Jessie Ware

She has the most haunting voice. 

Jessie Ware- Wildest Moments

London Happenings #4: Ideas for Breakfast

What could be a better way of starting your day than over a little creative chit chat!
W Hotel in Leicester Square hosts breakfast while you get to sit back and listen to creative experts talking about their fields.Topics range from Talking Trends to Sonic Grafitti & Active Listening, all are lead by London creatives. 
Conscience of the working crowd they are held on a Sunday at 11am (10:30 for breakfast) and tickets are 25 pounds. 

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See you there!

I Heart Chia

I picked up a pack of Chia Seeds at Trader Joe's before I headed back to the UK this past week and I'm so glad I did. These things are amazing!

I've started to make my own smoothies for breakfast each morning (and by started I mean the past 2 mornings-so going really well so far!). I've been putting a tablespoon in the mixture before I put it in the fridge to enjoy the next morning. 

Little did I know that this is actually a great thing to do because they turn into little gooey bubbles. It's like I'm drinking a mini bubble tea smoothie each morning which I LOVE. It also thickens the smoothie so even though I made it the night before with just banana, yogurt and milk, it's lusciously thick the next day. 

But the best part!? They are so good for you! They're rich in omega-3 (great for heart, digestion and joints), fibre and protein. When I have my smoothie at 9am I'm not hungry again till 12pm (this is actually a big deal for me because I'm normally hungry again at 10:30am). 

I think there are many more things I can make with them (including a type of Chia seed pudding) so I'm only just getting started!

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Recipe to try them with: Strawberry smoothie with banana, lime and coconut milk

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On Creativity

I've been thinking a lot about creativity recently-where inspiration hits, what makes someone creative, what is considered creative etc- so when I heard about Jonah Lehrer's book 'Imagine' I had to check it out.

If you've read 'Thinking Fast and Slow' then you'll love this book which, in my eyes, is an easier and more enjoyable read. I'm not normally one for non fiction but I couldn't put it down. Lehrer engages readers with anecdotes followed by clearly written arguments. More importantly he sucks you in with interesting subject matter. Creativity could come from defocusing your mind or living in a dense urban setting or the relaxing of regulations. 

Awkwardly, a couple of weeks ago Lehrer was been accused of making up some of his Dylan quotes in this book and I think the publisher has pulled it. HOWEVER, I think the basic premise of the book is still sound. Yes, okay maybe Dylan didn't say XYZ, that doesn't change the fact that the basic idea behind Dylan's creativity is correct. 

Following on- I found this interview with Jack White on where he get's his inspiration: hard work and a challenge. 

“Inspiration and work ethic – they ride right next to each other.” ~ Jack White

Found via. Brain Picker

(Check out the random body sleeping in the background!) 

If you have 27mins or have headphones, I'd also recommend Tim Brown on Serious Play. He claims creativity comes from loosing your inhibition and stop self-editing.   

Where do you get your creative inspiration from?

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Views from America

I've just come back from the most amazing holiday in Northern California and Seattle. These pictures make me want to go back!

Twinkle Cocktail 

Ingredients:
Elderflower Cordial (or liquor) + Vodka + Proseco = DELICIOUS! 

Delicious pastry from the local bakery, Twofish, in Sea Ranch. 

I finished off the whole trip back up in Seattle with a bike ride and visit to Red Hook Brewery. 

Custom Crazy Straws

How cool is this idea!

Go to Crazystraws.com to personalize your own. Limited to 5 letters or numbers. 
OOOhhhh the possibilities! 

USA!

I know I apologized last week but I'm going to have to apologize again! I haven't had one moment to be by my computer for the last two weeks and I'm heading to the west coast tomorrow so will be pretty silent for another week. BUT I hope to take some amazing pictures of the coast. So stay tuned!

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