Carpool Karaoke with James Corden My Favourite You Tube Pick Me Up

Not to be confused with the spin off Carpool Karaoke on Apple TV

Chanel Rampart

2026-04-06T09:01:00.4370000 2026-04-06T11:51:00.5930000

I will begin by telling you I am a massive Barbra Streisand fan and a massive James Corden fan so when the two came together for Karpool Karaoke in the US I was tuning in. It was November 1st 2018 when it first aired. Gosh almost 8 years ago and it’s one of those magic 15 minutes of TV you can watch over and over, at least I can.

I don’t spend a lot of time on You tube but when I do go on there I do find myself a little bit addicted to binge watching carpool Karaoke James Cordon’s Saturday Night Late Show segment where he gets big name celebrities to drive around, LA, New York and Las Vegas where I just caught the hilarious Celine Dion join him on her one day off a year.

It is a very poignant and touching story of how Karpool Karaoke came about and became a massive thing. James Smithy in Gavin and Stacey asked his hero George Michael to take part in a sketch, the first Carpool Karaoke for Comic Relief, the idea was Smithy had to save Comic Relief and they would sing together in the car.

When he began working as host of the late show, he tried to get big US names to do Karpool Kareoke with him and no one would, they sent the video of George Michael out doing this for Comic Relief and Mariah Carey was the first star to say yes, saying if it’s good enough for George Michael, it’s good enough for me and so Karpool Karaoke got it’s start in America, showing even big stars like James Cordon, big hosts of TV shows have their struggles, rejections and how important persistence and self belief is in what you are doing.

Celine was so funny I found myself howling with laughter. James Corden too seemed like he wasn’t running the show as her hamming things up better than him caught him a little of guard and made the skit even funnier.

The Final Carpool Karaoke with Adele (Aired April 26, 2023) James’s Final Late Late Show Episode: April 27, 2023

Some of his Other Notable Specials/Guests:

* Jennifer Lopez: March 29, 2016

* Katy Perry: May 22, 2017

* Christina Aguilera: April 23, 2018

* Celine Dion: May 20, 2019 a must watch, very, very funny.

* Paul McCartney: June 21, 2018 (Special) 

Carpool Karaoke definitely became a staple segment during Corden's eight-year tenure, often airing as primetime specials and I absolutely loved it.

The final show, "The Last Last Late Late Show," aired on April 27, 2023. Key Carpool specials ran periodically between 2016–2023.

And then in 2023 despite his popularity James Cordon decided to call it a day after being offered a “substantial contract” to stay. He said his son had asked him about working so much and he said publically he wanted to spend more time with his children as this time was precious and limited.

James Cordon hosted 35 guests over his eight year tenure on the Late Show the final episode featuring Adele. The Apple TV spin off has aired over 75 episodes featuring 200 stars. For me as a James Cordon fan without Cordon whilst still good they are just not so funny.

If you have a bit of time to kill and are sick of scrolling definitely watch the Celine Dion, Ariana Grande and Madonna Carpool Karaoke, celine dion is the funniest ever. You might find yourself just watching and re watching whenever you need a good laugh.

So many big stars and wonderful watches. I haven’t watched all of them but the most memorable, funny and truly iconic for me is Barbra Streisand. With a conversation that covers calling Steve Jobs when she had problems with her computer, retaking her driving test, James gets a great gag in about what a good way to go, being killed by Barbra Streisand and speaking to Tim Cooke to get Siri to pronounce her name correctly.

The segment opens with Memories, chill bumps truly as Barbra just sits back and lets James sing the first verse, pretty she says before joining in, yep it’s a moment and ending with rain on my parade.

A few of the comments mention singing Rain on my Parade with Barbra Streisand and how many people get to do that. James talks about being a fan to which Barbra replies “really?”

These sketches segments created by James Corden and producer Gabe Turner are now widely regarded as a you tube sensation the most successful viral content format in Late Night television history.

It really is magnificent TV. Very very funny and shows how truly talented and well loved James Corden is around the world for a guy from High Wickham.

Two of the best Brunch Spots In Leicester I am told, One we’ve been to, one yet to try

96 degrees and Cafe 210, Braunstone Gate and the Narborough Road Leicester

Chanel Rampart

2026-01-23T11:25:06.9200000 2026-01-23T16:10:21.7700000

When my fella comes up from London we like to go to brunch, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. The problem, he lives in West Hampstead and when we are down there we go to the Alice House on West End lane so finding somewhere that’s a little more than a greasy spoon can be a bit of a challenge especially in Leicester city centre.

The Narborough Road gets a lot of stick for being crime riddled and a bit dodgy. To be fair there are a few massage parlours and old pubs and I wouldn’t want to hanging out there late at night. That said 96 degrees offers one of the friendliest vibes and best breakfasts I’ve eaten in a long time; with barista style really delicious coffee on the side, homemade smoothies, and a selection of teas and chais you’ll want to return to try. I couldn’t make up my mind. Of course there’s English Breakfast too if you are a traditionalist.

They also have high chairs for Mum’s with young kids looking for a meet up and a little play area for youngsters which makes it a great offering for a mid morning break and get together with friends.

We had breakfast avocado and poached eggs, poached to perfection I must say, way better than expected for Leicester where a greasy fry up is the usual.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing like the Alice House and it’s sister venue in Queens Park, they are about as different as the Champs Elysee in Paris and Ameyoko in Tokyo however forgetting the setting and location the food is comparable and the coffee just as good.

Times are a changing because when I told a pal about the great experience at 96 degrees, she told me about another place further up the Narborough Road at 210, the Cafe 210 named after its street number which she said I had to try if I was looking for a gourmet brunch experience, yes she used the word GOURMET on the Narborough Road, known for it’s multi cultural grocery stores, Indian restaurants and ladies of the night. I went to university in Leicester, lived on Bede St and the Huntsman was my local so I am very familiar with the area.

With 96 degrees and cafe 210, times clearly are a changing.

Superdrug Offering The Deals of The Decade On Fragrance Christmas 2025

Get Yourself Down To Superdrug And Don’t Just Bag A Bargain, Get A Whiff Of Nostalgia Too

Chanel Rampart

2025-12-22T12:47:37.4500000 2025-12-22T13:20:51.7630000

I just went into Superdrug to pick up a hair colour for my sister and I noticed a few great deal worth mentioning. I absolutely loved shopping fragrances and went a bit mad it has to be said. I don’t normally shop in Superdrug in fact I cannot remember the last time I was in there. I don’t shop in Boots either because of all the negative press around tax evasion and poor treatment of staff and I think maybe Superdrug the second largest beauty and pharmacy retailer in the UK just got tarred, perhaps unfairly with the same brush but they have a killer deal on fragrances for Christmas 2025 if you are looking for a last minute present on a budget.

The offer is buy one get the second one half price but I managed to buy 100ml of Calvin Klein CK One, a blast from the past fragrance I used to wear for just £22, they said it had a 60% discount but I’ve got a feeling that might not be 100% accurate. Regardless in Flannels the same 100ml perfume is £30 so quite a saving.

The offers are usually for health and beauty card members, I didn’t have a health and beauty card and still managed to get the deal in store without a signing up.

The selection is pretty good lots of discounted fragrances to pick from well known brands like Boss, Moschino and Britney Spears, Emporio Armani, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier.

If you want a blast from the past, a bottle of cacherel Anais Anais you can pick up 100ml for £35 steal.

Whilst they don’t have every department store fragrance there’s a really wide selection. There are also a lot of current fragrances like Rabanne Million and YSL Black Opium and I was delighted to find both Versace Versense for a gift, 50ml for £35 and Versace Homme, again a blast from the past fragrance for my brother in law, again 100ml for just £25.

For teens they have an amazing selection of Marc Jacob’s Daisy range, Ariana Grande’s fragrance range including pink and blue cloud, R.E.M, Love Note to You and Cherry of Dreams all with quite significant savings.

I had no idea the offers and deals could be so good. I’ll definitely keep Superdrug on my radar in the future.

FYI, many of the Superdrug stores are saying online the discounts were for one day only 20th December, 2025 so it may be too late to bag a bargain in store although I’ve just looked on line and the discounts on fragrances are still pretty substantial, worth a look to see if your favourite is available.

To be fair it was fun seeing so many fragrances from the past and being reminded, Poison by Dior, Samara By Guerlain, Angel By Thierry Mugler. It was really fun and like a perfume walk down memory lane.

https://www.superdrug.com/Fragrance/c/fragrance?

First Dates Is My Guilty Pleasure for Quiet Nights In Binge Watching

Chanel Rampart

2025-09-25T14:25:59.0870000 2025-09-26T07:08:31.7430000

Few TV shows on mainstream TV provide the genuine warm and fuzzies like First Dates.

This reality dating show is now my go to for feel good vibes. They have hit on a formula that solves the problems of daters today, consigned to ineffective dating apps having lost a Friday night dating culture where you could guarantee a hook up down the local boozer or night club; now long gone.

The production company that makes First Dates for Channel 4, Twenty Twenty is a well deserved multi-award-winning company known for creating the hit dating series also producing First Dates Hotel (where we first met Francesca as Italian quirky hotel manager) which takes the concept of dating a step further to a holiday romance where daters check into a boutique hotel in Italy and can experience spending a bit more time together if the blind dinner date goes well. It’s a really fun format too and compulsive viewing in our house.

I don’t think the show I just watched was even from the new series as the restaurant setting was different. It wasn’t a restaurant I actually recognised but the daters featured left me with those lovely warm feelings, and hopefulness for the daters brave enough to put their past dating failures and personal insecurities on the line, out their for the world to see in the hope of finding a match and possibly Love.

This particular episode featured a 35 year old driving instructor with Asperbergers syndrome whose parents had a home in Florida, a car enthusiast and back to the future movie franchise fan who was paired with a curvy 29 year old girl who had never had a boyfriend. The chat flowed freely, they both said yes to another date and ended up taking a trip to Florida together. So fantastic. We also met a young magician with a “Dad body” who had been teased at school but had overcome confidence issues to perform magic for celebrities, he was matched with a young make up artist who also wrote music, the daughter of a musician who lived in Los Angeles who too had issues with confidence, so much so she brought a suitcase full of her make up with her on the date for comfort and security.

It was entirely heart warming to hear both young people talk about past experiences and yep Fred and team had another successful match.

I have no idea how many dates the crew actually capture to ensure ten packed episodes in a series with each episode usually featuring three or sometimes four couples experiencing their “First Dates”.

The third couple featured in this particular episode were a bit older. The nice thing about the show is it doesn’t just feature young people, but all kinds of people, young, old, gay, straight, transgender, people with disabilities, you name it the First Dates restaurant does not discriminate when it comes to love. The lady mid forties, the chap early fifties. And whilst there wasn’t an attraction on her part, she did say very wittily when asked what her usual type was by her date “clearly the wrong type”, they did get along very well, had a good time and planned to see each other again as mates. She spoke very highly of the gentleman in question she just didn’t fancy him.

At the end of the each episode you the viewer do get an update as to whether successful daters followed through or not and when the matches don’t spark and flames don’t a light there’s always the chance Fred and his team will have a participant back for another match.

It’s the most authentic genuine (not manufactured) reality show on TV. And very easy to binge watch if you’ve not checked it out before.

I’d recommend starting with First Dates Hotel which brings holiday romance vibes in an idyllic Italian hideaway, luxury boutique hotel before settling down and getting your teeth into the back catalogue of First Dates.

Itsu Sushi and Rice to go

It’s way better than a fast food chain and the food is delicious whether you dine in or get your...

Chanel Rampart

2025-08-25T09:56:12.5730000 2025-08-25T14:48:48.0500000

I can absolutely validate the staff at my Itsu are happy and positive, as people have come and gone I have learned their names and have had genuine interactions even chatting about impeding vacation plans back home to far off places like Ghana and Senegal in Western Africa.

The staff I have encountered over the last couple of years make a visit to Itsu a pleasure and certainly validate the company’s commitment to their employees detailed on the Itsu website.

It’s quite rare these days to be greeted with a happy genuine smile in a fast food restaurant and it’s one of the things I really appreciate as well as a drink of cold tap water while you wait for your order to be prepared.

I usually go for either the dragon rolls, mixed vegetarian sushi or the avocado rolls, the avocado rolls are a bit cheaper if it’s nearing the end of the month and if I am super strapped for cash, the paradise rice at £2.95 is filling warm fresh and tasty. A combination of whole grain rice and vegetables so very healthy too.

All the sushi packs come with wasabi and soy sauce and if it is not enough soy sauce you can ask for extra, red top for regular or green top low salt at no extra charge.

I’ve also tried the miso soup and the vegetable dumplings which are really good too if you are extra hungry.

Nothing is fried everything steamed and made fresh to order using only the best ingredients so unlike other fast food chains the food is perfect for anyone trying to drop a few pounds or just likes to healthier options.

The only downside for me is they don’t accept cash so you have to have a bank card or credit card to dine at Itsu, which does marginalise and exclude some people from enjoying their delicious food.

Paradise rice and avocado rolls for two people comes out around £16.00 so very affordable. I think I pay about the same at McDonalds for two meals, except Itsu is way better for you.

Nat West Credit Card Finally closed after customer service terrible experience

Chanel Rampart

2025-06-20T08:14:22.6830000 2025-06-20T11:24:29.0570000

This is a story of incompetence I had to share such poor customer service I am glad I am no longer a customer of Nat West Bank.

At the end of my experience I was told I could put in a complaint to be honest I didn’t see the point. I thought writing down what happened would probably be more effective for the organisation.

My experience with Nat West started over a year ago when I applied for a credit card offering an attractive balance transfer rate. When the card came the rate I was expecting didn’t materialise so I notified Nat West and ask for the card to be closed.

On the 16th April, 2024 I received a letter from Nat West saying the card was closed, I destroyed the card and thought that would be the end of it.

Then over a year later I received an email from Nat West saying their credit card terms and conditions were changing in August, 2025 which set off alarm bells for me. I wasn’t a customer or so I thought.

I didn’t have the letter from Nat West to hand at this point: (that had to be rooted out which took going through mountains of badly filed paper work) so I immediately tried to login on the Nat West banking app to see what exactly was going on.

I still had the digital app and correct password and four digit code but couldn’t login.

I then discovered “Cora” on what’s app set up to help people struggling to login to their Nat West online banking.

After waiting the first time, yep it gets worse for over 20 minutes to get a human being after being pushed through a load of automated prompts that didn’t apply to me I ended up with a phone number to call.

When I called the phone number I was again in a series of automated prompts and an AI voice “tell me simply what you are calling about”

I finally got through to a credit card section but without the 16 digit card number for a card destroyed 12 months prior I was going nowhere. I kept repeating “speak to a human” that wasn’t what the automated operator recognised.

I went back to Cora waited another 30 minutes for a human who just wasn’t listening and started arguing with me in complete denial about what I had just experienced.

I finally got another phone number out of the agent but not without a struggle. I left the chat suggesting they ring the first number provided and have the experience themselves.

I did get through to a human being on the phone. It took about 20 minutes on hold by which time I had found the letter from Nat West saying the account was closed April, 2024 with thankfully the 16 digit credit card number on it.

Although the person I was talking to, wait for it, couldn’t help because I needed to speak to the credit card people instead. She could not access anything to do with my issue. I thought I was down a snake again and back to square one but she did get me put through to someone else who was left in the embarrassing position of holding the baby with no explanation as to why the account was still open.

She was gracious and polite to be fair and did ask if I wanted to keep the account open, quite brave considering and then asked if I would like to go down the complaints procedure road which I declined, in favour of telling this story which I hope will improve a customer service department that is not servicing the customers in my experience.

The whole process took me about 4 hours in total.

Youthbomb 360° Double Vitamin Radiance Concentrate miracle skincare product

Chanel Rampart

2025-06-10T07:07:06.3900000 2025-06-10T16:01:59.4270000

I don’t have a great deal of experience when it comes to expensive skincare. I’ve never really suffered with acne, rosacea or other common skin complaints and in my younger years my beauty routine was pretty much wash your face brush your teeth and hair, slap on a bit of foundation and out the door.

Obviously as I have gotten older this routine has needed enhancing to look and feel better but knowing where to start, without a million pounds to spend has been tricky for me. With so many products on the market I have found this transition quite overwhelming. I had really no idea what brand to go for or what to buy.

My friend who knows much more about skincare products than me suggested I look at Beauty Pie and specifically the Youth Bomb serum, she said you can slap it all over your face and neck everyday to improve skin texture and give you a dewy glow.

Not sure I would be convinced I took her advice and bought a bottle on her account.

It’s described as a “supercharged radiance serum that helps unlock insanely glowing skin” exactly what I was looking for and Made in Switzerland where I am assured by my expert friend all the best skincare comes from.

The only downside for me who doesn’t shop a lot for this kind of thing is Beauty Pie is a subscription model business where you pay monthly or annual subscription not sure which to then be able to shop their product range at a discount.

So the idea is they make the same products in the same labs using the same ingredients as other much more expensive brands and by everyone contributing a “join the club” fee you get to shop at a significant discount.

The Youthbomb product which they say would retail at £150 with the same active ingredients in a more expensive range with more expensive packaging costs the Beauty Pie non member £75. With a membership subscription the price drops again to £39.

The product itself I do love. It’s a serum that is light and not sticky. It goes on easily and absorbs completely something I like, no residue or feeling like you’ve got sticky product on your face. If you are not used to using products with AHA or retinol in them you may experience a burning or stinging sensation when you begin using it. I did. It is not painful as such and your tolerance for the product does increase (or you just get used to it) over time. As my friend said to me “no pain no gain.”

It is designed for more mature skin, I guess that would be 40 plus, me and I’ve been using it on my face and neck for about two months.

The most important thing for me it’s one product and it’s been easy to incorporate into my routine, after I wash my face and before I put my make up on.

The results whilst not completely transformative and dramatic have been noticeable especially around the eyes I definitely look less tired and the dark circles have diminished and on my chest area where the skin is thin and starting to show the signs of aging with a few more freckles than I’d like feels and looks better.

The most important thing I am enjoying using it and have got used to the slight sting when I apply.

Personally I still think £75 for a 30ml bottle is a lot but I am assured in this realm of luxury skincare it’s very reasonable.

Will I buy another bottle? I don’t use so much at one go so if it the bottle lasts longer than four months, £10 per month (for members) I think the results will be worth the investment.

Hopefully my friend will continue to order for me as I am not sure it would be worth it for me to become a member myself.

I don’t shop for luxury skincare enough at the moment.

They also do a 50ml size of this product for £44 member price, £47 including shipping, £93 for non member, equivalent retail they suggest £185 so if you decide you love it the bigger bottle works out even more of a saving per use.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Huile De Sacre Fleur Blanche Found On EBay

Chanel Rampart

2025-03-10T09:47:46.8230000 2025-03-10T13:45:17.7830000

It’s got a long name I can never remember even though I have used this product for years. Kerastase Ultime Elixir, I know it’s got a Fleur in there a Sacre and a Blanche but in what order.

So the correct title is Huile Sacre de Fleur Blanche. It’s not surprising it got discontinued really perhaps no one could remember the name.

The first time a hairdresser used this product in my hair I was sold. I could not believe the difference it made on my hair and I don’t buy into anything. In fact when it comes to haircare and product marketing I was always taught to leave my hair alone and not to use loads of different things on it; even letting my curly hair dry without heat so I am a very tough sell when it comes to haircare lotions and potions.

I immediately bought a few tubes, at the time I remember it costing about £30 a tube and then about 6 years ago Kerastase discontinued it and even though I bought quite a lot when I knew it was over (Kerastase in Manchester helped me source back stock from different salons,) slowly my stash has run out.

Then all of a sudden I had a miracle. A tube, brand new and unopened popped up on EBay which made me extremely happy.

I cannot believe I am the only Kerastase L’Oreal customer who knows how special this hair cream actually is.

I’ve tried everything you have recommended Kerastase since this amazing product ceased to exist (unless there’s a hairdresser out there with a box under the stairs) and nothing has come close.

Thank you EBay. I am absolutely ecstatic.

FYI I tried the Incroyable Blow Dry Cream kerastase recommend as the alternative and it is nothing like the result of the Ultime Elixir Huile de Fleur Sacre Blanche, hard and sticky like you’ve sprayed your hair with Elnett or very tough hair spray.

If you are listening L’Oreal one very loyal customer here waiting for the dream product to come back.

Soulstice Primrose Hill

Chanel Rampart

2025-02-25T09:46:00.0000000 2025-09-26T07:19:46.8870000

Updated June, 2025

Very sad to say this lovely independent shop has closed and been replaced by yet another coffee shop.

One trip to Glastonbury in my 20s was enough to put me off healing and crystals, not that there’s anything wrong with believing in the power of rocks it’s just not me.

That said whenever I am in Primrose Hill, Regents Park Road (my fella lives in North London and weekend mornings are often spent on neighbouring high streets I love to stop by this little gem of a shop curated by owner Jodie who would always have time for you even if she’s extremely busy.

Even if like me you are not a hippie crystal chick this store was well worth popping into. First off the minute you stepped through the door you’d feel the warmth and smell the love, it was in the air.

It was great to browse and the perfect place to pick up something quirky for a gift, lots of things with interesting stories like loo rolls with a twist and cute paper products, journals and sketchbooks, better than average scented candles and things you just couldn’t find anywhere else (I love shops like this, everything hand picked) like Lip Sync London Lip balm which is the UK’s best kept secret when it comes to your lips and I don’t think you can physically buy it anywhere else unless online.

Sadly. No more can you pop in and give it a try. It was a lovely, lovely shop.

Replaced by yet another coffee shop.

If you are out and about and decided to step into a small shop, don’t leave empty handed. If we don’t start supporting local independents are communities and the streets we love to amble down will be nothing but coffee shops.

Cook and other cashless businesses

Chanel Rampart

2025-02-19T15:50:51.2100000 2025-02-20T14:29:28.4900000

I first discovered the Cook shop in London, then found one in Stamford and then found out their delicious homemade food, fresh frozen was available in other outlets in the Midlands region, (actually 850 retail outlets across the UK) including Farndon Fields farm shop in Market Harborough and Langtons Garden Centre also just outside Market Harborough,

When I first started shopping with them in Maida Vale in London about 10 years ago now they definitely took cash. Sadly this store didn’t survive, closing in 2020. I’d get our supper in there a couple of times a week at least, now permanently closed. The food never disappointed in the early days and I was a definite champion for the brand. For me they couldn’t put a foot wrong. Some people complained they were a bit expensive but I love homemade food and know how expensive cooking from scratch actually is.

Although cash remains the 2nd choice in the UK with 39% of all transactions still cash transactions, 5% of British companies have elected to move to a cashless business model since the pandemic.

I personally don’t like it. I like paying cash. I find it easier to manage my money, and if a business like Cook and as I discovered today Zizzis pizza pasta restaurant chain doesn’t want my cash then I’ll choose to shop/eat elsewhere.

Cash is legal tender in the UK, but businesses are not obliged to serve people who only want to pay with notes and coins. The problem I have with this it excludes anyone without a bank account which sounds ridiculous until you cannot get a bank to allow you even basic facilities and it is happening more and more not just to marginalized people and the homeless but also to people who have lived overseas for a time and are returning to the UK to reside permanently once more.

It’s viewed as such a negative shift some countries, such as Australia, are planning to put rules in place that would force essential services to accept cash.

I struggle to see the difference between the divisive nature of an apartheid system and a cashless business, effectively refusing service based on social status. Wrong colour skin, no service, no bank account, no service.

The counter argument from the business perspective would probably say in London specifically during and post pandemic the amount of money being withdrawn from cash machines around the city dropped significantly according to Link, in January 2022.

However I believe this is attributed more to the restrictions on movement and socialising than a genuine shift away from the desire to use cash as the stats are not supported anywhere else in the country.

I think the businesses that have adopted cashless systems have done so to prevent internal fraud more than help customers.

I have a bank account and usually have a card available. In Zizzis when I was told I couldn’t pay cash I was able to pay by card. I’d be interested to know what happens if you’ve eaten your food, offer your cash with no other way to pay.

Guess Don’t Mess With Banksy

Chanel Rampart

2025-01-12T10:21:18.6730000 2025-06-20T11:23:45.6800000

I love the California vibe of the guess aesthetic. I bought into designer Paul Marciano way back when curvy rebel Anna Nicole Smith catapulted the brand into the global stratosphere back in the 1990’s. That controversial Jean ad commercial 1992-1993.

The brand represented to me the James Dean beauty and sex appeal “rebel without a cause” but this time for women, a magic formula for commercial success.

I love Guess but I love Banksy more so when I saw on Banksy’s instagram a couple of years back him:her calling for action after he:she alleged his:her art was being used for commercial gain by the brand without his:her authority, my ears pricked up.

For me this was a conflict. At the time I remember thinking about heading to Regent St myself just out of curiosity.

According to Time Out, it would have been pointless as the windows were immediately covered, the flagship store shutdown and extra security brought it.

The Instagram post has since been removed but it did tickle me at the time;

“ ‘They’ve helped themselves to my artwork without asking, how can it be wrong for you to do the same to their clothes?’

Banksy has power and a voice so they were unable to steal from the artist without fundamentally damaging the brand.

I haven’t bought anything from Guess since. My values align with Banksy more.

Why do big brands do this it makes me think, the powers that be at the top of these global brands must think we are all stupid.

I read a tweet a few years ago from a New York designer Adam J, Kurtz alleging Zara Inditex was stealing the work of over 20 independent artists including LA based artist Tuesday Bassen, finding her designs all over Zara clothing without agreement or remuneration. You only have to look at the dupe fake market. Stealing in general appears to happen a lot in fashion.

I wanted to share this story as it is one lovely example where Guess may have picked the wrong artist to pinch from.

It tickles me every time I think about it, Banksy’s army descending on Guess to pinch his art back.

Fabulous.

Bowden Stores is the cutest

Chanel Rampart

2024-11-19T12:29:11.4370000 2024-11-19T12:35:54.6930000

It’s a one stop village shop and cafe, specialty store, gift shop, yummy mummy hang out I have grown to really appreciate.

When you first go you might find it a little bit brusk or stand off ish, I think the staff are used to a regular crowd so when someone new walks in you might feel like everyone’s staring, it’s in a very small picturesque village, with shared tables, where everyone knows everyone but once you’ve been a few times they do warm up.

If you get told off don’t take it personally.

I am from N. Yorkshire and I remember taking a friend from London into our local in Richmond. She made a funny comment about “American Werewolf in London” the movie.

The breakfast with truffle oil all cooked in an iron skillet is possibly one of the best in the area and the locally sourced granola bars and mini brownies are not cheap but bloody delicious.

I’ve also bought a random room diffuser in there I smelled in their loo, that turned out to be really lovely too. A friend like it so much she went and bought one too.

Bowden Stores is a very unique independent cafe and shop with tables on the village green for watching the world go by.

Definitely one to check out if you are in the neighbourhood.

Tracys Emporium In Uppingham is an Interior Decorators Paradise

Tracy is a passionate collector of recycled and upcycled furniture and antiques

Chanel Rampart

2024-10-19T13:11:03.1770000 2026-01-23T12:30:56.1500000

There are a few secondhand antiquey type shops in Uppingham, Rutland ranging from proper, proper antiquities on the high st with prices to match to bric a brac type junk shop collectibles at Loros Hospice, with posh junk, small ceramics and silverware, at Legacy run by Mo Cerrone.

In the middle of the road and my absolute favourite, off the beaten track in some warehouses round the back of the town you’d never find unless you knew about it, Tracy’s Emporium, run by you guessed it, Tracy. We used the sat nav and went around the block more than once before we figured out exactly where she was.

What are you going to find.

I’ve been a couple of times and on both occasions I went with something in mind I needed, found that loosely and bought a few other amazing things, you’d never in a million years find, it’s just that kind of place.

Tracy has really good taste, she buys small useable pieces of furniture, she’s got a great eye for understanding how pieces work together and for a shop where everything is hand picked and individual she does have a knack of merchandising and curating her quite large space to show off her wares as beautifully and creatively as possible.

For me it’s a shining example of someone working with passion on something she loves.

Tracy even found me a couple of specific things I mentioned I was on the look out for if she stumbled across anything. I have a quick simple description and she absolutely nailed it and delivered the items and I believe she didn’t charge me for delivery.

If you are looking for mirrors, lamps, small furniture, paintings/pictures combined with a bit of a gallery, never seen anything like that before experience, pop in for browse.

All the things I have bought have been very reasonably priced.

I have added Tracy’s Facebook page here https://m.facebook.com/Traceysemporium/

It’s in Fernie Court off station Road and open 10am - 4.30pm Thursday and Friday, Saturday and 10am -3pm on Sundays

Monday through Wednesday. Give Tracy a call. She’ll be happy to help you.

If you are into upcycling, arty projects, interiors, or just like having rummage through cool oooo, arrrr stuff put this telephone number in your phone.

Tracy - 01572 729998

Drunch St John's Wood: A Hidden Culinary Gem Offering a Home-like Haven

Chanel Rampart

2024-10-12T08:57:20.8030000 2025-10-07T16:44:42.9530000

DRUNCH will always be a favourite of mine. You know the kind of place you genuinely feel at home, so much you’d rather go there alone than get take out.

It’s tough to describe the appeal, it’s little bit off the beaten track, a real neighbourhood place, you have to get off the main high street to find. The patio is very cool in the winter or summer. I like the fall the best, about now when the sun is still shining but the heaters and blankets provide any necessary added warmth.

The decor is opulent but casual, velvets and florals but not so perfect you feel uncomfortable or too pristine. The beautiful flowers on the bar always a highlight for me and in the winter you’ll find me hogging the fire.

In the bustling city life, finding a spot where you feel completely at ease can be a rare treasure. For me, that treasure is this spot in St John’s Wood. It’s not just a café or a restaurant; it's a sanctuary where the ambiance, the food, and the warmth of service blend to create a truly homely experience.

Tucked away, slightly off the main thoroughfare, Drunch is somewhat of a hidden gem. This isn't a place you stumble upon while strolling down the high street; it’s one you seek out, led by whispers of its charm and the promise of a unique culinary experience. And it’s well worth the detour.

The allure of Drunch begins with its setting. The patio area is an enchanting space where time seems to slow down. In the summer, it offers a cool, shaded haven, while in the winter, it transforms into a cozy nook with the help of radiant heaters and plush blankets that invite diners to linger. Autumn, however, is when Drunch truly comes into its own. The air is crisp, the sun still contributes a gentle warmth, and the setting is just perfect for enjoying a hot beverage or a hearty meal outdoors.

Inside, Drunch refuses to conform to a singular style, and perhaps that’s what makes it so inviting. The decor strikes a fine balance between opulence and comfort, featuring rich velvet textures and vibrant floral accents that are elegant yet welcoming. It doesn’t carry the intimidating perfection of a high-end restaurant; instead, it feels like visiting a well-kept, loving home.

In the past couple of years it's had a complete makeover, so I've added a couple more photographs to show the new look.

The bar area, adorned with beautiful, fresh flowers, adds a lively touch of colour and fragrance, enhancing the overall aesthetic and mood. In the colder months, the fireplace does become a focal point, I love a real fire, so you have to fight with the regulars and newcomers alike for a spot close to the warmth. It’s here that many, including myself, find a favourite winter perch, enjoying the gentle crackle and glow of the fire.

But what is a beautiful setting without great food and drink? Drunch delivers wonderfully on this aspect too, with a menu that caters to both refined and hearty tastes. Whether it’s their brunch offerings that can turn a late morning into a delightful affair, or the evening meals that feature comforting classics with a gourmet twist, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The drinks menu is equally thoughtful, featuring everything from expertly brewed coffee to innovative cocktails, each served with a flair that complements the overall experience.

The customers are a mixture. You find glamourous ladies enjoying a macchiato or yummy mummies juggling pushchairs and gossip with equal veracity. Business men (probably estate agents, there’s few in the neighbourhood) grabbing a bite or lovebirds snuggled in a corner savouring eggs Benedict.

The menu isn’t massive but the food is delicious, made with love, I always have the avocado on toast which is generously sprinkled with the most divine feta, not sure where they get it from but worth going just for a taste.

The thing I like the most about DRUNCH is now kind the staff are. Makes me want to come back.

They do have other locations too, one in Mayfair I think.

And if you are looking for a special place for food after some holiday shopping, the fires and the decorations make this a wonderful choice. They do add a service charge to the bill, even for one, and a donation to UNICEF but I don’t mind. The service has always been 1st class for me. It’s quite simply my kind of place.

Rutland Antiques and Art Centre

Chanel Rampart

2024-09-24T11:51:36.8330000 2024-09-24T12:16:11.9830000

Uppingham is a small picturesque public school town in the UK, the country’s smallest county Rutland where you’ll find, along with a host a cute independent art galleries and antique stores to browse, Rutland Antiques run by husband and wife Mark and Diane.

What you’ll find is a wealth of music, rock and roll band knowledge and some very interesting stories.

A passionate collection of art, limited edition photography and band memorabilia, vintage Levi’s, custom creations jackets and other music memories clothing and collectibles.

It is not on the main high st so as you wonder down one of the allies off the main high st you’ll find it.

Uppingham is an off the beaten track little place, off the A47 between Leicester and Peterborough and worth stopping if you are passing. It is very beautiful and the architecture is oldy worldly.

Toni and Guy High Shine Glamour Drops

Chanel Rampart

2024-09-24T11:04:58.3830000 2024-09-24T11:47:14.3730000

I don’t buy a load of products. I’ve probably used about 5 different serums in my life. I find what I like and then I stick with it, that’s just me. The problem with that is I am recommending something I bought years ago and could be discontinued by now. I only use a tiny amount of this and it lasts forever.

Hair with natural kink always needs taming between washes the dilemma, dry shampoo put me off hair products in the 1990s and some product do have a tendency to weigh down hair and make it look greasy. So I tended to avoid Shine Drops type products until….

A friend gave me this product to try, she has sleek, straight, silky hair and wears extensions and weaves and she said it didn’t work for her.

Not sure why but it’s ended up being my go to for stretching out my blow dry between washes.

I don’t like that hair sprayed stuck together feeling, I like natural bounce and movement and a very small, minuscule amount of this does an amazing job for me.

Ienki Ienki

Chanel Rampart

2024-09-14T11:42:35.0270000 2024-09-14T11:48:51.9230000

IENKI IENKI Jackets

Are a Ukrainian fashion brand whose big claim to fame was clothing for an expedition to the Antarctic.

We are proud to announce the collaboration with the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine and present the new modern outwear uniform for the team members of the Vernadsky Research Base – Antarctic Expedition Parka.

Forget about Canada Goose and Moncler the aspirational parka, padded jacket companies.

I saw the Dunlope jacket from Ienki Ienki in a clearance sale, marked down from £1800 to £200. I had never heard of the brand but the quality was very apparent. Something I’d have expected to pay at least £500 for.

It wasn’t until after I bought it I saw super model Irina Shayek wearing my exact jacket out and about in NYC.

The jacket, I call the oven because if it’s warmth potential, on the coldest of UK days I can wear this jacket with only a light T shirt underneath and still be toasty. And talk about the jacket everyone notices, it’s a rare day I wear it and someone doesn’t compliment it or ask me about it. People are very curious when you have something different they don’t know about or recognise.

The downside of these jackets of course the price, who can afford more than £1000 for their winter jacket?

That said, because the brand is not so well known I have managed to find a couple online secondhand. Not as good a deal as my first Ienki Ienki jacket but a lot less than retail.

No. 23 Restaurant Uppingham

Chanel Rampart

2024-08-11T07:07:00.9300000 2024-10-19T14:06:54.6770000

I am going to start with the high lights.

The most delicious small batch special balsamic vinegar you have ever tasted. Focaccia bread freshly made on the premises better than anything else available. Olives sourced from Italy, again something you are not going to find elsewhere.

The rest of the experience I have to be honest can be hit and miss. And as I am working and get lunch locally most days I have been to 23 quite a few times.

The staff are friendly and welcoming but if you haven’t booked don’t be surprised to be turned away even if the restaurant looks empty. Some Fridays they have a £5 special so you can guarantee on those days the place will be packed.If you want to try it on a budget give them a follow on social media where you’ll find all their special offers.

I love pasta but this is not the place for that and the wine list is OK.

The tempura leeks as a starter are quite ingenious but for me whilst the decor is modern and cocktail list extensive, colourful and vibrant the menu is quite limited and parochial.

Lovely outdoor patio seating but again every time I have been and tried to get a table outside it’s been fully booked so plan ahead for a table outside.

Not many sit down options for food in Uppingham, Rutland (if you don’t want a pub ploughman’s and a pint) and this is one of the best ones. This restaurant certainly has a lot of

potential and it’s important for me to keep supporting because with a few tweaks I could be a once a week visitor.