A slow Wednesday after a rushed start to the week. I’m a big believer in slowing down when and if you can. Today I took a moment, brewed myself a cup of coffee, got all the cookbooks out, ate a piece of toast with raspberry confiture, and thought about this year. I have a good feeling, I must say. I feel hopeful about what’s to come ~ inspired and motivated to proceed with all the dreams I’ve had…
While I rang in the New Year as everyone else did I mentally listed things that I wanted to quit, learn, start, stop, be. As I listed my intentions, I got saddened by the things I had at the top of my list for the past years but never achieved. But then I thought about the things that I was committed to leaving behind. One of those was the fear of loneliness. I think the thought came…
I think I’m going through some kind of life crisis - I’m stressed, anxious and super happy, all at the same time. Content but completely discontent, like I have some kind of bipolarity running through my veins. Clearly, I don’t, but I feel so split in all my feelings at the moment. Not sure if it’s the Christmas period and the underlying duality I have towards THIS particular festive season. Although I’ve really tried to make the holiday…
A couple of weeks ago we headed to Northumberland in the UK one of the most beautiful places in England. Rolling countryside in one of the most amazing national parks. Hikes, family time, dogs and good food was on the agenda. The first day we hiked into the little village of Bellingham and eat some Northumberland pastries. The second day we headed to Hexham scavenging the antique shops, and oh my did we find some beautiful items. From…
My go-to dessert is this beautiful no-bake cheesecake made with yoghurt, white chocolate and thyme. The yoghurt really freshens up the heaviness associated with cheesecakes. It is a recipe inspired by my friend Natalie who used to make the most delicious white chocolate iced cheesecake with Oreos. I've never been able to master it, probably because she's the most amazing baker, so thought I'd try my own take on Natalie's cheesecake. It is one of those desserts perfect…
Admittedly, I have never been one for Halloween. I dislike commercialisation, buying things just for the sake of buying things. But, the end of October is also a great time for buying pumpkins and squash - using them for decoration and then making a meal out of them! As mine are still decorating the mantelpiece, I thought I would share my top squash recipes that I've collected over the years and a good playlist whilst you have a…
Today I wandered around the house, looking at things. I opened a few cupboards and drawers. Took out some old books. Many had waveys pages, damaged by water and heat, but symbolised the many places the books have been and seen. Hundreds of books tucked away in drawers, on shelves, behind cupboard curtains. Some forgotten, some stacked neatly out in the open for everyone to view and admire. It struck me that nearly all the books I have…
Oh this week! This week! It has been one filled with too many ups and downs. Hospital visit on Sunday after stepping on a rusty nail, work in Edinburgh and running between beautiful old buildings (whilst the rain was pouring down) and some very exciting publication news (still secret!). Autumn is well and truly here. The colours on the trees have changed and I feel the need to let myself slow down as well. But I must confess…
After a couple of weeks of feeling really meehhh about my creativity, writing and DIY-ing, I decided to just let go and stop overthinking what I should and should not share on the blog. I think the internal blockage came from this idea that all pictures and all the content that I share has to be styled and perfect. But then I started to think differently about the blog and the purpose it serves, for me and for…
This week we're down in North Yorkshire looking after Patrick's family home - a Georgian farmhouse filled with antiques, curiosa and mixed patterns and colours. What I specifically love about the house is that it neither eschew nor fully embraces any single period; the interior is a mélange of Classical allusion, Napoleon III inspiration and odd pieces passed down in the family for generations. Some rooms are painted in lime green, another pink contrasted with bold stripes and…