NATALIE VASS

The Big Apple - Days 1 & 2

Firstly before I say, or type, anything else, why is it called The Big Apple? This is a question that I would like answered. Once answered, if there’s some sort of big apple landmark I shall hop on the subway and go and check it out. Now to begin…

I am sitting in my Manhattan apartment, staring out the window on my Apple Mac laptop emulating Carrie Bradshaw. I wish I was Carrie Bradshaw. She has nice clothes and a cool job. But her hair is out of control. Hey. Maybe I am her. I’ve never been to New York before so when this trip was booked you can only imagine my excitement. Now that I’m here, I’m debating never leaving and I have no idea why I didn’t come sooner. It’s amazing. Everything about it. It’s a ‘proper’ city that never sleeps and it looks beautiful all lit up. I have an obsession with lights and everything here has lights. That sounds rather obvious but I could just stand and stare all day long at all the buildings. I know I’m weird. We admitted this in one of the first blogs so it should be an accepted fact. 

As soon as I stepped off the plane I was hit by the cold. Everyone had warned me, it’s freezing Nat, take layers. Yeah yeah, I’ll be fine. Holy moly I am not fine. I wear two jumpers and two jackets as I was too stubborn to pack my Moncler snowman jacket as it makes me look fat. It’s a padded jacket. It would make Victoria Beckham look fat. Vanity is the Devil. I got in a yellow cab and beamed at the driver how I’d never been here before so if he could point some sights out it would be great. “Well to your left is Queens.” He then dialled his friend and spoke for the rest of the cab journey. Well that’s a lie. He did pause the conversation to ask me for $60. Thanks for the tour Mr. Cabby. A friend of mine is renting me this wonderful two bed apartment in the Upper West Side which I’m sad to be leaving today. Upon arrival I was greeted by the beautiful New Yorker and the Brit who happened to be in NY for the day. Suitcase down, more layers on and the Brit was dragging me out to have a little wonder. A few hours later it was time to head to Madison Square Garden for a Justin Bieber concert that the Brit had got tickets for. Our tickets were amazing. We were literally two rows away from the B Stage. Grabbing distance. I have to say I’ve gone off the Biebs a bit after hearing some stories about him. Imagine if I posted them here. People would suddenly start caring about my blog! Or maybe not actually. The Wanted (SHIT) and Carly-Rae were the warm ups. I hate The Wanted. I think they’re so un-attractive and talentless. Carly-Rae was ok. Could have had a sun bed before. Looked very pasty. We were joined by another friend and his sister so by the time the show ended were all sufficiently hungry. Wanting to do some sight seeing, we all walked to Times Square where I could fully enjoy the lights. So magical. We must have been walking for about an hour and were aiming to see the tree in Times Sq which had been lit earlier that day. We finally get there and guess what. They shut off the lights three minutes earlier due to technical issues. Are you kidding me?! The tree wasn’t as big as I had expected and I was a little let down. This sentence amused the others immensely. Filthy minded friends I have. 

It’s now about midnight and we still haven’t eaten and I’m going in to my 24th hour. We jump in a cab and head to the Meat-Packing District. Funny names over here. There we go to The Standard Grill for a quick dins and a cocktail or two. We must finish up at about 2am, get the check and head back to the apartment. I’m instructed that I MUST be awake by 8am as the Brit is catching an afternoon flight and wants to go for a wander. Alarm set for 8.18am (makes it a little less harsh) and suddenly it’s morning.

My blogs are already long enough but now combining two days. When will this end?! So I get up, extremely begrundingly and am out the house at 9.10am. 10 minutes behind schedule. We walk to Madison and 5th or somewhere around there, see the Plaza Hotel, Hotel Empire (Chuck Bass’ - my future hubby), go to one corner of Central Park and then go back to Madison to walk all along it. We spent two hours walking around and are then sufficiently hungry to the point of passing out. Heading back towards the apartment for a quick breakfast and then I have to put the Brit in a cab and I’m left on my own. After a short much needed nap, I decided to stroll through Central Park again. Ear muffs and bright gloves on, I must have walked around it for about an hour. In order to get found you have to get lost. I’ve been sent to NY with three to-do lists and on one of them was get lost in Central Park. So I did. And it was amazing. I felt oddly free and at one with the world and sent various text messages to friends I haven’t spoken to in a while. There is so much to see in that park. You don’t feel like you’re in the middle of a bustling city. It was just magical to be completely honest. Sounds really tacky but you’ll understand if you’ve been. And I’m not one that is usually ‘with nature’. If that even means anything. I say a lot of things that I don’t know what they’re supposed to me. I had to do this video the other day a whole load of very questionable rubbish. The shame.

From Central Park, next on my to-do list was have a Red Velvet cupcake from Sprinkles. My no carb thing is semi out the window. Life’s too short to starve yourself. Although you do save money. Not the point. I have to say I was a little disappointed by it. Not as good as Hummingbird. I then walked past Magnolia and thought damn, should have got one from there but two in one day is slightly excessive. Perhaps I’ll get one today. From Sprinkles it was back on the subway to the apartment. I really struggled. I didn’t realise that the lines all went to the same place so was sat for 20 minutes waiting for one whereas I could have got the 5 that went past earlier. Eventually I get back to the apartment (after a god-awful $10 manicure where they tried to take off my diamond ring - true story) and have 15 minutes to spruce up the make up and cover my hair with dry shampoo. Then it’s back out the door and downtown for dinner with my New York girlfriends. Haven’t seen them both in ages and when they suggested The Meatball Shop I almost shouted in excitement. Still on my meatball obsession I couldn’t think of anything better. Upon arrival you’re handed a menu and a marker pen and you tick boxes on the menu and that’s how you order. Very cool. 

After exchanging various stories, we finish up and then all head to the subway together. It’s weird how you can not see people in years but when you get together it’s as if you saw them yesterday. I love that. Signs of true friends and very special people. I have a lot of special people in my life. So grateful and thankful for that. Although I drive them all insane, I know deep down they love me too. Deep, deep down. Verrrry deep. I think I’ve really skimmed through my experiences of NY as I spend the whole day walking around seeing different things but I can’t really remember it and I don’t want to spend all day typing, I want to see more!! So off I go. I hate tourists so I pretend not to be, but I’m the idiot that walks around staring at GPS so I think I might give myself away a bit.

I LOVE NYC.

Home for 6 Days

So I wasn’t going to continue to blog but the Brit persuaded me otherwise. I’m two days behind but the below I wrote on the plane on Weds.

After six short days in London it’s back on the road, or rather back in the air, and continuing my ‘travels’. I love how I’m supposed to be travelling the world but I only made it as far as LA. Although I am 40 minutes off arrival in to New York so at least I ventured out… Slightly… Kind of.

London was fun. It was nice to be home. As soon as I walked back in to my flat it looked completely different. My first thought was how small is my room and I really need to buy a new bed and some pictures. Will look in to that in January. Stepped off the plane and headed straight to Kensington for a lunch date with my sister. Immediately back in the swing of things it felt like I’d never been away. From lunch I popped in to the office to see some friends and then to my favourite salon Glo to get my nails done followed by a delightful dinner at The Fulham Wine Rooms with mother and darling sis. A pretty stressful day right. Next day was pretty similar. Another lunch with friends, another dinner with family. Jet lag, or rather my thoughts, kept me awake until 7am which resulted in me sleeping until 3pm on Saturday. My besties headed over at about 6pm and I made my infamous fajitas and popped open the champagne. Or prosecco. Whatever it was. Didn’t have any problems drinking it. By 11pm, sufficiently drunk and dressed in tutus we hopped in an Addy Lee and went to Mahiki to meet more of my wonderful friends and consume more alcohol. I think I suddenly decided to then move on to Dukebox and the rest of the night is a total blur. Sometimes people say that and they don’t mean it. I literally remember nothing. Except vomiting in the toilets and having a very awkward conversation with a friend. Little flash backs of that convo are haunting me. Other than that nothing. I’ve seen pictures. No idea. How I got that drunk I do not know. Apparently there was tequila. Yep. Not. A. Clue. There was also supposedly fighting and kissing but unless my memory suddenly comes back I’ll turn a blind eye to my naughty behaviour.

The hangover the next day was not too pleasant. Neither was waking up surrounded in vomit. Yes that’s right. I vomited in my bed, on my floor and all over my clothes. Couldn’t quite make it to the bin. Don’t remember that either. I do remember crawling out of bed at 9am to continue vomiting whilst my friends and sister stripped my bed, shoved the sheets in the wash and mopped up the vomit. Do I have the best friends or what?! I knew I missed them when I was away but I didn’t realise how much. Subsequently Sunday’s plans went out the window and I missed my lunch and dinner. I must have gotten out of bed at 6pm and that was only to answer the door to the burger delivery man and move on to the sofa to join my equally hungover sister. At least my antics weren’t as bad as hers but I’m not a girl to kiss and tell. On behalf of others. Tut tut sis. Lets just say there were more people then expected in our flat the following day. She is going to KILL me. Ah we’ll, I’m pretty far away for the next couple of weeks. By the time I’m home this will be forgotten. Hopefully.

Monday more lunches and more dinners and unfortunately a second hangover day. Signs of ageing? No signs of being young. The complexities of an early twenties girl. Got to see even more friends, puppies and babies. It was a busy day. By Tuesday it was time to say goodbye again. And pack. I’d only just finished unpacking. Bear (or bare? Pretty sure it’s grisly bear) in mind that my packing this time consisted of packing for -4 New York weather and +20 LA weather. All in one suitcase and all within 30 minutes. I had planned to stay at my parents so they could ferry me off to the airport and given Sunday’s antics I was requested at 7pm on the dot and not a minute later. After spending too long at my friends gossiping, time was limited. We got there at 7.20pm and receiving disapproving looks and questioning over Saturday night. Out comes the home for six days, got to see everyone, jet lag mixed with a little bit too much alcohol. Just a little bit….

And now as I said earlier I’m back on the plane. My one mission was to make a plan for the next 6 months. I had 8 hours to do so. Did I? Well we’re now 20 minutes off landing and I still don’t have a clue. Sorry mum, life plan coming to you after Tuesday’s 5 hour flight.

Never been to the big apple before. Bring. It. On. No alcohol though. Well maybe we should see about that….

Day 46 - Homeward Bound

So I left today. Mixed emotions. I am looking forward to getting off the plane and seeing my loved ones. But at the same time I’m sad to be leaving my LA family. It’s a win win lose lose situation. I’m having such a hard time typing this on the iPhone 5! Just as I was starting to get used to it I swapped to use the 4 for my US phone. Silly billy.

Ironically I set the 8am alarm today. I got up, got my stuff done and wondered why I haven’t done that this entire trip. I got lazy. In several ways. For those that may know me, I kind of escaped to LA. I needed to get away from every thing and every one at home in London. Sometimes you’ve got to do that. Although I’ve only been gone for 6 weeks I’ve had my necessary space. The space to appreciate the things you do love at home and to forget about the things that, well, you wanted to forget about. I saw a friend in LA and told them that. They said I shouldn’t run away from things because they’ll still be there when you get back. But like I said I’ve now had time away and in that time I’ve dealt with what I needed to deal with. I say that but I’m still in the air. Lets see how I feel tomorrow. I have a really good life and I’m fully aware of that but everyone has their skeletons in the closest. We’re getting deep again. Quick Nat, back to your run through of the day!!

I’d scheduled breakfast with Brit, Woof and PR for about 10am. Woofy picked me up and we went to Joan’s on 3rd, a place owned by his friend Joan. A great story behind that place but I’m not sure if I’m allowed to share it. It’s all about girl power. I’ll check with him. By quarter to 12 we were still there over indulging, (its such a cute place reminds me of a nicer Gails), and I was meant to be leaving for the airport at 1pm. I hadn’t packed. I hadn’t tidied the flat or done other things I’d promised a friend I’d do. Queue me frantically getting back to the apartment to do all of the above and run to H&M to return a jumper.

By 1.30pm I still wasn’t ready and I was way behind schedule. Imagine the palpitations. I was freaking out. Then we’re informed that there are strikes at LAX and people are being told to get there 3-4 hours before their flight. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t mind if I missed my flight but I’d upset my family which is something I never want to do. I only ever want to make my family proud. That is my goal in this life. Who knows about the next… Although I have decided to be a photographer in my next life. Yet I can’t decide what to do in my current one. Oh the lol’z.

The Brit is driving me to the port of air and playing classical music in the car as he says I’m stressing him out. He then insists we go via Beverly Hills to pick up my US credit card. By now I’ve got a full on sweat going on. Eventually I do get to LAX and try and upgrade at the desk after my sister asks my mother to treat me. O upgraded myself out here and got spoilt. No upgrades available. Hideous. Suitcase is 7lbs overweight. Double hideous. The Brit joked that both I and my suitcase are going back with extra pounds. The wallets the only thing to have lost weight!! So I’m trying to transfer 5lbs from one suitcase to the next, stuffing it all in. And the zipper only goes and pops open. FML. What makes it worse is that at the top of my case was my toiletry bag and the side zip was open displaying the contents. Of course contents that I wouldn’t want anyone to see. Couldn’t have been just shampoo could it?! I nearly cried. Managed to temporarily fix the zip and am praying that its intact below me. The suitcase is my evening dress case. Yes I have a case filled with dresses.

My dads picking me up. That makes me happy. He’s taking me back to my flat and then I’m heading straight out to lunch. Although I am feeling pretty sleepy. Planes aren’t too keen on carb free food so I’ve barely eaten.

These past six weeks of my life I’m never going to forget. Six weeks that mark a new chapter. I’ve met some amazing people and I can’t believe I’ve only known them for 6 weeks. I’ve got some decisions I need to make in the next few weeks. This makes me nervous. I think deep down I know what I’m going to do. And this makes my family nervous! Ahhhhh!!!! Nothing’s ever easy right. No. Wrong. Anything is possible. If I’m going back with long nails I can do anything haha. Lets see how long it is before I bite them off. I’ve been scraping my nail polish off throughout the flight.

One thing I forgot about yesterday’s blog was the 2am car ride home. When we got to Bootsy, outside that is, there was some guy making sausages on a hot silver plate. They smelt amazing. Mr. Woof insisted on having one but the Brit banned him saying he’s regret it in the morning. Wise words as poor Woofs didn’t even remember. We then get in to the car and pull up alongside an Audi R8 with a cute guy inside. Jackpot. I make the Brit wind down his window and gesture towards the guy to put his window down. I then start shouting asking what he’s doing and if he wants to take me out. He says yes pull over at the next light. Oh em gee Natalie what you playing at?! The Brit is mortified by this and tries to speed up only to get stopped at another red light still next to R8 man. Cringe. But hilar. Only me riiiiight. Nothing happened. We parted ways at the next light. Thankfully.

After 10 hours we’re now starting our descent.

Hi honey. I’m home.

Day 45 - Last Full Day

I woke up hungover. It’s not like anyone’s going to be surprised by that. I’m always hungover. I’m hungover now. It must have been 10am when I eventually pulled myself out of bed and Mr. Woof called to say he was picking me up in 20 minutes. Hiss!! I’m always in such a rush. As promised there he was, waiting outside 20 minutes later. We had all planned a morning trip to ikea to buy the remains of their office furniture so I could put it together before I left. Oddly enough I do enjoy DIY. Makes me feel important and needed. Also then whenever people look at the furniture they’re reminded of me. Not just a bad blogger. I have lots of other sides. Office furniture bought and built it was then off to the NBC Holiday party. It’s Thanksgiving week so everyone’s a little Turkey mad. I don’t really get it. We don’t celebrate thanksgiving at home. And turkeys for Christmas right. Although we eat beef as my family is strange. In a good way. I mean it didn’t stop me indulging in the bird. I’ll eat whatever’s in front of me.

I did hear from the man from the night before asking me for lunch but I was too hungover and in to the building to function so I suggested drinks after dinner. When I’d finished stuffing turkey (and stuffing) in my mouth it was time to accompany the Brit to work at Warner Bros. We get there just in time for catering - yes, more food - and then there’s enough time to wander around the lot and have a look at the Friends set. I don’t get star struck, nothing impresses me but this is the first time I was stood posing. By the friends sign, in central perk. I fricking loved it. Pics to follow. Am doing this on phone whilst waiting to board.

We finished at about 9.30pm which meant we were already late for dinner with Mr. Woof and Huv-A-Guv. The Scott was due to join shortly after she had attended a birthday party too. We get to the SLS at about 10.20 and are rushed to our table as the kitchen was about to close. Mr. Woof had earlier received a phone call asking where we were going for dinner as this person wanted to call ahead and make sure we were looked after. I didn’t know about this until I arrived and obviously it’s hard to know what someone means when they say that. Woof and Huvaguv knew the manager so they were already having us ‘looked after’ but we thought it would be rude not to take the booking as this person had obviously arranged something for us. So we’re sitting in the restaurant bazaar I think it’s called and the waiters tell us not to order as there’s no time but they’ll bring us a selection of food. The food keeps coming, must have been about 20 plates and I was very impressed. It was so delicious although they brought some things we didn’t like. Of course we’re all sat there thinking this is amazing, how kind of someone to organise this etc etc. there’s also a separate dessert area that we are shortly taken to and same thing there, more desserts brought out. Yum yum yum. Diet officially broken but whatever. Last night for a while. We’ve all had a few cocktails and its time to say we’re finished and see what happens with the bill. You can only imagine our faces when a $400 check is brought out. FML. We didn’t even order anything it was all brought out to us because we were told we were being looked after. The irony is had we have stuck to our original plan the bill would have been VERY different. We could not believe it. Luckily Woof and Huv are friends with the manager and explained what had happened and the manager was beyond mortified. He had said no requests had been made and all that had happened was the table booking. As he’s a good friend he gave us a considerable discount to which I am very thankful to Huv for putting up an argument. We also got more drinks sent over as the manager was so embarrassed.

By about 1am I decide I want to go and see the guy from the night before, or the director who was messaging me so I force Woof and Brit to take me to Bootsy Bellows. We get there stand outside and decide we shouldn’t be there. As we turn around we see the guy and say hi etc etc. Hot. He said he wanted to take me out today but obv I’m at the airport.

Anyway. I’m boarding now so this was really quick and rubbish.

I will re do on the plane for tomorrow!!

Day 44 - It’s The Little Things

The Little things in life are more important than the big things. I argued over the title as a band have just released a single called ‘Little Things’ and the song and this blog are very unrelated. Other than I work with that band. Or worked? But that is the only relevance. My ex boyfriend also had a song called Little Things. Again, totally unrelated. Ironically, or probably not, the little things stemmed from my morning experience at Starbucks when I walked in and they all knew my name, my friend and my order. It makes a difference when you’re welcomed like that. Took me by surprise. Makes you feel all warm inside, as does the hot beverage you are consuming. I wish I was in Starbucks now. I may have a mild to severe headache going on. I’ll get to that later.

I forced myself in to the gym again. Nat Power. Had a little workout followed by a little cry as I couldn’t feel my legs. I really do enjoy being dramatic. Maybe I would make a good actress. Providing you didn’t have to show any emotion and could just yell all the time. Yes. That would be good. You may be able to tell my focus isn’t 100% here today. Blame the builders upstairs. Hammering away. Also blame the vodkas. I feel sick. I need eggs. Eggs and coffee. But I don’t drink coffee so am instead sipping a peppermint tea. Crazy cat Nat.

For some unknown reason I was determined to get to Urban Outfitters yesterday which meant a 35 minute walk, or rather stroll. Headphones in, dancing as I made my way to the store, I always get funny looks. I’m not really surprised. I dance at the gym too on the machines. Someone once came up to me and said you look like you’re having such a good time. And boy was I. Get to Urban Outfitters, major disappointment and waste of time. Left the shop, popped in to others and by the time I had got home I had been walking around for 3 hours. 3 HOURS. No wonder my body is so sore. I must have a massage today. A sports massage that is. That isn’t high maintenance, it’s essential. Got to look after your bod. 

Eventually after resting my feet it’s time to get ready and go for Monday night madness. Our usual haunt at Cecconi’s but prior we were popping to a friends house for Monday Mimosa’s and Margaritas. It was downhill from there. I had said I wouldn’t be drinking at Cecconi’s but the Monday Mimosa got the better of me. The house we were at was A-mazing. Really stunning. It was a girls party who the Brit has been trying to introduce me to for a while. He says she is the American version of me which she was a bit. Love that I make a new girlfriend the day before I leave. Also met a guy who said he’d marry me. Hello Green Card! Just kidding. I couldn’t do that. But he was kind of cute so maybe I could. We were only there for about 25 minutes and then had to dash over to Cecconi’s.

Every Monday a woman has been there that I keep meaning to introduce myself to and finally we met last night. Woo hoo! We had a nice little chat. She’s Greek, like me. Probably the only reason she was interested in talking to me. Who cares though, got my chat which is all that mattered. Mission accomplished!

We were then seated, split over two tables. The Brit, The Sexy Scott, Mr. Woof and myself on one table and on another The PR Guy and three of his friends. One of which Mr. Woof is quite keen on. Half way through dinner we’re discussing five tables in the restaurant and scheming. There is someone of interest on each table which made things very exciting. We even spotted a group of 6 attractive males who the Brit knew, one of which was Kim K’s ex hubby. I wouldn’t count him in the attractive group. I set my eye on one of them and made the Brit corner him when he left to re-connect and exchange deets. He told him I thought he was cute to which he replied that they’d all been discussing me. Scoreeee. I even texted him later and we discussed possibly doing lunch today. I accidentally texted saying ‘I’m careless’ instead of carless so perhaps he’s got the wrong impression. Oh well, life moves on. By the end of the night four of the tables had combined and Mr. Woof was engrossed in convo with the actor. We had discussed going to Chateau or Soho House for drinks but in the time it took me to go to the bathroom everyone had decided it was time to leave. How long was I in there for?! I had been texting the guy from dinner so had obviously been very distracted.

It must have been about 1am when we left, all a bit of a blur but I do remember trying to demand a trip to Mel’s but The Brit was insistent I went home to bed. Which I’m pleased about as I am really struggling today. I also had major anxiety about the lateness of this blog but I was picked up at 10am and didn’t have time to post. This is probably all a load of rubbish as I am soooo sleepy. Haven’t heard from the boy yet. I do like that I set my sights on him though and practically got my way. Score Nat.

Anywho. Last full day in LA as home tomorrow. Hideous. But cannot wait to see all my lovely UK friends. And I’m back here in less than two weeks. Woops all round.

Day 43 - Silly Little Sausage

Up out of bed and straight to the gym. We’re fighting the flab and taking control again and what’s really ironic is how amazing the gym feels when you’re there. Running for your life, beads of sweat trickling down your face. How is that amazing I hear the voices in my head ask. Well, I will tell you. It just means it’s working. All the hard work you’re putting in is doing something and energy releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. To throw in a little quote from Legally Blonde “happy people just don’t kill their husbands”. Wise words from Elle Woods, so wise. I only quote chick flicks. Mainly as it’s the only thing I watch. On arrival to the United States, the Brit tried to get me to see Paranormal Activity. I said even if you paid me I would not go. Turns out I really need the cash now so if anyone does want to pay me, I’m game.

From the gym I went on a little stroll to the Beverly Centre. In the duration it took me to walk there, shop around, try something on, and walk back I had been on the phone to my sister. We’re planning my 6 days at home. Thursday - Tuesday. Each day is pretty solid now but at least I’m looking forward to coming back as I get to see all of my favourite people. And go to all my favourite places. Funny how that’s been planned… Found a few cute dresses there but the Bev Centre is a bit rubbish. I must have been at home for about 10 minutes when The Scott called and asked if I wanted to go for a stroll along Robertson. More shopping? Why not. She picked me up and we grabbed a tea and started our stroll. It was such a nice day yesterday which we had not expected. Mr. Weather Man had totally lied to us. Well, weather man or stupid iPhone app. Either way I was wearing three layers which was not ideal. We had a nice stroll, did some window shopping which proved to be a bit useless as she was after a pressie for her friend, so then drove back to the Bev Centre to go to Bloomy’s. I must have got home at about 5.30pm, put on one ep of New Girl and then called the Brit to arrange our evening plans.

As usual, we had really over booked our evening. We had a screening to go to, dinner, drinks and the AMA after party. For the first time ever I made a decision on what we should do and the plan was as follows. Go to this little sushi place for dins, then on to the screening, then either for drinks with friends or straight to after party. We arranged to meet at the sushi rest, me insisting once again to walk despite spending most of the day on my tootsies. Upon arrival, dum dum daaaaa, the sushi restaurant was closed. Major spanner in the works. The first time I make a plan and it’s ruined which meant I was completely thrown. I call the Brit and we’re both a bit baffled. He makes the decision to go for a quick dinner at The Sunset Towers. He gets chicken pot pie, I get roast chicken. It was SO good but we were in and out in about an hour which is just too rushed. We’re used to being luxurious and sipping cocktails whilst the pianist serenades us and the view romances us. All sounds pretty sexy doesn’t it. 

Settling up we head over to our BAFTA screening. I’ve got to say I bloody love these screenings. You don’t have to pay for them and usually they offer free drinks after. Despite the fact that we rarely stay for drinks, it’s still nice to have the option. I was very apprehensive about the film, ‘Ginger & Rosa’ and had told the Brit we should skip it, but Mr. Woof was going and said it would be good so The Brit must go. The film was awful. About two little English girls, and the war. I think the war. Or the nuclear holocaust or something. I don’t even know. Christina Hendricks is in it doing an English accent. My oh my. Mr. Woof said she needed to be shot for that accent and I completely agree. Do not see the film. It’s a waste of 98 minutes. We skipped the Q&A.

After wasting our life, we were in dire need to lift our moods and go somewhere fun so we decided to pop to the SLS for a drink. I love that place! Ironically I’d popped in the night before for 5 mins but it was closed. They have a tapas table and a dessert table. It’s so cool. They also sell this really amazing notepad that I must buy. I’m obsessed with notepads. And apparently SLS doesn’t stand for anything. It can stand for whatever you want it to. Silly Little Sausage was a suggestion from our table. We had some cocktails and before you know it it’s midnight and we haven’t even thought about the after party. Time flies when you’re having fun. Despite my tea costing $9, (don’t even know how much the cocktail was), which I didn’t think was too bad for a fancy hotel, we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. It was The Brit, Mr. Woof and one of his friends. However much I blame the two for making me see that film, our conversation made up for it. And we’ve even planned to go there for dins this week.

The Brit then dropped me home and we said we’d skip the party as we were too tired. Isn’t that ironic? I bet there are so many people that would rush to go but I’d rather have a drink with friends. And go to sleep. Grandma. Today. Motivational Monday. Two days left…!! Well, I am back in two weeks. The closer I get to going home the more excited I get to see my friends and family. But I don’t want to be back for too long. I’m going to force them to return with me in December. You know you want to!!

Day 42 - Man Bashing

I’m just going to scrap this whole 8am nonsense. It’s not going to happen. Even sleeping 11 hours yesterday I could not arise at 8. Yesterday was the first time I woke up awake. After 11 hours (and two in the day) you would hope so! Before I fell asleep I was telling myself I must go on a run tomorrow and then go to a fabric store. So first thing I did was look up the store and then attempt to run to it. 5 minutes in to my run I was dying. Shove me on a cross trainer and I’m fine (for 30 minutes maximum). But running. It’s just not going to happen. I find it so unbearable. Half an hour I eventually get there, buy what I need and then realise I’m going to have to now ‘run’ back. My running turned in to fast walking. Which turned in to slow walking. Which turned in to crawling up the hill that I live on. By hill I mean slightly raised road.

By the time I get home I’ve got about 15 minutes before the Scott is due to pick me up. We had a house viewing scheduled at noon that she and the Brit were interested in. We meet The Brit there, have a wonder around for a while inspecting every ‘nook and cranny’ (hate that term) and then shock horror we’re all hungry and want to go for a snack. We went to a place called Franklin & Co which is on a really cute little stretch. Lots of nice cafes and people. It was opposite the Scientology Church. I don’t know why that is relevant. Nothing ever is. We were joined for brunch by The Kent who is still in town. After licking the plates clean, the boys went back to view more houses and the girls went shoe shopping. The Scott was after some black ankle boots and I thought it would be rude not to go with her… She had been updating us on the Australian from the night before so a lot of the day was spent discussing men. Men. Where do I start with that one. I don’t think I actually do. Otherwise I’ll be sat here typing all day. I’m already hitting the keys slightly more aggresively then I was when I started. They just annoy me so much. But what is worse is how I annoy myself whilst thinking of them. Does it even make sense?! I’ve written about the comparisons between men and women so many times I bore myself. We are so complicated. They are not. They don’t look in to every single little detail and I think we should be more like them. Heartless. OK, maybe that’s a bit unfair. Not every single man is a douche. I’m particularly fond of gay men. Only as they’ll never break my heart. Unless they seduce my boyfriend. That could be dodgy. How did I get from shoes to this?!

So we’re wondering around a few different shoe stores until the Scott ends up with four pairs of boots and I have one. Such cute little black ankle’s, stacked heel at the front so low ish heel at the back. Perfect for day time and walking use. It had been properly raining most of the day in LA, actually ‘pissing it down’ to use an English expression so of course mine and The Scott’s hair was larger than life. We had to schedule an emergency stop off at our apartments for a quick change and straighten before we went anywhere else. Even after running the tongs through our manes there wasn’t much of an improvement.

The evening plans kept changing throughout the day but then we were all agreed we would reconvene at The Pacific Design Centre for the BAFTA screening of ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. I’ve never been to the cinema as many times as I have been here. It was a great film. Pulled at the necessary heartstrings without going too far. I love American movie theatres. Everyone is so animated. They laugh out loud, they scream, they clap, they cry. All of their emotions are right in front of them, out in the open and no one judges because everyone is free. Oh holy moly what am I banging on about now. The film finishes and out comes the director and Bradley Cooper. He looked so bad in the movie but in real life I think he may be a goddess. Well, a god. Which is ironic after my man bashing. In fact what else is ironic is after the Q&A as we started walking towards dinner we walked past Ed Westwick. One of the loves of my lives. He is just amazing. I swear my heart stopped for a second. OK that’s a tad dramatic. But he was just… oooh. Nice. It was a decent Q&A with lots of questions from the audience and stories about making the movie. Bradley and the director kept referring to Robert Di Nero as ‘Bob’ which made me laugh. The whole shibang ended at about 9pm and we headed straight to Cecconi’s for dins which was just a block away.

By headed I do mean walked in the rain. Que the curly afro mane. Never ever a good look. Third time in a week we’d been at Cecconi’s. That’s a bit keen. It was so busy that by the time our table was ready we’d already eaten most of our food at the bar. We were joined by a friend of The Scott’s, The Dancer who is such a lovely lady. She’s someone you can tell is beautiful inside and out. The conversation turned back to men, shock, and The Brit started banging on about me being in love with someone. Which I’m not. But when someone says it to you it kind of hits home that there may be something there. However much you don’t want there to be. Because there’s actually not. The Dancer exchanged her personal love-less stories and we all focused on a text that The Scott was going to reply to. She has been instructed not to listen to me as I over think everything. True. Although I instructed her not to listen to The Brit as he never thinks. Also true. In truth none of us should listen to each other but somehow we all managed to come up with an agreement. So sad how it takes 4 people to compose one text message that will be read in seconds and then forgotten about. 

Towards the end of the night we were joined by MA and his espresso who I think was trying hard to stay away from the man conversation. Not really surprised when we’re all bashing them. We got the check - what a difference it makes not going on a Monday - and then The Brit and I headed off to a party at Pour Vous and the rest went their separate ways. We must have been in there for about 10 minutes. Maximum. The Brit had to show his face, claimed to get a drink at the bar and we walked straight out. Looked like a cool bar but at 1.30am everyone is hideously drunk and sweaty and you either go hard or go home. In that instance I’ll go home please. We actually bumped in to MA whilst leaving who then got lumbered with taking me home. Only a mild inconvenience as we do live in the same building…

Now as I’ve only had about 6 hours sleep I’ll no doubt complain all day about being tired but going to get up and go. Where I haven’t yet figured out. I’m carless which is a total pain as I feel like going to the beach. Might have to rent one of those zip cars. We shall see!

Day 41 - Griffith Park

Fear is the thief of dreams. Someone sent that to me and I stole it and posted it. The next morning I had to work out whether it was fear that was getting in my way or something else. Either way I’m not going to sit around and try and figure it out, I was going to get up and go. Which I did. After waking up, I got in the car and drove to Griffith Park Observatory. One of my favourite places here that I went to a few weeks ago. You have views over the whole of Los Angeles, or at least what I think is Los Angeles. It’s quite chilly at the moment so hardly anyone was there which meant I had the whole deck to myself to sit down and gather my thoughts. I think inspiration was what I needed. When you look at that view, in to the distance you realise what you’re doing there. It’s hard to explain but I’ve had this conversation with people and they get it. I feel the same way when I’m hiking or at the beach. There’s this one street that you can see and it just runs all the way down and gets lost. You can’t see the end of it. That’s my favourite one. A bit like life really. You know it’s there, but where does it end, who knows. Only time will tell. 

I had taken my little notepads with me to enjoy the view and after a while I’d gotten what I needed so got back in the car and popped in to the office to speak to The PR Guy about a job opportunity. I was getting rid of my car yesterday so thought I’d better go to the places I can’t walk to. From the office it was over to Enterprise to hand over more of my money. After my first payment of $1001 I was really terrified as to how much it would cost me. When they said $200 I was totally stunned. How that works out I have no idea. Ended up being cheaper having it for one week. Either way, a total waste of money but an absolute necessity. 

We had scheduled Friday lunch at Chateau Marmont - The Brit, Mr. Woof and his business partner Huv-a-Guv (they speak this language to each other, it is quite amazing, must learn it!), The PR Guy and myself. What better way to spend an afternoon. Arrived at 1pm and left just before 5pm. Not too shabby. Some good spots including Katherine Heigl and Jon Favreau at the next table. We found it ironic that she had paid for lunch. Perhaps he is casting a new movie that she wants to be in. Shortly after they left in walks Keira Knightley, such a petite little thing in a woollen cardigan and messy hair. Very simple and casual. I like that about Chateau. There’s never any pressure. In fact that’s the whole of LA. People get very lazy and wear whatever they want. That’s why a dress code is so impossible to establish. After demolishing an entire fruit platter on my own, god I felt sick, I even went to the bathroom thinking I was going to be sick. Too much fruit. Anyway, after that Mr. Woof dropped me home and I put a movie on and within minutes fell asleep. I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time. Think the previous weeks have caught up with me. 

I eventually wake up at about 6.30pm and have a message from The Scott so plan to meet her at Laurel Hardware which is where we went on Wednesday. There were some good looking men there before so she was obviously on the pull. An hour or so later I arrive and meet her and her friend, who have both been scheming about the man sat across from them at the bar. They’ve decided he’s from out of town on business and needs to be looked after. The Scott had her eye on him so her friend gets a piece of paper, writes down a note and has the waiter take it over to him. Poor Scott panicked and ran off to the bathroom not knowing what her friend had written and within minutes the man walks over, sets his olives and beer down and says ‘I’ll take you up on your offer’. Turns out the friend was completely wrong. Whilst he was from out of town originally, he had been here for 8 years and was waiting on his friend who was late. All the note had said was ‘We notice you’re on your own. If you would like to join us please do’. However the Scott didn’t know this so when she returned she immediately asked if she needed to be embarrassed and she apologised for what her friend said about her making the conversation take an awkward turn. His friend eventually turns up and the two of them hung around for a while, both directors, both Australian. They invite us to The Parlour which is nearby to see an Australian band. After one drink I’ve totally bailed. Day time drinking can only lead to an early night. 

I said my goodbyes, told the Scott to be good as the Australian definitely had eyes for her and started walking home. Luckily Laurel Hardware is only about 20 minutes away so it didn’t take me too long. When I get home I have a mini movie marathon and then pass out until morning. Now today is the only day I’ve woken up and not felt tired.

Carless I’m opting to go for a run down to a fabric shop. The weather hasn’t picked up yet. Entirely useless. Better get used to it, not long now before home and NY.

Day 40 - Failed

Another failed day of the 8am alarm. Technically I didn’t need to be up and out until 11am, unless I was going to get my hike on, but realistically that would have taken too long and I’m just trying to think of excuses to be lazy. I am so tired all of the time and the only result is my lack of doing things. Whilst I think I’m busy all throughout the day I spend most of it sitting. In a car, in my flat, in a restaurant, in another restaurant… I Skyped my family yesterday and one of the first things my step mum asked was if I had been going to the gym. Camera adds 10 pounds. Let’s just remember that. I’m actually horrified of seeing everyone at home in case they comment on the weight gain. So frustrating. 

My 11am was a hair appointment at Nine Zero One off Santa Monica. Recommended to me by one of my good friends who has amazing hair. When I rung up to make my appointment I had asked how much it would cost and they said about $100. 2 hours later, nice highlights achieved and some bouncy curls, I go to settle up and that’s $250 please. Jesus Christ on a cross. (Excuse my blasphemy). I was not expecting that. I begrundingly handed over my card, one of those moments that you don’t really let go and they snatch it from you, and scuttled down the stairs. On the plus, I think the hair looks great. It’s a definite improvement and I would have had it done at home which would have cost about £100 so not a massive amount over. Keep telling yourself that Nat. It will make you feel better.

Various boring things in between until 3.30pm arrives and it’s time to go to XF. Last week I had to go for ‘work’ with the band but this week was more of a leisure thing. I had planned to do some filming, got my questions ready and my little camera, hair looking nice, nice clothes, ready to ‘seize the day’. Eventually the show ends and in walks Britney, one of the judges. I knew I’d only have a few seconds to grab and ask but instead of grabbing her, I was grabbing the fruit platter. Piling it up on my plate and shoving it in my mouth. By the time I’d demolished my plate she had left and that op was over. Woops. The rest of the time at XF pretty much followed suit. But with less fruit. Everyone was in and out so quickly and it was such an intimidating scene I got nothing done. Total fail Nat. I think I only started livening up the minute I was out the VIP tent as I started running around backstage and climbing on to various golf buggies. All of which we have on film but it includes several swear words and aggressive language. Not sure I want to watch it back.

From the failure that was XF we were then late for our BAFTA screening of Hitchcock. Imagine the mood. I am one cranky cow. For the last few days I’ve had such sulks on! I need to man the f up. We arrive just as the movie’s about to start but have no time for popcorn. Instead I rifle through my bag for emergency snacks. The fruit platter obviously did nothing for me. 98 minutes later, movie is over and I am pleasantly surprised. To me it was basically a making of Psycho but it was very interesting to hear how it all came about. I would recommend it. I found Hitchcock’s character so infuriating but surely that just goes to show how good Anthony Hopkins is. Trailer here if anyone’s interested - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rQuRLERl6A. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Psycho all the way through. I’m such a wimp. Can’t get through scary films. What I particularly liked about the film was Alma’s prescence. Here’s another saying for you, behind every great man is an even greater woman. Remember that ladies. We’re number one.

It’s now about 9.20pm, sufficiently hungry we drive back to Hollywood to meet up with the Scott and Mr. Woof. They hadn’t been able to get tickets to Hitchcock so instead went to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I haven’t seen this yet but the three of them were discussing it at dinner and are so passionate about it. I can’t decide if I want to see it or not. Originally I had no interest. But they love it which makes me curious. But the fact that they love it so much already makes me hate it. A bit like my relationship with Elvis. Relationship? Yes. Elvis and I once dated… OK obv not. But I like to be different and when everyone loves something I tend to dislike it. A bit like Adele. Yes she’s a great singer, with great songs, but does she rock my boat? Not so much. Anyway. We all meet up at Katsuya Hollywood, one of the best places on Earth. Grab a round of cocktails (just one!) and order half the contents of the menu. Conversation turns to scientology, the war and Perks and I’m left feeling a little less than my usual self. My failure had completely worn me out and all I wanted to do was go to bed and hide under my duvet. You’ve got to laugh about these things though don’t you. I try to run before I walk. Throw myself in at the deep end when I can’t swim. Etc, etc, etc. I’m a silly one. No point beating yourself up about it. Plus got a lovely text from The Scott this morning which put a big smile on my chubby face. 

Home is just around the corner. One of the reasons I wasn’t myself last night was as I was thinking about all of these wonderful people that I’ve surrounded myself with out here. And that I’ll eventually have to go and leave them. It’s a sad thought. I get so attached. I’ve now got a meeting at home first thing Friday morning, day after I land. That’ll be interesting. I’ll have to go back to work eventually. Truth is this may be Day 40 of my LA diary but it’s a little bit longer than 40 days I’ve had off. 40 days and 40 nights. So that means tonight’s the night or yesterday? I confuse myself. By the minute. Or even second. No filter Nat right. The Brit told me yesterday that he thinks I am the strangest person he’s ever met. Someone else texted me saying I was a pain in the ass yet they kept communicating with me. The moral of this is to always be yourself. Stop the sulks and continue to find the madness. Afterall, there’s genius hidden just behind it… 

Day 39 - LA Traffic

I waste a lot of time in the mornings. Lying in bed, checking my messages, emails, social media sites. So I had decided to start setting my alarm for 8am, getting up early, getting all my stuff done and then I can start my day. When I woke up at 8am, absolutely shattered, there was only one option. Turn off the alarm and go back to sleep. Only for another hour. No point going through the rest of the day tired.

The Brit had a friend in town from Kent, or was it near Kent? Either way I can’t think of anything better so we’ll refer to him as The Kent. They were meeting for breakfast at Cecconi’s so I decided to invite myself. I’ve never had breakfast there and wanted to see whether it was as good as the dinner. Little FYI, it is not. It’s perfectly nice but not wow. Their dinner is amazing. The chicken. The fish. Mmm. Salivating. 

Yesterday was supposedly meant to be the last day of proper sunshine and then it goes a bit downhill from there so we thought it might be nice to take a little trip up to Malibu to show the Kent around. Brit had plans with LMS (Little Miss Sunshine) so asked if she would rather stick with original plan, or go to Malibu. Opting for Malibu we set off on our little road trip. We arrive in the town, have a wander around, grab a coffee and see some of the cute little stores that are there. LMS isn’t feeling great so the Brit decides that it’s best we take her straight home. It’s a 45 minute drive and we must have strolled for about 15 minutes. Back in the car to drop LMS home to the valley. It was a shame as Kent hadn’t even seen the sea or driven along the PCH so we decided we should turn around and go back just the three of us. Again. So we did. Another 45 minutes to Malibu. By now it’s 3.30pm and we are relatively hungry. I’ve already eaten my way through my emergency snacks. I keep emergency snacks in my bag just for these reasons. When people don’t feed me. Eventually we arrive back in Malibu and park at the Malibu Beach Inn. For anyone that wants to take a trip I highly recommend, it’s just beautiful. http://www.malibubeachinn.com The views, the food, the aroma. Aroma? Is that what I meant? They had stopped serving food so we were stuck with the bar menu which was still good. I would have eaten anything. I even considered the chips. We watched the sunrise over the ocean, talk about romantic. Times like that I wish I had a boyfriend. And then when the sun disappears I’m pleased I don’t. It would be nice to share moments like that. But not worth giving up half your bed. I enjoy my starfish stance. 

We left at about 5pm. It gets dark so early here. Probably not as early as home… Soz. Drove along the PCH and then Santa Monica so The Kent could see a bit of those sights. The Pier, The Broadway/walk. I’m not very good with names. It took us two hours to get back to Hollywood. LA traffic kills me. It’s insane. Probably as everyone drives here. There’s not really an alternative. We drop The Kent off to his friends house and then have our usual ‘What shall we do tonight debate’. I was meant to have a class and he had a dinner but both were cancelled. We were both in casual clothes so our options of restaurants was limited. We decided to head to the Beverley Centre and buy the Brit a whole new outfit (he was in a t-shirt. shorts and flip flops) and I ran home to swap my beach dress for jeans. God knows where the time went but we didn’t end up getting to dinner until 10pm. By which time I’m hideously hungry (again) and in a mood. I wouldn’t allow anyone to talk to me until my food arrived. We went to Laurel Hardware a new restaurant. It’s very cool in there. The Scott and I were fascinated with all the good looking men and are going to ditch the boys and go on our own one night. Plus the food was realy good. Recommend the chicken.

I did have a rather odd bathroom moment. I walk in and it’s unisex so I ask the man in front of me to move to which he replies oh you have an accent, bla bla bla. He’s then waiting by the sinks when I come out and is handing me towels to dry my hands with. He says ‘Girl with accent, where are you from’? So we start chatting. I cannot for the life of me remember his name but he was from San Diego. Anyway. We’re having a nice little chat and then suddenly he’s holding up a bag of cocaine, looking at me and asks ‘Do you like to party?’. Ummmm holy god. I’m really not in to that I replied. To which he replied. Oh come on, just try it. No thanks, I’m fine, really. Well do you want to watch me do it? No, knock yourself out Sam from San Diego. *It wasn’t Sam but I can’t remember. I think I ran back to the table and leapt on Mr. Woof and shared the story. Maybe that place is so trendy as there is a man who loiters around the bathroom offering girls cocaine. Hideous. I’ll stick to my cocktails please. Some sort of beet and plum vodka. Was amaze. Only had a few, we’re not back on the alcohol train.

We finished up and headed home at about 1ish which meant my 8am alarm was being disregarded yet again. Hiking day will have to wait. My phone woke me up at 3.30am by blocked number. Can only ever mean two things, one of which I didn’t think I could be dealing with in the middle of the night. Going to go on some errands now which involves walking so I don’t feel as guilty missing my hikes. Will go in to starvation mood again. 

Here’s a nice little pic of the sunset <3