Urban Perk #4: Ryoji Ikeda's "Spectra"

Afternoon Everyone,

First of all I would just like to say that the

winner of the Pixies' Doolittle poster is:

ALEX CABRE

Thank you to everyone else who entered, there are some

more competitions on the way!

Secondly I would like to talk about something I found

yesterday...

So my Dad and I were leaving the cinema

after seeing Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (which

I highly recommend!) when we saw a beam of light

shining up from the ground and onto the low clouds.

We decided to find out what it was and so we spent

the next 20 minutes or so tracking it down in our

clunky old VW. 

At first we thought it was coming from the Imperial

War Museum because as many of you know, yesterday was the

centenary of the First World War.

But driving towards the light we worked out that it was

in the wrong part of London. When we got closer we saw that

this was not one small light, but about 50 of them

beaming towards the heavens.

Upon entering (for free) the Victoria Tower 

Gardens you see these beautiful lights shining bright

and with purpose. On closer inspection people are walking in

and out the columns of light or lying on the floor and 

gazing up at the spectacular sight. A stunning atmosphere 

is created through an ambient soundtrack that swirls from the speakers and into your mind.

Inspired by the declaration "the lamps are going out all over Europe, 

we shall not see them lit again in our life-time",

said by Sir Edward Grey*, spectra is a stunning piece 

of art that unites the people across London and reminds

them of the hardships and sacrifices of the 

First World War.

spectra can be seen from 12 miles away (on a clear day).

The exhibition is on from dusk till dawn 

and will permanently fade out in the early hours of

 Monday 11th August.

Lest we forget,

Poppy x

*Sir Edward Grey was the Foreign Secretary during the 

outbreak of WWI

Urban Perk #3: Street-Feast @ Lewisham

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently but

my summer holidays started yesterday so I

should have some more time on my hands to

post now.

Last weekend was spent at the

lovely Latitude Festival in Suffolk.

I'll be posting about the festival once my 

photos are developed!I saw so many great

acts from headliners; Lily Allen and

 Bombay Bicycle Club to under-the-radar bands

like Spring King and Parquet Courts.

So keep a look out!

Today I wanted to tell you about another

perk of living in the city which is
Street Feast London who have various feasts
around new and upcoming locations in London.
I recently went to one in Lewisham (which I have
been told is now nicknamed 'Newisham'), it is set in
the abandoned 1950s Model Market which is
rough and rustic.

To get in, you're probably going to have to queue for a
while, unless you get there quite early.
Upon entering the market you are greeted by a walkway of run
down records shops, dry cleaners and takeaway branches
but when you look in you can see that they are being
 occupied by passionate foodies...

Smoke swirls out from SmokeStak BBQ where I swear they
serve some of the best ribs in London! On the menu there 
is smoked beef or pork ribs - although they are quite 
pricey you get what you pay for in quality and
even quantity! The shop itself has plaster walls,
a make do seating area, an open kitchen and a very
lovely order taking lady. I highly recommend!

Afterwards, I found this place called Yum Bun.
I had heard of Yum Bun from a breakfast show and
was happily surprised when I saw them at the feast
- the food looked incredible and simple too!
Yum Bun are famous for their soft steamed buns with a 
selection of fillings: pulled pork, fish, chicken, salmon or 
mushroom. 
Theses beautiful buns are great as a light snack
and are perfect for munching on the street.
 I ordered the Pulled Pork bun and it was amazing; the bun
light and fluffy whilst the pork sweet and tender!

Not only does it have great food and drink but a lovely

atmosphere too! There area few eating areas which are located

in shabby shops decorated with make-do furniture. However,

the main eating place is right in the centre of the market

complete with a bar, loud music, fairy lights and even

a TV! 

And just to top off a wonderful evening, there are a variety

of desserts to choose from. I chose the brownies from

the South East Brownie Bar who had a great selection of

flavours; Peanut Butter, Oreo, Mojito and loads more!

With the help of the friendly Brownieman I was able

to choose 5 miniature brownies to go; Oreo,

Salted Caramel x2, Mojito and Peanut Butter. 

And they were absolutely incredible!!

So, if you're looking for something to do or you're

feeling hungry head to Lewisham's Model Market for 

some lovely food, people and music. 

Street Feast is open from 20th June to 27th September

every Friday and Saturday from 6pm till late. 

Click here to visit the Street Feast website

Happy Feasting,

Poppy

Urban Perk #1

Hey Everyone,

I've been away in Istanbul (hence the lack of 

content) but I'm back now!

Since the weekend is on it's way I'm going to show

you some inspiration on where you could go 

this weekend. This is my first Urban Perk

post of many to come (I hope), these locations 

are chosen based on factors such as People, 

Entertainment, Price and Fun/Interesting-ness.

The locations are aimed at Teens who want to 

explore further than the nearest shopping

center.

Warning: Be prepared to discover new territory, home to 

the world's wildest.

Urban Perk #1: Southbank Real Food Market

Entertainment: Food, an occasional vintage fair, 

entertainers on the river

People: Friendly ~ Price: £

The Southbank Real Food Market takes place every

weekend (Fri-Sun) and offers a gorgeous variety

of food, from Chorizo to Chapatis even the pickiest

of eaters will find something to their liking. 

And not only that but after buying your food you

can walk down to the Thames and watch the Skateborders 

backside and bail at the skate park or laugh with

the  entertainers on the riverside. 

My favourite part of visiting the Southbank is

watching the oh-so-cool skateborders try out 

new tricks. And if the weather's good, the 

River Thames sparkles magnificently whilst boats

and tourists cross by boat and bridge. 

Here are some photos I took on my visit a few

weeks ago:

Southbank Skate Park

Amazing Brownies!

Fresh Juices 

Creperie Lui

Hotdog!

Be sure to check out the hotdogs and brownies,

they're seriously good!

Love,

Poppy 

Ps. A new interview will be posted on 

Saturday :D

If I Could Pick Any Song...

It would be....

She's Got You High by Mumm-Ra

(also featured in the film 500 Days of Summer)

I love his soft, raw voice and the repeating harmonies

that soar throughout the track. The lyrics are 

genius. Sounds a lot like The Beatles (at the

end) in terms of harmonies and tune, but also has a 

underlying hint of The Kooks. Perfect.

I'm very excited to tell you that within the next

few posts I will have an interview with Great Caesar 

for you (I uploaded their song on the last "If 

I Could Pick Any Song..." post)!

If you don't know them already check out 

their song "Don't Ask Me Why" - it's one to watch. 

Love always, 

Poppy Valentine x

Redecorating (again!)

Hey Everyone, 

Just wanted to show you some pictures of my room.

I was redecorating yesterday (my version of therapy)

by adding some pictures and rearranging my stuff.

I bought some lovely mini prayer flags and stuck them

between to adjacent walls to create a cosy little atmosphere

in the corner where my desk is.

I also stuck some 7" vinyl in a 3x3 group on the

wall to add some colour and texture - it looks so cool!

Finally, the quote I created from pages of Q music

magazine. The quote is from a song that I posted 

on my blog a few days ago ("Don't ask me Why"

by Great Caesar). 

If you have any cool ideas or pictures of your

DIY decorating - feel free to comment below :)

Have a happy thursday,

Poppy Valentine xx

My New Room!!

Morning everyone,

I just wanted to show you some pictures of my new room,

as you may know I spent last Sunday in Ikea looking for

inspiration and fresh ideas! Et voila.....

So, what do you think?? 

There's still so much more to do! 

Today, I went to Crystal Palace, a place full of

vintage clothes, vinyl and weird stuff! 

Unfortunately, I didn't find anything but I'll be

back there very soon.

Have a lovely evening - tomorrow I might be going to the 

Wildlife Photographer  of the Year exhibition at the 

Natural History Museum!

Forever yours,

Poppy Valentine x

New and Upcoming Artists #FourFavourites

                                               

NEW UPCOMING ARTISTS:

These are my top artist discoveries of the year (so far), 

take a look:

Banks

This singer has a soft, R&B inspired voice, 

if you enjoy Lorde and Lana Del Ray, then this 

is definitely one for you. As well as having a 

stunning voice, she has also featured on many 

magazine front pages for her dark, mystical 

beauty. This is her new song "Waiting Game".

Amber Run

This band are relatively new and unheard 

of, I found them a few months back with their 

song "Noah". Their music is filled with harmonies, 

soaring choruses and preppy beats. For the lovers

of Mumford & Sons,I guarantee you'll love them! 

This is their new single "Heaven".

Warpaint

Warpaint are an emerging band that are

lined up to play all the big festivals this

year (including Coachella!). This all girl

Indie Rock band are releasing their self-titled 

second album this year. So, here is their latest 

single "Love is to Die".

Luke Sital-Singh

He is an absolute star; Luke Sital-Singh 

has been compared to the likes of Ben Howard

and Jeff Buckley. His songs are filled with

slow melodies, beautiful lyrics and delicate 

notes. He is one to watch in the new year! 

Please take a look at all these amazing artists, 

you might find one you like? 

Have a lovely weekend!

Until the next post, 

Poppy Valentine x

Hia!

My FIRST post! 

I'm looking forward to seeing what people think of my fashion, going to the Southbank, London this weekend! 

See ya then! 

Poppy Valentine x