THE MILLENNIUM HOTEL, MAYFAIR

Hey Cool Cats,

On Monday I was lucky enough to be invited to a Bloggers Cocktail Class, hosted by Millennium and Copthorne Hotels at one of their swankiest spots, The Millennium Hotel, which is tucked away on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair. This sounded just like my idea of a good time, so I left Baloo with a friend (under strict instructions not to give him too much wine), grabbed my camera and headed out to go and play.

After some bubbles and nibbles (after which I'd basically already decided that I bloody love this hotel group*) and chatting to some lovely Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle, and London bloggers, we were shown around the hotel, which, quite frankly, was bloomin' lovely. And yes, that is atrocious wordplay, because my favourite thing about it was the fresh flowers and plants that were to be found all over the show.

When we were shown around a suite, I momentarily considered refusing to leave, and claiming Squatter's Rights. It was such a beautiful space, as well as being absolutely massive. I've always loved the idea of living in a hotel, haven't you?

With Sheree from GLITZNGRIME

I was pretty well-behaved, and did not (A) jump on the amazingly huge bed or (B) instigate any pillow fights. In hindsight, these both seemed like missed opportunities but what can you do about it? 

The views were absolutely stunning, my shabby photography really doesn't do it justice. Grosvenor Square is beautifully calm and green considering it's hiding just behind Oxford Street! 

However, the view that really took my breath away was that from the roof; I'm not sure how well you can make it out (again, my apologies for my totally pants camera skills) but you can see so many major landmarks from there (ten points to Gryffindor if you can see The Shard!).

Anyway. On to the serious bit. They taught us how to make mojitos. But, you know, in a fancy way. Properly. I feel that this is some knowledge I should share, right?

Making mojitos with Lucie, Sheree and Sarah.

MOJITO: HERE'S HOW:

Put four pieces of lime into a tall glass and muddle them with a muddler (this is just fancy terminology for squeeze all the juice out). When it's muddled, add 1 and 1/2 barspoons of soft brown sugar and stir well. Next, pick a whole stalk of mint. Save the top - this will be your garnish - and pick off the other leaves. Put the leaves on the palm of your hand, and clap. Clapping is better than muddling as it doesn't release the tannins in the mint that would make your drink bitter (how knowledgable do I sound right now?). Add these to your drink, and then a double measure of dark rum. Stir well, then fill your glass with crushed ice, and top up with soda water. Pop in a straw, and then place the minty garnish next to the straw (apparently so that you can smell the mint while you're sipping. Smart, ey?).

And that's how you make a perfect mojito! So don't say I never teach you anything.

Thank you so much to Millennium and Capthorne, and to the girls at Greenlight, for having me at such a fun event. I adore any chance to play with other bloggers, and an evening in such a fancy hotel and bar was a real treat!

I think cocktail making might be a bit of a hidden talent of mine. Time to get experimental in the drinks cupboard. Watch this space!

Do you have any good drinks recipes to share?

Mona.

*Just kidding, my affections aren't so easily bought. Had they given me cake, however, it would have been a different story...

MONA DOES SINGING (KIND OF)

Depending on how long you've been following, you may or may not remember the band who embarrassed me, Yours & Mine. Well, the Universe threw me an opportunity a few months ago in the form of the boys asking me if I'd like to join them occasionally on stage to ooh, aah, yeah yeah yeah, and hit a tambourine. 

Which frankly just sounded like too much fun to be passed up!

Here's a little video from a gig we played at the Lock Tavern in Camden for Balcony TV before I went away. I discovered that I am very nervous about sound checks, and that red wine is a perfect tonic for stage fright. All in all, a great night was had by all!

I'm going to be doing some more singing, tambourining and awkward dancing over the next few months, and if you're around then I'd absolutely love you to come and have a wiggle with me!

Next Saturday, we're playing at Latest Music Bar in Brighton as part of the Alternative Escape... If you're a Brighton-kid, come and get involved! 

Also, I'm looking for "stage wear" so if you know of anything that's just too cute to pass up wearing whilst I play out my pop star fantasies, drop me a line!

Lots of love,

Mona

(Backing Singer Extraordinaire) 

BAR STORIES, SINGAPORE

Travelling by yourself can be a total blast. No one to answer to, you are free to wander around, eat, shop, swim, sunbathe and sightsee at your leisure. You can spend your days exactly how you choose. If that should be wandering around Hawker Centres sampling local delicacies whilst singing along to Dexy's Midnight Runners on your iPod (guilty), then that's fine - there are no witnesses to embarrass you with this information at a later date. Go wild.

Exploring your holiday playground by night, however, can be a far scarier prospect solo. Which is why I would encourage you to find yourself a local to play tour-guide. Try and find someone with good knowledge of your location, who is also funny and charming... And if you happen to think they're attractive, then that's four for you. You go, Glen Coco.

It's a pretty foolproof plan. If you have a good time, then there's a new pen pal/friend/holiday romance on the cards for you. If not, at least you saw some new places, and it is very, very unlikely that you'll have to see each other again.

This is Ben, my source of Singapore-nightlife wisdom. He took me to Bar Stories, a little cocktail bar with a twist on Haji Lane. 

Bar Stories has no drinks menu - instead, you'll chat with mixologists about your favourite flavours and drinks preferences, and they'll shake you up some beautifully presented bespoke cocktails. Our mixologist, Roger, got all the information he needed out of me and proceeded to work his magic, under the instructions "I love tropical fruits, and basically all sweet things, and please no gin because it makes me cry."

Try your best to get a seat at the bar, the showmanship of the mixologists provides your entertainment for the evening, and they're all hilarious fun (if a little alarming with their blowtorches). 

Our palettes were titillated all evening with various mind-boggling concoctions and complimentary shooters. My highlights were a passionfruit cocktail (which arrived bearing a flaming lime - for the aroma, obviously) and a red-grape and chocolate potion that, to my immense relief, was not on fire. 

As Ben and I looked like we were preparing to make a move, we were stopped by Roger and pals.

"But you haven't had dessert yet! Let us make you something to share!"

Now, if you've been reading my blog for any time at all, you'll know that I'm not the kind of girl who's going to turn down dessert. Ever.

I got a little bit carried away when asked if I'd prefer chocolate, caramel, or banana, and answered "yes please! All of those things."

The mixologists rose magnificently to the challenge, and that's how this bad-boy was made.

Yes, that is a cocktail. And also, somehow, a dessert.

Unfortunately, I remembered that I'd agree to share with Ben. Bugger. It did prove to be the perfect dessert, and end to our evening.

If you ever find yourself in Singapore, I'd definitely recommend Bar Stories for a fun and one-of-a-kind evening. And ask for Roger, he's the business.

Mona.