Crazy Stupid Pumpkin Love

Pumpkinny wumpkinny 

Oops. It's been a while since I've written anything here. I guess I haven't been doing anything that noteworthy. Although to be honest if I have to really fully analyse the situation, I could probably chalk up at least a whole two weeks being lost to scouring the internet for photos of Ryan Gosling. If you are that way inclined, may I recommend this website.

I've been to see him in Drive (the soundtrack literally won't leave my ears) and Crazy Stupid Love this month and might be a LITTLE BIT obsessed. Honestly, I have no idea where the time goes. I could literally stare at him for hours. Excellent example of the perfect man. Well done to everybody involved. If I ever met him in the street I think the only appropriate reaction would be to give him a standing ovation. The Ides of March is the next Gosling cinematic offering and I'm already rubbing my legs in anticipation.  And don't even try and pretend you aren't too.

Next of (pump)kin

So ANYWAY. Enough of my lusting after Hollywood celebrities. What a contrast between my last post and this! Last time I was reporting from the front line of the unexpected but fully welcomed and fondly remembered late summer 2011 heatwave (RIP)... and now here we are, clocks gone back and dark evenings closing in, wrapped up warm, central heating on, surrounded by pumpkins and fake blood.

It's no secret, I love Hallowe'en. This was a love that was spurred on all the more from my experience of a full-on American 'We'en during my time in New York. I'm not sure Britain will ever quite reach those heady heights but it doesn't stop me trying year after year!

I have actually purchased a further four pumpkins of varying sizes. True story.

The past five years or so have been spent constructing elaborate costumes and getting very very (very) drunk. This year I've decided to take it easy, by purchasing a whole armful of pumpkins and getting my carve on in front of the umpteenth showing of Ghostbusters. Which to be honest, is probably more fun and with less hangover.

Altogether now: Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... MASS HYSTERIA!

Friends With Benefits

Stacked 

Before anyone gets excited - not thooose kinds of benefits.

I've just come back from a delightful weekend in Brighton. I have a friend who has just moved to a gorgeous flat moments from the seafront (and also, Preston from Big Brother fame, apparently *sounds shit celeb spot klaxon*) and a bunch of us went down to visit. They are all friends that I met as we all did the same New York exchange programme and I love it when we all get together. It usually involves good food, good drink and good chat. Including but not limited to X Factor contestants and Youtube video analysis. Don't judge. You know you do it too.

Halloumi and houmous. Never have two finer 'H's been stuck in a sandwich

We started with lunch straight off the train at a great place, Bill's. It was a wicked weekend brunch spot, popular with the crowds, so a bit of a wait - but very worth it. Set up in a former greengrocers, the decor played off of the industrial functional feel of the building. Food was good honest well-sourced ingredients and I can confirm, they give good hollandaise. What more do you want in a brunch purveyor?

A girl keg! 

Then later, it was some kick-ass food back at the flat in front of X Factor. We cracked out the housewarming gift of a vintage medicinal-esque drinks dispenser with a cocktail recipe invented on the hoof (i.e. we had gin and they only stocked appletizer at the local shop - was pleasantly delicious).

NYC corner. Every home should have one. 

This concoction accompanied the brilliant menu of Pulled Pork Tacos, Avocado and Onion Salad and Crunchy 'Slaw. All Martha inspired and all finger-lickin good. I've gotta have these girls over for dinner soon and I can safely report the bar has been set high.

Feast

This was all devoured in front the X Factor and swiftly segued into feeding our (HEALTHY) appreciation of various divas on YouTube. Celine, Whitney and Mariah. In any order. 

I literally want nothing more of a Saturday. 

But I Couldn't Find The Broom Cupboard

 TVC

This weekend I went to visit the famous doughnut-shaped BBC Television Centre, which has played home to nearly all of your favourite British shows of TV history past, and also still some of your current faves. Strictly Come Dancing (which comes live from Studio 1, the back wall of which is in the above photo with 'Television Centre' on), Blue Peter, BBC News, Live & Kicking (and Going Live!), and the Broom Cupboard (anyone remember that!?!) and countless sit-coms and chat shows were all filmed here, the list goes on and on and on.

The site is currently up for sale, as part of measures to address a lack of spending cash-dollar in the BBC, which I think is a real shame given its rich history - but as its days are numbered, what better time to partake in a tour of the building?

 Bring Me Sunshine

The tour is really interesting, you get to see inside the news centre, inside Studio 1 and explained all the ridiculous intricacies of how to set up the custom built studios for a live set. They also give you the chance to see some of their star dressing rooms as well, and hear some of the stories of the countless stars the centre has played host to since the 60s.

Sadly, however, you don't get to see the Broom Cupboard. Or Edd the Duck. I know I know, but don't let that put you off!

 The Helios statue in the center of the doughnut

I mean, more than anything it was such a thrill to stand in the same concrete halls that some of the world's most famous people have been to. The tour guides had loads of stories of some of the craaazy things those celebs get up to. Mariah Carey apparently requested a box of puppies as part of her rider once, so she could stroke them to "relax" before her appearance - AMAZING. Totes on the same page with that idea. However, the good old BBC politely declined to provide. Wish I could have seen that conversation.

Studio 1 - The same studio doors the lovely couples of Strictly burst through straight after performing their dances! 

The building is very much of its time - it reminded me in many ways of my old school building, with classic 60s fixtures and fittings. In fact I'm pretty sure they could have got away with filming Grange Hill in the TV Centre corridors, it's definitely got that vibe. But the datedness of the building just serves to remind you of just HOW MUCH history is sitting within those walls. It's fascinating.

 Blue Peter, the world's longest running children's show - the studio board from the last time it was filmed at TVC this summer. It's now moved to the BBC studios in Manchester

The tour also gives you the chance to flex your presenting muscles and test your TV charm. You get to have a go at using the technology that is used to present the weather (so confusing!), and also get the chance to volunteer at using a dummy studio to present the news! My trusty housemate KINDLY volunteered me, and then videoed it, but there's is no way on God's green earth that anyone else is ever seeing that. Let's just say, I ain't no Moira Stuart.

Back of Studio 1

I kept my eye out for any famous faces that might have been working there that day, but as it was a weekend it was quieter than normal and I was out of luck. In hindsight I really should have booked for a Saturday once Strictly is back up and running again, as all the cast would then be in the building rehearsing for that evening's show - GODDAMMIT! Maybe I'll go again - the tours are only a tenner, so really cheap fun thing to do, so I highly recommend going before it is sold and it's too late!

No Sleep Til Brooklyn

 Brooklyn Bound

One of my favourite things in NYC is Brooklyn Bridge. I don't think I'll ever tire of its views, its stature, the fact that it is so unmistakeably New York. I love the twin gothic towering arches, the web-like suspension wires and the wooden rickety walkway with the rushing city traffic zooming over the East River underfoot.

Caught in a web 

One of my favourite things to do in the whole world is walk across Brooklyn Bridge, on a sunny day, end up at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and laze in the sun with this stunning bridge as a backdrop. Perhaps a little stroll up to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for some more spectacular views of the city.

Showing the bridge a little love. Some say too much.

In the summer, Brooklyn Bridge Park plays host to one of my favourite things - its one of the sites in the city that has a free movie summer screening programme. There is nothing better than making the journey to the park after a long days work, kicking back on a picnic blanket with a hot dog and a classic movie. The screen is set up so the bridge is in the background and as night falls, you bask in the city lights and truly feel that there is nowhere else on earth you'd rather be.

Aw at the random cute couple.

Sadly, on this trip, it was too early in the year to catch one of those screenings, and too overcast and windy a day to do much walking. But even to wander to the centre of the bridge, and get inspired by the architecture. I have about a bajillion photos of this bridge but every single time I come I always find something new to catch my eye. It's so romantic, so breathtaking and so completely New York.

Which makes it so me.

Up Town, Down Town, Turn the Beat Around Town

Railtrack gardens 

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yada, yada, yada. So you went to NY. WE KNOW. But what did you actually DO there?

That's what I imagine you (dear reader) to be saying right now. If not saying, thinking. And if you weren't actively thinking it, you probably secretly were deep down but you just didn't KNOW you were thinking it. So now you know, that I know, that WE ALL KNOW.

Capiche? Good.

 Diagram of bell sounds

 So here be some of the highlights of the stuff and ting I got up to this time round. One of the top things on my to-do list (that didn't involve eating) was to go and see the High Line Gardens. These hadn't been opened by the time I left and I'd always found the concept intriguing so was keen to visit in person.

It was quite a chilly and windy whilst I was up there, but the gardens were really pretty. One part that was particularly interesting was one of the Public Art installations on the 14 St Walkway (for that is where I entered the park). Here, Stephen Vitiello's 'A Bell for Every Minute' chimes the sound of a different bell recorded from somewhere in the New York City each minute, with a chorus of all the bells at the top of the hour. The above photo is the map of where each recorded bell sound is located physically. There were famous bells such as the Stock Exchange bell, the United Nations Peace bell, but also more everyday bells such as diner bells, bike bells etc.

It was really pretty to listen to and the sounds fill the space and echo out into the city. Definitely worth a visit.

Nomnomnom

I ate a loooot of food this trip, despite having (I think) contracted tonsillitis which flaired up for the duration of my trip. But, true to form and trooper that I am, I didn't let it hold me back from literally eating my way around Manhattan. The above photo was taken by my friend at the height of the tonsillitis pain, and I was eating the only thing that could possibly have soothed my throat at that time.

Rice pudding.

I don't normally like rice pudding but the only place IN THE WORLD that I will eat it is at Rice to Riches. On this occasion I chowed down on the cheesecake flavour with an Oreo cookie topping. Divine.

My fave 

No trip to NYC would be complete without a snap of my favourite building in the world, naturally. Our hotel was only a few blocks from the art-deco masterpiece that is the Chrysler, and we had a pretty awesome view of it out the window of our room. Bonus.

I wanna dance! 

 I also really really wanted to see another show on Broadway. While I was living out there I saw many shows (including one memorable occasion when I stalked Mario Lopez at the stage door and he completely blanked me. BAD Mario Lopez.) and they are always wonderful. This time I saw Billy Elliot. The storyline was so moving, BOY can those kids dance and of course, I loved the Elton John-penned score. My only gripe is that sadly, Americans just CAN NOT do a Geordie accent. Hell, I can't even do one and I'm British. I mean, they tried their best, but I couldn't understand what the heezy they were trying to say half the time.

Shame, as it was otherwise awesome. Think I'll try and catch it in the West End and see if the British version is better. (I think, probably, with the natural accent advantage)

Cheese? CAKE?

And of course, no evening at a Broadway show is complete without dessert at Junior's after the show. Junior's cheesecake is a New York institution. When I lived over there, whenever my boss and I wanted to sweet talk someone into doing something for us at work, we would run across the street to Junior's in Grand Central, buy a brick-like slab of their gorgeous cheesecake and use it as bargaining collateral. Worked every time.

Their slices are the size of my face, this was a chocolate mousse cheesecake and though there was willing (dear god was there willing), try as I might, I just could not finish it. SO GOOD.

When can I go back?

The King's Swan

Natalie Portman in Black Swan (Photo credits here)

I love this time of year for movies. In the run up to awards season all the big guns start getting released. Yes we've already had the pleasure of Inception and The Social Network (not seen and on the LoveFilm list/seen and loved, respectively) and the superb Toy Story 3, but January is the time when the front runners get their time to shine on the silver screens for us to see what all the Hollywood noise has been about.

Last night I went to see Black Swan. I was looking forward to it because I loved the idea of a thriller set in the gruelling world of professional ballet. The pain they put on their bodies, the pressure of a cutthroat profession, the beautiful dancing and costumes and stories they tell. OH THE MELODRAMA! Surely this would be right up my alley?

First things first - props to Natalie Portman, holy crap, she puts the method in method acting. I read somewhere she lost 20 pounds to play the role of Nina and trained as a ballet dancer for a year before filming started and boy did it show. It was an intense and believable performance of a young woman carrying the burden of prima ballerina. Loved Winona's brief appearance as the cast-aside hasbeen fallen star of the New York ballet (especially in that scene - at the risk of getting too spoilery - I haven't been able to go near a nail file since), and Mila Kunis was a welcome laid-back rebellious foil to Portmans uptight lead, and it was nice to see her not in comedy mode. And she can also do lesbian sex scenes too, so you know, there's something for everyone.

Mirrors were used in nearly every scene to convey the split personality themes, and the use of black and white and dark and light with flashes of (literally) blood red to punctuate key moments in Nina's descent into madness were the right aesthetics to set the mood. If anything I felt the soundtrack borrowed too much from the book of cheesy old-skool horror (scary moment = LOUD CHORDS!), but I can forgive that, as the storyline was so gripping (butt-clenchingly so) and the cinematography so gothicly gorgeous.

 Colin Firth in The King's Speech (Photo credits here)

The other Big Movie That Everyone Is Talking About is The King's Speech. I went to see this a couple of weeks ago and loved loved loved it.

I've never been Colin Firth's biggest fan. I mean don't get me wrong, he's not on the hate list (see: Tom Cruise, Nic Cage, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley - and that's just for starters) but he never really struck me as a stand out actor.  I was never part of the whole Mr Darcy wet shirt brigade, thought he was alright in Bridget Jones, pretty inoffensive in Mamma Mia (although nothing was more offensive in that than Pierce Brosnan's singing, but that's a whole other story). But then along came a A Single Man and I saw him in a whole new light. Well, a whole new different kind of role to be precise.

This guy can act. And he's proven it all over again in The King's Speech. I've never suffered from a stammer but I've heard from people that have that its the most suffocating, frustrating feeling. Firth really portrays the lifelong struggle of a pretty ordinary guy, with a loving wife and doting daughters, suffering but muddling through with an almost dibilitating afflication, when fate deals him a cruel blow. For this ordinary guy just so happens to be a member of the Royal Family, and is forced to take on one of the most public roles of all - the King of England - against one of the most turbulent political times of recent history. The country is on the brink of war, his brother has abdicated, and the world needs to see England has a strong confident ruler.

Firth brings out the frustration, the fear and the tragedy of this poor man and his situation. But also demonstrates the inner strength in the character. It is a heartbreakingly real performance and had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. Helena Bonham-Carter is, as always, fantastic as his loyal and forthright wife, our dear old Queen Mum, and Geoffery Rush is also excellent as the antipodean voice coach who, after initially getting off on the wrong foot, went on to become Bertie's lifelong friend and confidante.

I really hope The King's Speech does well this awards season and flies the flag for Brit cinema this year. Roll on the Oscars on Feb 27.

Work In Progress

Give Me Work To Last Me All Of My Life

Today I thought I'd share my current project that I'm working on. Mostly on Sunday afternoons in front of movies I've seen a thousand times before (today's offerings: Muriel's Wedding and, er, The Wedding Singer. Wow, if we could just ignore the subtext there. I'm sure it means nothing)

This is a cross-stitch tapestry, a set that I got for Christmas from my super housemate and even more amazing friend, Holly.

Hanging by a thread

The set comes with everything you need to get started: pattern, backing fabric, tapestry thread and needle - which meant that I picked it up a couple of days after Christmas and could just get cracking.

It's also huge. You can't really tell from these pictures but this is shaping up to be a substantial piece of work. I have no idea where I'm going to put it, but I know it's going to look beautiful. I've always loved cross-stitch since I was little. There's something about the rhythmic back and forth motions, and the neatness of the tiny little crosses all lined up in a row that appeals to me. I haven't done any for ages as it kinda got superceded by knitting in my craft repertoire but I'm really glad that I have this mammoth project to get me back into it for a little bit.

Rob Ryan and Emily Peacock. Match made in craft heaven. 

As you can see, it's a set that's a collaboration between Rob Ryan and Emily Peacock. Which made it the perfect gift for me. I've been aware of Rob Ryan's work for a long time now. He usually works with paper, and has the most intracate, delicate, touching of designs. If you ever get the opportunity, please check out some of his work. Or better yet, buy it.

Needle your way out of this one

Emily Peacock, I hadn't heard of until just before Christmas when some of her tapestry cushion designs were featured on Kirstie's Homemade Home. Or it might have been Kirstie's Homemade Christmas. Or Relocation Relocation. Who knows, but Kirstie Allsopp was definitely involved. Holly and I both were watching that programme and commented on how we loved the cushions featured. Apparently, she originally tried to get the kit to make those cushions but they had all sold out, so picked up this one instead. I'm actually happy about that because that means that a) I get to make my very own Rob Ryan and b) I actually prefer this design.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to it. This tapestry won't work itself you know. I hope to show you the finished article soon.

Plus also, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are totally about to get. it. on. Woop woop!

No Sleep Til Brooklyn

The city of blinding light

Yeah, so, let's catch up. After brunch on Sunday, we went across the street to sunbathe in possibly the best park ever. Brooklyn Bridge Park. I believe I have gone on, and on.. and indeed on, about how much I love the Brooklyn Bridge before.  But I feel these things can never be said enough. I LOVE BROOKLYN BRIDGE. Lovelovelove.

Heaven looks at you from the Brooklyn Bridge

And Brooklyn Bridge Park, is just spectacular. It's sandwiched between Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, with this stunning view of the city. In summer, it is one of many places in the city you can catch a free outdoor movie (one of the many reasons I frigging adore NY in the summer). I did this on Thursday night, sobbing my wee little heart out. The reasons for this being threefold: a) the movie was 'Stand By Me', which never fails to get me crying, b) the view was just so so beautiful, through the sunset and then when all the buildings lit up and c) I had forgotten to bring my GODDAMN CAMERA! If that's not a reason to cry like a bambino I don't know what is.  

But don't worry, I'll go see the next good film there and bring that camera if I have to physically staple it to my forehead. Then you'll get to see what I mean.

Inspired by our movie outing, my friend Bex and I felt compelled to come back, on a sunny Sunday afternoon and drink in all the park had to offer. The sun, the view, the atmosphere.

Quenching a thirst

If you're wondering what all that water is coming out of the side of the bridge, don't worry.  It's part of some crazy-ass art thing, man-made artificial waterfalls. I think, at the moment, there's six of those bad-boys at various points up the East River. *Shrugs* I don't think I get it, but GOSH-DARN it's exciting!

Bex in the city

Sunday was so perfect for sun-bathing. I had my iPod in, there was a regular breeze to take the edge off the heat, and all I had to do was turn my head to the left to feel super happy.

And to feel at home. 

Never.Been.So.Happy

The Tale of a Sanguine Sunday and the Chelsea Cupcakes

Once upon a time, a terribly beautiful, yet unusually tall girl was working hard at her job in a far away land.  This girl enjoyed her job, but it had been a long week, and she was growing tired of the constant teasing from her co-workers, which, whilst she understood was light-hearted, could get annoying.  One be-spectacled coworker, who went by the name of Amel, was particularly distracting with his non-work-related talk of some guy called "Perez Hilton".  

The girl sighed and stared out the window.  Or she would have stared out the window if she sat by one. 

Her thoughts turned, as they often did, to the weekends.  Her mind wondered what it would be like to spend a day doing as many of her favourite things as possible.  She wondered what these would be..

Well, clearly, the first thing would be to go to the movies.  This was one of her bestest things to do. What to see, what to see?? She knew there was a movie out that she had been meaning to see for quite some time, but never got round to it.  She would go and see that.  She would see Sweeney Todd.  She would sit and watch it at the Clearview Chelsea cinema on 23rd, where the seats are big and comfy, and she could walk past the Chelsea Hotel and dream of when Russell Brand stayed there.  

*ahem* She would watch the movie, and it would be the best Johnny Depp film she's seen in a while.  She would be glad that he finished with that Pirates nonsense.  She would be happy that he is back to doing what he does best... deliciously ghoulish Tim Burton movies.  She would marvel at the singing, be shocked at the first disgusting moment when the razor cuts into a juicy throat and become enthralled at the spectacle of the vivid red blood spurting theatrically from countless necks after that.  She would be sad at the end, and be satisfied at the theme of those that seek vengeance ultimately get their just desserts.

Dessert eh? Hmmm.. after this she would be hungry.  She would consult her guide book, which would recommend a whimsical place by the name of 'The Cupcake Cafe'. Cupcakes you say? Better than Magnolia you claim? She will see about that...

Off she would march to 40th and 9th, off to see these cupcakes of note.. and sample their delights.  She would get there and be charmed by its beautiful interior.  Whitewashed vintage benches, thrifted chairs alongside marble slabs of table, adorned with fairy lights.  

And the cakes, the most prettiful cakes...

She would order cupcakes, quiche and a large cup of coffee...

She thought her friends and family would benefit from close up pictures of those cakes.. She would also drool a little bit.

She would tuck in....

And then she heard a voice...

"Laura-JANE is that work-related???"

She awoke from her day-dream, told Amel to shut his filthy piehole, and carried on reading Perez Hilton... uh *ahem* I mean, continued to do work.

THE END

Merry christmas.. you filthy animal

Can we dispense with apologies? I get it, I'm not good at updating on an often and frequent basis! This is clearly evident.  And even as I promise myself that I will try really, really hard to do better, there is just so much going on in the city that, the time I spend updating, I can't help feeling that I should be experiencing things that I still haven't yet.  Catch 22.. no?

But it is important to keep this blog up.. if only just as a record of my time here. And since my parents, my lovely, amazing, generous parents saw fit to equip me with the most beautiful thing that I've ever had the pleasure of owning (an apple macbook) when they came to visit at the beginning of December, I now really don't have an excuse not to.

So, I am currently missing my family a lot, as it is two days before Christmas and I'm not home! It's weird because I didn't think I'd want to go home, I thought I would be so excited about New York at Christmas time that I wouldn't have a chance to think about home. This has not gone according to plan.. and it's not anything to do with the fact that New York isn't magical at this time of year. It is. It's the most spectacular place at holiday time. I really love it. But it goes to prove that, especially at Christmas time, it's not the place that makes it special, and makes it mean something; it's being with the people who you love most.

So this evening on that note, I decided to watch Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. And Kevin's speech at the end when he stares up at the Rockefeller tree could have been me:

KEVIN: "I know I don't deserve a Christmas, even if I did do a good deed. I don't want any presents. Instead, I want to take back every mean thing I ever said to my family. Even if they don't take back the things they said to me. I don't care. I love all of them.. Including Buzz. I know it isn't possible to see them all. Could I just see my mother? I'll never want another thing as long as I live if I could just see my mother. I know I won't see her tonight, but promise me I can see her again. Sometime. Anytime. Even if it's just once, and only for a couple of minutes. I just need to tell her I'm sorry."

KEVIN'S MUM: "Kevin?"

KEVIN: "Mom?"

[turns back to the tree]

"Wow, that worked fast!"

Of course, I'm going to be missing everyone on Tuesday... a lot. But before everyone gets all worried, don't be! I'm sure I will be having a lot of fun too, and expect a good old blog about it soon.. promise!!

Merry Christmas xxx

Parklife

Sooo! I realise I don't update as often as some people would like!  Life out here is so busy, I work all day, I play all night, I don't got a lot of time, but I'm really trying to make time for this.

I especially wanted to blog about today simply because it was such a nice one.  I have so many photos, but I haven't managed to find a way to upload them without owning a computer yet.  I think I'm gonna ask one of my housemates if they mind me doing it on theirs until I have my own, hopefully they wont mind!

Well firstly, this week in general, work has been great, I'm really busy but in a good way, I think my bosses are pleased with what I'm doing, and Julie (one of them) said that she wants me to be able to go home next year not putting 'project assistant' on my CV, but that I'll have learnt and done so much that i can put 'project coordinator' so that's cool.  I went out to lunch with Julie and Pat (my other boss) on Friday to another really nice restaurant, Italian this time.

Also, we had our first lecture on Tuesday, on the American Constitution, cos we're doing the history module at the moment, I found it very interesting!  I think I'm going to enjoy this part.  I haven't done an awful lot more as I was very poor, but it was nice to have a few days chilling in the apartment.  Loads of new series of stuff as started this week on TV, the new Heroes, the new Ugly Betty, the new America's Next Top Model, the new Desperate Housewives is tomorrow, so I'm gonna be all clued up before anyone at home!  Even though I haven't done a lot as well, it's nice just walking from the PATH station to work and back.  I love just walking in New York in general, and there's so many different areas, each one has it's own atmosphere and vibe and there's always something to take your breath away.  I feel so inspired by this city, more than I have ever felt anywhere else.  At the risk of sounding incredibly cheeseXcore(!) I feel like I really 'get' New York, and more importantly, that it really 'gets' me too.  I feel like I'm really alive here.

On Friday we all got our first paycheck so everyone was in the mood for a bit of a celebration!  We headed out to a bar downtown called Madame X.  It sounds filthy but really it was just a regular bar, with a really nice little beer garden with fairy lights!  Then we moved on to a dive type bar for a few more cheap drinks called The Peculiar Pub... and then some of us ended up at this house club, it was a pretty cool night and very funny at times!

Today is what I really want to talk about tho.  I woke up feeling a little hungover but not hugely.  And it was such a gorgeous day so after lunch me and my friends, Zoe, Julia, Jenny, Russell and Tom took a fun trip to Central Park.  We had the idea that we were gonna hire some bikes and cycle round, but when we got there at about 3.30 they only had two left.  So instead we decided to go to the lake and hire two boats out.  It was so fun, I had a boat with Russell and Tom, and they took it in turns rowing at first cos I'd never done it before and so I was on camera duty.  But then I decided I wanted a go and I turned out to be better than both of them!  FYI, Central Park is the best thing ever!  It's crazy, there's all this city and then suddenly it stops and your totally at peace in this amazing nature playground.  I don't know what I was expecting, like some kind of really big field with a few fountains I guess, but it's amazing!  It's like really hilly and rocky and grassy and lots and lots of trees, and ponds and lakes and horses and cyclists and taxi cabs and merry-go-rounds and the paths all go over and under each other.  It's just so so pretty as well.

After that we walked back onto 7th and got coffee and cheesecake at a deli... the hugest slices ever!  Then we went back home and decided to go to see our first American movie.  One bad thing about America, and pretty much the first really bad thing I've been disappointed with (the second one being supermarket food), was the fact that they don't do sweet popcorn in movie theatres.  It's butter or nothing and then there's a squirty pump that lets you pour what is supposedly butter sauce but is really just this oily gloop all over your already shit popcorn.  Yuck.  Luckily the film we went to see was AMAZE, I actually cried at one point I was laughing so hard. it was 'SuperBad' and I know a lot of people at home have probably seen it already because I think its been out for a while, but for some reason it must've totally passed me by.  Anyway, if you haven't seen it, see it - it's SO FUNNY if you like that kind of stupid comedy.  And I do.  I am McLovin.

Sooo, I am really beat from writing this... its like 1.30 in the am... I think we're gonna try and get to a beach tomorrow on long island, but we'll see what time we get up!

ACTUAL LOVE (often mistaken for arthritis... don't ask) to everyone at home, love love xxxx