Cat's Corner

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’d visited the Filofax store on Neal Street, London.  It was my first visit and I was hoping to pick up an A5 hole punch for my desk planner – I wasn’t disappointed…

On arriving at the door, hubby elected to stay outside, but quickly followed me in when he realised I may need a little ‘taming’ before I got near the cash register!!  The ladies in the store were very friendly, chatty and helpful and even recognised me from Twitter and Flickr!  They gave me room to check out the stock without hassling me, but were there when I had questions - perfect service! 

Row upon row of all things Filo were on offer, even Filofax handbags – very tempting!  I managed to resist the beautiful displays, but I did get my punch, plus some dividers and an envelope for my personal sized filo.  The punch was a necessity for work, where I clutch my A5 Balmoral like my life depends on it – I’d been getting through so many packs of paper it seemed a good investment.  I’ve started by using up some old A5 letter-writing papers, which make for good scribble sheets!

Plus, I’ve been able to organise the Personal sized vintage filo that I carry around for everyday use.  I’ve used the dividers to separate out maps and general info for when I’m travelling, a monthly diary to plan my hectic social life, birthdays reminders (for all the cards I hand make!), notes and finances, blog notes and sketches.  I’ve also added the new envelope at the back to keep track of expenses receipts – no more lost train tickets ;o)

I’ve recently filled my Shaeffer propelling pencil with 2B leads so I can get more enjoyment out of sketching, and I’ve celebrated by drawing out a front cover that matches my calling cards from Moo:

If this post has given you the urge to get some new accessories, check out a range of Filofax organisers and accessories online here.

Read other posts about my Filofaxes here

As I mentioned in my birthday post, I visited the Crocs store on Neal Street in London this week!  This store, though not huge, is well stocked and nicely designed for browsing and choosing your new shoes.  The staff were friendly and approachable and we were pleasantly surprised to be offered a freeJibbitz on signing up the mailing list!

Since hubby and I have both recently got new pairs (matching Mammoth slipper Crocs!) we resisted the urge to buy any more, instead choosing a fewJibbitz for my Mammoths and hubby’s Caymans, which are now not only bright orange but also covered in yellow smiley faces…hmm!  Thank goodness his new favourites are a more subtle pair of khaki Modi Clog Crocs!

I would recommend Neal Street but warn you not to expect the entire range of Crocs, as it’s not a particularly large store – however you will find a decent selection of women’s, men’s and kids.  Well worth a visit if you’re in the area and you’re a fan like me!!

Last weekend was my birthday and I am happy to report that I was totally spoilt rotten!!  I finally got my hands on those yummy Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Melissa Shoes (brown bow flats) – thank you hubby :O)  I was also treated to two Trollbeads from my Dad – black armadillo and 3rd eye chakra – which looks stunning on my black/gold/purple combo!  A friend also sent me a beautiful artisan bead, a reddy purple armadillo that is just gorgeous and my Mum gave me a rather scrummy iPod shuffle in a lovely aqua colour!  Very spoilt indeed…

My birthday celebrations included a LOT of eating, seeing Toy Story 3 in 3D, visiting Lord Snowdon’s ‘In Camera’ photography exhibition and spending a day up in London.  I visited the Neal Street stores of Crocs and Filofax and bought a beautiful vintage laboradite and silver ring in the Covent Garden antiques market!  I will blog reviews of the two stores and my fabulous new shoes in the near future – keep an eye out!

From 1998-2003 I studied photography from GCSE, A-Level and GNVQ Advanced at college, through to HND and BA (Hons) at University.  My final degree dissertation was based around the rise of consumerism and globalisation.

I wanted to illustrate the fact that certain brands appear in every town in most countries around the world and that those towns are beginning to look the same.  Who better to use to illustrate this fact than McDonald’s?!  Living in West Yorkshire at the time, I travelled home to Surrey at the weekends, spending daylight in the Capital to photograph a McDonald’s cup at some of the most well known sights.

My reading was mainly concentrated on Walter Benjamin’s ‘Arcades Project’ (‘Das Passagen-Werk’), as well as many other sources including John Urry’s ‘Globalising the Tourist Gaze.’

Photos were taken using a Canon EOS 5 camera (35mm film) and the negatives were scanned for digital reproduction. 

You can also view the set on flickr here.

Please note that all images are Copyright 2010 Cathryn Cook and may not be reproduced without permission.