December 20, 2024 In Uncategorized
Cars etc
Electric cars are here to stay, whether we’d like them or not. Personally, I have nothing against them, other than so few are on the market that there isn’t yet the opportunity to truly express yourself through what car you choose. I think in the UK at least, cars have somehow managed to become part of the identity of many people, so I can understand resistance to having (more or or less 10 “serious options” to pick from). Yes I know, first world problems and all – but still, here are some light hearted thoughts on a few electric cars.
Jaguar Type 00 (they should have called it the Jaguar LGBT Type)
Recently I was at a Christmas party, where the topic of this new Jaguar came up. Somebody said that car manufacturers should stick to what they know best, and stay out of linking cars to identity. I decided to interject, as it’s simply not true. Cars have always aimed themselves at specific audiences. Most car brands insinuate that if you’re a certain type of man, this is the car you will drive. And so I think the problem with this car was not tying it to identity, or the design (which personally I really like – the shape is an almost identical copy of the Rolls Royce Wraith. The colour is a distraction also, as you wouldn’t have to order it in pink). The problem is very simple: The audience they’re aiming this car at doesn’t drive and doesn’t spend on luxury cars and even if they did, it’s not a big enough demographic to carry an entire car brand. Although this car is only at concept stage, I would love to see it built. Certainly it’s something interesting, and I do love big cars.
Mercedes EQS
You get these new electric Mercedes sometimes on Uber. I am a fully paid up member of the Mercedes fan club, I am such a fan of the brand and everything they do. The SL for me is one of the best cars ever made, Mercedes is one of those manufacturers that has something for everyone, so it pains me to say: This is a very disappointing car (sorry if you have one, it’s never to late to do the right thing and send it back; I’ll help you pick a better one). One of the main issues is that Mercedes always deliver when it comes to aesthetic, cool cars. This is no such specimen. The front is boring (when it comes to cars, boring is far worse than ugly), the back is even worse and inside does not have anything near the same premium feel as the petrol SL. Send it to the gallows.
BMW i7
In contrast, I never had anything good to say about BMW. But this new electric i7 car is really really nice. First of all, it doesn’t look like an electric car. Electric cars are like “non alcoholic cocktails” – if you’re really have to make that compromise, ideally you don’t want anyone to know. So I think BMW did a great job in making this car undetectable as an electric. For some reason, a lot of manufacturers don’t put a grill on the front of their electric models, and the result is a less attractive front of the car. If you compare this BMW to the Mercedes above, the front of the BMW still looks like a car, whereas the front of the Mercedes is shaped like a sex toy (DISCLAIMER: I have nothing against big expensive sex toys: in fact, I occasionally identify as one). Also, it is by far one of the nicest cars inside – it is so plush back there. Much (muuuch) nicer than the Mercedes equivalent. I don’t know much about how important this car is for BMW, but I would imagine this is going to sell very well. Big fan of this one.
December 8, 2024 In Uncategorized
I asked AI
Two revealing questions, and this is what it said. Grok is a great innovation, and seems to be one of the better and more impartial AI platforms, sooo… here’s what Grok thinks about me!
December 8, 2024 In Uncategorized
Birthday Treats
November 18, 2024 In Uncategorized
Films
The last three films I’ve watched:
I know I’m decades late, but finally got round to watching American Psycho. Absolutely loved it from the very beginning. There are many different interpretations of this film, but I found it very funny, and saw it as a biting satire on the 80’s Yuppie life. So many scenes I loved – like the credit card scene – that pass so quickly but on reflection are genius level funny. This is definitely a film to watch more than once. My Score: 8.5/10
Wow. I honestly don’t know how some peoples minds can think of plots as dark and scary as this. I chose this film to watch at the cinema and didn’t realise it was a thriller because Hugh Grant is the lead. This is a challenging, very different and mature role for Hugh grant – his performance is excellent. So scary! I felt on edge the whole time and wanted to cry for the 2 girls in the film. I can’t believe people watch things like this for entertainment I was so afraid I didnt touch my popcorn 😂 My Score: 5/10 if you’re not a psychopath. 9/10 if you like this sort of thing.
Based on a true story, I found this film to be very engaging. My reservations are less about the film itself (it was well acted and well directed, they couldn’t have done much more, whilst maintaining true to the original story), more that when I think about the black films I really enjoy, they typically aren’t centred around social justice, as in my leisure time I prefer being entertained than taught a lesson. Black films I prefer are blaxploitation films, American Fiction, Boyz n the Hood… films with humour and energy. I also feel (a bit like the constant stream of WW2 films, despite the fact that so so many other wars have happened since) it’s a sort of laziness relying on certain historical moments to get an audience in. Why not make a film that’s relevant to what’s happening today? Anyway, My Score: 7.5/10
Was very excited to watch this one! Really enjoyed the general premise of the film, though the plot was a rip off of Sunset Boulevard. Demi Moores performance is great, but the totally absurd and OTT ending felt like massive insecurity on the part of the director. One thing I don’t enjoy in films is when plots that are mostly plausible, randomly at the end become total science-fiction level unbelievable. It was entertaining, but so much more could have been done with the character development and I really didn’t like the ending. My Score: 7/10
October 28, 2024 In Uncategorized
This Season
A quick reminder of some experiences we can share this season…
Ski Trip:
Level: Red (I can survive a Black run but it’s not pretty!)
Attire: 70’s Bond Girl. Chic Ski wardrobe curated in a desperate attempt to distract you from my lack of talent.
Ski Style: 30% ski, 30% food, 30% sauna, 10% Aperol Spritz.
Dream Resorts: Chamonix, St Moritz, Dolomites.
Black Tie and Events:
Level: Expert. As a companion, but I also have an interesting and established career outside of being Billie where I also attend such events.
Attire: Always appropriate depending on the event. Business suit, gown, cocktail dress, etc. I have the wardrobe for any event you have in mind.
+1 Style: Charming, intelligent, and well spoken. No photos, no drama!
Dream Events: Watch events, Swan Lake (ballet), Charity Gala, F1, Restaurant or Gallery events
Winter Travel:
Level: I invented the term “vacation” 😇
Attire: Feminine and sexy. My gallery will give you an idea but I’m also happy to take some instruction if you prefer for example “very casual” or “very sexy”.
Companionship Style: Depends on the person, but I’m pretty much just myself 🙂 Culture vulture, beach bum, adventure seeker, foodie enthusiast. You may have work commitments during our time together, of course this is absolutely fine, you will find me at the spa waiting for you.
Dream Destinations (for this time of year): Caribbean, City Break in Europe, Mexico City, Africa, Wellness retreat, Dubai, South America.
Black Tie and Events
The duration of your event £1000
The duration of your event +2hrs private time £1500
Vacations
2-3 days £3000
4-5 days £6000
1 week £7000
Longer than a week £ let’s talk about it
All longer dates:
If you would like to schedule a brief video chat after you’ve sent the deposit, you are welcome to.
October 28, 2024 In Uncategorized
Paris
Back to Paris (a woman can never get enough of Paris!) for a special birthday dinner at Plenitude. It could be said that I’m prone to exaggeration, but believe me when I say this is by far the best fine dining meal I have had in my life, a phenomenal experience!
October 23, 2024 In Uncategorized
Foodie Life
Some food memories from the last few weeks…
October 16, 2024 In Uncategorized
Birthday Treats
Celebrating my birthday on October 20th. Much appreciated would be something from my wish list of a Selfridges gift card to billiefarlow@hotmail.com. It’s been an amazing year. Thank you for your generosity! Love Billie ❤️
September 25, 2024 In Uncategorized
Some
Tipsy ramblings…
If you haven’t been truly AROUSED in the last 3 months you should do something about it. Yes you! Choose the fuck off suite at the Four Seasons. Choose buy her a Chanel bag. Choose Dover Sole with a glass of Montrachet. Choose French kissing in the elevator. Choose LIFE ❤️
September 22, 2024 In Uncategorized
Home Cooking
Disclaimer: If you’re a vegan you may want to skip this post.
Hello! ❤️ I thought I would share with you one of my recent culinary creations that I cooked last week for a dinner guest. On the menu? Harissa and honey chicken with couscous and tzatziki. I thought I would take you through my process, which of course always starts with great ingredients. I tend to make my recipes up based on what I like the look of in the grocers, what is in season, and the personal tastes of who I am cooking for. I bought this Label Rouge chicken from Ginger Pig butchers – truly the best chickens. Corn fed, not pumped full of any hormones or weird stuff, and full of flavour. I try to buy British produce as much as possible, but never to the detriment of flavour, so in this case I opted for this French chicken as it’s simply the best quality. I also bought some chicken kidneys with no real idea what I would do with them. I hadn’t cooked them before but thought I could use them somehow, plus they are very nutritious.
At home I spatchocked the chicken – which is when you cut the backbone out and flatten out the chicken. I almost always cook a whole chicken in this way as it means it cooks faster, and more evenly. Wearing surgical gloves to protect my manicure, I slathered the chicken in my honey and harissa marinade, the exact recipe of which is a secret. In the base of my pan (Le Creuset of course) I add shallots, garlic, peppers, thyme, and some baby carrots which I peeled and trimmed. I then trimmed, chopped, and added the chicken kidneys and a splash of wine. I was a bit freaked out by the look and smell of the kidneys but managed to be brave and prepare them. On top of this I placed my whole chicken, and cooked under a lid in the oven. I cook under a lid so the chicken steams for the majority of the cooking, making for a juicier bird. Then at the end I take the lid off to give the skin colour and flavour.
Whilst the chicken is cooking, I made the couscous and flavoured it with parsley, coriander, spring onions, olive oil and lemon, and finished with pomegranate seeds. Very herby and fragrant. Then I made the tzatziki, straining grated cucumbers and adding to Greek yoghurt with dill, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. This is a nice cooling side to have with the sweet and spicy chicken.
I served the chicken straight from the pan “family style” with the couscous and tzatziki. A fantastic gravy had formed under the chicken which was very flavourful. My dining guest said the meal was excellent and of restaurant standard (of course I announced that it’s “not my best work” whilst secretly being very pleased as I love when people enjoy my cooking). The kidneys which I was most worried about, ended up being one of the most delicious parts of the meal: Having cooked in the gravy they had a delicious pate-like texture and added body to the sauce. Below is my final result, which I was pleased with. What do you think? 😇
September 16, 2024 In Uncategorized
My Big Fat Greek Adventure
Santorini ✈️ Naxos ✈️ Paros ✈️ Athens
Greece is a very important and special place for me, I’ve been coming to the islands since I was a small child. This multi-leg trip was one of the best adventures I’ve ever had: From fine dining in the shadow of the Acropolis, to driving to remote villages for local food (the lamb here is sensational). Gyros at 2am after a night of dancing, beautiful beaches and lobster pasta. I love the smaller islands, and would love to return – I don’t say this lightly, but the best experiences on smaller islands (like my favourite, Paxos) is to be had in a small boutique hotel, not a big name resort. Whilst I did choose luxury hotels because of course I can’t help myself haha, I found myself gazing jealously at the €60 a night beach front bed and breakfasts with tiled floors, spiral staircases, and owners who are constantly trying to stuff you with pastries and Greek yoghurt. If I return to the small islands I would like to try a small hotel.
Athens really stole my heart, though I only stopped over for a day: I loved the mix of history, grit, and sophistication. I need to return to experience it fully. I also liked how late things open in Greece: later even than many places in Italy: gorgeous boutiques selling pretty dresses and hand made jewellery open until 11pm (yes I did buy pretty dresses and hand made jewellery at 11pm, it’s the perfect after dinner activity… other than the obvious), and it’s not uncommon to arrive for dinner at that time too. Like all travel I do with girl friends, of course I could not help but imagine how the same experience would differ with a lover. It was a Greek Tragedy to have such a romantic week with no man around to squeeze my bum and carry my bag 😂 I feel so invigorated and alive when I travel, and Greece really is the perfect destination for romance.
This stray cat has finally returned to London (for now) and very much looks forward to your invitation. Billie ❤️
September 5, 2024 In Uncategorized
Yum!
Delicious Dinner Date at a restaurant in my neighbourhood that has been on my list for some time. Finally got to try it! I had to order the langoustines and the lamb chops of course (I think I could survive the rest of my life on langoustines and lamb chops, the two things I usually order if they’re available). I also loved the beef tartare. Had a beautiful chefs table experience, I love watching the theatre of the kitchen. Decided to wear this outfit by one of my favourite designers Emilio Pucci. As always, remembering to practice gratitude for good company, good food, and good times! 😍
