Zach Sobiech

This is one of the most beautiful stories ever, I cried throughout.

What an amazing man, in his words,

go out and make people happy.

xxx

My Life

Right now I am in Exam hell, so many exams that seem to drag on forever.
Role on the 30th for my bucket of gin and tonic.
Also I feel this sums up my revision experience this year...

Mima Rose

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Summer taunts

Three days ago I was licking away at my not so average Ice Cream from, ‘Mrs Wippy’ Ice Cream Van. With the awesome retro ice cream seller rocking out the craziest hair and amazing ice creams.

So I ask, where has summer gone, you hinted your arrival, was it to taunt me?

Mima Rose

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Steak, Glorious Steak.

"The Best Rump I have ever had..."

Last night I went to Hawksmoor Steak House and Cocktail Bar, they promote themselves as the home of  "the best steak in London. I think they should change it to the best steak in the world.

Flavoursome, beautiful cuts of meat, no sauce was needed. They charge by gram and the waiters are helpful and know what they are talking about. Especially with people like me who are having to ask which part of the cow the steaks comes from.

It is typical Shoreditch: trendy, mysterious and good at what they do. 

My amazing meal-steak to share

The cocktails were beautifully crafted and hanging around at the bar for the table was a delight.

Head into the restaurant area, low lit, slightly romantic full of couples and business men. The waiters are happy and give you time to chose and talk you through the process, the cut selection is huge, and the sides are well portioned. Tripple cooked chips were the best chips I have ever nibbled on.

It is an amazing place to eat, you pay for the experience and the amazing food, so go for a treat. 

Check out the website, and if you do want to check it out - book! It is extremely popular.

http://thehawksmoor.com/

★★★★ 4/5

Go get some proper steak.

Mima Rose

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Chanel Lego 2013 Clutch

Lego was a staple toy for most children, you could make anything you set your mind on.
Chanel has taken the charm of lego and made bright, colourful bags. That well, look like giant blocks of lego...but of course it has the famous C's.

Some may think Karl Lagerfeld has gone mad, first the hula hoop bags and now blocks of lego, is he pining for his childhood?

The pro's: the colours are bright, you can fit a surprising amount inside and you have the choice of making it a clutch or over the shoulder.

The con's: it is going to be expensive, you can tell by the celebrities that are promoting it at the moment, the people who are at the top of headlines. Rihanna will be carrying hers soon, just you wait. 

I actually quite like it, it's quirky and fun, and will easily add a pop of colour to any outfit. Especially with contrasting nails this could look very cute for summer sun. It is also very durable so you can bash it around on the tube and survive London rain. (Although I'm sure people who own this bag do not go on tubes and own umbrellas).

Also for going out a slinky clear and black with gold detail is also available, it would definitely call for some attention on a night out.

There are cheaper ways to relive your childhood, but like the hula hoop bag I think this will become a celebrity staple.

I just wish I could pay for it with monopoly money

Mima Rose

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Running Gear, have no fear.

Signed up for the marathon, I may not be able to run but damn I look good...

Here are my running essentials, lets see if they change when i become a bit more pro.

           

Karrimor Running Pieces, (L-R) Short running tights, Long bra top, Long running tights.

I chose to go for a set from Karrimor, which describes their running kit as:

"designed to give runners the comfort and performance they need. Modern design and fabric technologies."

They all have reflective trim which is good for night running around London and a pocket at the back which fits house keys and phone- which is very useful.

Breathable, tight but not suffocating and of course pink. Buy from www.sportsdirect.com and you can grab them for as much as 80% off.

Don't forget the accessories, water is crucial for long distance.

and for music, make sure you have it strapped to your arm. You can also fully make use of running apps on your smartphone like this.

So I may not be the best runner yet but I look dapper,  and really that's half the battle.

Mima Rose

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Running

Tortoise and the Hare

We've all hopefully read the story, the hare and the tortoise have a race, and the cocky hare takes a nap, the tortoise strolls on by and wins. The motto: Slow and steady wins the race.

Well I have just signed up to do a Half Marathon, the last time I ran was 2008, this may be an exaggeration but gives you some clue to how much of a non-runner I am. I am running with a team of friends, we have called ourselves, Scrambled Leggs, I am by far the worse runner, my stamina being a shocking 0. 

The thing is I am fit, I go to the gym I am a keen skier, I do lots of yoga and play hockey, but running oh my goodness gracious me. I have a whole new respect because it is hard. My first run showed me that running is very much a mental hurdle to overcome, I did 5k in 45 minutes with a mixture of walking/running and complaining. Luckily I have some lovely friends who can run and will help me get through it. The marathon is in September and right now I need a miracle to make it. 

So my friends I take comfort in the tortoise and the hare, because right now I am a big fat tortoise, who has a very big run ahead of her.

My friend sent me this and it seems very apt, they say to challenge yourself, and I am indeed doing that.

So wish me luck, and I shall be updating on the mammoth task ahead. Now pass me the rum...

Mima Rose

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Beautiful, sun-kissed London

Well done to all those who took part in the London Marathon, especially those who acknowledged the horrors that occurred in Boston.

The sun was shining on all of you, and London looked beautiful today, hello summer.

Tower Bridge in all its glory today, I am so lucky to be based in such a wonderful city.

Mima Rose

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Margaret Thatcher had Style.

Love her or hate her this women had swag. No one else wore a pussy-bow blouse or pearls like her. She rocked the Sloane look like no one else, she was the Iron Lady, with an Iron good style.

So Baroness Thatcher, lets have a look at your fashion highlights.

1. Pussy-Bow Blouse

Plain or Print, it makes work wear look fashionable.

Maggie showing us that this fashion can be jazzed up with some pattern, and of course co-ordination. Or plain and chique!

2. Know your colour, stick with it.

It also helps if it backs your political party

Maggie knew she looked good in blue, especially cobalt blue, it brought out those piercing eyes. She colour blocked like no one else, her clothes were powerful reflecting her personality.

3. Accessorise

Drape on some pearls...darling

Big pearl earrings, big statement necklace. Pearls are the epitome of sophistication, a fashion statement but not flashy. 

4. Big Hair

The 'Bigger the Better'

Sky high barnet made her famously recognisable, if her policy wasn't solid at least her hair was. Seriously, what hair spray did she use?!

Also note- even in her final years she stuck to her own style recipe that she knew worked, big hair, big pearls and lots of blue. She was smart and sophisticated and understood how important style and image was in being a leader.

So Maggie, Rest In Peace, controversial in life and death, but for me a real fashion icon.

Mima Rose

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Food Glorious Food...Canadian Style

Whistler has some AMAZING place to eat, from sushi to steak this place rocks it. Some restaurants will set you back, six of us managed to rack up $700 worth of food and wine. It was worth every penny. That is saying something when you spent the next night on toast.

My Top Three were:

1. Araxi 

If heaven contains a restaurant, it is this one.

The staff are super friendly, although they are charging you a lot. They all know their stuff, and perfection is their speciality.
Someone topped up my water with still not sparkling, I had an immediate refill and they got 'the look'.

For my main I chose the Yarrow Meadow Duck Breast,
roasted with spices and orange, grilled with local carrots with shisito peppers and crisp parmesan polenta and sesame, soy and ginger vinaigrette.
$29.50

The flavours were an explosion on the tongue and the portions although on the smaller side are so rich and full of flavour you feel wonderfully full.

This place just has the best food.
★★★★★ 5/5

2. Mongoli Grill

Tasty, healthy and extremely fun.

Grab a bowl, fill it with all the food on offer, meat, veg, noodles, fish, sauces. Make your favourite stir-fry combo and then watch the chefs throw it on a giant hot slate and cook up a storm. Who say's you can't play with your food? The chefs flip up a storm, juggle with tomatoes and earn themselves a very good tip. Sip some of their legendary cocktails...only downside my fortune cookie did not come true.

Also as food is priced on weight you decide how much you wan't to pay, we always do the fatty challenge- who can eat the most. 

Fun evening out

★★★★ 4/5

3.  Sushi Village

Some bloody good sushi

The Canadians can do fish, and they can do it well. Sushi is raw fish, so put the two together you get some bloody good sushi. Climb up some stairs to this hidden gem, and you will be transported into a Japanese haven. Not too knowledgable on your sushi? No problem, tell your waiter what you like and your price range and they will create a feast. Hot, cold, rolls, salads they have it all, and its all made fresh in front of your eyes.

We also had Robyn from How I met your Mother serving us, like an exact Carbon copy. It was amazing.

After about eight courses they almost had to roll me out, especially when I saw how little the bill came to! A very pleasant surprise in the city that charged me $11 for face wipes.

If you love sushi, go!

★★★★ 4/5

This is by far not it for Whistler, and their nightlife is just as wild as their skiing! 

Mima Rose

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Canada Fashion

Whistle for Whistler

I have just spent two weeks in the picturesque Whistler, Canada. I have now been going for so many years, I could technically get citizenship. I cannot put into words how much I love this awesome country, from the fast paced Ice Hockey, to the insane skiing opportunities.
Ski season is almost over but after two weeks of flirting, laughing and point blank staring I think I have found the fashions, according to the Canadians for next year.

1. A Beard.

Think Mumford and Sons, think lumberjack, think real men.

In all seriousness, beards were in. Maybe its because its the end of the season, and the gap year's can't afford razors? In the clubs or on the slopes, men were rocking these giant bushy beards, and I have to admit I kind of liked it.

If God hasn't given you the genes to rock out the beard I am your beardy-god mother...

Check out these bad boys, not only will you get looked at on the slopes, your face will stay warm. Averaging at £20 they're quite a good gift for your other half.  http://www.beardhead.com/

2. Tight Pants

Gone are the days where you would be skiing behind a snowboarder who had his pants by his knees, while you checked out his pert bum and giggled when he fell over at chairlifts. Its now all about the tight, streamline effect. Neon colours are still in though, which is always good in crap visibility. 

Check out all the main brands to see this new trend, Animal has some good ones for men as does Quicksilver. For girls check out Animal, they are rocking out some sweet prints.

3. Love Your Team

Canucks, Oilers? In Canada you don't just support your team. You love your team. You wear the jersey over your ski stuff, and you pretend, you pretend you are the top of your sporting game. You also give evils to other teams, and maybe push them on the slope...I definitely did not do this.

4. NEON

Honey Neon is everywhere! You have to wear goggles just to hide the blinding brightness of people's pants and jackets. It's like someone spilt a box of highlighters over all the material that would make ski wear and went, "yea, alright. That can be the fashion'. Doesn't match? Even better, think contrasting, clashing colour but make them bright. This fashion won't escape you when you get off the slopes either. This was me in a nightclub that went neon. 

Ok kudos, it looks good- even if that is my face. Also it was a bitch to get off, but whatever I was going for it. 

Next blog will be on the food and alcohol, so much alcohol I consumed over there, it rocked. They have salmon better than sex! 

Mima Rose

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Outcast London: East End

East London

As a student of History I get to explore a magnitude of events, cultures and themes throughout the human race. This can be extremely exciting and rewarding and sometimes scary, the phrase 'History repeats itself' is becoming increasingly true! One of my favourite modules is Outcast London: London East End from 1800 to the Present day.

Living in the East End has helped me grasp a sense of what life was like now and previously. Visiting Jack the Ripper hotspot Whitechapel the markets of Spittle Fields and Roman Road. Having a kebab in Brick Lane despite the fact this road used to house the Jewish population and their multitude of Bakery Shops (Now only two remain, and they are immense!). Outcast London was written in 1833 by lovely Rev. Mearns, it is the cry to the rest of England to help East London save it sins. Known for opium dens, prostitution, extreme poverty and many other victorian social vices. Skip past a few hundred years and modern day East London is looking pretty promising. Canary Wharf was ambitious and paid off creating a financial hub in the East. This paved the way for the Olympics to regenerate Stratford and lets not forget the monstrosity that is Westfield's Shopping Centre. East London is vibrant and upcoming with so much to offer, instead of looking to the future these are my favourite hotspots now:


Broadway Market
http://broadwaymarket.co.uk/

Take a stroll down Regent Canal, past Victoria Park (Viccy Park), you will stumble across a mass of houseboats some converted into book shops, cafes, hat shops. Exit off the River to Broadway street and you will hit the best Saturday market. Full of cupcakes, meat feasts, olives, dips and sauces to clothes and records. Handmade lingerie is one of my favourite stalls but with so much variety it will appeal to a wide ranging audience. Lining the street are some of the most amazing bespoke shops. If you are to venture there check out the amazing book shops and of course this wouldn't be an East London street without coffee shops dotted around, each one offering something different.

The Morgan Arms
http://www.morganarmsbow.com

This has been Michelin recommended and by God it's good!! The menu changes every week due to the Chefs picking out fresh ingredients. The wine menu is extensive and mainly the waiting staff have all done courses so know what they are actually talking about. The atmosphere is always electric, in the evening it is accommodated by students and locals alike having cheeky beverages at reasonable prices.  I have yet to find a place in this price range that does such good food, and if you ever want to stalk me I am here at least twice a week, the problem is so is the rest of Bow, so do book!

East End Thrift Store 
http://www.theeastendthriftstore.com/

Vogue labelled this the "Legendary cult vintage shop." I'm not arguing with that. Sometimes it can reminisce a jumble sale and you find yourself armpit deep in clothes trying to find a bargain but when you do, it has all been worth it! I live for their £10-£20 bag days, where I have learnt to play Tetris with clothes to get as many as I can in my bargain bag. Vintage designers-check. Amazing deals-check. Got to go there-check.

Tower Of London 
(I am a history student)
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/22249-hm-tower-of-london

This is actually a very good day out, especially if you combine it with a boat trip along the Thames. The Tower of London boasts the Crown Jewels along with the Royal Prison. It is nice to go explore, and in my case chose my future engagement ring...

These are just a snippet of places and things to do in East London, I could write a whole blog on the amazing places to go see and all the exciting things to do. Do not disregard the East and spend all your time in Central and West, it is the little microcosm of England, it is diverse in more ways than just ethically and really is becoming the place of the future.

London as Home

Can I be a Londoner Yet?

I avoid the tourist traps like the plague, when friends come visit for weekends and ask to go to Oxford Street I scoff. I find myself when back in my home town finding everything quaint and when faced with a problem shrug it off with, "I live in the East End, I can be a hard nut". Just to clarify the East End is a lovely place, and I am currently on Cockney Hunt, I am desperate to find where they live, my visions of EastEnders is diminishing by the day. I know the tube lines and can even direct people around London, I can relate to Londongrumblr Tumblr a website everyone should visit! So why then do 'real' Londoners still call me a visitor, or a 'Southerner'. Yes I am from the West Country, but I sound more like I come from Chelsea. Blame the education. Does your region really define who you are? I feel more at home in London than anywhere else I have been. I live here, I have built (or trying to) my litte world here...so when do I get to be a Londoner. I am not buying I have to be born here. Look at the history of London, its created on immigration internal and external. 

So I have comprised a list that if you can tick off you are a Londoner:

1) Tourist Traps...sorry the beautiful architecture feats and sights of London are no longer amazing.

"Oh that old thing, yes thats the London eye"

"Bloody hell why can't I walk across the bridge without falling/pushing/tripping over someone with a camera. Oh right, Parlement and Big Ben, great."

"NO WE ARE NOT GOING TO OXFORD CIRCUS"

2) You can master the commute.

Balance the papers, check the phone and still have your shirt immaculately pressed by 6pm? My friend you have negotiated the commute.

3) Zone 1-3 are the only zones you want to travel in, any further and you will be labeled a commuter and after midnight stumbling around trying to find a night bus will be horrific.

4) Bankers 

You came to the city thinking the pearly gates of Canary Wharf held the most prestigious intellectuals. Or you were either going to become a banker or marry one. Turns out 'Banker Wanker' is real, and you have to try not to laugh when someone smugly says they are one.

5) Fashion Dahhhling

Pink hair, blue hair, yellow hair, no hair. Big shoes, mis-matched shoes and the ultimate WELLINGTON BOOT. Are all apparently acceptable wear around London especially in the East, in fact if you live in the East throw away your Ugg boots, other wise someone will rip you to shreds for wearing them.

6) What you are willing to spend...

Goes up. "£5 for a sandwich- god that's cheap". 

"Oh My God a Jager Bomb is £3.50 lets buy ten!!!"

Student living...I think not.

Tourist trap WESTMINSTER BRIDGE. 

Big Ben, about as close as I will get: From a Cocktail bar

Costa Rica

Welcome to paradise. 

Central America, may not be on the top of everyones list, but once out there it is super cheap, contains beautiful beaches and gorgeous blue seas. Also has lots of fun things to entice even the most relentless. 

I spent a month out there, hiking up spectacular volcanoes, looking at the local wildlife of monkeys and bullet ants. (Some animals more welcomed than others!) I got stuck in to the local life and every morning helped milk the cow and I even killed and plucked a chicken. I appreciate Waitrose so much more now!

Life here is simple, but fun and refreshing. I spent a couple of weeks in the heart of the forest with some local people, they had one shower and working loo and the rest was all hand crafted. Getting back to basics was surprisingly easy to adjust too, and trust me I am a girly girl. One panicky moment occurred when I found a tarantula in my bed…but my quick thinking friend popped him in a Pringles pot and named him Harry (pictured below). He soon became an emblem of how much I had changed. I am usually the person screeching so only the cats can hear her at the sight of a moving black dot, with eight legs that I presume is trying to eat me.

I also worked at a turtle reserve, patrolling the beaches at night from poachers. During the day helping injured turtles in the rehabilitation centre. A rewarding and very cute experience! As always Costa has its own flair, in the middle of the reserve is a runway where rickety planes land to drop of the next batch of willing volunteers and supplies. You are literally in the middle of no where with nature. 

Costa Rica will offer you everything, for the sporty type there are plenty of amazing scenery filled walks on offer. The volcanoes offer cool springs and waterfalls to cool down on expeditions. The towns and larger cities have rum filled nights for the party animal, drink are cheap and partying is encouraged. Still not tempted? Worlds best coffee.

The motto of Costa Rica is Pura Vida, and that is what you find there, a good pure life. 

Walking along the idyllic Beach

Harry the spider, now released and believed to be sunbathing with wife Sally.

The model shot. Jumping for joy at sunset. 

Loss...

Cancer in my family is like buses, it comes in threes. My father, uncle and aunty were all diagnosed within months of each other. My aunty, a lovely kind women who was gentle and loving passed away today.

On my way to the train station heading back for University I went to visit her. Cancer is a violent disease that just leaves a shell of the former person, and their she was; shrivelled and ravaged by the disease, here but not really. 

I held her hand and said my goodbyes and while we were all in the room she passed away, taking her last breath. I had to check for a pulse, and couldn’t find one, it all happened so quickly. A sense of relief and sadness filled the room. I couldn’t help but think unlike my father she had died in her home surrounded by those she loved, and that helped us all. 

Her sons soon came, one was already on the way but just missed saying goodbye. With them her grandson, a happy chappy with curly blonde hair and an infectious giggle. Sometimes you have to see the beginning of life with the death of one to realise how important yours is. 

I wasn’t there with my father, something I wished I had been. For me being with my aunt when she died, in an odd way helped me to heal. I shall of course grieve, it brings back horrible buried memories. Yet seeing someone so peacefully slip into death and to feel that they are now at peace makes me feel better about my own fathers passing.

I haven’t figured what happens on the other side of life. Part of me thinks this can’t be it, there has to be more. Another part of me wonders, do we experience death to remind us about the fragility of life? This is our one chance, and to make the most of it?

All I know is the sensation is numbing, and will take you on an emotional roller coaster like never before. Sometimes I look up to the sky and think, you got out of it, left us behind to pick up the pieces. 

Icicle Curtains, the Beauty of Nature...

Sometimes I stumble upon a place that haunts me with its beauty. 

In Garmisch, Germany I found such a place. The icicles hang down the steep rocks like giant frosty curtains. Ice blue water runs below and the rocks are sprinkled with snow, the result is stunningly beautiful. The fresh air and cool breeze invigorate the senses and enabled me to spend hours sitting and thinking about life while watching rain drops drip down these magical natural creations. 

Sun will come soon and destroy. What Winter has spent months making will go in a couple of days, and the trees will be green and life will be created. A fact of life is that something destroyed will be replaced. For now though, maybe it reflects my mood, the jagged spears of ice are more alluring and far more welcomed.

He surfs the seas with the wind whipping his blonde hair. 

The salt spray licks upon his cheeks. 

The waves crash upon the sandy beach. 

He is in his salty heaven, master of the sea. 

This christmas I lost the first man I loved, my wonderful father. He was such a burning bright light in this world, and he will follow me wherever I go. He wrote a book of his quotes and life lessons to lead me through my own. His last words to me where, go live your life and don’t let yourself down, be the best you can be. 

These words haunt me, I am young and naive and have not yet understood my path in life or where I should go, so this blog is for him, and for me. It will document the shaping of a person as she explores life without her coach and best friend.

Like me, this blog will be an eclectic mixture of my loves; fashion, music, travelling and politics. 

I leave you with my fathers summary of life:

In the end nothing matters except that you have loved, and have been loved.