There’s nothing I hate more than not being able to see clearly – I’m the one who complains if I have to eat in the dark, or I’ll be the one muttering if I can’t see the performers on stage at a concert – I’m definitely a visual kinda gal!

But, this didn’t stop me from heading to the launch of the RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People’s) See Through Sound gigs, where music lovers are given ‘sim specs’ (glasses that simulate reduced vision) to wear to provide an insight into what it’s like living with sight loss.

With the fabulous Newton Faulkner and former Made In Chelsea alumni Andy Jordan taking to the stage at The Venue in Great Portland Street, while wearing the ‘sim specs’ I had the opportunity to simply focus on the music.

Grabbing a quick chat with Andy following his performance he explained he was supporting the cause as many of his family suffer from eye defects.

Happy to use his musical talents for the RNIB launch, he told me: “I’m just enjoying life. I think I’ve moved away from Made In Chelsea now – I’m just me! Enjoying doing my music – and surfing.”

He even admitted: “I don’t watch MIC – I never did even when I was on it.”

And his thoughts on the recent fallout between former MIC besties Stephanie Pratt and Lucy Watson?

“I didn’t know Stephanie and Lucy had fallen out but to be honest I don’t give a f***. They’ll do whatever they can to get more Twitter followers and Instagram likes.”

Ouch!

Well, concentrating on putting the days of MIC well and truly behind him, Andy will be among performers at the See Through Sound gig at Cadogan Hall on October 14.

Get your ticket at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.cadoganhall.com.

NO matter how hard I try, with two kids my flat is ALWAYS overflowing with toys! So, if like me you’ve had enough, why not give the British Heart Foundation a call?

The charity which funds vital heart research, has put together a dedicated team to come to your door to collect up all those unwanted pre-loved toys.

From Monday April 8 to Friday April 12, a fleet of van drivers will be on hand to pick up toys – both big and small – simply give them a call to book.

To add a personal touch, they’re encouraging you to label up the item and write a little about the toy, so its new owner can find out where it came from – a fun activity to get the children involved in!

There’s also the chance to get active on social media with the hashtag #MyToyStory to talk about the toy you’re donating.

Last year, the event raised a massive £3m!

To book a free toy collection, call 0808 250 0220

LOCKDOWN life has become way too much of a reality for my liking, but, it’s also been a chance to explore the opportunities out there, open new doors and find comfort in talking to strangers who you can’t help but connect with over this crazy shared experience.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m struggling with this new way of life just as much as the next person, but I’m desperately trying to remain positive.

For me it was a great moment when I was asked to be involved in Joanne Warren Moore‘s amazing photography series raising funds for Smart Works, a UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for their job interview.

After months of being stuck indoors with a hyper toddler and the challenges of homeschooling a tweenager, I was more than ready to put on some lippy and (attempt to) strike a pose! Not to mention the challenge of juggling all that with my ‘day job’ as a journalist AND my clothing and home decor business, By Kala X.

The project is entitled This Woman’s Work and in her own words, Joanne, who is a fellow East Londoner, explained: “I’m an advocate for women supporting women and this project is designed to do just that.”

“Juggling homeschooling, a business & in general keeping everyone alive & well is not easy!”

She went on: “I also want to provide a platform where women can share their strengths in having to adjust during very difficult circumstances and to tell other women of any success stories or top tips in business reform.

“In return for the photography session and images I am asking those that can for a voluntary donation to Smart Works to help support unemployed women into work during the recovery of this pandemic.

“All proceeds raised will go directly to this cause. There will be so many more women in need of support during these uncertain times.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself and to date, Joanne has helped raise over £3,000 for the much-needed organisation.

I loved having the chance to focus on just me for my session with Joanne and as you can tell by the resulting pictures we got on like a house on fire!

And what was my own little Lockdown Lesson, I hear you ask? Read on for my pearls of wisdom…

“I think lockdown has helped thousands of us to realise just how strong we are. Juggling homeschooling, running a business and in general keeping everyone alive and well is not easy!

“For me forward planning went out of the window, but I found it easier to deal with smaller, daily, bite-sized tasks. It felt more manageable and much more of an achievement when completed.

“I’m also very lucky to have a network of friends who regularly remind me to not be too hard on myself.”

To find out more click here.

 

One of the nicest ladies in showbiz, it’s always a pleasure to catch up with singer, Britain’s Got Talent judge – and most importantly, fellow working mum Alesha Dixon.

Bumping into her at the Little Black Dress cocktail party, in the glamorous surroundings of Piccadilly’s Hotel Café Royal, she broke the news that she’s joined the online retailer and fashion brand’s board of directors.

Fresh from releasing her latest album Do It For Love, Dixon spoke of her desire to see Little Black Dress develop into ‘more of a lifestyle brand’, for the company to forge links with charities such as domestic abuse charity Refuge and plans to create her own collection early next year. And so, yet another string to add to her bow.

Dixon, who’s mum to daughter Azura Sienna (who recently turned two), was all smiles as we discussed our little ones, using the words ‘it’s great, isn’t it?’ to describe parenthood.  Well, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Juggling motherhood and the world of work is never an easy one, but it always helps to do it with a smile!

www.aleshadixon.com     www.littleblackdress.co.uk