THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COOKING WITH HEROES CHARITY COOKBOOK

THE NEW COOKBOOK CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

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The Royal British Legion

Earlier this month St Jame’s House and the Royal British Legion hosted the official launch of ‘Cooking with Heroes’ as part of the centenary celebrations for the Legion. With over 350 guests gathered in the elegant setting of Claridges Hotel in the heart of Mayfair, the event was a great success.

The Royal British Legion Centenary Cookbook, Cooking with Heroes is on Sale Now #RBL100

Cooking with Heroes focuses on 100 regions in which the British Legion has been active over the past century, presenting 100 delicious recipes as well as profiles of 100 military heroes specific to each region including that of Odette Halllowes.

Odette Hallowes (nee Brailly, then Sansom) volunteered to help with the war effort in 1939. As a native French speaker with a knowledge of the country, she was recruited as a special agent in 1942, assisting the French Resistance. Odette was arrested by the Germans in April 1943 facing interrogation and torture at the hands of the concentration camp guards before the camp was liberated by the Allies. For her remarkable bravery she received a George Cross, a Legion of Honour and an MBE.

The Royal British Legion
E Jacobs Photography

The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion

As part of its 100th Anniversary, I am honoured to have attended the Royal British Legion Launch Cooking With Heroes, a high end luxury cookbook that raises money for the Country’s largest military Charity. Written by serving and ex-serving personnel. This beautifully illustrated book includes contributions of sumptuous culinary delights and international cuisines to try yourself at home from classic to contemporary dishes. I’m so thrilled to be at the Claridges Hotel, London recently with the Royal British Legion to celebrate the launch of ‘Cooking with Heroes’ the official cookbook to mark the Legion’s 100th Centenary.

The Royal British Legion
E Jacobs Photography

This Special Book is full of military history and regional dishes with recipes and stories from over 140 serving and ex-serving personnel, accompanied by Celebrity Chefs.

‘Cooking with Heroes’ Features a selection of dishes and recipes from celebrity and military chefs from around the world including Rick Stein, Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, James Martin Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriot, Sophie Thompson, The Hairy Bikers and Melissa Hemsley. During the Press Launch I was also delighted to meet the Author Jon Pullen and Royal Editor-in-chief Robert Jobson whom I am so grateful to get my very own copy of the book signed by them to mark the special Anniversary for the 100 Centenary.

The Royal British Legion

Westminster Abbey hosted a service to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion. As part of their celebrations, St James House collaborated with them on their official centenary cookbook. ‘Cooking with Heroes’ features stories from a range of serving and ex-serving personnel from around the world. Here are just some of the inspiring people featured in the book from Odette Hallowes, Mohinder Singh Pujji, Sir Alfred Etienne Jerome du Puch and Edith Cavell.

Every £5 contribution from the book comes straight to the RBL to help support the Armed Forces Community

Experience both cultural military history and culinary journey as the book takes you to the regions in which the Royal British Legion has operated from Malaysia Noodle Soup, Barbados style Poppy & Coconut Beef to British Home Favourites Posh fish ‘n’ chips with cockle tartare, Leigh-on sea sole, cooked in a smoky seafood broth, sumptuous Cornish Moules, Mushroom bourguignon cobbler recipe and more.

Congratulations to The Royal British Legion on Celebrating their 100th Centenary.

The Royal British Legion

For every copy sold, £ 5 will be donated to the charity that continues to help so many of our serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Please pledge your support and order your copy today which will make a really lovely Christmas Gift for loved ones, family and friends this forthcoming festive season.

The Royal British Legion

Cooking with Heroes is available in all major bookstores including Blackwells, Waterstones and WH Smith, to purchase RRP £19.95 – with all profits (£5 per sale) going to support The Royal British Legion. It is also on sale directly via the publisher: https://www.stjamess.org/product/cooking-with-heroes/

The Centenary Cook Book, Cooking with Heroes is on Sale Now!

Editorial Disclaimer: PR INVITE. This Press Event was organised by the Brand Rep’s Press Office who reached out to me to provide coverage of the Launch Event and I am under no obligation to post about a brand whether or not I choose to do so. How I choose to work with brands on any collaboration whatsoever is always down to personal choice and preference if I feel it’s a good fit for my content and audience so I can always give my honest feedback.

STYLING THE SEERSUCKER CLASSIC SPORT BLAZER | A DAY OUT AT THE VARSITY POLO MATCH

WHAT TO WEAR TO A POLO MATCH THIS SUMMER - INSPIRATION FOR STYLING THE CLASSIC SEERSUCKER BLAZER

Imagine a Summer of Sartorial Style and being pitch side on the lawn enjoying a pitcher of Pimms with friends – a British Summer Sporting Event wouldn’t be the same without experiencing the thrill of a live Polo Match to say the least. I reminisce about one of my favourite days out to watch a game at Guards Polo Club in Windsor for the Ivy League Jack Wills Varsity Polo Tournaments to see Oxford vs Cambridge……

One of my favourite summer outfits featuring the Classic Seersucker Sport Coat. Summer is the ideal season for watching the polo and the feeling of being outdoors pre- Covid 19 times. This Blazer is one of my favourite summer staples to relax in, great for a day out to watch the polo or club house party. Since my past experience as a polo goal judge, back in my college days, I’ve become quite fascinated with learning the rules of the game where Pimms, Picnics on the lawn and Argentine style BBQ are enjoyed by spectators in a relaxed setting, the divot stomping in between polo chukka’s and immerse yourself in the spirit of polo.

With Pastels associated as a summer classic colour palette, the seersucker blazer or two piece is trending this summer sporting season, so let’s make the most of this summer trend with temperatures set to soar, the classic seersucker let’s you keep cool in a breathable fabric made for summerWhat to wear to the polo matchWhat to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

Any thoughts on your favourite Sporting Season Attire and what to wear to which events this Summer – drop a comment below!

Photography Jenny Pickets

Best Regards,

J xo

FESTIVE RUM COCKTAILS AT JIMMY CHOO MEN LONDON | AN EVENING WITH CELEBRATED BRITISH CHEF MARK HIX

WE ENJOYED SUMPTUOUS CANAPES & COCKTAILS BY RON ZACAPA AT THE JIMMY CHOO MEN'S EVENT IN MAYFAIR

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It was a delightful evening one cold December but the party atmosphere was very inviting in the warmth as we tried out Festive Rum Cocktails with Celebrated Chef Mark Hix and.Jimmy Choo Men. The event was busy as one would expect during the Christmas Party season as I got to admire these exquisite shoes in the beautiful Dover Street boutique. I have always been curious how luxury shoes are made and the fine craftsmanship that goes into creating each style.

It was a pleasure to see the collection showcased at the event in an intimate setting which I’m keen to covet a new pair of Designer shoes for my Christmas Wish-list. Just a hint there for anyone wondering what to get for my birthday this month and Christmas present. I’ve always received two present’s with my birthday and Christmas being so close together but a pair of Jimmy Choo’s would be amazing don’t you think. But then again knowing me one pair may not be enough as I do love brand new shoes.

When’s it’s time to indulge in new shoes for that all important special occasion Jimmy Choo would be my first choice and I always say have a statement pair of shoes as you never know when that all important event may come up at short notice. With dressing request to the Star’s and Influencers Jimmy Choo shoes are the ideal companion for the Red Carpet without fail as the quality is so well made as the go to for luxury footwear and accessories every man should own to invest in.

Festive Rum Cocktails

Festive Rum Cocktails

Festive Rum Cocktails

Festive Rum Cocktails

It sure is worth the price tag, classic and they look amazing to wear from dressy in between to smart casual there is a style to suit all to make room in every discerning man’s contemporary wardrobe. So don’t be the last one to look sharp at the Christmas Party – be sure to always look exceptionally glamorous no matter the circumstances because trust me it’s worth it. While I had a chance to browse these amazing shoe styles I also got to enjoy some sumptuous Festive Rum Cocktails from classic favourites such as an ‘Old Fashioned’ to Negroni made with the finest spirits by Zacapa Rum was a great to try out and savour in good company. The twist on a classic rum cocktail recipe included a Negroni Spritz which was very Italian and one of my new go cocktails to add to my list to order at the bar. Why not have a go yourself try mix up one the cocktail recipes from the comfort of you’re own home in style come Christmas Day.

With Award’s Season just around the corner and fashion week it’s never too early to start thinking about it so it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead for upcoming event’s so don’t forget get to put an alert on your smart phone with so many shoe styles to choose from it must be you’re lucky day to spoil and indulge yourself.

Disclaimer: Thank you so much to Jimmy Choo London and Mark Hix for hosting an elegant Festive Cocktail Party. As always all opinions will be my own and I only choose to review brands I would use myself to provide honest feedback on products I love to wear.

GETTING READY PRE-BAFTA WITH PERRIER JOUET CHAMPAGNE & DON’T DIE WONDERING SOCIETY

Don't Die Wondering Pre-BAFTA bash at Ella Canta Park Lane

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Credits: Black Formal Blazer Zara Man, White Formal Dress Shirt Ralph Lauren; Black Silk Neck tie GUCCI, Skinny Trousers with patent effect; Zara Man, Shoe Accessories H & M Man

Photography: Jodie Weston

 

Hey! Guys I’m just reminding you its Awards Season with Fashion Week just around the corner I bet you’re really excited just as I am to attend any of the private events which are often very exclusive by invitation only. I’ve just returned recently from a long weekend in Italy to attend Men’s Fashion Week in Milan so it feels great to be back and catch up on the latest. Let’s begin with everyone’s favourite topic who’s wearing what to the EE Rising Star Bafta Award’s 2020 and which event’s are happening before the Awards Night this weekend.

Various Lifestyle Brand’s were also known to have hosted their own private soirees such as Chanel, Atelier Swarovski, Dunhill London and more. Most, importantly what did I get up to Pre-Bafta Awards About Town this Week as I had the pleasure of attending an Exclusive invitation with Perrier Jouet Champagne x Don’t Die Wondering at Ella Canta Park Lane.

But, before telling you about what I wore to the event I just thought I’d mention that Don’t Die Wondering is an exclusive member’s club for high net worths and influencers in the luxury, music, film, art and fashion industries.

The exclusive service is available by application only and includes the crème de la crème of Hollywood A-list, industry veterans and highly acclaimed influencers as member’s. Lucky for me I got insider access to experience it firsthand and had the most wonderful time as it was my first Pre-Bafta bash this season as a style insider and I’m sure it won’t be my last the perks of being an influencer certainly has it’s advantages.

Especially when attending event’s what you wear on the Red Carpet is crucial to expressing your own style and confidence but sometimes you’re often found with a challenge with what options to wear. So, here’s my opinion on Menswear Style Pre-Bafta Style vs the Actual Awards night.

Firstly, Black Tie does not have to mean a full tuxedo and bow tie, that’s for Awards night, but for a Pre-Bafta Dinner for instance Chanel some male Celebrities wore a classic white dress shirt and black neck tie which has been seen spotted on George Clooney, Jude Law etc looks more relaxed but still sartorially sharp and edgy vs traditional black tie. That’s what kind of look I went for during the other night in a Polo Ralph Lauren White Dress Shirt, Black Silk Gucci Neck tie, formal Blazer and non matching skinny trousers by Zara Man and Shoes H&M. Sometimes a bit of contrast in your evening attire can make things looks overall flawless. Let me know your thoughts on this look.

Photography Hannah Young

DDW’s London and NYC Teams facilitate intel and global access for members across all the worlds most sought after gigs, fashion shows, theater previews, red carpet film premieres, magazine parties, luxury and PR Launches. It’s music, fashion & art blended into harmonious evenings of luxury; converging celebrities, socialites, influencers and trendsetters. Apply Below.

 

To find out more About Don’t Die Wondering (Society) Private Members Club – Music, Fashion, Art Blended into harmonious evenings of luxury; coverging celebrities, socialites, influencers and trendsetters. Apply now below.

 

dontdiewondering.com

 

@ddwlondon

 

Interested in signing up! – Each member is hand selected by a membership committee with only 30% of applicants being accepted. Prospective members can apply or email: [email protected]

 

Disclaimer: Many Thanks to Don’t Die Wondering London, Perrier Jouet Champagne, These Guys and Ella Canta Park Lane for hosting me  for the Pre-Bata Event and Dinner ahead of the EE Rising Star Bafta Awards 2020 on Sunday. All opinions expressed will be my own

 

 

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MEGAN HESS BOOK LAUNCH X AMISHI LONDON ILLUSTRATION PRIVATE VIEW AT ANNABELS MAYFAIR

COCKTAILS & AFTERNOON TEA HOSTED BY DESIGNER AMISHI DHANUKA & MEGAN HESS FASHION ILLUSTRATOR TO CELEBRATE MEGAN'S NEW BOOK AND AMISHI LONDON ILLUSTRATION ART WORK

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When I heard that Fashion Illustrator Megan Hess was in town to Launch her new book at a private preview with Designer Amishi London I decided late one afternoon I would take a detour as I made my way into London’s West End in between my Press Appointments to attend the Launch of acclaimed Fashion Illustrator Megan Hess latest book Elegance The Beauty of  French Fashion

Megan Hess Artistic work has been  commissioned by International Fashion Houses Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Vogue, Chopard, Tiffany & more

As soon as I received the invite I just could not help feel excited to preview Megan’s latest work sketching an exclusive fashion illustration for Fashion Designer Amishi Dhanuka and I can see why they choose Annabels. The elegance of the Flower Room inside the private members club was the perfect setting to host the most delightful afternoon tea and cocktail party to celebrate the new artistic collaboration between style illustrator and fashion house.

For those of you who are not familiar with Megan’s work she has worked for numerous international luxury fashion house all over the world. Her clientele includes Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Tiffany & Co, Vogue, Chopard and recently Amishi London.

It was so great to see up close the amazing work showcased by two talented individuals Amishi and Megan and celebrate their latest work in an intimate setting which made the experience much more personal to meet and greet them both was a pleasure.

 

 

 

I love all things style related from style sketches to luxury fashion and reminisce those days during my fashion course where learning to draw and present fashion sketches in all types of media from hand drawn techniques to using digital technology to create a unique style.

For me it was an artistic process to showcase the clothes and emphasis the collection the best way possible and appreciate true beauty as style the same way photography captures moments as movement to tell a story.

The book from cover to cover shows the most beautiful drawings illustrated by Megan and exclusive collaborations with internationally acclaimed fashion and luxury houses which would make the perfect addition to my coffee table to admire over and over again. There is also another book in the series named Italian Fashion which is worth checking out also for your favourite Italian brands to covet.

Viewing Megan’s latest book French Fashion is a remarkable work of art and it’s definitely one I will put on my Christmas Wish List to own at home and cherish for style inspiration which kind of reminds me of what I love to do best go shopping or window shopping and you know Paris would be the ideal place for that……

 

To find out more about Megan’s Book and Amishi London please visit their websites and social media handles below.

 

IG @meganhess_official

IG @amishilondon

meganhess.com

amishilondon.com

 

Disclaimer: Thanks ever so much to Amishi London and Megan Hess for kindly inviting me to the preview launch party for their latest work. All opinions will be my own

 

SWIZZELS SWEETS CELEBRATES NEW VEGAN RANGE WITH SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN CAMPAIGN

BE SCARED OR PREPARED THIS HALLOWEEN WITH ALL THE CLASSIC FAVOURITES

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Swizzels Sweets

As you maybe aware it’s almost time for Halloween as the first thing that comes to mind is ‘what’s you’re favourite scary movie’ or in this case it’s food and snack ideas to eat while celebrating All Hallow’s Eve the day of the dead in many different cultures around the world.

Be Scared or Prepared this Halloween with Swizzels

Halloween falls on the 31st of October where both kids and adults of all ages will partake in the fun activities such as Trick or Treating, wearing sometimes silly but amusing costumes and attending friends Halloween Parties. Some of my most fond memories growing up were eating sweets and staying up late on Halloween watching cult Horror Genre Classics such as The Halloween Movie Franchise, Friday 13th to Nightmare on Elm Street if you fancied staying in to celebrate with fun food bits and take out delivery food.

But, whether you choose to stay in or not don’t forget to have some snacks at hand to last you til the end of the movie or the Halloween party for those of you that are Celebrating the end of this month. Halloween party food often consist of fun sweet treats and other Halloween themed food but I wanted to re-kindle what was the most popular sweets I reminisce from my childhood growing up before pic’n mix. In fact some of my most favourite sweets were often found in glass jars of my local news agent. In case you’re wondering my choice would be Swizzels from their drumstick lolly’s to refreshers and who could forget the love hearts are still an absolute British classic that’s been around since 1929.

Swizzels Sweets

Swizzels Sweets

Swizzels Sweets

With reference to the un-dead when ghouls and ghost come back to earth on Halloween, my love for Swizzel sweets will never die, because these taste just sooo good especially at parties when I attended recently the Swizzel’s Halloween Campaign Party launching their new vegan sweets range as well as all my classic favourites. I just have to tell you all about the event and how it actually went during the celebration where the crowd from bloggers, influencers to the press all came down to enjoy the inspired spooktacular pumpkin syrup cocktails and sin and tonic drinks all served with scrumptious canapés during the fun evening.

Swizzels Sweets

Swizzel’s Halloween Campaign Party launching their new vegan sweets range as well as all my classic favourites.

The best part of the entertainment were live zombie actor’s in character lurking in the dark which made cool photo ops for social media and insta stories GIFs.

It just had to be done. One more thing, it get’s even better as there was even a Tarot Card reader present who could tell the future, to a coffin full of sweets with a tomb stone which fogged up with smoke using dry ice using water which was pretty cool special affects to add to the ambience of the party. Wow!!!!what a great idea!, anyway I think I’ll have to try that one at home next time. Oh and the best part to end the night was being gifted lot’s of sweets by the Swizzel’s team based in Manchester I had the best time celebrating with you guys in preparation for my Halloween. I’ve just been down my local supermarket where you can fully stock up on Swizzel Sweets this Halloween Night!!! so don’t forget yours in case you want to share with your little monsters at home ha ha.

Swizzels Sweets

To find out more about the Swizzel Sweet’s please visit

#scaredorprepared

Swizzels.com/Halloween

Instagram @swizzels_sweets

Disclosure: Many Thanks to Swizzel Sweets for inviting me to attend their #Scaredorprepared Halloween Campaign Launch party in London and for gifting me with product. All opinions will be my own as I only promote things with I’m a fan of to give my honest opinion and feedback on products I choose to review.