Merry Christmas

I guess I start with the question, “what did you receive?” Somehow it is also laughable the things that I receive from my parents. I do not mean to be ungrateful, but if you look up my site biography, you will wonder where a spray tan machine fits with my own particular brand of beauty. Never-the-less, without going over board, I have enjoyed the fact I have been more of a giver this year than a receiver when thinking of gifts. I also spared the time to wrap my gifts; normally I cheat and put them in decorative bags or pay someone else to do it for me.

I have also received one or two special gifts, one as a result of a comment said in jest and at my forgetful nature to wrap up warm, thanks to a special mascot.

But, I have to say, I received the kind of news which only over-shadows any physical gift this year, and at a particularly festive time was very welcome and surprising at the same time. If we have met, then maybe I can share this, but until then, I am just being a tease.

Perhaps for some of you out there, Christmas was a very uneventful day, as I noticed 150 people checked out my website. Maybe you were all snug, but thinking about future plans for after the mound of turkey, and for when the in-laws have been packed away, back to their own homes. I also received one or two festive text messages which I appreciated, but oddly a phone call as well on that day, which was certainly perplexing and not appreciated. Especially when you quickly figure that the person in question wants to waste time on such a day. Hopefully, you had a lovely time with better things to do, but you will just have to wait for New Year’s fun, rather than the festive variety from me. Happy New Year and a warm welcome to 2008.

Ramsey V Macdonalds

Is Gordon Ramsey the Ronald MacDonald of Michelin starred restaurants around the world? I know that technically he would not like any of his restaurants referred to as a chain, I am sure he would be offended. But it is certain that his name is founding restaurants in major cities and events towns in some parts of the English speaking world and much further I suspect. But I am sure his all encompassing genius for managing such things, there will be a time, whereby his name will be as prevalent as the golden arches, only of course they stand at very different ends of eating establishments.

I write about this as I was invited this week to one of Ramsey’s restaurants and I had a wonderful time there too. But, I think it was more to do with the mischievous nature of the company I was spending time with, and no matter where I go, it is always nice to be treated as a special guest and view my hosts effort and thought. This week Kate Spicer’s reviews Ramsey’s restaurant ‘The London’ in New York in the following Times article:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article3071915.ece

Although, I fail to see the writers view on there being an issue with Ramsey’s restaurants being a safe bet. I think his restaurants cost a little too much to risk a culinary firework display. Especially if it is the kind of place people rely on to celebrate and impress their guests or reward work colleagues.  I also find it very strange that the times always seems to have articles, just at the time that I have thought, talked about or taken part in some activity for an article to appear the following Sunday. As I have noticed that I do not have a reporter stalker, it must be down to subliminal messages. And I never thought I was that gullible to the effects of advertising.

I also worked within the catering industry some time ago and I like to observe how different restaurants operate, and I do hate bad customer service. (And please note I am a good cook, I will never achieve the quality of chef’s standard, but as per the punterlink review, I am pretty good.) I am very grateful for that time, it is certainly character building and the very best position for learning about how to treat people, how to be around people and to have some fun as well. For this reason, I am not a fan of being shown around the kitchens, and I would especially avoid the kitchen tour if Ramsey himself were present.

Punternet reviews

http://www.punternet.com/frs/fr_view.php?recnum=81228

My brand of fun involves a lot of hard work, Merry Christmas.

Well it is also true that I put a lot of effort into meeting you gentlemen. What with buying clothes, which as strange as this sounds is a bit of a chore to me, I try to do as much as possible online. With the exception of vintage shops which are little treasure troves of gems and never with the same hassle factor as with other shops. But no, I have spent the last two days in housewife mode, only without the husband and a little more glamorous with the red lips. I was trying to welcome some foreign friends of mine who have never experienced Christmas, as we know it to be here in the UK.

I think I managed to pull of the stops out to spread a little cheer to my friends. They just could not believe that the Turkey and all the usual trimming was the usual requirement of a Christmas dinner. Maybe here in the west we are gluttonous. There is something about working very hard for entertaining purposes, which means that as the host you cannot sit down all night, I can imagine women all over the UK on the 25th are on hyper-drive and need valium at the end of the night.

But as the first time I have ever made this kind of effort instead of sitting back and receiving (?) all the good stuff. And I find, in any context that it is worth it. There is nothing better to see the look on people’s face and seeing then enjoying all the hard work I put into anything that I do. In addition, how seasonal can the party be as we celebrated a new born child? This blog may be rather twee, but when you also spend some time around your parents, XXX rated thoughts tend to go out of the window as I play the good girl role. 

Hopefully, I have some time to catch up on my fantasy scenarios tonight.

To Scotland, with love. xxx

On the upside, there are some great people far over the Roman walls which are just great. Thank you for making sure my trip to Scotland was pleasurable. I fell in love with Scottish energy and personalities some time ago when I danced in the cities. Firstly in Edinburgh as a group of girls were asked to fly up north to represent the club Spearmint Rhino. I do remember it being particularly nippy at that time, but we made the most of Scotland, as the club would close at 1am, there was plenty of time to act my age and enjoy myself after work. That weekend, Jordan a.k.a. Katie Price, also came to open the club and I was approached by her manager to dance for Jordan as part of a documentary. But I have my reasons for being publicity shy even then for anything requiring my pictures all over the place. Good luck to anyone that has to live that way, but fame is not my cup of tea, I would much rather be her manager, and it makes more sense too! Always choose to be the power behind the throne, which is my preference.

I discovered the great fudge kitchen, which I always go on about, but I missed out this last week. Just so you know guys this can be ordered on-line, not as long lasting as stockings, but I can live with only memories.

However, I have to say, whilst Edinburgh is a wondrous city and I can imagine the backdrop to Jekyll and Hyde as many say this is real source of scenery in the novel and not London. There is always much more adventure to be had in Glasgow. I also worked in a club there some time ago. Only bizarre things can happen in Glasgow, as it is not too straight laced. I think this is the first time I ever got locked into somewhere, and I tested the hypothesis about kilts. The quality of the city seems to have vastly improved. Of course, aside from the gentlemen I have met there, both cities have fantastic retro stores to ponder in. I met with a lovely girl from one of the sites I am on and we went to eat at monster mash, sorry serious comfort food, and yes aimed at the student market. We followed that up with a trip to a wonderful shop. You can be sure that my purchases will be added to one of my photograph collections soon enough.

Well anyway, I shall certainly return to Glasgow in the not too distant future, so here is my dedicated to this great city. See you soon guys.