A little bit of Karl

Karl Lagerfeld has launched his first diffusion line exclusively on luxury fashion outlet Net-a-Porter. Karl by Karl Lagerfeld is a capsule collection of must-have pieces at cheaper than Chanel prices.

One of the more interesting aspects of this launch is the use of augmented reality to promote the collection. The brand created five augmented reality enhanced events in pop-up 'Window Shops' at secret locations in New York, London, Paris, Berlin and Sydney. After downloading the Net-a-Porter app, customers at these stores could activate the augmented reality experience, allowing product images from the store windows to be scanned and items to be bought and won.

The collection has already been hit hard by eager shoppers, with many items selling out almost immediately. So if you want to get your mitts on a little bit of Karl, you'd better head over to Net-a-Porter ASAP. I have my eye on some high-rise patterned skinny jeans, so may join you there.

Ps. The rebranding of the Net-a-Porter website with the Karl logo is a brilliant touch.

Media blackout

As part of protests against proposed anti-piracy legislation in the US, the English-language version of online encyclopedia Wikipedia is going offline. The community website Reddit has also gone offline, as well as several other smaller websites, and Google is staging a homepage protest.

Users trying to access Wikipedia will instead be greeted with the following message: "For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the larges encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open internet. For 24 hours, to raise interest, we are blacking out Wikipedia".

I think this is a brilliant way to bring this issue to the masses as users are more likely to take notice through disruption to their online activity than through a "boring" news item. How much impact it will have on the impending anti-piracy laws is another question, although at the moment support for the bill has fallen through.

On a personal note, I'm glad this blackout didn't occur whilst I was writing my uni dissertation. I don't know what I would've done without the use of Wikipedia to help define the complex terms.

Blue Monday (not the song)

For some years now, the third Monday of January has been labeled as Blue Monday by the media. The date for this 'most depressing day of the year' was devised by Cliff Arnell, using a mathematical formula involving six factors: weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year's resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.

Although the idea of feeling slightly down at this time of year may be true for some, this is not a true scientific discovery. Apparently, the term 'Blue Monday' was concocted back in 2005 by a PR firm in order to publicise a travel company. It is considered nothing more than a pseudoscience, and a publicity stunt is a sure way to remove any remaining credibility from such a theory.

Mr. Blonde

I really don't want to admit that I am currently glued to the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother... but I am! Although I have never been the reality TV show's biggest fan, for the last couple of years I have found myself sitting in front of my television eagerly awaiting each day's instalment.

However, I usually only watch the programme because of a specific "celebrity". I use the term loosely here, as it is hard to class many of the current participants as stars: Natasha Giggs is a prime example, and I had never even heard of Andrew Stone prior to the programme (and I'm still unsure who he is or what he does!).

Last year, it was Jedward that caught my attention. Granted, they are beyond annoying, with their constant okaying and hyperactive personalities. But they were highly amusing, and had me in hysterics on numerous occasions. I found the time when they were shampooing each other's hair the most surreal thing I have ever witnessed.

Alas, there is no more Jedward, but we have been offered someone even better. The only person in the entire house I would honestly say can be considered a bona fide celebrity: Michael Madsen. Mr. Blonde (for those who haven't seen the masterpiece that is Reservoir Dogs), is simply amazing.

I'm not sure what it is about him, but I find him genuinely captivating. His mannerisms are so endearing, and he has me in stitches with what he says about his fellow housemates. He also looks ridiculously cool in his cowboy hat. He won't win, but he should. My vote definitely goes to Mr. Blonde.

Pretty pastels

Without fail, a new fashion trend hits every season. According to the fashion brigade, the hottest look for S/S'12 is pastel colours. And the latest offerings from brands such as Topshop and ASOS seem to confirm that this trend has firmly hit the highstreet. It won't be long until the fashion conscious hipsters catch up and begin to stock up on lavendar skinny jeans and peach chiffon shirts.

I must admit, I much prefer the rich, dark tones of Autumn to these sickly, sugary tones. However, as they have featured prominently on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, who am I to argue against it? So I guess I'm going to go along with the masses and bag myself a frosted frock, à la Chanel.

Creme Egg season

Goodbye Christmas pudding, hello Easter egg. No sooner has the festive season come to a close, than we are greeted with the prospect of an equally exciting time: the Cadbury Creme Egg season.

The television adverts for these sickly but delightful chocolate treats have begun to infiltrate our living rooms, and I must admit, they are some of my all-time favourite commercials. Stop-motion chocolate eggs causing mischief and fellow eggs to explode is, for me, brilliant advertising.

The Cadbury Creme Egg season has officially started. I'll be stocking up now, and feeling sick later.

Blue Ivy Carter

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's baby has finally landed. Welcome to the world, Blue Ivy Carter, you're already one of the most famous babies of all time!

Normally, I don't think much of these weird and wonderful (debatable) names celebrities are giving to their offspring, but Blue Ivy Carter is actually quite lovely. There was a lot of speculation over the order of these names (Blue Ivy or Ivy Blue?), until Gwyneth Paltrow tweeted her congratulations to the couple on the birth of baby Blue.

I can't imagine what it would be like to have R&B royalty as parents, but she is definitely one lucky girl. New daddy Jay-Z has even released a song dedicated to her, entitled Glory. And with such a super-stylish mummy, I think it's safe to say Blue will be giving Suri Cruise a run for her money in the child fashion stakes very soon.

Better baking (cheat)

As mentioned a while ago, I really enjoy baking. However, my last attempt was, what you would call, an epic fail. Therefore, this time I thought it would be best to have a little help. Some might call this cheating, but considering what happened with my blueberry cupcakes, I call it smart.

I decided to make some chocolate cupcakes, courtesy of Green's Dennis the Menace Cake Mix. I've made these cakes many moons ago, and they always turned out beautifully. This time was no different.

You open the box, and twenty minutes later, you have a tray of perfectly cooked cupcakes. Just add the icing and little character motifs, and you're done. Granted, they're not the most attractive cakes in the world, but they taste wonderful. The plate of 12 were demolished almost instantly. Result.

No.5 is No.1

Chanel No. 5 is considered by most to be the world's most famous fragrance. Released in 1922, it is reported that a bottle of this world-renowned perfume is sold every thirty seconds!

For some years now, I have coveted a bottle of this celebrated scent. This Christmas I had my wish granted, with a bottle of Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere lovingly deposited into my Christmas stocking. The packaging is simple but unmistakably Chanel, with the little white and black box just as iconic as the glass bottle itself.

And what a beautiful bottle it is. Slightly taller than the classic No. 5, but still with the distinct square shape and bottle stopper top. The fragrance within is a reinvention of the original, similar but with a fresh modern twist, making it particularly suitable for a younger market.

As with all Chanel perfumes, you can sense the quality of the scent. They are incredibly long-lasting, and only a small spritz is required to smell beautifully all day. A bottle of No. 5 may be pricey, but it sure is worth it.

A quality Christmas staple

When I first see the large tins of Quality Street piling up on supermarket shelves, I know Chrsitmas is just around the corner. For me, the Quality Street tin is a quality Christams staple that no household should be without (and we usually end up with a few!).

One of my all time favoutrite smells is that of a freshly opened tin of the famous chocolates. I'd recommend everyone to stick their nose in a brand new tin and have a good ol' sniff. They are also incredibly beautiful to look at, with their multi-coloured, iridescent wrapping. They won't stick around for long, I'm sure, so I'm stashing the Orange Cremes away from the resident chocoholic (my dad) as I speak.

Nb. Quality Street also make excellent poker chips. I see your Green Triangle and raise you two Big Purple Ones.

All the trimmings

Even though the Christmas lunch is not much more than a fancy roast dinner, I look forward to it each and every year. And it has so far never failed to disappoint me (thanks, mum!). On Christmas morning, the smell of the slow roasting turkey difts up the stairs, and I challenge you to tell me a better smell to awaken to.

Of course, the Christmas dinner would not be right without a few essential ingredients. First and foremost, the turkey, followed by the tricolour of winter veg: carrots, parsnips and brussel sprouts (yes, I actually like brussels). Then there is the stuffing (homemade, obvs), pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and gravy. However, no plate would be complete without the obligatory cranberry sauce.

As Christmas is the period of eccessive eating, the infamous lunch lasts several hours. With starter, main, dessert, cheese and coffee courses to plough our way through (as well as copious amounts of alcohol), it's no wonder we all feel the need to roll home at the end of the night.

The night before Christmas

Christmas Eve is not just my favourite day of the Christmas period, it is my favourite day of the entire year. I have an annual tradition that I go through, which consists of Carols from Kings complete with just lit alter candles, a Chinese takeaway from the restaurant down the road, and a snuggle on the sofa with the classic Christmas film: The Nightmare Before Christmas (more of a cult classic, I admit).

It's amazing how even though some things change, others remain steadily constant. When I was younger I loved Christmas Eve solely because of the presents. Waiting for Santa to arrive and deliver my goodies was the most exciting feeling. Now, however, the excitement and anticipation still grows, but for a different reason: relaxing with family over a turkey dinner and the inevitable Doctor Who Christmas special.

Supermarket Starbucks

Like many, I do enjoy a Starbucks latté every now and then, and often have to stop myself from buying yet another every time I pass by that famous coffee chain (they are everywhere, after all).

However, I have never seen Starbucks products in a supermarket before. In the dairy aisle, nested among the milk and yoghurts, was this little delight: a chilled frappuccino in a beautiful glass bottle. Simply amazing.

Definitely not a baker

I love baking. Or rather, I love the idea of baking. When browsing the baking accessories section of the John Lewis website, for some obscure reason I begin to get ridiculously excited. The bowls, measuring jugs, cake cases and cookie cutters fill me with the intense desire to put on my apron and start sifting the flour. I even purchased a Le Creuset baby blue spatula on my last visit to the department store - I just couldn't help myself.

However, I will hold my hands up and admit that although I enjoy baking, I am definitely not a natural baker. On my last baking effort, I attempted a batch of blueberry cupcakes from a recipe I found ages ago in The Sunday Times Style magazine. The pictures shown looked absolutely scrumptious. My cakes, unfortunately, did not.

I couldn't even bring myself to take a photo of my culinary disaster. Not even the effects of Instagram could mask this epic fail.

Wonderful Westfield

Since it opened a few months ago, Westfield Stratford City has been continually overflowing with hoards of shoppers. This influx of people was not surprising, and I decided to bide my time before taking my first steps into East London's newest consumer paradise.

I must admit, on my initial visit, I was slightly underwhelmed. Being very familiar with Stratford's sister mall located in White City, I had certain expectations. I was expecting this Westfield to be like a mirror replica of the other. But in reality it is very different, not just in the design of the space but also the atmosphere.

However, after numerous visits (I have been good and kept my purse firmly in my bag the majority of the time), Westfield Stratford City has really grown on me. During the Christmas season, it is especially festive. Jolly seasonal jingles ring out over the PA system inside the walls, and outside hundreds of lights twinkle around a buzzing ice rink. A little bit of Winter Wonderland of Stratford.

It begins

As you must be well aware of by now, I am a bit of a WWE fanatic. And things in the 'E have just become even more exciting. For the last few weeks, a series of cryptic YouTube videos have infiltrated our usual viewing. They state that on the second day of 2012, we will witness a return of epic proportions.

But who could it be? As much as I hope these vignettes are suggesting the return of one of my all-time favourite superstars, Christ Jericho, I'm not getting my hopes up. This time last year, we were given a similar set of promos, only to be disappointed with the final outcome. Therefore, I'm remaining skeptical. Hurry up January 2nd.

Presents you can't wait to give

When you are a child, presents seem to be the most important and exciting part of Christmas. It's sad, but true. The real meaning of Christmas takes a back seat to the large red and white character of Santa Claus, with his sleigh full to the brim with beautifully wrapped magical gifts. As you age, however, things begin to change. Although presents continue to contribute to the majority of Christmas preparation time, giving them to your nearest and dearest greatly trumps receiving them.

As mentioned in a previous post, I absolutely love taking a trip to my beloved Paperchase in order to stock up on my gift-giving necessities. This year though (mostly due to sheer laziness on my part), I decided to place my Paperchase order online. When the parcel arrived, I was ridiculously excited to see my goodies: cards, wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons - the whole shebang.

I spent an entire evening lovingly crafting my masterpieces, complete with well wrapped paper and curled ribbon. And they looked amazing (even if I do say so myself). I can't wait to take on the role of Santa and deliver them. I'm just like the boy in the John Lewis advert.

Black Mirror

This was a strange series. After viewing all three episodes of Charlie Brooker's satirical sci-fi concoction, I wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. Part of me enjoyed the dystopian take on a future Britain, but I also found it somewhat pretentious.

It was only a matter of time before someone produced a programme critiquing our obsession with social media and reality television. These topics are very relevant to modern day society, and for the most part, Black Mirror covers them very well with its comedy-drama mix. Definitely recommended.

Free monkey nuts

I think Gourmet Burger Kitchen is my new favourite eating establishment (although I would never say that in front of Nando's or Pizza Express). Until fairly recently, however, I hadn't even heard of GBK. Then one evening at Westfield Stratford City, when my friends and I couldn't even get in the door of the ever-popular Nando's, we stumbled across this hidden restaurant gem.

It's such a simple idea, and simple is usually always best when it comes to food. The burgers, whether beef, chicken or veggie are absolutely divine, the chunky chips are some the best potato pieces I have ever had the pleasure of devouring, and the onion rings are heaven deep-fried. And you get a pot of monkey nuts on the house! What could be better than that?

Snow way!

I could not believe it. It actually snowed today, albeit for a split second. Whenever I witness even the smallest speck of snow, I can sense the excitement building inside of me and I feel like a child again. Thoughts of sledging and snowball fights fill my head, and I watch eagerly out of the window in the hope that the flakes will continue to fall. And although the snow didn't settle and leave behind a glistening white blanket, it was enough to serve as a reminder that Christmas is almost here. I can't wait.