Painting Project

Painting isn't something I do everyday of the week, but in an effort to have an interesting Christmas period - 2015, I decided to buy a canvas. It's quite large, probably A2, so I have my work cut out for me.

The subject of this piece of art, I have decided is religious iconography. I started a Pinterest board to give me a little inspiration.

I'd decided to add a few things that you might not find in a traditional "Madonna' image. She will be holding a Sacred Heart and to the best of my knowledge the Virgin Mary never held one of those.

I wanted it to be something I would be happy to look at everyday, as it will sit on the wall in my home. I bought fluorescent orange and pink...not sure you could say they were traditional colours either!

So far so good...

I didn't get much further with the art above but I did start, and have finished, a rubber 'pop art' picture entitled Frottage.

London Nightlife Venues R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of these nightlife venues. Thus resulting in the slow death of the London clubbing scene. 

List of London venues that have closed: 

Madame Jo Jo’s

The Coronet (set for next year)

Cable 

SEOne 

12 Bar Club

The Fox

Hidden

Mass

Sebastians & Dex

Colosseum

Black Cap

Astoria

Astoria 2

Sin 

Ben Crouch

Turnmills

The End

The Joiners

Ghetto

George & Dragon

The Nelson

First Out

Candy Bar 

Buffalo Bar 

Trash Palace

London Metro Club 

The Cross

Canvas 

The Key

Bar Code

Manbar

Green Carnation

Purple Turtle

Escape

Gossips

The Marquee 

Bagleys

Jack's

Area

Parker McMillan

Dukes

Stunners

London really is not the place to party any more. It's heartbreaking for the youngsters. There no new youth culture, no new music movement and no new clubs. 

The venues that are left are under pressure and in turn that is reflected in price of venue hire (or bar take) and this is very high. 

How much more can the capital afford to lose?

Club RUB was so lucky to have had The Garage for the last two years. Now it's at Folklore Bar, 186 Hackney Road LONDON E2 7QL.

http://www.club-rub.com #fetishdresscodeclub

Miss Kim x

The Birth Of Rubber Cult

In the late 2000's I started to notice the rise of latex in; manufacturing, sheet latex suppliers, hood wearers and latex lovers. I made me think how nice it would be to offer a place for like minded people to come together and enjoy the rubber experience.

I started to formulate a new event in my mind.

This new event had to be something totally different though. Original. I wanted to innovate, not imitate.

Rubberists are a different kind of fetishist. They really have very different wants and needs. Plus I didn't want to replicate Club RUB (or ALL the other fetish clubs). We don't want more copy-cat clubs! It seems nobody is original anymore. Except moi!

Whilst it was obvious I could clearly run an event on my own (Club RUB is 18 years old), it was time to add some youthful flavour.

I had met Synth many times and was impressed at how much of a rubber pervert she was, plus her artistic side appealed to me.

Synth and I had the same love of rubber art. I see the creation of my rubber pieces/outfits as pure art. Plus she was a very close friend of my old friend Jan (FetishClubPix) and he always spoke so highly of her.

I ran it past Jan first, then approached her about joining me in a joint venture...a rubber-ONLY club.

It was never intended a monthly event, as I felt it had to feel special, and the best way to achieve that is to have it quarterly. Have folks get excited whilst they waited for another event to come around.

The name Rubber Cult came from out friend Jan (FetishClubPix). He was more than happy for us to use it.

So Synth and I set about coming up with new and never-seen-before ideas. We work well together and bounce new and creative ideas off each other.

This is our first logo be the very creative and talented artist Juju.

Unique to Rubber Cult:

* A gallery featuring an artist or TOG and showcasing 20 framed pieces of their work, every event (all rubber).

* Life drawing, occasionally.

* Rubber-ONLY stage shows at every event.

* A rubber-ONLY fashion show at every event. After all, we need to showcase the latex designers.

* Rubber side shows; vac bed, vac cube, rubber body ball, inflatable body bag and rubber wall. In the last three years we have replaced the vac bed and are having a new vac cube made. With a view to adding when we can afford it. Watch this space!

* We have a FULL medical installation with; rubber sheet, rubber bandages and rubber straight jacket (s/m). We are aiming to get another straight jacket in large.

* Artist-in-residence - Adam Electric.

* Free cava and gift.

* Rubber rope suspension.

* An all-inclusive community of rubbists that are ALL invited to each event.

New for Feb 2016 is the injection of more art. We feel it sets us apart from the rest and makes Rubber Cult a unique experience. A formula that has been copied worldwide.

This is our latest logo, with a slight hint at a religious cross.

Next event: Feb 6th 2016.

Website: http://www.rubbercult.com #rubberonlydresscodeclub 

Miss KIM x

Marlow On The Water

My four autumn trips of 2015 are all based around water. First I went to Brighton, then Hastings. This trip is to near Marlow, on the Thames staying with old old friend. 

Just before Christmas I go to Skegness...it must be the Cancerian in me, that draws me to these watery places.

My friend Tim bought this boat in the late Summer of 2015, so it will be the first time he journeys through the seasons (by the riverbanks). Must be nice watching the season change on the water.

Arriving at the beginning of the Autumn, means he has watched every leaf, fall off every tree. It's chilly but delightful time of the year.

On the Monday we had to go into Reading to find dancing shoes, as I'd forgotten to bring mine. In the evening we went to a Ceroc class. Tim picked it up really easily as he'd done it 20 years ago (so it must be like riding a bike). Everyone was friendly and I danced all night. It seemed so different (friendly) to the Ceroc meetings in London...that's London for you!

On the Tuesday we went for a drive, trying to catch a glimpse of George Clooney's house in Sonning. However, it's like a fortress for obvious reasons. Hennely On Thames is pretty, then we stopped in Hambleden for tea and I bought some locally made Ginger Preserve. 

Finishing off in Marlow and a quick look at the shops, were I picked up a hard-backed copy of War Of The Roses for £2.99.

Tim Lloyd at Hambledon Village church and local architecture.

Tim's boat is only a few years old and it is finished to a very high standard. You can't even tell you're on water! In the evening we went to the Marina pub and had a sing-a-long with the Karaoke guy. A wonderful two days seeing my darling friend Tim, on the water, near Marlowe. Any only an hour from Liverpool Street Station to Reading. I will be back as the seasons change.

Trip To Hastings

There's nothing like a trip to the seaside...even in the autumn.

My darling friends have a huge house on the very top of Westcliffe in Hastings. It's a work in progress but it looks a treat already, and can't wait to see it progress.

I was there for the first weekend of November 2015, which was lovely and mild. Although it was lightly raining on the Friday afternoon as I arrived.

We made the best of the weather on the Saturday, even though there were only a few light showers, by working our way around the thrift and junk shops of Hastings Old Town. Stopping for lunch in a very cute cafe, where I had the best cheese scone 'ever'!

The trip back, up the very high hill, was a delight as we journeyed in the funicular railway. The original wooden carriage was charming, and the ride far to short for my liking.

My charity shop finds were six metal pudding bowls, the ones with the blue rim, for £2 each. A charming metal teapot for £2.50 and a historical novel for £1.

Mine hosts made a wonderful meal in the evening, for a 'glamour of ladies', four of us to be precise. A roaring log fire glowed whilst we enjoying show tunes played on YouTube and drank pudding wine.

I rose early on the Sunday and took myself off to the beach to watch the seagulls flying around the boats. The tall black sheds that house the fisherman's nets were somber looking with a hint of Gothic.

Later that morning I returned, once more round to the same area, but with my hosts. We ambled around then met a family who live in Hastings for Sunday lunch. The proper stuff. I had lamb with ALL the trimmings and the portion was huge. I was told the sister bar is indeed just down the road from me in London and is called Dragon. Gosh I wish they served the same level of food. It would be my 'go to' every Sunday for a roast lunch.

After and ice cream on the seafront, the trek back up the hill and home...it was time to go and catch my train. Can't wait to go back to charming Hastings.

Miss KIM
http://www.club-rub.com #fetishdresscodeclub 
http://www.rubbercult.com #rubberonlyclub

http://hood-lovers.com #hoodonlysite

How To Survive The Libidex Sale

Everyone wants a bargain!

The Libidex SALE is the best places to find one, as a vast majority of the items are 80% off. How do you find out? Join their newsletter via their website or follow them on Twitter or LIKE on Facebook.

I bought some rubber shorts for £5 and an amazing bolero jacket for £39. It has long puff sleeves with three poppers at the wrist, a collar with three poppers at the neck. Lots of work went into that, for the price.

Here are my tips for 'Surviving The Libidex SALE':

1. Get there early. If it's starts at 12pm, then you really have to be there at 10.30am to be anywhere near the front. I got there at 10.50am and was number 34 :) They started the ticket system recently, as loads of people were saving places for friends thus allowing them to push in front of others who had been wait hours.
2. Check the weather. Warm coat if it's cold. Brolly if raining. Hand fan if it's warm.
3. Whatcha wearing? Sensible shoes that slip off and on easily. The same with clothing, just in case you want to try stuff on. Bring your own Pjur CULT dressing aim to help items glide over curves and narrow spots.
4. It starts at 12pm, which is lunch time. Think ahead, and get there a little bit earlier and grab a sandwich. It also gives you something to do as you queue up.
5. Hydrate...a bottle of water is a good idea. Even if you only drink it after you've got hot, trying all them clothes on.
6. Take CASH. They have one credit card machine. You don't want to end up in that queue.
7. Be careful not to drink too much of that free Cava...for many reasons!
8. IMPORTANT - if you have the time and energy, pop along to their shop Liberation and find out what size you are? If you know you want a catsuit, you just need to know the size...pick it up and buy it - simples. The queue for the cloakroom, is not only very long, but folks were trying on LOADS!
9. Have a plan. Don't just go in and wonder what you will buy. Have a good look at what you already have in your collection and fill in the gaps.
10. There is a 'compulsory' coat and bag check before you get in. This slows things right down which is why you need to be at the front. (I had chosen, bought and left with my items before everyone got in).
11. Take a small shoulder bag for your CC's and money, as you can't take large bags in.
12. Organise a coffee shop rendezvous afterwards with your friends. It's just at the end of the lane. That way you don't have to wait around for folks in a busy sales area.
13. Of course, it's always a good idea post a photo of your bargains on all your social media, not forgetting to credit Libidex with their website or Facebook page.
14. And, if you like this please SHARE it too :)

Miss KIM x

http://www.rubbercult.com #rubberonlyclub #rubberclub

http://www.club-rub.com #fetishdresscodeclub 

Mi Casa

My house is in Sunny Spain near Tarragona on the coast. I go between three and six times a year. Even thought it's Northern Spain the sun nearly always makes and appearence. I go every Easter and usually the last holiday of the year is early October. My sister has lived in Barcelona for 29 years so it's a great opportunity to get together as it's only 90 minutes away. The train only takes 85 minutes to the centre of Barcelona!

I'm the only Brit on this development. The airport which is Reus is 20/25 minutes drive.

The sun shines on the property all day as it's south facing. The garden is South/South West facing.

The pool in right in front of the garden gate. The kids swings are the other end of the pool - thankfully! It's nearly alway very quiet. However, I never go in the six weeks holidays. Well, not yet!

There are three trees; a huge fir tree and two others. I wish I knew what they were called. Here is my favourite one which is beautiful when the pink flowers are out. I also chose to plant a lemon tree which has so many flowers on it (April 2011). So I may get some fruit after 8 years.

Another fragrant 'must have' was the Jasmine. Which smelt divine at Easter. The red 'Bottlebrush' shrub looks small next to the patio table...but how it's grown! That trifid is a honeysuckle and it grows like mad!

It's not huge with just two bedrooms but there is a dining area that seats six. There's nothing like dining al fresco though. In fact, the dining table hardly ever gets used.

Interior has two sofas. Two large chests where I store all my stuff when I'm not there. No cable TV but there is a DVD player. Anyway who wants to watch TV?

I have a great pool. It's too cold at Easter but as the summer moves along it warms up. Here's Liz rescuing the umbrella after it blew away!

For the interior decoration I've gone for is African Colonial. However, it's difficult to get the idea from these photos. Flash bleaches out the mood! Of course, the plants faux but they would have to be really - who would water them?

I leave paints at the house. Still working on the picture below. As you can see the Bull Fight painting is done and on the wall now.

I love the fact the house has shutter on all the windows. It keeps the summer heat out. Great security too.

Lots of my friends have been over the years. There's quiet a selection of books now.

Tim came a couple of years ago and we went hiking in the mountains which are at the back ot the house. He's action man!

Here's Paul inebriated in the garden last year 2011. We played back gammon and he read! Also with Ian & Jake in Oct 2011. There are lots of Monestaries and religeous places of interest. We did lots of those.

Joanna and I riding horses on the very same mountains Tim and I hiked up. Gorgeous views.

Late summer 2009 Denzil, Tony and Paul came to stay. What fun that was playing Uno and drinking on the patio. Especially fun making a crown for my queen. The highlight being a day on the beach at Sitges. They came again in 2014.

This Easter 2011 my American friend Gerry was over to Spain to see his old ma' who lives in the neighbouring town Reus. We all went for dinner, he came to stay for the night and the following day we went to Mora, which is old stomping ground.

A few years ago now I went to my house with Miss (with camera). During the holiday we went to visit some friends who live down south near Valencia - Paul and James.

The Motley Crew; Liz, David T and Frances...probably the best laugh I've had with folks at my house. Hilarious.

Mr Neil A. caught me out with the sprinkler!

Other lovely friends that have enjoyed my house are Janet & James, Lorraine, James S, Stevie C, Leon, Rob and Annette, Rob and Sue, Hoxton John, Liz, Fareena, Myla, Gill, Charlie and James, Myla and D & Maud. 

Who wants to come next? lol