Sushi Made Easy At Home

In my latest venture to try something new, I signed up for a Sushi and Sashimi class. I love eating Sushi and Sashimi so it made sense that I just do the class. To read all about my experience, click here.
Reiko Hashimoto is lovely and a great teacher. I recommend her classes and cookbook to Sushi and Japanese Food Fans.

Interview: Christmas with Skye Gyngell

Skye Gyngell - Chef at Petersham Nurseries, photo credit Martin Hartley

There is some truth that you naturally gravitate to your fellow countrymen when you are in a foreign country, which perhaps explains why as a foodie and an Australian in London, I found myself at Skye Gyngell's Michelin-starred restaurant Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. For my interview with fabulous Skye, click here. Wonderful food, quirky surrounds - what's not to love about Petersham Nurseries?

Opinion: Gift Experiences for Him

Just shoot me now if I have to buy another pair of socks, a tie or cufflinks for the men in my life this Christmas. Let's think outside the square and give them something they actually don't need but may enjoy! Live a little I say, click here for gift experience suggestions for him.

Review: Charlotte's Web

I read Charlotte's Web as a kid and loved it, although some aspects did trouble me at the time - Wilbur is saved but Charlotte doesn't exactly find her happy ending. Still, I've seen the big screen adaptation but frankly it's nothing compared to this magical stage production at the Polka Theatre. It was a big hit with Almost 5 and tickets will sell out fast. For my full review, click here

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB, 11 November 2011 – 4 February 2012, £10 - £16, concessions £10. To book tickets visit http://www.polkatheatre.com/ or call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888

Opinion: Gift Experiences for Kids

Not a single parent will spoil their kid this Christmas - if you believe that then you really do believe in Santa Claus. Let's face it, Christmas is all about children and we all spend more than we should because we love seeing their little faces light up. Melt. Magic. For some ideas on fun gift experiences, click here

Review: Driving Miss Daisy



Vanessa Redgrave & James Earl Jones - photo credit Carol Rosegg



When you have a simple and warm story about friendship, it's pretty easy to sit back and enjoy the show.

I loved Morgan Freeman in the movie version but James Earl Jones is brilliant as Hoke in the theatre production. Afterall, James has a voice that resonates - King Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King and as Darth Vader in Star Wars. The voice carries beautifully through the theatre and his character enormously likable. A performance that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. For my review, click here

Review: The Lawn Bistro

The Lawn Bistro

67 Wimbledon Village High Street, SW19 5EE

Well at last somewhere local to eat that won't cost the earth, and isn't a chain-restaurant. There's a new kid in town - Ollie Couillaud and restaurateur Akbar Ashurov have opened a new bistro.

It's early days for the team at The Lawn Bistro, their website isn't up and running but so far so good as the food speaks for itself. For my review, click here

Opinion: Cooking classes for kids

A constant challenge for mothers is how to get kids to like their food more?  Perhaps a good start is to give them an apron and get them into the kitchen. For my picks on kids cooking classes around London, click here

Review: Mozart and Speed Dating



The Works: Mozart performance, image courtesy of Joe Plummer

Mozart - like him or hate him?

You either like classical music or you don't, according to my friends. I didn't grow up in a classical music loving household but I did listen to alot of it whenever it was exam time and I had to knuckle down.  For some reason, it was the one thing that calmed my mind and helped me focus. To this day, it still has the same effect though perhaps more pleasurable. I would even go so far as to say that there is very little on this earth that Yo-Yo Ma playing Suite for Solo Cello No.1 in G Major couldn't fix for me.

My friends tell me that they won't go to concerts because they can be too expensive, too stiff or too long but I beg to differ. It is a brave new world and there are brave new orchestras. Of course they still play the classics from famous composers but they play it in an informative, informal and accessible way (read: short but sweet).  If you want to read about my night with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Mozart and meeting the musicians afterwards, click here.

Review: The Comedy Store

How long has it been since your last laugh? For a great comic night out visit The Comedy Store, click here for my review.

Opinion: Top 5 Dim Sum

Dim Sum at Yauatcha

Did you know that ...  it is customary during dim sum to pour tea for others before filling your own cup. To thank the person pouring your tea you tap your bent index finger (if you are single) or both the index and middle finger (if you are married), which symbolises 'bowing' to them. According to legend, the gesture dates back to the Qing dynasty (circa 1644-1911 AD). Once upon a time there was an Emperor who liked to leave the palace in disguise to travel through his kingdom. On one occasion, the Emperor and his companions stopped at a tea house where the Emperor poured a cup of tea for a companion. The companion, not wanting to give away the Emperor's identity in public by bowing (as is custom to bow before the Emperor), instead tapped his index and middle finger on the table as a sign of appreciation. And so the tea pouring/finger tapping tradition started. For my picks of dim sum places for you to practise your tapping, click here

What's it like to be ... the new kid on the block?

The playground is a battle field..

I moved from Sydney to London just over 4 years ago.  I had a couple of work contacts but that was it.  I didn't know anyone. I had a baby and I didn't know anything or anyone else with a baby.  I started an internship with a leisure magazine which is completely different from being a lawyer, which I used to be.  Again, I didn't know anything and I didn't know anyone.  I joined a tennis club to play social tennis. I didn't know anyone. Notice a recurring theme? - either I'm friendless or I'm always the new kid on the block.  However, this is not a woe-is-me-tale.  Far from it. There are millions of people at one point or another who find themselves in the position of being the new kid.  Such is the way of the world.  Almost 5 started Reception at a Preparatory School a fortnight ago. She didn't know anyone. Almost 5 started school but in reality it felt like I had started school.  The playground is a battle field. Let me enlighten you.

It's not the kids I am talking about - it's the parents and a whole new world. Absolutely everybody gets checked out and everyone gets a nickname whether you like it or not. But here are the general ones:

'High Impact Parents' : aka Hippies or playground mafia. They rule the school.

'Chummy Mummy': aka Mrs Big, hugely community-spirited and knows the timetable.  All seeing all knowing - who you bought your Chelsea tractor from and whether you have gel-nails or acrylic. Too friendly to dislike.

'Sweaty Betty': aka Sporty Spice, always turns up in various sporting/riding outfits on the way to something after drop off.  No-one believes she's had children from the size of her hips.

'Crummy Mummy': often late, looking dishevelled and forgotten something. Incredibly nice and nice to be around or 'Scummy Mummy' on a bad day. A bit terse and always wants to give up smoking but doesn't quite get there.

'Earth Mummy': aka Ommi Mummy - yoga, green, cycles to school and thinks about her carbon footprint.  Stares down the mothers driving their Chelsea tractors at drop off.

So over the past fortnight I've had: a curriculum meeting on maths, writing and spelling (bear in mind that Almost 5 is almost five years old!); drinks night to meet other parents; coffee morning to meet other mums, meetings with the parents association, weekly newsletters, nearly new uniform sales, reading and writing homework and Almost 5 introducing herself to me in French. 

The highlights:

• a frantic panicked email sent around to all the new mothers seeking urgent help! - crisis - her cashmere knit from Matches had been eaten by moths in her armoire over Summer and she was desperately in search of a 'cashmere' clinic to repair it.  We now all know that such a clinic does exist in Fulham thanks to Cashmere Mum. 
• party bags are still permitted at birthday parties this year, despite a couple of mothers suggesting that we all agree to ban them as they are un-green and a waste of money. Poo poo Green Mums.

I also overhead a mother commenting that mothers are divided into two categories: either a "Baby-on-Board" kind of mother (ie the ones who put those stickies on their car) or you're not. Not that I know what that means.

So which type of mother am I? I do drive a Chelsea tractor, I do occasionally arrive in sporting outfits on my way to tennis. I am anally organised and I do know the timetable but I don't squarely fall into a particular type and maybe that's the point. Perhaps we're a combination. They'll probably all be lovely and we'll end up being friends by the end of first term but that's a long long way away and besides I'm more interested in finding out what my nickname is for now....

Opinion: Top 5 French restaurants

From Roux at The Landau

"Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup"
(Eat well, laugh often and love much)

For that special Ooh La La dining experience or just some classic French fare cooked well, here are my picks for fine French food - click here

Bon Appétit mes amies

Opinion: How to Host a Great Party

Irrespective of the weather outside or the time of year, it's always a good time to throw a party..  even if it does involve some work it's usually pretty good fun.  For some handy tips and suggestions for your next party, click here

Opinion: Paris city guide

Sacre Coeur, Montmartre

Paris - city of love, city of light and so much more.   For my suggestions on where to stay and something different to do - from Michelin starred dining, macaroon cooking class to a Lanvin satin kimono at the hairdressers, click here.  Bisous x

Review: Degas and the Ballet exhibition

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, Image copyright Tate

Degas and the Ballet - Picturing Movement
Royal Academy of Arts, London
From 17 September until 11 December 2011

Not all Bankers are bad, after all Degas was the eldest son of a banker, and his intention was to become a lawyer.  He didn't exactly apply himself to the study of law but did apply himself to drawing, sketching, sculpting and painting.

For my review of this exhibition, click here

Opinion: Top 5 Italian restaurants

From the kitchen of Locanda Locatelli

"Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" (from The Godfather).

Italians take their food seriously, as do I.  For my top picks of Italian food, click here

Review: The Kitchen

Bruce Myers (Marango), Craige Els (Nicholas) from The Kitchen

Chef teaches actors to cook in a theatre production.

‘The Kitchen’ piqued my interest when I read that Jeremy Lee, Head Chef of the Blueprint Café was asked to coach the actors to cook. I was keen to see how this would unfold on stage.

For my full review, click here

Opinion: Top 5 Brunches

Megan's - Kings Road

I don't get out to enjoy brunch that often so when I do, I want to make it worth my while. 

For my weekend brunch suggestions from traditional full English to downunder Aussie BRAT sandwich - click here

Review: Hollywood Glamour Portraits

Rock Hudson for Lover Comes Back, 1961 by Leo Fuchs © Leo Fuchs

Glamour of the Gods:  Hollywood Portraits
Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation
National Portrait Gallery, until 23 October 2011

If you love photographs and in particular, vintage black and white photos of Hollywood Stars from yesteryear then head to the National Portrait Gallery for this exhibition.  It's beautiful and exquisite.  For my full review, click here

Opinion: Weekend Health Retreats

Got that grey, lethargic, bloated feeling?

 Maybe it's time to recharge with a weekend away to detox, do some yoga or

just find some quiet me-time in country surrounds

For some suggestions - click here

Opinion: Top 5 Afternoon Teas

Pret-a-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley

Since living in London, I’ve become enamoured with afternoon tea, a quintessential English tradition. 

For my top 5 picks of afternoon teas in London, click here

For my interview with Head Pastry Chef at The Berkeley, click here

Opinion: Refreshing Country Walks

Make the most of the last days of Summer and head out of London

to get some fresh air and go for a walk.

For some suggestions where to go - click here

What's it like to be ... a Personal Trainer

Okay so now you've read all about my painful bootcamp experience, let's flip the coin for an insight into what it's like on the other side as a personal trainer.   May I introduce you to Ms Sabina Rail - too smiley for her own good, tower of strength, adrenaline junkie, caffeine addict, drinking buddy and PT extraordinaire.

My vitals

Sabina Rail
Personal Trainer
Vision Personal Training, Sydney Australia
Mother of 2
Age: 34

My back-story
I have 12 years work experience in the finance sector and was getting fed up with a desk job crunching numbers.  I had also let myself go after having children and decided that something in my life had to change so I signed up for personal training at a small studio.  It specifically appealed to me because I felt I was getting personalised care and it was not as intimidating or clinical as large gyms. It was a small and friendly studio where everyone knew your name.  I quickly made friends who were on similar journeys and it made the experience much more worthwhile.  I lost 10kgs post baby weight and have not looked back.  My knowledge of nutrition and exercise continuously developed and I was inspired to become a personal trainer myself.

My heart said
You can do whatever it is that you ever set out to do.  You have been blessed with with a wonderful and supportive family who have always done all that they could to help you achieve your dreams.  Go for it girl!

My head said
What on earth are you thinking?!  Giving up job security and certainty to pursue a dream that may not live up to your expectations.  Then there are the practical considerations to overcome - how to fit in my studies with full time work, a family to look after and a house to maintain.  I enlisted the help of my family in looking after my children when I had nights at college and gave up my Saturdays for 16 weeks whilst I completed my PT studies.  I had to plan my days down to the last detail and co-ordinated 4 peoples' diaries to ensure that my kids weren't missing out too much of me.  My head finally caught up with my heart and I followed the dream to my now reality.  I can easily say that I have never loved a 'job' as much as I love what I do now.

My job involves
Waking up at times most people consider to be ungodly or insane - 5am!  I see clients from 5:30am through to 7:30pm and somewhere in between I squeeze in picking up the kids from school, doing homework and spending time with them, and then going back to the studio to see more clients.  I take my clients through exercise routines - both weight training and cardio sessions - and spend most of my time coaching and educating them about the importance that nutrition plays in achieving their desired results.  Most of my clients start their journey with fat loss goals and then go on to fitness goals - completing a fun run or marathon for the first time.

My highlights
Waking up every day knowing that I am able to make a positive contribution to peoples' lives.  The best part of my job is when my clients achieve their goals and more, and having shared that journey with them enriches my own life.  I also get to set and achieve my own fitness goals.  I completed my first sprint triathlon earlier this year and am now in training for a body sculpting competition.  I get to train with some unbelievably talented trainers who inspire me to be the best that I can be, both personally and professionally.

My lowlights
Guilt - some days not being able to spend as much quality time with my family as I would like, but it's early days yet and I have so much more to learn, that the lowlights really aren't all that low.

My mantra

It's either all or nothing - I find that I can't ever do things halfway!

My ideal happiness

A beachfront cabana on a tropical island with my family

My last word

Everyone needs a personal trainer, even personal trainers themselves!  In today's super fast paced society, we all need someone to keep us accountable and to be in our corner no matter what happens.  I love what I do with a passion and would not change it for the world.  Have an awesome day - get out for a walk or run as often as you can and look after yourself.

Review: The Tempest

Ralph Fiennes (photo courtesy of H Glendenning)

Ralph Fiennes in the West End

From Lord Voldemort to Prospero in Shakespeare's The Tempest - Ralph Fiennes returns to London theatre to work his magic.

To read my full review, click here

 

What's it like to be ... on Bootcamp?

My vitals

Pre-kids reasonable fitness
3 kids under 3.5yo changed my body
Excess baby weight (I put on 20kgs during my pregnancy), bingo wings and muffin top (yikes)
Age: 40

My back-story
I've always been a relatively active person pre-children - tennis, horse riding, spinning and running.  I did pilates and yoga throughout all my pregnancies.  Some of my friends swear by yoga and pilates but post-baby I couldn't get into it - I'm a restless soul - my brain whizzes out of control thinking about shopping lists,  bills to pay, dentist appointments, coffee mornings etc during downward dog that I just about topple over.  I can't quiet my mind.  Call me old school but my idea of exercise involves something rigorous and sweaty - no pain no gain.

My heart said
.. Better start doing something sooner rather than later - otherwise the older you get, the harder it gets to shift.

My head said
.. Listen to your heart girl - you can reclaim your old body - but hang on, I can't do it alone. I don't really like gyms and I can't really afford a personal trainer.  Answer: Women only Outdoor Bootcamp. Solution: Sign up for 2 week Fit For a Princess Bootcamp (FFAP) at Wimbledon Park, within walking distance from home.

My bootcamp involves
6.15am - 7.15am every morning for two weeks except for Sunday which is a rest day.  Below is my diary:

Day 1 - Monday: Introduction and Cardio
Drag my body out of bed, get dressed in the dark into running gear and warm top. It's chilly, I scull an expresso, grab a bottle of water and throw my mat over my shoulder on my way out.  At the meeting point in Wimbledon Park, everyone looks slightly nervous.  Janey, our trainer arrives in pink (FFAP colour is Hot Pink) so we can't miss her.  Janey runs FFAP and is enthusiastic and pumped even at 6.15am.  I don't think I could have stomached someone barking orders military style at me so early in the morning so thankgoodness that's not her style.  We introduce ourselves, tentatively stroll over to the grass area and start stretching, going through the program and running a timed lap around the park.  I finish mid field out of breath with legs that feel like lead.  My lap time is pitiful.  It's been too long since I last did any exercise and it shows.  Miraculously I make it to 7.15am and walk home tired but in good spirits.   Janey emails us daily with motivation tips and her food diary.

Day 2 - Tuesday: Condition: Squats, lunges and abs.
I slept well and woke up feeling tired but not too achy.  I'm not that eager to get out of bed but can't wimp out so early on.  Time for squats, lunges and ab work - think mats, ab crunches, sit ups and lunges til I can lunge no more.  Janey tells us all about diet and nutrition but I gloss over it as I am not keen on changing my diet I just want to kick start my fitness and enjoy what I enjoy eating in moderation.  She also tells us about Epsom salt bath for sore muscles.  I make a mental note but it doesn't really register until later in the afternoon.  I am incredibly sore.  I can't walk up and down the stairs at home and I can't sit down on the toilet.  I imagine how helpful it would be if I had a disabled toilet with those handle bars for assistance.  I mean I've given birth to 3  children naturally surely I can handle this pain and stiffness I convince myself.  I go to bed in agony.  Nurofen is my new best friend.

Day 3 - Wednesday: Freestyle Cardio - lap and interval training
I wake at 5.45am dreaming up excuses not to turn up - but it's only Day 3 I can't be a wuss, so I get my gear on in the slowest and most painful manner.  My legs and hips are tight, my body is stiff.  I walk down the stairs in sheer agony and feel 100 years old.  I turn up, manage a fake smile and thankfully the whole group is in pain so I don't feel so bad.  That is until we start doing sprints and interval training- star jumps, sprints - my body is fighting me the whole way.  I am in pain and feel like I can't go on but Janey offers her encouragement and somehow we push through.  I manage to stagger home and the rest of the afternoon I can't really function.  I scout out Epsom salts (2 kg bag!) from the local pharmacy and spend the evening soaking in the tub before stumbling into bed.  My body has sunken to a new level of pain.  More Nurofen please.

Day 4 - Thursday: Conditioning
Wake up to grey skies but drag myself to the park.  It's conditioning day - think stretchy bands, press ups, crunches and planks. We all get given a stretchy band to do some resistance training and I try to sneak some reprieve by laying on my mat in between push-ups and crunches but Janey catches me and counts each pushup and situp for me.  I can't feel my abs let alone see them under all the extra weight I am carrying.  My body doesn't feel any better but it doesn't feel any worse which must be a good sign right? I sleep like I haven't slept before. I can't even remember if I ate dinner. I just remember curling up and falling asleep.

Day 5 - Friday: Conditioning legs and bum
More cardio, more floor work and more lunges and star jumps.  Frankly I am impressed with myself I made it to Friday and discover it is the group sentiment.  There is a sense of comaraderie as we seem to all be in pain except one girl who is disgustingly superfit.  Most are mothers, brides-to-be or girls who think they've eaten one too many pudding.  My pain seems less today but my friend Nurofen comes to my aid to help me through the afternoon.   I take heed of Janey's recommendation and book myself in for a massage.  I drive awkwardly to get to the massage place as my legs are still stiff and I fall asleep during my massage.  I wake feeling tender and getting dressed proves quite a challenge.

Day 6 - Saturday: 90 min run or power walk
This is my break as I love running so we run from Wimbledon Common to Wandsworth Common.  Everyone has the option of running, jogging or walking at their own pace but a few of us push each other hard.  When we get to Wandsworth Common some opt to rest and others do some sprint training before the run back to Wimbledon Park.  I cruise this part and my legs finally feel fluid.  I think I've pushed through the pain threshold - Janey said it would take a couple of days but it took a week for me.  I'm on the other side and can smile without wanting to cry from stiffness.

Day 7 - Sunday: Rest Day
I take the kids for a walk to stretch my legs and body then retire early to bed after yet another soak in Epsom salts.  I no longer need Nurofen in my life so we part company for good.

Day 8 - Monday:  Condition arms and abs
Everyone turns up buoyant and cheery from the day of rest.  Back to arms and abs and this time we all know the drill.  It seems everyone is no longer in pain and the positive energy is infectious.  Shadow boxing and pair work is even fun.  I can feel my core getting stronger though I still can't see any ab muscles to save my life.  Last week I struggled with situps but this week I manage a few more with ease. 

Day 9 - Tuesday: More Cardio
It's drizzling so we do our stretches under cover and then run out into the rain.  Our lap is timed again and I have made considerable improvement on my lap time from last week.  I am surprised and pleased - it spurs me on to do another lap and finish slightly breathless.  The sun comes shining through and I feel invigorated whistling on my way home.

Day 10 - Wednesday:  More Conditioning Legs & Bum
More mat work, more situps, lunges and star jumps.  Some kickboxing moves and short sharp movements to work on the lower body.  The work seems to be paying off as we are pushed to do more without even whinging.  We even joke about signing up for another Bootcamp next month.

Day 11 - Thursday:  Cardio 90 min run or power walk
My runnning shoes have a hole in them but that's still not a good excuse not to show up.  I wake up a little late and have to run the whole way there without a caffeine hit.  More running suits me though the pace has noticeably changed.  Everyone is running a little faster and we do interval training up and down Home Park Rd - we tackle the hill with some effort but still have some left in the tank for another timed lap around Wimbledon Park.  Everyone beats their personal best.   Very encouraging.

Day 12 - Friday: The Finale workout
I won't lie and say that I woke up feeling sad it was the last day.  More star jumps, squats, lunges, sprints, situps and push-ups just to push us all to the limit for the last time.  We applaud each others efforts and how far we've come in two weeks. Janey talks to us about food and nutrition and we bid our farewells. 

Expect:  Some pain (that's putting it mildly), some rain and improved fitness.  My fitness steadily improved and I felt the cobwebs come off my body and mind.  Again, it's a personal choice as to how hard you want to push yourself.  FFAP offers you options to walk instead of run or do simplified versions of exercises. Everyone in my class was very supportive so no-one felt self-conscious either way.  I went hard-core and it hurt like hell.

Don't expect: Weight loss or obvious physical change.  2 weeks didn't shift any weight or get me back into my Sass & Bide jeans.  However, it did shift my outlook and attitude in a positive way.  Also, there are no 'wonder' exercises that specifically target all your wobbly bits post baby (I did ask) in 2 weeks.  It will take some consistent effort to work those bits with all round exercise and diet. 

From my perspective I wasn't particularly willing to change my diet as over the past couple of years I have had to abstain from loads of stuff being either pregnant or breastfeeding.  I've reached a point in my life now where I want to enjoy whatever food and drink I want.  I understand this won't help me achieve an ultra slim body, but heck, I was simply after a body that fit better into clothes I liked for a change.  FFAP helped kickstart my fitness regime after being dormant for so long but I'm afraid the rest is still up to me.

Opinion: Top 5 Sunday lunches

I don't know about you but I certainly felt the chill in the air this week and feel Autumn is almost upon us.  Time for Sunday lunch indoors I say, somewhere warm and cosy to linger.  For my recommendations click here

Opinion: Weekend Escapes for Foodies

Fergus Drennan - Wild Man Forager

Here are some weekend getaways for foodie and wine enthusiasts - from wild foraging to Michelin-starred - click here

Opinion: Weekend Escape to Oxfordshire

The friendly residents at The Kingham Plough

Oxfordshire is not that far from London which makes it a terrific destination for a weekend escape.

For my suggestions of what to do in Oxford, click here

Opinion: Top 5 Cookery Weekend Escapes

For those of you who like to go away for the weekend with food in mind - why not try a cookery weekend away at a cooking school run by a prominent chef or try a holistic cookery class with a cooking class, yoga and a massage?

For my suggestions of cookery weekends out of London, click here

If you have other suggestions or can recommend one I haven't mentioned, please let me know.

Enjoy x

Opinion: Top 5 Picnic Spots in London

Pembroke Lodge Gardens, Richmond Park

This weekend is supposed to be fine and sunny so make the most of the sunshine and head out on a picnic.

For my top 5 picks of picnic spots in London, click here.

Enjoy your weekend! x

Review: The Smurfs - the movie

One day I'm at a Theatre in the West End being a grown-up watching War Horse, the next I'm at Southside cinema in Wandsworth being a Mum watching The Smurfs - Go figure.

It's Summer school holidays and yet another wet day in London so Almost 5 and I spent our afternoon yesterday watching The Smurfs.

Read my full review here

Review: War Horse

In times of austerity and uncertainty it is hard to justify spending money on theatre tickets as they are a luxury and an expensive night out: tickets, babysitter, dinner and cab fares home all adds up.  However, if you fancy a treat and a great night out then I can't rate War Horse highly enough.  I was a sceptic - I mean I don't usually like war movies or war themes generally (tragic side effect of being born in a war-torn country I guess), I like horses yes, but I consider myself too old to particularly like puppets so why would I go and see a show about a life-sized horse puppets and war? Well, I am open-minded so I went along anyway and am glad to report that it was much better than I could have imagined - brilliant and wow!   For my full review click here

What's it like to be ... a Supper Club host?

Okay so now I've been to a couple of undergound supper clubs I can understand why people may go to them.  The next obvious question is why host one? Seems like a lot of hard work to have people come over to dine at yours - I mean I really enjoy cooking and throwing dinner parties but doing it on a regular basis for strangers is definitely not for me.

May I introduce you to Ms Uyen Luu, blogger, writer and host of LeLuu and the Supper Club in London (ps.  I mentioned Ms. Luu in one of my earlier blogs 'To Pho or not to Pho')


My vitals
Uyen Luu
Host of LeLuu and the Supper Club (www.leluu.com)
Hackney, London, UK
34yo

My background
I graduated from film school and didn't quite feel ready to get a job in the film industry so went into retail and started my own fashion shop/designer boutique.   Soon realised it wasn't for me and then started a blog, dabbled into dinner parties and from that, the supper club was born and proved to be more successful than my fashion shop so shut up shop to do the supper club full-time.  On the back of my supper club and reputation, I now do a lot corporate events for clients including Yell.com, Ryvita, Courvoisier, Jordans and SeeWoo.   I also do alot of foodie networking which wouldn't have been possible without the supper club and my blog.

My heart said
Do something you really love - I really enjoy blogging, writing and dabbling in other things like photography and cooking - the supper club allows me to do all these things by providing me with a source of income, various contacts and enriching life experiences.

My head said
How do I do something I love that pays the bills? - I can make the supper club work - it's tricky trying to get diners to come to yours as opposed to a restaurant or another supper club but I started early.  My supper club started in 2009 and I worked hard on establishing a good reputation from the outset and a good foundation is key to good business - repeat diners and positive recommendations.  I have one diner who's been to my supper club 15 times!

My job involves
Ordering food, cooking, managing and hosting a supper club for about two dozen people in my home twice a week.  I also run a cookery class and blog about food related stuff and experiences I've had through my work.  I also enlist the help of my mother with cooking and my brother with waiting tables and dishwashing.

My highlights
Meeting and working with Jamie Oliver on a charity event - he is amazing and truly passionate about food and cooking.  Meeting varied and interesting people at my dinners is fun.  It seems to attract a wide range of people such as girl from Trinidad who was drop dead gorgeous and told the funniest jokes so everyone in the room was in stitches all night. Atmosphere at a supper club is important so far, I've been lucky and everyone usually gets along.  I guess everyone being around the same age helps (typcially mid 20s to late 30s), so they should have a few things in common and they must like Vietnamese food to come along!

My lowlights
On one rare occasion rude diners.  They didn't like anything from the moment they arrived - from the decor to the food - that wasn't a pleasant evening for anyone.  Otherwise, it's pretty hard work running a supper club and getting all the food bought, prepared, cooked and delivered to diners in a timely manner, trying to please everyone and ensuring everyone has a good time - but everything's hard work isn't it?  That's just part of life.

My mantra
Do good for others and make the most out of opportunities given.  I also recently saw a movie called 'Thankyou - More Please' - for some reason the expression stuck with me. I like the idea of cooking good food, someone really enjoying it and wanting more.

My ideal happiness

I'd really love to make a film one day once I have more life experience under my belt or even a story cookbook with photos and stories behind the recipes.  A project that could combine writing and making a film would be my dream.

My last word
Like all things in life - you want to get somewhere you have to be prepared to work hard.  If you love cooking then hosting a supper club is hard work but really fun and the rewards are worth it.

What's it like to be ... dining underground ?



The Secret Ingredient

It's been a rather strange week in London - no-one could have ever imagined the events that took place and the rioting that ensued.  Thankfully peace has been restored and people move forward.  This week I have also been researching underground supper clubs for an article and last night went to one in a North London location.  Getting there involved going through some areas affected by riots so I was more cautious than usual and took a minicab instead of driving or using public transport.  Though I laugh now recounting the story to you, I didn't laugh at the time when my minicab was pulled over by police.  My offence - not wearing a seatbelt in the backseat. Yes I know there will be some of you who are black or white - I wasn't being a law abiding citizen and therefore deserved being grilled and then issued with a £60 on the spot fine but there may be those of you who are grey like me and felt gobsmacked at the priorities displayed by the policemen in question.  The streets of London have been under seige and there are policemen stopping people for not wearing seatbelts - I don't deny my culpability but is this good policing - really?

Let's just say that it was a very expensive supper club dinner for me - click here for the article.  As to whether it was worth it - honestly, probably not on this occasion.  I enjoyed the experience of meeting interesting and lovely people, which always restores one's faith in humanity, the host was quirky and funny but most of his food average. I guess that's a glaring limitation of supper clubs - there is no menu and you don't get a choice, you get served whatever the host makes.  After the night I had, I was hoping the food would be great and it fell short. 

Supper club standards and expectations vary and of course, every palate is subjective - I overheard some diners raving about the food they just had as we were all leaving - Hello but were you at the same dinner as me - I asked myself.  I still believe you should try a supper club because it is different but go to one on a friend's recommendation, don't fly blind.  LeLuu's supper club is pretty cool and I'm saving my pennies for The Loft next.  

What's it like to be ... a School Teacher?



The Sassy Schoolteacher

Love 'em or hate 'em we all have memories of our school teachers. I've been lucky, by and large all my teachers were great and had a positive impact on my impressionable youth.  May I introduce you to a real life school teacher who takes her job seriously and probably cares too much for all her kids..
My Vitals
Lisa James
Teacher - Exec Level (3rd in command after Principal, Assistant Principal)
Our Lady of Fatima, Primary School - Sydney, Australia
Age: 39

My background

HSC (equivalent to English GCSEs), St. Patricks College - Sydney then B.Ed (University of NSW, Australia).  After graduating took a position in retail as all full-time teaching positions offered at the time were in remote locations. Got married, had two children and stay-at-home Mum for 7 years.  Took up teaching on a casual basis and then took up permanent position -  teaching now for over 10 years.

What My Head said
Go with your heart, you always wanted to be a teacher. Your path is clear.

What My Heart said

From the moment I started school I wanted to be a teacher.  I fell in love with my Kindergarten teacher- Mrs Harris, who looked like Princess Diana.  Also from about 5, I played "teachers" with my best friend Jade in my room - even to this day Jade reminds me of how strict I was.

What my job involves
The pay is very modest but the hours and holidays (12 weeks per year) are fairly good. Officially my hours are Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm but generally I'll work longer.  Typically, my day consists of a morning block - focussing on literacy and reading, a middle block - focussing  on numeracy and then a science, history, the environment, language, art or music component and then an afternoon block - religion and sport.

After hours there are parent-teacher interviews and being a Catholic school, compulsory attendance at all Catholic Sacramental Celebrations - Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, throughout the year.  There are also weekly staff meetings and in my Executive role I'm also required to mentor other teachers, co-ordinate various school programs such as numeracy, reading, and I am also the Special Needs Co-ordinator.  My school has a couple of kids with severe special needs and autism and we have to ensure they are given the right care and attention.

My highlights

The students - their smiles, their cuddles and their comments.  I can't help but smile everytime I hear the words 'oh Miss, I get it' or 'I love you Mrs James'.  Students giving me cards that say I make them want to be a better person is pretty touching and a constant reminder why I do this job.  The day I stop receiving such comments, I'll know it's time to retire.

My lowlights

Dealing with parents and their expectations can be challenging, particularly those trying to live through their children.  Some parents fail to realise their child's potential to make a difference in the world.   Otherwise, it's seeing ex-students at a bar now they are over 18 or worst still, when the pizza delivery kid tells me I was his favourite teacher many moons ago - makes me feel very old.

My mantra

Every single child deserves to have someone believe in them.  I believe that the small things a teacher can do over the course of a child's primary education - beyond reading, writing and maths - will actually help them become the person they were meant to be.

My ideal happiness

Spending time with my family - it doesn't really matter where so long as we're all together.   My most recent slice of heaven was sitting in the kitchen at home laughing with my husband, daughters, brother, sister in law, nieces and nephew. 

My last word

Great teachers teach because they hope to make a difference in a child's life -  they genuinely care and love their students.  

Opinion: Weekend escape to Hampshire

The George Hotel, Yarmouth
(see Hampshire)

For those who love the sea, head to Hampshire: for full article click here

If you've been somewhere great for a weekend then please let me know so I can look into it and share with others.  Merci - Ciao x

What's it like to be ... a Hairdresser?

Ms Pewsey - Super stylist

Most women have spent a great deal of their lives in hair salons. Some hairdressers are better than others, some save us from bad hair days or bad break-ups, colour correct and even work their magic to transform us to red carpet-ready. May I introduce you to Ms. Pewsey - Sage, Shrink and Hairstylist-extraordinaire.
My vitals
Taryn Pewsey
Level 6 Stylist (most senior is 10)
Headmasters, Wimbledon Village
Age 27

My background
Born in South Africa - graduated from Carlton International Hairdressing Academy in Johannesburg.  Completed my apprenticeship with a Stylist at a Carlton Hair Salon and after 10 months 'moved onto the floor' and started taking on my own clients.   With stars in my eyes,  migrated to London in 2007 on a 2 year working holiday.  Met a guy etc etc and here I still am.

My heart said
I drove by the Hairdressing Academy one day and thought hairdressing would probably suit me. I love talking to people and love hair so heck, why not give it a go. Enrol.  As to moving to London - maybe I should listen to my parents and leave South Africa.  Hairdressing is such a portable skill as everyone in the world needs a haircut, so it doesn't matter where I am, I should be able to find work.

My head said
Hairdressing - sounds like fun. Give it your best shot.  London? - Just go, get your parents off your back.  You're moving to London, an English speaking country for goodness sake - how easy is that.  Earning pounds is a serious drawcard.

My job involves
pretty much anything involving hair and what a client wants - cutting, blowing, curling, straightening, colouring, styling.  Mentoring of junior staff and some management of the salon but management isn't really me.  I prefer client interaction and hair challenges.  I love being able to deliver a colour to clients with unique colour requests.

My hours are 9-6pm or 12-9pm and we have 5 day week which starts on a Sunday which means I pretty much work every weekend and take off one or two days during the week.  We get 4 weeks annual leave but no leave can be taken in the month of December.  A lunch break is non-existent as you tend to eat when there is a gap between clients, but the salon tends to book clients back to back to ensure every slot is filled so you eat when you can.

My highlights
My job suits my personality as I love hairdressing and am very social. I love chatting and find it rather therapeutic being able to chat on the job.  I like seeing clients happy with what I've done for them.  Just yesterday I blowdried a lady's hair and she was so thrilled with it, beamed and thanked me profusely for making her smile.  That makes me smile.  I also got to cut Theo Paphitis' (from Dragon's Den) hair, not that I knew who he was at the time!

My lowlights
Rudeness - some clients are plain rude and treat us like we are 'the help', uneducated and here to serve.  It's also difficult to mind read as a client may say they want a fringe and you ask them twice whether they're sure and lo and behold you cut a bang and presto - the client regrets it immediately and bursts into tears and you feel like the worst person on earth having to utter the words "it's only hair it will grow back".  One lady we call 'psycho pen lady' went hysterical after her hair colour wasn't what she expected and then proceeded to blame me for not being able to get to a pen shop in time to get her daughter the pen she needed for her exams.  That was certainly a first - being blamed for someone failing their exams!

My mantra
You only need to believe that you can achieve something.  You don't need to know what that something is, how it's going to be achieved or when or why, but only that you will achieve it.

My ideal happiness
Being on a posh game reserve sipping a glass of vino and taking in the beauty of the wildness and serenity

My last word
Hairdressing is not as easy as everyone thinks.  Like most things, if you want to go far you need to take it seriously.  The hours are long but it's very rewarding.

What's it like to be .. on a cooking course?

Happily I can say that the photos are of dishes I cooked from scratch  - pan fried sea bass with butter and dill sauce, and poached fillet of sea bass with salsa verde (I filleted the fish myself) and a Thai-styled Mango Salad with Griddled Prawns (I chopped all the ingredients with speed).   

One of my new year's resolutions for 2011 (aside from not getting a parking ticket) is to stop dreaming and start doing, which basically means to stop sitting on my butt at home dreaming about things I want to do or things I want to try.  I am consciously making the effort to push myself to realise some of those dreams.  Not big life changing ones - hell no, just small ones - like trying new things and learning new skills.  Well in the spirit of learning a new skill I took a Jamie Oliver Knife Skills course - Chop, Dice and Slice.  

Here's my story: http://www.timeandleisure.co.uk/articles/food/1032-chop-slice-and-dice.html

What's it like to be.. a Chef working for Jamie Oliver?

Most of us like to cook and we all get addicted to watching Masterchef, perhaps even wondering whether we could cut it in the kitchen for real as a chef.  May I introduce you to Ms De Waal, entertainer, performer and chef-extraordinaire.
My vitals
Annegret De Waal
Head Chef/Food Champion (Jamie-speak)
Jamie Oliver Recipease, London
Age 29

My background
.. born and bred in Somerset West, South Africa. Completed culinary art training in South Africa and moved to London in 2004.  Work experience includes: Eastwell Manor in Ashford, various gastropubs across London including The Castle in Notting Hill and the Star Bar and Brasserie in Aldgate.  Then joined Jamie Oliver's Fifteen as a chef de partie and then became Head Chef/Food Champion at Recipease.

My head said
.. Food and wine have always been therapeutic for me from a very young age as I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my father who owned a vineyard back home. I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work to be a chef but I am passionate about food and enjoy cooking as part of a better lifestyle.

My heart said
.. take a chance, work hard and stand my ground against the boys in the industry.  The world of cooking is a tough gig for girls but I grew up around animals, hunting and shooting so I know my way around an animal and I love to butcher.  My butchery skills speak for themselves and can silence the boys in the kitchen.

My job involves
.. a whole bunch of stuff as my philosophy is to adopt a hands-on approach so I'm often doing whatever is needed.  Generally it involves managing a kitchen team, prepping for classes, teaching classes, public cooking demonstrations as required (eg at the recent Jamie feastival in Clapham Common) and some admin/bookwork to ensure the smooth operation of Recipease and maintaining a happy kitchen. 

My highlights
.. doing something I love every day makes me feel lucky.  On top of that it is extremely rewarding to teach others.  I had a teenager come up to me after a Kids Class and tell me that he thought my class was fantastic and that he had learnt greater food appreciation and skills for life. Wow - that makes me feel pretty good.  Meeting Jamie was pretty amazing too.  He is exactly like you see him on TV - a really really nice down to earth guy who has such a great attitude to food and cooking for the ordinary person.  Jamie also makes a point of taking care of his staff so we all feel valued.

My lowlights
.. I've worked some ridiculous long hours (7am-11pm) for next to peanuts.  It is also true that some chefs live up to their bad reputations and can be brutally demanding, uncompromising and vocal.  I've had one chef throw a series of soup bowls at me when I wasn't doing a good enough job.  I've also butterflied my hand open with a knife once - ouch.  All part of the job I guess - as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

My ideal happiness
.. at some point in the future to run my own baking business - maybe wedding cakes from home or my own cookery school? I'm pretty happy where I am and wouldn't trade it for the world.

My last word
.. find something you love and are passionate about in life and go for it. The hard work will eventually pay off even though it may feel so distant at the time.

What's it like to be .. a Grown-up Intern?

"The first and simplest emotion which we discover in the human mind, is curiosity" (Edmund Burke)

It is an innate human trait to be curious particularly curious about other peoples' lives hence my new series of blogs entitled "What's it like to be ... ".   And as I generally don't think it's fair to ask people questions I am not prepared to answer, I thought I'd go first with my own experience.

My Background
I was a corporate lawyer with over 10 years experience.  Skip on five years, a pond crossing from Sydney to London and three children later, I am struggling to find a way back into the workforce in a 'suitable' role that I can live with as a mother.  I want to explore a range of options before I reach a landing.

My head said
... get with the programme - get yourself up to speed.

When I surfaced from the haze of motherhood back into the real world I noticed that the digital age had forged ahead at breakneck speed - iPhones, Androids, iPads and Apps had left traditional platforms of print media, books, magazines and journals in its wake.  The world had gone online in a big way and I felt slightly left behind.  So I started a blog, and last week I started an online internship with a local lifestyle magazine for SW London and Surrey residents - Time and Leisure (who I also guest blog for).

My heart said
... pack your bags you're going on a guilt trip - what about the kids?

What to do with the kids for the next two months or so whilst I undertake this internship? Well, it's summer holidays so at least I don't have nursery runs but I do have pangs of guilt leaving them at home with the nanny. To be fair, we did just come back from a family holiday in the South of France and the office hours for my internship are flexible so it's not abandonment and I shouldn't feel weighed down with guilt but I do.

My job involves
... a whole bunch of stuff I have never done before and lingo that sounds at times like a foreign language.  I feel like an old dog trying to learn new tricks as a grown-up intern but T&L make me feel very welcome and valued despite my inexperience.  I am guided through how to research and prepare articles for their website, source images and upload magazine content online.  There are weekly planning meetings to bounce ideas around for articles and I even get to write about topics I am genuinely interested in.

My highlights
.. I get to be around adults, wear office attire, flex my brain and challenge myself outside of my comfort zone.  I also get to learn new skills in a publishing environment, meet loads of new people and have a hot cup of coffee at my desk without interruption from children.  Seeing my articles with my name go live on the T&L website was secretly fun too.

My lowlights
.. being away from the kids for a couple of hours a day.  In actual fact, this internship is really a gentle and soft re-entry into the workforce as the hours are flexible and I don't have to spend my whole time in the office.  Hopefully it helps condition me to better cope when I am truly ready to return to full-time work at some point in the future.

My last word
.. it's natural to be fearful of the unknown but I'm better and happier for giving something new a go - and I'm a firm believer of happy mother means happy children.