Sunday 27 February 2011

DEVON BOUND


We are headed to Devon to enjoy a few days away in a cottage. I hope the weather is sunny & bright for our long coastal walks. I can't wait to be by the seaside and smell the salt air! See you in a few.. xoxo

"Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses



Friday 25 February 2011

ON THE LIST


ROSEMARINO BISTRO

This morning I met up with Eva & Leo for our traditional breakfast at the Rosemarino Bistro which opened in October after months of me trying to peek in the window and watch skateboarders take advantage of the front step. It's super convenient, as it's right around the corner from our home.

Aspiring young restaurateurs,  Mirco Bertoldi and Sam Fryer have done well. The breakfast menu is fantastic. I love their range of Eggs Benny, it was a favourite  in Canada but it has been hard to find here.  For such a high end neighborhood, there are not many "must go" spots, and in my opinion, this is one of them. My only complaint is the basement, it does not have the same warmth or atmosphere that you get upstairs. If you go, hopefully you will get a seat on the top floor, which might be hard since this restaurant looks like it's becoming the new Clifton hot spot!




Thursday 24 February 2011

Wednesday 23 February 2011

MORNING DATE

I never get up with Steve, but decided to jump out of bed just after him and see if we could squeeze in a breakfast date before he went to work. He was super keen and made us blueberry pancakes while I made the tea & coffee. It was amazing! I won't be getting up everyday at the crack of dawn but I certainly enjoyed our special morning!

Buttermilk Pancakes or Waffles for 2            
2 tsp sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk (1tsp of vinegar w 1 cup milk)
1/4 cup butter melted
1 egg
 blueberries

In a large bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Don't over mix the batter.

Ladle mixture in greased heated pan and then add blueberries. Cook until golden brown. Don't forget Canadian  maple syrup! xoxo





WELLY WEDNESDAY AT IKEA


Last week Laura & I went to the Ikea to take part in the wear your wellies for woodland  project. We met Sibel  from the Ikea marketing team and were treated like welly royalty!

 After posing for pictures Sibel gave us six gift cards for free lunch and treated us to an extra £10.00 to spend in the store. We were so excited we skipped through Ikea like crazy ladies who had won the lottery. Most importantly we raised money and awareness for the cause.

Ikea customers have raised over a million dollars towards the planting of trees for the Woodland Trust. If you haven't stopped in yet there are events going on through half term for everyone. Here is a chance to put one's best welly boot forward and raise some money for The Woodland Trust


Tuesday 22 February 2011

NEW7WONDERS


This morning I went online and posted my votes for The New Seven Wonders Of Nature new7wonders.com

This is the forum where the first global decision was announced on 07.07.2007. With over 100 million votes and 2200 years after one man determined the ancient 7 wonders, this global campaign announced the new wonders of the world.

Do not miss out on your chance to be a part of the vote for The Wonders of Nature being announced on 11.11.2011. Some friends in Nova Scotia have been routing for the Bay Of Fundy.


The Bay of Fundy spans two Canadian provinces, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia—about two thirds of the 1.2 million reported visitors come from the New Brunswick side of the bay. The Bay's tides are the highest in the world, rising 50 feet in about six hours, and the area is home to a newly declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It definitely has my vote!



Monday 21 February 2011

BIRTHDAY SUPPER

About 6 years ago my friend Candace and I made our first Jamie Oliver meal together & by together I mean I did my usual supervising with a glass of wine sitting on the kitchen stool. ;) We went to the farmers market picked up all the ingredients and made salmon wrapped in prosciutto with herby lentils spinach & yoghurt. It was incredible!

I pulled out the cook book this morning in search of the same recipe for Steve's birthday dinner. This time I did it all on my own and it turned out great!

I think cooking is all about practise and I don't get much of it around this house with my foodie husband running the kitchen. Trust me, I'm not complaining but it felt really great tonight serving up a dish that made Steve smile! I cheated for dessert and bought a cake from Patisserie Valerie and man was it a looker.. see for yourself....

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Happy Birthday Husband.
You are my sunshine! xoxo

Saturday 19 February 2011

PIZZA

 We had a belated Valentine's pizza night with Connor last night. This BBQ Chicken & Spinach was my choice and it was delicious!
The recipe for the dough was Jamie Oliver's.
 Mmmm! xoxo

I ♥ LIFE


Thursday 17 February 2011

NEVER GONNA LEAVE THIS BED

    Amazing!

GRAVITY




We had such a great time at the concert last night. I thought it would be an amazing venue and it was. I'm so thankful for venues like this. We were front row and loving every minute. Laura came for a whirlwind 24 hours. I'm missing her already, who is going to help us finish our Milk Tray! Make sure to check out next weeks Welly Wednesday for our funny Ikea photo shoot & details... xoxo









Wednesday 16 February 2011

WELLY FOR WOODLAND

I am heading to Ikea this morning for Welly Wednesday-for Woodland.... You can have your own Welly For Woodland fundraiser and "wear your wellies wherever you like" by clicking on this link.... 
WELLY FOR WOODLAND  it's a great cause so take part & wear you wellies! xoxo









UNREQUITED LOVE

I read this article last night and thought it was a great piece to read, after Valentines Day. I am impressed by the writer, great perspective.

From my early adolescence through to my early 30s, my most intense feelings of love were towards people who had little or no interest in loving me back..... read more

Tonight is the Maroon 5 & Sara Bareilles concert. Laura is coming in this morning from Lancaster. I can't wait!


Tuesday 15 February 2011

“ Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” -Mark Twain


Monday 14 February 2011

St. VALENTINE'S


I woke this morning to find these beside me.
 My very first Milk Tray. Yay! Breakfast: Secret Nut & Hazelnut Heaven. hmmm... It's probably a good idea not to look at the back of the box (calories) Today is a free day, for me anyway. 

I read that in Scottish custom, the first young man or woman one encounters in the street or anywhere else becomes their Valentine for the day. 

Watch out this morning when you step out of the house Cupid may have big plans for you. 
Happy St. Valentine's! xoxo

Sunday 13 February 2011

MAROON 5 & SARA BAREILLES


Laura got our tickets to Maroon 5 & Sara Bareilles for this Wednesday. The venure is Colston Hall in Bristol which I've been to before and has amazing sound. Here is one of Sara's songs enjoy...






ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Saturday 12 February 2011

VALENTINE


I had a craft morning on Friday and sat down and made the boys some old school Valentines. I have bought all kinds of fun stuff in hopes of making something that looked like a Valentine. I'm not very creative when it come to art but I had so much fun with this project. I have so much left over material that I will be making valentines for the next few years....

Since C has already checked out his valentine I will share it with you. He seemed rather impressed that I made it for him. *grin*  Have a great weekend! xoxo

Friday 11 February 2011

COOKING WITH LOVE

They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I think, one way to a woman's heart is the purchase of new kitchen items! We received a few pieces of the Le Creuset line for our wedding and after looking for more I found the sweetest addition to our family. This cast iron heart casserole dish is not only a perfect gift for Valentines day but a perfect dish for making many family favourites!

Thursday 10 February 2011

BE MINE

I don't often carry a purse but when I saw this I fell in love. It combines my two favourite things travel & love, into one sweet little shoulder bag. If you would like one for yourself you can purchase it at Forzieri


SMITTEN

I love these!!! Download the free smitten pattern here .. Nothing says true love like making your loved one a smitten!

MO DAY


Wednesday 9 February 2011

WELLY WEDNESDAY (calendar girls)

Calendar Girls just finished playing in Bristol and inspired this Welly Wednesday photo. I didn't get a chance to see it, but hopefully I will before the UK tour is finished.

Tuesday 8 February 2011

HISTORIC SAN DIEGO

How excited was I when I woke up to find this in the mail! I know I'm not alone when I tell you how much I LOVE  postcards...

My friend Candace just drove across the country on her own!! I was delighted to get this postcard letting me know she was in good spirits and loving life, well done C!!!  xoxox

Monday 7 February 2011

Sunday 6 February 2011

8 MILES

Steve and I went on an 8 mile hike with the Bristol Ramblers today. Being out in the English country-side of Somerset was invigorating even with the blisters that formed on my heel! We walked four hours and finished up at a country pub for a much needed pint!  

Friday 4 February 2011

I BELIEVE


"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."- Audrey Hepburn

YMS2638UQGFW


Thursday 3 February 2011

YEAR OF THE RABBIT

For all of us born in the year of the rabbit...

1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987,
1999, 2011, 


The rabbit’s association with the moon in Chinese mythology has created a sign that is partial to beauty. They are sensitive creatures who place great importance on peace and tranquillity. The rabbit is also the sign that indicates longevity and fortune. They are quietly determined, talented and wildly ambitious. Rabbits are very tactful and can negotiate contracts with alarming clarity. They are pleasant people, kind and considerate to the sensitivities of others, Rabbits know how to take things in their stride without getting overly stressed out. They are well liked for their cool demeanour. And yet, when the going gets tough, the rabbit will make a hasty exit, passing the buck to others. Rabbits are also hypersensitive and overly sentimental. They tend to get moody and have a quiet cunningness under their pleasant veneer. Rabbits may think they are being cautious but in reality, they like to complicate matters, often indulging in the worst case scenario.
Happy Chinese New Year! xoxo

“The rabbit is one of the most delicate animals among all 12 animals. Rabbits are usually kind and sweet and of course, popular people. Nobody ignores them, for they are good company and know how to make the best of themselves.” Chinese Zodiac


what year are you?!






THE PERFECT FIT

I went into my husbands office today and found the new BRAVISSIMO catalogue that I got in the mail this week sitting on his desk. I  didn't waste anytime in check marking the top 5 I fancy. I hope that is why the catalogue was on his desk. ;) With Valentines Day coming up and Steve now knowing, what a holiday hunny I am. We will both be thinking of extra little ways to make our first Valentines as a married couple a special one. *hint* *hint* ha,ha,ha... I first discovered Bravissimo on a trip to Glasgow in 2009... I had a well needed wake up call on my bra size. I will never buy a bra that doesn't fit right again! Although shocked at my "real" size I was very pleased with the time they spent on me, the end result and most importantly the cost. One of the bras I picked out was not in the store and they offered to order it and send it right to my address. I am now, a very loyal Bravissimo customer and often share this great find with my friends. Lucky for Steve we don't have one in Bristol! 

Wednesday 2 February 2011

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY

 According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a Groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks. Looks like Spring! 

WELLY WEDNESDAY HISTORY

Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James Street London, to modify this 18th century boot. They designed a new boot in soft calfskin leather, removed the trim and made the cut closer around the leg. The Iron Duke didn't know what he'd started - the boot was dubbed the ‘wellington' and the name has stuck ever since. By the end of the war in 1945, the Wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wet weather wear. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.

Wellington boots, almost always simply called rubber boots or gum-boots, are popular in Canada and the northern US states, particularly in springtime when melting snows leave wet and muddy ground. Young people can be seen wearing them to school or university and taking them to summer camps.

While green Wellingtons are popular in Britain, red-soled black rubber boots are often seen in the US, in addition to Canadian styles. In rural and coastal Alaska, XtraTuf boots are popular. Wellingtons specifically made for cold weather, lined with warm insulating material, are especially popular practical footwear for Canadian winters. This same style of lined boot is also popular among those who work in or near the ocean, as one can wade in and out of shallow, but cold ocean water, while staying dry and warm.

A popular picture taken of the first Duke Of Wellington in front of the GOMA in Glasgow. I wonder if this is why he always has a rubber pylon on his head?!