London

I should probably apologise for my recent absence on here! I've been busy finishing my exams for second year, so have been something of a recluse with my head stuck in a pile of books and a pen permanently in hand - or so it feels, anyway.

Thankfully it's all over, and we were able to enjoy a child-free weekend away in London. OK, perhaps it was a little premature to celebrate seeing as we actually went a couple of days before my final exam. But in my defence, my boyfriend bought us tickets months ago at Christmas to see Lana Del Ray at the Hammersmith Apollo. So who was I to say no?

We always check out Soho when we're visiting, although this time we forewent our usual cake stop at Hummingbird Bakery on Wardour Street for its next door neighbour, L'Eto Caffe. Although the interior won't win any awards for its simple design, the cakes sell themselves. We found it hard to choose from a selection including fruit tarts, meringues, carrot cake, cheesecakes and brownies; and the drinks selection was just as vast with a choice of leaf teas, fresh juices, smoothies and even cocktails.  A definite must visit if you're in the area.

We stayed close to Notting Hill, so spent a lovely couple of days strolling around, people watching, checking out the Portobello Market on Saturday, shopping for vintage and hanging out in pubs and cafes. The sun even came out for us, which is something of a rarity these days.

On Saturday night we treated ourselves to dinner at The Electric on Portobello Road, where I had what can only be described as the best Steak Bearnaise of my life. In fact it was so good I didn't even manage to get a decent picture of it - we couldn't wait to get stuck in! Washed down with a bottle of wine and a few Mojitos, we then danced it off at the nearby Trailer Happiness. A great night, which we certainly suffered for the next day.

 

The Castle, Notting Hill - the perfect place to stop for a pint and a bar snack. 

I'm usually quite happy to leave the bustle of London - but this time, I can't wait to go back. Although maybe that's just the effect of the sunshine. Or the drink.

Roast's Up

An afternoon enjoying a Sunday roast with friends, finished off with an enormous pavlova. I've never made meringue before but it's definitely being added to the to-do list now I've been reminded how much I love it!

Can we be real for a second? It's 22.30 on a Saturday night and I'm missing a friend's birthday to write about Jane Austen who, quite frankly, I heavily dislike right now. Not funny you guys.

Weekend treats

Lunch at GBK - a new favourite weekend treat, but one that has to happen very regularly! I am still full 8 hours later. Had a very lovely catch up with my brother who was visiting briefly. He asked me if I would do a reading at his wedding, and I got a bit emotional.

So far this morning I have been to the supermarket, done two loads of washing and a bit of gardening. But what I should really be doing is writing an essay. And definitely not blogging, either.

Pinterest

Are you guys on Pinterest? I was hooked right from the start!
It's great for saving things that you find online onto your own pinboards, or for browsing what other people all over the world are pinning. Oh boy I do love the browsing. Be warned though, you can waste hours of your life merrily pinning away. Search by category, or follow people who particularly interest you.

Follow me HERE for recipes, style, home and lifestyle inspiration, and the odd amusing cat. I try and keep the cat thing to a minimum, honest.

See you there! x

Chicken and Bulgar Wheat Salad

Against all the odds - and after a crappy day of revision, rain and writer's block - I managed to avoid the overwhelming urge to order as much takeaway food as I could physically handle, and made a salad instead.

I roasted a chicken breast in some mixed herbs and olive oil, for around 25 minutes. Meanwhile I re-hydrated the bulgar wheat: you just pour boiling water over the bulgar wheat, then leave it for 30 minutes to absorb. So simple!. I served it up with some salad, a squeeze of lemon and some extra virgin olive oil. And really, really tried not to think about Chinese food.