Words to live by
January 25, 2012

Something is calling you from the quiet space inside
and from the vast universe all around.
Something is calling you to life.
Something is calling forth the stream inside you
and awakening you
to your connection with the source.
You are always connected to the source.
Something is reawakening
your awareness of this connection.
Something is allowing you to remember
that it is the universe
(not the bank, not your job, not the grocery store)
that supplies your every need.
Something is calling you
to take a risk;
to flow more freely;
to burn hotter, brighter.”
Total girl crush (still)
January 19, 2012
The first time I clapped eyes on Nina Kraviz, I was completely bowled over (and hideously envious) of her beauty. This Siberian-born lady is one fine fox, who has brains and business sense too – like the best of us, of course.
Perhaps that’s why she’s chosen Radio Slave’s Rekids as the label to release her self-titled debut album, out on 27th February.
Nina’s portfolio already includes releases on well-respected German imprints Cocoon and Bpitch, plus she’s nailed down high-profile collaborations with the likes of Sascha Funke (cue the hook-you-in Moses, circa 2010).
From what I’ve heard of Nina’s first album, it’s certainly quite a mix. It moves from soft vocals to dimly-lit industrial beats, before swiftly switching back into sun-drenched summer tones. A four second snippet of each track makes it hard to get the full spec of the album, but it’s peaked my interest enough so that I want to hear more, particularly when it comes to her grimier selections.
If you fancy checking out Nina on tour – or want to hear the album sampler for yourself – here’s all that you need to know:
24th February – Rex Club, Paris
25th February – Studio 80, Amsterdam
1st March – EGO, Hamburg
2nd March – Robert Johnson, Frankfurt
3rd March – Bob Beaman, Munich
4th March – Panorama Bar, Berlin
12th March – Warehouse party, Rome
10th March – Tenax, Florence
16th March – Klubbers Day Festival, Madrid
17th March – Be Cool, Barcelona
30th March – D! Club, Lausanne
For the love of coffee
January 17, 2012
It’s no secret that piping-hot, thick-as-tar coffee is the way to my heart (well, it sure isn’t now). So when important people in our lives do something so little, yet so thoughtful - like hunt down one of few remaining books for you – you can’t help but serve them another helping of affection.

Now to try out every flat white, skinny latte and choc-dusted cappuccino listed, and drop some blatant hints about red shoes…
Beginners: a tale of love and uncertainty
January 9, 2012
hope
love
trust
friendship
failure
loss
partnership
laughter




The Starman turns 65
January 8, 2012
He brought us King Jareth in the film Labyrinth, performed as a mime artist in the theatrical production Pierrot in Turquoise, and created the iconic Ziggy Stardust persona amongst many, many other delights - happy 65th birthday Mr. wonderful Bowie x

Tune in to BBC radio 6 from 10am today to listen to a special celebration show.
Print available at Idea Generation Gallery (with 20% off for a limited time).
The makings of a wonderful Christmas…
January 5, 2012

a long run on a chilly winter’s day

seeking out great coffee with the boy

finding treasure at Snooper’s Paradise

dressing up, heading out

indulging in room service

…and mum’s mince pies

checking out the aquarium

reacquainting oneself with old friends

reading poetry in unexpected places

watching London from above
Dear Santa… let me introduce you to STIKA
December 19, 2011
Yesterday I was strolling around Spitalfields market, hopping in and out of places like Lineage of Influence‘s beloved Albam, and into the similar store, Number Six.
It was here that I discovered (and fell head over heels with) this piece of art. It’s a paper design crafted by urban artist ‘STIKA‘ a.k.a. Josh Howard.
Rumour has it that STIKA is happy to create a design featuring the words of your choice. Mr. Claus, if you’re reading – I’ll be just fine with this wonder. I promise to be a very good girl for the rest of the year…

21 suggestions for sucess
November 30, 2011
The below note arrived in my inbox this morning, thanks to the trendspotting site Coolhunter.
It was a pleasure to read for two reasons – I’m a big fan of Coolhunter, and more importantly, I have practiced many of the points mentioned, on a daily basis, for years. Combating negative thoughts is a big thing for me – for over a decade, I have tipped them on their head and channelled them into positive ones.
Yes, this may vindicate some people’s thinking that I am indeed a hippy at heart, but hey, I’m comfortable with that – hippies were happy, and halting your negative thinking to see the positive side to life works. It’s a simple exercise – try it.

The Doors – Love Street
November 17, 2011
People have told me countless times that I’m, “A bit of a hippie at heart”. The thing is, I never, ever really thought that myself.
It’s taken me over thirty years – and one moment this morning while waiting on a train, dressed in a paisley print dress; agate slice pendants looped around my neck; suede booties; a faux fur coat – with Jim Morrison’s dulcet tones seducing me to realise… “You know what? I really am I hippie at heart…and I honestly couldn’t be happier about it.”
Junior Boys – You’ll Improve Me (Caribou remix)
November 7, 2011

Thanks to the wonderful world of BBC Radio 6, today Junior Boys, and in particular, their forthcoming single, ‘You’ll Improve Me’ remixed by Caribou, pleasantly flowed through my headphones.
I had no idea who these ‘boys’ were until this morning, but I was fast to hunt them down and before I knew it, I’d bought tickets to see them at Concrete in Shoreditch next month. Impulse buy? Absolutely.
However, after my trigger fingers so happily indulged themselves, I spent the majority of the afternoon working to the soundtrack of these two Canada-based lads – at not one point was I disappointed. Actually, that’s not strictly true; the one thing that did lead to disappointment was that no matter the extend of my search, I could not find one single place to hear the Caribou mix.
It seems that until its release date of 12th December, You’ll Improve Me is on extreme lockdown. If you happen to stumble across it while trawling the world wide web, do give me a shout – it’s an ace song, and it’s going to be massive.
Update:
Listen to the track here, or here for a radio rip from Lauren Laverne’s Radio 6 show.