is to pack your clothes in clear zip lock bags, making it easier to find what you're looking for AND help keep things clean and dry.

Why not make your own festival capsule wardrobe on polyvore and share it in the comments?

Check back later this week for more tips on camping equipment, staying clean and beautiful, dealing with festival toilets, who to see, finding tasty food and drink and avoiding burn out...phew!

Round up of cool stuffs - 30/5/2011

2011-05-30T15:40:00.004+01:00

Here is some cool stuff I've been enjoying this week:

Kingdom of Style brought us these amazing aluminium bows.

What Did you Expect From The Vaccines? reviewed by Pretty Much Amazing. You can also stream the album from that link.

Perfect Bound share a pretty nifty set of wedding photos. Love the pinata!

I just love the green shoes and yellow bag in this outfit from the always fabulous Sartorialist

Writing advice from a school cafeteria was a useful reminder from Journalistics

Freaky but really cool, art by Jenny Hirons (via It's Nice That)

You whoreson cullionly barbermonger - Modern cussing insults our intelligence says The Independent

Musical Thursdays: Architecture in Helsinki

2011-04-14T14:38:00.000+01:00

I have often accused Australia as being totally lacking in culture and being populated by noisy people with no sense of style. Although there are some notable exceptions to this stereotype, Architecture in Helsinki seem to do little to disprove it.

When I first saw AiH four years ago I found them quite enjoyable. They had just released an album of bouncy if slightly under developed pop songs and put on an energetic and entertaining performance.

Their performance at XOYO on tuesday night could not have been more different. Their new material is frankly dull. Most tracks start promisingly but within 20-30 seconds the truth becomes clear - these songs are boring. To make matters worse the band seem to simply be going through the motions of performing. The frenetic energy I saw in 2007 has disappeared, leaving a group who frankly look a bit bored of their music and each other. Unfortunately this impacted on their better material. 'Heart it Races' (watch it in the video above) is one of the bands best works; a classic slice of electro-pop. Even this couldn't improve the lacklustre gig, and if anything its disappointing rendition only confirmed my suspicions that I should have saved my £14 for a bottle of wine.

Lets hope the band turn things around for their next album.

Take more risks!

2011-04-13T15:06:00.001+01:00

David Bowie I Love You So

2011-03-19T12:55:00.000Z

This reminds me of my friend Laura who used to have a room covered with Buffy posters, and claimed that they used to stare at her and that she would speak to them sometimes. She is a little strange, but I'm the one with a David Bowie picture in every room in my flat :|

Musical Thursday: The Decemberists

2011-03-17T18:08:00.002Z

Yesterday I went to see Portland's fabulous Decemberists at Hammersmith Apollo.

I've never seen them before but they were brilliant! I may have a slight bias towards boys wearing plaid shirts (thanks Matt), but a two hour set ending with the band pretending to be swallowed by a giant whale will always go down well with me.

Watch a live version of 'Don't Carry It All' from the hugely popular album 'The King is Dead'

And here is the 'swallowed by a whale song' Mariner's Revenge:

LIFE

2011-03-16T12:29:00.002Z

Eyeball finger nails

2011-03-11T20:28:00.000Z

These are totally freaky, and were created by Wah Nails. I quite like scary things but I think I'd find these a bit disturbing.

Musical Thursdays: Bubblegum Lemonade - Caroline's Radio

2011-03-10T12:37:00.001Z

According to their myspace page "Bubblegum Lemonade formed in Glasgow as a vehicle for the indie pop recordings of Lawrence "Laz" McCluskey. Deriving the project's name from the title of a Mama Cass album, McCluskey's project is rooted in bubblegum pop and jangly groups like Talulah Gosh and Primal Scream. Bubblegum Lemonade's debut EP, was released on Matinée Recordings in early 2008; a second EP, Susan's in the Sky, followed in the summer of that year. Their debut album, Doubleplusgood, was released in November 2008. "

All you really need to know is that they produce folky music that sounds like a musical interpretation of your daydreams during a hot summer day. Have a listen to Caroline's Radio, or try their back catalogue on spotify.

The face of 7 billion humans

2011-03-09T12:13:00.000Z

According to National Geographic, the most typical person on earth is "right handed, 28 years old, of Han Chinese descent, male and possesses a cell phone but not a bank account." Photos of 190,000 people meeting this description were amalgamated to produce this face.

Heard through PSFK.

Forget, Focus, Carry....

2011-03-07T10:19:00.000Z

Sorry, I forgot where I got this from, but I enjoy the sentiment

Before I die....

2011-03-06T20:08:00.001Z

Well this is quite cool:

Artist Candy Chang has installed this thought provoking piece in new Orleans.

"With a lot of help and support from old and new friends, I turned the side of an abandoned house in my neighborhood into a giant chalkboard where residents can fill in the blank and remember what is important to them in life. It’s also about turning a neglected space into a constructive one where we can learn the hopes and aspirations of the people around us. It turns out this entire process has been a great lesson, experience, and project in itself – more on that later. If you’re in New Orleans, stop by the corner of Marigny and Burgundy (900 Marigny St) to add your thoughts to the wall and see what matters most to your neighbors."

A strange chicken

2011-03-05T09:14:00.000Z

Continuing my posts of cute animal photos, here is a rather peculiar looking chicken.

Musical Thursdays: Neon Trees - Animal

2011-03-03T08:07:00.001Z

Neon Trees are a band from Utah with terrible hair cuts and catchy songs. This song lasts too long and gets repetitive towards the end, but if you stop it after 2 minutes you'll enjoying a cracking pop song.

Neon Trees Official Site

A funny picture of a goat

2011-02-26T08:03:00.000Z

So post about an alpaca wearing a scarf was one of my most popular ever, so continuing in that vein please enjoy this lovely goat picture:

Musical Thursdays: The Musical and Intriguing Wainwright Family

2011-02-24T08:54:00.000Z

Last friday the world learnt that Rufus Wainwright had become a father to baby Viva Katherine Wainwright Cohen with daughter of Leonard Cohen, Lorca Cohen. Although not a couple, they will be sharing the parental responsibilities, with Rufus' partner Jorn Weisbrodt helping as 'deputy dad'.

I've been a fan of various members of the Wainwright clan for years (as you can tell from my last.fm) so I am thrilled that Rufus has been able to follow sister Martha's footsteps into parenthood.

The family are famous for drawing on each other for song writing material (sometimes not always complimentary). To celebrate the new addition I've put together a Spotify playlist of many (but not all!) of their family related songs. I decided to leave out Leonard Cohen - we can talk about him another day.

Click here to listen to a Spotify playlist: Happy Wainwright Family

And here are a couple of videos I couldn't find on Spotify:

Nokia Dot -Guinness World Record Smallest Stop-Motion Animation Character in a film

2011-02-22T15:41:00.000Z

I know this is a Nokia PR stunt, but it is kind of cool, and who doesn't love Aardman animation?

Musical Thursdays: Noah and the Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

2011-02-09T12:48:00.001Z

The intro may be a total rip 'Lola' rip off but this song is a choon! I really like it. If you haven't heard it yet I don't know what you do with your time, but you should listen to it now.

Coffee Time - a set on Flickr

2011-02-09T11:48:00.002Z

This is rather beautiful - milk, coffee and sugar creating elegant shapes. Caught on camera by someone called Egor N

Coffee Time - a set on Flickr

Boney clothes

2011-01-28T09:34:00.001Z

I love anatomy and think there is something quite beautiful bones, so you can imagine my delight when I saw these lovely thing over on Street Anatomy.

JH Guts Tshirt by Max Dalton.
Black Ribs body by Black Milk

Both have been swiftly added to my wishlist :D

LIFE

2011-01-26T00:17:00.000Z

The person you love

2011-01-22T13:24:00.000Z

Musical Thursdays: Little Comets- In Search Of Elusive Little Comets

2011-01-20T12:21:00.003Z

I've really liked Little Comets since I discovered them in a dark corner of Myspace (or My____ as they now seem to be known)

In my world, you can't go wrong with a bit of poppy guitar music. These guys are way above any comparisons with The Kooks or Scouting For Girls though.

They are currently streaming their debut album in exchange for a 'like' of their facebook page. Take my advice and give it a listen! If you hate it you can always unlike them afterwards.

The album is due for release on 31st January, and can be pre-ordered over on amazon.

Their latest single, Joanna, was released on Monday. Have a quick look at the video if you don't have time for the whole album.

Pretty fun eh? I can imagine them being part of my soundtrack to the summer, and hopefully I'll be able to catch them at a festival or two. Annoyingly I missed them when they played at the Luminaire last year (only about 5 mins from my flat, which made it particularly galling).

A funny picture of an Alpaca wearing a scarf

2011-01-19T12:39:00.003Z

There is no reason for this post except that alpacas make me laugh. It's something about their funny little faces that does it. This one is especially fine thanks to his fetching little scarf. Doesn't he look proud of it?

Animals hiding in your tea

2011-01-12T22:06:00.000Z

Have you ever looked at a mug of tea and thought it was missing something? Is your relationship with your mug growing old and tired? Do you long for excitement from your afternoon cuppa?

If so, I think I may have found the perfect solution. These creepy but somehow cute animal teacups should do the trick:

Taken from Rakuten.

Giant Beach Bubbles

2011-01-09T18:36:00.001Z

This is so cool! It looks like a big alien. I'd love to try this...maybe I'll give it a go on my next trip to Southend?

Life is pretty amazing

2011-01-08T12:00:00.000Z

Musical Thursdays: Big Bad Mean Mother Fucker - Girls

2011-01-06T21:40:00.001Z

Listen on Spotify: Big Bad Mean Mother Fucker - Girls

I thought I didn't like Girls, but then this song found its way on to my ipod and I realised that I like it very much :). I really have no idea about the rest of their output but if I give it a listen I will let you know!

Clothing of the future - Predictions for the year 200

2011-01-05T20:45:00.000Z

This is very sweet!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:49:00.003Z

Happy new year everyone! I hope 2011 brings you adventure, excitement and happiness :)

I seem to have ended up with a ridiculous surplus of calendars, but sadly none as cool as these two:

Pretty nifty looking eh?

Musical Thursdays: The Vaccines - Wreckin' Bar (ra ra ra)

2010-12-23T12:30:00.000Z

Listen on Spotify

If you haven't heard this yet then you are missing out! I don't get excited about new music very often but I LOVE this song, and I really hope The Vaccines can keep up to this high standard.

You better watch out, you better not cry

2010-12-21T13:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Feet

2010-12-20T00:51:00.001Z

I Love You Like A Fat Kid Loves Cake

2010-12-06T10:59:00.000Z

This makes me feel hungry.

How to tie your shoelaces in a cool way.

2010-12-04T12:53:00.000Z

This video had me hypnotised for a good 15 minutes, plus another half an hour trying to tie my laces like a cool person. You'll be pleased to know I managed it eventually.

Say Something Nice To Me

2010-12-01T10:51:00.000Z

5 Top Tips: How to choose the best party shoes this Christmas

2010-11-29T13:21:00.002Z

This was originally written for my Osteopathy site, but I thought my GhostonToast readers might enjoy it, and I like the idea of doing a wordpress vs blogspot SEO face off.

The start of December signals the beginning of the party season. That means a lot of standing, walking, dancing and posing in your finest party outfits which tend to include very beautiful but totally ridiculous shoes.

We all want to look our best at Christmas time and I think most people are guilty of sacrificing comfort for style. But it doesn't have to be that way!

Lets have a look at the nasty things that can happen if you wear silly shoes:

Bunions

Cuts

Blisters

Ingrown toenails

Broken toenails

Sore, swollen feet

Plantar fasciitis

Shin splints

Tight calves

Low back pain

Sprained ankles and other injuries due to trips and falls.

Lovely eh? That last one with the purple nail polish is actually me...I try to avoid wearing flip flops on nights out now.

Luckily it is still possible to wear fancy shoes without causing a horrible injury. Here are my top tips:

Wear well fitting shoes. Sounds obvious, but squeezing yourself into a size too small will never turn out well.

Choose something as supportive as possible. Cute straps, arch support, laces, wedge heels - they all help to keep your feet happy.

Start training! Wearing heels changes your posture and your gait, putting pressure through different areas of your feet and using different muscles to keep you standing and walking. This is one of the reasons your feet and legs start hurting. So ease yourself into it. Start wearing your lowest, comfiest heels for a quick trip to the shops and build up from there. By New Years Eve there'll be no stopping you!

Take a break. Your night will last longer if you take a couple of breaks. Have a sit down and enjoy a cocktail while you rest your feet.

Prepare for emergencies. Keep a couple of cab numbers with you, and a pair of flats in your bag (way better than roaming the streets of London barefoot). If you are in London, texting Text CAB to 60835 will get you 2 local cab numbers and the black cab number sent to you.

Here is just a small selection of potential choices:

Sarah's Christmas Shoes by Ghostontoast featuring kg shoes

Merry Christmas!

Piglet having a bath

2010-11-28T17:49:00.001Z

This is old but I love it so much! Look, the little piggy is smiling and everything. :D

Musical Thursdays: Robyn - When Doves Cry (Prince cover)

2010-11-25T13:00:00.000Z

I love Robyn, and I really enjoyed this cover.

Anarchy in the UK

2010-11-21T22:44:00.001Z

This made me laugh. I want a print for my wall.

Potato Print Wrapping Paper

2010-11-19T14:01:00.001Z

I found this at Bloesem Kids and thought it was quite sweet presentation of an old idea. You can follow the link for full instructions but the photo is pretty self explanatory.

I don't have any kids but I do have a lot of potatoes.....perhaps my family would appreciate home made wrapping paper on their Christmas presents?

Dry Cleaner For The Closet - PSFK

2010-11-17T13:00:00.000Z

I found this over on PSFK (which you should all subscribe to btw, tis fab). It is a design for a dry cleaner that you just hang up in your wardrobe, and it cleans your clothes in a couple of minutes with no chemicals. Amazing eh?

The designer explains:

“All you do is hang up your shirts, turn it on and within minutes, the waterless system provides you with shirt worthy of a dry cleaner’s award. It may seem large and cumbersome but if you’re getting a clean shirt every day, doesn’t that mean you only need one, maybe two shirts instead of ten? Plus it’s free of chemicals meaning Earth is happy and your clothes last much longer.”

Dry Cleaner For The Closet - PSFK

How to: do the hustle

2010-11-13T17:40:00.003Z

I have no idea why anyone would make a video like this (especially with no head - wtf?).

But it is always nice to learn a new skill, and what better to do with your Saturday evening than learn a dance? I can't believe I've spent the last 24 years unaware of a dance move called the Eggbeater.

In answer to my dearest boyfriend's question - no it isn't my dad in the video.

Enjoy the little things in life...

2010-11-07T19:38:00.002Z

Baby Monkey riding a Tiny Pig

2010-11-03T12:07:00.000Z

This is too cute not to share:

swissmiss | Black Tie Beach

2010-11-01T17:01:00.000Z

I found this over on Swiss Miss and thought it was rather sweet.

Visit Improv everywhere

swissmiss | Black Tie Beach

Lights and Tea Cups :)

2010-10-30T17:49:00.000+01:00

Another find from the wonderful Kingdom of Style are these gorgeous lights made with recycled tea cups. I am guilty of being a bit of an old lady when it comes to my taste in fashion and homeware so these are right up my street.

They are made by Gregory Bonsera, and you can read more about him by clicking here.

Musical Thursdays: Yeasayer at the Roundhouse, Camden

2010-10-28T15:35:00.000+01:00

Last week me and my dear friend Ailsa went to see Yeasayer at the Roundhouse in Camden.

They were actually really good - sounded fantastic and did some funny dances. I just didn't feel that there was much of an atmosphere. The crowd felt pretty flat and quiet to me.

I have to come clean and admit that I'm not the hugest Yeasayer fan in the world. I really like them and enjoy their music but they aren't exactly in my top 5 bands of all time. Perhaps that explains why I was a bit disappointed. But all the same it was enjoyable. They'd be fantastic on a sunny afternoon at a festival.

Listen to Ambling Alp:

Sweetie Treaty: How to make Chocolate Tiffin

2010-10-25T18:37:00.000+01:00

Chocolate tiffin is a delicious if somewhat indulgent tasty treat. It is super easy to make and you can pretty much include whatever you like. This is how I like to make it.

You will need:

A swiss roll size tin lined with baking parchment (Because I'm such a classy lady, I use a loaf tin from poundland)
8oz chocolate (I use dark chocolate but you can use milk chocolate or a mixture of the two)
8oz Rich Tea biscuits
4oz butter
2 tbls golden syrup
2tbls sugar
4tsp cocoa
Handful of raisins/glace cherries/whatever else you fancy.

Melt the butter, sugar, golden syrup and cocoa in a pan before adding the raisins. Then crush the biscuits and add to the melted mixture (wrap the biscuits in a clean tea towel and then bash with a rolling pin to crush them).

Pour mixture into a swiss roll size tin and press down.

Melt the chocolate and pour over the mixture. Be careful not to get any water in the chocolate or it will be horrible!

Put into the fridge and leave to set for about an hour, then cut into pieces and enjoy with a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately I was too busy eating to take a photo of the finished version, but it basically looks like chocolate filled yummy pieces.

I recommend sharing this with your family and friends or you could end up seriously fat. Enjoy!

Weeeeeeeeee

2010-10-23T13:18:00.000+01:00

Looks like fun! I love swings but unfortunately there aren't many playgrounds near me so I'll have to make do with the picture.

Image from http://imgfave.com/Melissa/page:2

Musical Thursdays: Joe McElderry and DonkeyBoy

2010-10-21T15:00:00.000+01:00

We all know that Thursdays are the start of the weekend these days, so I thought it would be nice to share some funky music to get us in a party mood (n.b. cannot guarantee party music will be available every week).

For our inaugural Musical Thursday I have somewhat embarrassingly chosen Joe McElderry's new single 'Ambitions'. Fortunately I'm not quite THAT sad - I'm actually sharing the original version by DonkeyBoy. It is a rather poptastic little number...I don't seem to be able to stop listening to it.

Enjoy!

Freize Art Fair, Regents Park

2010-10-19T22:26:00.004+01:00

On Sunday my young man and I went for stroll around Regents Park to look at the sculptures from Freize Art Fair. Naturally this ended up with us taking the piss out of tourists and going for coffee and cake. But nonetheless it was a pleasant afternoon with some pretty sights to be seen.

To Do list

2010-10-18T16:17:00.000+01:00

Man Like Me and their Ikea kitchens

2010-10-17T11:27:00.002+01:00

I've been a Man Like Me fan since I saw them in a tiny tent at Glastonbury three years ago. They've fallen off my radar a little in recent times, so imagine my surprise when they appeared in an X factor ad break!

Their new single is a cover of Jona Lewie's "You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties". Its no 'Fruits' or 'Carny', but you can watch the video below.

Man Like Me

Julian Treasure: Shh! Sound health in 8 steps | Video on TED.com

2010-10-16T15:32:00.000+01:00

I came across this talk on sound and how it affects our health via Sacral Musings. Although I work with people and their health problems everyday, sound isn't something I ever really consider. In fact, this video has made me realise I'm actually pretty bad when it comes to caring for my ears.

Do watch this video if you can - it is only 7 minutes long and very intersting and well presented.

Julian Treasure: Shh! Sound health in 8 steps | Video on TED.com

echoes in the alleyway :: a tribute to doves for Teenage Cancer Trust

2010-10-13T13:19:00.001+01:00

Epic Mancunian rockers, Doves, may be embarking on a self-imposed hiatus, but that hasn’t stopped a group of fans from celebrating their sound in a novel way.

Echoes in the Alleyway – a tribute to Doves is a compilation album of Doves cover versions performed and recorded by the band’s own fans. Available to download for FREE from 18 October, the album is the brainchild of Doves fansite creator, Nicky McMillan. “It was born out of a drunken conversation after a Doves concert,” admits McMillan, “but after floating the idea on my fansite, it was obvious that people wanted to be involved.”

The album – available in both MP3 and WAV audio formats – showcases the talents of 23 bands and individuals performing their own take on Doves’ songs such as The Cedar Room and Snowden. Its release is timed to coincide with Doves’ final concert of the year in their hometown of Manchester on 16 October.

“This is a way for artists to show their appreciation of Doves in the 12 years since the band’s Cedar EP was released,” McMillan explains. “That said, there is also another point to it.”

In August, it was announced that the Teenage Cancer Trust would benefit from the fan’s album. Although downloads are free, people will be asked to make a small donation.

“Our fundraising target is a modest £500, but if we can make more, that would be fantastic,” enthuses McMillan.

“Echoes in the Alleyway” will be available for download at www.echoesinthealleyway.com from 18 October. Voluntary donations can be made to the Teenage Cancer Trust through the website or via the Teenage Cancer Trust website, www.teenagecancertrust.org.

Although the album isn't released until Monday 18th October you can download a teaser in the form of a cover of Ambition by the very talented Modeon. Click here to listen and here for more about Modeon.

London Drivers at Risk of Whiplash due to Bad Seating Positions

2010-10-11T12:35:00.004+01:00

Drivers in the London who fail to wear seatbelts correctly are at risk of injury according to the British Osteopathic Association (BOA). While most people are fully aware that wearing a seatbelt saves lives, the majority are not aware that the way they sit in a car plays a huge part in their personal safety.

The results of a survey by the BOA, released ahead of Back Care Awareness Week (11-15 October,) has found one fifth (19%) of drivers in London sit too far back for their seatbelt to offer effective protection in a frontal crash. To be effective, the belt should be sitting over the bones of the pelvis and not the stomach preventing internal injuries and in contact with the shoulder to prevent serious neck injury. Sitting too far from the belt can often lead to submarining - where the occupant slips under the belt which can cause catastrophic injuries.

Forty four percent (45%) of all London drivers do not drive in a position where their head is close enough to the head restraint or they sit too far back for their seatbelt to be effective, so that in an accident, they would be at risk of sustaining a serious whiplash injury. Furthermore, only 5.0% of people adjust the head restraint regularly, despite the fact that most people travel in a variety of vehicles (as drivers, passengers and in taxis for example) and 45% said they never adjusted their head rest at all.

Head restraints work by catching and supporting the head in the event of a rear end crash and so reduce the chance of permanent soft tissue damage. A correctly adjusted head restraint should be as close to the back of the head as possible and as high as the top of the occupant’s head, meaning head movement in relation to their body is reduced as the car and seat is punted forward when hit from behind. In addition the drivers’ seat should be at the correct distance so that a properly positioned seat belt is low across the hips and pelvis, with the shoulder belt firmly across the chest and collarbone.

Receiving a serious chest injury as a result of being hit by an airbag during an accident is also a very real possibility for 16.0 % who admitted sitting too close to the steering wheel. Drivers with a gap of less than 12 inches between themselves and the steering wheel when driving are at risk of receiving the full force of an airbag deploying in a crash involving the front of the vehicle.

Airbags have to inflate very quickly (some at over 200 mph) in order to protect the head and chest of drivers and passengers in the event of a frontal crash. Therefore an airbag needs enough space in front of the steering wheel in order to inflate properly. People who are shorter than around 5' 2” (1.57m) often sit too close to the steering wheel and may be injured by the inflating airbag. A safe distance is around 12 inches – the size of an A4 piece of paper placed lengthways.

Lets look at pretty interior design pictures

2010-10-07T21:24:00.000+01:00

I love looking at what other people, who are much cooler than I am with more time on their hands, do with their homes. Here are some current faves. Can you tell I really like blue and putting silly things all over the walls?

The Betsy Smith Kilburn - A Pictorial Review

2010-10-05T21:07:00.008+01:00

Last Thursday I paid a visit to The Betsy Smith in Kilburn with some of my dear work friends.

We sat in the wardrobe....

Perused the unusual cocktail menu....

I chose the 'Jaffa', complete with a jaffa cake floating on top...

And enjoyed the decor!

Overall a very enjoyable evening! The service could have been a bit better, and there wasn't much eye candy around. But the music was good, surroundings very pretty and the cocktails were strong (and only a fiver on weekday evenings!). I recommend dropping in if you are in the area :)

Pete and the Pirates - Dry Wings

2010-10-01T15:41:00.000+01:00

I first came across Pete and The Pirates a couple of years ago at Reading festival. I don't remember being hugely impressed (perhaps he hangover was affecting my judgement) but I thought they were pleasant enough. Time has past merrily by and I found this song on my ipod. I LOVE it! So catchy! You should all listen:

Visit Pete and The Pirates official website

YouTube - IKEA Herding Cats Parody

2010-09-28T19:50:00.001+01:00

I was naughty today and watched this at work. I had to try SO hard not to giggle inconspicuously. It is just plain silly.

And here is the ad in full incase you hadn't seen it. Pretty cool stuff!

Gross! Firm fined after dead mouse found in loaf of bread

2010-09-27T22:45:00.002+01:00

I like nasty things but I am disgusted by this. The story itself isn't that bad but the picture is just GROSS.

Enjoy everyone! Hope I didn't put you off your toast.

Click here for the full story: BBC News - Firm fined £17,000 after dead mouse found in loaf of bread

10 Street Artists You Should Know

2010-09-25T15:00:00.001+01:00

I find talentless graffiti an total eye sore, but I really enjoy spotting street art. I don't think any of these examples are from my corner of North West London so perhaps I will have to go for a walk with my camera in hand.

See more Street Art at mymodernmet.com

Narnia style bar to open in Kilburn - The Betsy Smith

2010-09-22T13:13:00.006+01:00

The lucky residents of Kilburn will be getting yet another fancy bar this Friday when The Betsy Smith opens its doors for the first time.

Located on the site of Osteria del Ponte opposite Kilburn High Road station, the bar is reported to be decorated in a Narnia theme complete with a wardrobe style seating area. Apparently the décor also features pink flamingos, and drinks will be served in tea cups and jam jars.

I'm not sure if it will be completely tacky or a fun and cute place to spend an evening. The cocktail menu is in line with the interior design in that it sounds rather eccentric; one has a floating Jaffa Cake garnish. I think the novelty value alone makes it worth at least one visit. We will have to wait and see how long it takes for that novelty value to wear off and become just annoying.

I really hope it will be good as the Maida Vale end of Kilburn High Road is totally lacking in trendy places to drink other than the Westbury.

The launch party is this Friday. Unfortunately I will be in my homeland of Barking but I'll do my best to pop in soon and tell you what I think!

Details are below if anyone wants to go:

Tofan Bars to open Narnia-style bar in Kilburn | BigHospitality.co.uk

thebetsysmith.co.uk

10 Sky Photos You'll Never Forget

2010-09-21T14:55:00.001+01:00

10 Sky Photos You'll Never Forget - My Modern Metropolis

The Cribs - Housewife

2010-09-19T19:58:00.001+01:00

If you don't like The Cribs I really think you must have brain problems - for guitar-pop I don't think you can do much better.

Here is their latest video, which is quite scary but definitely worth a watch.

BPS Research Digest: Video protects girls from the negative effects of looking at ultra-thin models

2010-09-18T14:52:00.001+01:00

Quite an interesting read.

BPS Research Digest: Dove video protects girls from the negative effects of looking at ultra-thin models

I'm organising a vegan crunk night.

2010-09-18T14:50:00.002+01:00

This made me lol.

Keep calm and grow a moustache

2010-09-17T12:38:00.000+01:00

The week in funny faces :0

2010-09-14T12:43:00.000+01:00

Pretty flowers :)

2010-09-08T12:44:00.000+01:00

Pretty giraffe photo!

2010-09-02T12:34:00.001+01:00

How to be alone

2010-08-29T21:01:00.001+01:00

This seems to have been everywhere recently but it is a very sweet way to spend the next 4 1/2 minutes.

NME C81 � www.indiefy.co.uk

2010-08-29T20:35:00.000+01:00

Indiefy.co.uk bring us a Spotify playlist of tracks from NME's C81 tape. Well worth a listen me thinks.

NME C81 � www.indiefy.co.uk

I am who I am....

2010-08-27T12:30:00.000+01:00

If only my desk looked this pretty!

2010-08-22T19:30:00.000+01:00

My flat tends to be covered in books and old cups of tea but alas, they never look quite this stylish.

GirlGuiding Centenary

2010-08-22T19:12:00.002+01:00

As you may know I volunteer as a Guider, spending every Monday night helping to run a Guide unit.

This year is the centenary year of GirlGuiding UK and to celebrate Guides in my area organised a weekend camp/festival concoction. Harmony from last years Britain's Got Talent were one of the headliners. Here is their video of the saturday evening:

To be honest, girl bands don't really do it for me but Harmony put on a really engaging performance and my guides LOVED them. They were just a tiny part of a brilliant weekend. Here's to another 100 years of Girl Guiding!

Wallace and Gromit Food!

2010-08-16T10:30:00.000+01:00

lebensaspekte.at – elektronisches magazin f�r hedonisten. � Foto der Woche on vi.sualize.us

I want this cool cat ring!

2010-08-09T10:30:00.000+01:00

la-tua-cantante:(via disneydoll)so cute! on vi.sualize.us

Are you Happy?

2010-08-02T10:30:00.002+01:00

Facebook Bradley C. Porter%27s Photos - Recent Pix and such... on vi.sualize.us

Support Group

2010-07-26T10:30:00.000+01:00

George Carlin quote on vi.sualize.us

Hair Hats

2010-07-21T13:01:00.003+01:00

I am terrified yet also intrigued by these bizarre hats made of hair. Perhaps I could get one to wear to work? Hair Hats by Nagi Noda

It Will Be Ok In The Morning

2010-07-19T10:30:00.000+01:00

Words of True Wisdom on vi.sualize.us

A GORGEOUS world map

2010-07-12T09:30:00.000+01:00

My dad is a cartographer, so maybe an appreciation for maps runs in the family. Or maybe I just like the pretty colours and daydreams of future holidays.

Either way there is no denying the beauty of this one from Future Maps.

Typography as art

2010-07-07T09:30:00.002+01:00

I love a bit of pretty typography and this ampersand by Gemma Correll is right up my street, and I'm sure the other half would love it too! Orange and brown colour scheme, cute animals and ice creams - it couldn't get any better. And only $20 too - perhaps I could find space for more pictures in my living room.....

Glastonbury 2010

2010-07-05T12:30:00.000+01:00

Hope you don't mind the pic spam! These are some of my favourites from this year's Glastonbury festival - I don't think they came out too badly considering my less than brilliant photography skills and equipment.

I don't want to bore you with a detailed review (they are all over the internet after all), but my highlights included: Scary tree with eyes, halloumi cones, bearded old lady in Shepton Mallet, boys with flowers in their hair, gorgeous sunsets, tea and toast during Empire of the Sun (rock and roll), Wayne Coyne in a giant inflatable ball, The Flaming Lips in general, Loudon Wainwright III, Wild Beasts, Burger and cheese binges, treasure hunting on monday morning, and the brown water when I washed my hair on monday afternoon.

I am planning to share Spotify playlists of my favourite acts over the next week or so, so keep checking back.

Pretty Cases

2010-07-04T17:03:00.002+01:00

I found these cute cases over on Oh Joy and thought they were too lovely to keep to myself! You can buy them from Pedlars.