the bluebell wood

This weekend I headed back home for a mini birthday celebration. We had a tea party, Colin the Caterpillar cake and dinner out- my favourite way to celebrate an early birthday.

Today, mum and I took the dogs for a walk across the farm and went to the wood to sea the bluebells. They always flower around my birthday- I've had parties in the wood and spent hours walking through the sea of blue. They may be a wild species but here, they grow in abundance. 

   

   

   

   

There has always been an old shepherd's hut here- once used for its original reason, once for storing bird feed and now it's empty, standing like a relic from the past. Mum rather fancies cleaning it up, giving it a lick of paint and having it in the garden as a shed. I think it should be made into a hideaway for reading and enjoying cool summer cordials. I'm not sure what the farmer would think about this though... 

   

   

Bella would just sleep in it, I'm sure. 

   

For my 9th birthday I had a treasure hunt across the farm. Mum and dad hid little gifts in the fields, the wood and under the trees. They wrote riddles to crack and lead us to the prizes- I think tennis balls were hidden here. Anyway, the afternoon started gloriously, with the sun beating down. We were driven out on the back of a tractor and trailer, all excited, but suddenly the heavens opened and my parents found themselves stuck in the middle of the farm with 20+ nine years olds running around in the pouring rain. The tractor got stuck in the mud and we had to be rescued and taken home to dry off and finish the party indoors. Dad quickly thought on his feet and we had one massive game of charades. It was one of the best birthdays ever and even now, friends talk about it. My parents will certainly never forget it! 

It's funny how places like this evoke so any memories. I shall always come back to the woods around my birthday to see this beautiful sight- and chuckle about that eventful party.

I hope you have all enjoyed the weekend, whether you've celebrated VE Day, run half marathons or simply relaxed with the dogs.

L.

points of interest

For those of you who know me, though it's fairly obvious, I am a little bit of an interior nerd. I get overly excited about glossy home magazines, spend hours curating my dream house and browsing sofas, beds and furnishings for that home I do not yet own. It's a curse, but also a blessing. I am a copywriter for Joss & Main and spend my entire day writing about beautiful products- so perhaps being this much of a geek aids me with my 9 to 5. 

I thought I'd do a fun little post this week and give you a snap shot of things that are inspiring me- from food and drink to homes and furnishings with a few random pieces thrown in for good measure. My brain is usually pretty organised but currently it is bursting with images that are making me go weak at the knees. 

So here they are- call it a snap-shot into my little world. 

Colours & accents:

How about eating a crisp salad with these bad boys? 

  

Or serving mezze from these totally beautiful plates and bowls? 

Calming colours for a kitchen, living room or bedroom that's on-trend and glowing. 

Simple and beautiful. I'm thinking getting my paints out again- I am sure they are covered in dust by now.

Copper and maps- a dream combo. So now, so great.

Kitchen & food:

It's my birthday next week- I am always after kitchenware. Surprise presents are most welcome. 

Seasonal salads in tea-cups? Genius! 

Simply a beautiful image.

Let's all get together for a dinner party- one of my favourite pastimes. I need a slightly large table for this to occur...hmmm.

And so to bed:

Dreaaaammm.

I could go on and on and bore you to death with images but perhaps just take a look at my Pinterest page for inspiration. I try to update it as often as possible- mostly during my lunch break or if I find myself in a coffee shop with my iPad. 

Have a lovely week - don't blow away!

L.

citrus fresh tabbouleh

I think it's safe to say we have left behind winter and perhaps even spring. The mornings are lighter and brighter, the evenings are longer and balmy and I am buying linen dresses and beach bags like they're going out of fashion. 

           

A few early birthday purchases to bring a spot of vibrancy to my everyday look. 

And so with the warmth comes a new eating regime. Bye-bye winter soups and pies, hello summer salads and mezzes. If you follow me on Instagram  you will have noticed I have been raving about Comptoir Libanais a LOT recently. I know, I know, it's hardly a hush-hush secret, but by god it's delicious. So here is a little recipe inspired by my visit with mum a few weeks ago. 

You will need: 

1 Romaine lettuce
A good handful of coriander
2 spring onions
1/8 cucumber
1/2 cup of couscous 
1/2 squeezed lemon & zest
Pinch salt & pepper
Glug of olive oil


Make your couscous in a bowl with a plate over the top- I won't even tell you how to make this as it's so basic, a baby could make it. Remember to season it with a little salt. 

Make the dressing by mixing a glug of olive oil, squeeze of half a lemon, a little zest and salt and pepper. 

                 

Finely chop your lettuce, coriander, onion and cucumber and mix together in the bowl of dressing. Add your perfectly fluffy couscous and give it a good stir.

  

  

 

  

And that's it! It's so simple, yet delicious. Fresh, light and zingy- eat it on it's own or as a side. I like to make a large batch at the beginning of the week and take it to work for lunch. Try crumbling some salty feta into it for a tasty lunch option, or grilling succulent chicken for a light evening meal. 

 

The options are endless and it really does pack a punch. What are you eating now the season has turned?

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday! 



L.