Greased Lightening...

I've just returned from the most wonderful place in the world.

Okay, I may be exaggerating, but it's not far off. My Boyfriend's parent's took us to Brook's Diner in Southgate, a 50's style American Diner type restaurant. Hearing the description excited me enough, but actually walking in... Wow. I felt like I was in some sort of haven. Rocking up in my 50's swing dress courtesy of Lindy Bop, pin curled locks and cat eye sunglasses, I was right at home.

The decor was gorgeous. Monochrome with splashes of bright red, everything shiny and gorgeous, walls adorned with photos of various film and music stars, along with guitars and other bits of music memorabilia. On the front of the menu, a Sailor Jerry-esque pin up girl, immediately exciting me even more, if it were possible.

Oh but the food. God the food. I chose a Cheese and Bacon Burger with Fries (screw the diet, just for today) and it was glorious. Mum-in-law opted for Scampi and Fries while the boy and Pa-in-law went for Supersized Burgers with everything on it. I also had a gorgeous Strawberry milkshake which would put every other drink of the same name to shame. 

In short, I had a fabulous time and would recommend it to anyone, whether you're a fan of the era or not. The service was spectacular and George, the owner, is a warm, funny and welcoming man. So, if you can't quite see the address in the picture above and find yourself in the North London area, the address is:

24 Hampden Square

Southgate
N14 5JR

Let me know if you've visited before or are planning to!

Love and sparkles,

xoxo

Festival Fun!

Today was absolutely wonderful. I performed a 30 min acoustic set at ScoutFest, a festival here in North London to raise money for the Scouts! I didn't let the wind nor rain put me off, and I had such a lovely time, not to mention the gorgeous cakes.

My setlist went as follows:

1. Take on me - A-ha (Anni B Goode's version)
2. Birds - Kate Nash
3. Cigarettes - Russian Red
4. Dog Days - Florence & the Machine
5. Thieves - She & Him
6. Neopolitan Dreams - Lisa Mitchell
7. Nobody's Perfect - Jessie J

I had such wonderful feedback from the crowd and just wish I could have performed tonight too! Unfortunately I'm at a family meal but there's always next year.

Many thanks to Andy and the 19th Enfield Scouts for giving me this opportunity! Also to James for being an excellent sound man, with the cutest baby boy going! Keep rocking that Stella McCartney Jacket and those Hunters dude!

xo

LIONESS: HIDDEN TREASURES - AMY WINEHOUSE REVIEW

The sheer soulfulness, soft rock-steady beats and 50s/60s rock’n’roll vibes that come across in this album are things that I can compare to Amy’s earlier work, in the ‘Frank’ era. Opening with a true Winehouse-style cover of the Ruby & the Romantics song ‘Our Day Will Come’ sets the mood for the album which all in all displays Amy’s raw, beautiful talent, it’s just a shame that we have come to discover these songs after her tragic passing. Amy’s duet with Tony Bennett ‘Body and Soul’ presents a timeless spine tingling merge of two legend’s smooth-as-velvet voices. The album also includes re-workings of Amy’s more mainstream songs, ‘Valerie’ and ‘Tears Dry on their own’, the latter of which has been aptly shortened to simply ‘Tears Dry’ and has also had the tempo and chord sequences changed to create a sound that I can only liken to the music in the ending credits of a sad romantic film from the 60s. The song to look out for on the album is ‘Will you still love me tomorrow?’, an incredible song originally recorded by The Shirelles, teamed with Miss Winehouse’s powerful vocals, which you will not experience the full beauty and tragedy of until you hear it for yourself. If you happen to own a record player, I highly recommend purchasing the Lioness: Hidden Treasures LP as the whole sound and feel of the album just sounds magical when played. I guess people expect me to be somewhat biased when it comes to Amy’s music, but I can truthfully say that I adore this album, and I would still love it just as much having had I not had that connection with her. A well deserved five stars for this spectacular album from a tragically beautiful woman. Rest in peace Amy.

★★★★★

xo