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What: OPENING NIGHT AT THE HOUSE OF PERONI
When: 02.07.13 7PM Where: 41 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON. W1B 1QH We had a ball at the opening of The House of Peroni. The music was great, the people were stylish, and the cocktails were different and stunning. They had Peroni beer in them and looked great too. The food was cooked by the Michelin-Starred Costardi Brothers, Christian and Manuel. There risotto was superb (and served in a can, a great touch) and I also loved their pea soup with mozzarella and croutons. The brothers are head chefs at the family-run Michelin-starred Hotel Cinzia in Vercelli. Their grandparents opened the hotel in 1967. Their food went down a treat and everyone was tucking in without any self consciousness as the food was so great. We even bumped into Antonio Carluccio. If he liked the food, it must be pretty good!
There was also great art, a favourite of mine was by Milan based visual artist Carlo Bernardini. The light artist works with optic fibre. His art is below. His use of light and space was amazing and you could not tell where the walls in the room were. Bernardini is an artist of exceptional talent.
We had an amazing night. Visit the The House of Peroni.soon for a great dose of Italian style.
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Paris In Instagram Pictures Part 1
Paris is a beautiful and wonderful city. I took thousands of pictures while I was there but here is just a taste. We went on the Eurostar which should be done at least once in your life. From top bottom: the Arc De Triomphe, the view from the top, the Siene, the Louvre, posing with the Mona Lisa, the power of art as crowds go mad for the Mona Lisa, posing with the Venus De Milo, touristy but has to be done, Venus draws a crowd. Part 2 is here.
Have you been to Paris? Put your recommendations below.
Lady Gaga Reveals New Album Artwork For Artpop
Lady Gaga has revealed her new album artwork. Her forthcoming album, ArtPop, will also be released as an app which will go straight to smartphones and tablets. Gaga says this will “bring the music industry into a new age”
You can pre-order from the 1st of September for the 11th of November release.
Gaga’s website said:
“Built by TechHAUS, the technological branch of HAUS OF GAGA, the app itself is a musical and visual engineering system that combines art, fashion, and technology with a new interactive worldwide community – ‘the auras’,” explains the post, which doesn’t skimp on grand claims (or capital letters).
“Altering the human experience with social media, we bring ARTculture into POP in a reverse Warholian expedition.
Exploring Gaga’s existence as a cultural interface, the user will share in the ‘adrenaline of fame; as they build and share their own projects, chat with one another, and watch in real-time on a virtual globe as ARTPOP explodes onto the physical and virtual universe at once on November 11, our ‘BIG BANG!’ On this day, HAUS OF GAGA venges with forte to bring the music industry into a new age: an age where art drives pop, and the artist once again is in control of the ‘icon’.”
What do you think? Will you buy the album? Are you excited about the return of Lady Gaga.
New network launches to support young people inspired by recent sporting success
The Performance Sports Network launched online this week to help aspiring and dedicated individuals aiming to become professional sportsmen and sportswomen. Anyone can make a difference by supporting young athletes and can go a step further by offering sponsorship, opportunities and special deals through the network.
Young people are encouraged to request whatever support they need for any sporting goal they are trying to achieve. That might be for equipment, training space, mentoring, coaching advice or sponsorship and they can easily post a video to show their talents. Once a request is made others can respond by making an offer directly to the individual.
“As soon as a request is created they can begin receiving support and proposals from peers, coaches, experts, organisations and sponsors,” explained network founder Chris Davis.
“As a football coach I see lots of kids who hope to make it as a professional. I know their chances are very small but I don’t believe this means they shouldn’t try. I believe that if anyone wants it enough they should have the best possible chance, regardless of their background. This network can provide everyone with access to experts, resources, opportunities and mentors to help and support them.
“We see how important Andy Murray’s backroom support is to him. Everyone from his coach Ivan Lendl to his mum and everyone in between has helped him succeed. We all need that sort of support – young children right through to college and university athletes,” Chris said.
“Very few of us may make it to Wimbledon or Wembley but there are lots of other opportunities in sport that dedicated training and learning open. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s an inspiring saying I like that goes something like ‘Aim for the moon and even if you miss you’ll end among the stars.’ This is true for people wanting to get involved in professional sports. ”
As well as acting as a portal for any individuals to find help, the network has regular opportunities for training and experiences open to members. “This is a performance sports network but there is nothing exclusive about it. We want to provide everyone with equal access to quality sporting help and opportunities, regardless of background, educational level or location.”
Why did Chris start the network? “Like most kids when I was a young I wanted to be a sports star. I played most sports and at times when I was doing really well I thought it might be possible to make it as a professional,” he confessed. “But it’s hard when you are growing and moving up through the age groups. I was a good bowler and played cricket for the county, but one year I grew a few inches and suddenly my run up had to change and my bowling really dropped off. That type of set back can be enough to put an end to those dreams if the right support system is not in place.”
The performance sports network offers unique services and support tools for members “We are always looking for partnerships to offer the best possible opportunities to members. We are currently initiating a scheme to give people feedback on their own sporting videos. Video analysis can be really powerful and a great training aid, but not everyone has access to it. We invite people to share their videos and we can put them in touch with people who can give them constructive feedback and support. We hope to develop this into our own Sports App,” says Chris.
Sports coaches, personal trainers, suppliers or performance experts can offer their own expertise, products, services and expertise to help dedicated individuals. “Maintaining a career in sport often leads to coaching and related careers such as fitness or nutrition. We give people involved in sport many ways to promote themselves, their products, services, skills, courses and expertise. We want to encourage more people to give something back and share their own experiences with the next generation,” said Chris.
The Performance Sports Network helps people to achieve their sporting goals, learn new skills, overcome obstacles and achieve more. It is free for young people, organisations, experts, mentors and potential sponsors to register.
Sign up for free at http://performancesport.
Should You Go To Brazil? A Pondering On The Brazilian Wax.
There is a scene in Sex & The City where Carrie and her friends go to Los Angeles, Carrie goes to a new beautician for a wax who ‘takes everything’. Later, when the girls are discussing their shock about being ‘totally bald down there’, Samantha tells Charlotte that her husband Trey, who has been having some problems in the bedroom, might finally be able to consummate their marriage as ‘he probably hasn’t been to Brazil before’. After this episode, the Brazilian wax became hugely popular. But what is it, where did it come from and should women really be getting them? Let’s find out.
With a Brazilian wax all of the pubic hair is removed, front and back, by waxing. Ouch. Some people like to leave a thin strip of pubic hair, referred to as a ‘landing strip’.
The Brazilian wax, apparently, was first named by the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan in 1987.
According to Wikipedia, some people claim that the concept of the Brazilian came from a letter documenting in 1500 AD, which read: “…suas vergonhas tão altas e tão çarradinhas e tão limpas das cabeleiras que de as nós muito bem olharmos não tínhamos nenhuma vergonha” (English translation: “their private parts were so exposed, so healthy and so hairless, that looking upon them we felt no shame”).
Brazilian waxing is the most controversial form of waxing, Brazilian waxing is unpopular amongst some women (and men), especially feminists who claim the only people who like it are men who want their women to look underage. Which may be why it is hugely popular with porn stars.
Model and Socialite Lisa B said that when she got a Brazilian at a salon in LA that “It was so painful I collapsed. I only fainted, but I was nearly carted off to hospital and I have vowed never to try it again.”
Other negatives are that it is a painful experience and if it is not done properly it can cause infection, prolonged bleeding or swelling of the area. It helps to take ibuprofen an hour before you have your Brazilian wax (this is what Madonna does).
The positives are that many women say it improves their sex life. If you get it done frequently then the hair will become weaker and the regrowth will become less as time goes on.
A Brazilian wax usually last between three to six weeks, but this depends on your hair regrowth rate. Some irritation may occur too, try some aloe vera on the irritated area. If you have ingrown hair (which will look like little bumps. They happen when the hair is not pulled out correctly. The hair curls back in on itself or grows sideways into the skin) you can buy beauty products that specialise in the improvement of ingrown hair. If you are confident you can even tackle the problem with some tweezers, just be careful.
The new rise in Brazilian waxing may be because of The Only Way Is Essex and the popularity of vajazzling, which was pioneered by Amy Childs.
Interestingly, New Jersey has banned the Brazilian wax for health reasons. This happened after two women in New Jersey were hospitalised after having the procedure.
If you want to have a Brazilian do so. Just make sure you go to a salon which is hygienic and knows what they are doing, take a painkiller before and make sure you are not prone to infection.
Made in Chelsea’s Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson attend charity surfing event in Cornwall
Surfing world stunned by Surf Challenge for Autism 2013
Fistral Beach in Newquay was brought to a standstill this weekend as a group of autistic surfers took to the water in the Wave Project’s Surf Challenge for autism 2013.
Top-level surfers including former UK champion Russell Winter and 2012 English national champion Hannah Harding were left speechless as they watched as 32 autistic competitors dazzle on the clean 3ft waves.
They were joined by around 1500 spectators who gathered in glorious sunshine at Britain’s most famous surfing beach to watch the display.
Pro surfer Hannah Harding commented: “People watching just couldn’t believe that these competitors had a disability. They were surfing to such a high standard, it was really great to watch!”
The event was funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Around 70 people helped support the event, including celebrity couple Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson, from E4 show Made In Chelsea, and 16 serving Royal Navy officers and junior ratings from RNAS Culdrose.
The judges, the contest director and all the paid competition staff waived their fees, while Fistral Surf Hire Company gave out wetsuits free of charge. The event was also supported by Newquay Surf Lifesaving Club, which offered free use of its club house and surf boards.
Contest organiser Joe Taylor said: “It was just amazing that so many people came to help support this event to ensure that these young people with autism had their chance to shine. It was wonderful to see so much goodwill from local people, organisations and businesses.”
The contest was a truly international event, with competitors coming from Wales and even the Netherlands to take part alongside surfers from the UK. The overall winner of the contest was 13-year old Thomas Koppelaars, from Zaltbommel, in the Netherlands.
Speaking on his behalf, his mother Marjolijn Koppelaars said: “We’re just so delighted. This has been the best experience of his life.”
Second place went to 18-year old Robert Parton, from Swansea. The other two finalists were last year’s winner Robbie Turner, 16, from St Just and Joe Scammell, 10, from Liskeard in Cornwall.
Wave Project director Terry Stanton said: “This event shows just how relevant surfing is to disability sport. We really want to take the Surf Challenge forward now and make it even bigger and better next year.”
Big Lottery Fund’s Helen Bullough said: “Events like this are so important, not only in creating opportunities for people with disabilities, but also in challenging people’s perceptions of disability and what’s possible.
“It is wonderful that so many spectators came out to enjoy the event and make it such a success. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.”
Top Must-See Australian Sights for 2013
Australia is a land of marvels; from the wonderfully diverse wildlife to its rich and culturally significant heritage – there is something for everyone on this land down unde
r. Picking out just five must-see sights is a difficult task but here you will find the best places to visit this year in Australia.
Kangaroo Island
Who doesn’t love a kangaroo? They are one of the most iconic animals of Australia and most well-loved creatures and they even have their own island! Throughout the year, visitors can make their way to this stunning island and see some beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. Stay in the top class hotels and sample gourmet food before heading out and seeing what incredible sights you can see. And it’s not just kangaroos that you can spot here – it is also home to koalas, sea-lions and pelicans.
Sydney Opera House
A lot of people have taken a picture of ths incredible building when visiting Sydney, but how many of them have actually been inside for a performance? The Sydney Opera House is not just an amazing feat of architecture but one of the most famous concert halls in the world. If you have the time, make your trip unforgettable by taking in one of the fantastic shows held at this venue all year round.
Great Ocean Road
See some of the most amazing sights that Australia has to offer by travelling along the Great Ocean Road. A road trip along this iconic route is a great way to see the stunning scenery that this country has to offer and it allows you the freedom of stopping wherever you please. Just remember to make sure your car and its contents are fully covered before you set off. Get your vehicle serviced before your trip and make sure you’ve sorted out budget car insurance in order to make sure your road trip runs as smoothly as possible.
Wallaman Falls
Australia has a number of beautiful waterfalls across the country and one of the most spectacular is Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park, Queensland. The waterfall is formed by a tributary of the Herbert River, Stony Creek and is notable for its single-drop of 268 metres, which makes it Australia’s highest permanent waterfall.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is world famous as the largest coral reef system on Earth, comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Due to its warm, clear waters and abundant marine life, the Reef is very popular with tourists wishing to dive beneath the waves and explore this amazing underwater world.
Patterns & Florals From Glamourous | Hot Looks
With summer comes patterns and flowery summer dresses. Which is why these clothes which are new in at Glamourous caught my eye. They are perfect for a little summer glamour. Guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. What do you think? What is your favourite piece?
Top to bottom: Tailored Trousers, £39, Dipped Hem Dress £30, Galaxy Shorts £70, Contrast Shift Dress £24, Bodysuit £15.
