Monthly Archives: December 2009

Who doesn’t drink champagne for breakfast?

Oops, haven’t updated in far too long, I’ve been a busy bee (you know debaucherous festive times…), and a tad ill if I’m entirely honest. It is nearly Christmas, that rather scares me – it’s a mere three days away! Good thing I sorted my presents weeks ago, and stocked up on the champs already.

Speaking of champagne, I was looking up quotes on champagne (as you do), and I decided my favourite two. I like them particularly because despite their short length, they have a profound effect. There are longer quotes which are equally good on champagne, e.g. Lily Bollinger’s famous one, but I just found these two particularly potent, and relatable to.


noel-coward

“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn’t everyone?”
- the late, Sir Noël Peirce Coward

John-Maynard-Keynes

“My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough Champagne”
- the late, John Maynard Keynes

So one of the big questions at a this time of year is of course; which Christmas gift to buy for someone?!

I did my Christmas the other week, here are a few of the things I bought – I’m quite a traditional man when it comes to gifts; but you never know you might get some inspiration! These are awfully photographed by me quickly, using my bed as a back drop ha.


merryclinique
For any lady (or man, Clinique Skin Supplies for men too!) in your life maybe a bit of Clinique, you can’t go wrong there! I bought my mother some Clinique for Christmas. Clinique’s Christmas wrapping is rather cute, and because I spent so much I got a lot of ‘freebies’, which is always a bonus.

cliniquefreebies
The Clinique Freebies, they’re sat on a make up bag they give you (they also give you a bigger bag). Perfect to add to another present. I personally wouldn’t give these to my mother, but they make a great little gift for my little sister with other things et cetera.

missdiorcherie
For the little delights in your life, in my case my dear darling sister. Nothing beats the refreshing scent of Miss Dior Chérie – it really is a treasure!

moltonbrown
For anyone in your life (in my case, my older brother!), nothing beats the scent of a bit of Molton Brown – be it fragrance, shower gel, hand wash, or facial cleanser. There is something about Molton Brown product’s – they are simply divine.

paulsmithcufflinks
For any man in your life; cufflinks, sure you’re thinking cliché right? Well, they’re cliché for a reason. It’s a classic present, because it works – a man can never have too many cufflinks. I love these Paul Smith ones I purchased for my dear brother.

I also bought A LOT of champagne, and prosecco, you can’t not? A lot of stores are doing special sets for Christmas, e.g. with a cooler, a special glass, et cetera. You also have the mini bottles (200ml) of champagne, the ‘POP’ Pommery ones with the union flag look rather fresh, and fun. Then you have Moët et Chandon’s Swarovski crystal bottles – which just add that little bit of ‘glam’ to a bottle.

My father, who has interests in genealogy, posted some old photos on his Facebook from my paternal ancestors. Some of the photos are brilliant I just have to share;


revedwardadey
Rev Edward Adey – My great, great, great grandfather. Born 1799 Turnham Green, Middlesex. (Who is also on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Adey. Remind me never to grow a beard like that ha!

edwardadey
My great, great, great grandfather Rev Edward Adey when he was younger.

johndanieladey
John Daniel Adey – My great, great grandfather. Born 1838 Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

edwardhenryadey
Edward Henry Adey – My great grandfather. Born Tuisdale, Buckinghamshire 1869. I just love this photograph, looks rather debonair!

grandparents
My grandmother, and grandfather; Kathleen Joan Adey, Edward Anthony Adey circa the 1960s.

I just found them rather interesting, old photos tend to always be interesting – or so I find. It’s a shame in this day, and age, that we document everything by technology – because it’s not going to be here forever. I think carbon copies are needed! A physical copy has more chances of surviving some generations than a digital copy, that is for sure.

I was disgusted to read that the children’s charities who received the Aleksandr Meerkat’s from Harrods’ boss Mohammed Al Fayed, have been auctioning them off for fifty times the original price of £20.


meerkat

Due to such high interest, and demand in the little cuddly toy, Harrods decided to donate all 5,000 to children’s charities, for the sick children to enjoy, them, and feel as if they have received a present that is that little bit special.

Great PR move, and of course received tons of publicity – but charities have been seen auctioning the £20 soft toy for £920. Yes, that money is still going to charity – but that is not the point. The soft toy is been sold at ridiculous prices only the rich could afford, they were donated to charity for the children to enjoy, not for profit. That’s my thoughts on that anyway uhm…

Retail therapy always helps with my mood, especially when it’s cold, wet, and wintery. Treated myself to a few pieces recently:

7
Aubin & Wills top

10
A jumper from dearest Ralph, Ralph Lauren that is!

3
Aubin & Wills top, Thomas Burberry jacket

1
Mustard COS jumper, I simply love it!

The tree is up (real of course), general prepping for Christmas done, I’d say it’s time to relax now. Had enough excessive nights out, okay that’s a lie, you can never have a enough, but time to take it slow, and enjoy the time off! Before you know it Christmas will be here.

How are you spending your Christmas?

Santa baby, oh god is it that time again?!

So dear readers, December is upon us… Christmas is actually a discussable topic now – as far as I’m concerned it’s no longer taboo.

I have a few questions, where did November go, and, most important, how quick has this past year gone?! It’s becoming that time of year where we all in over indulge, drink too much champagne (is there such a thing as too much champagne?), eat too much Turkey, and generally spend too much money (oops).

It’s also time to grab out last year’s slacks, or that glittery frock; as Christmas party season is open. You can be debaucherous, and have an excuse other than just because. After all, now it is December – Christmas can take over.

Although the big question is, what is going to be under your Christmas tree (I certainly hope it’s a real tree at that!) this year?


tree

So what is going to be underneath your tree?

Will there be little blue boxes from Tiffany?

tiffany&co

Maybe a gift from Louis V?

louisvuitton

Perhaps a cashmere jumper from Marks & Sparks (they really are divine!)?

cashmere

Or even an electrical goody?

macbook

Perhaps even think outside the box, and instead of a Christmas tree… a palm tree on a tropical beach, with some champs, and a loved one?

tropicalbeach

I haven’t even considered Christmas yet, but as every year previous it’ll be here before you know it. So best to stock up on the mulled wine, and get planning – because the inevitable wrapping presents at 3 am on Christmas Eve, well Christmas Day is never fun (although sipping mulled wine can make it fun…).

I have not started shopping yet, I have no idea what to get anyone – so it looks like a trip to Selfridges, Marks & Spencers, and Harvey Nichs sometime is on the cards; after all only twenty odd days to go. I think I shall start shopping tomorrow. I finally got a new debit card, so life can go on. Fantastically quicker than I expected! Having lunch tomorrow avec Neil, and then heading for a night out in Worcester I believe – unless I come across something else worth doing.

As for what I want for Christmas? I really don’t know, if I want something I tend to buy it for myself. I’ve been looking at a few things online, but there is nothing I like enough to ask for.

It was my brother’s birthday yesterday, consequently went out for dinner; it was gorgeous. I managed to eat all of my 15oz sirloin steak, and oh my, was it delicious! I consumed quite a lot of gin & tonics too, but there’s a change ha! I even shamefully dropped sambuca into redbull avec my parents, yes that is really shameful!

I’ve been a tad under the weather this week, I’m hoping that goes away for the weekend – not that’d stop me going out. This week, everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong, and a few people have rather upset me – but I suppose one just has to get on with life!

London on Monday was tiring, I of course ended up spending far too much in Abercrombie. I love Abercrombie & Fitch, it’s such casual luxury, and I am a huge fan of casual luxury. I feel luxury, even casual luxury is an essential part in all our lives. As Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel once said; “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.”


cocochanel

I really appreciate the soft rich cottons, the soft touch of the flannel… it’s like laying in bed, lovely, and snug – but whilst on the go. There is something comforting about Abercrombie’s clothing, it’s comparable to an emotional protective layer from the world ha.


hoody

Sure, £80 is a lot for a hoodie, but who can put a price on comfort? As far as I am concerned it’s worth it! I myself own too many Abercrombie hoodies, but I like a bit of variety – although it’s getting difficult to not buy one looking exactly the same. Abercrombie needs to introduce a few more colours, and shades with each season – that is probably my main criticism.

This entry is just a short one, sat enjoying my Cava (saving the champagne for the weekend, makes it that extra bit special – as much as I love champs just because!). I have a lot to do! Christmas planning needs to be undertaken, and on top of that I’m enjoying catching up on my sleep (doesn’t happen often!)

P.S. If you’re not following me on Twitter, I suggest you do; http://twitter.com/kaleidoscopeboy, just because you know Twitter, and I are that amazing of course.