A reflective check-in

First vending machines, now let's reinterpret the mini-bar.

School of Life has just launched a partnership with hotel chain, Morgans Hotel Group. A few international hotel rooms will have newly installed 'mini-bars for the mind'. The £10 chocolate covered raisins will be replaced with reading prescriptions and a box of conversation starters! Check out the vending machine at St Martin's Lane Hotel which offers an I owe you dinner with Alain de Botton for a mere £5,000. I wonder if he would bring a box of chocolate raisins.
(via More Intelligence Life)

Business Course

I've been attending City University's business course on Thursdays for the past few weeks. The seminars have discussed the usual components: business planning, budget forecasting, marketing.

Last night, the tutor said:

"You know the way to make money? Gambling. You will get a 30% return. For every third horse..."

What is more concerning is that this morning I woke up thinking about probability and poker chips.

The Makers

The Makers has been appearing around the blogs for the last couple of weeks. It's an excellent photography project by Jennifer Causey who captures 'makers' at work.

Big news!

David and I got engaged last Saturday!

This is how it happened.

I met David at the French Institute where he is doing an Advanced French Business course (for fun, crazy man!) and we looked around the library. David's idea of romance is anything French and mine in sitting in a library. We then became flaneurs, stumbling around a South Kensington food market and gorgeous bookshops. During a crab salad at Bibendum cafe, David and I talked and talked and I found myself feeling like the luckiest lady and so privileged that I even know him. We made our way to a misty Regent's Park and talked about his work at the BBC and ideas for gaming online (?!) before we came across an enclosed Japanese garden, near the rose garden in the inner circle. I didn't want to sit down on a damp bench post the morning downpour but David had come prepared with a tea towel for me to perch on (he had been paying hourly attention to the weather forecast). He then rifled through his bag and gave me a crumpled city map, a genius invention. He then rifled in his bag a second time but this time presented me with a small box. He asked me to marry him in such a heartfelt and open way and everytime I think about it my heart soars. David, I am indeed your Sally Albright. And I am so excited for all our days to come.

Time it was..I have a photograph

Since 'assisting' photographer Andy Lopo on a Phaidon shoot and writing about Iwan Baan, I've become mildly obsessed with the great medium. I am also struck by my friends artistry, Olivia & Alison and David Solomons. More on this to come.
(Jody Rogac's fashion photography via Brian Ferry)

House Peek

I keep returning to images of actress Amanda Peet's home. If I were ever to start from scratch, gut a house and grab a hammer and nail, this would be my inspiration.
(Reminded by Frolic. Images via Mimi + Meg)

Iwan Baan

My Phaidon article on the wonderful architecture photographer Iwan Baan.

W Hotel

I accompanied photographer Andy Lopo for a Phaidon article on the opening of W hotel in Leicester Square.
See other images and article here.

Perfect room apart from the antlers

Agree with Sarah Berry - this living room colour palette of pink, gold and grey is lush! On the look out for that lamp.

Goggles Umbrella

No more hunched shoulders whilst clutching an umbrella. Stride with confidence with a viewfinder! Perfect for February showers.
(spotted on Black Eiffel via Fubiz)

A pre-Valentine's stew?

Le Creuset Cerise Cast Iron Heart Dish. Undeniably sappy but seeing as one of my favourite things to do is to cook with David*, I had to post.
*David tends to do the actually cooking. I typically take on the sous chef role, hovering and tasting and making extremely "constructive" comments e.g I think it's ready.

Swiss Cottage Library

Swiss Cottage Library is facing possible closure. The library costs £1.2 million to run and Camden Council's library budget has been cut by 25%. Camden Council are considering closure as a possible option after such a slash to the budget. I love this library - it revolutionised library design. It's Grade II listed and when you sit in there you can understand why. If you come across a petition, sign it.
(via BD)

Really..

(via Design is Mine)

On the waterfront

Artangel and Living Architecture are collaborating to create a temporary timber hotel room on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall!
More info here. Bookings start from 8th September 2011 for 2012.

I can make shoes

Shoe making workshops! The examples are not exactly my style: I wear ballet slippers, Clarks wallabees or brown riding boots. I'm sure I could make a pair without spikes or a spiked stiletto though.
(via Le Cool)

Skylight nook

Curl. Up. Here. Please. And include the books.
(via)

Sugar and Spice

Whimsy and Spice's plump maple marshmallows and inspired earl grey sandwich cookies.
Have a sweet weekend everyone!

The Shard

Changing London's skyline one layer at a time. One layer at a time.

Steven Alan

Dear suitcase, I would very much like to pack Steven Alan attire for summer holiday Italy 2011.
(via)

SK Studios

The Architecture Foundation has appointed Practice Architecture to create a new community space in South Kilburn. The space is currently a one storey portacabin block but is set to become a community art space.

"Tenants of South Kilburn Studios, working across a variety of creative disciplines will - in lieu of rent payments - pledge to apprentice young people from the local area, running practical workshops and helping to build portfolios in trades from fashion and textiles to painting".

Andy Lopo

Photographer Andy Lopo is going to shoot some film to accompany Mike's forthcoming Phaidon article. I like how he smudges light and concentrates your focus. His images make me feel like I'm looking into a crystal ball. Allow yourself to be drawn in...