THINGS TO DO – Page 13

February 13, 2014 by: Sunny London

Romance, Rum and BLACK ROSES for a HOT Valentine’s Day

It’s absolutely shocking how much sex appeal black roses will have this Valentine’s Day. That is… if you’re lucky enough to score a bouquet of them!

For one day only, THINK INK will be selling dark red roses soaked in Kraken Black Spiced Rum at a pop-up store as part of the “Kraken versus Cupid” campaign designed by visionary Miss Cakehead.

Sunny friends, this will be the world’s first florist to sell only black roses for Valentine’s Day, so pay attention.

When I visited the store today to preview the event, I can only summarize it by saying- INTOXICATING. At first I was skeptical, but once able to view these exotic creations, I was mystified by their allure.

The flowers are placed in vases filled with rum to make them appear as dark as Kraken’s ink, because there are no naturally black flowers.

Along with the roses, Calendula Lily Eclips and Queen of Night Tulips are also part of the arrangements.

Between the harpist in the store and the sweet smell of roses and rum, I felt like I was captured by sirens as I previewed the bouquets.

Who would have ever guessed such a macabre toned idea would be so sexy?

If you’re interested in giving your Valentine a surprise that truly isn’t available anywhere else, you’ll need to hit the pop up store in Kingly Court off of Carnaby Street early tomorrow! The Krakens will start being released at 8:00am on a first come first served basis and are limited to one bouquet per customer. Of course, since they’re also giving you a miniature bottle of 5cl Kraken Rum, you’ll need to be 18 or over to participate.

Oh, and let’s take a minute to acknowledge that there’s no Kraken any jokes here with alcohol content- this luscious liquor registers a 94 PROOF!

If you get there early, there will be a range of bouquet options. You’ll also be able to choose between two messages for your Valentine.

I’d suggest you start planning your AM trip to Carnaby now, because this is going to be one HOT item when the sun rises in London tomorrow. Once they’re sold out, the event ends. You can stay tuned though by following along on Twitter:

@thekrakenrum_uk

@miss_cakehead

@carnabylondon

#thinkink

#carnaby

Oh, and another reason to set your February 14^th alarm extra early- the bouquets are offered for a voluntary donation to Project Redsand.

Sunny friends, GET KRAKEN!!!

February 9, 2014 by: Sunny London

Dale Chihuly: Beyond the Object

Taking a wander through the Dale Chihuly: Beyond the Object exhibition is a fantastic spoonful of sunshine, my friends! This American artist’s talent with glass sculpture is a breathtaking explosion of color and is featured at the Halcyon Gallery (144-146 New Bond Street, London, W1S 2PF, Green Park tube station) from February 8-April 5.

As you approach the contemporary art gallery, you’ll see two giant chandeliers in the front windows.

This one is the Citron Chandelier with Lime Green Fiori and is valued at £525,000.

Once inside the gallery, you walk under Chihuly’s Persian Pergola Ceiling.

There are three floors displaying the artist’s work.

I don’t have a deep understanding of art or art history, so I won’t try to fake it here, Sunny friends. My background in this subject is thin. This Florida girl missed the boat on that training. However, I have always loved the sleekness and mystique of blown glass. How could you not…

Insignia Red Macchia with Onyx Lip Wrap, Orange Madder Macchia with AquaLip Wrap, Mineral Yellow Macchia with Carmine Lip Wrap

Something I also don’t have is £32,500 for each of those pieces, but I sure wish I did.

Here’s a few more of these flickering beauties…

The Ruby Persian Set with Lapis Lip Wrap is also valued at £32,500, and the Blue Chill Seaform Set with Marigold Lip Wraps is slightly more for £49,500.

Check out these swervy little numbers…

This is the Pearl White Persian Installation, which glittered for miles. It’s a rockin’ £170,000.

Because of its vibrant sunny appeal, my favorite piece is the Paris Yellow Persian Set with Red Lip Wraps, a slightly more affordable £30,000. 😉

So, sunshines, whether you’re an art critic, lover or just looking to take in some spectacular, creative rays of delight, visit the The Dale Chihuly: Beyond the Object exhibition. It’s a free activity in London and truly will warm your soul.

* Dale Chihuly’s Grand Chandelier is also featured currently at the V&A.

February 3, 2014 by: Sunny London

Chinese New Year 2014 London: Year of the Horse or Stampede?

Giddy up, Sunny friends! If my day in Chinatown is any indication of what the Chinese New Year 2014: The Year of the Horse is going to be like, y’all had better grab those reigns tight!

London holds the 2nd biggest celebration of the Chinese New Year outside of Asia, and this year the biggest events were on a glorious sunny in London day, February 2nd. Sadly, I have to say my attempt at joining the party was an epic fail.

As I made my way to Chinatown, I stopped in a Pret a Manger near Piccadilly Circus for a latte. Oddly enough, for the second time in one week, I received a free coffee.

The past two times I've been in Pret a Manger, I've been given a free coffee by someone. I love this place!
— Sunny in London☀️ (@Sunny_in_London) February 2, 2014

“Year of the Horse?” I thought to myself as I clutched my drink and headed toward the scents of glorious Chinese food simmering in the air, “more like Year of the Lucky Duck!”

But this is where my fortune expired. As I approached Wardour Street, the stampede began. Literally, hundreds of thousands of people had beaten me to the Chinese New Year 2014 party.

I fought for that picture for 10 minutes and nearly lost my camera in the sea of revelers.

<CRACK!>

Aside from all the wonderful smells emanating from the restaurants, there were tables in the streets so people could share the nibbles outside. I pushed my way through the crowds and grabbed this picture to show you…

And this one which shows some of the items for sale which represent the Year of the Horse…

<CRACK!>

Whooooooa, that’s enough. What was that damn noise I kept hearing every five seconds?

<CRACK!>

It seemed to be coming from the ground, but I couldn’t see my own feet in the mobs of people.

After nearly an hour of crowd surfing, capturing interrupted pictures, and dodging floor firecrackers, I surrendered and took a walk toward my buddy, Big Ben. While passing Trafalgar Square, I could see there were even more events occurring.

But, that’s as close as I could get. Do any Sunny friends know what was happening on the stage? And how did this guy manage to sift through the crowd on a bicycle?

<CRACK!> <CRACK!> <CRACK!>

Ok, now I had narrowed the noise down to small children. They were throwing a handful of something on the ground, and when it hit, that sound happened…. <CRACK!>

At this point, my head was spinning…. Much like I’ve had a bottle of wine and taken a high-speed ride on this…

As I got further away from cha cha Chinatown, I found a British way to celebrate Chinese New Year 2014, Year of the Horse “Guard”.

However, even then I couldn’t get a clear shot of my image without someone stepping in the way. Hey lady, don’t you know I’m trying to blog here?!

Ahhhhhh. Much better.

I spent a while walking around Buckingham Palace, and then headed to my personal oasis, Covent Garden. Just as I turned a corner near Floral Street, this sign beckoned me down Rose Street…

Where I finished my day at the end of this road, with a bit of liquid sunshine.

So, Sunny in London friends, how was your experience celebrating Chinese New Year 2014 London? What tips and suggestions do you have for me next year? And WHAT WAS THAT CRACKING NOISE?

January 23, 2014 by: Sunny London

HOT Things to Do in Carnaby Street

When I mention “Carnaby Street” you might conjure up images of bohemians, 60’s mods, punk rockin’ Sex Pistols, and perhaps the great international man of mystery… Austin Powers. YEAH BABY!!! What you might not realise is this wildly popular London area has maintained its edge for decades through a focused goal of offering unique experiences for everyone. Take it from this Florida girl, there are some seriously HOT things to do in Carnaby Street NOW!

Foremost, the area sets itself apart from others by striving for one of a kind establishments. For example, the Benefit Cosmetics store is the only one in the world that also offers spa services. Who wants to join me for a full day of research for an upcoming story? 😉

The Dr Martens store also offers bespoke services (American friends, that means “custom-made”)

To keep things really hot, I’m suggesting you check out these highlights:

KUA AINA BURGER and SANDWICH GRILL–

With a magnetic force, the sign out front, “Lava-Grilled Burgers…Served with a Side of Sunshine” pulled me inside.

The friendly staff each proudly bounced around in their Hawaiian themed attire and quickly seated me at a charming table. Within minutes, I placed my order for a lava-grilled cheeseburger and started enjoying the lovely beach themed atmosphere.

My cheeseburger absolutely dissolved in my mouth and my only complaint was that entire experience lasted less than a half an hour due to the efficiency of the staff. For those eager to try it and channel their inner Barack Obama (I hear it’s one of the President’s favourites), the restaurant is also in Honolulu, Haleiwa and Tokyo. Aloha Baby!

THE RUM KITCHEN-

This “Caribbean inspired beach shack restaurant” is nestled on the 2nd floor of Kingly Court.

Their cocktail menu is a match for any Rum enthusiast, and I can’t imagine there’s anywhere better in London to devour Caribbean Jerk Chicken. While sipping on my Pina Colada, I found it hard not to start dancing to the Caribbean vibes resonating from the walls.

DISCO-

And, if you’re like me and fancy a hot night of dancing, you really need to hit Disco. There’s numerous nightclubs, pubs, and wine bars in Carnaby, but this one is really jumping.

With its “design to invoke the glamour of Studio 54,” this club is frequented by Strictly Come Dancing cast members. Be sure to get on the Guest List before you go, Sunny friends!

SWEATY BETTY and TRIYOGA–

If you like to make a great impression while you sweat, I suggest these two locations. Sweaty Betty was founded by a Londoner in 1998 and has since rocked the athletic attire industry. The Sweaty Betty Carnaby store doesn’t just sell their gear, it also offers exercise classes.

However, if you want information “Hot off the Press”, you might want to take an afternoon yoga class at Triyoga. Due to the numerous media offices located within the area, I’m told many journalists hit this studio on their lunch hour.

CAMELLIA’S TEA HOUSE and MOOSH-

With all this hot fun, you’re going to need to deescalate, Sunny friends. If you fancy a truly British cup of tea and beautifully baked sweets, just across from TriYoga is Camellia’s Tea House.

This oasis on the top floor of Kingly Court specialises in loose leaf teas containing only naturally grown ingredients. They hand-blend their teas in London. Camellia’s also offers a gorgeous selection of teapots, cups and accessories for purchase.

And finally, a great place to simmer down and chill is Moosh, a real fruit and smoothie café that claims to be a “healthy indulgence to take you to your happy place.”

I can certainly say that the Kickstarter shake (freshly ground cucumber, avocado, apple, lime and wheatgrass) I drank certainly made me feel Sunny all day. (See if you can spot it in the pictures below)

I spent two full days touring Carnaby, which is now my new favourite place. Checkout their website www.carnaby.co.uk to learn about their Privilege Card and an app you can download for a 40-minute historic tour. There’s also a very informative, responsive Twitter account @CarnabyLondon you should follow. Be sure to include #Carnaby if you’d like them to “see” you!

I’ll keep you in the loop when I get inside tips for competitions, shopping events (joined with Grazia and GQ magazines) and more hot things to do in Carnaby Street!

December 5, 2013 by: Sunny London

Searcy’s Champagne Bars and One Holiday Rule!

There’s nothing better than a tall flute (or two or three) of champers to take the edge off of holiday shopping and travel. Because I know all my Sunny in London friends are super busy during this crazy time of year, I’ll keep this one short…

You have one rule from me to follow this holiday season- Always find a slice of time and money in your financial budget to treat yourself with a bit of bubbly each week.

My drunk of choice happens to be sponsored by Searcy’s. Well, not technically. They’re not sponsoring this post, but I damn sure wouldn’t complain if they extended an invite for me to write another one and hooked a sister up with a free glass of life’s elixir. Hee hee hiccup.

Anyhow, it’s simple. They have venues all over London to help you follow my rule. The three that I have been to are:

St. Pancras Grand Champagne Bar

Yes, this picture is a bit dated, but it’s the first Searcy’s I visited, so it’ll forever be in my personal bucket list Hall of Fame. I love the panoramic view you have of the entire terminal. If you’re travelling through St. Pancras, build in some extra time to take the edge of your trip jitters and stress by doing some pre-celebrating at this gorgeous bar.

Next, BOTH of London’s Westfield shopping centres can satisfy your adult beverage taste bud cravings.

Sipping Searcy’s at Westfield London Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush.

I wasn’t able to buy anything that day at Dior, but I sure felt like a rockstar outside sipping my champagne. With each taste (more like gulp), I thought about everything I also wished I could afford at the surrounding stores, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Pradahhhhhhh…

One thing that does make this liquid indulgence slightly more affordable is being a member of their “Club Bubble.” This means you have their champagne loyalty card, invitations to tastings and special events, and birthday discounts. Check it out Sunny friends!

Finally, on the other end of London town, is Searcy’s Westfield Stratford City.

As you can see, equally as delicious.

So, my Sunny friends, don’t forget your inner sunshine in the hustle and bustle leading up to the New Year. Oh, and of course, let the skies rain champagne on you for the 31^st. Anything else simply wouldn’t do. 😉

DISCLAIMER: the author of this post takes no financial responsibility for what you spend at either of the shopping centres after your visit to Searcy’s. (In other words, drink responsibility so your credit cards don’t hate me later!)

By Sunny London

November 19, 2013 by: Sunny London

How to make Winter Wonderland wheely fun!

No proper Londoner misses Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park! It kicks off this year on November 22^nd at 5pm and lasts until January 4th. It’s one of the most anticipated annual events in town and is for any age.

You can skate in the ice rink, shop in the Christmas markets, visit the famous Bavarian Village and go to Santa Land for a visit with Father Christmas.

Perhaps you might wish to have a stein at the Star Tavern and Village Square and then pop over for a pint at The Carousel Bar while dancing to a live DJ as you spin 360 degrees? Ok, maybe don’t do them in that order, but they are both very fun!

I’ll be honest, those pictures were a bit staged. I’m not a beer drinker. It was too great of a photo opp to skip.

I actually really enjoy champagne, and of course, Winter Wonderland has that too. For £55-£60, you can purchase a VIP Pod on the Giant Observation Wheel.

It seats four people per pod. This price is for the whole pod, not per person. (Phew!) For an additional £30, you can have a bottle of champagne for your ride. It’s a bit pricey for an experience that lasts 12-15 minutes, but for a special occasion or bucket-list activity, I recommend it. However, it can be rather comical.

You begin by booking your tickets in advance online. That’s not complicated, but it does require gambling on the weather forecast for your plans. When you arrive, you need to let the attendants know you have special tickets, and then you wait in a designated area.

Once you receive your bottle of bubbly, you board your pod and off you go- 60 metres up in the air. Unfortunately, the night we went it was a bit rainy and very windy. Our pod’s door didn’t quite close all the way, so I was frantic about our safety. Pounding a bottle of champagne while trying to snap pictures of the view as the pod shook from the wind was hilarious. Drink, snap, look, scream. Drink, snap, look, scream.

We had a blast. Also, we purchased some ride tokens and rode one of the roller coasters. As a girl who grew up in Orlando’s theme parks, I have to say the coaster was pretty thrilling.

If you can, try to avoid a Saturday, as it’s the busiest day for attendance. There were a few occasions last year when they did stop allowing people to enter Winter Wonderland because of high crowd levels, but certainly make the effort to go this year if you are in London. I find the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Twitter account very helpful for updates. @HydeParkWinter

Please let me know about your experience!

by Sunny London

November 12, 2013 by: Sunny London

Hyde Park, Santa and warm, bubbly water

Santa Land, the Giant Observation Wheel, and the Bavarian Village. In just over a week Hyde Park will be completely transformed in to a magical Winter Wonderland.

While these six weeks of outrageous holiday revelry are a highlight of the Christmas season for many Londoners (including me!), Hyde Park’s other attractions throughout the year add to its allure.

Going for a 5 mile run on one of the park’s footpaths is one of my favorite activities on a Sunny in London day. Taking a boat ride on the Serpentine is high on my list of must do’s. However, even though I know it’s popular to swim in the water, I think it’s best for me to leave that with these two…

With all of these adventure opportunities, sometimes people forget that Hyde Park is also the location of three different memorials. The most recognized is the Albert Memorial, which Queen Victoria commissioned in memory of Prince Albert.

It’s located north of the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gardens.

Next, there’s a 7 July Memorial which features 52 pillars honoring the victims of the 7 July 2005 London Bombings.

Finally, the Diana Memorial Fountain opened in 2004, and for me it’s the most captivating. It’s built from pieces of granite, is intended to reflect her life, and symbolises her quality and openness.

After a little research with Royal Parks, I learned the water flows from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. Also, it’s continuously being refreshed and is drawn from London’s water table.

The sparkling, flowing water and serenity in this area beautifully balance the chaotic atmosphere of the Christmassy festivities featured in Winter Wonderland. It’s certainly one of my favorite places to find sunny adventures in London.

What activities in Hyde Park would you recommend?

by Sunny London

November 5, 2013 by: Sunny London

The Charles Dickens Museum and a curious conversation with Nan

Prior to living in London I was preparing for a holiday trip here and had one of my most memorable weekly phone calls with my Grandmother. Because she never had opportunities to travel internationally, she was very curious about life across the pond. She asked, “So, what do they do for Christmas over there? Do they celebrate it?”

I responded playfully to her innocent question, “Grandma! Helllllooo??? CHARLES. DICKENSSSSS. They INVENTED Christmas!”

Without hesitation, she fired back, “Sunny!!!! JESUS INVENTED CHRISTMAS!”

There’s nothing like a verbal smackdown from your 87-year old Grandmother.

While she is undeniably right, it also is fair to say that historians would support the fact that Charles Dickens shares responsibility for creating much of the way Christmas is celebrated today in America and the UK.

After my trip, I explained the similarities and differences between the cultures during the holiday season to my Grandmother, which I know is the information she really wanted through her question.

As we roll in to the holiday season, I feel it’s best to start by recognising one of England’s most influential literary and cultural figures.

On a beautiful sunny in London day, I visited the Charles Dickens Museum on 48 Doughty Street in Bloomsbury. It’s where he lived from 1837 to 1839 and wrote ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘Nicholas Nickleby’.

After paying £8 for an adult ticket, I spent about an hour and a half walking through the residence.

During my time, I stood in Dickens’ study. I’m sure any literary lover could appreciate how I examined the desk and books and attempted to transcend in to the mind of the author in the very room where he crafted his tales.

Another treat was walking around his Dining Room. As I stared at the artifacts, I envied how much information they had absorbed. I’m sure many great, colorful conversations were captured in these walls.

Throughout the home, there were treasured works of art crafted for the novelist.

In the basement, I enjoyed seeing the Kitchen, Scullery and Washhouse where servants maintained the household’s daily activities.

When I made it to the top floor, I saw the most powerful display. Dickens, a strong social commentator, made the biggest statement about his life to me when I stepped in to a room which displayed this…

The description with it indicated that Dickens forever wanted a reminder of his past by obtaining bars from the Marshalsea Debtors’ Prison in which his father spent time during his childhood.

Quotations from his very successful works decorated the room’s walls.

If you’re looking to celebrate the impact Charles Dickens made on the written word and the holiday season, a visit to the Charles Dickens Museum is well worth your time. The staff was exceptionally knowledgable and friendly. There’s also a Twitter account for the Museum that appreciates feedback, is very responsive and posts up to date museum information.

October 28, 2013 by: Sunny London

Curious what the London Harry Potter Studio Tour involves?

Butterbeer, Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s office… Attending the London Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros is an experience for every aspiring muggle!

Any true Harry Potter fan waiting for the underground has stared at a Charing Cross Station platform and thought… Where is it?… Could I do it?

Platform 9 ¾.

We believe in the magical world of Harry Potter. Whether it’s through reading the novels and/or seeing the films, we love the story of the most famous orphan with supernatural powers and know he exists somewhere.

Since we aren’t actually going to try to run through a wall at Charing Cross (I hope), we have two realistic options for a glimpse in to his world: the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando.

This year I visited both.

Foremost, the London tour tickets must be booked and purchased in advance. The studio’s webpage is fairly simple. From the available options, you select the day and time you want to attend. If you are planning on touring in the summer months, I suggest you book weeks in advance. (For non-Londoners, the studio is no where near Central London, so check out a map and consider transportation before you plan your day.)

The tour claims to be three hours in duration, but that’s not necessarily the case.

First, you MUST arrive early, because the staff will begin the tour’s queue 10-15 minutes prior to its start time. As you wait, you will see the infamous “cupboard under the stairs.”

Much like attractions at Universal Studios, once the doors open, you are herded with the tour group in to a large room while you hear an energetic employee deliver a speech. Next, you move with the crowd in to a cinema and see a short film.

After the movie, you pass through the giant doors in to the Great Hall and feel the immense excitement of what it could be like to attend Hogwarts. This is the last time you are with a structured group.

Next, you move at your own pace through the Big Room to view the costumes, sets and props, which are displayed like museum exhibits and have signs detailing their relevance to the film.

When you are ready, you can enjoy some fresh air in the Backlot while you sip butterbeer and view a replica of Harry’s house. (Note: no matter what you hear, there’s no alcohol in the beer!)

For the second part of the tour, you see the fascinating Creature Shop which displays animatronics used in the films.

As you venture in to Diagon Alley, you’ll be impressed with the color and creative displays but shocked because it’s been dramatically reconstructed several times for the many films. Therefore it’s a bit small, especially in comparison to what Universal Studios features.

The Art Department is intriguing, but the most breathtaking experience is seeing the Model Room as you end your tour.

Well, that’s actually not the last stop. To keep up with the marketing “spirit” of modern day theme parks, you are dumped in to the gift shop as your last location.

Throughout my journey, I tried to absorb every detail and finished in a little over two hours. Even though I have worked in the film industry and know many of the “behind the scenes” secrets and tricks, I developed an even stronger appreciation for the masterful JK Rowling and the film’s production crew/cast. It’s an experience any fan would value at least once, but you’ll have to read my post on Harry Potter’s Wizarding World in Orlando to see how the two experiences compare!

I’d love to hear about your comments about the London Harry Potter Studio Tour or try to answer questions you might have if you are planning to go. Please leave them below. For questions to ask yourself to determine if the Warner Bros Studio Tour is worth it, watch this…

And, if you’re looking for more Harry Potter Things to Do in London, this video below is for you.

October 25, 2013 by: Sunny London

Battersea Park, without a Boris bike, on a sunny London day

I had the courage to move to another country, but I still don’t have the courage to rent a Boris Bike.

For readers not yet familiar with this term…Voila!

Meet the Boris Bike, affectionately nicknamed after London’s Mayor Boris Johnson.

This bike sharing scheme began in 2010 and is a popular mode of transportation for Londoners. Well, except this one, who seriously lacks athletic coordination and the ability to maneuver a bike through crooked streets with high speed European drivers and big, big busses!

Since biking it isn’t an option for me on a Sunny in London day, I choose to explore and get exercise on foot. It’s much safer for everyone.

Many times I have gone for a jog through Regent’s Park or Hyde Park, because London’s parks offer such an invigorating experience, especially when the sun is in full force. On this particular day, I wanted to venture south of the Thames to see Battersea Park. Since I’ve only lived in Central London and North London, I have much to learn about what’s south of the river.

I took the Tube to Sloane Square, walked leisurely along the Chelsea Embankment and crossed the Albert Bridge to Battersea Park.

The Victorian park opened in 1858 and it’s most noteworthy landmark is the Peace Pagoda.

It’s too far for me to travel each day for a run, but for those who are closer, I learned the Carriage Drive Circuit is 2.8km and the Park “Boundary” route (Riverside Terrace and Street Pavements) is 3.5km.

However, strolling through the park and absorbing the scenery and serenity was well worth the journey. An extra special treat for this Sunny in London day was a lunch in the beer garden at the Prince of Wales Pub, a gorgeous Victorian pub which is one of the many Faucet Inn locations I have enjoyed since moving to London.