The Boudoir Experience

A few weeks ago, when I received an e-mail from a friend asking if I wanted to take part in a 'Boudoir Photo Experience', my inital reaction was to politely decline. Don't get me wrong-I enjoy photoshoots for work! Who doesn't enjoy getting their hair and make up done, getting dressed up and pretending they're Kate Moss. (I don't really pretend to be Moss...much) But this was different. I'd be posing in my pants! I just had visions of me-in my underwear, awkwardly writhing around ala Jordan...and the thought made me cringe....and filled me with angst-because, as much as you see yourself in your underwear at home, in the comfort of your room-hidden from all to see, and even if you're fairly happy with that...you have no idea what you look like on PHOTOGRAPH. I mean...the camera adds ten pounds doesn't it?! However...after a little gentle persuasion and the niggle in my head that I should always 'seize every opportunity' I decided to take the plunge...

After arriving, settling in and a cheeky drink later, I was amazed at how quickly and easily I got into it....It certainly helped having a female photographer. We were straight down to business and before I knew it, I was...quite embarassingly....chanelling my inner 'Satine', ala Moulin Rouge. In fact I was putting her to shame (in my head). I absolutely adore anything Burlesque/Parisian themed which is the whole feel of the style of the shoot. So when the suggestion of 'losing it all' and stripping to, well *ahem* nothing...I willingly obliged. Lets not get carried away....my modesty was cleverly disguised and they were just a few tasteful 'contour' shots. Plus I'm sure I shall enjoy looking back over them once I'm in my 80's! I know it's incredibly cliche, but the whole experience was totally liberating and just a lot of fun!

Here are a few I dare share....

http://www.phunkyfotosuk.com

Jamies Italian...Bellisimo!

Was extremely excited when I heard that Jamie Oliver was opening one of his 'Jamies Italian' restaurants in Nottingham, so being the piggy that I am, had to go down to sample the delights!

The building is amazing-its the former Jazz cafe, next to Paul Smith. It's huuuuge, over 3 floors and staff offered us a tour-which you have to take, so many rooms!! Although be careful you don't walk into a management meeting as we did...actually my friend Paul thought it would be funny to push me in...my friends are so mature....hope Jamie wasn't sat in that meeting?! The decor is so cool....

Our waiter took a bit long to take our order...seemed a bit nervous bless him...but he did make up for it by trying to encourage us to down tequilas...at 2pm on a Monday! We ordered a meat platter to share to tuck into....delicious!

We ordered seperate dishes to try...Carbonara, Prawn Linguine, Rabbit Ragu and Pumpkin Raviloi. I have to say, I think the Carbonara was the fave! All clean plates...carbicide!

Despite feeling 6 stone heavier and barely able to move, obviously managed to polish off a dessert!
Is it weird that one of my favourite parts were the toilets? I really do judge places by their toilets... Make sure you use the ones downstairs. They're underground, cellar toilets-you can still smell the damp! And the best toilet brand i've ever seen...its not everyday you take a photo of a lavatory!