HTB tho...UK Talent is where it's at!

Hard Time Bus - the UK indie film continually going from strength to strength!  

Written by Owen Mowatt. Dir by Dean Charles. Prod by Nicola Gregory

The lovely people at the Black British Blacklist hold the best description for HTB (Hard Time Bus); 'a multi-layered relationship drama that centers around carefree and complacent Mark Bishop (Neil Reidman). Challenged by his commitment to long-time girlfriend Denise (Naomi Ryan) he turns to best friend Fitzy (Roger Griffiths) for advice only to be ridiculed for not following the ‘Fitzy Rules’ – “never marry and never settle”.

HTB has a variety of characters that audiences can express empathy for.. Having been voted Best Film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, it's fair to say the industry are sitting up and taking notice!

I successfully auditioned for the role of Carla, a character I really enjoyed playing! 

One of HTB's many unique attributes is that it's told from the male perspective. The viewer is afforded an insight into how other people's opinions, especially that of a modern-day bromance, can impact and ultimately affect ones long-term relationship.

Since filming, I've been afforded the opportunity to not only discuss the film and its themes on BBC Radio London, I also got to attend the recent screening at London's Regent Street cinema & be included on the Q&A panel.

With Michael,  Neil, Darren and Kojo
Thanks to Kush Films for such a great evening, and Jenni Steele for hosting the event

Make sure you go see Hard Time Bus when its on general release! 

J & J matrimony

Love. party and a blessed union. Seriously, who doesn't love a wedding?

I gladly accepted an invite to a wedding party earlier this month, and had the best time of drinking, dancing, eating and enjoying fantastic company that when I did eventually get home, I didn't rise out of bed until 7pm the following evening...I know!

This particular event was held in Central London, the Hippodrome to be exact. As I knew I was going to be safely indoors of one of the UK's most beautifully historical buildings, my next dilemma was 'what to wear'.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say men have it easy when it comes to such events; suit & tie or the occasional dickey bow, us ladies on the other hand have PLENTY to think about:

• if I go high street, will somebody else be wearing MY outfit?
• dress, pant suit or jump suit?
• what type of heels will get me through an evening of standing, dancing and posing?
• what if I party TOO hard and lose my jewellery? 

Sooooo much to think about! 

Shout out to the lovely people at Dark Sugar - delicious! 

The clutch is from the beautiful selection at Bag Servant and all the rings are from Top Shop.

                        

My dress is from Flam Mode - a ready to wear stockist based in France. With its 'blinged- up' sewn on deep neck collar, it's perfect for special occasions.. Shoes are from Dorothy Perkins I find their selection is a winner, especially when you are looking for comfort and edge at a sensible price.
 

With a careful mix of high street and designer, I think I curated a wedding-worthy outfit which is perfectly on point for partying the night away in the best city in the world...biased, I know!

What type of ensemble would you wear to a wedding party? 

Love and thanks to Katy Hussey for such great images

Sharing is....

Shout out to all my Bizzy Bees!

For those who are not aware, I'm a writer/actor who is also launching their own beauty-line...yep! 

So as a freelance creative, I came across a mantra which I firmly believe in - 'you have to think of yourself as a business, else you'll run out of business'.

In regards to the acting profession, items such as CV's (resumes) voice-reels and show-reels need to be in place so that if *when* opportunity knocks...you're ready!

so with this in mind, I've recently updated my showreel and I thought I'd share with you lovely lot....

Enjoy! 

Spring time and a happy song...

Hip Hip Hooray...Big up March. April. May!

Spring IS my favourite season - warmer weather, (slightly) longer days and the budding of blooms en masse. Oh yeah, and my birthday is in April....time for Celebration!! What's not to love?!

Shout out to Katy Hussey for this beaut illustration - J'adore!

I hope your year is progressing as you hope? Just remember...Every step, however small, is progress. Just keep it moving forward closer until you're living your dreams....Cheesy Cheery sounding, but oh so true!  

February 14th – Say you’ll be…

Oh St Valentine – how you tease me so…

So.... ‘Tim from Accounts’ didn’t quite work it (oh well, his loss) but me, being the ever optimistic creature that I am, firmly believes that everything happens for a reason.

With February 14^th falling on a Sunday wouldn't you agree that the usual 'pressure' of one-upmanship was slightly...off? So, all singles (that didn’t wanna mingle) might have re-classed the world’s romantic day as ‘duvet day’. For those coupled up, I’m sure your special day was detailed up with loveliness.

If  like me you heart Paisley print, keep the bottom half neutral.
*Statement dress alert!*

I ended up being asked out on a rather lovely luncheon, so the outfit I selected felt perfectly romantic for a day date.

This dress was a birthday gift many moons ago. I've come across a similar print and style here. 

I adore an ornate ring.
For comparable beauties have a look here and here.

Clutch bag is Marc by Marc Jacobs. Polyvore have some fantastic pre-owned pieces.
Also check out ASOS where there are a rainbow of colours and styles. 

However you celebrated February 14th (single or ensconced up) just love and enjoy yourself....you're an original after all!   

All images shot by the talented Katy Hussey 

  

Malta's got me like....

'To holiday or not to holiday'

To some, this statement might be odd, but it's usually what runs through the mind of a freelance creative.

This is quickly followed by:

• Can I afford it?
• Where should I go?
• Can I afford it?
• How long should I take off?
• Can I afford it?
• What if a work gig comes up whilst I'm away?
• Can I afford it?
• Sun/Sea or City Break?
• CAN I AFFORD IT?!

Fact - Breaks are essential to one's health. Regardless of where you live in the world, and what you do for your day to day existence...Breaks are paramount to your psyche

A lovely friend of mine recommended Malta, so off I went! By myself! First time solo traveller! 

Pretty Bugibba. January is still 't-shirt' warm so I was able to benefit from a vitamin D top-up

Rocking my beaut Chanels. I've had these for eons, but I've spied the same here. The beach cover-up is from H&M. you can get similar here and here

My favourite capture.

Shot in Valetta (Malta's capital) by a lovely lady who was happy to take this pic, despite both of us standing in the middle of the road. Don''t try this at home.

I'd definitely recommend Malta for break. What destinations would you recommend? Which countries are on your wish-list?

#Sweet16

Happy New Year! 

C'mon, January, let's be having you...

Herald 2016! A sweet sounding year that, for many, signifies the emergence of progression, innovation and positive transitioning.

So if you're reading this and it's made you think about an idea or hobby you've always wanted to try, a career you've dreamed of having, or an update of your new personal style...make this year THE YEAR you're going to take a step closer towards it. 

It's your #Sweet16 after all!

The grey coat is from H&M. Boots, belt and clutch were gifts, but you can get similar here, here and here,

Big Love & Thanks to super talented Katy Hussey for this fab illustration. More to come. Watch this space.