COCOROSE LONDON LUXE FOLDABLE BALLERINA SHOES IN RED MOSAIC FLOWER

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

She can walk evenly and strut in stiletto heels as well as occasionally adoring the excitement of being on the elated tower. However, when it is time to eat humble pie you will always see her taking refuge in comfortably convenient flat shoes.

Over the past years of wearing flat shoes she has recommend mustily that stretching the Achilles collar, vamp and toe cap of your newly bought pair(s) of shoes is essential. It is a precondition which will forestall the cause of friction blisters that can be quite painful when acquired and the healing process can take between 6 and by 24 hours. Such a sudden displeasure! I am sure that at some point in your life you have experienced this skin damage inflammation which resulted to an astasia footstep.

In the days of yore, finicky shoe buyers tend to hire a professional cobbler for a fee in order to stretch-out their newly purchased footwear. That is why, town centres had local shops which provided this type of service where the owner/manager would employ someone for that purpose. A person with similar measurements to your feet whose ad hoc purpose was to walk back & forth in a hygienic clear room. This type of shoe stretching course would take hours or days and would also depend upon how snug the customer would like the fit.

That was the old slang syne...

Today, the quality of shoes created and then sold into the market vary in their different material compositions. In particular, the finer the leather that has been used in making and shaping a pair of shoes, the more expensive they will be. Realistically speaking, most people will buy lesser quality ones in order to save money with the expectation that they will replace them after wearing for a few times. You really cannot blame them especially if you are on a tight budget. Some, of course, just desire changing regularly so that they always have cool personal attire. As a matter of fact, she was once attracted to the unsophisticated idea of buying cheap items for personal and fashionable look.

According to her as she grows older, her perception in life has move progressively. This has involved valuing in many ways the way she treats herself. One of many is the way she obtains tangible objects which will last for years and also, endure the test of time. She is more incline to searching for quality made products and has also adapted a prudent attitude when buying. The last time she bought an upmarket item, she didn't buy it right away like some of us would do. She waited for the right time until she found a reasonable offer on the designer brand's respective website. What an auspicious and fortunate lady!

Recently, she ventured out the thought of buying a pair of hand-crafted ballerina shoes. An eccentric pair of a very unconventional configuration but with practicable packaging. They have been gaining acknowledgement in the world of women's fashion as their happy and pleased customers have published videos onto the powerful web. They highlighted the extreme softness of their cushioned insoles; the suppleness of their structure and the durability of the soles. When she first used this pair of pumps, there was superior comfort and protection especially around the Achilles collar of the flats. Moreover, she finds the black signature travel zipped purse (pouch) with slip-in pocket very stylishly functional. The clever slip-in pocket at the back contains an accompanying shoulder bag which you can use to place your heels and carry sprucely. Actually, she likes holding the purse by itself as it resembles a prevailing clutch bag. Nonetheless, it always ends up neatly in her handbag.

She was quite apprehensive that she will never like the bizarre red mosaic flowers foldable ballerina shoes of Cocorose London and also, that it would disintegrate after a few hours of being worn. Evidently speaking, when she used them as her core shoes last time the elemental composition was of substantial quality and the over-all structure proved to be comfortable.

She can now say that her pair of smart classic Cocorose London foldable ballerina flats has the simplest shape; that make the strongest statement. Altogether, its versatility is an ultimate wardrobe staple for busy, on-the-go and colourful women.

THE MULTICOLOUR IN ME: CÈLINE MULTICOLOUR LUGGAGE LEATHER TOTE MINI

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The long wait was over... 

I was expecting a different delivery but when someone rang the doorbell, it was a lightweight sealed box that was handed over to me. At that time, it made me think of what it contained and aha, it's the Céline Multicolour Luggage Calfskin Leather Tote Mini. I couldn't wait to remove the sellotape wrapped on top of the box despite the fact that we were off to go somewhere. I went to the kitchen and look for a knife to unseal carefully the top of the box. I effortlessly unsealed the edges and inside was a personalised plastic carrier bag. Wait a minute, when my Mulberry Lily Scarlet Bag was delivered it was a box in a box but this time, it's a personalised plastic carrier bag in a box. That made me think for a minute about its genuineness (just a joke!)? It's because, I didn't purchase it from one of the Céline shops or on their website; I was aware of their upscale suggested retail price. It will surely give me a negative account! However, it is an absolutely authentic Céline Luggage Tote Mini source from a legitimate seller of luxury second-hand designer labels.

On the 10th of February this year, I purchased one of my wishes with a bit of haggling (I'm very proud of it!) on a robotic online store which sells pre-owned top of the range items. The luggage tote mini has been owned for some time but the stated physical shape of it was that, it's in a very good condition. I am a very wise buyer and it is always in my attitude to check it thoroughly despite the stated written statement from the seller. Which is why, I inspected thoroughly the Céline Luggage Tote on their website using the presented images of the seller. I wasn't keen to gamble at first and my reluctance was rising but to own a Céline Multicolour Luggage Calfskin Leather Tote Mini has been in my wish list. Actually, it is one of my favourite handbags. My reluctance was accumulating but the 'Make an Offer' button vanquished my apprehension. I sent a few offers until the seller agreed with the median price I sent. It was an anxious process but I kept at it until we both agreed a price. It was for me a very good snapped up bargain given the money I saved. 

It was last month when I paid for it in full as I didn't like the thought of having pending and worrisome debts, especially if it's relating to any desired luxury items. Subjectively, “if you can't pay for it, don't buy it”. That is my aphorism in buying expensive stuff either online or in store and honestly, to making yourself presentable doesn't have to lead to indebtedness or to go beyond your overdraft limit. May I ask? How is your attitude when intending to buy a top of the range item?

I placed and paid for my order in full... 

Understandingly, I have this thought at the back of my mind that the Céline Multicolour Luggage Calfskin Leather Tote Mini will arrive in just 15 days. This is with the inclusion of the seller sending the item to the Head Office for quality control before they will send it to my postal address. Yes, they have a unique quality control team who physically inspects every item for authentication purposes so that buyers can be rest assured that the article is genuine. What a good intention, to protect from fraudulent sellers and to give added confidence. I salute them but not on the side of making me wait in vain when it comes to ad hoc communication. Yes, there was a lack of communication despite the 'pre- contractual' information under the Consumer Rights of 2015. Adversely, what if they found out that one of many items is a counterfeit? Also, are they really 100 % physically checking every item?

I have lots of patience and great understanding when issues are thrown at me especially the unexpected ones. These type of situations will demand more energy and challenge your state of mind. I dislike wrinkles, so I just conceal it with a smile when circumstance are going in a different direction. The truth about expectation versus reality. Am I right? 

I received an email with a robotically structured statement from them which made me unenthusiastic but my tenacious mindset helped me to get over it. That is why, I posted carbon copies of my comment to the seller's comment section on their website which she gracefully answered in the end, too. The seller appeased my mind and I left the next step to the management to deal with. In particular, when the bag was quality checked and passed its authentication process as well as the shipment and delivery to my postal address.

 

On the 2nd of March, a delivery man for a tracked service courier arrived at my doorstep with a box in his hands. This was it and after almost a month of waiting in vain I could now finally touch my acquired item. An iconic Phoebe Philo's Céline Multicolour Luggage Calfskin Leather Tote Mini invigorated in the shades of striking yellow, atoning black and appealing blue with ravishing red portraying as flap wings. This gorgeously crafted fashionistas' luggage tote mini has sturdy dual- rolled handles with neatly designed exterior front zip pocket; four protective gold studs at the bottom and gold (with gold hardware) heat stamped logo at the centre. Hold this newly revitalised and decoratively leather trim bag on your arm and walk effortlessly chic around the city while carrying even more than just your essentials. Moreover, this sough-after and functional bag's top zipper closure opens to a black leather-lined interior with a large zipper pocket and one patch pocket which are perfect for bare essentials as well as a cellular phone pocket.

This bag is, more or less, the multicolour in me which certainly places a great value of making the outlines and structural planes in my life seem more energetic.

NIKON D3300 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA IN RED

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

My first handling of a camera was very exciting and manipulating it was frightening to boot. The film of the photographic cartridge was very sensitive specifically the coated base gelatin emulsion. Accordingly, when the negative film is exposed to light it gradually darkens and become useless in capturing images. I remembered this scenario and it would make you unhappy! In the past, when I was requested to take photos I always took care to place the negative film in the camera's film chamber and then carefully pull the existing film strip onto the film's loading roller. Voila and the single reflex lens camera was now ready to be used in capturing memories for as long as there's a new pair of alkaline batteries. 

In days of yore, most portable cameras used by families were a rectangular shapes and either slim and elongated or bulky and heavy. Can you remember the cameras before like the Kodak's Ektralite 450 electronic flash and the 1960's Ritenette? Technically, the 1960's preferred design cameras had a few buttons to manipulate when taking an image using its viewfinder eyepiece. It also had a film rewind knob and a shutter release button. Personally speaking, the experience gained in using one of those manual duty cameras was priceless despite their weight and their tiny viewfinder screen.

They have now been replaced but considered valuable collectables by some artists. 

Every year, new discoveries in the world of technology have been found and introduced into the cash-milking market. One of many scientific know hows in today's generation which is getting smaller, lighter and less troublesome is the invention of digital cameras. This equipment launched by business corporations who persuaded consumers to upgrade to the current ones available in the market. Or else, we are no longer part of their gravy train! They manufactured these state-of-the-art cameras and they sell well but it is interesting that we have little appreciations of those who designed and conceptualised the advanced higher features and specifications. It is true to say that digital cameras are sophisticated replacement for negative film cameras which have been emerging ubiquitously and providing most of us with an easy way of storing captured images. Don't you think its agreeably practical? Structurally speaking, it is a modern device with a built-in monitor to see the moving object(s) apart from its viewfinder eyepiece and a memory card slot instead of the negative film of old. If that is not enough, it is also equipped with an accessory terminal for wireless remote controllers which allows you to compose the shot, get it into frame and take a picture when you are ready. Moreover, it is supplied with a USB data sync cable lead for easy transferring of photos into the computer rather than the familiar photo prints. On the other hand, some of these modern digital cameras are quite complex because of their systematic designed buttons in capturing demanding and arduous images and are commonly used by avid and professional photographers for monetisation.

I am not yet a professional photographer who would advertise my visual art skill to family and friends. However, I would like to learn more of its technicalities while shooting my object(s) rather than editing the outcome of each image. In the past and to date, I either used my iPhones' camera when taking selfies with family and friends or my Samsung Smart DV150F Dual LCD compact digital camera for landscape and events' pictures. They both took good, cloudless (most of the times) and bright pictures but my fascination about digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera sent me to a crux. That is why, a few weeks ago I upgraded my passion in photography to a more advanced camera and purchased a Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera in red. There was that idea of putting if off again but my enthusiasm for the 'checkout' button counterbalanced my reluctance.

Nikon D3300 Digital SLR camera isn't like my Samsung compact digital camera as it has a solid and lightweight body and an interchangeable (18-55 VR/Non VR) lens kit. I like attaching the retractable lens to its body because of the crisp sound it produces. Click! When it comes to taking photos, it has a diopter adjustment control on its viewfinder eyepiece which is a great idea in achieving clean and sharp focus points. Apart from that, its mode dial has incorporated a 'Special Effects Mode (EFFECTS)' with 13 impressive styles when taking a photo using its 3 inches diagonal monitor. Moreover, the more adventurous and technical 'Manual Mode (M)' used by professionals is hand-operated with no automatic shutter speed and aperture adjustments when producing quality image results. This mode will be laborious (LOL!). 

 

Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera has a wonderful constructed body design with tidy neckstrap lugs and a finger- friendly position shutter release button. Its 5 frames per second continuous shooting speed at full resolution and 24.2 million megapixel will give you crystal clear and vivid image results. I took a photo using only its 'Auto Mode' dial and the outcome was very striking with promising minute details when I zoomed it out. It was like looking through a microscope in which even the tiny grains in an object was still dynamically visible. 

I am still on tenderfoot when it comes to the more advanced elements of my Red Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera as it is part of being an amateur. Philosophically speaking, learning is living and each new journey has a series of additional starts which will mould us to be more solid and assertive. I am embarking on this over-and-above chapter in my life and I am prospecting that before it turns 1-year old I already have proficient knowledge in photography or by that time, maybe an expert.

FROM FLAMINGO PINK TO RED:HP 15-AY024 INTEL PENTIUM 8GB 2TB RED LAPTOP

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Dell Inspiron 1545 Flamingo Pink and HP 15-AY024 Intel Pentium Red)

It took me years before I acquired my first laptop and it was after I graduated from the university. However, my knowledge about state-of-the-art computers and the ground breaking power of the internet wasn't new to me. Yes, you heard me right despite the fact that I never owned my own laptop or desktop. How? Its because I was given the chance to explore their life changing effects when I was a working student and to be surrounded by a few techy friends, too. It was full of excitement as it unfolded new stuff to cognize and my eagerness in learning gave me advantages before and after I left my beloved hometown. Wistfully, those days are long gone (LOL!)!

In my teen years, owning my own handy gadget(s) like cellular phones etc. has been a luxury and when you have one, both of your thumbs are always tinkering its buttons. Actually, those man-made electronics would attract more friends to come closer to you. Am I right youths of the 1990s?

It was in year 2008 when I first owned a laptop with my own choice of brand, shade, screen size and weight. In reality, it was one of the best and functional personal electronics I received for myself which I valued and treasured for almost a decade. We had lots of memories together and combated myriads of trojan horse who tried to destroy her functionalities. She certainly endured the test of my typing fingers, oppppps, I meant time. That is why, disconnecting with my Dell Inspiron 1545 flamingo pink 15.6” laptop made me slightly heavyhearted. Its because whenever I used her keyboard, my mind conjoined oozingly and effortless especially when it came to writing. 

It's been two weeks to date ever since I replaced my Dell laptop because of its operating system issues... 

For the past weeks, I have been lovingly using my new HP 15-ay024 Intel Pentium red laptop which has a fast intel pentium quad core processor and a realiable 1.6HHz processor speed CPU. It also has a large 8GB random access memory which benefits me when navigating the internet as well as editing pictures. Apart from that, the acquisition of current programs and data has been faster and quickly reached because of its Intel Pentium intel n3710 quad core processor. Moreover, it has state-of-the-art 2TB fixed disk for data storage and digital information retrieval. Generally speaking, the HP red laptop has a powerful CPU; bigger memory and quicker operating system in comparison to my Dell flamingo pink laptop. 

Yes, its internal techy components are very impressive and up to speed but there is more... 

While I was importing my pertinent files from my Dell flamingo pink laptop, I found out about its interfaces and connectivity. I wasn't bothered at first but my mind got diverted to know more about its additional features. So, I inspected and fiddled most of them. Such as, the multi-media card compatible on the bottom right side; an HDMI port on the left side; 3 USB ports with 1 USB 3.0; flight mode option button on its keyboard and the integrated bluetooth wireless technology. The lightness and the thinness of its structure makes it much  less strenuous to carry while out and about. Above all, it has a popping-out keyboard for easy cleaning and its crisp touch provides me with an enjoyable and easy to use typing experience. On the hand, the integral design of its multi-media card compatible is a bit troublesome when pulling out an inserted memory card. It's not like my Dell's multi-media card slot which had a spring up design and was very smooth to manipulate. 

This HP 15-ay024 Intel Pentium red laptop is an au courant portable computer because all of its necessary software is structured in its integral recovery partition. That is why, when I opened its box there were no common software disks included and even manual, too. It was an unexpected turn out but an eco-friendly technology because of its virtual drives and PDF document.

Windows 10 as an operating system has been a big leap for me and from time to time, I do find myself on hands and knees. Some of the times, I would like to retrieve my Dell Vista laptop because of the familiarity and being less complicated. I even thought of unpacking it again and would just not give a damn about its software updates until it would sadly cease to function normally.

Life has constant changes which will affect our daily routines, either consciously or unconsciously. Personally speaking, I rather choose to recognise and welcome the constant changes and then, in so doing absorb and comprehend gradually the impacts of them on me.

WELCOME TO THOMAS'S OF YORK PUB

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Turn to the right of St. Leonard's Place or go straight ahead to the Museum Street? That was the choice we had after visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in northern Europe, York Minister. We were looking for a local pub to rehydrate our thirsty throats. Yes, we were quite weary and tired after traversing from one street to another. I must say we were wowed with the town centre’s magical beauty in which most streets astonished our expectations. There were well- preserved historical buildings occupied by big commercial establishments; known hotels; affordable yet unique inns; friendly local eating places and also, well established pubs. Like the Thomas's of York Pub managed and operated by Kelly and the Toy Team. 

Travelling can be exhausting and rewarding at the same time too... 

There is a Red House Antique Centre occupying a detached building which is painted in the shades of red (almost salmon) and white. It is indeed brightly conspicuous for visitors and the like! The façade of the building featured a common 2-storey edifice but inside, it had 3 floors without the inclusion of its basement. It had wooden staircases and mezzanines to reach each floor and view the stored classic/ vintage collectible items. A place to explore and if you couldn't find what you are looking for, why not warm yourself up at their cafe & tea room while thinking about their collections that are on sale. Without a doubt, you will find this antique centre easily as it's next to the Saint Wilfrid's Catholic Church on Duncombe Place. 

I stood on a hoisted pedestrian refuge island surrounded with leafy concrete boxes. For a few minutes, I was transported back to the Victorian period because of the vintage and rustic street signs. Can you imagine the sound of galloping horses pulling heavy commercial carriages? If you can, I am sure that you will be ensorcelled, too! Yes, it was a mesmerising occurrence and eventually the street signs guided us through to stay away for awhile from the madding crowd. 

 

 

We crossed over Blake Street and walked on the verge of Museum Street. Adventitiously, we entered a brick-made building with a personalised train station pub's name, ornate Victorian entrance, rows of chimney pots and restored sash windows. Literally, the front windows had on them prints of the local and known recipes as well as posted cut out images of illustrious royalties and renowned actors. 

At long last, we found a local pub with a warmth and jocund ambiance. We walked through the door and on the right side was a stately cosy room with the hanging portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a union jack flag throne chair, too. Apart from those, the interior of the room has an enlarged fixed picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with her subordinates onto the wall with the 16th-century's Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate name above it. Can you now guess the name of the room? It's labelled and known as The Queen's Room! 

 

There was also a staircase leading onto the first floor which was sheathed with unique menu wallpapers and unconventional hanging objects. You will never fail to find their toilets, too! We stayed on the ground floor and went down a short plight of steps to order our refreshments. Sadly, they didn’t serve my choice of non-alcoholic drink which is why, Kelly (the manager) suggested a drink I might like to sip. I thought I would end up having a glass of lime and soda but her suggestion was satisfying! 

We sat and relaxed snugly for an hour on their eye-catching contemporary patchwork sofa which was placed conspicuously on the dance floor area. After that, we moved to another elevated room which was only separated from where we were by a glass unit containing fragile items. The elevated room was interiorly designed with artworks brightly displayed and philosophical sayings on the walls. A very flamboyantly bare-faced section of the pub indeed! I didn’t walked around like I would normally be which would mean examining each floor and even entering 'No Trespassing' rooms. As far as I can vividly remember, it had quarter-turn stairs with newly painted wooden banisters, a huge double hung paned window with half-moon designed and a kelham hall up chandelier. 

  

In the daytime, Thomas's of York Pub is an affable drinking/eating place operated by Kelly and the Toy Team. It is a local pub with a contemporary twist and quaintness which has been valued as a cherished rendezvous for all types of gender. The pub itself has been managed smoothly for years and withstood the test of time because of the management's full and special support to the LGBTQI+ community. When night falls and specifically on Saturday night, this pub becomes a bustling bar boosted with the appearance of special artist(s) and whooping sound systems producing state-of-the-art music. Generally speaking, it is a welcoming place to meet new friends, greet amiable people and connect with the lovely ones; either with a drink in your hand or just simply enjoying the disco- dance rhythms. If ever you plan to visit York, visit and connect with Kelly and the Toy Team who will make you loose and care-free while at Thomas's of York Pub. 

 (With Queenie)

 

 

  (With Alex, Mike and Darren)

We were fully energised and zoomed our way back into the madding crowd. I just couldn't believe that York had lots of gems; places to relish and all reached on foot. The experience of this great city was especially warm because of the conviviality of the local people.

THE GAFFER'S GARDEN IN THE SUMMER

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

A gentle voice with an almost feminine intensity greets and welcomes me at their doorstep with the delightful phrase, 'You look so fantastic, Darling!'. The person behind the voice is a man whom I called, The Gaffer.

In 2008 on my first visit to England, the first person I met in the flesh who really made me very comfortable is a good friend named, The Gaffer. A big man with bulky muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger that he has developed over the years by spending time at his exclusive gym. Though he has huge biceps, he has a soft spot too! That is shown when it comes to raising plants and yielding healthy new growth from his garden.

I have been visiting his home for years and every time I was there, I was fascinated by his collections of healthy plants. Honestly, when I plan to go there I always look forward to seeing his varieties of plants. They are more than enough to warm me and gratify the nature side in me too.

The front garden is what I prefer more as it has bundles of scarlet red geraniums which appear like a red carpet. Enough to compare it to the red carpet at the Academy Awards, trodden on by famous celebrities in the showbiz world. On the other hand, the rear garden has more to offer because this is where you can see more of his creations.

One of the structures that he erected is a Victorian glass house. This provides a home for his wide range of cacti and delicate plants that usually won't survive the cold weather in England. The glass house itself could be used as a spare room as it has roof ventilator, shelving brackets, single sliding door including door catch and many more accessories.

I can still remember in the summer, his rear garden was ornamented with freshly blooming flowers. All were growing robustly with vivid colours which were very engrossing to my eyes. When I visited him one day in the summer, I was wearing a colourful maxi dress and surprisingly, one of his small flowers matched the design of my garment. And because of that he took a picture of me while standing above those flowers. In the end, they resembled an extension of my floral maxi dress in the picture.

I appreciate the beautiful transformation of their gardens and admire the effort he has made to make their gardens so very enticing.