Amy K Boyd Photography

My very dear and extremely talented friend Amy, gave me this wonderful piece for my birthday. I thought I would share it. It looks fantastic against my newly painted orange wall. Check out her work on www.amykboyd.com she's so 2011 :)

My thoughts for 2011

A Christmas Shoot in Zhuhai

I happen to date the most quintessentially British man I have ever met. This comes, with many interests so different to mine- There is however, one that immediately caught my attention. The art of Shooting. Many people criticize the sport claiming animal cruelty, and yes I must admit it may be a bit gory but when done right its fantastic. Pheasant Shooting is as traditionally British as is the Queen. There is an entire ritual that goes with it. Firstly the clothes (I can't think of anything more chic) the banter between friends, the food, the great outdoors and of course the exhilarating feeling you get when you shoot a gun.

So this last weekend, we went to Zhuhai in China where we had our first annual Christmas Shoot. I've mentioned Glennderly before but had never been in the winter. We had such a good time! 13 friends, lots of vino and laughs... The veredict: Sore arms, big smiles and enough pheasant and duck to feed the estate throughout the holiday season. Ps- I got my first one :)

friends...

Life as an expat is fantastic- You travel the world, meet people you would never get to meet, learn about cultures, music, interests so different from our own, that life is always exciting. There is, however one big big downfall. Expats tend to move around faster than you can ever imagine. New opportunities, exciting new countries, and experiences shine like priceless diamonds- and off we go... This means, you make a super awesome friend you don't want to loose, and then they move away! I am no stranger to this fact of life, but still... It doesn't make it easier when one of these very cool people leave my every day life for greener pastures. Luckily we live in an era of budget airlines, skype and facebook so we can constantly keep in touch and see what we're up to.

So last week my very good super rad friend Stew moved to Singapore, and already I miss him! Well, I should be happy he's gone as this means the project we're working on in Lombok will become a reality very soon but our daily laughs and banter are no more :(

I miss you stew! x

family time

I was lucky enough to spend a whole month at home enjoying my mother's company- It was fantastic, perfect weather, wonderful food, and even better company! x

more cool street art

Thanksgiving!

 Thanksgiving.... A day to sit back and think of what you have achieved that year, give thanks for our healths, accomplishments, family love and friendship. Growing up, we would go to my aunt Cathie's place every year. All of my cousins and relatives would fly from around the world to spend time with family. Even if its a similar spread of Christmas, the vibe is so different. There is no stress on presents, hurt relatives (if you're not with them) and just the general craziness xmas brings... Its just family, and friends, and happiness.... (not to mention enormous amounts of food!)

I must say rivals the day of the dead as my favorite holiday. Its the one holiday I have claimed as mine, and go all out on it every year, inviting close friends who have impacted me throughout the year to share a wonderful spread, great wine, and more than a few laughs! For the first time, I have a flat that is big enough to host it at home! In the past, I've borrowed flats, rented cool galleries and have had to play it safe as was not on my own turf. This year however, was different.

I was in Madrid a few weeks ago, and the leaves were changing colors and oh how beautiful it all looked- I went into my crazy creative moods, and decided to carefully select the most beautiful maple leaves I could find, and press them in my mother's old hello magazines! I then returned to HK with over 100 leaves and a lot of good ideas.

I set myself to work- first wondering where in the world I was going to brine my turkey? Then I read a fabulous article, which instructs you to brine inside an ice cooler- How brilliant is that? After discussing with my confidant Laura, freezing many tetrapac ice teas to keep the bird cool, I was all set. Not to mention a huge hole in my fridge, which of course in my always hungry and ambitious mind, meant I could now cook even more sides and deserts for my feast!

I then went all around town, sourcing all sorts of different ingredients that each seemed more fabulous than the next (again, more items started appearing on my menu, when doe it ever stop!) I got myself with misenplace and then... it was time to go to the flower market!

Now, I don't know if I've mentioned my mother's love for flowers. She makes the most incredible arrangements, and her home always feels alive with her beautiful creations; alas I tried to recreate a few of her ideas along with many new ones...


On the day of the party, I was so excited (you've got to understand I may do this for a living, but its not every day that its a) thanksgiving and b) I'm hosting something for my friends at my home... So I was in the kitchen by 6am, and miraculously done by 2:00! (dinner was not to start till 8pm)

This gave me extra time to set my table, polish wine glasses, go for a blow dry, excitedly skype mom and show her my creations; and change my outfit several times! (note to self, gravy and silk don't mix!)

by the time my friends arrived, the house smelled divine, there were about 100 candles lit, and the flowers were incredible.
 I must say, it was a fabulous evening, and I can't wait for next year! Thank you to those of you who came; there are a few friends who could not make it due to distance and you were greatly missed... xxx