Tag Archives: champagne

Guess who is back

Apologies for the recent downtime with Lorien.Me, I had a few technical hiccups and lost all of my data (quelle horreur). Fortunately after hours of working on it, phone calls to Fasthosts at 4 am, far too many cups of Nespresso coffees (loving the hazelnut variation) I am BACK – although please bear with me if anything is a bit ‘wobbly’ at first (I am working on it!).

When I last blogged I was just beginning to feel festive and now in what felt like a blink of my eye Christmas is over and we are already into the first few days of the New Year. Christmas is one of my favourite points of the year. To me it still holds that little bit of magic; the atmosphere it creates is so much greater in importance than the materialistic side of things. I love how it brings everyone closer together and how it just seems to have a generic sparkle. I am sure the excessive quantities of great food and abundance of champagne does not hurt mind…

Moët & Chandon bottle

Goodies from Selfridges foodhall

Christmas turkey

I hope that everyone had a superlative Christmas and I wish you all the best of luck in 2013. On that note one particular thing I hate about New Year is how everyone seems to take the ‘new year, new me’ approach to resolutions. From experience I find for most people this approach does not work and their resolutions are abandoned before we even get to February. I do not think you should be looking at a new you – work at improving who you already are one step at a time with continuous specific improvements through out the next year (and so on for every day of your life). Reflection and laughter are key in this. If you are not happy with your life then do something about it!

Words to live by in 2013

When I was re reading Breakfast at Tiffany’s over Christmas one particular line stood out to me. Granted I have taken it out of original context but it is something I am taking inspiration from to adjust my outlook in the upcoming year. I am loosely interpreting it simply as just because I may not be considered ‘normal’ (I hate that word; normality is after all a human social construct!) in many ways I do not need to change – I would rather be myself and be ‘natural’. A reductive interpretation perhaps but I see it as more of a guideline of how to live my life than the absolute law.

A Month in Snapshots VI

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I am becoming increasing alarmed at how quickly this year is going; and even more alarmed that this is my sixth monthly snapshot post. The past few weeks it has noticeably become more Autumnal with leaves falling all about, the temperatures dropping slightly and for the first time in a long time it has been cold enough to dip into my knitwear and coats (much to my joy). We have also had a fair bit of rain (well I guess this IS England) – it seems I re-stocked up on Collonil just in time.

It was my birthday yesterday and I had a lovely meal at Fusion Brasserie in Worcestershire with my family – I really recommend it to any fans of Italian cuisine. I will be celebrating that a little more this weekend with more champagne and carnage no doubt… I would like to thank my friends and family for my birthday wishes, gifts and generally making my day rather pleasant.

I love to eat out, food is one of my preferred indulgences. I eat out quite a lot particularly on the weekends and the past few weeks have been no different. Particular dining highlights in the past month include; Fusion Brasserie (as mentioned above) in Worcestershire, Bodega in Birmingham (an old favourite!), Sabai Sabai in Harborne (great value tasty Thai cuisine), Hummus Bros in Soho (a unique concept based around you guessed it; hummus), The Orrery in Marylebone (I loved the dressed dorset crab and parfait foie gras) and Hotel La Tour‘s restaurant Aalto in Birmingham (the char-grilled pork chop is sublime).

Now for my adventures lately… where to begin? Of course the usual debauched nights out in London and Birmingham, gin flowing, champagne bubbling, steak at 5 am, avoiding the rain and having a gossip whilst soaking up culture in The National Gallery, shopping along Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, inspirational comments on toilet doors in nightclubs, frowing at Style Birmingham Live with Shopping in Birmingham (and it’s MANY after parties), catch ups over Moët Rosé with one of my best friends, further adventures at BMAG, discussing french and etymology with a certain someone, going to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower in cinema (really recommend), drinking champs with excellent company at Mile High in Marco Pierre White Birmingham’s Laurent Perrier bar, running around Birmingham in Louboutins, having tea in an Edwardian tea room and just generally loving life.

There is a change in the air and it is a good one…

So tell me what have you been up to lately then? Comment below!

A Month in Snapshots V

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Has it really been five months since I first started doing these monthly snapshot posts? Apparently so… It is fascinating how so much can change in five months and how much everything despite this manages to stay the same – for better or worse I suppose. This month I have tried to push myself out of my comfort zone a lot more than usual and the results have been mixed however the experience priceless. One thing I have definitely realised is despite the highs and lows life is truly beautiful.

I have cavorted around Madrid in the sunshine drowning myself in gin, tasted wine and port at Loki in Birmingham, spent far too many nights out in central London, enjoyed late summer sun with champagne and friends, replaced morning coffee with espresso martinis and eggs benedict at Bank Birmingham, stayed in a hotel resembling a mental institution, found myself on the Kings Road quite a lot, been to the touring Pharaoh: King of Egypt exhibition at BMAG, leisurely walked around Notting Hill playing at being a tourist (such a beautiful part of London), got nostalgic over ice cream, saw far too many sunrises (not from waking up early either), been told the life story of far too many taxi drivers, danced in a nightclub ‘pool’ in my pants, clambered over scaffolding at ridiculous A.M., found myself far too excited over truffles in the Harrods’ confectionary hall, cuddled up in bed on colder evenings wrapped in cashmere with my Kindle and chocolates and met a lot of new wonderful people.

So what have you been up to the past month?

A Month in Snapshots III

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That time again already? Apparently so! I cannot believe how quickly this year is going. So this is my edit of the past month in Instagram snapshots – as always feel free to follow me on Instagram (my username on there is kaleidoscopeboy).

This month I have made the effort to be more spontaneous, and I have said ‘yes’ when I perhaps before would have said ‘no’. There is something about being outside your comfort zone, and just going for things that I feel develops you as a person. Biting the bullet, and just going for it once in a while really makes you feel alive.

A lot of last minute trips to London town, frolics in Paris, Givenchy moments, running around in Jimmy Choos, Lovebox festival, scoffing my face at Ladurée, cocktails in Birmingham with one of my best friends, watching the sun set on the balcony at home, champagne at Dean Street Townhouse, adventures in Knightsbridge, Bayswater, drinks in Pimlico, lunch, and breakfast in Clapham, moments in Notting Hill and fun in Fulham (I like to mix it up), catch ups at Euston with a certain blonde, dinner at Malmaison Birmingham, and many exciting things on the horizon.

What I wore to Lovebox

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So festival season is in full swing, and I went to Lovebox on Sunday. I finally had an excuse to wear my Givenchy Rottweiler tshirt, here is what I wore it with (apologies to anyone on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook who may have seen the picture already):

Sunglasses: Mykita
Tshirt: Givenchy
Shorts: Burberry Brit
Wellies: Hunter

For me festival wear is about two things; practicality, and fun. Statement tshirts, and sunglasses are spot on. Kneevage is the new cleavage, or so I have decided (saying that I saw a lot of horrendous sights in far too short short shorts; which is really not a thing)! I actually bought the hood that attaches to my Barbour waxed jacket in case it rained – however I did not even need it in the end.

It was a very good thing that the sun was out so I could wear my Mykita sunglasses – I had a rather late night before Lovebox (it’s funny how another bottle of champagne at nearly 2.30 am seems perfectly reasonable at the time). I was originally going to wear my Tom Ford sunglasses however I decided that my Mykita are much more fun to wear for the occasion.

The Burberry Brit shorts are one of the pairs I bought for when I went to Spain earlier this year. I opted for my Hunter wellies in case it was muddy – fortunately that was not the case; however I would rather be safe than ruin a pair of beloved shoes.

What do you wear to festivals? Are you going to any this year?

A Month in Snapshots II

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Following on from my last ‘A Month in Snapshots‘, I have decided to make it more of a regular occurrence sharing with you once in a while a select few shots from my Instagram profile – which is kaleidoscopeboy should you wish to follow me on there. I find for me personally, looking back on my months like this makes me appreciate life that little bit more.

What a month! Terrace parties, tea parties, fancy dress parties, birthday parties, general parties… In the words of Vile Bodies; ‘what a lot of parties‘! Frolicking through the Mailbox at 5 am smiling after a great night out, afternoon tea at Hotel La Tour Birmingham, popping out for coffee in the morning, and not getting back till the next evening (…more than once), running around in Louboutins, ice creams in the sunshine inspired by childhood nostalgia, glittery macaroons (amazing right?), 612 moments, Saturday champagne bar crawls around Birmingham in the sunshine, adventures to the depths of North Wales, the first Pimm’s of the season, dinners, and champagne in the sun, cuddles with the doggies, and time with my family. The past month has definitely been on top form, I have met some great people, caught up with some good old friends, and loved nearly every moment of it.

A Month in Snapshots

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The past month has been marvellous. I often enjoy having a look back at what I have done (reflection is such a great thing), and personally I find the best way to do that is through photographic snapshots. There is something about capturing a memory, or a moment that is almost magical. I thought I would share with you some photographs I have posted on Instagram in the past month (my username on there is kaleidoscopeboy should you wish to follow me!).

Some of the highlights include spending time with family, and my nephew, finally meeting my blogger friend Sarah in London for champagne at Sanderson Hotel’s Long Bar, and then going with her to meet designer Yan To to see the ‘dress’, London Fashion Week frolics, seeing Kate Moss, the Reiss SS12 LFW party, spending an afternoon at the V&A, and the National Gallery, Sunday pub lunches, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge Fifth Floor (enough said), breakfast in Sloane Square, shopping on the Kings Road, loving ‘life’ and ‘biscuits’ in Birmingham town, bubbles at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, drinks at Nobu, catching up with friends in Bodega Birmingham, dinner parties with friends, a particular lazy Sunday on the terrace watching the world go by, drinking cocktails, and devouring Dominos (ha!), delights from Selfridges’ Foodhall, general London adventures, and nights out in London town, evenings rolling in bed reading on my Kindle, deliveries from Matches Fashion, the signs of spring in my garden, and just generally enjoying life.

Loving Life

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I would apologise for not blogging as much as I would usually, but I am not sorry. Not at all, not one bit. The past few weeks I have found myself on ‘cloud nine’, I have been ridiculously happy, and high on life for no apparent reason. I am absolutely loving life, and loving biscuits (okay not really, but that’s an inside joke between a certain few individuals). At times I have to fight off the temptation to skip along singing to myself (okay not quite – but I do get that sporadic itch). Quite what has spurred on my sudden good mood the past few weeks I am not entirely sure, but I shall not complain. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and for the first time in a long time I am smiling for no apparent reason (albeit quite manically – thank god my teeth are looking white). I did wonder if it was the glittery Jimmy Choos at first, but no it is more than that.

I am a firm believer in that all good things come to an end, but I am determined to enjoy this sudden ‘frenzy’ whilst it lasts. In retrospect I realise I lead a very fortunate, and excellent life; which a lot of the time I take for granted. I am very privileged to have such great friends, and family. So thank you for those who contribute to my life, and make it worth while.

The spot of sunshine we have had lately has got me squealing (not literally) in anticipation of summer; my favourite season. I am very intrigued as to what this summer holds, and equally excited as to what adventures are to come. The tan may fade, but the memories are forever. I feel I am ready to take on life. I have had a vivacious few weeks lately which have reminded me that life is for living (and loving!) – simply existing isn’t good enough for me.

So here’s to more memories, more laughs, definitely more bubbles, and lots more to come. Cheers to that!

Harvey Nichols Birmingham Turns Ten

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It’s very rare that a week goes by, and I do not pop into Harvey Nichols Birmingham. I often joke that it is my weekly pilgrimage, and my friends tease me asking me if I know there is actually more than one store in Birmingham (I still don’t think there is – not worth going into anyway ). My bedroom is littered with the crisp white shopping bags, I struggle to find things in store I like that I do not already own from the current season, and my bank statements reads like a phone with a lot of Harvey Nichols in it (I wish I was kidding there).

There is no escaping it; I am a Harvey Nichols boy through and through, and I do not see that changing any time soon (or ever). The Birmingham store provides unparalleled service with a personal touch, the staff members at Harvey Nichols Birmingham go out of their way for you, and they seem to share a passion like no other.

So when Harvey Nichols Birmingham celebrated it’s tenth birthday last Thursday with a star studded event (nearly got blinded by all the paps after Alexandra Burke!), naturally I was in attendance, and let me just say it lived up to all the hype. It was quite easily the party of the year; I got to catch up with old friends, and make new friends a like. The complimentary Perrier Jouet flowed all night, and the beautiful people came out in full force.

My photographs (taken with my iPhone mostly with the front camera after a lot of champagne) do not do any justice, so I included an official video from Harvey Nichols covering the event just to give you an idea. Saying that the video does not even do it justice; such a great night.

Harvey Nicholas Birmingham 10th Anniversary

Harvey Nicholas Birmingham red carpet

As you can see there was a circus theme. They even had pin the pony on Karl Lagerfeld, Louboutin shoe throw, bottle toss with champagne bottles, contortionists, dancers, photo dress up, magicians, and much much more.

Sarah Morris, and I

Becky Wynne, and I

Joey Essex, and I

Joey Essex, and I – apparently we look like brothers, but I am the less attractive one…

I generally do not think I have ever been to excited about candy floss in my life, but you know simple minds, and all that .

Harvey Nichols Birmingham 10th Perrier Jouet

Doesn’t everyone in the VIP drink Perrier Jouet out of the bottle with a straw? Oh okay, no? Just me, and my friends then… My bad.

I loved the after party wristbands (still have mine!). The after party was held at The Penthouse Birmingham, and the journey there can only be described as absolutely hilarious (it’s amazing how much fun one can have in a mini bus). So we partied till ridiculous o’ clock in the morning, and I certainly felt a little delicate the next day – but I’d still do it ALL again…

It has to be said Harvey Nichols Birmingham know how to throw a party; it’s an event I will NOT be forgetting any time soon. So thank you Harvey Nichols Birmingham, and everyone else involved.

The Catch Up

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It is that time again that I find myself apologising for not blogging sooner. I have had a tough week; someone dear to me died, and if I am honest the last thing I wanted to do was blog – so please forgive me on that…

I did not really cover much of my birthday on here (as I briefly mentioned: champagne carnage sums it up really), when I am not in my Polo Ralph Lauren pyjama bottoms (lazy Sunday) I will take a photograph of my birthday shirt (every year I get/buy a new shirt to wear out for my birthday) to show you. Until then here is a sneak peak:

Nothing like celebrating one’s birthday in a spot of Burberry Prorsum eh? . I will take a proper picture sometime, and post it for you to see.

I have a busy week next week, however there are two things I am predominantly looking forward to; the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards Reveal Party in London (thank you to everyone who voted for me – I really appreciate it!), and of course Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s 10th Birthday Party (which I would not miss for the world!).

Harvey Nichols Birmingham 10 years invitation

As per usual Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s invitations are elaborate, glossy, and spot on. From what I have heard and my previous experience at Harvey Nichols parties; it is going to be one hell of a lot of fun – I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to catching up with several friends in attendance, and of course meeting new people – do say hi!

This weekend I finally sorted what I am going to wear, no doubt pictures will follow… The best thing about these two events is that I get to debut my Lanvin flower pin:

Lanvin flower pin

Lanvin flower pin on lapel

Isn’t it just lovely? I have wanted to wear it for quite a while, but the right occasion has not cropped up until now. I did not want to just wear it just any old time, now I have two occasions in one week – perfect. Like it? Then don’t forget you can still buy yourself one from http://www.matchesfashion.com/ – they have a few different ones to choose from.