To the Beach

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So excuse the excessive branding in these snaps, it was for a sponsored Instagram which you can see here if you're that way inclined. This post is in no way sponsored so nobody get their knickers in a twist - I thought I'd share them on my blog too as I really loved the imagery we ended up creating it was a shame to not use the ones that didn't get approved by the brand.

Jon, my long suffering photo dude and his wonderful girlfriend Marisa came down for a visit with the intention of shooting a nice onlocation set of images at the beach. We'd originally planned to do something a little bit more golden hour but the weather that evening was drizzly and less than golden. We decided to hold off until the morning and stay in the warmth eating burritos and watching stuff on TV.

I picked up a really cute picnic basket and some awesome plastic patterned plates from Lakeland. I've been longing for a picnic basket for years and I was so chuffed to see this one for less than half price. I know I wont use it all the time but it's just a really lovely thing to own. I dunno, Im weird like that.

That cutie-pie pineapple was also from Lakeland and I'm totally obsessed with it, Im trying to work out where to put it in my house because it's freaking adorable. Food Wise I packed some strawberries, falafel, crisps, hummus (is life worth living without hummus? I personally dont think so) and made some herby potatoes. It was a really lovely spread if I do say so myself! Obvious beverage branding is obvious.

All in all it made me realise I really do hardly spend any time at the beach considering it's a mere 5 minutes walk from my house and you can see it from my bedroom window. I probably should make a little bit more effort to go down there because it's such a nice place to go visit for a bit of calm and quiet.

Bit of a behind the scenes tidbit, it was actually such bad weather. Although It looks all dreamy and pretty beachy softness it was actually almost raining and blowing a right gale. By the time we got the last shot the sky was so dark it looked crazy! (Here's a non edited image of me) We scurried home for warmth and tea. But I guess that's all part of the charm of the British seaside experience though.

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PHOTOS BY JON D BARKER EDITED BY ME

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FFG Travels: The Chedi Andermatt

I am having a mad love affair... with a country. Yes, it's just this special little place called Switzerland. Maybe you've heard of it? And perhaps you've heard it's a place where people go to ski and that's about it. Oh how wrong you would be and oh how wrong I've been for so many years. Sure, Switzerland is seductive in the snow, but it absolutely comes alive in the spring. Only, I didn't really stand in a position to make such claims until recently. Weeks ago I visited The Chedi Andermatt. It was in June and the weather still hadn't quite made the switch to summer. There was fog in the morning, rain at noon and clear skies by mid day. The world above was bright blue with fluffy bunches of white clouds and the grass below was as green as anything I'd ever seen before. The mixture of the two colours was magnificent and spellbinding. 

When I first told friends that I was visiting The Chedi Andermatt, it must be said that there was an overwhelming "awe" in the air. Those who know of The Chedi are part of an elite club of people who have discovered paradise on earth. If you drop the name as a forthcoming or returning visitor, you almost feel as if there is a secret handshake you're about to receive. And of course the experience itself doesn't disappoint.

The journey to The Chedi Andermatt is a moment to remember in itself. As the train dips in and out of tunnels, travelers are treated to majestic views of tiny Swiss villages, cows grazing in the hills or fantastic hairpin turns featuring Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lambos and more showing off their need for speed. But the real moment of truth is upon arrival in Andermatt. You disembark from the train and walk across the street and step into luxury personified. 

At The Chedi Andermatt there are more fireplaces than rooms. I had to lead with that because I am a fireplace addict. Nothing seduces me more than a room with such a beautiful feature. See why this affair is heating up? So yes, there's a fireplace in every room, there's a fireplace in your spa suite, there's a fireplace by the pool (there are about a dozen, if I recall). There's even a fireplace where you wait to check into your room. And even in June, the fireplace works. It's more about feature than function here at The Chedi. That fireplace works year round to keep this romantic vibe alive.

Now, once you're finished sipping your hot chocolate and losing your focus as flames flicker before you, the room is beckoning you forth. And yes, when you enter you will find that the rumors are true. This is a place from another world, another time. The technology is top of the range, the beds cost more than most people make in a year (apparently they are upwards of $50k each... and this will be the best sleep of your life, guaranteed), the bathtub comes complete with a view of the mountains and of the flat screen TV, and the balcony becomes a place you want to live forever. For me, it became a place where I had breakfast, sipped my coffee and dreamt of what it would be like to live in the mountains for the rest of my life. 

Yes, I considered the move to Andermatt more than once. Surely The Chedi would love to have a writer in residence? At this point I think I'd offer to sweep the floors just to be a part of this establishment. And trust me when I say that every member of staff seems all too happy to be there. Each and every person I spoke to told of their commute into work, most by bike it would seem, and how the air here must be so different to London. Well, you could say that and I do think it's something important to mention. I actually had trouble breathing the first few hours I was there and I'm pretty sure it's because my lungs had never been filled with such beautifully pure and sweet air. I think my body was in shock. Where are the London toxins, the big smoke, the tube's grey grime? It was all completely forgotten and washed away with the first bath. My body, life in general, in fact, is just better here, healthier and happier. 

Have you booked your ticket yet? Get thee to The Chedi. It's an easy trip from London and it's an absolute treat in the summer. That's not to say it isn't just as appealing in the ski season. This bunny will be back when snow falls. I want to see those slopes in action.

Here are a few pictures of the adventures had while in residence at The Chedi Andermatt...

Getting there:

The Hotel:

The Town:

Fashion Foie Gras was a guest of The Chedi Andermatt.

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Specifics of makeup artist job

 

 When we are talking about a makeup artist, we are talking about creating a full image. The specialist must clearly feel all details: usually a client wants a makeup, the result of which is invisible, its main task is to hide the flaws and emphasize the beauty. If the make-up artist puts too much blush or mascara, an image is completely spoiled. To do this, you must consider the size and the shape of the lips, eyebrows, eye color and skin texture. Makeup artist should be a stylish and a fashionable person, somewhere pretentious and original.

What does makeup artist do?

In order to know the nuances of the profession, you need a constant practice. Moreover, a true professionalism comes after performing particularly complex tasks. Don't be afraid to take part in fashion shows and beauty contests - the more experience in trendy hangouts you will have, the higher is the chance of getting a good job. Today the competition is very high, the days of amateurism are in the past. So it is necessary to raise qualification and theoretical base.


 

Be prepared for difficulties in the beginning of your career. Makeup artist profession presupposes the existence of regular customers or notoriety of the name.
We should not forget about the quality of the cosmetics, there should be 90% of professional cosmetics.
Every day the requirements for make-up artist professionals grow. This applies not only to technology of applying makeup but also to the quality of customer service. Professionalism is the symbiosis of strong theoretical knowledge, skills in the use of various techniques of makeup, as well as the ability to prove yourself. Many makeup artists were able to achieve success on the international scene thanks to the thrust towards continuous self-improvement, they participate in the filming of movies and TV-shows, embodying their dreams.

The pros and cons of the profession:

Advantages:

-     a fascinating creative profession;
-     an opportunity to communicate with celebrities;
-     high fees for professionals;
-  thanks to master-classes you have an opportunity to travel around the world;

Disadvantages:

-     high competition;
-     the work is not suitable for people who have allergic reactions to cosmetics;
-     you need to be "on your feet" all day.
Today, the makeup artists are pretty much in demand. If you are looking for a job in a beauty sphere, be sure to visit Jiji. Here you will find hundreds of great opportunities. Moreover, if you want to offer the job, you can place your own ad here - it is absolutely free. The website has an intuitive interface and many other advantages.

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West London's Hottest Roof Terrace: Pergola on the Roof, White City

West Londoners, allow me to introduce you to your official summer hangout - Pergola on the Roof in White City...

Now, I must start this by saying I have heard about this nowhere, seen no advertising and can't claim that any little secret squirrels told me. I learned about Pergola on the Roof the old fashioned way - I drove past it. Naturally anything that involves flowers, a rooftop and the chance to bite into one of London's most delicious burgers is a place I'd like to be. So Mr. FFG and I made plans to block out a few weekend hours to check this place out. 

Let's start with the basics. Pergola on the Roof is a popup roof terrace with bars, food stands and plenty of outdoor seating. It's set under, you guessed it, a Pergola, and replaces what I presume used to just be an old car park. Clever people, these geniuses that decided to use this space in the old TV centre as a sun worshiper's paradise. There are four restaurants on offer: Patty & Bun, Rabbit, Lecoq and Salt Yard. There's rose, white and red wine available, and let's not forget the bubbly. There's even a few "lounge" type areas for those less interested in eating and more interesting in socializing with a glass of spirits in hand. 

Sadly, this roof terrace is only a popup, as mentioned. It will be around until August 29th, so there's plenty of time to get your fill. However, I must urge you to book a table! We showed up around 12:30 in the afternoon, without reservations. Although we were let up, there were no tables available. A couple kindly allowed us to perch on the end of theirs. While this is a great place to stand around with friends, tables are always preferred, right? 

Mark my words - Pergola on the Roof will fill up and sell out of tables ASAP. Once this gets out (consider it out, now), it will be damn near impossible to score a seat. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Info:

Pergola on the Roof

Multi-Storey Car Park, Television Centre, Wood Lane, W12 7RJ

Nearest Tube: White City

Open Wednesday-Sunday.

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