Cushions for Compromise

I grew up in a family where males are pretty poorly represented, I am one of three girls and out of my thirteen cousins only four are boys. Going to an all-girls boarding school further cemented female relationships, so when I moved on to university and then my first couple of years of employment it was natural for me to continue to share my space with female friends. So to say moving in with my boyfriend and another male friend has been an adjustment is something of an understatement! I don’t really ‘get’ boys, how can 6 hours on a Playstation reaching level 5 of Call of Duty be considered a viable achievement for the day? My boyfriend boasts about the Porsche and Ferrari he owns...on Gran Turismo. Repeat after me “this is not real life”! Suffice to say I don’t believe they are really too bothered about how our flat looks. The occasional discussion about which picture would look good on which wall is as far as they have come to actually hanging anything. As long as there is beer in the fridge, a flat screen TV and Dominos on speed dial they seem happy. So when we moved in I accepted that I was going to have to take responsibility for the aesthetics of our living space. What I didn’t expect was that they would actually have opinions about what I bought into the flat and not hold back in voicing them when things weren’t to their taste.

My scented candles, pots of herbs, graphic print of Battersea Power Station in shades of candy pink and baby blue (a rather attractive juxtaposition I thought) have all taken some flak. However they have taken the strongest dislike to my gorgeous (at least I think so!) ikat printed, burmese silk covered cushions in shades of hot pink and mauve. OK, I accept that these may not be to everyone’s taste but I love them and found them, reduced but still horrendously expensive, at a sample sale so I am rather protective. The boys tolerate them, by which I mean they ball them up to use as a headrest or use them as ammunition to launch at one another. I have decided it is time to reach a compromise and have started searching for some cushions that do not offend their masculine sensibilities, but still satisfy my desire for a bit of quirky style.

So far I have narrowed my wishlist down to the hand embroidered, vintage-style cushions from Barbara Coupe and the delightfully original designs from Lindsey Gardiner.

Barbara Coupe’s ‘London Calling’ collection uses original typography to create a stylish range of cushions featuring popular London place names, that would, I’m sure, be a welcome addition to any sofa. I would also not be able to resist adding the London Map cushion to my basket; its intricate embroidery incorporates iconic London streets and landmarks.

Lindsey Gardiner is an artist, illustrator and author, her ‘Quietly Eccentric’ designs are handmade from 100% wool by Lindsey herself in her Scottish studio. They are quite simply adorable and a must for dog lovers. I am particularly taken with the Scottie cushion and the Floral Dachshund would provide a comforting alternative in the absence of a real dog to cuddle up with. I also love the adorable frivolity of the Chinese Crested cushion – though I am not sure that I could slip this one past the ‘style police’ in my flat...

http://www.barbaracoupe.co.uk

http://lindseygardiner.com/shop

KM

The Troubadour from Day to Night- American Edition

Being the token American in the office, I have been appointed as the official ‘American in London’ blogger. My assignment for this week; to experience the London institution that is The Troubadour, from day to night.

First on my list of things to do; eat in The Café. The café itself has a cool and retro feel with random signs on the walls, white and yellow roses in Troubadour Beer bottles, and quaint little oddball tables and chairs strewn throughout the restaurant in no particular order.  I am a bit ashamed to admit that I have never experienced true British fish and chips. Well, I have finally cured myself of this deprivation with the deliciousness that is The Troubadour’s Classic Fish and Chips. This was a good £13 but definitely worth it.  The atmosphere when I visited at lunchtime was quiet and relaxed, though I am reliably informed that come the evening there is not a seat to be had!

The Club at The Troubadour has been recognised as a hotbed of emerging talent since it opened in 1954 and some of the greats launched their careers in this small and unassuming venue. I was beyond excited to be in a place that has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Elvis Costello. The Club opens at 8pm until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, with a later closing time of 2am from Thursday to Saturday. The unique cellar feel of the venue has been preserved with its low ceilings and recessed, hidden away seating areas. Wednesday night is The Troubadour Sessions Night, where up and coming artists are able to play their original songs for eager ears. There were 4 artists in the lineup this past Wednesday and two of them blew my mind. Sixteen year old Misty Miller was a favourite among the crowd with her original indie love songs (she definitely has a new fan in one of my friends who bought all of her songs on iTunes as soon as she got home!) My personal favorite was Miss Terry Blue, a funky, jazzy band, who really got the crowd going.

Around 10:50pm, we decided to get our last drinks order in and some potato wedges for late night nibbles - I don’t know what they battered these things in, but they were literally the most incredible wedges I’ve ever had, true praise coming from a yank!

The Club also offers poetry on Mondays fortnightly, acoustics on Tuesdays, underground bands on Thursdays, clubbing on Fridays and bands/DJs or private events on Saturdays.

Not in the mood for live entertainment? They have a fantastic gallery upstairs that you can rent out for a private party and they will fill it with an exhibit to your liking. 32 people can be seated for dinner or 70 people for drinks. Still not convinced? How about the Wine Shop? They offer a wide selection of fine wines and regularly host wine tastings. This place has something for everyone! Check them out at http://www.troubadour.co.uk/

BP

A Little Slice of Island Life

At this time of year we are all feeling the need for a bit of cheering up and a little something to look forward to. After the Christmas and New Year comedown we are now well immersed back into the daily grind and facing a long stretch of nothingness until the Easter Bank Holiday and the Royal Wedding hoopla. Perfect time for a mini-break we feel! We are hankering for something a bit different, Paris has been done to death, and as we are watching our budgets long-haul is out of the question. Suddenly inspiration was provided by a helpful friend when she suggested the unique charms of the island of Jersey. This French/English hybrid combines the best of both in our eyes; a more temperate climate, with leafy country lanes and the adorable juxtaposition of French street names with English as the language of choice.

So if like us you are feeling the need to get away from it all for a few days, here are a few suggestions from those in the know about Jersey:

The Club Hotel and Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel which offers all the things you crave on a short break, after all isn’t it the perfect time for a little spoiling? Sleek, stunning design, a spa featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, a Michelin starred restaurant and bar, all located in the heart of St Helier. This townhouse hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the breathtaking beaches and winding streets of Jersey.

Doubles from £130

For long lazy lunches or stylish evening dining the Oyster Box is located on the one of the most beautiful places on the island, St Brelade’s Bay. With the beach just a few steps away you can see your food has not had far to travel. This place is truly local, drawing on the island’s resources and talent, both culinary and artistic. With mouth-watering offering such as grilled Jersey lobster, whole Chancre crab and obviously oysters every way you could imagine (there are also options for any fishphobics, though we cannot condone you with seafood this good!!), this place is a must-visit.

You shouldn’t leave the island without taking a little bit of Jersey back with you and the products from The Jersey Cow Company are the perfect reminder of the unique charm of this island.  Inspired by and developed using natural resources from local suppliers, this range of bath and body products and candles are made using Jersey milk, lavender, honey and herbs. Founders Patrick and Bianca aim to showcase the best of Jersey produce and are passionate ambassadors for the island and all it has to offer.

They have recently teamed up with Jersey Pottery to develop a ceramics range featuring the signature Jersey Cow Company ‘cow series’ print. The range includes cake slices, cups, milk jug, plates and a cake stand. We are dying for the whole set, perfect for a grown-up tea party with a kooky twist.

If you can’t make it over for a visit why not order up some of The Jersey Cow Company Unwind Bath Foam, lie back and dream yourself away to the Jersey seaside...

KM

Alpaca Packs a Punch

We’ve been converted. After years of spending a small fortune on cashmere sweaters and pashminas, not to mention being seduced by ‘cut-price cashmere’ (a false economy if ever there was one), we’ve discovered a lustrous and silky natural fibre from...the alpaca. For those of you unfamiliar with these enchanting creatures, alpacas are in fact a domesticated species of South American camelid (yes we had to look this one up), although you would be forgiven for mistaking them for small llamas.

Renowned for its distinctive lustre and silky fineness, alpaca fleece has long been used for both knitting and weaving. Indigenous cultures have used heavy weight alpaca fleece for thousands of years to produce warm clothing. Today designers are gradually becoming more au fait with the versatility of alpaca, the British institution Pringle have used it in their knitwear collections, while at Armani they have woven the longer and silkier ‘Suri’ fibres into suits.

Although similar to sheep’s wool alpaca fibre is far more luxurious, not to mention softer, warmer, lighter in weight, not prickly, free from lanolin making it hypoallergenic… oh and did we mention they are also incredibly cute?!

We love the gorgeous pieces from Fowberry Alpacas, a small herd based in North Yorkshire. The alpacas are born and raised in the Howardian Hills, sheared annually and the fleece woven in West Yorkshire at a small artisan weaver, perfect for those of you trying to reduce your clothing carbon footprint. The fleece is organically processed to create a range of hand-knitted, hand-woven and crocheted garments, which include hats, scarves, wraps, cardigans, jumpers and ponchos. No dyes or chemicals are used in production; instead they rely on the natural colours of the herd. The alpaca is actually one of the most colour diverse fibre-producing animals in the world with as many as 22 different shades.

Here at the Amazing PR office we’ve fallen in love with their scarves especially the ‘Extra Cosy Large Scarf’ and the Missoni-esque ‘Biba’ scarves, (currently on sale so we’ll race you!).

Look out for their new range of ‘Baby Alpaca Woven Scarves’,  made from only the finest and softest fleece, they are guaranteed to keep you toasty on even the coldest of days and join us in coming over all broody at the sight of these adorable hand-knitted booties.

So in preparation for the next cold-snap we are ditching the cashmere - so over-done - and cocooning ourselves in alpaca, equally luxurious, naturally warm and soft, not to mention more affordable and available right on our doorstep. Plus, let’s face it, those alpacas are definitely cuter than their cashmere goat rivals!

http://www.fowberry-alpacas.com

E M-H

2011 A Year of Indulgence...Well Why Not?!

So, it’s the beginning of not only a New Year but a brand-spanking new decade as well and as usual the array of newspapers and magazines lining the shelves of newsagents are bursting with ideas of how to ‘lose that stubborn stone’, ‘quit smoking for good’ and ‘tighten the purse strings in 2011’. All this talk of abstaining is enough to put anyone off making a New Year’s resolution. After all, where’s the fun in sacrificing something you love, be it chocolate, cigarettes or over-priced handbags? Even though it may be bad for your waistline, health or bank balance (delete as applicable).

This year we’ve decided to do things a bit differently and are, in fact, giving up giving up. Forget it being the year of austerity, this year, for everyone at Amazing PR at least, it’s going to be a year of indulgences. And indulge we shall sampling the creme de la creme of all things decadent; the richest of chocolate, the finest of spas and the most mouth watering of cocktails that this city has to offer. Our attempt at living a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget may not last a year, but we’ll sure as hell give it a try!

Having piled on an impressive ten pounds since the beginning of December, I’m going to have to stop gorging on all the Christmas left-overs I can get my hands on; no more chocolate pennies, selection boxes or Quality Street. I’m still bloated from all the colourings, additives and sugar, so my first quest of the New Year was to seek out a chocolate to champion all others. No more part hydrogenated fats, part plastic, I wanted the real deal.

Here at Amazing PR we love Marc Demarquette, creater of the finest British artisan chocolate.  According to Demarquette there are health benefits to his chocolates, and lots of them! From boosting energy to acting as a form of anti-depressant,  improving memory, attention span, reaction time and problems-solving skills. This, chocolate fans, is reason enough to indulge. Diet schmiet!

I stuggled over what to order, so tempting is the array of truffles, caramels and chocolate boxes on offer and all so beautifully presented. After much deliberation I opt for the Cornish Clotted Cream and Sea Salt Spread, priced at a very reasonable £10. And how is it eaten? According to the website ‘It’s great on freshly toasted muffins or baguettes, or as a pancake or waffle topping. Layered inbetween a sponge cake or piped into cupcakes, or gently warmed and poured over ice-cream...’ And so I wait with baited breath for my parcel to arrive so I can try out all of the above. Well, it would be rude not to!

A very happy New Year indeed!

LP

We are feeling there must be some kind of meeting of minds/psychic connection/hocus pocus going on between us and the lovely Demarquette as this post was written over a week ago and we hadn't mentioned anything to them about it. However what should pop through our letterbox this morning but a box of Demarquette Dom Perignon truffles! Spooky stuff  *said through a mouthful of truffle* many thanks for getting our year of decadence off to a cracking start!