Pugs and Pins and Needles, all things Green, and Hobbies: Oh My!

maaaaaa.  let's go for our walk!

If you live in So Cal, you are loving life right now.  The weather is insanely beautiful, and it's been far too long since we've experienced days like these.  Given that we didn't have many sunny days last summer, this spring time sunshine is a pleasant reminder of why i live in San Diego.

kale ready to juice from me' garden

 Being such a sunny morning my garden was calling to me as i walked by.  Our kale is growing like mad with two of the stalks over 4 feet tall!  I was reminded today of how amazing it is to start your day with a green drink.  I fell off the green smoothie bandwagon for a week or two.  My back went out last friday and I've felt stagnant, sore, grumpy, annoyed, achy, mad, and all out frustrated.  I started to eat eggs (which i haven't done in over  year).  Hard boiled eggs and fried eggs on toast.  I skimped on the green drinks and noticed that although i still ate salads and veggies daily, my fiber consumption dropped, as did my 'greens' consumption.  My digestion/elimination cycle changed/slowed.  My body is slow to heal (It's been a whole week and i've not been able to exercise, let alone hardly twist side to side due to the pain i've been in).  Then i started to think....now is the time i need fresh juice and green drinks more than ever - when my body needs the enzymes to heal.  Duh.  I swear, i can talk and talk and talk about what i know is 'right',  but often i have to hit myself over the head to hear myself...."woman - take your own stinkin' advice!"  And so i juiced.  And ohhhh, was it good.  I cut kale from the garden and pressed it with beet and broccoli i picked up at the farmers market yesterday and a cuke, lemon, and ginger from the co-op.  Dumped that into my blender and added spinach and half an apple.  Swirled it up and OH - MY - HEAVENS!  This seriously is the best way to start your day.  I feel amazing, and could care less about my back....i'm going to walk the pooch, listen to the birds, and enjoy the smile my pug, the sun, the birds,  and that green drink put on my lips.

Thank heavens for my recent decision to get back into my hobby of jewelry making.  It's been my saving grace during this down time with ye' ol' broke up back.  I loved the chain earrings i posted on etsy so much that i had to make a pair for myself.

 Get yours (click) here:  chain earrings

Other new things....Acupuncture.  Never had that done before.  Diggin it!  On Monday Dr Michele Ross at Tree of Life (click) gave me a chiro adjustment, muscle stem, and pinned me up good.  Have you ever had muscle stem?  It's this crazy machine with electrodes.  Electricity is sent to the pads on you and you feel like there are blue electricity currents zapping through your body.  It's CRA-ZEEEEE!  Dr Ross is great!  She's off of Morena down by where i take pilates, so if you are in need of getting pinned, book in with her and then head over to club pilates (click) for laura brownings reformer class - your thighs will thank you :)  I found some relief from the acu, but not enough, so i went on Wednesday for session numero dos with Aquilino at AcuSport (click) in my stinky little beach bum town, Ocean Beach.  He's got a great attitude, he's a fun conversationalist, and after the acupuncture he did some massage work which really broke up the hard knots that were the epicenter of my back-quake.  I recommend booking in with him on a Wednesday afternoon so you can cruise the farmers market after your visit.

the strawberries are soooo good!

I'm off to enjoy the sunshine (someone's letting me know it's time for their walk).

Ca'Mon Already! JEEEEZZZZ lady!

...i hope you are able to do the same.  Don't forget to support your friendly, local artist....ME:  (click here) Jane Shop On Etsy.

 xo

Ruby Beet & Black Quinoa Salad

Hi all and Happy Monday!  I hope those of you who celebrate Easter had a great day with friends and/or family and hopefully the easter bunny left you some candies, chocolates, or cooked you a fabulous Easter dinner.  We had the boyfriend's parents in town so dinner was at ours.  Lots of fixin's were made and shared, but my fave was the beet salad:  beets, mixed greens, red onion, black quinoa, walnuts, and love.  Yes love....cuz that's what makes food taste good right?  There was a small amount of beets left over today from last night so i salvaged the remains and recreated the dish for lunch. While i didn't add any walnuts or red onion today i would highly recommend tossing both into the mix.  I also subbed spinach in since i was fresh out of mixed greens, but that didn't compromise taste.  Now i will say this salad is slightly involved, but only because you need to cook beets and quinoa.  So when you are going to be at home for a while - say working on your computer, wasting time on FB, edu-ma-cating yourself on good eating here on my blog, or say...shopping on me' new etsy shop (hint hint), you can toss the beets in the oven and let-em cook for an hour.  You'll be so busy you didn't even realize that the hour passed!  Quinoa only takes about 20 minutes to cook, and it's always good to cook up a pot to have on hand for salads and other quick dishes.  It stores well for a few days in the fridge.

Beet and Quinoa salad:

Heat oven to 400.  Trim the tail and the leaves off of the beet.  Leave about a half inch of stem so the beet doesn't bleed out too much.  Rinse and scrub gently, but leave the skin on.  Wrap the beets in foil to create a steam pouch, pun on a rimmed baking dish and cook for about an hour, until soft when pieced with fork.  Allow to cool.  Once cool you can use a towel to help slip the skins off.  Cut off the stem and slice to the size you prefer for your dish.

Cook quinoa - one part quinoa to two parts water or veggie broth.  Heat water/broth to a boil, add quinoa and dash of EVOO, stir, return to boil, cover and reduce to simmer for another 15- 20 min. Fluff with fork.  Allow to cool.

Make your dressing:  1 Tbsp stone ground mustard,  approx 2 tsp EVOO, approx 2 tsp balsamic vig, stevia (or honey or agave) and dash sea salt to taste.

Thinly slice red onion, crush a handful of walnuts, and toss this into a mixing bowl with mixed baby greens.  Toss lightly with dressing.  Add the cooled quinoa and beets, lightly toss and serve.

This would also be great with some soft cheese like feta or goat if you are a dairy do-er.

My Spring/Summer Lipstick

I decided to finally purchase one of the number 17 mirror shine lipsticks, though unlike many bloggers, i did not choose the favourite 'beehive' shade, instead i opted for a wonderfully bright red, 'hollywood'.

You can wear it very sheer or build it up for a more intense look.

For under £5, if you like a bright lip i really don't think you'll find better.

Please excuse my tired appearance, this is also an explanation of my absence, as I've been busy meeting deadlines and revising!

Though i have used the eyelure 'up to 4 weeks' individual lashes which i adore and may review soon!

I've also used a semi permanent gloss on my hair from l'oreal casting in 'light brown'. As it's taken me so long to get my hair back into a good condition after i dyed, bleached and abused it when i was 14, 15, 16 i don't like to use anything permanent on it, but love varying it slightly with semi permanent tones!

Oh So Sloppy: Veggie Head Friendly Sloppy Joes

My three favorite foods growing up were kraft mac n' cheese, nestle Quik hot chocolate, and manwich.  Might be hard to believe considering how i eat now, but once upon a time this was my diet.  I drank quik EVERY morning with milk, had mac n' cheese as often as ma would let me (and yes, i'd layer on more salt), and manwich was more of a special occasion treat when dad was out of town.  For so many years (and through so many doctors, specialists, hospital visits, and bills later) we still wondered why i had so many digestive problems?  hmmm...any guesses?  Let's see....maybe dairy?....gluten?...refined sugar?....and let's top that all off with possible nutrient deficiencies.  I blame no one (Ma, if you're reading don't fret...i thought that flintstone vit-y was picking up the loose ends too)!  So clearly given my attention to diet these days, you wouldn't find any of these foods in my house.

So what's my life like without manwich, mac n' cheese, and quik?  Pretty Awesome - i feel a lot better and i never have really missed these foods...well not enough to revert back.  I can still enjoy hot cocoa made with high quality cocao powder and almond milk, and can make a cheese-less version of mac and cheese with nutritional yeast and cashews and rice based pasta (though i never do), but i'd never even considered making manwich, given that it was just a can of high fructose corn syrup'ed, spiced, tomato sauce with a bunch of additives and "natural flavors" to mix with meat - a few things i'm not very partial of.   Well all of that changed yesterday after reading a recipe on how to make lentil sloppy joes.

Yes, you heard me right:  Lentil sloppy joes.  These couldn't have come at a better time.  I was looking to add more iron rich foods in my diet and lentils are right at the top of this list.  A 1/2 cup of lentils actually have almost the same amount of iron as 4 oz of beef.  Not bad veggie heads!  I was introduced to this recipe from a friend of mine in Seattle (shout out to Holly!) who posted them on her FB page a while back.  The recipe is from PPK - isa chandra moskowitz's site - she's written a bunch of veggie cookbooks.  While i hadn't gotten around to making them til now, i'm glad to report that they are a perfect beef, ground turkey, or TVP substitution for sloppy joe night.  While i probably won't make them often since they require canned tomato sauce and paste (i try to avoid canned foods, though i have been using canned pumpkin lately in some smoothies), they do make a great special occasion treat.

I went off the PPK recipe for the most part.  Differences in mine were that i cooked up more lentils (1 1/2 cups), added red and orange bell pepper, put in a whole can of tomato sauce (15 oz) and tomato paste (6 oz), added a dash of apple cider vinegar for more tanginess, added half a diced sweet potato, and subbed out the maple syrup for stevia and agave.  I also adjusted the amount of spices a bit.

Since i don't eat gluten i served myself a portion on Rudi's G-free bread.  While my plate could have looked a lot prettier if i had a fancy bun or garnishes, i didn't mind....it was pretty darn tasty and made me feel like a kid again.

Less Eating, More Crafting: What I'm Making Now.

Helloooooo out there!  So i've been a little absent lately on me ol' blog for good reason: I've gone into production mode.  Jewelry making has been a hobby of mine for longer than i care to speak of, and though i often toss it aside to focus on my career, lately i've been heavily drawn back to it with this incredible need to speak to my creative side.  So while i still eat, and while i still love to talk about FOOD, i haven't been photo crazy on my meals because my mind has been tunneled on my next crafty adventure.  AND here i am sharing with you what i'm making lately.  (Yes, there will be a foodie recipe too, don't fret).

Right now i'm into copper and i'm loving hammering the wire, wrapping it, adding it to other textures, and just being creative.

Let me know what you think of these few weekend pieces.  Should i finally open my Etsy webpage?  (I registered years ago, but never posted on it.  I tend to like what i'm doing when i'm doing it, then cut myself short when it's time to make sales - marketing myself is definitely not my forte).

Okay...enough about my crafty side...Let's talk food...cuz that's why you're really here, right?  I have so many things to post about, however today we'll talk about 'stretching your juice'.

I love juicing.  I love starting my day with a nutrient dense, enzymatically alive beverage that makes me feel amazing.  Green juice does this for me.  Our garden is growing greens like mad and i've gotten some amazingly HUGE organic beets from my CSA that were beckoning to be pressed into a sweet beverage.  Done and done.  

"I juiced you...you deeeeelicous red beet, and you too my bright green kale, but now what am i to do with this meesley 8 oz of juice you produced when i want to enjoy you all morning in a big ol' mason jar that will supply me wth 30+oz of liquid to keep me hydrated and happy?"

answer: filler' up with coco water!

Coconut water...the amazing yummy beverage that i shared with you back in August (click here to read all the amazing bene's of coco water).  Coconut water not only makes your juice taste even more amazing, but it offers you a lot of electrolytes for very little sugar which is great if you are like me and spend much of your time in a hot and sweaty environment.  Now, pure coconut water from the coconut would be choice, however the price of these delicacies has been skyrocketing lately so your next best bet will be packaged coco water.  I've tried many of these, and they mostly all suck.  They don't taste like coconut water, and i'm not sure how many of the nutrients they rave about are still there after it's been pasteurized, however, i have found ONE brand that makes a pretty tasty and decent beverage, and it's this one i use to fill my jar to stretch my juice.  The brand is ONE....ironic...since it really is the only  one that i've tasted that actually tastes like coco water.

All you juice luvah's out there go get yourself some ONE juice.  Press your veggies then fill ur jar with this stuff.  My morning juice looks something like this:  5 stalks celery, 1 large red beet, handful of kale, one lemon, one navel orange, and coco water.   So good.

Now you tell me...What's in your jar????

Battersea High Street: A New Era?

A New Era?


Images courtesy of Michael Mapp Photography

 Battersea High Street Market has undergone a period of regeneration over recent years boosting the growth of new Independent businesses Galapagos Foods, Costa's Barbers and Chez Manny to name a few. Events such as The Victorian fair December 2010 proved to be a success demonstrating effective creative partnership exists between the Battersea High Street Association (BHSA) and Independent Businesses to put on significant events drawing positive attention to a market, previously known for its dilapidation and inability to draw in the right traders to renovate the market. The Victorian Event changes previous perceptions, a new era, a brighter future.....

  

                              
                                           

 The Support of BHSA and Wandsworth Council's Lorinda Freint is continuing to ensure Battersea High Street's Market grows as an Event and Foodies location within the borough, cementing this market as a place to attract new trade and visitors. The recent announcement of The Royal Wedding Event at the High Street with full BBC coverage all day at the location, makes Battersea High Street a place to be on the 29th April 2011.

How to get there
Buses: 44, 345, 49, 319, 344
Overground: Clapham Junction
Battersea High Street News
Royal Wedding Information http://tinyurl.com/3f22q2x
Battersea Society http://tinyurl.com/3m5m42o


Reporter Anita.

Wellness Warriors Feast: Spiced Cauliflower And Potatoes

Wednesday was the last meeting night for my Spring Detox Group at Core Power and we celebrated with a pot luck of delicious 'cleanse approved' dishes.  For the past 20 days these Wellness Warriors committed to taking out soy, dairy, gluten, salt, refined sugars, processed foods, caffeine/stimulants, alcohol/drugs, corn, and chocolate.  Not an easy feat!  I was once again blown away with all of the delicious and healthy foods everyone contributed to the pot luck: there were quinoa dishes, chia puddings, popped amaranth, sensational salads, nopales/cactus, and even frushi (fruit sushi).  When the buffet is 20 platters deep of cleanse approved whole food dishes and gluten free desserts without refined flours and sugars, it makes you realize that you have no need for so much of the other less nutrient dense food stuff that takes up space in our diets (and moreover in our bodies).

One of my favorite dishes of the night was made by Noel, who also teaches at CPY.  Mad props to you Mamacita for making this dish so flavorful and mouth watering!  And props to all of you Wellness Warriors who continue to inspire me to keep doing what i'm doing!  Your testimonials and the self awareness you've gained along your journey is the most beautiful gift one can experience and share.  Keep doing what you're doing, keep educating yourself, and share your knowledge with those whom you love and want to keep healthy too!

Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes:
1 head cauliflower
1 and 1/4 lb cubed potatoes
EVOO
1 onion diced
4 garlic cloves
2 tsp minced jalapeno
2 tsp minced ginger
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cayenne

Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Coat the cauliflower and potatoes with 1-2 Tbsp EVOO and roast in the oven at 400 until done
Saute the rest of the ingredients with the spices
Mix everything together and savor!

The Tricycle Theatre

The Boy And The Statue Directed and Created by Paula Garfield
A theatre production to watch!

Presented by Deafinitely Theatre a company founded in 2002 are an independent, professional Deaf-led company  Following a successful run last summer, Deafinitely Theatre's first production aimed at young children and families is returning to Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, London.

Thursday 12 May & Friday 13 May 10.30am & 1pm Tricycle performance for schools

Saturday 14 May 11.30am & 2pm Public performance


Another rainy day in London and William the statue is fed up feeling wet, grey and dirty. Not even his best friend Fevvers the pigeon can cheer him up. And things are about to get worse. The Lord Mayor of London is coming to visit and William the statue is going to be pulled down! Young Craig notices how sad William is and teams up with Fevvers to try and save him as they embark on a race against time. This show is suitable for deaf and hearing audiences.

Suitable for 4–7 yrs
Running time 50 mins
Suitable for both deaf & hearing audiences
Tickets
£6 / £5


To book tickets please phone the box office (via Typetalk if deaf) on 020 7328 1000 or book online via the Tricycle Theatre's website. http://www.tricycle.co.uk/

Tricycle Theatre 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR

For more information about the theatre production company
http://www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk/

Clapham Common Skate Park

Re-Development: Clapham Common Skate Park



All Rights Reserved CreativeHappenLondon

  The Clapham Common Skate Park is one of Lambeth's gems the facility is located in Clapham Common alongside Rockery Road.
The London Marathon Trust have awarded Lambeth Council £75,000 to redevelop this popular skate park at Clapham Common. The skate park aids the growth of Urban Sports in the UK such as skateboarding, aggressive in-line skating, bmxing.

I was happy to hear from Nick one of the skaters featured in the video is also on the Clapham Common Committee for the re-development of the Skate Park successfully lobbying for change. "The popularity of the park really calls for      more ramps, rails and a half pipe"Michael Mapp (also a featured video skater).

                                         Skaters in Action All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London.

                                               
    Skaters in Action All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London.

I've watched the facility grow over the years a skater myself, a very rusty one mind you, I was tempted today to go home and put on my skates and join the guys practicing but just opted to watch them and view their amazing skills and enjoy this glorious April weather. Skating is an excellent sport for the family and really should be encouraged my three year old has been asking me for skates since she was two years old, her feet are almost ready for her first pair X Games here she comes...

A view of the Park on a Warm Sunny April weekend
 

All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London

All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London

  


All Rights Reserved creativeHappen London

All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London

  The Re-development of the park gets a thumbs up from us!

To help with this development Joyce Tapper welcomes your support and help, especially on what the skate park should look like, what features it should contain, and how it should be managed.

A short survey form, which asks some simple questions, is still available and can be sent to you, or email or phone us with comments. To obtain a copy of the survey or to tell us what you think, contact Joyce Tapper, Project Manager on jtapper@lambeth.gov.uk or phone on 020 7926 0548

        All Rights Reserved CreativeHappen London

Reporter Anita.

Royal Wedding Event: Battersea High Street

A free street festival in South West London to celebrate the Wedding of the Year!

Where: Chez Manny Restaurant, Battersea High Street, SW11 3JS
When: Friday 29th April 2011 (bank holiday)
Time: From 10 am – late
Wedding starts: 11 am
Come and celebrate the Royal Wedding in typical ‘British’ style with a twist of French cuisine and chic culture, courtesy of Chez Manny Restaurant. Nestled in the quaint cobbled streets of Battersea, Chez Manny is a gem of a restaurant with a strong following and a big community spirit http://www.chezmanny.com/

Royal Wedding street parties are part of London’s unchanged traditions and Battersea High Street is pulling out all the stops with its customary festival traditions, The High Street Festival. And with the promise of sunshine, Chez Manny will be throwing open its patio doors for the summer al-fresco dining experience, and based on the amount of fun and partying there will be in the street, it is wise to reserve your table or get there early to make sure you get a seat!

Battersea High Street presents
Stage with live music from all over the World
Dance groups from Ireland, Columbia, New Zealand and Africa plus fire eaters, stilt walkers donkey rides, a clairvoyants’ tent and much more.

Large outdoor screen showing the wedding and Central London festivities
BBC London 94.9 FM is broadcasting the whole of their day show from the BBC double decker bus from Battersea High Street (6am to 12pm Gaby Roslin and Paul Ross, 12pm to 5pm Robert Elms, 5pm to 7pm Eddie Nestor)

For more info:
 http://www.clementinecom.com/presscentre/Royal_Wedding_Street_party.pdf
Twitter@Batterseahighst

We know at CreativeHappen London, Battersea High Street Traders Association alongside independent retailers such as Costa's Barbers and the Bellevue pub, know how to put on a street event to remember and know the Royal Wedding Event will be one to remember. View images below of their Victorian Christmas street fair 2010 raising funds for the Katherine Low Settlement charity core to the Battersea community providing support for children and the Elderly since 1902.


            

All Rights Reserved Michael Mapp.



All Rights Reserved Michael Mapp.

We are on a quest to review and photograph as many Royal Wedding street parties and events in the Wandsworth borough. We are aware we cannot be every where and need your help to show visually Wandsworth can put on great events/street parties in the capital. Join our flicker group upload your pics to http://www.flicker.com/groups/royalwedding2011

Easter: for the Family

We have selected a varied range of activites for families to participate in together. We recognise three weeks is a long time to keep the children occupied so hope this helps! We have added a little sections for mums we need our time too so enjoy crafty and vintage shopping places i have found in SW London.

The Chocolate Festival Southbank Centre
The choclate festival returns for it’s 6th gastronomic celebration
11am-8pm on Fri 8th & Sat 9th April
11am-6pm on Sun 10th April
Southbank Centre Square (Behind Royal Festival Hall)
Belvedere Road, London,
SE1 8XX,
Free Admission ( Some events are ticketed, paid for events early booking is required )
http://www.festivalchocolate.co.uk/festivals/london/whats-on/

The Big Chocolate Tea Party

Have teamed up with The Chocolate Festival on the Southbank, London, as its official charity. They will be hosting a Big Chocolate Tea Party at the following London locations

The Big Chocolate Tea Party – Rainbow and Guilford Street House
Date: Wednesday 13 April and Thursday 14 April 2011
Time: 10am onwards
Location: Rainbow House, 139 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8UB and Guilford Street House, 10 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DT

Join Tina and Sandra for their chocolate baking day. With help from the families staying at both houses, the house managers are cooking chocolate cakes and treats to sell. You can offer your support by coming along to the baking day on the Wednesday to help with the cooking or if that’s not your cup of tea then join us on the Thursday at either house to enjoy the fruits of their hard work!

The Big Chocolate Tea Party – Stevenson House
Date: Thursday 14 April 2011
Time: 1pm onwards
Location: Stevenson House, 82 Ashfield Street, London, E1 2BJ

A chocolate filled open day at Stevenson House with Joan and Liz. This is a real family day which will include a cake competition with a guest celebrity judge and a balloonist to entertain the children. Just pop along if you are in the area.
http://www.festivalchocolate.co.uk/festivals/london/whats-on/

Theatre

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Lyric Square, King St, London, W6 0QL
http://http://www.lyric.co.uk/

Saturday Children’s Theatre and Messy play sessions
Currently the Lyric Hammersmith are offering a SPECIAL OFFER: Buy your child's show and Messy Play ticket together for just £9. Only available by calling Ticket Office on 0871 22 117 20.
Standard Tickets prices and Times: 11am & 1pm (unless stated in the insert)Tickets: Adults £8
Children £6 Family Ticket £25 (for four people, must include two children)


Sat 9th April FlyAway Katie: Katie is all alone and feeling grey. The birds in the picture on her wall look so colourful. Can you help Katie become as happy and bright as them? A puppet show about the power of the imagination. Meet the Puppets: After the show there will be 15 minutes for children to meet the characters from the show. Ages: 2 - 7 Running time: 30mins

Sat 16th April Suitcase Circus: Roll up, roll up for an interactive circus featuring the world's only acrobatic potato sack; a daredevil ski glove; and an incredible dancing straw. Ages 4-7 Running time:60mins

Saturday 23rd April 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm The Paper Washi Wish: During a game of hide and seek Rabbit goes missing. Can you help his friends find him? This unique theatrical experience features Japanese Paper Theatre and a hands-on papermaking workshop. Ages 3-7 Running time 50mins

Sat 30th April The Fabulous Flutterbys: As two very different caterpillars travel through their insect-sized world they encounter a host of fabulous creatures, including a blues-singing Slow Worm Joe and Harold and Maureen the meandering snails.Ages: 3-7 Running time 50mins

Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London, SE1 2HZ 0207645 0560
http://www.unicorntheatre.com/
The Unicorn is the UK’s flagship theatre for young people

Oily Cart presents Drum 19th April-8th May 2011
Following their hugely popular productions, Something in the Air and Mole in the Hole, Oily Cart return to the Unicorn with Drum.
This highly interactive and multisensory production is for children under the age of 11 but comes in two specific versions; one for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities, the other for those on the autism spectrum.
Listen and watch the big bass drums as magical shadows dance across them, feel the rhythm and hear the beat on this wonderful new adventure.
‘…a remarkable and pioneering company whose work with children and those with complex disabilities has always been way ahead of the theatrical game.’
The Guardian

Arts, Crafts and Storytime

Under the Greenwood Tree,
 11 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG, T. 020 7627 4557

This Easter UTGT will be running activity mornings for children ages 4 to 6. Join them for fun games, story time and easter related activities on Wednesday 13th, Friday 15th, Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th of April from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Book early as places are limited!
Storytime sessions every Saturdays at 11.00 for storytime – all ages welcome.

http://www.underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk/

Retail: Time out for mum

Crafty fox Crafty Fox Pop-Up Market
Brixton (London) on 16th April 2011, 11-6pm. Come & find us at the Dogstar for handmade goodies & vintage finds!
Details http://craftyfoxmarket.blogspot.com/
389 Coldharbour Lane, LONDON SW9 8LQ
020 7733 7515

Venn Street Market
This popular market is well know for plants, flowers, crafts and food production, this market reflects the seasonal nature of food and plants , there aim is to reduce milage and packaging to support the local economy. Sat 23rd and Sunday 24th Apr (last weekend of every month)
http://www.vennstreetmarket.co.uk/
Venn Street, Clapham, London SW4

The Royal Wedding
A free street festival in South West London to celebrate the Wedding of the Year!

Where: Chez Manny Restaurant, Battersea High Street, SW11 3JS
When: Friday 29th April 2011 (bank holiday)
Time: From 10 am – late
Wedding starts: 11 am
Come and celebrate the Royal Wedding in typical ‘British’ style with a twist of French cuisine and chic culture, courtesy of Chez Manny Restaurant. Nestled in the quaint cobbled streets of Battersea, Chez Manny is a gem of a restaurant with a strong following and a big community spirit (http://www.chezmanny.com/)

Royal Wedding street parties are part of London’s unchanged traditions and Battersea High Street is pulling out all the stops with its customary festival traditions, The High Street Festival. And with the promise of sunshine, Chez Manny will be throwing open its patio doors for the summer al-fresco dining experience, and based on the amount of fun and partying there will be in the street, it is wise to reserve your table or get there early to make sure you get a seat!

Battersea High Street presents
 Stage with live music from all over the World

Dance groups from Ireland, Columbia, New Zealand and Africa plus fire eaters, stilt walkers donkey rides, a clairvoyants’ tent and much more.
Large outdoor screen showing the wedding and Central London festivities

BBC London 94.9 FM is broadcasting the whole of their day show from the BBC double decker bus from Battersea High Street (6am to 12pm Gaby Roslin and Paul Ross, 12pm to 5pm Robert Elms, 5pm to 7pm Eddie Nestor)  http://www.clementinecom.com/presscentre/Royal_Wedding_Street_party.pdf

Royal wedding street party/events 2011

All Rights Reserved Michael Mapp.

The Royal wedding is fast approaching and we would like to know if Wandsworth can host the best street party's/event's in London?

We are on a quest to review as many Royal Wedding street parties and events in the Wandsworth borough. We are aware we cannot be every where and need your help to show London we can put on the best events/street parties in the capital join our flicker group upload your pics to
http://www.flicker.com/groups/royalwedding2011
please spread the word! A selection of the best pics of the day will also feature our CreativeHappen London blog.

Local reports highlight Wandsworth as heading all London Borough's to hold numerous events to mark the Royal wedding view articles below:
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/8952920.Royal_wedding_street_parties_race_hots_up/
http://lydall.standard.co.uk/2011/04/london-boroughs-battle-to-host-most-royal-wedding-street-parties.html
Royal Wedding news
http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/

Our aim is to highlight Wandsworth is a creatively enriched borough, so if your having a Street Party/Event please let us know. We have secured a local publication and will be submitting pictures of events we visit and of course are invited to. We have also received support from the Clapham Junction Town Centre Manager.

Many thanks Anita.

Race for Life 2011

This year I will be taking in the amazing Cancer Research fundraiser Race for Life, I've wanted to do this for many years to raise awareness of the illness. A lovely friend mentioned she was doing it and I jumped at the chance to join her, so along with my aunt and fellow Teya Lilly friends we will embark on this amazing challange to raise money for a good cause whilst getting fit at the same time!

To make a small donate please visit our page via the link below
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/TeyaLilly

Cancer research UK is a world leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. To find out more about the charity and their partnership with Tesco for the Race for Life event visit http://www.raceforlife.org/about-us/latest-news/tesco-news.aspx

 Your support is appreciated thank you.

Anita Richards.

Art for Families

Dulwich Picture Gallery
 ArtPlay
On the first and last Sunday of every month
January - May –2pm - 3.30pm

Adults and children are creative together at these drop-in workshops with a different art activity each session. Make everything and anything from bunting to block printing and all things in between
Just drop in, no need to book.
Age 4+ (no more than two children per adult)
FREE for families with a Gallery ticket or £2 per child
The Gallery also offers art classes for adults and children ( children arts classes are divided into three ages 7-10, 11-14, 15-18 yrs).
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London, SE21 7AD

Tel: 020 8693 5254
http://www.picturegallery.org.uk/


The Horniman Museum
 Family Art Fun
April-June 2011

Weekly weekend family art activities gives the child and parent the ability to touch real museum objects from all over the world in these family sessions. Each weekend has a different theme, from toys, puppets, animals, music and costume. Please check the website for schedule of activites including easter and half term events.
Horniman Museum & Gardens
100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ
020 8699 1872
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/events/family_art.php

October Gallery
 Family Art and Drama Workshops (Suitable for Under 5s)Date(s)19 March 2011, 16 April 2011, 14 May 2011, 18 June 2011

Workshops provide a wonderful opportunity for families to play and learn together within the colourful and vibrant surroundings of a contemporary art gallery. Sessions are multi-sensory and are open to babies and toddlers of all abilities. Come and join Octoby the gallery octopus for fantastical adventures and inventive art and craft activities! Siblings welcome! A healthy snack will be provided. No need to book-just bring yourselves!
 Workshops:
•Start promptly a 10am and finish at 11.30am
•Are multi-sensory and are designed to be inclusive and accessible for under 5s of all abilities
•Are run by experienced and creative Early Years art and drama Coordinators

October Gallery
24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AL
For booking and information contact Sian Hunter Dodsworth or Beth Atkinson
 0207 242 7367
 http://www.octobergallery.co.uk

March for the Alternative: 26th March 2011

Contrary to the later anarchy that ensued after a peaceful march on the 26th March 2011. The official march organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was a harmonious family day where the big society banded together against the fast and harsh cuts to the public sector by the current Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government. Since the government's entry into power in May 2010 their "Big Society" and the take over of public services by the private sector has not been widely welcomed. The estimated 500,000 demonstrators started the march at the Thames Embankment at 11.00am east towards the Houses of Parliament, the march then turned up Whitehall, passing down Downing Street and heading into the heart of the West End of London to Piccadilly towards Hyde Park. I am glad to say I was one of the 500,000 attendees, my first march and I doubt the last! The atmosphere was electric, the chants were powerful the visual banners were impressive sending a strong political message. It was lovely to see the vast amount of families present which added to the peacefulness of this well organised official march.




Young tired marcher. All rights reserved Anita Richards.

 

Large crowd heading towards Hyde Park. All rights reserved Michael Mapp.



Its my future too!
 All rights reserved Anita Richards.



passionate young demonstrator
All rights reserved Michael Mapp.



The sound of music at Hyde Park. All rights reserved Michael Mapp.

 http://twitpic.com/photos/CreativeHappen

As a nation we are aware cuts are imminent however cuts to core sectors such as children's and front line services I'm sure could have been avoided or money saved from other means. The leader the of TUC Brendan Barber's key quotes "where all in this together." "The government are taking us for fools, the British people will not be fooled". "They are cutting services which binds our communities together". "keep people in work keep our economy moving". "This is the beginning of our campaign we have a big society here in Hyde park".

I personally do not agree with the actions of the splinter group however they did send a big message to big businesses and of course the government. I am hoping the Con-Dem Government can review their policy cuts and really get the public out of this gloomy economic plight likely to affect generations. We should take lessons from Germany their current economic growth has been supported by their manufacturing industry they have been adamant to encourage part-time working instead of large queues at their unemployment offices. The government should take note of our Creative Industries here in the UK, with adequate investment, funding and access to good business support this sector could generate vast growth to our economy.

Creative industries facts and figures
•creative industries contributed 5.6% of the UK’s Gross Value Added in 2008
•exports of services by the creative industries totalled £17.3 billion in 2008, equalling 4.1% of all goods and services exported.
(DCMS 2010)

Reported by Anita Richards.