We change our lives

And change our minds

We change our feelings

And change the times.

A change can be

A short term thing,

Or a change can be forever.

I don’t think there’s anything

Wrong in changing,

To try and be somebody better.

But I think with change

Comes a lot of blame.

A lot of courage,

But a lot of pain.

Afraid to be someone

Who’s always the same.

Boring, plain,

Predictable, mundane.

I think a change is a push

To help you move on.

Whether it’s what you want

Or life’s gone wrong.

Coz change is what keeps us going

To strive for something more.

We spend a lifetime asking questions

That we have no answers for.

A change can be a make or break,

A risk to take, or a big mistake!

But who cares anyway?

If the change wasn’t what you saw,

The beauty of change is that

You can change back-

To the Life you had before – Chang

Cyprus Mangal

I am an avid user of Top Table and for those of you that have not been introduce to this fabulous website, you’re in for a treat. There is something for everyone, dining on a budget, indulging in Michelin star restaurants, looking for entertainment – this is the place to start your search. You can get great deals, from discounts up to 50% off the bill to free cocktails with your meal. You can also clock up points when you write a review  after dining and these points are put towards a free meal. The best deal I have found recently for those of you looking to dine out in the Notting Hill area is The Turkish restaurant Cyprus Mangal as they have a Christmas deal for 50% off the food bill and it is not limited to a particular booking time. The offer is on till 24^th of December, and while it isn’t your traditional Christmas grub, there is plenty of entertainment on offer with lively music and a belly dancer – perfect for a Christmas party! I will be definitely be taking them up on this offer as my birthday is coming up so I will be sure to report back.

Reception

For a little bit of luxury in the heart of London look no further. This beautiful interior designed  three bedroom, two bathroom flat  is situated in the heart of Kensington. Located on a quiet street this apartment is ideal with a large private terrace – it is the perfect spot to entertain or enjoy some peace and quiet. This flat is located in a secure, portered block with easy access to the transport links and amenities of both Kensington High Street and Notting Hill. Only a stones throw away from High Street Kensington it is close to a great number of shops and restaurants. A good example of what Kensington High Street has to offer is  Whole Foods, which was started in America and is now adopted by the Londoners as the place to go for natural and organic foods.  For a truly magical experience no where beats Kensington Roof Gardens. Located 100 feet above the High Street it is a hidden gem with three themed gardens, with over 70 full size trees, a flowing stream stocked with fish and resident flamingos Bill, Ben, Splosh and Pecks. With a club and a restaurant this is the perfect place to wine and dine followed with a spot of dancing. Now if that doesn’t entice you to live in this wonderful area nothing will.

“Many thanks Zuzana. I will be inviting you as the first guest for Persian food at my new studio.” – Mina Salimi 20^th November 2009

“Zuzana, thank you for sorting everything out. You are simply amazing.” – Abhijit 27^th November 2009

“Dear Zuzana, We have just moved in. Thank you so much for everything. You are the best agent we have had so far over three countries.” – Mr Naik 30^th November 2009

Aesop skincare - The Poetry Collection

On my walk to work I am always passing interesting little boutiques and stores and one that I have recently come across is Aesop Skincare. My skin is in dire need of some TLC, as I am still using my light summer creams that aren’t nourishing enough, especially during this seasonal change. As the heaters get turned up and the weather gets colder your skin needs something that will sooth, protect and deeply nourish. So what better than an au natural skincare brand that uses the highest grade botanicals that contain very little chemical compounds and preservatives. They work in affinity with the skin’s physiology and are very gentle and calming.

This Aussie company started in 1987 and are distinguishable by their apothecary-style products. But not only do they create beautiful products that have a huge following, this Christmas they have brought out four beautiful kits that contain a selection of skincare essentials. What sets them apart is that they pay homage to the poets Keats, Rossetti, Shelley and Blake, as the sets are  all tissue-wrapped in sheets of poetry. A beautiful gift that will not only nourish your skin but rejuvenate your soul.

For some strange reason I always end coming back to Notting Hill. I have made and sold jewellery in Portobello market, worked for a lifestyle company called Unlisted London just off Kensal rise, worked at clothing exhibitions such as The Fashion Box Sample Sale, which was recently held at Westbourne Studios, the list goes on and it all streams back to Notting Hill. And now I am back again – at Notting Hill Properties. It just highlights the diversity of culture, events and businesses in this small but electric part of town. Never a dull moment even when I am walking to work I see such a mix of people that work and live in the area. From the residents that have been here for decades, this is home to them, they live, breath and create the vibe that makes Notting Hill a worthy place to live in, to the tourists that feed off the cool London vibe and bring diversity and vibrancy to this place. And then you have those that have just moved into the area that instantly become enthusiastic about their new found home. It attracts a mix of people, whether working, living or just visiting, that will fall in love with the area and let it become part of their London life. Well it has done that to me – I just can’t seem to get away. On starting my new job I was told we would be moving office and my heart dropped. It must of showed cause it was followed quickly by a “don’t worry were only going round the corner”. Phew…so I am here to stay in my beloved Notting Hill and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Craven Hill Property - Exterior

Bayswater is great place to live for a number of  reasons. It has a large variety of food on offer, from the popular Four Seasons made famous for its succulent roast duck to the more upscale Royal China, which is still affordable and does a brilliant selection of Dim Sum. Let’s not forget Kiasu that won Time out Cheap Eats in 2007 and serves cuisine that derives its influence from The Straits (of Malacca) and its Far Eastern neighbours. But there isn’t just oriental food, everything from Italian to American cuisine is also available. There is also a huge array of entertainment on offer such as the Odeon cinema, Queens Ice Skating rink, Whitelys shopping centre and two bowling venues, Queens bowling and All Star Lanes, all at your door step. And if that hasn’t got you interested in moving to this energetic part of town perhaps this will convince you. This brilliant modern studio apartment is brand new and refurbished to a very high standard. It comes with a fully fitted kitchen and a separate private shower room. There is a plasma screen flat TV with FREE cable TV as well as FREE Internet.  Access to communal gardens and the on-site gym is also thrown into the deal. Within easy walking distance to Bayswater Tube, Lancaster Gate and Paddington Tube station, this is a property that should not be missed.

Spacious and refurbished flat, situated on the second floor with wooden floors throughout. Accommodation comprises master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, barhroom, 1 reception room and eat in kitchen. Campden Street is conveniently located close to Notting Hill Gate with its many shops, cafes and restaurants. Kensington High Street and Kensington Gardens are nearby. For excellent transport links, Notting Hill Gate Underground Station (District, Circle and Central lines) and Kensington High Street Underground Station (District and Circle lines) are a short walk away. Motorists will benefit from rapid routes to the West and Heathrow Airport via M4.

London: Speed; one million miles per hour.  Work; at least forty five hours per week.  Play; minimum. Stress; maximum.  So what makes us Londoners love this city so much?  Why do we put ourselves out there on a “high alert, oh my God I am about to convulse” level for the majority of the week, queuing for the train, queuing for for the bus, queuing for the super market, even if we want to go to the loo, we have to queue up at the cash point to take out a tenner, to buy some gum, to get some change, to then queue for the change machine, get two ten pence pieces and a twenty, to queue through the toilet barrier and eventually get to the blasted place!!!!  Perhaps it’s that machine gun feeling we get when we are commuting home and are packed like sardines on the train whilst our face is glued on a b.o smothered arm pit and our right hand is shoved against someone’s crotch.  London is wonderful! I hear you cry, London is great! It is, I agree! But why? Why do we remain committed to  a city that draws from us such vast senses of hatred and stress, who’s pavements ruin our stilettos, who’s rain frizzes our hair?  The answer my dear readers is given to you forthwith; Londres, Londino, Londinion is also a magnificent city that refuses to conform, Dickensian in one blink and minimalist in another.  Transvestites and lady boys socialising with Sloaneys and  toffs.  That is why we love London.  Anything goes.  You don’t need to worry about what you are wearing or how you speak, where you go or what you do as all and sundry thoroughly accept, love and admire anything that is quirky and embrace imperfection as a sign of  idiosyncratic excellence.  London is like a Benetton advert, all creeds and colours side by side in a unified waltz to the cinema or a jaunt to the theatre.  On one end of the road is “Maroush”  for a shwarma and a kofta, on the other is “Mango Tree” for phad thai and tom yum soup.  A cauldron of infinite choice, by the river or by the green, old school uniforms or East London grunge.  That is why we love this city and why every arm pit sniffing, crotch touching, stuffy tube delay is worth hating, so that you can feel and experience the love of  a city like no other.