Byhappyme Personalised Cutlery for Toddlers

Have I ever told you how much I love karaoke?

Well, those who know me well enough have long been in on this not-so-secret secret. So, when I got an invitation to the relaunch party for the Smithfield branch of Karaoke Box it was one I couldn’t accept quick enough. Come on cocktails, food AND karaoke – heaven!

Having roped in some colleagues and friends we headed to the venue near Smithfield meat market and took our pick of one of the 16 private karaoke rooms, which range from catering for groups of up to four and 30 people.

The rooms circle a spacious cocktail bar, but if you get too carried away with picking the next Nicki Minaj track you’re going to rap along to, then waitress service is available at the touch of a button.

Trust me, it is so easy to get carried away, with over 9000 tracks to choose from and being among your friends, there’s no big show or fear of making a fool of yourself in front of strangers.

One of my friends who came along is already planning our next visit back, as the great thing about the private rooms is that even people who don’t fancy taking the mike can still join in with the giggles!

 

12 Smithfield Street  City of London, EC1A 9LA

020 7329 9991

www.karaokebox.co.uk

Celebrities have long been singing the praises of Spanx, not just for the way it sucks in our lumps and bumps in all the right places, but because the right pair can also give you the perfect hour-glass figure which is becoming increasingly popular amongst both stylists and fashionistas.
Just in from the Spanx press day, which I decided to go to at the last minute to see what was on offer, as I was having what could only be described as a ‘fat day, week, month…’ (you get the picture!), I was impressed by the extent of the range available. Admittedly I never had any interest in owning a pair of Spanx before having my daughter, but now I can definitely see the benefits!

From the hardcore bodyshapers to the Haute Contour range featuring delicate lacy bodysuits offering lighter support and retailing at around £200, to the Active wear for the gym (yep, ladies, you can even exercise safe in the knowledge that no-one is judging your pot belly) and the Mama Spanx range for pregnant women looking for extra support for their bumps (apparently the singer Adele is currently using them during her pregnancy).

Spanx have definitely researched their market and seem to offer something for everyone – even the boys are not left out, with t-shirts and boxer shorts which come complete with a ‘3D pouch’…

www.spanx.co.uk

So after much anticipation, the Bajan singer’s debut collection for high street brand River Island finally took to the catwalk for all to see.

And while there were no fireworks, the earth didn’t move and no major fashion boundaries were broken, I can safely say the controversial star, who is never out of the headlines, can rest assured she’s created a collection that stays true to her own personal style.

With streamlined silhouettes, both tight-fitting jersey and flowing summer dresses, jumpsuits and the obligatory midrift bearing tops – as well as a couple of see-through items – everything gracing the catwalk was something you could picture Rihanna wearing herself.

I’m not sure, being in my 30-something years, I’m the the target audience for the collection, but love or hate Rihanna (I’ve personally gone from loving her to finding her on/off situation with Chris Brown totally annoying) – even I would be happy to buy one or two pieces from the collection.

It was also nice to see Rihanna having some support from the ‘celebrity world’, with everyone from model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne, Jaime Winstone, V V Brown, The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes and Mollie King, sitting front row. And the likes of Made In Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue and Proudlock having to stand with the regular people (slient snigger) to watch the show. But there were cheers all round when a shy-looking Rihanna took to the stage to stand with models wearing her designs.

The collection hits the stores next month in March and then it’ll be up to the public and the sound of the cash registers to decide on its success…

I’M not one for picking up calendars but during one of my – MANY – markets over the Christmas period, I couldn’t resist this one from @cafeartuk 👌🏾

The amazing snaps featured were the result of 100 single use cameras being handed to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness whether through addiction or mental health issues.
It was great to hear about the project so just thought I’d share 😁

You can read more about #mylondonphotoproject on their Instagram page or visit the website www.cafeart.org.uk