EAST LONDON EXPEDITION- ETHOS

This post was written by my friend, Dr. Viva. She's a recently qualified medical doctor and a fellow Jamaican girl in London. 

We normally do fitness adventures together, but honestly on this occasion I was just way too hung over to even leave my house!

She very kindly did a quick review of Ethos Gym in East London. 

Enjoy!

So decided to try a new gym this weekend, ventured east for a change. 

Ethos is a very impressive gym overall, and an interesting concept. They have yoga, TRX, spinning and barre based classes- all with a bit of a twist ("Warrior", "Detox" etc). They also offer nutritional services, general "wellness" services, and a cafe with food and smoothies. They have pay as you go class option (£20 a class), or you can buy a block of classes, or a monthly pass for £120 for 8 classes OR you can go in it through class pass - so quite a few options

The location is great- right in Spitalfields Market which is 5 minutes from Liverpool Street Station. The set up is quite "open" and relaxed, lots of glass and open windows makes it seem bigger than it is 

In terms of the class- I did a ballet barre blast class. I was expecting a chilled but challenging barre class but was pleasantly surprised (I say this in retrospect, at the time I was nursing a hangover and on 3 hours sleep). The class was hard AF. It was classical ballet music, and all ballet technique, but at a faster pace in a warm (hot) room. There was more cardio (think jumping and high speed leg lifts), with resistance bands for added boost. I loved it. I'm a past dancer and it was taught by an excellent and clearly very experienced instructor who I really admired. (She even sent us music and choreography after the class). I sweat more than in a spinning class (alcohol allllll gone) and felt sore but energised and well stretched. 

Overall-  very different and cool gym, with variety of classes (my next one to try will be a TRX personally). 

Peace out east London, for now... 

photos above from google.com/images

LA MAISON HERMES & PUIFORCAT

We travelled to Paris on a 5am train to the hidden silver workshop of Hermes and Puiforcat. The manufacturers had  invited us to see how the silverware is created, and the meet the artisans who craft these beautiful objects. 

Once one understands the time and craftsmanship that goes into making luxury goods (from handbags, cars and watches etc.) one understands why it must cost so much. It takes around 10 years to train to be a silversmith, and the love of their craft translates into the pieces.

We were given our tour by Hermes' top Silversmith - a friendly and passionate Frenchman that didn't speak any English, called Arnold. 

We were greeted by tea, coffee and fruits in a workshop. The walls were covered in tools and equipment that have been specially made by the silversmiths for the Puiforcat silverware. They have been using tools like these for hundreds of years with little changes. 

These silversmiths make all the tools and products by hand. They curve the silver by beating it with hammers, using heat, fire, polishers and acid until it is smooth and mirror-perfect. They engrave the metals using microscopes and free hand drawing. It’s a time consuming but magical process. 

We were lucky with the timing of our visit. The artisans had just completed the silver coffee and tea service in the photos below. This design was first created for Emperor Joseph I the King of Germany - only 10 have been made since its first production in 1759.

This set took a year and half to complete and retails for approximately 500,000 Euros!

The latest collection - Puiforcat Orfevre-Sommelier, is a collection of wine glasses and decanters that were designed by Puiforcat, London based designer Michael Anasassiades and 'World's Best Sommelier 2004' Enrico Bernardo.

We visited Enrico Bernardo's Michelin star Parisian restaurant, IL VINO for a meal paired with wines selected by the sommelier using the new collection.

Scallops 

Truffle something or other

Lobster 

Citrus sorbet

Then full of food we travelled back to London on the 4 pm train, un merveilleux mercredi! 

INTERIORS & EXTERIORS

I did a course at the Inchbald School of Design, a specialist Interior Design school. It was the best learning experience I've had. The lecturer was so passionate and informed about the history of interiors and architecture. 

Since then I have been on a path that I hope will eventually lead to designing and decorating properties. 

One of the most fun parts of creating a space is making the mood board. 

Here are a few of the interiors and designers that are currently on my inspiration radar.

India Mahdavi 

Epic Epic Epic. Top of my list as my favourite public space designer.

India Madahvi is the reigning queen of colour "It's the best way to bring sunshine into a space," says the Paris-based interior designer. "Sunshine is happiness, and my work is about happiness."
- Architectural Digest, Sept. 2016.

Tips

Don’t be afraid of keeping the same colour throughout your scheme. Use the furniture as art and accent pieces to create pops of interest. You can't go wrong being brave! 

Ashley Stark

Stark is the creative director at Stark Carpets, if you haven’t been on her Instagram yet you have to check it out @ashleystark

India Hicks

English aristocrat and Princess Diana’s flower girl grows up to be blonde boho model goddess, moves to Bahamas with her beautiful family and designs my dream beach house and my dream beach life. All of that.

Greg Natale

Australian elegance. I love the Australian aesthetic - beachy and wild but with a sophisticated edge. I have a fantasy image of Australia - as this first world cosmopolitan haven, but everyone is always outdoors or at the beach tanning and working out, and everyone has naturally ombre hair, and dresses in my dream summer wardrobe and eats Acai bowls. I like this fantasy. 

Greg Natale knows how to mix patterns but with all the class.

Tips

Black, white and baby blue can be masculine, feminine and utterly refined. Gold accents are always a good idea.

Ann Hodges

Jamaica’s most recognised contemporary architect and interior designer. Her creations make me feel nostalgic for home and childhood memories. Lots of lazer cut details in wood and big windows to let in the Caribbean light. Dreamy. 

Tips

Keep it Simple. 
White painted walls and wood goes a long way if you have a lot of natural light . Traditional wood work can be updated using colour and carvings. Mix  soft furnishings with natural materials like wicker or sea shells. Note the accent wall made of photographs - different sizes and shapes but the black frames give unity. 

It's all about using light, colour and comfort to create a space that people enjoy being in and want to come back to.

Let me know any designers, Instagram/Pintrest pages or artists that inspire you in the comments below!

x o x o 

BODYISM, LONDON - Be Kind to yourself

Any fitness class that starts with a shot has to be a good time, right?

'Bodyism Warrior' is the signature class at James Duigan's Notting Hill members-only wellness studio - Bodyism. Before each class you are given a delicious 'Berry Blast' shot filled with acai, green tea and amino acids to rev up your metabolism, boost energy and help burn fat.

I  was invited to take a complimentary class at the studio after stopping by the 'Clean & Lean' cafe a few weeks ago.

Bodyism is famous for whipping super bodies into shape like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, David Gandy, Pippa Middleton and the forever iconic Elle Macpherson.

The lights in the studios are designed to provide additional Vitamin D and the air is specially purified and oxygenated for maximum wellness effect.

photo above from my gym twin @vivalevee 

Best guy, standing gaurd

We were greeted by a lovely girl (and that dog above) who gave us a tour of the facilities and explained membership options. She explained that the focus of the club is 'optimal health', and made sure to let me know it's exclusive and members-only. Membership includes a welcome pack, classes (depending on which membership tier you purchase) and discounts at the cafe and beauty treatment centre. Membership begins at £110 per month for the basic package up to £30,000 per year (yes, you read that right)

The signature class is about an hour long - it's fusion of yoga stretching, High Intensity Interval Training for fat loss (like high knees and even crawling around on all fours like an animal, that part was really funny) and Pilates for toning.

During the class it felt like we weren't working that hard. I wasn't panting or sweating like the classes at the other boutique gyms I've been to. But today, I can definitely feel it! Sneaky and effective.

After the class I treated myself to a gluten free, diary free, refined sugar free (fun free) yet somehow still delicious chocolate chip 'Life Changing Cookie' and a 'Body Brilliance' Smoothie - tag line: the Supermodels secret weapon (I'm a sucker for marketing)

We were encouraged to try the signature 'Bulletproof coffee' - shot of espresso, organic butter and coconut oil, but I wasn't feeling for any caffeine. Maybe I will try make it at home.

Sticker from Anya Hindmarch

Then we went to have a very late lunch at Granger & Co.which is only a few minutes walk away. Westbourne Grove is one of my favourite parts of London!

Photo above from google.com/images

Scrambled eggs and sourdough toast (with yummy melted butter)

Verdict

The experience was Amazing. I love the mantra - be kind to yourself and taking wellness as an experience and a lifestyle. 

Maybe one day when I have enough spare time and cash I'll take the membership... but for now the smoothies, and cookies will be just fine.

x o x o

MAISON ET OBJET, PARIS

Maison Et Objet Paris is the most important event in the European luxury interiors market. It is held bi-annually (winter and summer) in the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte. A huge venue - spreading across 8 halls.

The January show is held during S/S Haute Couture fashion week, and the city oozes sophistication and style. 

As the name suggests, Maison et Objet is a design fair dedicated to objects more than furniture, beautiful and unusual objects of every shape and size take center stage.

Day 1 
We arrived in Paris after an indulgent Eurostar journey. I'm talking cheese platters, mini bottles of red wine and gin and tonics from the M&S outside the station. My friend and I fantasied that we were Serena & Blair/ Kendall & Bella heading to Paris. 

Dinner was at Brasserie Flottes with my work colleagues, and I treated myself to foie gras and lobster mango salad. 

Day 2
Early start at the fair.
We had exhibitors passes so we arrived before the doors were open to the public. 

It was fascinating being the first to see the halls when they were still empty of the crowds. Some of the exhibitors were still applying final touches and giving the products their final tweaks. 

The most magical part of the experience was the Baccarat party at the Galerie-Musee Baccarat. Stepping into the party was like stepping back in time, the building used to be the private mansion of a wealthy American socialite in the early 1900's.  

We were greeted by handsome men in black tie and giant blue chandeliers. The sweeping staircases led up to the original grand ball room. The Maison felt like a mini version of Versailles where models in wispy blue gowns and tiaras sipped on champagne and blue curacau cocktails - Marie-Antionette moment.

(Also, after some research I realised this venue was used in the Gossip Girl Paris episodes)

The Puiforcat showroom was our first stop on the third day, and they really spoiled us! We had lunch with the managing director and I treated myself with truffle and parmesan pizza and cod salad with green mashed potatoes (not sure why they were green) 

The final stop before dinner was the Saint Louis cocktail party where they launched their new crystal collection 'Folia'.

Then back in the office on Monday 9 am.

C'est Magnifique.

x o x o