The Spoon Drawer

If you are currently on a quest to commence your Christmas shopping ahead of everyone else and get it over with as soon as possible, then you are not alone. There have been reports that some shops have already started getting ready for Christmas and showcasing their festive ranges to over-eager shoppers. The recent emergence of the American traditions of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the UK, has only increased the frenzy of commercialism surrounding Christmas in this country. From my own personal experience, many of my friends used Black Friday and Cyber Monday to purchase items for themselves as opposed to taking advantage of the generous discounts for their friends and loved ones. It appears that more and more people are shopping online for Christmas presents and this is only likely to increase in the future. With this in mind it is worth considering starting your Christmas shopping as early as possible in order to ensure that you  aren't  scrapping with other d

Living in Britain is more often than not a little strange; it is possible to experience all four seasons in the space of a couple of days and last week was certainly no exception. Last weekend the whole of Sussex was basking in uninterrupted waves of blissful sunshine that reminded me more of the south of France. I cannot deny that I certainly am something of a sun-worshipper, and that is why whenever it is sunny I aim to be out and about, and if possible, relaxing on Brighton beach. For those of you who are reading this from outside of the UK, trust me when I say that making the most of the sun is a British necessity as you can never be sure when (if ever) it will return. I was more than aware that last weekend could well have been my final chance to feel the warm sun on my skin and that is why I headed down to Brighton marina with several friends of mine who are keen sailors. Despite living by the sea I do not posse

There is something big going on in the city of Brighton & Hove, yet no one seems to understand exactly what it is or what it is doing here. We are continually told that it is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK , but Brighton residents seem to be unaware exactly what it will bring to the city and there are concerns exactly what the benefits are for the famously diverse south coast seaside resort. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersg/19754696283 It cannot be denied that over the centuries Brighton has developed somewhat of a reputation for building extravagant landmarks. We have the Price Regent’s lavish Royal Pavilion, and before that, the West Pier, one of three piers to have existed in the city, was certainly seen as a decadent luxury when it was built in 1866. Now it represents something of a location guide for both us Brightonians and tourists alike, representing both the coolness and quirkiness of our unique city. I am yet to encounter a l

I am sure that you all remember that final week in June of this year; there was a belief that we were approaching one of the hottest summers on record and we were all eagerly anticipating our upcoming summer holidays. However, there is another reason why this hot and humid week sticks out in my mind. I clearly remember lounging in front of the television sipping on my first café au lait of the morning when a rather bizarre news story appeared. I was informed that a  toddler had her head shaved   during a hairdressing ‘role-play’ at a London nursery. I must admit that I was rather taken aback by the fact that a group of toddlers had been given hair clippers to play with, but then again, I seem to remember playing some equally bizarre games at school when I first moved to this country. In France we used to sing songs together and play games in the playground. However, when I came to England I remember being entrusted with a toy sword and encouraged to chase another child arou