Mitt Romney Style

Just found this – Two of the most talked about topics – Mitt Romney (elections) and Gangnam style. Just genius!

Nicki Minaj – Pound The Alarm

T’n’T Happy Friday xoxo

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Paris

Got that Friday feelin’ xoxo

Citizen Cope – Sun’s Gonna Rise

This is the song from which I created the name of this blog. I love this song and I am feeling especially good today so I thought I’d share it with you all. There is some debate about whether the lyrics are “son” or “sun”. Both words make sense within the context of the lyrics, so I leave it up to you to decide.

I have chosen to believe it’s “Sun” 😉

Happy listening (below are the lyrics) xoxo

Rollin’ down the highway

Like a rocket

God, I’m headed to town now

Can’t stop it

With the wheel in my hand

As I stand

On the floor

Of the board

Of this car

On the road

Got this woman in the back seat

She’s my wifey

In the middle of the delivery

Man she saves me

To this day I don’t know why

She picked me up

When I was down on the road

With the wind when it blowed

Well the sun’s gonna rise in a mile

In a mile

You’ll be feeling fine

In a mile you will see

After me

You’ll be out of the dark, yeah

You’ll get your shot

The Sun Is Shinning

With the beginning of a new season on the horizon, I thought it was a good time to give you all an update on… me (mind-body-spirit wise).

Since October of last year I have lost (to date) exactly 5 stone (that’s 70 lbs). I’m pretty proud of myself, but I have only reached half my goal! I still need to shed another 4/5 stone. I have set myself the goal of loosing 2 stone by my next birthday (March 26^th).

I have recently started exercising at least 1 hour everyday. It’s been quite exciting – not at all the struggle I had anticipated… in fact I would even go as far as to say I’m starting to enjoy it. I generally do a cardio workout with some strength training.

I’m about to do a 10 day cleanse to make sure my body is at it’s most sparkly.

I’ve also been experimenting with yoga. Who knew that after years of me rolling my eyes at those yogis (including my Dad) that it would eventually peak my interests…

My water intake has been very poor and I’m trying to fix this.

Speaking of water,

I have a Top Tip which I read about and I have found it really works **gasp** When you go to take your post workout shower after having cooled down, let the last 3 to 10 minutes of it be as cold as you can stand. It took me a couple tries but I’ve managed to have my last 10 minutes be in just cold water. I turn the hot water off gradually which stops the cold from shocking me to sharp intakes of breath. The cold water closes the pores of your skin, which have had an invigorating treatment after your workout, and it traps the steam from the warm part of your shower, which results in smooth skin. My skin feels soooo smooth and has a glow. Also the cold has helped my skin to feel noticeably firmer and tighter. I’ve been doing this for about 2 weeks now and boy, do I plan on continuing!

I’ve been doing some research into vegetarianism and veganism. This one actually has nothing to do with weight-loss but more with the idea of providing my body with optimal nutrition. Trust me, I can’t live without meat – but it has certainly inspired me in new and interesting ways to incorporate more fruit, veg and pulses into my diet (particularly the benefits of having raw veggies).

I’m currently in Trinidad for a little work and play (a responsible gap year, if you will) and anyone who knows about Caribbean or Creole culture can tell you that food is a HUGE part of the lifestyle.

Fried, curried, stewed (that’s sugar and oil). Carbs galore – roti and rice served with potatoes and a plethora of oh-so-good-but-bad-for-you foods are always on the menu. If ever I was to put my will power to the test, this is the place.

So far, I’ve been quite good. I have everything, but try to limit my amounts (that image above is NOT the amount I eat!). On a good note, I’ve found that once I’ve had it, I’m more than satisfied and feel no need to have more – so the answer is simple – have everything! I kid, I kid. Of course what I mean is, have everything in moderation.

I’m making sure not to go nuts and I’ve been doing all right.

Here’s hoping it lasts.

So, Canada, It’s Turkey Day, Eh?

Sorry Canadians, I couldn’t help it!

The weekend before last was Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. I would like to wish all my Canadian readers and friends a very Happy Turkey Day. I remember fondly the Thanksgivings I was lucky enough to experience while I was at University in New Brunswick.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to my readers, followers and subscribers in North America for taking the time and energy to read my stuff!

Love you all,

Gobble Gobble  xoxox

P.S. My Pumpkin and Pecan Pie is to die for (if I do say so myself! Yum!)

P.P.S I know this is a late post – internet problems you see – still, the love is there!

The Statue of Liberty started shaking her fist

As I get older I’m realising more and more how grey things are.

As you would expect from a self confessed Liberal (big L), I have always been against war – of any kind. However, after the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks, my big L liberalism took a back seat.

Don’t get it twisted, I still didn’t think it was the best option but it seemed to be the only option. My mind was flooded by wonderful clichés and slogans such as, “an eye for an eye makes the world blind” and “we have to fight them there so we don’t have to fight them here”, “united we stand, divided we fall” and “it’s us or them” to name but a few. All these phrases being thrown around were quietened by a single thought: There is no way to convince a man/woman with nothing to lose that he/she should comply – that is what makes terrorists so terrifying.

No laws, threats of stolen freedom or moral consciousness can compete with a belief that is so strong that the believer is willing to exterminate themselves in a show of loyalty and commitment to a cause.

Yesterday, my parents and I went to Bluewater (a mall). Like most men, my father nearly fainted at the thought of having to follow myself and my mother around a haberdashery for an unspecified time while we oooh-ed and ahhh-ed at our creative temptations, so, while we did our thing he wondered around (probably checking out book stores and the Apple store).

By the time we were finished my dad had made it back to the car. As I got in I noticed he had a Starbucks drink. I jokingly said something along the lines of “where’s mine?” but my dad said nothing. A few seconds of silence passed before he said, “I just had a disturbing encounter”. I prompted him further and he told us about his Starbucks experience.

He had gone into Starbucks and noticed a young man (early 20’s) who looked badly injured on one side of his body. Bandaged and grimacing in pain, my dad asked him if he was ok and what had happened.

The man said that he had just come back from Afghanistan where he was injured and that he was in a lot of pain. He pointed to a canister bottle of morphine and said, “that’s all I can take for the pain”.

My dad told us that he clearly didn’t want to talk about it (who could blame him?)

After some exchanges between the man and my dad about the possibility of talking to someone or better yet, writing about his experiences either in diary form for catharsis or to just purge it from the fore-front of his mind, my dad explained to us how he became lost for a way to end their exchange sufficiently and respectfully. Instead of coming up with an awkward or creative exit strategy, my dad simply told the man the truth. He said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say…”

The man seemed to understand this admission and said, “it’s ok, you don’t have to say anything, I know what you mean…”

My dad returned to his order as a young woman (the man’s friend) came and joined the man. It seemed she was trying to cheer him up (if one could be cheered from such an ordeal). At the very least, hopefully, she was distracting him.

The whole story was relayed to my mother and I before we left the Bluewater compound.

I didn’t meet or see the man myself, but my dad’s exchange with him has been haunting a corner of mind since yesterday. I can’t stop thinking about it. I know a few people in the RAF, BSIS & Marines Corp. I’ve also met soldiers and Marines from the US. Of course, war is a bloody business – there are bound to be causalities and losses but it has never truly occurred to me since I see my friends return home safely without a scratch on them. I guess, on some level I was unaware of just how close they must come to being like the young man my dad met.

***Dedicated to all the troops and service men and women who risk their lives hourly for the blissfully ignorant, like myself. Gratitude for your bravery could never be put into words, but I’ll start with: Thank You xoxo

Who ever said sportswear couldn’t be fashionable?

The opening of the Olympics is arguably the biggest catwalk/runway show in the world. Designers were challenged with creating team uniforms, which would present their nations to the rest of the world – no small task. Avril Graham, Harper Bazaar’s executive fashion and beauty editor, said“[f]or any designer, this is the biggest audience you can possibly have”.

With this in mind and knowing that we had Stella McCartney (and Adidas) in our arsenal, I felt at ease with whatever the outcome would be for team GB.

I expected the Italians to be well outfitted, and I wasn’t disappointed – the athletes entered the stadium in a monochrome kit in navy and white by Giorgio Armani and their sailing team’s gear was designed by Prada.

This brings me to Old Faithful – yes, our American counter parts. As we all know, team USA have had a tirade of bad press for its ‘made-in-China’ Ralph Lauren uniforms. The uncomfortable issue was even raised by politicians as they discussed with objection, the conflicts of having an American uniform made by China.

Personally, I can understand the raised eyebrow. It would be nice to know that each country were truly, solely, responsible for their teams uniforms – however, we live within the practicalities and business savvy outlined by globalisation.

It’s business. It’s the way it’s done. Chances are, it’s the way it’ll always be done. Sad but true.

Wearing clothes only made by the native countries of participants of the Games, would not only be costly and timely, but it would be impractical since we have developed a system in which certain countries exchange in certain trades based on skill. China, India and the Philippines (for the most part) provide clothing. It’s relatively cheaper and they are much more skilled than we seem to be!

Anyhow, I digress –

I was rather impressed with the outfits – they were some of the most stylish I had seen. The uniforms showcased Ralph Lauren’s classic style of preppy, clean-cut, simple, soft-lines.

Navy blazers, crisp white trousers, skirts and shoes which were accessorised with navy beret and blue, red and white striped scarves.

I know everyone was having a conniption about the China thing, but why wasn’t anyone, even slightly, alarmed by the beret?

Am I wrong? Aren’t beret’s classically French? So why was the American team wearing them? Perhaps it was their effort to show that they were embracing European culture for the Games…

…Yeah – didn’t really convince myself either.

If I were French, I think I would have been offended – What were they thinking? Were they thinking at all? Were they taking the piss? Trying to be ironic? Or had they completely dismissed or been ignorant to the fact that the beret is a natively French piece of apparel?

I mean, it would be like China coming out wearing African regalia, with a headdress and everything. Nice, and even flattering, in certain situations, but not at an Olympic Games opening where you are introducing your country to the rest of the world.

I mean, why? Just… why?!

Whatever the thought processes and the controversies, no one can deny that team USA looked sharp!

Other designers lent their talents to the 2012 Games also. Cedella Marley, daughter of native Jamaican Bob Marley worked with Puma to outfit the Jamaican team, while Hermès designed the French equestrian team’s garbs. Salvatore Ferragamo, Karl Lagerfeld, H&M, Bosco, Christopher Kane and Roksanda Illincic designs also made an appearance during the austerity of the Games.

I like this Ralph Lauren look the most. Preppy, stylish, relaxed – totally American (and no beret! Whoo!)

Isle of Wonder

During the opening ceremony of the Olympics 2008 in Beijing the whole world watched a spectacular show. The orient was presented to us like a glorious present – it was a grand opening of the games.

I remember thinking, we can’t compete with that – I sure hope we don’t try to.

On Friday 27th July this thought returned to me as the count down to the opening of the Olympics 2012 in London began.

The wonderfully talented Danny Boyle (director of such gems as 127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire, Sunshine, Millions, 28 Days Later… The Beach and of course the brilliant Trainspotting – to name but a few) was set to show us off to the world and open up the 2012 Games with a bang.

Instead of parading the glitz and glam that Beijing had, Boyle decided, instead to focus on the history that makes Britain Great. He started out with an English field with May poles and sheep – an idyllic time from when we all wish we could visit.

Then we saw the current Bond-James Bond, Daniel Craig entering Buckingham Palace. He rushes past the Royal Corgis towards a room, where the whole world must have been thinking the same thing.

She wouldn’t. Surely not. There’s no way.

“Good Evening, Mr. Bond” – she did!

How Danny Boyle got Her Royal Majesty to play herself in London’s 2012 opening, deserves some sort of medal in itself.

This sequence continued with an amusing trip over the Thames in a helicopter whereby the Queen and James Bond jumped out of a plane and sailed into the stadium – ok, not really, but we appreciated the theatrics!

My personal approval quickly came when my Shakespearean crush (in the form of Sir Kenneth Branagh) came out as the famous, British engineer; Isambard Kingdom Brunel. He stood on the mound before reciting one of the most beautiful lines from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, which is spoken by Caliban:

“Be not afeared: the isle is full of noise.”

This led to an eruption of the industrialisation which changed Britain forever.

A huge tree was was uprooted and Brunel’s workers poured out and started to rip apart the idyllic countryside.

The workers forged five rings which interlocked and formed the Olympic symbol before being set a glow.

There was a poignant dance which was performed for all those who were lost during the 7/7 attacks on London, just a day after London won the bid to host the Olympic Games.

Boyle paid homage to Great Ormond Street Hospital, the National Health Service, Peter Pan, Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Eastenders, Gregory’s Girl, The Beatles and Dizzie Rascal – and that’s just off the top of my head.

J.K. Rowling, very appropriately, read from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

Rowan Atkinson made an appearance as Mr. Bean during a hilarious Chariots of Fire performance.

After an iconic soundtrack which started with British music and merged into other International-modern favourites, a celebration of modern technology, youth culture and young love directed audiences to applaud the inventor of the World Wide Web and a facilitator of instant communication, Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

Team GB entered the grounds, looking enthusiastic and pumped up to David Bowie’s hit, Heroes – how appropriate 😉

Once all the teams had gathered in the center, the Arctic Monkeys sang John Lennon’s Come Together as winged cyclists, who represented doves of peace, ‘flew’ around the track.

Another notable moment was a very dapper David Beckham driving a speed boat on a beautifully lit Thames with the Olympic torch, where he delivered it to Sir Steve Redgrave. He, along with other British Olympians handed the torch to young unknowns to represent the handing over of success to the next generation.

This was the pièce de résistance: the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, which composed of individual petal torches placed like a huge dandelion. Once a few flutes were lit, the others quickly caught the fire. The pieces then ascended towards the middle like a closing flower to form one, huge, flame. The symbolism was beautifully manifested into a unique vision.

A firework show (which I could see out of my bedroom window!) was accompanied by Sir Paul McCartney who played The End and Hey Jude. Sir Paul, waved his usual fee and was instead paid just £1.00 for his services – now that’s what I call, patriotic!

British Pride isn’t easy to come by, but Danny Boyle did a fantastic job of showcasing Britain for all that is wonderful about it – from our beautiful countrysides, to the role we played in the industrial revoloution. Our great music, fashion and dry sense of humor. Our breathtaking authors, poets and story-tellers. Our contribution to globalisation and the ever evolving world. And of course, our ability to come together, despite our differences, under one nation.

There were 7,500 volunteers (I know one of them!) and they did an amazing job – after all, Danny wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Brava 😀

COME ON TEAM GB!!! xoxo

Happy 25th Birthday Chica!

Today marks the 25^th birthday of one of my best friends, Amanda (on the far left). Since we were 11 years old we’ve talked about where we would be at 21, 25, 30… all the mile stones – and here we are nearly 15 years later celebrating the big 25 for her – we’re not quite where we thought we’d be at 25 but at least we’re together!..

On Saturday we went out to the very swank and exclusive restaurant Bob Bob Ricard in Soho and enjoyed haute, European (mostly Russian) cuisine. Even the traditionally English dishes had a slant of class. I had the chicken and mushroom pie – the Bob Bob Ricard upgrade made it a chicken, mushroom and champagne pie. Utterly pointless, decadent and delicious! They had even gone to the trouble of monogramming the top of my pie with the initials of the restaurant BBR.

The waiters were incredibly polite and they all stood in their pink waistcoats and welcomed us upon arrival. Below is a picture of the reception and the maître d’.

Need champagne? No problem – just press the button located just for that purpose on each table!

The décor was beautiful – somewhere between 1920’s glamour and a lost European gem.

Instead of just offering bread, there are assortments of nuts, olives, and even luxury popcorn available!

The food was delightful and service was swift. They managed to keep a good eye on us without making us feel watched or rushed out the door (quite the feat for Soho).

Dessert was lovely – although I passed on a sweet ending I was lucky enough to sample my friends choices (smart, right?)

The spectacle was Amanda’s dessert – the BBR Signature Chocolate Glory, it was a thing of beauty! The dessert is contained within a chocolate ball which is covered in gold leaf (yes, real gold) and then the waiter pours hot chocolate sauce over it which melts through the ball exposing the desert and covering it in chocolatey goodness!

Why would anyone go to such lengths for a dessert?

Bob Bob Ricard would ask: Why not?

Seriously, none of us wanted to leave the very obvious level of luxury after visiting this place! 

The Eton Mess impressed me the most in terms of taste (see image below) – but I’m much more taken by the cocktails and drinks on offer. It’s pricey – but when you’re there you can see why. Everything has champagne, truffles or gold in it. I’d love to go back with my AmX Black and just order whatever I want!..

A girl can dream, can’t she?..

We then made our way to Mark’s Bar (part of HIX restaurant) where I had a lethal cocktail called Zombie (consisting of 4 different kinds of rum with lime and sugar – oh yeah and they set the lime on fire and it looks sooo cool! The ohhh‘s and ahhh‘s of other patrons is impressive!)

Then we found our last stop – a bar which played some great hip/hop, pop, dance and dub… unfortunately I can’t quite remember the name of the place – but as soon as I do I’ll update this post.

This was perfect for what the Birthday Girl wanted! She loved the music, the drinks and of course the people – a night out isn’t really a night out unless you have some stories, right? And boy, does she!

Here’s to you Birthday Girl and another wonderful 25 years to come!

Happy Birthday Mandino – With much more love than I could possibly attempt to put into words xoxo