Tick tock: au revoir to my 20's

Sometimes it's hard to ignore cliches, assumptions or the constant reminders from friends and family that your 20's are nearly over.

Despite only experiencing 3 so far, I can say that this last decade has been the best. It's not necessarily been that happiest all the way through but despite it's ups and downs it's been full of firsts, lasts and everything in between.

I made a 'before 30' list a few years ago and didn't stick to it but I don't regret that because I was obviously busy with something more important. I do feel like I want to pack as much into my final 20's Month as it's just about as much as I'm willing to commit to.

So, with the inspiration from a few fellow 29-ers who have blogged about similar (the brilliant Holly Brockwell, the stationery queen, and the amazing writer/blogger Paul Schiernecker ) here it is:

Rollerskate backwards without holding my little sister's hands

Paint a picture that I can give to my Mum

Learn a real song on the violin - not just the Game of Thrones theme 

Visit 1 more new country

Read 'Cider with Rosie' - the copy my Grandad bought for my Grandma

Go on a road trip without a plan or map

See a gig where I can scream the lyrics 

Have a boozy picnic until the sun goes down or the liquor runs out

Write letters to those who I've lost touch with - make up before the new decade begins

Re-create 10 years old - movies, good and companions

Finish the novel you started at 21

Take photos of the places that broke and mended my heart

Make a trifle and eat it from the bowl

Have a photo night and dig out the pictures that wouldn't have made it to the 'aww weren't we always adorable' post on Instagram

Speaking of Instagram aka my favourite social media platform; complete a photo a day challenge. Including the day of the big 3.0. 

Look into my family history - I'm desperate to know whether my Nana worried about 30?!

Be brave enough to share a song on the guitar outside of my house.

Cycle 50 miles and try to understand why the mister loves it so much.

Stay up and watch the sunrise. Just once. And not complain that the day will be wasted if I sleep in after.

Enter a competition - and try to place.

Volunteer - if only for a few hours. Try to give something back to someone else.

Get back in the saddle. Literally. On the horse. (Terrifying) 

Visit Shoreditch house.

Go clubbing. Pre-drinks, pre-pub, club, post drinks then food.

Watch 'Ronin' - finally.

Spend a day in my PJs playing computer games.

Go blonde. Or at least less brunette. *gulp*

Take a dance class. 

Cook for my Aunts. (Aka the best cooks in the family).

Re-watch SITC. Start to finish. Prepare for 30.

Re-watch 'Girls'. Mourn my 20's.

Vlog the list. And have the guts to upload it.

Be away somewhere on my birthday and be grateful I made it thus far.

xoxo*

*pretty sure that's not acceptable in your 30's? 

Arrivederci Mr Ferrero: A dedication to Master Nutella

Yesterday may have been Valentine's Day but it was also the day that the world lost Michele Ferrero, son of the inventor of Nutella, Pietro Ferrero.

Those who know me, or have been into my kitchen, know that I love Nutella. It is my favourite taste in the entire world, it brings a smile to my face and I truly believe that hazlenuts and chocolate were destined to be best friends forever.


That being said,  it seems fitting that in honour of Michele and as a professional connoisseur of Nutella, to present a list of my favourite things to make with Nutella. Not as a tacky link to the passing of Michele but more as a tribute to his Father's legacy.



If you're as obsessed with the hazlenut/chocolate nectar as I am then let's toast to Mr. Ferrero and the joy he has spread over us and our crumpets!

#1 The Classic

Whether it's toast, croissants, muffins or crumpets (where the holes become pools of hot chocolate) the classic way to enjoy Nutella is to spread it over a warm baked slice over a thin layer of butter. (Yes butter, let's not pretend we're worried about our cholesterol).

#2 The Quick and Dirty

Controversial in my house is the quick and dirty approach.You take your jar of Nutella and a spoon and dip it straight in. Either choosing to coat the back and lick it off (ahem) or scoop it out and pray the molar pain takes a while to kick in. Best done in secret - trust me.

#3 The Dirty

As above. Minus the spoon. I'll leave it to you what you dip in there.

#4 The Fancy One

This involves baking. Nutella is a marvellous addition to a cake or a muffin. In fact you can pretty much replace any topping or filling with Nutella and hey presto you have a delicious cake. Top of your creation with a box of Ferrero Rocher arranged delicately in a row and you have an elegant and loyal cake that I'm sure would do the Ferrero empire proud.

#5 The Drink

You will need: A cup full of milk (sorry dairy-free readers, the clue is in the title, everything contains Nutella), a saucepan, 3 dessert spoons of Nutella (quantities are very approximate - use your Nutellabarometer), a dash of cinnamon and a milk frother if you're feeling fancy!

Heat the milk, stir in the Nutella, have some of #2 whilst you wait for it to melt, add the cinnamon if you like and pour into a huge mug.

#6 The Healthy-ish alternative

Cut a banana in half longways (think a banana split) and spread Nutella on both sides. Sandwich together and you have a delicious and arguably healthier alternative!

#6 The Big Dipper

I have to credit my Brother for this alternative to the measley Nutella dips or the "off of the 90's" Choc dips. Let's be honest, they are pitifully small and you can't get away with enjoying the kids snack when you're old enough to buy your own Nutella.

Welcome to the grown up, far classier version! Take one jar of Nutella, a fancy box of breadsticks (the fancier the better) and get dipping! You'll never have to worry about your Nutella to Dipper ratio again!

#7 Sir Mixalot

A mix of Nutella and Peanut Butter is quite incredible. If you're not snobby about mixing nuts then give it a try, you won't be dissapointed.

#8 The scientific test (to be continued)
This is the theory that nearly everything is edible if it's covered in Nutella. For me, this does hold up however I'll continue to do my research as a service to science and to other Nutella fans out there. Yes I've tried it on cheese. Yes, it was delicious.

Bon appetit my hazlenut and cocoa loving friends x

A happy new-ish new year

It's been a year since my last update which nicely ties in with the theme of this post. New year holds so much promise for a clean slate,  chance to draw a line in the sand - whether that's positively or because there have been mountains to climb and hearts to mend.

On this occasion New Year was a mix of happy and sad in equal measure. When the bubbles were long gone and the dance floor emptied the only thing that mattered was knowing that we were in this together; my funny little dysfunctional group of favourites and I. 

So in the spirit of my New-ish year attitude here is a little list of things that are not resolutions that come with a punishment if I don't stick to them but ideas and challenges to keep this year moving in a positive direction.

1. Learn to plan a little violin.

I bought a violin from eBay and the lady who sold it to me gave me a price of "learn a tune or two and come back and play it for me". The sweetest gesture but the pressure is now on to turn the tyre screech sound into something recognisable!!

2. Join a French class.

I used to speak French when I was very small. Actually quite well, but then boys, gigs and MSN messenger came along and I didn't have anyone to speak it to which has disappointed me for years. This new-ish year promise is to go back to school and re-learn what I knew when I was 6.

3. Get back on the horse.

At 17 I had a really nasty horse riding accident involving some bones, some bruising and very sore head. My sneaky husband has challenged me to literally get back on a horse this year and I hate losing a bet so watch this space.

4. 'Stop' drinking caffeine. 

The clue is in the name here. I've given up my 6-8 cups a day addiction and it's only February and it's been awful. I am half asleep on my drive to work and ready for bed at about 8pm but at least the blinding migraines have stopped at last.

Since giving up this delicious addiction I've read a huge amount about caffeine affecting your sleep, skin, heart and temper and if this is even slightly to be believed then even 'stopping' a few of my daily cups of instant will be a step in the right direction.

5. Stop punishing myself.

(It's impossible to feel sad in sequin ears)

I am without doubt my biggest critic. Whether it's comparing myself to someone else, scolding myself for forgetting to do something or for unintentionally doing something wrong, I will hang onto that feeling until the next thing comes up. It has to stop because there are enough people who can judge you harshly (the basic premise of Facebook) so I can probably afford to be a little kinder to myself at least to restore some balance.

I don't like the idea of this list being held over me like solemn rules or laws - I'm sticking to number 4 as best I can but should I slip up I will use number 5 as a mantra and just be glad I got to work at all!

I wish you the happiest of New-ish years and if you're feeling the pressure of impossible resolutions then refer to number 5 immediately.

Paris is always a good idea (at Christmas)

Christmas was exciting, busy, delicious and unforgettable and I hope yours was the same!

The prequel:

We hosted our first family Christmas in the "new" house and it was everything we had hoped for and more. I caught the worst flu and offered little to no help with any preparations but the mister stepped up to the mark and pulled together the most incredible mish-mash (technical term) of borrowed plates and chairs, dairy free, gluten free, hot, cold, silly and magical christmassy goodies that filled our tums and made us as sleepy as the tiny ones.

I couldn't fit everything into a collection of photos so here are a few photos from instagram.

"Rivers of London" - a must read for the graduates of Hogwarts, Red velvet cupcackes (festive and fantastic), Sleepy bear after all THAT food, my favourite faces not just for Christmas!

The main event:

We ran away from the mayhem of Boxing day to the bright lights of Paris. It's a completely different place in Winter to Summer and in my opinion the smoky breath of the frost air makes stopping for pastries and coffee that much sweeter. 

We saw "le sights", we explored old favourites (Montmartre and the Latin quarter) and stumbled upon new (the South of the river), we toasted to our 1st family Christmas and it's success, we could only laugh over the disasters (think pan fire swiftly extinguished by the Mister's sister!!) and wondered if our cat-sitter (my Brother) had eaten all the turkey yet and then......

The rain poured, the clouds gathered over the evening skyline of Paris and my favourite person in the world got down on one knee and I thought my heart would explode there and then.

Audrey Hepburn was right; Paris is always a good idea.

Must have Mid Century Modern: The wanted list

Having missed out on attending the Mid Century Modern show in Dulwich this year (it will be engraved in our wall next to the calendar as reminder for next year!) I have resorted to lusting over the electronic versions.

Below is my most wanted list including brilliant replicas, some original (way out of our budget) gems and some "Marmite" pieces that have left us both in disagreement.

Teak Modern Wall Shelf Unit Bookshelf by Poul Cadovius

The sleek teak lines and the towering height give this shelving unit class, precision and can frame a living space perfectly. 

Possibly an acquired taste, if the space is big enough then this beautiful unit allows you to display your wares without drawing the eye too much to the structure itself. The wood can tie in nicely with other furniture and the think shelving helps to maintain the Mid-century Modern style. 

There are a number of replicas now available online but if you know someone with woodwork skills then a bespoke version would be even better!

Contemporary Dining Room by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

Uten.Silo Wall Organizer

This much talked about wall organizer may seem a simple but functional design but the price of it really means it's a splurge rather than a "must-have". At approx £258 this re-promoted design by Dorothee Becker is now available in a number of colours and can add a much coveted design piece to any home office.

If you can find similar or a replica then please let me know as try as I might I cannot find one similar!

The Egg and Wing-back chair 

Wing-back chairs have made a huge comeback both with designers and more diluted by the high street. There's a huge choice of colours and styles offered that keep in with the classic design or the modern take and make a striking accent chair.

A mention must be made to "The Egg" chair designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Radisson Hotel in Copenhagen. The design has been replicated, has evolved and is recognisable in it's modern form although Jacobsen's original design only produced a handful or pieces so as to maintain its exclusivity.

Midcentury Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Amy Lau Design

Modern Home Office by Santa Monica Photographers Izumi Tanaka Photography

Midcentury Bedroom by Orange County Closet & Home Storage Designers Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Starburst/Sunbrust Wall Clock

The post-war design of these clocks can still be seen in contemporary pieces today. The original designs had 48 spokes and were a mix of wood and brass however the newer pieces can be bought with crystals, made of glass and even include photo frames and chalk boards. A love or hate piece this will divide opinion however in keeping with the Mid-century Modern era it's at home.

Midcentury Living Room by Other Metro Media & Bloggers Jan Skacelik

Mid-century Modern Desk/Workspace

There is a huge selection of new pieces that use the minimalist wooden and metal designs to create desk and workspaces although there are less authentic vintage pieces available it seems. Many websites are offering bespoke pieces with nods to "Mad Men" and make a nice to change to the standard boxy desks that many of us must use at work. The quality wood used in some of the higher end pieces do mean that more care should be taken but if you can get your hands on a vintage or refurbished piece at a lower price then that should ease the worry. 

For us, the hunt continues..

Modern Home Office by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Amy Lau Design

What would be on your "Must have" list for Mid-Century Modern pieces? Did you go to the show - please share your discoveries!

Wonderful wallpaper: perfect or past it?

Wonderful wallpaper! I feared I might never be able to forget the pebble dash effect, thick as a duvet, painted blue wall covering on the bedroom I shared with my brother but it seems wallpaper is making a huge comeback and not the early 90's monstrosities that I remember; hurrah!

If these don't tickle your interior design taste buds then nothing will! A heavy dose of Scandi with a cherished childhood memory to begin with (perfect for a potential nursery)...

Osbourne and Little Wallpaper, Quentin Blake design From £37 - £39

Sandberg - Charles from £65

Sandberg - Metropolis II From £65

Mini Moderns Whitby Wallpaper, Lido 

Grey geometric print <3

Do you live in a town wallpaper from £45

Harlequin Grasses wallpaper from £50

Whether a feature wall or a bold, entirely wallpapered room these modern takes on mid century design bring colour and interest to a large white canvas and against teak furniture would look beautiful in my humble opinion.

Would you consider wallpaper over paint? Do you favour bold or subtle patterns?

"Dec" the halls - Wilkinson's Super Scandi budget Christmas tree decorations

You'd be forgiven for not thinking of Wilkinson's as your first port of call for Christmas decorations. It wasn't the first place I had thought of and immediately headed to Next to gasp in horror at the prices of felt decs that I remember crafting at School. As our first Christmas in our first home approaches we're both bursting with excitement whilst our piggy bank is bursting with dust so this year will be Christmas on a budget.

We have been on the hunt for some (mainly) cool toned Christmas tree decorations for a little while now and were delighted to discover that not only did Wilkinson's have a nice little selection but they EVEN HAD GREY DECORATIONS which is exactly what we had been looking for.

Below are a few of the Scandi gems we bought today but I'm certain we'll be back as they have a fantastic "build your own wreath" display which is a lovely mix of berries, cinnamon sticks, foliage and mistletoe. All coming in under £4 means our frosted winter tree is starting to come together with some change to spare.

Clockwise: Grey wooden Robin, Red Tin Heart £2, Red Knitted Star £2, Foil Bauble £1.50

Clockwise: Snowflake Garland £4, Wooden Tree £1, Grey Wooden Tree £1, Knitted Candy Strip Bauble £1, Knitted Grey Heart £1.50

Clockwise: Knitted Heart £1, Grey Wooden Lovebirds £1.50, Teal Knitted Star £2, Bark Star £1

Grey Wooden Hearts Garland £4

The hunt continues for some more traditional Scandi decorations including the essentials such as a wreath for our red front door and the stockings for the fireplace. 

Where is your favourite place to shop for Christmas decorations and do you go all out to decorate your home during the festive season or keep things minimal?

Our next post will be all about trees and fingers crossed we find one before 1st December!

The Sunday Session: Part deux (finally!)

1 What are you reading?



I 'm attempting to finally finish "The hundred year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson. It's funny, heart warming, captivating and I'm annoyed at myself for not finishing it first time around as it really is as bloody brilliant as the reviews say. I recommend charging to your nearest charity shop and find a copy and then pass it immediately onto someone else so they can belly laugh as well!  



2 What are you watching?


Thanks to someone updating their Facebook status last night (we would have completely missed it otherwise!! Thank goodness for social media!) we've started watching the third Series of "Borgen" this weekend on BBC 4 and it's started off as brilliantly as Series 3 ended. The Danish Political drama is still filling the gap that "The Killing" has left in our lives and high five to the BBC who are showing 2 episodes every Saturday!

Also back on our British screens is "Masterchef: The Professionals" on BBC 2 which is a relief as I've watched so much of the Australian series that 'I'm starting to guess the dishes and ingredients before they happen.

Last night we watched Ryan Gosling in "Lars and the real girl". If you haven't seen it and you're a Ryan Gosling fan be prepared to see him in a totally different light! I hadn't read the blurb or even heard of it so was not prepared for the brilliant but heart-wrenching tale. 



3 Where have you been?

We went South to see one of my oldest friends from Uni get married at the weekend and it was magical, cold, romantic and I felt so happy for her and so proud as she deserves her happy ever after. It was very much a reality check as friends are beginning to get married and have babies. Is it time to grow up?!


4 What made you smile?

I found the old emails my buddy Dan and I sent to friends and family when we were travelling around Europe and it included an email from my Mum checking that we hadn't been kidnapped in Croatia as we had forgotten to call before we left Hungary. Not sure what's worse; the risk of being kidnapped or the fact that she had just emailed her concerns to us and hoped for the best?!


5 Most listened to?

• Delilah, Strong for me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvVW7u2y4LQ
• Sky Ferreira, Everything is embaressing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEamE0MYPkg
• Robotaki, Walking on a dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKm2jdzB2n0

6 Who deserves a mention?

Design sponge

I discovered Design Sponge via one of Essiebutton and Gemsmaquillage's TTYL videos (See here) and have not been able to stop scrolling through the pages and pages of well put together interior design spaces. The photos are brilliant quality, the style a mix of vintage, restored and mid century categorised by State, Country and style and now I know that there is a book to go with it I'll be hinting over the next few weeks! (Please boyfriend!!)

7 Favourite purchase?

These boots from New Look. My All Saints army boots finally gave up this Autumn and although I don't expect these to match their lifespan I think they'll at least last the Winter. 



8 Most used site/app/game?

This Month, in preparation for our Holiday to Paris in little over a Month, I've been upping my French lessons and Dualingo has been a brilliant on the go tool to improve both my vocabulary and my tenses. It's silly and easy to pick up and mixes the written with the spoken (with an option to not use the mic if you're on the train for example) and with a leader board that shows your friends progress it's good for motivation too! Some of the sentences are very silly (This morning I had "The pig has a large fly") but I've since discovered that they have made some of the silliest into t.shirts so I know a few people who might get one for xmas!

If you're looking to pick up a language I highly recommend Dualingo although the choice seems to be limited to a few European languages at the moment.


9 Something good to eat? Drink!

This Months lineup...

Chai Latte has taken over my life. I'm fully on the bandwagon and I can't see my getting off this side of "the worst Winter Britain has ever seen". It's amazing with milk, with water, in the mornings, at work and with a tiny dash of Nutella.



10 Random favourite

I think I've mentioned this before but seeing as they've moved I feel it's only right to mention Artemis and Nao of Junkaholique. The Husband and wife team run their own jewellery company, have the most beautiful home and sense of style and a little girl who wears Artemis' handmade knits adorably well. Their blog is inspiring as it is endearing. A weekly read for both the Boyfriend and I.

Interior: the "grown up" Games Room (yes that is a thing!)

Now that most of the  boxes have been unpacked and the important rooms are starting to take shape  we've started to throw about ideas for the unnamed den/games room/ play room/ man cave upstairs in the roof. (Can a den be in the roof?)

Between us we've got nearly every games console since the commodore but they've all been gathering dust at our parent's houses under a spaghetti junction of cables.

Below are some ideas that we both like for a games room that incorporate function, organisation and the kind of design that continues throughout the house. It's hard to make, what's essentially a kids room, look stylish but below shows that with a bit of money and planning it can be done.

Click on the images for relevant links. It gets a bit silly towards the end but this is all research anyway...

*look out for the console glass coffee table!!

Various stickers available online and through Etsy

Wall stickers from: UberDecals

Poster from: PopChartLab

Pong sticker from: Zesty Graphics

Dream gaming room via Dannycoo.com (the craziest site!!)

Star Wars poster from: Conception Studios

$10,500 when sold with all the money going to charity!

Contemporary Media Room