Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
LET THE BLOGGING BEGIN….
HEALTH: CHRISTMAS MOCKTAILS
Christmas is a time when we go into overdrive on our alcohol consumption. The run up to Christmas with an incredibly busy social scene right up until the day when we start on the Bucks Fizz at breakfast time …….then just continue.
If you are cutting out alcohol for any reason or if you just want to cut down do not let it spoil your Christmas. Especially if you are cooking the lunch !!! You can still join in and feel very naughty with three of my favourite non alcoholic Christmas cocktails. I don’t think anyone of us wants to feel inebriated on Christmas day ( well maybe there is a few of you !!) but even if you are having the mulled wine, the egg nog, the champagne and the wine it maybe a good idea to intersperse the alcohol for you and your guests with one of these. Also good for the children (well, it IS christmas )
Mulled ‘Cider’
- 1 glass of apple juice
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- star anise
- orange zest
- teaspoon of agave syrup
METHOD
Simmer gently all ingredients. Strain. Serve with a cinnamon stick.
APPLE SPARKLE
- 1 glass of cloudy apple juice
- A tot of elderflower cordial
- Mint
- Sparkling water
- Gold leaf for sprinkle and sparkle
METHOD
Half fill a glass with cloudy apple juice . Add a tot of elderflower cordial. Top up with sparkling water. Lots of crushed ice. Mix well with a mixing spoon. garnish with a sprig of mint and sprinkle with gold leaf.
RASPBERRY ‘NOJITO’
- Raspberries fresh or frozen
- mint
- coconut sugar
- lime juice
- sparkling water
METHOD
Muddle the raspberries, mint and sugar and lime juice. Top up with sparkling water.
As you can see all very simple and quicker to make then normal cocktails so time saving too. The raspberry mojito can be whizzed up and pureed in a blender and served in a martini glass as a fake cosmopolitan. It all depends what you normally drink so change the glass to suit your mood.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS ADVICE IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS BUT FOR LIFE…..FOR EVERY ALCOHOLIC DRINK HAVE A NON ALCOHOLIC DRINK. MY ‘GO TO’ IS ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL AND SODA SERVED IN A CHAMPAGNE GLASS. SO YOU DONT APPEAR TO BE A PARTY POOPER AND PEOPLE DONT FORCE YOU TO EXCEED YOUR LIMITS. ADDED BONUS OF SAVING CALORIES TOO !!!
HAVE A MERRY (BUT NOT TOO MERRY) CHRISTMAS !
JOJO XXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND MENTAL EXERCISES TO REFRESH THE MIND AND LIFT YOUR SPIRITS DURING THE MID WEEK SLUMP.
A NICE SIMPLE ONE THIS WEEK AS OUR THOUGHTS ARE BUSY WITH CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS, THREE DEEP BREATHS AND FOCUS ON THESE FOUR WORDS……….
LISTEN. ACKNOWLEDGE. WITHOUT JUDGEMENT.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IT IS AMAZING HOW PEACEFUL AND REWARDING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS OR EVEN PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW TOO WELL, BECOME.
JOJO XXXXXXXXX
THE STYLE LIST NOVEMBER
WHATS HOT THIS NOVEMBER…….AND WE DO NEED SOME HEAT !!
SEE WHO AND WHAT MADE IT ONTO THE STYLE LIST THIS MONTH
MOST STYLISH HOTEL
THE BILTMORE HOTEL , LONDON
This recently opened Hotel in September this year after two years of renovations , now getting into its stride it has now made it onto the Style List after my recent visit. This is a little gem in the heart of Mayfair located in Grosvenor Square a stones throw from Claridges and the fabulous New Bond Street shopping. Jason Atherton overseeing the cuisine in Betterment the Hotels rather lovely and spacious restaurant and an equally sumptuous bar – The Pine Bar. Stylishly cool and still largely still undiscovered the quietness added to the overstated elegance. From £400 ppp night.
MOST STYLISH RESTAURANT
SCOTTS, MAYFAIR
A frequent visitor to SCOTTS in Mayfair it is consistent in both food and service. At this time of year it is particularly stylish with the most beautiful christmas decorations of any restaurant I know. I tend to go for my favourite fish, Skate with shrimp and an ice cold glass of Chablis and this week was once again exceptional. Super classy and I could put it on the Style List every month but at this time of year it is especially so exudes christmas from a Hollywood film set.
MOST STYLISH PERSON
TERRY O NEILL
This must go to the lovely TERRY O NEILL whom I was lucky to meet on a few occasions, we had the greatest conversations and invariably ended up in LUIGIS Deli on of Terrys favourite places for great Italien food. His death this month was no surprise as he had been ill for some time but I hoped he would make one more Christmas. Terry s exhibition at the Iconic Gallery Chelsea makes you realise what an amazing stylish and exciting life he led for someone so normal and unassuming. A truly talented photographer and a wonderful man. You will be missed. Legend.
MOST STYLISH PRODUCT
TOM FORD SKIN ILLUMINATINGPOWDER DUO
OK , so everything about TOM FORD is stylish and my followers will know that im a MASSIVE fan of all things TF (even his films). But put this on your christmas list ! I love ‘Flicker’ it is for darker skin but i find it works well on mine as I use the darker colour for contouring and the gold for highlighting. The sleek platte with mirror – perfect for touch ups during the evening and great for the party season ! I apologise if this has made a previous Style List but just needs to be on repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
SIR BOYD TUNNOCK
Following his knighthood this month , the inventor of TUNNOCKS TEACAKES cannot be left off this months Style List. Along with the Queen this is my treat of choice . Satisfying yet calorie light (105calories) light fluffy marsmallow on a biscuit base covered in a thin layer of chocolate it is enough. Beautifully wrapped in that iconic red and silver foil. The TUNNOCKS CARAMEL WAFER cannot go unnoticed.
STYLISH FASHION
Ditch the sequins its all about chiffon this month. Find it everywhere and at reasonable prices. No need to spend a fortune on pieces you may only wear seasonally. Try NASTY GAL, RESERVED and ZARA for some super pieces at excellent prices. Go all out with bright colours and bows.
JOJOS STYLIST TIP: LOOK OUT OR NEXT MONTHS STYLE LIST AFTER MY CHRISTMAS VISITS TO ST BARTHS AND TURKS AND CAICOS. BRINGING YOU WHATS HOT FROM WHERE ITS HOT !!
JOJO MWAH MWAH XXXXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND MENTAL EXERCISES TO REFRESH THAT MIDWEEK SLUMP.
DISCOVER YOUR INNER VOICE
THIS WEEK I WOULD LIKE ALL MY FOLLOWERS TO SOUND THIS CHANT OUT LOUD EACH MORNING AS MANY TIMES AS YOUR OWN TIME ALLOWS. IT SHOULD BECOME YOUR MANTRA NOT ONLY FOR THIS WEEK BUT FOR LIFE.
I USE THIS CHANT AT THE BEGINNING OF ALL GROUP SOUND BATHS AND THE GROUP REPEAT EACH LINE BACK TO ME, I HAVE YET TO MEET A PERSON WHO IS NOT TOUCHED BY THE BEAUTY OF THIS UNIVERSAL GREETING.
I OFFER YOU PEACE
I OFFER YOU FRIENDSHIP
I OFFER YOU LOVE
I HEAR YOUR NEEDS
I SEE YOUR BEAUTY
I FEEL YOUR FEELINGS
ALL WISDOM FLOWS FROM THE HIGHEST SOURCE
I HONOUR THAT SOURCE IN YOU
LET US WORK TOGETHER
AS ‘WE’ CAN ACHIEVE MORE
——————————————————————-Don Conreaux
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: KEEP THIS UP AND BY CHRISTMAS YOU WILL BE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERSON IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER BEAUTY AND A SENSE OF CALM
JOJO XXXXXXXXXX
TRAVEL: HOW TO DO LONDON NOW
If you are looking for a weekend in London away from the crowds, queues and over subscribed West End. I bring to you an interesting alternative from the usual weekend haunts of Knightsbridge. Mayfair and Trafalgar Square. I recently stayed at The Soho House owned The Ned at Poultry in the City of London. The wealthiest square mile in the world. A perfect weekend escape as the bankers and IT guys have all deserted the area for some much needed down time. leaving YOU to discover the peaceful haven that they never see. Great for this time of year as this area offers up some stunning restaurants and bars, culture and art galleries and all your christmas shopping in The Royal Exchange. Here you can find Aspinalls, Fortnum and Masons, Boodles, Tiffanys, Jo Malone, Penhaligons, Links to name but a few. All perfectly gift wrapped. Be warned though do your shopping here on your arrival day of Friday as most of these stores close for the weekend. But good to get this out of the way to ensure maximum enjoyment and relaxation in the most chilled place and best kept secret for a genuine London weekend escape.
So, now we have the shopping out of the way lets concentrate on what I love about this area.
WHERE TO STAY
THE NED has 250 1930s inspired bedrooms , 10 restaurants , spa and gym. With prices starting at £250 per night it represents real value for money. This imposing building and stunning facade was once Midland bank. The rooms are sumptuous and cosy perfect for a winters night and the bathrooms are stocked full of cowshed products (10 different shampoos and conditioners ) . There is also a “Mr Porter” (Net A Porter) menu you could turn up just with a handbag and order anything you may have forgot and it arrives in minutes delivered direct to your room from Spanx to swimwear to clothing to cosmetics.
The price also includes access to The Spa with its amazing 20 metre indoor pool, Moroccan Hammam, and several cowshed treatment rooms and nail bar and blow bar. Even vita drips are offered here in the Elixir clinic.
Truly you could just stay holed up in the Ned for the whole weekend but if you do want to venture out then lets look at some of the amazing eateries and places to visit.
EATERIES
Some of my favourites……..
Well The Ned itself has a number of diverse eateries downstairs in the “faded glamour of a 1930s ocean liner” feel. Its lively with live music in the centre of the restaurants. You can choose from healthy californian to Jewish to Sushi to italien every taste catered for. My particular favourites are Malibu Kitchen for healthy by the ocean fare. Cecconis , I love in Mayfair and here at The Ned it never diappoints and the setting feels grander. Great for cocktails with a big sit around square bar.
Coq D’Argent directly across the road. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. the restaurant is set up high with a garden and the best views across the city. Popular with City peoples during the week but easier to get a table on the weekends although booking advised. The food and service here is exceptional with a set menu starting from £29.50 for two courses. Elegant and white table clothed glamorous restaurant. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
COYA as my followers are aware i am a massive fan of Coya in Picadilly. So was very excited to find the newly opened Coya in Angel Court Throgmorton St. Party atmosphere and fresh clean Peruvian cuisine and not so clean Pisco Sours ! Bottomless brunches with live music on Saturdays from 12.30pm onwards and only a short stagger back to The Ned !!
HAWKSMOOR SPITALFIELDS is the place if you like a steak. The best steaks in London. All day dining so this one can work around your own schedule.
LE PONT DE LA TOUR just over a mile away from The Ned is an old perennial that never gets tired situated on the river right by Tower Bridge this could fit neatly into your sightseeing schedule if you are choosing to visit Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Saturday and Sunday have a Brunch or Dinner menu with old school french cuisine and an excellent wine menu. Absolutely beautiful setting and a lovely romantic evening stroll back to your Hotel, weather permitting.
I must mention here my little secret a great champagne bar with incredible views and outside seating , perfect for the summer months. JIM BO LAW located within the DORSETT HOTEL Aldgate just jump in the elevator press the pineapple to head straight to the top floor. Although no food served here.
There are so many great eateries in this part of town so experiment.
THINGS TO DO
A few suggestions
- St Pauls Cathedral – pre book a guided tour
- Tower of London – a firm favourite
- Spitalfields Market – one of Londons oldest Markets. Open 7 days a week. Original clothing and arts from over 80 independent designers.
- Guildhall Art Gallery- Guildhall Yard. Over 250 paintings, drawings and sculpture. Also houses in the basement Londons only Roman Amphitheatre unearthed in 1988. Both free admission.
- St Swithins Wine Shipper , St Switihins Lane opens until 10pm Friday but alas closed on a weekend. a destination for wine enthusiasts 48 wines to try from state of the art enomatic machines. also very rare wines can be tried. There is a lovely tasting terrace and platters and nibbles are served to enhance your wine tasting experience. No booking required.
- Sky Gardens , Fenchurch St (the walkie talkie building) for a 360 degree view of London amongst a lot of greenery, plants and trees.
- Typically British Tour a 2 hour tour starting at St Pauls available only on a weekend 13.00 -18.00. For tourists to see how British people typically live but how interesting to go as a Brit to see how we are portrayed. great fun and always a good crowd. Be aware they are walking tours.
- If you are missing the call of the West End theatres head down to the banks of the Thames, New Globe Walk close to Tower bridge for some Shakespeare matinees or evening performances of HenryVI or Richard III. Check schedule for listings. But to see Shakespeare within The reconstructed Globe Theatre as it is supposed to be is a real treat.
Hopefully there are some activities of interest on this list. But as you can see there are many experiences to indulge in the City. It may not have crossed your mind to plan a WEEKEND visit to the City’s square mile but there is something refreshing, new and exciting without the mass crowds. It feels classy like London used to.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: Ssssssssssh stylistas lets keep it a secret !
JOJO . xxxxxxxx
MIDWEEK MANTRA
POSITIVE ENERGY AND LIFE PLANS FOR A HAPPIER UPLIFTING WEEK FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.
DISCOVER A RITUAL FOR EATING TOGETHER
I REALLY MISS THE LUNCHTIME RITUALS WITH MY FRENCH FRIENDS WHEN I LIVED IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE. LONG, LANGUID LUNCHES THAT BECAME ALMOST DAILY RITUALS.
IN LONDON, AND THE REST OF THE UK WE GENERALLY SEEM TO BE AMBIVALENT TO MEAL TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS AN IMPORTANT OCCURRENCE AS WE GO ABOUT OUR BUSY LIVES WITH HURRIED LUNCHES ON THE GO.
I THINK IT IS TIME TO BRING BACK THE LONG LAZY LUNCH. OF COURSE I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE EVERY DAY ( ALTHOUGH THE FRENCH AND ITALIANS MAKE IT HAPPEN). THIS WEEK ITS TIME TO START WITH A REGULAR LONG LAZY LUNCH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS MEANS AT LEAST 2 HOURS, AND DESSERT IS A MUST AND GOOD LIVELY DISCUSSION. I HAVE THIS GREAT DISCUSSION TOPIC CARDS WHERE EACH PERSON PICKS A CARD AND GENERATES LIVELY DEBATE AROUND A GIVEN SUBJECT. I WOULD REALLY RECOMMEND THESE TO GET THE CONVERSATION FLOWING.
EVEN BETTER IF YOU CAN COOK A MEAL , A REAL GIFT OF LOVE. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED. I DO A SIMPLE BAKED WHOLE SALMON STUFFED WITH HERBS FOR PEOPLE TO HELP THEMSELVES OR EVEN A BOUEF BOURGIGNON IN A SLOW COOKER PREPARED IN THE MORNING. A SIMPLE DESSERT CAN BE AN ORANGE CURD TART IN A SHOP BOUGHT PASTRY CASE SERVED WITH COINTREAU CREAM. BUT I REALISE NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO COOK A MEAL AND JUST SHARING A MEAL WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE FUN TO BE WITH CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR WEEK.
‘BREAKING BREAD’ WITH THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT CAN BE DEEPLY REWARDING AND BONDING. GOOD NURTURED RELATIONSHIPS ARE GREAT FOUNDATIONS TO LIVE A HEALTHY HAPPY LIFE. GOING ABOUT OUR BUSY DAILY LIVES ITS EASY TO LET THIS SLIDE.
MY PLEASURE IS TO INVITE MY FAVOURITE PEOPLE TO A LUNCH AND LINGER OVER GREAT FOOD, WINE AND FABULOUS CONVERSATION. THIS IS A RITUAL WE ALL NEED TO ESTABLISH. IF YOU HAVE NO ONE TO LUNCH WITH THEN…..GIVE ME A CALL !
SO , TODAY SCHEDULE A DATE AND START INVITING.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IN PARIS I WAS ONCE CHASTISED BY A WAITER FOR ORDERING AMERICAN COFFEE INSTEAD OF DESSERT ! DO IT THE FRENCH WAY AND GIVE IN TO THE PLEASURE.
BON APPETITE
JOJO XXXXXX
WHAT I WOULD TELL MY YOUNGER SELF
When you reach your fifties and beyond you start to realise most of the things you fretted about in your younger years really all work themselves out all by themselves. I thought it would be fun to ask all my friends for a contribution and between us we came up with this list.
LOVE
- It is not the end of the world after a break up in 6 months you will wonder what you saw in him/her almost embarrassed you were actually together. leave with dignity.
- The next boyfriend is ALWAYS better than the one before.
- The first time someone shows you are…..believe it …..the first time ! people really do not change their essence . If you see something you don’t like heed the early warning signals it wont get better.
- A certain amount of alone time is integral to your personal growth. Once you learn to enjoy your own Company and get to know yourself at a young age this will strengthen you for the rest of your life,
FRIENDSHIPS
- Always show appreciation to those that are good to you. Genuine friends are hard to find. Hold onto them. Good manners count for a lot. Turn up on time. Respond immediately to invitations. Listen without judgement. Gifts of appreciation.
- People are drains or radiators. Surround yourself with radiators those that radiate positivity. Friends that drain you or you are exhausted or sad after seeing them can really affect your own mental state see them less .
- Envy is the scourge of mostly women friendships only cultivate friendships with those younger, prettier and richer than yourself to avoid those who want to bring you down.
- Invest more time in your friendships than your boyfriends these friendships will support you throughout life. Don,t ditch your girlfriends when you meet a man you can have both.
BEAUTY
- Avoid expensive face creams or beauty products they are basically telling you lies and getting you to buy into your securities. Find what works for you.
- Wear clothes that suit your style and body shape not because a magazine tells you what you should be wearing.
- Never over pluck your eyebrows they do not grow back.
- Exercise does not make you smaller- eating less makes you smaller. The gym firms you up but yoga firms both body AND mind.
- You were never as fat as you thought you were ! Love your body and appreciates what it does for you.
WORK
- Start networking at a young age. Advancement has more to do with who you know and not what you know. The importance of building a good network cannot be underestimated. Exams are not everything.
- Never work for the money if you are not loving the work. If you do something you love you will never work a day in your life. If it pays less adapt your lifestyle.
- Always mentor those that report to you. Be inspirational.
- Do not be intimidated in the workplace you are just as smart as they are.
- Set life goals as well as work goals. Short, medium and long term …it worked for me. A map for your life journey is essential. Start it in your teens and update and adapt as you travel through life.
Finally…….BE AUTHENTIC ! BE YOU ! BE YOUR BEST YOURSELF !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST !! BUT HAVE THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN/GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT WHAT WORKED OR WAS SO UNNECESSARY FOR YOU TO WORRY ABOUT.
JOJO XXXXXX
