SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

There has been 20 years of very hot Christmas's spent on the beach, wearing summer dresses, BBQ's, Pools, Seafood, Summer Cocktails, and this year I have to exchange it all for snow, cold, fires, heavy coats and more cold!

I was dreading Christmas up until 2 days ago, I actually intended on sleeping the whole day pretending that the day didn't exsist I was that upset. Christmas is by far the best day of the year for me, and my family all know I get well into the celebrations, but this year to have it change completely and spend it with no family was just too frightening. My mind set changed when I entered Winter Wonderland the most magical and amazing place you have ever seen! It honestly is a Wonderland, the way I will attempt to describe it will do no justice to it.  First of all you get out of the station and you see beautiful Christmas lights everywhere so high up in the sky! To enter you walk under these amazing decorated huge arches in Hyde Park from here you are over welled with neat little cottages that have Christmas stalls, Christmas lights elegantly dangling from trees and hanging everywhere, crowds of people dressed in their warmest clothes, little Christmas pubs set up that make you feel like you are at the North Poles Ski lodge, then there are the rides... think Easter show but instead of irritating rave music, Christmas songs, Christmas themed rides and colours and more romantic. Best of all is the massive Ice skating rink decorated in lights with a huge Christmas tree and a band playing in the middle (Bonus the singer of the band was EXTREMELY good looking)

Spending the evening at Winter Wonderland made me realise how beautiful London is at Christmas and how exciting the month to come is going to be. In saying this as of yesterday I have also decided to spend Christmas in Italy with one of my closest friends and her family. So lets hope Italy is just as amazing.

I also bought myself a early Christmas present today. It was well worth every penny. 

The Scribblings of a Madcap Shambleton by Noel Fielding. I advice you to all go out and buy it if you are interested in contemporary art. Plus there is a few sexy photographs of Noel being good looking.

     

Sadly one of my house mates Brooke, leaves this Friday so this was our last weekend to party and make a mess of London with her. We began by hosting a party at our humble home. Some how or another word got out and majority of the people at our house we didn't even know. Needles to say it was a awesome night and was even better waking up to the most immaculate house I have ever seen (Canadian boy who just moved in decided to wake up hungover and go crazy cleaning the house top to bottom.. which is 3 1/2 levels might I add)

Rachel and I have started Sunday dates where we usually end up at Bricklane being super trendy and cool, then end up at Winter wonderland, this Sunday for some reason (possibly because of what I was wearing) every second person thought I was Lily Allen, people were double looking at me, I felt like I had something on my face until a few people came and questioned me and a few shop owners at the markets pointed out how similar I look to her. It is the weirdest feeling walking around having people think you a celebrity/A different person. So after hours of this we decided to go along with it, until we realised Lily Allen had a baby two days ago and clearly wouldn't be wondering the streets drinking and shopping with a child at home (Although she has done a lot worse so it wouldn't be that much of a surprise) 

This week I worked with the photographer Steven Hoskins again on a photo shoot at his studio, I was a tiny bit star struck when one of the owls that features in the Harry Potter films turned up, the animal handler also works on a lot of TV shows and films, and spends a lot of time on the show Never Mind The Buzzcocks, as discrete as possible I tried hinting how much I love Noel Fielding on the show, and how I would love to tag along with him one day, maybe pretend to be his assistant even though I hate animals... unfortunately there is no discrete  way in asking this question.... Back to the photography, I am looking at turning my basement downstairs into a studio, it's the perfect place for a studio although the roof is very low. I can easily fit in there because I am a midget like my mum, but I don't know how I'll intend on getting tall models in there.

NOTE* Anyone reading this from Petersham house,  my basement is a smaller version of spliff/rape dungeon. I was so scared to go down there for a month but when I did so many memories from Petersham house came back to me.

I also have a possible pub job lined up, if all goes well tomorrow I could be working at a really cute pub near Green Park (close to Buckingham palace) the area is full of beautiful art galleries and designer shops, most of the men who go to the pub are what we call "London suits" which will make working a lot more entertaining than working with Australians. I do miss  home a lot and I love it every time I see Home & Away or Neighbours on TV but working and living with Australians is a bit ridiculous while in London, and kinda defeats the purpose of moving here.

ALSO about 5 minutes ago my friends and I just bought tickets to T4 stars of 2011, which is similar to MTV music awards, but in Earls court with guest such as Jessie J, Example, Ed Sheeran, The Wanted, Professor Green and wait it gets better.............. The cast of MISFITS, MADE IN CHELSEA ANNNNND THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX. With more people to be announced, It is all too over whelming, going to this concert will feel like Christmas, I will be that happy.
I am also super happy because I am the owner of a Onsie the most ridiculous piece of clothing as well as the best thing ever invented for adults. It's a Christmas onsie which makes it even funnier, It's so comfy I even wear it to the shops.

My Onsie.

While living with a house of Australians + 2 Canadians I have not only picked up the British language and expressions but also learnt so many other Australian sayings I didn't even know existed. One night I had a friend over who is very typical Australian from the Gold Coast. When he spoke to my flat mates I honestly had to interrupt them constantly to ask them what particular words meant and laugh as I didn't think people actually spoke like that in Australia... Apparently they do, and according to him and my flat mates I have a typical "Posh Sydney Accent" ....That is not a thing guys, just because I don't use the words "USE" when taking about a group of people.

Renee's Guide to the London Language.

These are words or expressions I have picked up and embarrassingly sometimes enter in my new English Vocabulary 

Well Shattered = Tired

Mint. =  Hot

Mortalled = Drunk (Hey it's better than Maggot) 

Necking On or Snog = Kissing

There isn't too much more to mention or report on in London, but I did find out some  useful information about Leytonstone, the place I hate to now call my home;

The band Iron Maiden are from Leytonstone. There was a Jack the Ripper murder 1 block away from my house and lastly the only evidence to prove that Leytonstone isn't just the home of drug dealers and freaks is that Alfred Hitchcock was born here! Yes the genius of cinema was born only a few streets away from my house.  

Ps; Please continue the skype dates guys. Especially the drunken ones
Miss and Love you all x

HIGH KICK.

I am a little bit behind in the blog posts these past few weeks for a number of reasons. Mainly because my favourite person in the whole world, Anya came to stay with me! and what was meant to be a few nights in London turned into a extend week of drinking and partying together. I have also been extremelly sick, and been busy on photo shoots.

The Roxy.
A club in Central London that we go to on a Tuesday night with cheap drinks really good music and usually very cute guys!
On this night we experienced; Typical Italian boys being sleezy, Aladdin, losing each other and having to find our way home alone, Jim Chapman, Naked Model in the house, and lots of alcohol.

Camden.
A night I will NEVER EVER forget this day/night, it was possibly one of my favourite nights outs in London with Anya and her cousin Jack.
Waking up on Wednesday not feeling the best we headed to Camden for what we thought was going to be one or two drinks at a pub while Anya catched up with her cousin and I tagged along. We were extremely wrong because once again at 5am we find ourself stumbling home.

Eventually we leave Camden, for drinks on the streets of London from a off licence (Smirnoff with the girls) after being trash bags here we eventually move onto a few bars in Central London, where we meet some of Jacks friends. This is when the night got interesting and before we knew it they were buying us shots and a endless supply of drinks. I am still un sure if publishing the photos from the night on facebook was a great idea or terrible idea, because I think my family and friends will forever look at Anya and I in a different light. I just want to remind everyone a lot of alcohol was consumed and I do not usually look like such a freak! We had one of the best nights with so many laughs and a typical Nya Nya and Nay Nay night.

Last week I also spent two days on a photo shoot for the pet food Purina. One thing I discovered is that I never in my life want to do animal photography, and that models seem to spend a lot of time on shoots complaining about nearly everything and get paid a lot of money to sit around on their Iphones and Ipads.
I learnt so much from the fabulous animal photographer Steve Hoskins. Although the days are long with early starts and a lot of running around, and sometimes hours spent doing nothing, I had so much fun and luckily been asked to come back as a paid Photographers assistant next week. When I got the phone call from Steve I had no voice and sounded like a frog, I was so un well that I had to spend a few days in bed, while Anya had to spend her time in London with my flat mates, thank god they all loved her and endlessly tried to convince her to stay longer in London.

I couldn't seem to let Anya leave without another night out in Camden, so in true Anya and Renee date style we went to a gay and lesbian pub for dinner and then ended up at a few bars with Kismet and Brooke, once again the camera was out and I seem to be always captured at my worst! The night wouldn't be complete without a few cocktails at a Salsa dancing club where we clearly didn't fit in but I do intend on taking up Salsa dancing in the near future, making friends with Polish drug addicts (We do attract freaks where ever we go) and attempting to Pole dance, actually more like failing at Pole dancing, it's a extremely difficult task and not elegant in the slightest. But the favourite part of the night was at the end singing and dancing away to Chaka Khan Aint Nobody, blaring away in the taxi, I have honestly never heard a voice quiet like Anya's before and witnessed some dance moved that should probably never be tried out on the dance floor.

Eventually Anya did leave London, but things are a little awkward and strange without her here. There was only one thing to do without her and that was to continue drinking and partying which we did do this weekend. I intended on having a quiet night in with some vodka and roasting marshmallows on the fire, but of course I have no will power and got dragged out to Bricklane and the night ended at a Warehouse party near London Bridge. When someone says to you "Oh the walk from Bricklane to London Bridge is only 10 minutes" Don't ever believe them because it is NOT! I have experienced this first hand and the walk in high heels is over a
hour long. Decpite going to sleep at 5am I managed to get up super early and head out to Portobello markets with Rachel and then to the Bricklane Markets. Both are my new favourite places in London, and I intend on becoming a regular every Sunday. Some how the English manage to do everything so effortlessly cool, and all look so stylish and trendy. I felt like the biggest dag in my new favourite Jack the Ripper cape that I wear religiously and red dress. The people at Bricklane can wear a brown paper bag dress and still make it look like it's the best outfit invented.
The markets were deadly, for some reason I kept trying to convince myself that I needed weird antiques and vintage clothing that I will probably never make use out of. I did buy a few pressies for the family and some posters for my room to brighten it up a bit.

So that is about all to fill you in on folks. This weekend is going to be very exciting as some of us girls are off to see Example and Ed Sheeran perform in Hackney. I am also off to the Winnie The Pooh forest which is a hour out of London and an actual place, we are all dressing up in characters packing a picnic and re living our childhood memories. On the way back we will stop off to purchase/steal/cut down a Christmas tree for the house. Then there is also the house party we are having to say farewell to the lovely Brooke who goes back to Melbourne. Ice skating at the Winter Wonderland and hopefully another visit to Bricklane markets.
Missing you all a lot and haven't spoken to most of you in a while. I love my little skype dates with some of you so we must make it a more regular activity and for those who were asking for my address it is; 9 Clarendon Road, Leytonstone, London E111BZ.

For Mum and anyone else of your age reading this interested in the normal and general information on London: It is cold. Not snowing. The sun goes down at 3:30 this is not a joke by the time it hits 4pm it is pitch black. I feel I could possibly pass as a vampire I am so white.
City has gone crazy over Frankie getting kicked out of X Factor for his drug and sex antics.
One day I thought I was going to turn into a giant tea bag because I drank/drink so much tea here.
I have new house mates a girl from Canberra, a Canadian boy and girl.
I am planning on taking a trip with Anya to Brighton at some point, and no idea on plans for Christmas as of  yet.
Feel free to come visit me...........Anyone.

xoxo

Pumped Up Kicks.

Love. Love. Love.

I fell in love with a british boy.

Apparently it is the worst thing to do, but it's very difficult not to fall in love with their accents and british charm.

The first time was at work with a guest; 

Before I go on, one of the rules is to not speak to the guest because most of the time they are celebrities or VIP guests. I on the other hand kinda forgot this rule while I was serving a table of 8 young guys. I was serving bread on the wrong side, laughing and joking with them, I think at one point I mentioned how terrible I am at working in the hospitality industry and quote; "I am surprised I haven't spilt your wine on you yet" 

I am so bad at my job that I have finally singed up with a recruitment agency who will find me work in my experienced area of retail or admin. 

I think I realised I defiantly wasn't fit for the job when a guest asked me what wine I was serving I replied; "Um expensive and good wine??... Wait it's red wine so I think it is a bordeaux, either way i'm sure it's nice" Thankfully he laughed took the glass and I never saw him again. 

On Thursday night there was tears and a 3am call to Australia to tell my mum I want to go home! I was very close to getting on the next plane, I missed Sydney and everyone too much and I keep remembering I am here to LIVE! which can be really scary thinking you have to start your life in a foreign country.

Friday night I cheered up and went to Shoreditch with some friends, along the way we made some friends who some how convinced us to go to this secret cat party, full of Uni students and only happens every 3 months. So we tagged along with them questioning why we were following these crazy kids through back alleys and side streets until we arrived at a secret little warehouse club thing.

We had to have cat faces drawn on us, but other than that it was A LOT of fun. I am convinced we were the only Australians in the club which was good because we are so used to meeting Australians where ever we go.

This night we also lost my flat mate. To lose a friend in London, is the scariest thing possible, so we were running around Shoreditch trying to find her, while her phone was off with no battery.  Thankfully she was sitting at home after a hour of looking for her. 

The next day was Bon Fire night, a night to let off lots of fireworks for Guy Fawkes.  (Basically a night to go out and drink and let off fireworks in your garden) We discovered that it is a lot better to see the fireworks from my roof that comes off my bedroom window, except getting in and out of the very small window is VERY difficult and awkward. We plan on having a party from this roof but before we do I will practise the art of climbing in and out of windows elegantly so I can impress my new lover.

 

After watching our neighbours fireworks some of us wanted to go out for a quick drink to Bricklane, before we left I said to Rachel "I really don't want  a late night so i'll probably get the late night bus home at 1am." Turns out I was wrong and before I knew it, it was 8am and I was still dancing away at a club.

We went to Vibe a huge outdoor and indoor club, on Bricklane and had a few drinks there dancing to gangsta music (so not our scene) and drinking way to many vodka and redbull. While we were there I saw a guy who I thought was gorgeous, so Brooke and Rachel were being great wing men, embarrassing me by pushing me into him and spanking his bum, until he obviously thought they were weirdos and they went outside. So Brooke thought this would be a great time to follow him and his friends and ask them for a cigarette to start up conversation. Happened to work out well because they invited us to the club across the road from where we were, and we all went there for drinks and a dance.  

Some how or another I lost the girls and was left with the guy I thought was good looking from the previous club. So we were there talking and I was falling in love with his accent and him AND the fact that he works in the fashion industry, then we were dancing away to dubset (For people like my mum reading this it's dirty music that people here call Drum and Bass and it's something you would listen to in a rave)... again not my scene AT ALL! but was having fun.  

Oh before I go any further, I just want to point out that those who know me really well, would have thought I would have learnt my lesson giving out the wrong name when I meet people. Well I haven't, because the other night I was Lula, and my friends all took on different names too...anyway my crush thought Lula was the coolest name he had ever heard and said; "What was your mum on when she named you?" my reply; "Well actually she is a huge fan of the film "Breakfast at Tiffanys and got the name from one of the characters"

So before I knew it a group of us were in a taxi off to another club that has music so loud that deaf people can go there because they can dance to the vibrations and there was about 5 different huge levels. On the way lover boy and I are discussing Australia and how everyone in England, believes it's a suicide mission to swim in the ocean in Australia because of Sharks, I am picking up the lingo like "Jog off" actually half the time him and his friends speak I honestly don't understand a word they are saying. On that note please look at this photo of a Cockney cash machine. 

 

Yep so these are the kinda things people find normal, and I have to deal with every day.

Ok so after much cultural talk on our home towns/countries we end up at this club called Fabric. I don't think I ever want to go back to that place again because before you know it, you are walking out of the club at 8am to broad day light and doing the train-of-shame home. The only good thing about leaving at this hour is that you are late enough to get the train home instead of the night bus which takes a hour or more to get home. 

So that is about all that happened in London town this week, tonight I am meant to be seeing Justin Bieber turn some Christmas lights on at my local shopping Centre....But right now I can actually think of better things to do than hang around a bunch of screaming teenage girls, and hear him sing. 

GUESS WHAT! Tomorrow I get to see my best friend in the whole world. ANYA! 

If I thought this week was big nothing will compare to the week to come with Anya, my partner in crime, my Serena and Nya Nya

Love you all. Thank you for all your text messages this week. I'm sorry I can not write back but send me love.