BITE

Curly coincidences!

2008-05-16T10:18:10Z

I write this blog sneakily in the corner of a studio where I am working on a three day photo shoot. We have eight models coming in a day to get their hair completely transformed by a team of super, serious hairdressers, who have traveled from popular a popular Scottish chain of hairdresser's based in Glasgow called Rainbow Room International. It is my job, to make sure their outfits specifically fit the coiffure criteria. Rainbow Room International are competing in this year's prestigious 'British hairdressing awards' and every shot taken on this shoot is a potential entry to a specific award, e.g 'Best Scottish Hairdresser' or 'Best Colourist' etc... Therefore each shot is 100 percent hair-tastically crucial. I'm not sure I've ever seen such precision in curling, cutting, colouring and back - combing in my entire life (bearing in mind I've worked on a few photo shoots in my time)... It's quite fascinating. I just witnessed one model perch herself in front of the lense looking like Farah Fawcett after a few 'urmmms' & 'arrghhs' by the gurus with the brushes, the decision was made to volumise the look, within literal seconds she'd become Dolly Parton. Oh & how weird is this... I just sneakily text Laura to see whether she knew the 'Rainbow Room' in Glasgow .... She only gets her hair cut there! Another 'Bite' coincidence!? Really got to get back to work now...another day, another garment. Gemma Xx This is one of the models, waiting for her official turn in front of the camera blissfully unaware, she's texting away on a sofa in the corner of the studio... Here she is again, on set...& I popped in there too, to show you how bloomin tall she is! If you look closely enough you'll spot the clip sticking out the back that I had used to pull it in about for the pictures (secret trick of the trade)!

Swinging

2008-05-15T12:36:53Z

To celebrate almost 2 full weeks of ridiculously good weather, the man and I had a little BBQ at the weekend. Although we're not grown up enough to have a garden yet, we do have what we like to call a 'roof terrace'. Being lucky enough to live above a bookies, we have exclusive access to the roof of its one-storey toilet block. To complement our roof terrace/toilet cotch we have installed a hammock purchased in haste from Hammock Heaven who delivered it the next day (as should always be the case). Needless to say the BBQ was hot but happening with our weird ethnic music blending seamlessly with the R n B from the pub across the road where a chap called Abraham was celebrating his 80th. Although Sunday morning saw the roof looking like I'd turned my house inside out with every chair, plate and knife outside- we quickly tidied away all the discarded meat before heading down to Brick Lane. Boy is it busy there at the weekends but it's all about the people watching anyway. With a spot of luck we bumped into a friend who was selling bacon butties and mojitios- an unexpectedly winning combination. Our little trip out was cut short by a need to hurry home and set up the hammock cinema. This involved simple ingredients of aforementioned hammock and roof, together with one white bed sheet from Asda and a projector. before we knew it (after a lot of effort) Michelle Gondry's film, Science of Sleep, was 4 feet wide on the roof in front of us. To complete the idyll we added a blanket or two and BBQ'd some salmon. Ooh la la. Ami x

P.A.R.T.Y!

2008-05-14T09:56:53Z

WOOHOO - Everyone loves a PARTY!! Ha ha. Oh yes, you've guessed it - it was my birthday at the weekend and I had thee best time. Apart from my little cousin blowing out my birthday candles, TWICE, it was a fun filled and very eventful afternoon and night. I don't think you can get much better than having a house/garden party with all your friends and family...well - I guess a massive beach party would maybe top it! I supplied a lovely little spread (from a trusty source, of course) and a plethora of different drinks of an alcoholic nature. The icing on the cake was the two games of pass the parcel I had arranged - old school classic! The only down side was, I covered the pretty useless presents in pages and pages on newspaper, without realising how ink stained everyones hands would get...and thus waking up to a nicely black patch carpet...oh and some red wine spills - as standard! Great... I was prepared for masses of food, drink, games and the odd child running around...but I was not prepared for the MESS! Ahhhhhhhh. Took me 4 hours to clear up but it was worth it. Oh and I got all my fun coloured party ware from www.partybox.co.uk - they have some great stuff. I bought these coloured plastic glasses - perfect to prevent the usual breaks! I have now decided to have more parties more often - why wait for your birthday to through one...oh yeah, the MESS! LMx

Spontaneous Sunbathing!

2008-05-12T16:38:58Z

Ok.... So I'm getting stressed about planning a wedding whilst still trying to manage the many different things I have to get done on a day to day basis!! It doesn't help either that the sun has decided to descend onto the U.K. causing a mini heatwave that is distracting me in more ways than one! Between trying to sunbathe at every opportunity absolutely anywhere - (yep, I'm that person you see on a random piece of greenery that's usually located in a obscure place!) - and finding excuses to just be 'out'... whether it be for a drink, to meet friends, drive around London with all the windows down in the Fiesta blasting Beyonce, or to run non important errands that involve me being 'out'.... I'M NOT GETTING ANYTHING DONE!!! Is it too late for a wedding planner!!!??......... HELP!! Zena x

Invasion!

2008-05-08T09:11:01Z

Oh my gosh, my house in under siege by the annual influx of mosquitoes- IT MUST BE SUMMER! Or is it just a heat wave? And why ARE there always so many mosquitoes in my part of Hackney? Did you know that only female mosquitoes have that little sucker tube and they don't suck at you for food. The vegetarian 'mosquitas' use the protein in your blood to harvest their babies. So those little bites are even worse than you thought- you've just facilitated the expansion of the swarm........ If you think the mosquitoes should start working for you, have a little look at this ridiculous site offering free mosquito ringtones Brilliantly they're supposed to be adult and teacher proof tones because the frequency of the 'mosquito call' is too high for old people to hear. Definitely worth testing this out on a grandparent or just using to annoy people. I have to say I'm pleased to note that I can definitely hear the tones that the site says are inaudible to those over 24. Last week I told my hairdresser I was 25 and he said,'that's ok- you're old but you're still hot.' Is that a compliment? Ami x

Summer's here!!!

2008-05-07T11:24:31Z

Summer is here in all it's glory!!.. The skirts, shorts and open toe shoes are out in full force ladies! The only thing is, this is the season when you're that extra bit concious of those excess pounds! Apparently, studies show that the 1st week in May is the best time to get in the gym and start that diet so you are bikini ready for summer??!!... Well, I'm going for it guns blazing! Not only do I NEED to be bikini ready for the summer... I have to fit into my wedding dress without feeling too snug! Here goes....!! Zena x

Short and Sweet...

2008-05-06T09:38:47Z

You may remember from season 1 that I travelled to Liverpool for the ultimate bag designing experience with Nook and Willow. Well, for those of you who love your handbags, I just wanted to let you know that you can now get hold of their spring/summer collection on ASOS.com! If like me however, you like to seek out a bargain, visit their website for the Nook and Willow sample sale (beautiful bags on a budget). These bags have bags of character! (ha ha – how cheesy of me…) Mwa LMx

A bit of downtime...

2008-05-01T09:32:00Z

I had the pleasure of meeting McKenzie Crook star of new movie Three and Out, or you might remember him in The Office... What a nice guy! Absoutlely tiny (or am I just big!?), and very polite. Not as funny in person as I thought he'd be, but hey everyone's got to have their downtime huh?! Been slacking on the wedding planning lately (yes, I'm one of those people that need a little downtime!!!) The invitations are out though, thanks to my lovely parents and now I'm just going to have to continuously pesture most people for their RSVP cards! - have to admit, I hardly ever RSVP when I know I'm attending somewhere! But the answer to everyone asking isn't a verbal "yeah, I'm coming" enough? HELL NO!!!!!! Zena x

I wanna be on top...

2008-04-30T11:30:21Z

Last weekend had me putting to the test all those posing chops learnt from America’s Next Top Model- those sedentary sofa hours not wasted after all! My friend Barry Macdonald, who usually shoots bands, was looking to expand his portfolio and I was the red-stockinged guinea pig in his fabulous fashion shoot. Might I also just mention that I am slightly intimidated by the news that Zena AND her bridesmaids have dresses for her wedding already. My lot not looking half so impressive as yet with no dresses in sight, er…. but I do have a florist! For Zena or anyone who’s interested/engaged/dreaming/bored- here is a little blog run by a lady who makes wedding ‘mood boards’. You can tell her your colour scheme or the vibe of your wedding day and she’ll mood-board it- or you can just scroll through the many already up- like this tasty citric wonder: Ami x

The best food is Naked food...

2008-04-29T15:27:59Z

Hey hey hey!!!! This may seem very random but today my lunch problems were solved! Are you ever out and about in town (usually shopping) and never quite know where to go for lunch? You never want to spend a lot of money on a quick snack, but you refuse to eat in stodgy fast food cafes...all you want is something healthy and cheap! Well I have found the perfect place in Glasgows' West End - just near the Oran Mor (where I will be visiting for bite very soon). Naked Soup is a lovely little trendy cafe where the perfect homemade soup and sandwich lunchtime combo is created freshly for you. LOVELY! No 'bad things' in any of their food, hence the name, and they do a lovely little deal which includes a sandwich or salad, soup, a drink and a piece of fruit...for under £5!!! (the portions are not tiny...don't worry!) Now you have no excuses... Today I had the Carrot and Spicy Parsnip soup...YUMMY! Are you hungry yet? I'm sure by now you have all realised I love hunting out wee places to socialise over some tasty food! Hopefully we'll get to hang out in some beer gardens when the weather gets better! My wipers nearly broke today with the rain... LMx

Pastel Suits

2008-04-28T09:11:35Z

I went to give a load of clothes to the Mystery Jets yesterday, they are currently on tour & needed some togs, urgently. 'Put it this way Kai has been living out the bottom of my suitcase for the past twelve days' said Blaine.... Arms laden with plastic bags from Beyond Retro, a few freebies from Lyle & Scott and this wicked new old skool leisure wear label that I've recently discovered called Farah, I came to the rescue. Can I just say that they're new album is my current addiction. They're first two singles released from it 'Young Love' (featuring the lovely Laura Marling) & 'Two doors Down' are such fun, jig along, & wiggle your bum tracks. Plus their latest video is jokes! Someone described it to me as the kind of video that at first your like, 'god this looks annoying...But then all of a sudden you're in hysterics & want to purchase a pastel suit!'... Gem Xx P.S Massive congratulations to both Zena & Ami, who will both be getting married this year!! Errr wow!... What a strange coincidence, I'm at that age where you kinda twiddle your thumbs, waiting for someone you know to be brave enough and be a 'proper' grown up & actually walk down the aisle for real (My friend's Laura & Kate did get married at Glastonbury last year, but that doesn't count). Now I know two people at once! I can't imagine getting married for like a squillion years, well maybe at Glastonbury actually?

Hello!!!

2008-04-24T12:54:59Z

Ok, so here we are.. Another jam packed season of BITE! I've got to admit, I am a little overly excited about bringing you more fantastic trends I recommend you should experience. My fiesta has been cleaned, waxed and is ready to whizz round the streets on the look out! It's been a crazy month for me, in between being totally knocked out with this dreaded flu virus that has infected everyone and their Granny!.. I am planning my forthcoming wedding!! I'm very happy about the prospect of becoming an official 'Mrs' and have decided to undertake the task of planning my wedding day entirely myself (well with some help from my Mom, sisters, Mother in Law, cousins, friends...) Ok well not entirely on my own then! If it's not too much of a bore I think I'm going to keep you all updated in my weekly blog on the whole 'planning a wedding in 2 and a half months! So far my dress has been ordered! It was the first one I saw and tried on, and I absolutely loved it- why keep looking after that??? I've had the bridesmaid dresses ordered too, after some delusional measurements from the girls (you know who you are! None of us have this 24inch waist!) So far, so good though... Smooth sailing, but I know the nearer we get to July 4th the more manic things will become!! Zena xx

I like to juggle...

2008-04-23T09:39:54Z

Doggie paddling with my head just about above water in the deep end, I’ve found my life upturned and unexpectedly landed the role as the brand new ‘bite’ Girl! I usually spend my time salivating at a computer writing up a feature for Phamous69, an online mag I write for, or frantically unzipping a suitcase full of various designer clothes that I’ve tracked down to dress a mystified musician or two, because I also work as a fashion stylist, or occasionally, ambitiously organising a party (for both business & pleasure purposes). I’m a proud ‘work’ juggler in that sense & although it’s chaotic, and often financially terrifying I have fully accepted the fact that it’s in my nature to be drawn to extreme and sometimes quite ridiculous situations… After all life is living, isn’t it? Nothing quite like a hot tub party in to get you in the mood for that is there!? To find out more, watch this week’s Bite… Oh &… I hung out with my little sis, Laura this weekend, (well actually, she’s 19 now, so not that little).. We came across this funny pic of us when we were little! It makes me laugh, she got mosquito bites all over her face that holiday!... Goodbye for now... Gem Xx

We're back!!!

2008-04-22T09:58:13Z

Just a wee catch up for Bite Lovers! WAY HEY!!!!!! A brand new series with brand new trends! What could be better? Not much really. Well...I have just spent 5 days in Spain on a wee holiday. AMAZING time. It was a much needed little break. Stayed on a beautiful beach (one of the nicest I have ever been on) called Plya Muro. The Sea was so beautiful and you could just about see other life across the water (the reason I am pointing! Not just to create an interesting photo...). I really should have taken my camera with me to catch the fun adventure when my foot got caught on the edge of a boat...although I do have a photo to remind me of how wet I got! VERY! Oh... and I also discovered my passion (or should I say 'rediscovered') for Mojitos! So...now it's time to go on the hunt for many more exciting 'goings on' to bring to your eyes! As you will see, I had a very interesting time in St Johns in London - eating all sorts of 'delicious' treats with Gemma! Oh yes - interesting to say the least. I was gutted I couldn't go to the hot tub party, but after seeing what they got up to - I doubt I would have fitted in (although it would have kept my very short holiday going!). If you get a chance, listen to HEAT radio tomorrow morning (Wednesday at 11am) - I'm going on for a 'chat'...well...more like a carry on! Right, I am away to investigate what I am doing this week for you (pressure!) Oh and if you love Mojitos too - follow this and enjoy!!!! MMMMMMMM. MOJITO BABY!!! 3 fresh mint sprigs 2 tsp sugar 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 shots light rum Soda water In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off with *chilled* Soda water. Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve. Mwah LMx

The Importance of Being Earnest!

2008-04-22T09:26:53Z

It is not without a collective jump for joy that the Bite girls welcome in Series 2 of BITE. While the series will no doubt be pushing us to the limits of decency and bringing some finer weather, we are indeed bewailing the sad loss of Amy and Antonya (The A Team) due to ‘geographical differences.’ I have my assumptions that their sassy little publicist is having me on and they’ll be popping out of a Ford Ka in no time at all. It’s been about a month since our last series and a lot has happened (including me finally having my haircut and frustratedly trying on at least 50 wedding dresses, none of which will be invited to the wedding). At the end of the last series, the Bite girls were lucky partakers in a ‘denim party’ courtesy of Ilovejeans.com and their Denim To Your Door programme. If you missed the episode- suffice to say that this new take on the Ann Summers/ Tupperware party format provides a long needed antidote to the horror of jeans shopping on the high street. A Denim to Your Door party is the perfect environment for jeans-buying - surrounded by your friends in the comfort of your own home you can try on pair after pair, with both drinks and honest advice on tap. An unfortunate lack of cash at the denim party, however, led to my desperate denim dash to Selfridges earlier this week. Despite the near paralysing prospect of a denim purchase with no time, no friends, and no drink in sight, I quite quickly snapped up a pair with my name written all over them! Turns out posh denim company, Earnest Sewn, (as seen on an Olsen or two) has brought out a new (and slightly cheaper) line called Earnest Am I. It just so happens the various tags which adorn the jeans look like they’re saying Ami.
Earnest Sewn promises you will, ‘find an unwavering appreciation for denim and the fading mystique of American ingenuity and craftsmanship’. So it would appear they are a little, um, earnest. None the less- Did you Know?....... It turns out you can recycle your old jeans into building insulation and Earnest Sewn sponsored an initiative to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Have a look at how you could help here. This sponsorship makes even more sense when you look into how to get YOUR name on a pair of their jeans. If you pay upwards of $700.00 you can have your Earnests custom made to your measurements, and they’ll print your signature on the label. Ami x