hibernation sunday

A sleepy Sunday is simply the best. I haven't had a proper one for a while now as I'm usually pottering around London on errands, diving into coffee shops or exploring hidden treasures with the Yank. But today I found myself with an afternoon to spare. Before parting ways we wrapped up warm and went for a walk around Gladstone Park. What a hidden treasure this is! I didn't think there was a whole lot of things to do in the area however this park provided the perfect start to my lazy Sunday. 

                         

Back in the west and nestled in my little flat I decided there was only one thing that would make this day lazier; fresh brownies, pots of tea and an afternoon hiding under a blanket.

Whipping up a gooey tray bake and filling the flat with delicious smells, this is how my afternoon has unfolded...

                   

                    

May I quickly point out the book? 'A year in Provence' by Peter Mayle came by recommendation of my Yank. It is short and sweet and documents exactly what it says on the tin - a year in Provence. From food and wine, to the tundra winds and redesign of a crumbling barn, this book is like a comforting hug at the end of the day. Pick up your copy and grab a cup of tea. Delicious. 

                    

                    

                    

Wrap up warm mi amigos, we're heading into winter. The perfect excuse for a Sunday hibernation. 

L. 

homemade beef pie

Waking up feeling surprisingly fresh after Lauren's birthday night out, we headed down to the Green for pumpkin spice lattes and an energising walk. We stumbled across Parsons Green's excellent farmers' market and stopped for a peruse. Cue photographs of carrots and potatoes. 

   

   

   

The main reason for our early morning expedition (aside from clearing fuzzy heads) was to head to Parson's Nose to pick up some delicious meat to make a pie. This is a serious butchers with a serious selection of meats; from game to pork to beef. Droooool. 

   

   

   

We picked up 400g of rump steak, diced and ready to throw under a blanket of short crust pastry. 

To make your beef pie for two (ok so we were quite piggy and this could have been for three, stretching four. Maybe) you will need: 

400g rump steak beef, cubed

4 shallots, diced 

A generous glug of claret

Beef stock pot 

2 bay leaves

Jus Roll short crust pastry

Brown off your beef before adding the diced shallots. 

   

Add a little flour, a generous glug of claret, bay leaves and seasoning to flavour. Use a Knorr rich beef stock pot and leave to simmer for 20 minutes. 

Behave and resist tasting! 

                    

                    

In the mean time sort out your pastry top; puff or short, whatever your preference. We went for short crust and a very elaborate stag design. I have never seen such precision go into a pastry design... He excelled himself. 

                   

                    

I added a few leaves and berries before giving it a wash of butter - I would have used a yolk but all eggs were eaten for breakfast; both work just as well.

Once you've created your masterpiece pop him in the oven at 180 for 30 minutes, or until glistening and golden brown. 

                   

                   

Plate it up or simply grab a fork and dive in. Serve with potatoes and peas and with a side of whole grain mustard - simplicity at its best. 

The dish has never looked so clean before!

   

Hope your weekend has been as excellent as mine. And Lauren - a very happy birthday! 

L. 

a saturday kitchen

I haven't done one of these posts for a long time now so it really is much overdue. I have almost settled into my new home entirely now, all I'm waiting on are some prints and a cushion or two, and I'll be showing you around in no time. In the meanwhile I've been perusing frivolous items for the kitchen. I love nothing more than waking up on a Saturday morning, refreshed and excitable, and padding into the breezy kitchen to whip up a few brunch things with a good coffee to boot. Nothing new here! Start the weekend with flowers, they're always happy to see you. 

   

   

Next it's time to have some java. 

   

There's something about making a cafetiere of coffee on a Saturday morning. It's sociable and makes me feel somewhat mature. Gone are the student days of chipped mugs and bitter instant and I'm welcoming that with open arms.

Brunch should be a laid back affair, with morsels to nibble on and share. How about whipping up a little cheese soufflé in this oh so sweet heart shaped ramekin? Brought back to bed on a wooden tray with a sprig of flowers, you'll have your loved one from the first mouthful. 

   

Bowls of mushrooms and tomatoes are a welcome accompaniment, along with stacks of toast and butter. You won't need to eat til sundown. Make the most of your Saturday. 

   

Having feasted like kings and queens, store all your dry ingredients away in uniform jars. At home our pantry is lined with Kilner jars and I couldn't imagine a better way to keep things in order. 

   

                 

Whilst on my perusal of all thing frivolous I came across this:

   

Beautiful on the side on your work surface; completely non essential. I suggest you bag yours now. I know I certainly fancy something like this by my side. 

Having set yourself up for the day, wrap up in your coats and scarves and head out into the ever colder autumn sunshine. There's nothing better about this time of year. 

Enjoy the last few hours of your weekend.

L. 

lapada

Art and antiques. Two things I am very fond of- perhaps that's an obvious one but I'd just like to reinforce this fact with a mid week blog post. My housemate Ollie works in Mayfair and asked me to joined him at The LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair at Berkeley Square and I was more than happy to jump at the opportunity. 

   

Having had my bag thoroughly searched and picked up our copies of Harpers Bazaar we started exploring this maze of stands, each one making us 'ooo' and 'ahhhh' louder than before. 

                 

Ollie particularly liked the above. I'd imagine if you had a serious bachelor pad the pieces of furniture would fit right in. From an ejector seat to a coffee table made out of a car engine, this was a serious boys' corner. 

                 

                 

We decided our flat needs a coffee table for all those coffee table books I keep buying for no reason. And whilst the other two housemates are away, we perused... Perhaps a little out of our budget, but lovely nonetheless. 

                 

   

                 

                 

What's really lovely is that because the marquee is on the square, the event still encompasses the huge trees. So whilst you meander the lanes you'll come across a tree or two. One dealer saw an opportunity here and displayed his series of woodland prints up the trunk. This was my favourite little fella. 

   

   

From old to contemporary, the fair is bursting with accessible art and antiques. It is the most incredible place for people watching too. Hang around the jewellery stands in particular- you may just watch someone buy a huge diamond ring. 

                 

This was my favourite piece. Stand in front of it and you see a beautiful oil scene of a lady sitting naked under a tree. Walk to you right and she is gone, walk back towards your left and she is now dressed as above. Do you remember those hologram bookmarks you had as a child, that moved every time you angled it? Well this is essentially a large version of that. It's beautiful and somewhat poignant. 

   

   

   

The fair is open til Saturday, I really do recommend you pop in and have a look round. If you're not interested in art and antiques, go for the people watching and Mr. Fogg Bar for a refreshing G&T. There's something for everyone.

A perfect evening in Mayfair. 

Happy Friday! 

L. 

westminster

Having woken up with a head cold and a touch of man flu, the thought of going to evensong at Westminster Abbey was somewhat appealing- perhaps it would cleanse our souls and clear the sniffly boy of cold? Whatever it was, I'm so pleased we went. Having attended a cathedral school for my entire education, I am quite akin to candle lit services, spine tingling choirs and that ethereal quality only cathedrals can offer. 

Both of us have never been to evensong at the abbey so it was all a little exciting. I didn't take any photographs as it isn't allowed, so you'll just have to go and see the awe inspiring beauty for yourself. I couldn't stop gasping as we walked over prime ministers, heroic figures and the unknown solider; a hall of fame of considerable significance. Seated, we sat in silence and took in the architecture and carvings. Then from afar the choir started singing. I'm not sure I hid my grin very well. It reminded me of school and home and they were just wonderful. 

Feeling better about ourselves we took a wander and soaked up the late Sunday sun. 

                   

    

    

    

Clearly one of the MPs needed to drop into work quickly... In his Aston Martin. Lovely. 

                  

           

                 

Britain really is rather great, isn't it? 

L. 

magpie

The weeks are racing by and I found myself at another weekend. Having gone for a run in the morning and feeling energised, myself and my little friend went in search of antiques along the Portobello Road. As you are all too well aware, I love Notting Hill and I love a good dose of interior fashion, so when asked if we could go antiquing I leapt at the opportunity. I am a magpie after all. 

The sun was beaming down and the white houses looked glorious in their finery. We battled the crowds and pawed over the flowers before rummaging the treasure. 

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

   

   

If you put me in a field of flowers I'd be a very happy girl. I have always fancied the idea of having a florist shop so once I've made my millions (or there about) I'm setting up shop and living the Englishman's dream. He's a fan of flowers too so that's always nice. He's even learnt which are my favourite; peonies in case there are any secret admirers out there... Wink wink. 

Back on the road we dived in and out of the stalls and shops. I'm after some old prints of maps and flowers for my new pad so I spent a happy time flicking through maps from the 18th Century. They're beautiful and I can't wait to get some up on the walls. I also found some particularly sweet prints of eggs and mushrooms that I thought mum would like in our new kitchen- I'll bring them back for you soon! 

                   

    

We rummaged through old books and hordes of silver cutlery.

   

   

   

   

I spy with my little eye, something ever so shiny. 

   

Row upon row of beautiful paintings. I found plenty of quick oil paintings that I just love. I really can't wait to have a house to furnish. An unlimited budget is required though. If anyone requires an interior consultant then I'm your gal. 

We finished the day off walking the quiet roads of Notting Hill and chatting until the sun went down. 

I don't think I could love weekends anymore. It really is wonderful to have them back again. Hope you had happy ones too. 

L.