Friday, 25 February 2011

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.

Thursday, 24 February 2011

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)

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

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)

Monday, 21 February 2011

Iwan Baan


My Phaidon article on the wonderful architecture photographer Iwan Baan.