Hazelnut dreams

Whitney Houston

2012-02-13T18:04:00.001Z

It was so sad to hear about the death of Whitney Houston. In my opinion she really did have one of the greatest voices ever. Just listen to her voice here singing "How will I know" - doesn't it give you goosebumps?

The video clips, recordings and photographs of her towards the end of her life, ravaged by drug abuse are too heartbreaking. I want to remember her like this.

**Boo to greedy corporations like music label Sony who put up the price of her compilation album on iTunes just hours after her death.

2012 Baftas

2012-02-13T10:06:00.001Z

It was so nice to see so many of the the top stars in London for the 2012 Baftas. The best bit of course is the red carpet and all the glamourous dresses. This year it seemed to be a sea of black but these ladies and gents looked wonderful -

Michelle Williams wearing bespoke gown by high street name H&M!!

Long Tux jacket for Brad Pitt

Tilda Swinton (51) looks so elegant wearing Celine

Christina Ricci (32) wearing liquid gold in Givenchy

My favourite look- Fearne Cotton wearing Moschino

Colin Firth wears eco-friendly

Miss Piggy looking wonderful in Versace.

Another long tux jacket.

Velvet jacket worn by War Horse actor Tom Hiddleston

World's best breakfasts

2012-02-12T10:57:00.002Z

Good morning! How about joining me in viewing a small sample of the world's best breakfasts. The full list (top 50) is here. What do you think? I think I would like to try all of them.

To me nothing beats a full English on a Sunday. But I'm biased :)

Scottish breakfast - very similar to the English but with Haggis. Delicious!

French breakfast - magnificent pastries

An Iranian breakfast

A breakfast in the Philippines

A typical German breakfast - black bread, sausage and cheese with coffee.

A super colourful and healthy Hawaiin breakfast

A Welsh breakfast - is Welsh rarebit

A breakfast in the USA - crispy bacon, maple syrup, blueberries and a stack of pancakes. Gorgeous!

An Indian breakfast - Rosemary roast potatoes, banana pepper toast, scrambled tofu, veggie sausage and lentils.

A Hungarian breakfast -Pogácsa.

Estonian breakfast- looks a little bit like Welsh rarebit, doesn't it? I think I need to make a trip over there to find out :)

Spanish breakfast - Pan a la Catalana, or, Pan con tomate. Bread rubbed with fresh garlic, then spread with tomato, drizzled with olive oil and salt and maybe topped with some cheese or sausage or ham.

Swedish breakfast - Pannkakor with fruit

YSP : A gallery without walls

2012-02-11T23:07:00.003Z

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park outside Wakefield, West Yorkshire is an open air gallery set in 500 acres of landscaped parkland. It has a changing exhibition programme and showcases both UK and international artists including Yorkshire's own Barbara Hepworth and and Henry Moore. I think it is wonderful that we have this internationally renowned gallery so close to us, and with free access.

'Sitting' by Sophie Ryder

'Hanging trees' by Andy Goldsworthy

Snowdrops are out!

If I ever win the lottery I'm going to...

2012-02-11T22:50:00.003Z

raise a little family of Highland cows for fun.I fell in love with the cutest, shaggy haired young cow today when we visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Museum. Don't you think they make impressive lawnmowers?

Recipe : Mandarin orange cheesecake

2012-02-11T11:39:00.001Z

I like no-bake desserts that can be made in advance. Cheesecakes are easy to make, taste sinfully delicious and make dinner parties a cinch - no last minute stress involved.
Easy mandarin orange cheesecake
Serves 8-10 people
Ingredients and equipment

23cm springform cake tin
22 digestive biscuits
8 tablespoons melted butter
400g cream cheese
250g mascarpone cheese
120g caster sugar
3 tablespoons milk
184ml pot of double cream
2 teaspoons orange extract
220g jar of mandarin orange segments in natural juice

Method

Crush the biscuits by putting them in a bag and bang with a rolling pin or wooden spoon.
Put the broken biscuit crumbs into a large mixing bowl and stir in the melted butter.
Transfer the mixture into the greased cake tin and press down with the back of a spoon or your hand. Place the biscuit base into the fridge to set for about 30 minutes.
Now you should put the cream cheese, the orange extract, mascarpone cheese, sugar and milk into a the mixing bowl and stir well.
In a separate mixing bowl pour in the double cream and whip until it the same consistency as a thick custard. Fold the double cream into the cheese mixture.
Now remove your cake tin from the fridge, and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the biscuit base.
Decorate the top of the cheesecake with the mandarin orange segments and some flaked chocolate.
Allow to set in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours before serving)

A weekend in February

2012-02-11T01:32:00.000Z

Snow boots

The weekend AND the start of half-term holiday for the boys. We kick started the weekend with the best Fish and Chips in the area. Tomorrow the weather promises to start bright and sunny so I hope we can go for a nice 4 mile walk and wander around the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

I've bought some snow boots in the Aldo sale- I hope they are as cosy and warm as they look. All I need now is a fleecy winter running headband to keep my ears warm and my hair off my face.

Headband, scarf, wristband all-in-one. Innov-8 Wrag

I hope I have some time to read Catching Fire - part 2 of the super exciting Hunger Games trilogy.

I can't wait to see the movie which will be released next month

Ordos Art and City Museum : Gobi Desert

2012-02-10T22:19:00.001Z

I think the architecture of this brand new museum nestled in the middle of the Gobi Desert is absolutely amazing. I love the fluid, organic shape and the the polished metal tiles.

Ordos in Mongolian script

A sobering thought

2012-02-10T21:52:00.001Z

Look at these MRI scans of leg muscles. It's a fact that unless you exercise regularly, from the age of 35 onwards you will lose muscle. These images really drive the message home to me. Now where are my running shoes?

(Images via Jay Parkinson MD)

Going solo

2012-02-08T22:00:00.003Z

Today after work I went on my own to watch The Artist. I've heard so many good things about it from colleagues and film reviews that I just wasn't content to wait for the DVD release. Why do some people feel strange going solo? A cinema visit is a totally passive experience - you sit in a darkened theatre for 2 hours without talking. Why would you need someone sitting next to you unless you've gone to watch something scary? So I leaned back, enjoyed, and ate Haribo strawberry hear throbs - bliss.

What's in your solo activity comfort zone?

Cinema trips - Comfort rating : 100% comfy
Restaurant visits - I can manage a food court or a fast food chain but would feel weird dining in a nice restaurant alone. Comfort rating : 20%
Museum - 100% comfy
Vacations - Best with family but would go alone. 50% comfy
Theatre - Similar to a cinema visit but this feels more like a special occasion to me. Comfort rating 45%.
Shopping - 100% comfy. I don't understand people who like shopping together unless they are 14 year old girls.

The Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-07T00:16:00.000Z

Today marks the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II. Our much loved Queen has never been cooler. This lady is the only one who can really pull off a lot of bling! Here are some patriotic goodies I've managed to find.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is staging an exhibition of Cecil Beaton portraits (8th February-22nd April 2012) if you happen to be in London.

Ready for some crafting? Patriotic cross stitch kit for a cold winter nights :)

Coin purse by Sarah Culleton £10

Juicy Couture Crown Wish silver necklace

Wool rug for wall or floor

First snowfall...

2012-02-05T01:52:00.002Z

My first play with Photoshop CS5 and Hipstamatic

We braved the harsh elements and set off for the early door menu at the Olive Tree (Greek restaurant), Rodley.The food was delicious and the service very attentive. We were even lucky enough to have a gentleman play the bouzouki for us.

I chose the mixed dips with vegetable crudites and flat bread to start (taramoslata, tsatiki and hummus). Next came Kota Souvlaki - a chicken kebab marinated in olive oil, lime juice & oregano and served with rice. For pudding I had to have my absolute favourite, baklava which was so amazingly delicious drizzled with warm honey and filled with pistachio nuts and almonds (see picture above left).

Food : 8.5/10
Service: 9/10
Interior: 5/10. (Still feels like someones house and not a restaurant - ladies loo had a bathtub disguised as a plant container. What made me smile was a plaque for Loo of the year but the date was 1990!)

Kiss and make-up

2012-02-03T20:43:00.000Z

I haven't been shopping for make up for a long time now. So this afternoon I headed into Boots for a wander. So what did I find? No.1 : Pixi eye bright liner. A nude shade to line the inside of your lower lashes making them appear appear wider, bigger and the whites brighter.

Pixi Beauty, London

No.2 : Soap & Glory Cheekmate - a gel stain for cheeks AND lips. For a rosy glow no matter if you have spent the whole day in the office.

Nice things for him

2012-02-03T19:42:00.004Z

I giggled reading the article Why Women Make a Big Deal out of Valentine's Day. Yes, its all true.

English proverb: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Forget the restaurant and cook for him ..

Man food : Sirloin steak and chunky chips.

And eggs for breakfast the next day

Bicycles are romantic too... I adore these cards from Etsy.

A simple design and message

Tandem

Pink and blue

Weekend adventures.
Get away from it all in a Spaceship. Yes really!

Nice things for her

2012-02-02T19:39:00.002Z

A dreamy soft-focus advertising campaign from British designer lingerie brand Agent Provocateur. The model for Spring Summer 2012 is 31 year old French actress Mylène Jampanoï.

And on to other delightful things..

Gift vouchers for a foot massage at her favourite salon

A single night here would be amazing

Her favourite flowers to sit on her desk at work

Chanel no.19

Tomorrow.. nice things for Him

Herman comes home with me

2012-02-01T22:18:00.000Z

Who on earth is Herman? Taking over the kitchens up and down the UK is Herman the German friendship cake. "He" is the culinary version of the chain letter - and a sourdough cake originating from the Amish?. When I got to work there was a little box on my table along with a printed sheet on how to care for Herman. Apparently I need to nurture him for 10 days before he is ready for the oven. But before that he will be divided up and shared with three of my lucky ~~victims~~ friends.

A fun little activity for the family although I feel a little pressure. I kind of like the idea that my little Herman might be 15 years old - there is no "use by" date for this little mixture. My boys just said "ewwww" and it's true - but in a cool way. I wonder how he will taste?

Valentine's Day

2012-01-30T01:10:00.000Z

Cute DIY ideas.

Make: Cupid's arrows

Wear his shirt

Cute postcards using paint swatch samples

Bradford Steampunk Exhibition

2012-01-29T19:52:00.000Z

I finally got round to seeing the steampunk exhibition at the Bradford Industrial Museum. There were some lovely pieces. I only wish I had made it to the opening day where I could have seen enthusiasts in costume and talked to the creators of these interesting pieces.

The exhibition will run until May 2012.

Winged dress

The Industrial Museum

Medical vibrating things - as seen in the movie Hysteria?

Beautiful tweed outfit, Extermination pack on the wall and weighing seat

Podcasts: Stuff you Missed in History Class

2012-01-29T11:19:00.001Z

Stuff You Missed in History Class is a series of podcasts and produced by HowStuffWorks.com. There are currently 301 podcasts to choose from - covering both ancient and modern history. A lot of the topics are not well known which makes for fascinating listening - from spies of the American Civil War to an analysis of the Bayeux Tapestry. Download and listen to them in iTunes for free.

Here are my choices for the week:-

Cinderella of the harem: Roxelana. She entered the Suleyman's harem as a slave and rose to become wife of the Sultan.

The Battle of Marathon - Nowadays, the pastime of health fanatics but the origins date back to the 5th Century B.C., when the Greeks depended on messengers to carry news.

The Golem of Prague - In Jewish folklore golems were powerful creatures made from clay. According to Legend , a golem was created to defend the Jewish population of Prague during the reign of Rudolf II.

Don't Cross the Dragon Lady . Think pirates were all men and hanging around the Caribbean? Wrong! Ching Sshih the most successful pirate captain of the early 19th century. From prostitute to a pirate commanding 1800 ships -amazingly, she was granted amnesty and allowed to retire with all her treasure!

Kindle covers

2012-01-28T00:08:00.000Z

I bought a Kindle for just £50. How? Tesco Direct is currently giving a £10 voucher if you spend over £75. On top of this I realised I had quite a few reward vouchers at home. So now all I have to do is look for a case. Anyone know of a good place to buy unusual cases/covers? So far these are my favourites..

Rib and Hull

Mini Dot Kindle case from Cath Kidston

Victoria Rose Kindle cover from Cath Kidston

Carter Gray at Etsy

Indoor dens

2012-01-27T22:25:00.001Z

Just add a blanket

I love this idea of a wooden frame to make an indoor secret hideaway.

Bought as a set from Donna Wilson

Knitwear and boots

2012-01-27T00:51:00.000Z

Everywhere I look I see spring/summer clothes on display but as far as I'm concerned it's going to be Winter for another couple of months yet. I still want to look at knitwear and boots not strappy dresses and swimwear.

Something for the weekend? Drinkify

2012-01-27T00:11:00.001Z

Something to try on Friday evening?

Tell Drinkify what music you want to listen to and not only will it provide the music but also suggest the perfect cocktail (with instructions) to accompany it.

Apparently I should be sharing a bottle of plum brandy with you while Charlotte Gainsbourg is playing in the background :)

Instead of going to work tomorrow morning I would like to be ...

2012-01-26T22:44:00.001Z

here
I think this panorama is just wonderful. Where would you spend the day? I think I'd start with spend a few hours wandering through the magnificent Musee d'Orsay - looking at the gorgeous the Monet and Renoir paintings. Next I would have tea and a macaron at a traditional salon de the before an afternoon spent wandering the side streets of Montmatre (and trying to find the location of the Amelie's cafe - Cafe des 2 Moulins).

War Horse

2012-01-23T00:14:00.003Z

Older boy and I enjoyed an afternoon cinema matinee to watch Steven Spielburg's War Horse. Based on the book of the same name by Michael Morpurgo we both gave it a big thumbs up. Older boy was interested because he has just enjoyed reading Morpurgo's Friend or foe at school and This morning I met a whale on audio book.

Gorgeous cinematography and with a sweeping soundtrack by John Williams. I would totally recommend it for family viewing - but take tissues. Only the coldest hearted will come away unmoved.

The contribution of animals in the Great War (and modern warfare) makes for an endlessly fascinating topic.

12 horse team pulling heavy artillery

British despatch dog

Man and horse in gas masks

Canaries used for detecting poison gas

Canaries used for soothing injured soldiers

Carrier pigeon released by aircraft

Dogs pulling machine guns close to Termonde

German despatch dog carrying messages to the rear while under heavy fire

German medics treating injured soldier found by Red Cross dogs

British trench dog

Work by Alfred Munnings "Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron". Background: Nearly three-quarters of the Canadian cavalry involved in this attack against German machine-gun positions at Moreuil Wood on 30 March 1918 were killed or wounded. This included Lieutenant G.M. Flowerdew, Lord Strathcona's Horse, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the charge.

Originally published in 1934 - and a true story. It is about Winston Churchill's good friend, Jack Seely and the thoroughbred horse he took to France in 1914. Miraculously he survived five years of bombs and bullets to lead a cavalry charge in 1918 before returning home where they rode on together until 1938.

Animals in War Memorial, which is located at Brook Gate, Park Lane on the edge of London's Hyde Park. Designed by leading English sculptor, David Backhouse and unveiled by Princess Anne in 2004.

Another one for my reading list

Photo credits: Animals at War, Great War Primary Document Archive.

Come to the bark side : Volkswagen Advert

2012-01-21T00:24:00.001Z

Chinese New Year food : Peanut cookies

2012-01-20T15:58:00.000Z

Food always takes centre stage during important occasions and of course, Chinese New Year is no different. The ingredients eaten during the festivities also have symbolic significance.

Bamboo shoots - wealth
Black moss seaweed - wealth
Dried Bean Curd - happiness (note: fresh tofu is not served because the colour white symbolises death and misfortune in Chinese culture).
Chicken - happiness and marriage (especially when served with "dragon foods," such as lobster. Family reunion (if served whole)
Eggs - fertility
Egg Rolls - wealth
Fish served whole - prosperity
Chinese garlic chives - everlasting, a long life
Lychee nuts - close family ties
Noodles - A long life
Oranges - wealth
Peanuts - a long life
Pomelo - abundance, prosperity, having children
Seeds - lotus seeds, watermelon seeds, etc. - having a large number of children
Tangerines - luck

I stopped off at the Chinese bakery on the way home from work to pick up some dainty little peanut cookies- salty and sweet at the same time they just melt in your mouth - and if they make me live a long life, it would be silly to refuse them.

Paper lanterns for Chinese New Year

2012-01-18T23:51:00.002Z

Chinese New Year celebrations (January 22-February 6, 2012)

Instructions here

The art of display

2012-01-18T23:19:00.003Z

Inspiration for revealing your magpie tendencies -whether it be for vintage postcards, buttons, mirrors or china teacups.

James Bond 50th Anniversary

2012-01-18T22:43:00.000Z

Vote for your favourite James Bond movie posters (quite difficult when there are 22 to choose from) and see if your choice makes it to the final 10 - the Royal Mail needs help selecting special limited edition stamps to be released in May.

Tania Mallet - Goldfinger, 1964

Absolutely agree

2012-01-16T12:00:00.001Z

Marianne Breslauer

2012-01-16T11:22:00.002Z

Lisa von Cramm, Berlin, 1934

"Interessiert hat mich nur die Realität, und zwar die unwichtige, die übersehene, von der grossen Masse unbeachtete Realität."

“What interested me was reality ... more precisely, the unimportant reality, the reality most people overlooked.”

Marianne Breslauer (1909-2001) was a German photographer during the Weimar Republic. Her female portrait photographs are my absolute favourites. She photographed her friends, women like herself, who imbibed the spirit of the modern woman which took root in the 1920s.

Ruth von Morgen, Berlin, 1934

Sacrow, 1934

Annemarie Schwarzenbach

Marianne Breslauer, self portrait

Ruth von Morgen, Berlin, 1934

Ruth von Morgen, 1933

Annemarie Schwarzenbach, outside Berlin, c.1930's

The difference in styles between these portraits and the dress of the typical stylish 1930s woman.

Undercover technology

2012-01-16T10:12:00.002Z

My new laptop bag - to the ordinary eye it looks like I'm holding a battered padded envelope. But oh no, it is really housing my laptop.
A great idea - why advertise to thieves that you're wandering around with £££'s worth of technology?
Available from Luckies.

A similar idea for Macbook owners - a worn leather hardback book cover by Twelvesouth.

Winter window boxes

2012-01-12T19:29:00.002Z

Choice no.1

Living in a dolls-house proportioned late Victorian terraced house also means being creative with the word "garden". Help me choose please- which colours look best? The papery white cyclamens with evergreens or red winter berries?

Choice no.2

2012-01-11T22:49:00.002Z

Isn't January the best time to plan travel adventures for the year ahead?

The Medieval Hotel Detenice, just outside Prague, could well be a contender for a place on my list. Featured on Unusual hotels of the world it is has just 41 en suite bedrooms with rough but oh-so-stylish wooden floors, beds and bathroom fittings and no electricity (yes, think of romantic candlelight everywhere). It even boasts a pub next door with its own brewed beer. In the evening be prepared to drink, banquet and be entertained by jugglers, dancers and sword swallowers in the candlelit vaults.

Object of beauty

2012-01-11T00:18:00.000Z

Crow Feather bracelet - Alex Monroe

matohu: "The infinite beauty of plainness"

2012-01-09T23:36:00.001Z

matohu Autumn Winter 2011 Collection.

"To think of the plain as the absence of all colour is rathershallow. Plainness should instead beviewed as an absence that is endowed with an infinite presence"

– YANAGI Muneyoshi,Nihon no me (The Japanese eye)

Like music for cooking

2012-01-09T02:01:00.001Z

Is there such a thing as a compilation album for cooking? You know, like the ones they have for running or meditating?

"Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros definitely has a place in my perfect culinary compilation.

.

Recipe: Leek, bacon and potato soup

2012-01-09T01:44:00.002Z

Serves 6-8 (Quite a lot - but it freezes really well)

Ingredients

30g butter
3 rashers of chopped streaky bacon
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1.4 litres of vegetable stock
1 onion, chopped
4 rashers of streaky bacon to serve
400g trimmed leeks, sliced and washed

Method

Melt the butter in a large pan.
Add the chopped onions, and chopped bacon. Stir until it starts to turn golden before tipping in the potatoes and leeks. Cook gently for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Put a lid on the pan and simmer for 20 minutes on a low heat until the vegetables have softened.
Blend in a food processor (I had to do it 3 batches).
Return to the pan and taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Grill the remaining streaky bacon until crisp. Sprinkle some over each bowl of soup.
Serve with warm crusty bread and butter.

Seasonal food: Leeks

2012-01-09T01:21:00.001Z

Gorgeous green batons, national symbol of Wales (my homeland) and a delicious main ingredient for so many winter dishes, the leek takes the limelight in January.

Did you know?

They were once thought to have mystical powers? Maidens would put a leek under their pillow and dream of their future husbands.
Emperor Nero is thought to have eaten leeks to improve his singing voice. Maybe this is why the Welsh male voice choirs are so famous?
Leeks go well with cheese, white wine, chicken, bacon, lemon and thyme!

Crazy Craigslist ads

2012-01-07T02:31:00.000Z

These ads tickled me.

One week in Japan

2012-01-07T01:28:00.000Z

In November 2011 Mike Matas and his girlfriend took a week long vacation in Japan. This marvellous short film is made up of over 4000 images he took on his digital camera.

So simple and yet genius.
*Best watched with earphones as the music goes perfectly.

One Week In Japan from Mike Matas on Vimeo.

At home with Bookhou

2012-01-06T22:28:00.001Z

A beautiful family home cum storefront cum studio. See more interior photographs of the owners of Bookhou in Covet Garden.

Winged eyeliner

2012-01-06T21:43:00.001Z

2012-01-06T18:55:00.004Z

Oh dear. I'm gobbling up this wonderful series, George R.R. Martin's "A song of ice and fire". I've started the third book already!

January sales

2012-01-06T18:02:00.002Z

Did you do the January sales? I have always hated it. The thought of being elbowed in the face by hundreds of other bargain hunters whilst pushing through rails of stuff fills me with dread.

However, I have seen the future and it is ONLINE. I sat in bed with a cup of tea and a shortbread biscuit whilst checking out one or two of my favourite stores.

Polyvore

After a bit of debating I ordered a floral tea dress dress from Fat Face (original price £62, sale price £25) and a sweet make-up bag (original price £12.50, sale price £5). One click of the mouse and 2 days later my parcel arrives at my workplace. I have been converted!

Free desktop calendars for January

2012-01-05T21:37:00.001Z

Pretty hand-drawn calendar by Ruche boutique

Oana Befort

Studio of Mae

From Caroline Johansson

From Jared Erikson

Smashing magazine

Penelope and Pip

From Rebekkah Mann Seale at Dear Friend

When Saints Go Machine

2012-01-05T21:10:00.001Z

Who ate all the (mince) pies?

2012-01-04T22:53:00.003Z

Oh yes.. now comes the regret. I have to face facts - I ate far too much this Christmas. I ate mince pies aplenty. I indulged in all my favourite cheeses including a most delicious Wensleydale with cranberries, a bucket full of my new dangerous addiction - Mini Cheddars (I am sure there is some opiate in these tiny savoury biscuits).

So, this is the first week back into some kind of normal routine. I've returned to work and the gym is open - outdoor runs are a no-no so far because of the crazy gale force winds and driving rain, uaagghhs.

I have only one feasible plan to wipe out evidence of this 2 week gluttonous food orgy - I've signed up for the Dewsbury 10k race on February 6th which gives me just over 4 weeks left to train. (I have to add I am allergic to diets.)

Any runners out there? Do you use training plans or have any favourite running blogs? I think this Runners World 4 week training schedule looks interesting. As for my favourite running blog check out Sofia Hedstrom over at Swedish Elle, she runs in skirts!

For some vintage fitness tips how about watching this 1930's footage of the lovely ladies from the Women's League of Health and Beauty performing an outdoor display? I rather like the peter pan collars and satin gym knickers.

(WOMEN'S LEAGUE OF HEALTH AND BEAUTY)

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Scotch bonnet

2012-01-03T22:25:00.001Z

Scotch Bonnet is a variety of chili pepper found mainly in the Caribbean islands. It is named for its resemblance to a Tam o'shanter hat. Most Scotch Bonnets have a heat rating of 100,000–350,000 Scoville Units. For comparison, most jalapeño peppers have a heat rating of 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale.

Here we have 3 examples of Uncle Steve's 2011 harvest of Scotch bonnets. Grown in his greenhouse, a little Caribbean heat comes to Yorkshire. After all that heavy festive food I was eager to have something clean and light. Here's what I did with them:

Chili chicken and lemongrass stir-fry noodles
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cost per person : Approx £2

Ingredients
3 nests of dried egg noodles, oil for cooking, 1 onion, 1 chili (sliced into rounds), 2 cloves of garlic, 20g lemongrass paste, 300g chicken (sliced into small strips), 1 sliced red pepper, 1 carrot (cut into matchsticks), broccoli (cut into small florets), 200g of pak choi, 1 tbsp soy sauce.
Method

Cook the noodles as per instructions
Meanwhile heat some oil in a wok and fry the ovens for 3 or 4 minutes. Then add chili, garlic and lemongrass and stir fry for a minute.
Add the chicken and cook for around 5-6 minutes until browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside in oven to keep warm while you prepare the vegetables.
Add a little more oil to the wok and then stir fry the broccoli, pepper and carrot sticks for 5 minutes. Lastly add the pak choi and cook until the pak choi is wilted.
Return the chicken to the wok along with the cooked egg noodles. Add the soy sauce.
Serve straight away.

Sockets of the world

2012-01-02T18:46:00.001Z

I saw this photo on SwissMiss and had to reblog it. Perhaps there is some mystical connection to design of power outlets and national character? The Danish sockets look so incredibly friendly. What do you think?

My champion

2012-01-02T18:21:00.000Z

The homemade knight costume for the little man's Christmas present. Created out of a small dust sheet and a charity shop bargain- a pair of red satin curtains and tassels . Total cost less than £4 AND I have loads of material left over for another project.

Who goes there?

2012-01-02T01:06:00.000Z

Sometimes you find things in unexpected places. In this case a pretty trio of feathers at Claire's, Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Quote

2012-01-01T23:28:00.001Z

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself" ~ Neil Gaiman

The pleasure of a brand new diary...

with the promise of so much yet to come.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T15:16:00.001Z

Happy New Year to you all. I wish you a happy and healthy 2012. May 2012 give you interesting work, relaxing holidays, affection and kisses, adventure and delicious food. What else do you really need in life?

Could 2012 be the year for Brooklyn's sassiest girl-fronted band, Friends? Love this track.

Bye bye 2011. It was fun, lovely, exciting, sad, infuriating, and funny. It was just as a year should be - sometimes a little bit bitter, but mostly sweet.

I would like to see this print hanging on one of my walls. An excellent motto, non?

"No, I do not regret anything"

New Year's Eve nibbles

2011-12-30T01:22:00.000Z

A delicious yet easy-peasy dish to prepare and serve. This is a Jamie Oliver minute recipe I saw on one of his TV ads for a British supermarket chain.

Great for small or large parties. I'm serving with Cava for New Year's Eve.

Ingredients

Smoked salmon
Cream cheese
Horseradish sauce ( I prefer creamed horseradish sauce)
Lemon
Dill
Ciabatta, sliced up

Method (adapt to size of party)

Mix horseradish sauce and cream cheese in a bowl.
Slice ciabatta bread
Spread the cream cheese onto bread and top with the smoked salmon
Cut wedges of lemon for guests to squeeze.
Garnish with dill

Starry eyed

2011-12-29T21:40:00.000Z

I've been addicted to making these pretty German paper stars (proper name : Froebelsterne) since I was very kindly shown by two very patient people. To be honest they were a little bit of a challenge to begin with (there are something like 40 folds to be made for each star) but so worth persevering with. I can proudly churn one out at whim now. There is a good Youtube tutorial here. I promise you if you try it you will be addicted too.

They would make lovely decorations for the Christmas tree, or hanging from a window on string. Jurianne Matter has lovely photographs and a tutorial. Her wreath is so simple and pretty.

60 Second Up-do

2011-12-29T09:08:00.001Z

Refinery29 has a video tutorial for an easy hair up-do. Yes, it really does take less than a minute. See it here.

For me, under the tree

2011-12-28T21:26:00.001Z

Would you like to see some of the nice gifts that were waiting for me under the tree?

They fit into four main themes. Lazy days, action, greediness, and the boudoir

Fatface PJ's - cosy and pretty.

Theme 2: Action. Winter running tights from Ronhill, posh sports headphones from Sennheiser, and invigorating but natural body products.

Theme 3: Naughty, greedy me. Chocolates, popcorn, Jake Gyllenhaal DVD. All mine!

Theme 4: Boudoir. Vouchers for lingerie and a beautifully designed spa set.

A night at the ballet

2011-12-28T18:47:00.001Z

A lovely evening was spent at the theatre with a friend watching Beauty and the Beast, the new production by Northern Ballet . The costumes, set design, orchestra, choreography were all first class. I'm glad it was an adaptation of the original fairy tale and not a Disney version as you do need some dark parts, don't you agree?

The Grand Theatre

A Christmas treat - best seats in the house.

The eternal question "Does my Christmas ... look big in this?"

Theatre interior photograph via BDP

I have to talk about the theatre itself. Built in 1875 and a Grade 2 listed building it has a cosy rather than stately ambience and seats just 1500 people.

Jewel like stained glass

Gorgeous set design

Christmas snaps

2011-12-28T10:57:00.001Z

Isn't this little guy cute? Grandma's tree has a collection of vintage 1970's Christmas decorations but this one is my favourite. OK, he's lost some of his hair but still cuts a dash on the Xmas tree.

I didn't win any of the crackers this year *sigh*

Christmas dinner is a very traditional affair. Why change or add when you have perfection? The most racy we've ever got was when Mum added red cabbage vegetable dish 9 years ago.
The traditional Christmas dinner at Chez H consists of:

Prawn cocktail with marie rose sauce
Roast turkey, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, pureed carrots and swede, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings, gravy, chipolata sausages wrapped in bacon, cranberry sauce. This year we added Grandad's homemade sausage and apple stuffing which reminds me - I must have the recipe.
Not Christmas pudding but sticky toffee pudding and custard.
Cheese and biscuits
Coffee and chocolates

Gorgeous festive Sticky toffee pud recipe here

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:30:00.000Z

Wishing you all a very lovely Christmas. Enjoy the long weekend eating, drinking and being with your loved ones or simply hibernating in total peace and quiet (whatever you like best).

My Christmas to-do list:

Make the Christmas gammon.
Take the boys to watch The Adventures of Tintin.
Wrap up 42 presents (omg I am such a procrastinator)
Christmas Eve and Boxing Day feasting with family
Christmas Day in posh pyjamas (trying to look like Audrey Tautou in the movie Coco before Chanel but minus the cigarette!)
A theatre visit to watch Northern Ballet perform Beauty and the Beast
Reading this book

Listening to...

2011-12-22T09:51:00.002Z

Turn it up loud! "Lonely boy" is the first single from the new album El Camino.

The Black Keys

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

Small space big Christmas

2011-12-22T09:23:00.002Z

Quiet neutral colours, dark wood, leather and soft fabrics in this beautiful apartment in Oslo, Norway. The red Christmas accent of gold and red make a simple but stunning effect.

Berry Christmas wreath in 2 minutes

2011-12-22T09:14:00.003Z

Last minute LBD's

2011-12-21T23:47:00.002Z

Flattering last minute dresses for evenings out that won't break the budget.

Chartres Dress from Monsoon £65

Lucy Slinky dress from Whistles £150. Great draping, ok it is navy not black but I had to include it .

Budget friendly from George is the Moda Sequin Dress £18

Shapewear is a must.

Deep V neck best for large bust this Mango Draped dress is in the sale. Now £29.90

Romantic Monsoon dress reduced from £69 to £59

Unbelievable £12.80 for this slinky oriental print dress from Peacocks. Just add killer heels.

Another bargain from Peacocks. £17.50 for this embellished neck dress.

Finding the perfect combination : Food and wine

2011-12-20T18:41:00.003Z

I don't know about you but when I prepare a special meal at home or in a restaurant I like to have a glass of wine.
Want I wanted to know is if your choice of wine or enhances or heavens forbid, clash with your food. What do you think? I found this very useful BBC Good Food article.

YES with Thai food, award winning Riesling from Dr. Loosen

I tested the theory last night with a spicy but light Thai Green curry. It was amazing because even though I enjoy and eat Thai food quite often, the sweet Riesling wine made the delicate spices and lime "pop".
Does anyone know any other perfect food and drink matches?

"In old Europe we still believe in romance"

2011-12-19T09:12:00.001Z

Business man Ken Duken (who I discovered in the excellent Sinking of the Laconia) visits New York to close the New York branch of the business. After the unpleasant work is finished he has a few hours free to explore the city. Then he meets a beautiful singer-songwriter who exposes him to Brooklyn and emotions he has never experienced before.

Charming indie movie that I hope will be soon released in the UK. The story is loosely based on the experiences of co-writer, Christoph Silber, who met his wife while on the Brooklyn subway. Aren't stories like this great? I love to find out where and how couples met.

Winter Lace

2011-12-18T09:19:00.002Z

My new purchase from Zara

Toughening up the lace look with leather and denim.

With ankle boots

The Duchess of Cambridge working the lace look but very conservatively

An evening look

Lace in the office?

My favourite look

Best Christmas TV AD 2011

2011-12-18T00:53:00.000Z

The dreaded "morning after". Of course it could only happen in Britain as elsewhere the girls would have taken a coat out with them :)

First sewing project

2011-12-17T18:47:00.002Z

Take away all the make-up and jewellery from my dressing table and it is transformed into a sewing corner. The project? A knight's tunic and cape for my 5 year old in time for Christmas. Wish me luck as I'm a total beginner!

Free printable gift tags

2011-12-16T16:17:00.002Z

Feather gift tags

I've been a fan of using plain brown parcel paper for years now. A huge roll will last ages and does for birthdays, Christmas, parcels. I think these Christmas tags look really great and are totally free via Lovevsdesign.

Blessed are the cheesemakers : Polish Gołka

2011-12-15T19:18:00.002Z

An interesting new cheese I tried whilst in Germany is Gołka. It is a smoked cheese made from cows milk, with an interesting texture that is not at all what I expected. Chewy and spongy at the same time, it reminds me of a deep fried tofu WITH some flavour. It looks so attractive in a bowl with the decorative markings. Best served fried and with a sweet lingonberry jam I am told.

Travel notes

2011-12-14T22:46:00.005Z

A different way of displaying antlers - I bumped into these unusual large pots flanking the door of a jewellery store in Dresden, Germany on Monday. Gruesome, gorgeous or both?

Tea dress

2011-12-10T10:31:00.004Z

Pretty Orange/black floral dress with low back. I love that fitted 1940s style.

With hair styled like Katy?

Stella Bow Court high heels from Schuh

Difficult people to buy Christmas presents for: The school teacher

2011-12-10T09:44:00.005Z

Don't you feel sorry for the primary school teacher at this time of year? 30 sets of bubble bath, vanilla scented candles and boxes of chocolates can't be the most thrilling of gifts.

I've heard that some canny teachers teach their pupils how to spell "sauvignon blanc" and draw a bottle shape on the board. Do you think this is true? :)

National Book Tokens - welcome in all UK bookshops (from £5)

Whittard of Chelsea Christmas Coffee (£8)

Duchy of Cornwall shortbread perhaps? (£2)

Store vouchers (from £5)

Pretty fabric covered notebooks from Orla Kiely (from £4.99 at Waterstones)

Difficult people to buy Christmas presents for: Men

2011-12-07T23:54:00.005Z

Who said men are difficult to buy for? I thought window shopping for man stuff would be dreary. How wrong I was.
I found more great gift ideas for the man in your life over at The Art of Manliness.

Barbour Pegasus waxed jacket a style classic

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP for men. "... an elite accord of Lime Caviar, which is then blended with shots of Chilled Vodka and a touch of frozen Mint. A dry down of tropical King Wood adds a sensual vibrancy to the scent that lingers close to the skin." Sounds delicous!

Bear Grylls basic survival kit

A very special vodka

Rugged but perfectly groomed. Murdock pure badger hair shaving brush.

Power tool - Ryobi

For the lumberjack within - Oregon

Bird feeder

Specialized Camber Mountain bike

Stud finder

Catch it and smoke it.

Vaude Bike 25 ltr backpack

Rugged handheld GPS from Garmin

Decorations

2011-12-07T22:27:00.001Z

This year I decided to leave the plastic tree in the attic and have instead bought a real Serbian Spruce. I'm now on the hunt for a special 2011 decoration. Will I find it here in Yorkshire or at the German Christmas markets, that is the question.

DJ Bella?

2011-12-05T10:35:00.002Z

Do you have a hipster kitty? This scratch turntable might be suitable entertainment to distract your feline away from your favourite rug. £15 from SUCK UK

Running gear for cold December days

2011-12-04T18:57:00.006Z

Afternoon runs. Distance 10km. 4 degrees C, light rain, some wind. Typical December weather.
I bought some new kit as an early Christmas present to myself. Brush lined running tights, new Asics, jacket, and Thorlos socks. I do hope Santa will bring me new headphones.

Fact : Running in the rain feels colder than running in crisp winter sunshine. Water conducts heat quicker than air so the heat you generate will disappear quickly. Wear a light breathable jacket and a baseball style cap to keep the rain out of your face.
Don't forget the mascara and lip balm. You're still a girl!

War Horse

2011-12-03T23:00:00.000Z

I have to watch this adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book War Horse.

Leather skirts

2011-12-03T13:28:00.002Z

All Saints

Purse friendly "faux" from Miss Selfridge

Alexa Chung

Agyness Deyn

Patrick Wolf: Together

2011-12-03T12:04:00.009Z

Together is total synth gorgeousness with orchestral bits from Patrick Wolf's new album Lupercalia.

Advent calendars

2011-11-28T23:53:00.004Z

Tiny slippers

Just two more days to go and the countdown begins. Aren't these advent calendars so pretty?

Paper garland

Peg it out

Paperbags

For grown-ups

2011-11-28T23:34:00.002Z

She might be wearing jeans and an old jumper but the unmistakable flowing long hair gives it away.

It's funny see a princess doing her own shopping and even more so when she is doing it in your home town.
Double cream, Start breakfast cereal, frozen peas.. Hmm I think I want to try this cereal now.

Christmas cake

2011-11-28T23:14:00.001Z

Christmas cake is a dark, moist and heavy fruitcake which is covered with a layer of marzipan and icing and then decorated. It isn't part of the Christmas meal but as a seasonal snack that goes perfectly with a cup of tea.
Traditionally they are made 3 months before Christmas and "fed" with either brandy or whisky at monthly intervals. Because of the alcohol the cakes are kept fresh for months, and even years though I have never seen a Christmas cake in my family last to the middle of January!

Unfortunately, I was too late this year to have a go making my own but I did find this beauty (weighing in at around 2kg) at the Christmas market at the weekend. Another Christmas job ticked off my list!

Recipe : Ally's No Bake Choc-nut Tiffin Cake

2011-11-24T23:13:00.003Z

*Tiffin is a form of cake-like confection composed of crushed biscuits (most commonly digestive biscuits) sugar, syrup, raisins and cocoa powder, often covered with a layer of melted chocolate. Unlike regular cakes, Tiffin does not require baking. Instead, following preparation of the mixture, the confection is chilled until set.

4 tablespoons golden syrup
250g digestive biscuits
250g dark chocolate
50g raisins
50g nuts
3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
125g butter

Method

Put the syrup and the butter into a glass bowl and microwave for 2 minutes until melted.
Crush the biscuits in another bowl with a rolling pin. You want to leave it as small pieces of biscuit not a fine powder.
Pour the syrup and butter mixture into the crushed biscuits.
Now break up the chocolate and heat in microwave for 2 and a half/3 minutes
Add to the mixture along with 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, the raisins and nuts.
Squish down onto a greased and lined baking tin and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Lyle's Golden Syrup is the UK's most iconic brand. The packaging has not changed since 1885. Isn't it great?

Preparing for Christmas :sounds and smells

2011-11-23T23:33:00.007Z

I'm getting into the Christmas spirit, are you? Today I bought the scent of Christmas - Mandarin, clove and cinnamon from Marks and Spencer (they have a 3 for 2 deal at the moment). I have a beautiful gold and red potpourri full of large pieces for my mantelpiece as well as a decorated candle and tea lights. I wish I could share the scent with you, it is so gorgeous.

I thought my hair could do with a Christmas treatment as well. An afternoon spent at the hair salon has given me a warm red tone that is very subtle. Haha I think I am the only person who notices a difference.

I downloaded the new Michael Buble Christmas album.
My next task? Christmas wrapping.

All good things are wild and free

2011-11-17T21:27:00.003Z

A cute kids' T-shirt found on Etsy.

happyfamily on Etsy

Flight of the Frenchies

2011-11-16T23:35:00.003Z

Movember

2011-11-15T22:39:00.008Z

Yes it is that time again, Movember. There is still enough time to register online and grow some handsome whiskers for a good cause. Ladies will happily donate money in appreciation of these selfless, brave men. So go on, you know you want to!

Some inspirational moustaches:

James Franco with a classic

How about a curly like David Suchet?

The Dali

The high maintenance

Tom Selleck sports a Chevron style apparently

Vincent Price's Pencil

Judging a book by its cover

2011-11-14T01:15:00.004Z

I do like the idea of owning a Kindle. I even have one on my Amazon wish list. They must be so useful for commuting and travelling and yet they just can't compare to the real thing. I get pleasure out of seeing all my best loved books nestled together in one place. The titles on our shelves reveal something of ourselves as well as being nice to look at. Isn't it nice to visit friends and family and browse their bookshelves for inspiration? I just can't imagine asking to browse through their Kindles though.

These Penguin cloth bound classics are just so incredibly beautiful. Designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith they would make lovely Christmas gifts.

Which are your favourites? Mine would have to be Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations.

Gathering pine cones

2011-11-12T22:11:00.008Z

Hibernate

2011-11-12T13:18:00.008Z

Beautiful and inspirational photographs from Toast, a UK lifestyle brand that marries lasting, relaxed design with natural materials and a strong ethical policy. What makes the perfect feel-good winter evening at home? It has to be wood, velvet, tartan, sheep and reindeer skin and antlers.

Friday night funnies :Fake diabetic, Saying goodbye and The waterbed

2011-11-11T21:13:00.005Z

Smack the Pony (1999-2003). Classic sketches from my best loved comedy show.

Armistice Day 11.11.11

2011-11-11T18:35:00.000Z

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month

Australian War Memorial

Field of Remembrance, Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Listening to: I blame Coco "Self machine"

2011-11-10T20:21:00.001Z

Craft project : Martha Stewart's Pinecone elves

2011-11-09T21:41:00.000Z

Aren't they adorable? These little elves make the perfect incentive for us to go for a woodland walk this weekend.

The most romantic movie ever: The Notebook

2011-11-07T23:36:00.001Z

I wouldn't say I was a romantic movie person BUT this one really got to me. Set in 1940's USA, it follows Allie and Noah as a couple of lovers who face huge struggles to be together. Prepare to cry buckets and enjoy every minute.

I really think the best job in the world must be costume/set design. Anyway, here are my favourite styles from one of the loveliest films.

Teadress, knit, heeled dolly shoes

Mustard yellow, bakerboy hat and a bike. Perfection!

baby blue and loose waves

Cherry red bikini

Beautiful hair, white dress with a flower.

2011-11-06T01:59:00.000Z