Sunshine and happiness

They say it's the small things that matter.. Today these small things are tipping my happiness scales..

1. Hot sun warming my tired limbs

2. The grasses in the meadow bending and nodding happily in the breeze

3. The smell of suncream reminding me of holidays past

Ham House

When the sun is shining and you have a few hours free (and you're in striking distance of South West London) then you couldn't do better than head for Ham House on the banks of the Thames, just beyond Richmond.  Built in the 17th century, it was the wife of Lord Lauderdale, Elizabeth Murray, who brought the gardens to life with a combination of hard work and vision.  The National Trust now have custody of both the house and garden, and I have to say that whenever I visit it always feels like a house that was once a home.  The kitchen gardens have now been restored, as has the French Parterre Garden and once you've been round the house and garden, you can have a wonderful stroll along the River Thames, either towards Teddington Lock or Richmond town.

{French garden, wisteria, back view of house}

{wildflower meadow and kitchen garden}

{lemon trees, hidden gems in the garden}

{benches and tuips}



Wednesday Words - Still and Quiet

Slow buds the pink dawn like a rose
From out night's gray and cloudy sheath;
Softly and still it grows and grows,
Petal by petal, leaf by leaf.
~Author Unknown

There is something uniquely precious about early mornings.  From time to time I go through bouts of sleeplessness and I find myself wandering the house in the early hours.  In the summer months I often take myself outside and sit in the garden and watch the dawn break and the world begin to come alive.  The air feels different and there is a tangible air of possibility that I don't feel if I wake at the normal time.  It feels like a gift to open, like a flower, petal by petal, to reveal the secret inside. 

5 Things you didn't know about an Avocado

Over the years there has been lots of conflicting information (advice?) about avocados.  They're full of fat, bad fat, good fat.  I've always loved them and am currently enjoying a resurgence of avocado inspired dishes and if you're in any doubt about their nutritional benefits read on...

1. Protein

Avocadoes provide all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, avocado protein is readily absorbed by the body because avocadoes also contain fibre.

2. Beneficial Fats

Avocadoes provide the healthy kind of fat that your body needs. Like olive oil, avocadoes boost levels of HDL (the "good" cholesterol). HDL cholesterol can help protect against the damage caused by free radicals. This type of cholesterol also helps regulate triglyceride levels, preventing diabetes.

3. Carotenoids

Avocadoes are an excellent source of carotenoids. Although many people associate carotenoids only with red and orange produce, avocadoes are also an excellent source of this phytonutrient. Avocadoes, also known as alligator pears, offer a diverse range of carotenoids including not only the better known ones such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein, but also lesser known varieties of this type of phytonutrient such as neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, neochrome, beta-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin. Every time you consume foods rich in carotenoids, you deliver high quality vitamin A to your body, thereby protecting eye health. Carotenoids also enhance the functioning of the immune system and promote healthy functioning of the reproductive system. Since carotenoids are fat soluble, eating avocadoes optimizes the absorption of these nutrients.

4.Anti-Inflammatory

The combined effect of the deluxe package of nutrients contained in avocadoes offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Avocadoes' unique combination of Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids helps guard against inflammation. This means avocadoes can help prevent or mitigate against both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Heart Health

The fat content, which causes some uninformed health "experts" to deem avocadoes as unhealthy, actually provides protection against heart diseases. Studies have shown that oleic acid improves cardiovascular health. Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid in avocadoes. Many people now take supplements in order to consume more omega-3 fatty acids to lower their risk of heart disease. Avocadoes are rich in omega-3, delivering 160 milligrams per cup of alpha-linolenic acid.

When choosing your avocados avoid over-ripe fruits.  The skin should give slightly when gently pressed and there should be no dents in the skin.  The most nutrients are found close to the skin, so make sure you scrape this bit out to get maximum benefit.  I hope I've convinced you to eat more of this delicious fruit; my favourite start to the day is toasted sourdough with half an avocado smooshed on top, with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.  For more avocado inspired dishes have a look at these:

 

       * Grilled avocado on toast

 

                        * Avocado and feta wrap

 

Spinach and pomegranate salad with avocado

 

 

Asparagus, snap pea and avocado pasta

 

Avocado gelato

 

all images via: Martha Stewart

House Envy

I don't normally hanker after houses in the city, after all I live in one; but this one happens to be just around the corner to where I live and I certainly wouldn't mind swopping - it's the garden that really gets me...

 What a beautiful space.  I love the way the garden is reflected in the greens and creams used in the living space so that it flows seamlessly.  One day....

Wednesday Words - Stop!

When I saw this last week it really resonated with me.  Why is it that we allow ourselves to be brought down by resentful and bitter people?  I guess we all want to be liked and it hurts when someone treats you badly, but hey, that's their stuff.  Not mine.  I'm going to keep this little bit of wisdom in the forefront of my mind when dealing with people that are clearly only in it for themselves...

Book Crossing for beginners

I first came across Book Crossing via a friend some years ago but have recently rediscovered its merits.  The premise is that you leave a book in a public place for someone else to find and read.  Each book that you 'send' out into the world on its travels has a unique code that you log on the Book Crossing site.  The person that finds the book then records it, reads it and leaves it somewhere else for someone else to find.  The book can be tracked on all its travels as long as people who find it remember to log on.  It's such a fantastic idea.  Apart from the thrill of seeing where your book has ended up, it's a great way to share books that you no longer want or need; So now I can see a way to get rid of all these...

So, what will my first book be and where shall I leave it I wonder?  Has anyone else done this and if so, what was the furthest that your book travelled? 

Just a thought...

"You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single day. So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence. Let the words run through your veins and let the colours fill your mind." (unknown)

Wednesday Words - Dreams

You know that time when you know you've got to make some decisions about 'life'?  Decisions that could be, will be life-changing in some form or other?  Well, I guess I'm pretty much at that point at the moment; some big career decisions to make and some big personal decisions to make too.  It's kinda exciting but scary all at the same time...For the last year or so I've been dreaming of making certain changes to my life, some of them big, some of them not so big.  Those dreams have taken on a hue of radiance that has begun to shine bigger and brighter and suddenly, those dreams are turning into possible plans...I wonder where they will lead me?

 

Have you turned any dreams into plans?  How did it work out?  I'd love to know...

images: source here

50 Things to do to on a bank holiday

The National Trust are worried about the number of children that are sofa-bound and addicted to computer games or the tv.  Their reponse has been to come up with a number of things that they think every child should try before they're 11 3/4.  It's a great list and whilst I was reading it I thought that actually, nevermind being a list for children, it's a great list for the child-within-the-adult.  Who's not been and had a sneaky go on the swing when no-one's looking? Or jumped in a puddle just for sheer pleasure?  Well the UK has got a long weekend coming up and even the weather's looking promising, so, off you go and indulge your inner child this weekend with some of these activities....

* Climb a tree
* Skim a stone
* Roll down a really big hill
* Dam a stream
* Make a daisy chain
* Jump over waves
* Walk on the grass barefoot
* Climb a huge hill
* Find some frogspawn
* Swim in the sea (wild swimming!)
* Cook on a campfire
* Play poo sticks

Which one will you do?  Let me know on comments or by following sazpaz1 on Twitter #fifty things.  For a full list of the activities click here.

Have fun!

May Moodboard

I love the month of May.  For me it heralds the start of warmer weather, lighter evenings and it holds a promise of things to come.  Here's some of the things I'm dreaming of doing/eating this May.

1. Pink and Pretty from Chanel
2. Mediterranean style cannelloni bean salad
3. Balcony life and  Parisian living
4.  Al-fresco eating
5. White asparagus and parma ham appetisers
6. Planting up a herb box
7. Fresh scented candles for summer
8. Soft neutrals and Like Linen by Essie
9. Laduree treats (just because we can!)

Spring Salads

 

 I'm just beginning to think about leaving behind the thick comforting food of winter in favour of lighter ingredients that are sustaining but dance a little easier on the palate.  I recently came across this healthy chopped salad recipe that ticked all the boxes...protein in the chicken and chickpeas, good fats in the avocado and peppers, lettuce and sweetcorn for crunch and colour.  I made enough to pack away in small mason jars to take to work for lunch...

What are your seasonal transition dishes?

Sunday snacks

Hot off the griddle.. Crostini, asparagus and feta with thyme and black pepper! You know you want to!!

Fun for Friday - Cats on bikes

Yes, this is for real.  A bicycle courier in Philadelphia took his cat on his shoulder whilst he made his deliveries..and filmed it. 

Hope this makes you smile on this very wet Friday!  Happy weekend...xox

Lust Have - Jo Malone Roses Cologne

It's all coming up roses for Jo Malone's new take on the classic rose fragrance that came out in 1996.  Made from seven exquisite roses, with a hint of violet and lemon Charlotte Stockdale has reinvented it for the 21st century with a visual makeover.  This Limited Edition by Charlotte Stockdale is one of only 300 bottles, handpainted and numbered as part of the limited collection. 

They are available exclusively from Selfridges London, Selfridges Manchester Exchange and Selfridges.com for £120. 

Capsule Wardrobe - French style

French women have a just reputation for being chic, sophisticated and well-turned-out; even if they're just wearing a pair of jeans and a classic white shirt, they have that je ne sais quoi that women the world over envy and want to emulate. So, when Vogue Paris ran an article on a list of the simple ten essentials that most French woman have, I couldn't get hold of it quickly enough.  I was slightly worried that it would contain elements that would be beyond my budget but the following pieces of clothing can be worn whatever your age and can be bought on any budget.  So here goes...

* Le Chemise Blanc
A basic white shirt is a must - maybe one shorter in cotton and then a longer line silk one to wear over trousers in the evenings.

*Le Jean
Everyone needs a good pair of jeans and the French wear them faded and straight, although I like the skinny look.  Buy whatever you can afford and there are a myriad of brands out there, Current Elliot is the Vogue Paris brand du jour.

*Le Trench
Let's face it, a good trench coat will take you anywhere and a classic from Burberry is a lifetime investment.

*Les Ballerines
Ballerina pumps are an everyday staple.  They walk to work, they hit the town, they work, whatever.  A pair in black and then a coloured pair too (I'm currently coveting this pair in coral).

*Le Cachemire
Cashmere is all about luxury, warmth, comfort and you'll need one of these in soft grey; round neck or V-neck, it's the cut that counts.

*La Petite Robe Noir
Every wardrobe should contain a trusty LBD.  Wear it anywhere, for any occasion.  Dress it up, dress it down.  Heels or flats.  You decide.

*Les Escarpins Noir
Ok, so we've done the ballet flats, now it's the turn of the skyscraper heel. Drop-dead sexy, classic and high, very high.  You cannot go wrong with black patent Laboutins.  As soon as you put them on your legs look longer, you feel more confident, your stride more sexy and strut-worthy.  As for the aches and pains of pinched toes and burning foot pads, ach, no gain without pain, yes?

*Le Tank Top
A classic t-shirt needs no introduction.  Keep it free of logos and colour; white is your t's best colour and sleeveless, so that your blazer fits as it should.  As soon as it starts going grey, bin and buy another.

*Le Pantalon de Smoking
Aka the cigarette pants - in black of course.  It ranks up there with the LBD; never leave home without them.

So, which item of clothing gets your vote?  What's your go-to piece, I'd love to know?

Fiction Friday - The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 

 

A mesmorising and moving debut novel that interweaves the past and present of a young woman,Victoria,  who has a love and gift of flowers.  She uses her knowledge of the Victorian definitions of flowers to enable her to communicate and help others, in their loves and losses, dreams and aspirations, even whilst she battles to come to terms with her own difficult past in the foster-care system.  As she learns more about plants and their hidden messages she begins to compile her own plant dictionary 'Victoria's Dictionary' - click here to download her dictionary.  I really loved this book.  I now am much more careful about buying flowers for myself and others, making sure I'm giving the right message!

 

Having just bought myself some Ranunculus I was relieved to read that it means you are radiant with charms.  Take a look at the dictionary - what flowers would you send and why?

 



Life Lessons

 

 

I recently came across this as I was coasting the internet...I don't know if a 90 year-old really came up with this list, but it's got some worthwhile things to say that bear reflection.

45 Life Lessons, written by a 90 year old

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for things that matter.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye… But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful.  Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to be happy.  But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose Life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give Time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

 

Which of these speaks to you?

Eating for Comfort (2)

I'd always intended to write a second follow-up post to Eating for Comfort (1) but I've had so many people sharing their views and favourite foods that I'm doing it earlier than I'd initially planned.  Thank you to everyone who has shared their favourite comfort food recipes (especially Wadds - I hope this second post hits the spot!)  Comfort food has to do just that, comfort.  That means hearty dense food, usually with some form of carbs, high on flavour, foods that literally fill your mouth with bulk; foods that have connotations with childhood, forbidden foods and certainly foods that wouldn't necessarily be considered the 'healthy option'.

Now, this particular comfort food didn't make the first cut and I've no idea why as it's a staple in our house, in our family actually.  It's the dish that my kids always ask for and the food that my Mum invariably serves the first night we go back to visit.  It is of course  Mince and Dumplings! (fanfare please!)

When it comes to comfort eating, this dish is spot on; a rich, meaty filling, topped by crispy dumplings.  Now I know that suet isn't exactly diet food, but when it comes to eating for comfort that's totally the point isn't it?  Some people like their dumplings gooey and dense, but in our family we like them browned and crispy on the top, soft and doughy underneath.  Served with mashed potato to soak up the meaty juices, this really is king of the comfort food castle.

Ok.  Next on the hit list is another favourite of mine - altho' slightly contentious at the moment I do agree, but I can't bring myself to apologise for it -   I'm talking about Corned Beef Hash. 

Now I know it doesn't look great (but comfort food is all about the taste, not the look - yes?) and it ticks all the comfort boxes.  Salty corned beef combined with caramelised onions and buttery mashed potato.  I like to mix mine all together and put into a frying pan and leave until a crust has formed on the underneath.  Sometimes I flip a fried egg on top, or baked beans, or if I'm in a real hurry it's just a dollop of tomato ketchup and I'm done. 

Now us northerners have a habit of eating strange foods that other folk shun - I'm talking black pudding, tripe, pigs trotters, ears and cheeks, and this next cut of meat for some reason falls into this bracket - pork belly.  It's an undersung hero, I promise you.  People are put off by the level of fat, but what they don't realise is, that it's this very fat that makes this dish so delicious.  Cooked slowly pork belly is rich, indulgent and a party for the tastebuds.  We often have slabs of this meat, slow cooked, then the crackling crisped at the end as a Sunday dinner but I've recently discovered this way of cooking those thin slices of belly - on a bed of potatoes - and it is quite simply a culinary hug on a plate.

 

  I always rub the pork with Chinese Five Spice which gives it a real depth of flavour, almost aniseedy.  I place them on a bed of potatoes, white and sweet potatoes, doused in garlic oil.  Roast and eat greedily, straight from the tin.

This next dish is a British classic, but with a twist.  I know few sad people that aren't instantly cheered up by a serving of hot chips, salted and sprinkled with vinegar.  Fish and Chips is the go-to instant supper, lunch and anytime snack for most of us.  Not for me.  Sadly, the only fish I can go near are the ones zipping between my toes in the Med so when you guys hit the fish, I go for the battered pineapple ring.  Yes.  You heard right.  Hear me out.  The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the crispy savoury batter is a match made in heaven.  Add to that the soft potato chip and you're onto a winner.  Try it if you don't believe me.  I don't make this.  Only a fish shop will do (if it serves pineapple rings).

Next up are puds....hmmmn...sticky toffee, apple crumble, trifle, bread and butter pud...  What would make your hit list?

Beautiful things

1. Waders scurrying to beat the waves..

2. The salty smell of seaweed drifting on the breeze...

3. A warmth to the sun as it fights through the clouds..