It had been an intense couple of weeks. Having been placed on the doorstep of Amazing Radio like Fred in the opening credits of the Flintstones, I had been forced to leave everything I’d spent the past nine months establishing. There were certain people, however, who were quite happy to welcome me back to the South.

With their support, and the help from new friends and colleagues, I regained some confidence. I followed a six month stint at Channel 4 with a similar length of time at Sky (gotta love a fixed-term contract!), tried solo podcasting and tried to work out the capital’s music scene – something I can’t honestly say I’m on top of, (mostly due to a laziness since moving to North West London).

In two weeks time I’ll be leaving Sky and heading back into radio again, combining my love for the classic broadcasting medium with my experience in online by becoming BBC Radio’s Interactive Producer for their comedy output. I can’t wait. I’ve loved the online roles I’ve been performing over the last year, but I think this one is going to be the most exciting yet.

Being made redundant is tough. Even if you’re told it’s ‘not your fault’ and you’re given a glowing reference, it’s hard to switch your initial dismay into a positive outlook. There will be times when you’ll look back and wonder if you could have done something differently. It doesn’t matter if you have a new job, home, partner or entirely different life. Something drastic happened and even the greatest of efforts isn’t going to make it all disappear, but like attempting to get over the breakdown relationship, time and proactivity will always help. I’m just lucky that I didn’t just have to rely on time alone; I had previous colleagues who were happy to help me get back on my feet, and friends to get me on the right track. I guess that’s another lesson; never burn a bridge that doesn’t need burning! So thank you ‘Bridges’. Words can’t quite describe how you helped me.

But now there’s a new cause that needs help. In the past week Amazing Radio has lost its DAB licence over a dispute in terms for the Digital 1 licence required to keep its slot on the airwaves. No matter how we parted ways, that station gave a space for me to play the music I love by the bands I adore and discover more besides. I may no longer be associated with it, but I’d hate to deny anyone the same opportunity. Its got some dedicated listeners, and a steadily growing population of new fans who shouldn’t have to bear the disappointment of losing a station that’s yet to reach its full potential. If you feel the same, one of these dedicated listeners has set up a petition. I don’t know how it will impact on Digital 1′s terms (or even what they are) but at least we tried.

Sign the petition here.

I’ve sold my shares to help with the deposit, saved as much as possible for the past year and I’ve even started a new Pinterest gallery with all the things I’d love to fill it with. Occasionally I’ll pay a visit to Ikea, Homesense or second hand charity shops to try and inspire myself to keep saving and get some ideas of what I’m working towards.

To be eligible for Shared Ownership properties you first need to register with First Steps. Then, provided you fit the criteria (savings, earning less than £60,000 pa etc), you can start hunting!

I’m absolutely, utterly addicted to hunting for places now. The only problem is, it can get a bit depressing! I work in Brentford (Zone 4 West, rubbish transport links) and currently live in Brent. A lot of properties have a criteria where you have to already live or work in the region. With the exception of Wembley, I can’t afford North West London (Kilburn etc), but can’t go further North because of the tricky commute to work. I also don’t want to live near Hounslow because it would kill my social life – getting to central to see friends, gigs etc would be very difficult.

As long as I can get to the district line or an overground line that goes to Gunnersbury, I’ll be happy. There are some fabulous, affordable places in Bow (and perfect for getting to the forthcoming Olympic Opening Ceremonies rehearsals). I definitely can’t afford Hackney or Stoke Newington – and if I could I’d be buying outright! Hopefully my new link to the area will help – and I did use to call Shoreditch home…

I made it to Willesden Green station with seconds to spare. Despite his rather specific instructions, my friend (emphasis on the word friend please)Martin was not there. I imagined I could just walk to his instead. That, or he’d forgotten – he had text me rather late the previous evening. “Where are you?” I typed into my phone.

Uncharacteristically quickly I received a reply. He was round the corner.

In the space of 24 hours Martin’s car had breathed its last, yet had miraculously come back to life at the hands of a mechanic in time to come and pick me up. Handy that.

Later that night, despite having never ‘done dinner’ before, we ended up in the Little Bay in Kilburn, a place with unique ostentatious decor that has more restaurants in London and Belgrade (!?). Aside from having unusual ingredients such as pig cheeks on the menu, everything was really reasonably priced – and very, very tasty.

When we emerged from the restaurant, we remembered that we were opposite a rather magnificent looking chocolatier. Miraculously it was still open.

“We should go in… we should definitely go in.” I said, rather enthusiastically. “It’s like, totally Mother’s Day on Sunday.”

Bingo. (Martin loves his mum.)

And that’s how we ended up in The Cocoa Exchange, a Belgian chocolate emporium, full of the most decadent treats one usually only ever dreams of. Co-owned by Brendan and his wife, the shop offers tasting sessions and personalised boxes of luxury chocolates. We were asked what we’d eaten for dinner (sea bass and dijon mustard mash for me, lamb goulash for Martin) and the flavours we usually favour.

As Martin got to work picking out chocolates for his (lucky) mum, Brendan presented me with a serious of jars filled with different natural flavourings, asking me to smell each one and rate them from 1-10. Most of them rated rather high on my delectable scale, but the roses and cherries captured my senses somewhat, as did a surprisingly sweet pink peppercorn blend.

Brendan decided that my palate would be most suited to white and milk chocolate, and gifted me with a white chocolate square. One bite revealed a layer of milk chocolate ganache and a whole hazelnut hidden within, with tiny pieces of rice crisps to add texture. Needless to say it was scrummy.

When Martin finished selecting his truffles, I was given an extra treat as we left – a white chocolate drop. When I bit into it, it released an amazing cherry liquor (nothing sharp or cheap tasting – I’m not usually a chocolate/alcohol girl). Like I said, Martin’s mum is a lucky lady!

Chocolates handpicked by Martin at the Cocoa Exchange (apologies for the poor phone camera photo!)

After cocktails at the Windmill in Cricklewood we decided to call it a night, albeit a brilliant one. And one of the nicest surprises was that when I got home, Martin had hidden a special box of chocolates in my bag – sneakily chosen while I had my nose deep in a jar of spices!

The Cocoa Exchange can be found on Belsize Road, Kilburn. For more information call 0207 372 5552.

It’s been ages since I’ve properly rummaged through the racks of vintage shops, but think I’ve got the bug again after my Friday finds!

I picked up these shoes for an amazing £8 from the antiques/vintage bazaar place in the Lanes (anyone who’s been to Brighton will know the place). They’re by Bruno Magli and really beautifully made. I fell in love with them in the shop but I’m a bit worried I might have fallen in love and ignored the fact that they’re a tad too small for me! The mock croc handbag caught my eye because of the unusual bow clasp. Up close it looks less animal print and more like wood!?

Next, it was off to the Brighton Beyond Retro store where I picked up the maxi skirt and high waisted trousers in the photos above (teamed with a H&M blazer and Forever 21 necklace and lace top). The skirt is a heavy rayon material and moves dramatically when I walk (who doesn’t love a swishy entrance?) The trousers are from a Canadian label and I think are most likely to be from the late sixties/early seventies – I’m not an expert so opinions greatly appreciated here!

After we dropped off my latest wardrobe additions, we headed off to the Brighton Pier arcade. I used to love arcades – and still do – but the owners need to fix their machines or stick around to issue refunds when they swallow money for no return. Being frustratingly determined sometimes I was determined to get the claw to work. But claws are corrupt, shit things aren’t they? Luring you in, getting you excited when you  perfectly manoeuvre the thing over the head of some cheap cuddly toy and then making you cry out with frustration when the thing opens up as it ascends again. And don’t get me started on the dance machines (one took money and gave no credit, the other had broken panels). The driving machines weren’t much better.

Luckily, Brighton has so much to offer that it needn’t rely on amusement arcades like other, more tired seaside destinations, but I’d still like to return in the Summer and emerge, victorious, with a crappy stuffed bear…

Where’s your favourite place to uncover hidden treasures? And is Brighton safe from the fate of other British coastal resorts?

If you took public transport on Friday you'll have probably noticed that the front cover was taken over by MasterCard and their new campaign, Something For The Fans.

But what is it? Well quite simply, it's awesome.

As an extension of the Priceless London scheme, which gives you exclusive opportunities such as meeting the cast of hit London musical Billy Elliot and VIP access to some of the city's top venues, Something For The Fans is giving music enthusiasts the chance to win tickets to the BRIT Awards 2012 and meet and perform with three of the UK's biggest musicians. It's fair to say that, despite having sponsored the awards for 14 years, Mastercard have never given away a prize this big.

The top prize Mastercard are offering is the opportunity to perform with a modern chart conquerer in the form of either Brit Critics' Choice Award winner (and Breakthrough Artist nominee) Emeli Sandé, JLS and Labyrinth. The lucky winners will get to perform with their chosen act and have the results broadcast on ITV 1 during the broadcast of the Brits ceremony. In the vein of Mastercard's infamous advertising slogan, 'performing on national TV with Emeli Sandé? Priceless'.

If, like me, you're rather keen to take a shot at winning a prime time slot (I'm a poet), all you need to do is register over at the Something For The Fans website. You can keep registering every day to increase your chances of winning – I've been doing this for the past few days – and then, if your name is drawn out of the hypothetical hat, you'll be invited to upload a video of you showcasing your talents.

As you might have already guessed, I've registered to give it my all with Emeli Sandé, her track Heaven being one of my top pop tracks of the year, but I've been thinking a bit about who I'd really love to duet with. Firstly former Brits Critics' Choice Award winner Ellie Goulding. She's duetted with many a famous face, including indie sweetheart Lissie, but it's her 'Erik and Ellie' cover of Robyn's Be Mine with Erik Hassle that really gets to me. I regularly dream of an encounter with Villagers, where Conor J. O'Brien tells me he's in desperate need of my vocals…

Of course, even if I do miss out on the big prize, I'd be thrilled to win one of the pairs of tickets to the event that Mastercard are offering. This year's event is looking to be controversial – critics' darlings PJ Harvey, Laura Marling and James Blake are being put up against mainstream chart titans such as Jessie J., Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. Something tells me the latter will do really well (even though the highlighter costumes and the tired lyrics of Paradise have failed to win me over.) Single-wise it'll be a big battle between Ed Sheeran for The A Team and Adele for Someone Like You. (I'm championing the lady!) Mastercard's Album of the Year Award really has to go to PJ Harvey, with her removed from the catagory you wouldn't be blamed for saying that the nominations have been based around album sales – or that the judges have limited record collections.

Oh and Mastercard, if you're reading this and you really want to do something priceless for me (aside from letting me perform on telly obviously), would you like to hire me the Roundhouse, fill it with people and let me curate a gig of my favourite bands please? Thanks!

This is a Sponsored Post, but don't worry – if I don't like it, I won't write about it!

Viral video by ebuzzing

Anything by Tatty Devine

I’m a massive fan of innovative perspex jewellery designers Tatty Devine. I used to live around the corner from their Brick Lane store, which was lethal for my bank balance and I had to limit myself to window shopping most of the time. My sister loved the crazy glasses I bought for her birthday, and on special occasions I get out my massive mayor’s chain.

My favourite piece of theirs has always been their classic keyboard necklace. It’s as tinkly-looking as the real thing and, being monochrome, would go with anything. Recent designs I’m also lusting after include the ivy vines necklaces and the honesty seed pod stem necklace.

On another note, how cool are their models? Far from the ethereal editorial types, the girls on the website look like they wear the jewellery on a daily basis – I want to be them!

Original artwork

I’ve just moved to North West London and I’ve finally got a room I want to invest a bit more in – it’s large enough, for a start and it’s a lovely size (unlike my former ‘shoebox’ in Shoreditch). I’ve spent weeks buying things to make it into my own space, with a sofa, rug and coffee tables (inspired by the amazing makeover Dad’s wife, Deb, did on my old bedroom in Goudhurst, I’ve even got candles in the fireplace).  The one thing I haven’t done is successfully screwed my new mirror into the wall… there may have been, ahem, an issue with a drill…

What I’d really like to do now is get some amazing artwork to put up on the walls. Currently I’ve got a framed season three Skins poster that I got whilst I was at Channel 4, but there’s so much bare space it needs more! I’d love something by my friend Brendan Kearney (I gave this brilliant cat print to Deb when I moved back down South). I definitely need to retrieve my Get Frank artwork by Kate Hindley too – It’s one of the best presents I’ve ever received – I’ve never had the chance to hang it somewhere because I’ve moved so much in the last 18 months. Hopefully that will all change now! Anything from Girls Who Draw would make me ecstatic – ditto, Lizz Lunney.

Smelly stuff

As always, I’m craving bits and bobs from Lush – we don’t have a bath in my new flat but their hand creams, shower gels and hair products are still high in my estimation. Perfume-wise, I’m missing my lunchtime trips to House of Fraser with the Channel4.com Lifestyle girls (Abi, Annabel and Emma… oh and Tom as well, if he insists!). We used to casually stroll through the perfume section, spritzing ourselves in preparation for the afternoon – my scents of choice being Lola or Oh Lola! by Marc Jacobs. I do love good old fashioned nostalgia!

Xbox games

Now I’ve set up home with my beanbag and Xbox, I’m in dire need of new games to play on it. I’m keen to get my mits on the latest Tekken, Skyrim and LA Noire.

Drink!

Now, I don’t mean to sound like an alcoholic but… I really want a cocktail cabinet and things to go inside it! Stop judging me – it’ll be for your benefit when you pop round for a mojito or two.

Togs, clogs and face paint

I’m obsessing over Topshop and Zara. One can never go wrong with Mac.

In essence, I want something for my neck, something for my walls, something for occupying my brain and something for my face! What are you hoping for this year?

Here’s my video entry:

If you’d like to spare a moment and give me a much appreciated vote, please click here. Read my original post here.

The competition itself is called Sound + Vision: 35/45. Here’s what the organisers have to say:

“Northern Film & Media in partnership with Generator are looking for the most creative and distinctive filmmakers in the region to produce a music video for leading independent record label Domino Records as part of a new filmmakers and musicians collaboration. Sound + Vision: 35/45 is an exciting evolution of Sound + Vision which last year saw a remixed Jimmy and the Sounds working with filmmaker Villing Chong. For 2011 Sound + Vision will bring together the North East’s most cutting edge filmmakers and musicians to work with Domino Recording Co – one of the most successful independent record labels in the world and home to artists including Arctic Monkeys, Wild Beasts, Villagers and Franz Ferdinand.”

This breathtaking entry – the brainchild of lovely local filmmaker Charlotte Johnson accompanies Wolf, one of my favourite songs of the moment. I could go on about the songwriter behind the white half-mask for hours, but instead I’ll let you watch the video!

Check out the other entries here.

Today at work I saw an excerpt from Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields, a film that has been made over a period of two years by Channel 4 News.

The broadcaster invited its staff to attend a screening of some of the devastating footage present in tomorrow’s hour-long documentary, and to ask questions to Channel 4′s Head of News and Current Affairs, Dorothy Byrne, director Callum Macrae and Channel 4 news journalist Jon Snow (who narrates the film).

We were given warnings prior to viewing the footage, and were told that we were welcome to leave if necessary. Although I knew that staying would be incredibly difficult – both in the moment and in the aftermath – something kept me rooted to the small rostrum I had used as a seat (the cinema was packed).

And so it began. The 13 final, chilling minutes of the documentary that Channel 4 will be screening from 11.05pm on Tuesday 14th June and releasing online to the world (geo-unblocked) shortly afterwards. The brutal footage provides uncompromising evidence as to the atrocities committed after the 25-year Sri Lankan civil war had ended in 2009. It is widely acknowledged that war crimes were committed by both the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan government during the war. The first part of the film documents this – and Channel 4 news have always presented this as such.

The end of the film shows what happened to those who freely surrendered, and those who, blindfolded and bound, knelt silently had had their deaths captured on videophones as a prized ‘trophy’ by their executors. Still photographs are also present. Naked bodies – many of raped and murdered women – are filmed by government forces who laugh, gurn for the camera and discuss their victims. One soldier is heard to comment on a corpse; “This one had the best figure”, whilst in a separate film, a militant professes a desire to mutilate the breasts of the body of the woman he observes through his camera lens. During a time of surrender, these are no longer purely war crimes – these are crimes against humanity.

In an article written for the Guardian, director Callum Macrae writes about the necessity of making these images available to the world and what must be done with the footage captured:

These pictures push to the limit every normal rule of what is acceptable on television. You will see prisoners, bound and gagged, being executed in cold blood. You will see innocent civilians dying in agony on the ground in makeshift hospitals, which have been denied medicines and supplies by the Sri Lankan government. But if this is the only way to make people take this seriously, we believe it is the right thing to show these images.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has been questioned about his resistance to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to account, claiming that he does not have the authority to put mechanisms into place to investigate them. With his intentions to rerun for his title clear, could it be that Ban Ki Moon is eager not to displace the support of Russia and China? This article seems to think so.

For Macrae, who has shown the film to the UN and will see his film screened around the world and at the Houses of Parliament on the 22nd June, the ball is firmly in the UN’s court – and they need to take action swiftly.

If the UN fails yet again, the message to every tyrant and repressive government will be clear: if you want to kill your own people with impunity, you will probably get away with it.

Around the world, civilians are uprising. But what happens when the dust settles? What happens when more of our troops return to the safety of home? What happens if we do not hold this government accountable, and others around the world feel safe in their own reprehensible actions?

When we left Sri Lanka in 2009, we left the people to die. And if we leave them without justice then we deserve to be left with them in our minds, and their final moments, captured on shaking videophones, at the forefront of our consciousnesses.

One resounding question rang out through the cinema after the screening; what can we do?

This list is by no means exhaustive but you could:

• Tweet your local MP and tell him to attend the screening on the 22nd June at the Houses of Parliament
• Write on your own blogs about the atrocities and share
• Share the link to the film on Channel4.com via blogs, Twitter and Facebook

As I’ve moved to London, it’s taken a bit longer to get this episode out! I’m still learning, but I’m just starting on episode 3 now, which will feature an interview with Jon Melvin of The Union Choir (and I’m happy to report has far superior audio quality to the previous two interviews for the podcast as we managed to find a noise-free room!)

The current episode of the podcast features Matt and Matt of the wonderful Vets in Hong Kong. The London based trio defy expectations with their (mostly) acoustic lineup of instruments, creating brooding, occasionally violent sounding arrangements. Their recent self-titled EP features a mixture of DIY and studio produced recordings and is packed full of memorable melodies that are quite impossible to shake off. Live, the band’s sound comes alive with Matt Reay’s impressive percussion, which is a theatrically rhythmic sight to behold.

Podcast guests Vets in Hong Kong

Also featured on the podcast is the hotly tipped acoustic artist Daughter. Since moving to London I’ve started writing reviews for For Folk’s Sake and once of my first pieces was a review of Daughter’s new EP His Young Heart. I’m going to have to see her live soon as I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time.

There’s also ska-brilliance on the podcast, provided by Birmingham’s Glasto favourites 360, guitar packed epic-ness from North East group Holy Mammoth, a hauntingly beautiful new track from super-sized supergroup (and future guests) The Union Choir and a soothing acoustic tune to wrap things up nicely from Zygmunt Day.

Don’t forget, you can send in your own tracks for the podcast to frankiepromotes@gmail.com. Listen to the podcast here.