A New York State of mind.

New York gets under your skin and in to your blood. It is truly all consuming.

Spending precious time in New York has not only led to some serious withdrawal symptoms but to more of an obsession about what it would be like to live and work there, and I’m totally serious.

The streets just excrete energy. A mass of noise, smells, people, cabs and food stalls on every corner. The fashions move so fast it’s hard to keep up. Absolutely nothing goes unnoticed, from the perfectly matched brightly coloured gym gear to dogs wearing caps and converse trainers.... no really, that happened. No amount of Sex and the City can prepare you for the whirlwind of edgy bars, multinational eateries and designer boutiques. You just have to step in to the flow and let the city take you.

New York offers itself to every mood and occasion. The Meatpacking district for cocktails, the West Village for bakeries, Soho for shopping, Rockefeller for views and Central Park for peace and quiet. There are endless opportunities, and all on your doorstep. Seek and you will find.

There are many comparisons I could make between NYC and London. They both have an overwhelming amount of culture, class and style. What I do know, however, that if it’s Cosmopolitans you're after New York wins hands down.

"The present in New York is so powerful that the past is lost"

"Start spreadin' the news, I'm leaving today (well tuesday afternoon) I want to be a part of it: New York, New York."

If London has insomnia then New York must quite frankly be positively tripping. How on earth do you prepare for New York? Just having a St Tropez spray tan is simply not going to cut it. I'm talking about serious prep. Training the body to sleep less, carbo loading on relentless - you know, that kind of thing?

I have pages of recommendations - underground bars, rooftop parks, my head is spinning just at the thought of it all.

Long has this been the dream. The big apple. Apparently so 'in the now' that events last week are already out of fashion. But there are big expectations to live up to, I mean I truly believe that London is one of the greatest cities in the world, a global boomtown, described as both shiny and gritty. So what to expect from New York? Does it have the upper edge on food, fashion and fun? In just 3 days, 2 hours and 44 minutes I will be on my way to find out.

"If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere,
Come on come through, New York, New York"

"Don't wait for an extraordinary night, make one."

Hello Bloggersphere. Firstly, my sincere apologies for the absence over last few months - new job, new house and all the rest. What is important is that I am ready to launch in to 2012 all guns blazing.....and this Year is set to be a good one. Skiing at Les Arcs in February, New York in May and of course the London Olympic Games over summer. Whoa, hold on tight.

So usually, I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions but this year I have just one, and this one is inspired from the book and film, 'Yes Man'. Now, typically I’m not one to miss out, but this year I have decided to say 'yes' just that extra bit more. Test me.

For those of you who have not seen the new Smirnoff crazy nights advert, watch and be inspired. It's Brilliant. In essence it highlights how important your friends are in shaping who you are and what you do. “These are my people, this is my crowd.” Everybody is different and it’s the sum of those differences that takes something from ordinary to extraordinary.

So... my advice to you (in the words of Smirnoff) ''Don't wait for an extraordinary night, make one.''