Wednesday Words - On Underwear

Something frivolous, because sometimes that's exactly what the Dr ordered...

 

Your granny was right!

 

 

A Little bit of Life Lately

 

You know when Life sometimes gets in the way of itself?  When one domino goes and before you know it you're picking up the pieces of the entire line?  That's how life's been for me over the last few months as I've encountered family crisis after crisis, so apologies for such little activity on the blog.  To be honest, life lately has mainly been about hospital appointments, visiting in hospitals, getting results in hospitals but in the midst of that there has been a trip to the beach; a night 'on the toon'; and a trip to a flea market.  Here's hoping that things can only get better...

The Sage, Gateshead, Sir Norman Foster's amazing creation

How I love this bridge 

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and a wonderful gallery wall at Gusto Newcastle

The fabulous roof at Tynemouth Station, now a listed building and home to one of the most vibrant markets in the North East.

Tynemouth Longsands

Black and White prints from a talented photographer with a stall at Tynemouth market.

Gorgeous teacups, a steal at £10 for 6
(another market find)
 

Lust Have - Mulberry Suffolk

My love of Mulberry is well-known and I was eagerly waiting for the unveiling of their new Spring/Summer 2014 Collection at London Fashion Week.  I wasn't disappointed either with their Autumn/Winter Campaign shoot, the location, the whimsical props and of course the launch of a new bag that's bound to take it's place amongst other Mulberry iconics - the Mulberry Suffolk.

Available in a range of gorgeous colourways, it features a vintage inspired structured frame top that harks back to the era of very proper English handbags.  In fact, it reminds me greatly of a bag that my grandmother had when I was growing up, and she was very proper and very English and very tea on the lawn with the best silver! All good connotations for me.  This bag has the usual signature postman's lock and can be worn either over the shoulder, as it has a detachable strap, or in the hand.  The expected attention to detail can be seen from every angle and is joining my ever-growing wish list of Mulberry bags.

Okay, swooning put aside for now, let's just have a quick look at their Campaign shoot for Autumn/Winter.  Held at Shotover House in Oxfordshire, it demanded a real tree to be constructed within a large and grand drawing room and was perfectly delivered by Shona Heath, set designer.  They used real owls to help Cara Delevigne showcase the new collection and it's just quite simply, stunning.

How breathtaking is this?  Have you been following London Fashion Week?  What's been your favourites?

All images, Mulberry

My Digital Day

We all spend so much time at our computers, whether it be a laptop perched on said lap, or ensconced at a desk, that I thought it would be interesting to track what I did in a day...So here goes

I clicked on Mulberry's Agenda refills for my adored organiser and bought two lots.  Downloaded Kim Caterall talking about her new play on Women's Hour R4.  I also watched How to be a Powerful Woman which is where powerlister woman  share their experiences, advice and philosophy for a successful working life....I clicked voyeuristically on Kate Bosworth's wedding pictures in Martha Stewart's Real Weddings section (I know!  I didn't say it would all be intellectual....)and downloaded two books for my kindle The Sea Sisters and The Shaman in Stilletos.  As the day went on I did an on-line grocery shop and caught up on a couple of blogs, The Free People and Pure Vegetarian by Lakshmi which always has THE most divine foody shots ever.  Somehow, in between that lot, I did some work and got on with life away from the computer...

What 's your digital go-to?

image source1

Blueberry Lemonade

 

I love blueberries.  The contrast of textures, from firm skin to soft squashy flesh; the colour that leaks and stains and I'll eat them in, on anything, as well as by the handful from the fridge.  So when I saw this recipe recently it was a new way to enjoy.  So here's what you need to make a drink that you can sip as the summer days grow shorter...

 

Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice (6 to 8 whole lemons)
2/3 cup caster sugar
2 pints blueberries, pureed and strained (use a muslin or just strain through a fine seive)
1/2 cup St Germain (elderflower liqueur)
2 cups sparkling wine
ice
garnish:
fresh blueberries

Directions:
1. Place lemon juice, sugar and 3 cups water into a pitcher and stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add blueberries, elderflower liqueur and refrigerate.
3. When ready to serve, top with sparkling wine, ice and fresh blueberries. Stir and serve.

 

 

 

Easy huh!  I might serve this with my griddled peach and burrata crostini's..

 

images: here

Musical bequests

Just of late I've been thinking a lot about mortality and how life as you know it can change on the flip of a coin; the things that you take for granted gone, or changed irrevocably.  This train of thought led me to thinking quite a lot about my childhood and memories that I cherish.  Then one day in the car I was listening to a radio programme where Caroline Quentin was talking about two pieces of music - one that she inherited from her mother and one that she wants to bequeath to her own children.  It was a very moving piece and got me thinking along the same lines and I asked myself the questions...what music did my parents pass on that has resonance for me and what would I like to leave my children?  This is what I came up with:

Whenever I hear this rag, I'm transported back to summer evenings in our childhood home in Newcastle.  We had a piano in our front room and both my parents and my sister and I played.  I actually hated my piano practise, but enjoyed the fun of playing duets with my mum.  My overriding memory of these summer evenings is of lying in bed listening to my dad playing Scott Joplin rags into the evening as the sun went down.  The Maple Leaf Rag was one of his favourites and he practised it over and over to get it right.  Occasionally I'd creep down the stairs and sit on the bottom step watching my Dad play, the late evening sun glancing off the windows and I'd watch the dust dance in its warm haze.  Somehow, the music and the proximity of my parents, coupled with warm summer nights, made me feel secure and ensconced in family love.  I remember drifting off to sleep with the piano music drifting under my door.  I've never felt as cocooned in love and security as I did then.

What would I choose to leave to my children? I have agonised over this actually - should it be classical? should it be trendy? Will they cringe over my music choices?  What message do I want to give them through the music?  After much deliberation I came up with this:

I love this track unapologetically!  It reminds me of being a teenager; full of dreams and hopes; full of certainty and aspirations. Now when I listen to it, it continues to instil in me that flicker of desire, an anticipation of good things to come; for me it's a reminder that no matter how dark the clouds, the sun is always shining above them.  I hand this over to my children to remind them that no matter what life throws at you, there is always hope, there is always sunshine to be found and there is most definitely always a blue sky somewhere... 

I'd love to know what music you've inherited and what you'd pass on to others?

Summer Nibbles ~ Griddled Peach and Burrata Crostini

 I was wandering round my local supermarket recently and came across Burrata.  I naively thought it was just 'posh' mozzarella which I guess in a sense it is, but boy is it delicious!  It hails from the Puglia region of Italy and is produced from Buffalo milk, rennet and cream.  Burrata means buttered in Italian which gives a good indication of how it tastes.  At first glance it looks like a normal ball of mozzarella, the casing is firm to the touch, however, when you break into it, it's interior is soft and gooey with stringy curd and cream.  If you're a lover of mozzarella, ricotta, marscopone and the like, you'll LOVE this cheese. 

So, to the recipe.  I'm often disappointed by the flavour of peaches.  Usually because they're not locally produced and have been ripened en-route from some far-flung land; this recipe then encourages the flavours to blossom and if you're lucky enough to find peaches that sing with flavour then this will taste even better:

 

You'll need:

Olive oil

French baguette or sourdough loaf

1 bunch basil

2 balls burrata

4 peaches, sliced

4oz thinly sliced prosciutto

salt/pepper

balsamic vinegar

 

To make:

1.  Slice bread and brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

2.  Place under grill, turning until golden both sides

3. Brush your sliced peaches with a little oil and place on a hot griddle (this ensures you get those lovely lines) turning as necessary.

4.  Assemble by topping each crostini first with basil leaves, peach, a tablespoon of burrata and a thin slice of prosciutto.

 

I like to drizzle balsamic over the top and maybe a bit more freshly ground pepper.  Serve with a very cold glass of prosecco.

 

 

 

What are your favourite summer nibbles? 

 

images: 1,3,4,5,6; 2

The art of letter writing - Wednesday Words

...is pretty much dead no?  When did you last receive a proper letter? By proper I mean one that was written by a friend or family, telling you their news, asking about yours.  When did you last send a letter or a card just because you could?  I expect, like me, it was sometime ago.  But isn't there something just lovely and touching about receiving a hand-written letter? There's an intimacy present because someone has taken the time and effort to think of you and put their thoughts on paper. Phone calls are a great way to stay in touch and in this rapidly developing world of social media we have facebook, twitter and numerous other on-line communication channels, but still nothing beats a good old letter, wouldn't you say?  A letter can be read, re-read, poured over, treasured, stored in your bag, carried with you, wrapped in ribbon and placed in a special box. 

 

If like me, you love collecting stationary, then letter-writing becomes even more pleasurable.  My problem however, is that I hoard those pretty cards and gorgeous papers.  I can't seem to let go!  One of my resolutions this summer (see last year's list)  was to clear out my desk and organise the notelets, cards and papers and USE them.  I have a lovely collection of pens too, so I guess it's time to put them all to use...I even have some stamps ready to go...

 

Here are some little tips to help you on your way...

* vintage tips to letter writing

 

*the lost art of letter writing

 

*Debrett's guide to writing letters

 

and finally this video...

 

 

 

Who did you last write a letter to?  I'd love to hear...

 

 

Lazy days and beach blankets

So goes the title of the latest addition to my ever-growing cookery book collection.  As with all Rylands, Peters and Small books, it's beautifully photographed and presented and as the name suggests is full of recipes for picnics, barbeques and outdoor meals of pretty much every description.  I read it as others would read a novel.  Anyway, having just recieved it last week, I've already made two things from it and both were easy and delicious.  The first was a stuffed picnic loaf, which I took on a picnic funnily enough!  Chocka with roasted veg and creamy goats cheese, it's a healthy alternative to the mayo-loaded sarnies I usually go for.  Then, for our evening meal I made a Turkish salad (a variant on Taboulah salad) and it was so refreshing that I know it's going to become a staple.  I made double quantities too, so we're definitely going to be eating it all this week!

I don't know about you but when I see all these lovely pics in food magazines of beautifully presented picnics  I'm all enthused, but the reality is I often can't be bothered with the faff of it all.  This stuffed picnic loaf is pretty easy as I just chopped all my veg and put it in the oven for half an hour (recipe recommended using stove top griddle)  However, don't do what I did (fall asleep!) or you'll end up having to do it all over again...

Stuffed Picnic Loaf

Ingredients:

1 round loaf

2 courgettes sliced thinly lengthwise (I used a cheese slicer for this)

2 red onions sliced into wedges

2 red peppers

1tbsp olive oil

1tbsp basil pesto

goats cheese

Method:

1. Cut a lid off the top of the loaf and carefully scoop all the bread from the inside. (retain bread and make crumbs and freeze)

2.  Mix the oil and pesto together and brush around the inside of the loaf

3.  Preheat the oven to 190c and place your veg on the middle shelf

4. Layer roasted veg in the loaf; the middle layer should be the goats cheese; top layer more veg

5. Replace the lid on the loaf, wrap in cling and sandwich between two plates, topping with a weight or a tin and leave in the fridge overnight.

You could fill your loaf with other things eg salami, tomato and mozarella...

Kisir Salad

This Turkish salad uses bulgar wheat - although I used a mixture of bulgar and couscous which worked really well.

Ingredients:

160g of bulgar wheat

1 large bunch of flat leaf parsley

half a cucumber finely chopped

4 large tomatoes, skins removed, finely chopped

1tsp cumin

pinch of chilli flakes

olive oil

1tbsp pomegranate juice or syrup

Method:

1. Soak your wheat and couscous for recommended time

2.  Finely chop all other ingredients and combine in a bowl with your dressing ingredients.

3.  Add the bulgar wheat and stir until well mixed

4. Serve at room temperature

I think next time I might well add some pine nuts, or hazlenuts, just for some added texture and crunch.

 Then all that's left, is to take your picnic along to the nearest river/beach/park and enjoy....

images:1,2,5

5 (easy) DIY projects for summertime inspiration

I think we all need a creative outlet now and then, whether it be writing a daily journal, cooking and baking, or creating a beautiful watercolour.  From time to time I get the urge to 'make' something and I often turn to my pinterest page 'crafty' for ideas.  Here are some of my current favs...

1.  Rose petal ice-cubes - how gorgeous are these.  Guaranteed to make your summertime drink extra special.

2. How to illustrate in ten steps. I've always wanted to be able to draw.  People say you can learn, but I promise you, so far I've failed.  Maybe this will help!

3. Gold confetti tumblers  Who wouldn't want to use these for a summer cocktail.  Easy to make and very effective.

4.  I used to love making paper mache bowls as I found it very soothing, so when I saw this project making paper mache teacups I couldn't wait to try it.

5. Tray styling is just a fun thing to do.  I hadn't realised, until I saw this tutorial, that you're meant to divide your space into quadrants.  I guess that would work for other areas too...

Megan's, Chelsea

When the days are hot and the nights are balmy, there's nothing better than al-fresco dining and I've found the near-perfect spot only ten minutes away from home;  Megan's in Chelsea.  We trooped up there over the weekend after a very hot and clammy day.  To be honest I wasn't even feeling like going, I was so hot and bothered, and the thought of eating wasn't doing it for me at all.  In fact, I think I was probably a bit grumpy en-route!  Anyway, once inside this unassuming little deli/restaurant, my mood lifted instantly.  The front of house is home to a coffee/deli style eatery, but the real gem lies behind in the courtyard.  Overshadowed by a huge and beautiful oak tree, the small garden is decked out with white hydrangeas, climbers, lots of mirrors and fairylights.  All the tables are covered with blue and white checked cloths with an assortment of mismatched chairs.  The overall effect is just totally magical...

The menu is simple and delicious, but be warned, it's definitely a meat-lovers kind of place.  We had a beautifully tender cote de beouf, served with chips, salad and bearnaise sauce.  Puds were equally delicious; we sampled the chocolate brownie and affogato.  The portions are generous, the wine was thoroughly drinkable and if you're into people watching...well...let's just say I was in heaven.  Perhaps the only criticism would be, that because the garden is so small the tables are very close together, but that's not a problem if you're nosy like me!

So, next time you're in the mood for a bit of al-fresco, head to south west London...it's a real treat.

Champagne Risotto

I love to make a risotto...it's comfort food and stress reliever all rolled into one and this recipe is truly a winner.  I usually like my risotto's to have a couple of ingredients but this works just fine with the champagne and extra parmesan on top.  If you've never made a risotto before, don't be afraid of it...it's actually the one dish I love to cook when I'm feeling stressed out.  The trick is always to use HOT stock and ladle it in bit by bit, not adding more until the liquid has been absorbed.  Stay by the pan and stir, not continuously, but enough to ensure that the rice is moved around and doesn't stick.  Settle your guest(s) by your side, with a glass of champagne of course, and chat whilst you stir. I don't think it gets much better than this...

I would serve this with a really crisp green salad and an Italian dressing.  Mmmmn mnnn....

images: here

Friday Fiction - Sisterland

I first came across Curtis Sittenfeld when I read her novel The American Wife.  I devoured this book practically in one sitting, so lifelike were her characters I completely forgot I was the reader and they were merely characters.  It felt like we were one great big family.  That's the way a good novel should be don't you think?  Anyway, when I read on Good Reads that she'd released a new novel Sisterland I downloaded it in a flash to my trusty Kindle.  I wasn't disappointed.

Identical twins, Kate and Vi live in St Louis.  Vi has developed a career as a psychic medium, whilst Kate has settled into life with two small children.  Both Kate and Vi were born with innate 'senses' that gave them psychic abilities that Vi embraced and Kate renounced.  These abilities enabled them to see the future and others' secrets.  When Vi predicts a large earthquake in St Louis, neither sister was prepared for the overwhelming publicity and intrusion into their lives and both women had to confront the reality of their 'gifts'.  Although Kate has rejected her psychic abilities, a large part of her worries that Vi may be right and in the middle of all the turmoil she falls into bed with the husband of a friend...there is of course some fallout!  I'm not going to tell you anymore...Get it and find out for yourself.  Just make sure that you don't need to be anywhere, do anything, or talk to anyone before you finish it...

Rhubarb and Rose Syrup

Just like the Lilac sugar recipe, this gorgeously fragrant syrup makes good use of things that are around us abundantly at this time of year.  Growing in my back garden are two large, spreading, sprawling climbing roses in cream and damask yellow.  They smell divine and the blooms although they flower for a fairly longish period, once they open they're only good for a few days before my garden is sprinkled with petal confetti.  I always mourned the loss of these flower petals but here is a wonderful use for them...similarly rhubarb.  Can't get enough of it, I love it stewed until just tender in a little sugar and cassis, then stirred into creamy greek yogurt, or accompanying a vanilla panacotta, or just piled high on it's own.  This is a new use for it and one I'll be making and giving  to friends!

You can even use it to make rhubarb/rose bellini's by adding it to prosecco, or pour over ice and add soda...it's up to you...it really is summer in a bottle....

images: here