iphone

I know, I know, I know. I am so behind the times--just now jumping on the iPhone bandwagon. There is nothing that I can say that hasn't been said before about Apple's magic little device. However, Phoebe the Phone has seamlessly integrated into my daily life-making it that much easier.

The only downside about this upgrade, is that I am slightly nostalgic for my Nokia--purchased in India an and lacking in everything technologically advanced. This slight detail seemed to pale in comparison the the abundance of personality. With a ringtone straight out of bollywood and hindi letters on the keypad, it was a true original.

Little Nokia is, as I like to say, an antique. A relic representing the ingenuity of generations passed. It is also one of those items, where people can be heard to say, "they don't make them like that anymore" The sturdy little Nokia has given way to the flashy, sleek iPhone. But one day, the iPhone too will be demoted and the Nokia will just snicker at her fall from grace. I can't help but feel a little cheap for the trade in, so this is my homage to Nokia, to be retired to the comfort of my bedside drawer.

Living a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget—when even beer seems expensive can be beyond frustrating for a lady about town like myself. London in particular seems to position itself firmly against my efforts—being one of the world’s most notoriously costly cities. I try to liken my financial situation to a bohemian chic – eating organic raspberries, two days old and on offer at the grocery while sipping bottles of flat bubbly water…

But alas, my keen eye for deals and superior taste (self awarded of co

urse) has brought me to find some of the best deals in and around this urban metropolis. With a little lipstick and a pair of heels, I blissfully play the role of someone with far more cash to spend and write off my no-name faux designer bag as being too posh for labels (atleast, I hope that is what they think)

It also helps that I have some friends from designmynight.com that keep me in the loop for hot events and drinks specials at places I can usually only dream of being able to afford (or only ordering tap water). They got a tip about the D&D group and decided to give one of their venues a try--thankfully inviting me along.

Our evening started at Meza, in soho and we were excited to try some of the swish cocktails. Although the drinks looked devine, they started at about £8—eh, a little pricey. Never fear, tips from designmynight.com friends pointed to a £5 offer http://www.danddlondon.com/offers/offers. So.this enabled us to sip on a delightful Bombay cooler topped with a blackberry (which, for the record as not two days old) and cast an eye over the crowd. The atmosphere didn’t boast anything, well, special—what it did do was have a number of comfortable sofas and a delightful cocktail waitress who was equally as appalled as us by the tonsil hockey that as taking place on the adjacent sofa (well before anyone was drunk enough to find this behavior acceptable). The other cool thing about this bar was, in addition to the online offer, they have a classic cocktail list for all all drinks <£5 before 9 o'clock. Defiantly drinkonomical!

The night continued downstairs to Floridita, which picks up where Meza missed out-beautiful Cuban atmosphere, décor and stylish crowd. Although the vouchers weren’t valid at this night hot spot, we had lubricated ourselves enough on the five pounders upstairs to justify a splurge on an amazing French 75 for the lady and a Dark n’ Stormy for the gentleman. My second drink was a reasonably priced sparkling rose—delicious. By this point, we were blissfully drunk enough to march ourselves back in time to make the last tube. This is where I justify taking mass transport as being eco-friendly and not having anything to do with the fact that cabs are way out of the budget. For now atleast.

For more tips on fab nights out in London, visit my friends at www.designmynight.com