From A to Z by me

After long silence (it is me, I guess I am not the routine person and need a bit of push) and urge of the drink (boy problems. Headache and the only thing which can wash it off is a girly night out with few cocktails).

My favorite drink? I haven’t been drinking till I got to university (I swear, even during the parties I refused champagne and sipped on soda or water). But I got my drinks for the years I haven’t while hitting student spots and getting pound shots/drinks almost every weekend. The things got even wilder when I moved to B’Stortford. It was crazy time: going out, getting wasted and going to the after party in early hours, at the end I still managed to pull myself together and appear at work at 5 am flight (don’t ask me how I managed it as I cant do it anymore, I guess I am just getting older). I used to love JD and coke. Yummy. Used to knock around 20 single ones during the night out and still be able to continue in the after party (I am from Eastern Europe, I guess that is in our blood. Look at Russians; they can drown glasses of plain vodka without any hustle). My dad told me the story when he had asked my mum out. He came with the bottle of vodka and said that he is going to drink it on his own until she agrees to go out (weird stuff, this was an old way of making out with girls). He done it, drank all the bottle by himself but passed out – my mother agreed to go out (she pitted that tall bloke and his determination to win his back. Maybe she was just taken back by his heroic actions). Then I used to love tequila until one Xmas with my friend when we done two liters (just two of us, which makes one liter per each) and the next thing I remember, having some rum and passing out at my friend’s place, missing all the fun and being awake when everyone got back from the night out in local club. Shame. I can’t stand Sambuca as I don’t like liquorish! However, time to time, I have it after too many drinks. I am obsessed with Rose and lemonade – light and sweet. But I have some nights out when having 2 bottles on my own (I mean I didn’t drink it on my own, I mean per person) was a bit too difficult to handle the next day when my head was exploding the next morning. I still enjoying Rose every time I need to pick the wine as I am not a fan of white (red can do sometimes, depends on the mood and food I am having). The next “crush” is Jagger Bomb – tastes good and is not too dangerous (well sometimes, last time I had it I was overfriendly with the boy the first night I met him). And no one can beat the cocktails in Roadhouse (Covent Garden), no matter which ones you pick (happy hour is our favorite time to hit the bar), it will always taste good! Bring it on, can’t wait to go with my girls and treat ourselves. I am not big fan of beers. No particular reason, so if the guy is thinking of buying me a pint, this won’t work. Cider will do for me. Oh yeah, and recently I am back to basics – vodka and some kind of mixer (just not coke as it is a bit too sweet with alcohol): tonic or ginger ale is superb! The other thing which refreshes me during hot summer days is Diserono and iced tea (any flavor or orange juice). Try it, you will love it.

Drunk stories? Loads of, however, sometimes I am too embarrassed to remember them. I am usually the one who is taking care of the group and making sure everyone gets to the taxi and is taken home (I am like mother hen really). Recently, because of my new diets it happened that I kind of overdone the alcohol not bearing in mind that I am having the drinks on an empty stomach and oh dear, it never ended well. One time I was almost kicked from the pub in Camden because I was so sick in the terrace and then told my friends that I am sleeping on some stalls in the market (can’t remember much, my friends put me to bed which I am always going to be thankful for as I was not myself and couldn’t take care). Next time I lost my purse and can’t remember a thing (this is a serious one as I think my drink was spiked and I don’t have any idea how I got home: removed the makeup, had something to eat and went to bed). I am usually the one who witnesses a lot of funny stories as I am quiet sober to remember the events by the time everyone is wasted.

Drunk kisses? Hmm…Well quiet a lot, I guess people just become more relaxed after few drinks and this is when all the flirting starts kicking. Sometimes I wish I haven’t done half of the things I done (don’t get me wrong, everything counts for experience but the next day when you wake up and remember some of the details, I just blush and try to erase it from my memory, like a delete button). I have to admit that I have been cozy with my work male colleagues on the staff night outs (this is where all the staff party stories come) as you get away from your official environment and see people in different light (next thing I think, that the hell I was thinking, the guy is not even cute! But that night after few glasses and “deep conversation” which topic you even don’t remember, it is only that moment when someone’s tongue is in your throat that haunts you down). Last time (I was going out with the boy) on the girls’ night out while having social fag (I don’t smoke, just keeping the company or having one after having few drinks), we got chatted by some American guys and their Portuguese friend and the next thing I know, the friend is trying to kiss me (I swear, I was not provoking it and I am not guilty, so this “incident” wasn’t reported to the boy as there is nothing to be said. It was him, not me). Now (when all of us getting older and getting into relationships/engaged/married) it is not so much fun as you become more reasonable but I have to admit, I miss all that fun nights out (all the flirting, talking to the boys and just messing around). Once even got chatted in Burger’s King (I am vegetarian but was accompanying my friend for some greasy after night out meal) and got the number from the guy who was so cute (we kept in touch for a while, but that’s it). Or getting chatted by French guy and getting directions from him. Fun times.

I haven’t heard about him on any commercial event/music channel/radio station (but I have to admit, I have a thing for all that commercial POP stuff. I can’t stop singing “Stop calling, stop calling…” recently just because Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s song is constantly on my mind. Moreover, I love the video!). OK, back to the topic and the man himself. I was listening something on We7 (this is a site where you can listen to all new albums for free when you are online. Good for your pocket, but the only thing is that between the songs you have to listen to the ads which sometimes is a bit too much. You can also make your own play lists which is wicked, I felt like a hidden talent, a new DJ) and after you listen to certain albums, the system picks similar albums you want to listen. Voila! I found Cosmo Jarvis. 

What I like about his music? Funny (it is not comedy but more in sarcastic way) and stinging lyrics which feel brutally honest (when I listen, I always think “Bingo”. It describes the situation/relationship/story the way it is: nothing added to make it sound nicer or more appealing – just the way it is. The songs are catchy. I really hope of seeing one of the life shows after reading so many good reviews (I hope to get some time off and drag some friends along with me to Brick Lane Takeover on the 17^th of June, you can find more info @ http://www.bricklanetakeover.com Might see you there)According to the short description about the musician : “His heroes are as varied as the art he produces every single day; John Lennon, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Terry Gilliam, Jerry Garcia, Samuel L Jackson, Jamie Fox, Will Smith, George Lucas, River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Mohammed Ali, Maximus Decimus Peridius, Harrison Ford, Robert DeNiro, Elliot Smith and Frank Zappa” – so be expecting something new and oddly (in a good way. Being different is the key) amusing. I think he is super talented (You can check more on http://www.myspace.com/cosmojarvis what he is up to) and I admire his raw talent (I wish I could have just a bit of it as I believe I am lacking some). The first time I listened to his song “Jessica Alba’s Number” the lines which made me laugh out loud (making my housemates to believe I am a bit crazy. Well you wouldn’t have good opinion about someone after hearing them laugh on their own at their room, would you?): “I'd like to go see Toy Story 2/ With just me and Britney Spears/ And then she'd say "Hit me baby one more time" and I'd say/ "No way Britney, Domestic Violence is a crime"” – totally hilarious. “Mel’s Song” is another favorite of mine. It tells what usually goes in the guys’ minds when they meet girls (well I believe so. The idea of taking her home to his place is the most appealing for the lads – so the song is about it). Is the new social trend described in “Problems” (people get married young, have kids, separate, all the divorce ***t, custody battle, paying child support etc) – you need to listen and decide it yourself. 

We don’t see her much after she moved to the other side of the pond (good news, she is back on our TV with the fashion program) but she is the girl everyone one to be. Her birthday is just one day behind me (she is also two years older, but this doesn’t matter, I just wanted to point out the connection). British born Alexa first caught my eye on T4 (the best way to relax and recover after the night out with a cup of hot chocolate wrapped in a warm blanket in front of TV). Not to mention, her modeling campaigns made her face more recognizable. Appearing on the covers of all main British magazines (also international ones), having Mulberry bag named after her and the boyfriend (having a rock star Alex as your other part sounds good to me too), enjoying the front rows of fashion shows (she is always appearing on the best dressed list, most fashionable list, you name it) no wonder she is the “It” girl that everyone want to land their hands on (she presented an MTV live chat show which unfortunately ended last December, well good for us as she is back and we can get more tips how to look cool). The girl knows how to pull the outfit, sometimes it seems that she didn’t put any effort but she still looks fresh, cool and fashionable (apart from Kate Moss none of the Brits can pull it). Her geeky/rock/vintage chick look made the second hand shops the treasure land (popping to Oxfam is not un-cool anymore, it is tre chic to get some vintage bargains), festivals the new fashion show (she always looks miraculous like someone who stepped from the catwalk) and geeky outfits the top of our shopping list. Oh yeah, and her hair is always perfect (I like that out of bed look, she proves that you don’t need to be too polished when having your red carpet moment. Less is more). Nude lips, eye liner and barely any make up (well not all of us are lucky with such good genes, so as long as it looks natural, you are OK) she looks like a girl next door. Alexa is not only a model, presenter and DJ (spinning the tunes in the fashion show after parties sounds cool for me, it is not a job – it is more of the pleasure) but she is also involved in some charity work (I guess it is time to sign for one too). Recently she was criticized for being too thin which she explained by being naturally skinny and sometimes forgetting to eat while working (What can I say. She looked healthier before so I guess overdoing things is not good examples as so many girls are following her lifestyle and she should set good example, especially when she said she quitted modeling because it was too much to cope and the body image set by industry is just unacceptable). I enclose some of the best looks (according to me) which I like and believe that they represent the style of Alexa Chung. 

 The effortless casual look

The trench coat is an essential statement piece

Being a DJ is cool. Girly dresses are big

Nudes. Classic bag and some killer heals.

Flats and boyfriend's blazer is an ultimate chic look. Looks cool! (I wish I could have her legs)

Less is more.

The geeky signature look

MTV (States) (after seeing her shoes, I got a pair of denim ones)

The match made in heaven. They look so rock'n'roll

The bag everyone is desperate to have

Few days ago I received the invitation to join the boy for some drinks (I just can’t say no to him), so half and hour later I was ready to meet him outside Knightsbridge tube station. Things never run smooth: just when I was leaving the house, it started raining (all my effort for sleek and straight hair was destroyed by typical English weather) but no one could ruin my mood for the night.

Was running a bit late (it is kind of cute for a girl to be slightly late. OK, I was like 20 minutes late). The place we head to for a quiet night was just opposite Harvey Nichols, situated in the basement of the well known Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel. It might be called Bar Boulud, however, the atmosphere is much more sophisticated and posh. French-inspired brasserie is the first footstep of famous David Boulud (the French guy who was serving us told us that the chef is usually staying in London for few weeks and working in the kitchen, walking around and greeting the customers, so you might be lucky to meet the man himself) in London, he is the master behind Daniel restaurant success (this is one of the best restaurants in New York with three Michelin stars). 

I have to admit, I haven’t heard about him before as my last trip to Big Apple was nearly 10 years ago with my parents which involved loads of sight seeing (no shopping whatsoever).

We are seated in the bar where you have the direct view to the kitchen where you can watch how the food is being made (I was looking at it and also to the guys working there. Naughty). 

The boy is explaining things to me, pointing out the mistakes the boys are making (I feel great having someone who knows so much about food). I am smitten by little American inspired burgers (I am vegetarian, so I give up the temptation and order some French fries as we are in French place, it is so tre chic).

My crab salad is like a piece of art in my plate (and it tastes divine). The wine list is endless (with some help from the staff and their recommendations it is possible to get the best one which goes smoothly with your meal). I always have sweet tooth so it is no way I am not going to get a dessert. The tropical fruit sundae is a hit (the boy is disappointed he didn’t ordered the same as he is having some kind of gateaux with strawberries): sorbet, mascarpone cheese, pieces of fresh mango, small pieces of coco nut cookies.

The prices are decent and I believe every penny spent is worth it. Nice evening, delicious meal and the desert to finish (or course, the evening watching movie at boy’s is the cherry on the top).

Worth going? Yes, I will take my girls when they are around for desert or quiet lunch as the place is not too big, has its unique vibe and privacy. Check it yourself

I don’t like my laziness this time of the year. The sun is shinning so I better spend the time just doing noting instead of writing a post or learning something new. I had a stomach bug last week (this is fair excuse of staying in and sleeping for a whole day) and literally spend the day in the toilet (at least it was some exercise: running up and down, always making sure it is fast enough). Canceling a class and book club was worse enough; I also missed one day in Chocolate factory (the internship thingy I still haven’t told you about).

This week I received my two cooking books and got another diet book from WHSmith. This is TOP3 of my books this week: “The Dukan Diet” by Dr Pierre Dukan.

I have read so many about this book: first there was an article in Grazia about it, then it was always mentioned as the tool which helped Giselle to get back to her normal shape after giving the birth to her first child (and who doesn’t envy those endless limbs of a model). Recently there was an article on msn site about it. The funniest thing that the contributor Amanda Hamilton even doesn’t know that it is Dukan not Dukon diet (I feel good with my spelling then, considering the fact that her article is published by msn): (http://style.uk.msn.com/health/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=153372621). The diet was branded as one of the other fad diet, however, after reading more than 200 pages (more than a half of book) I would like to say that it is not only giving you the recipes of the meals but also introduce you to the whole “way of living and thinking”  if you decide to follow the plan. I have to admit, the diet doesn’t sound something wow, it makes sense and encourages you to build the understanding about the food which is good. It has loads of tips, explanations and information related to diet and healthy living. I might have a go (damn, my whole life is a big diet, sometimes I just get tired), so need to stock my fridge with lean proteins (fish and sea food as I am vegetarian and do not eat meat), eggs (free range and nothing else as my housemate would be upset about me if not), fat free yogurt/ cottage cheese (TG it can be flavored one but not with fruit bits), loads of water (this is not a problem for me as I am a tea addict and usually consume 2 liters of water anyways). The only thing which kind of scares me is the duration (you already seen that I can not commit, look at my blog how random are the entries) but fingers crossed. If I achieve the results I want, I guess I will be just fine. Dropping few sizes makes you motivated to carry on and don’t slip back to your back eating habits. I am going for a meal tomorrow so I bet this is not good starting it today as I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it tomorrow.

The other two books are the cooking ones. Somehow I got addicted to the idea of me baking some cupcakes (maybe it is the influence of the cupcakes trend everywhere). Amazon is always great for bargain book deals. “The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook” and “Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery” are the new addition to my cooking books’ collection.

I have already been shopping for cupcake cases and got different sizes and colors so I can’t wait to bake something (my mouth is already watering after talking about yummy cakes). I also have an idea to bake some nice ones for my sister’s birthday which is later this month. I guess all of us secretly want to be sexy Angela Lawson. The most amazing thing which fascinates me is the decorating part: use your imagination and creativity. The only thing is that I am using wheat free and gluten free flour instead of recommended ones as I am always too health conscious (it is a bit of my obsessions). Can’t wait to start my baking season and promise to put my pictures, share experience if I bake something (masterpiece it will be).