Espresso Machine

Lucky old me got given one of these after we finished a project on coffee machines. So easy to use (didn't even have the instructions) and makes proper, cafe style foam for your cappuccinos. That's the report from the very first cup we made. Too much fun. And it will be good to make our own versus spending $5 on a cup of joe out in the real world. It's Breville, which is an Australian company (oih oih oih)

Big Beer

Blaue Gans is an Austrian restaurant a few streets away. It's beautiful, all the walls are covered in posters and has a great area in the window to sit and have a drink. Which we do probably a bit to frequently. It's popular, cause Nick loves his beer and they have a nice selection there. Look at the size of the beer jug. It's huge, you probably can't tell how big but it's pretty massive. How I laugh every time I see it.

Our Anniversary

Our 4 year anniversary was a few weeks back so we went for a drink and dinner in the 'hood. Such a perfect day, it felt like we were on holiday somewhere with the sun setting, the fun lights and the beautiful buildings opposite. I want to live in one of those apts. One day ....

Starter bites

These little parma and pea shoot 'roses' are a nice pre-dinner snack for a little dinner party. Not that i do many dinners, but always fun to have these things, just in case. Not that delicate to shove into your face but I bet mighty yummy. Found on Apartment Therapy.

Australia

Just saw the trailer for Australia. Looks like it will be a beautifully shot movie, but I am not sure of the story. I actually was so distracted by Nicole Kidman's seriously over-botoxed face. So unappealing.

Deli Flowers

Good flowers around now that summer is almost here. Bad shot but these are from the local deli. So lovely. Wish they would last a little longer. Get ready for lots of flower and food shots over the next few months. The farmer's markets are also a great source for flowers. Lucky us.

Restaurants

So this is a new addition to the blog. Restaurants I want to try. Rather than cut out pages from mags. I am going to keep them here.

Spain... On the Road Again

This is that new cooking program with Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow. Just saw a preview for it and it looks great. but then again, i'll pretty much watch any cooking program. Not sure if the food part will be stuff i like to cook (too much effort i think, best for restaurants), but we will see.

Look out for it.

Spinach and Bean Dip

Another Giada recipe.
I can't stop making this. Love it. Love it. Took about two seconds. I had two cans of white beans and used them both and lots of spinach from the organic box. When you wilt it down it nearly disappears so you almost can't have too much. For those of you with little ones, this doesn't taste like vegetables, but is loaded with them. Tell them it's "Devine Green Slime'. (it's not slimey at all)
Loving my food processor too. I guess you could use a blender but as the beans are quite flour-ey, it might be a bit more difficult. I used my Persian Lime flavored olive oil which I think helped the taste. I would maybe double the lemon juice if making it again (and without the persian lime Olive oil). Make it. Make it now!
Spinach and Cannellini Bean Dip

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (6-ounce) bags baby spinach
1 (15-ounce) can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil, over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 of the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Repeat with the remaining spinach. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Place the remaining olive oil, spinach mixture, cannelloni beans, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor.

Blend until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl. Serve with endive spears, crostini or pita chips.

Hunter Bergh

How Cute! Simone, he is cuter every time we see him!

natalia vodianova

this is my favorite model ever. just so pretty. these pictures are from the new Russian Vogue. She's Russian and guest edited and i think the whole mag is devoted to her. She used to be the face of Calvin Klein but now does Chanel make-up. So pretty.

Amelie and Louis

Enjoy. both looking so cute. I like Louis new, big-boy haircut!

Cute

I think this looks so cute but not something I could pull off. I think if i did it it would look so amateurish.

More Nigella, Cocktail Sausages and Salmon Potato Cakes

I love her show, everything is so easy to make (not that i actually make that much but it does look easy) and looks rather yummy. This is easy stuff for a party. Sausages don't look that appetizing but you just know they are yum.

Recipe for Cocktail Sausages in honey, soy and sesame oil, here

Recipe for Potato Cakes with Salmon here

The Real Housewives of New York

This is an awful program about wannabe women in NY who think they are socialites. Really, they are all ridiculously pathetic. This one couple, pictured, are Simon and Alex. Simon is Australian and clearly gay and gross. Alex is just revolting. They are so far away from socialites it's hysterical - which is what makes this program so interesting to watch. Awful social climbers. Anyway, these two met on-line and talk about how strong their love is and how jealous everyone is of their love. He paints himself as this gentleman but i saw them yesterday outside the hotel he manages and he was looking like a tragic aging rockstar wannabe in big dark sunglasses in overcast weather and she was without a jacket in the cold in huge heels. She was running around looking for a cab while he hung back smoking. Very funny to watch. I can't believe i took a photo - i've never done that before.

From Urban Outfitters - Terrain

This is the new concept from Urban Outfitters and looks fantastic. Reminds me of Petersham Nurseries in the UK. I love Anthropologie Home stuff, and this looks like it would fit with this. Oh, to have a yard/garden. Pretty right?


This is taken from the Oh joy blog. I feel guilty ripping off other peoples words but i know no-one really reads this.

Terrain, the 4th brand from Urban Outfitters, Inc. The first retail location, Terrain at Styer's opens to the public tomorrow in Concordville, PA...just outside Philadelphia. Here's a sneak peek at the new 11 acre garden center blending home fashion and horticulture. I've been hearing bits and bobs of things in the works, so I am sure the space and details will be absolutely stunning. I'll be visiting the new shop next week and will some post more photos then especially for those of you not in Philly...

Bathroom Tiles

Although we are yet to actually do anything with the apt, we do have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for and/or what we are going to do with the space. These are tiles I am loving for the bathroom. Not sure if they are going to make the already small space look even smaller. Ginny was over for lunch on Wednesday and suggested they could even be nice in the kitchen for the backsplash area. Nice idea. Thoughts on the tiles? The rest of the bathroom will be very white and plain. Since writing this, i found new tiles that i love. i need to take a photo of them . They were from the bathroom at Kingswood. Black hexigon tiles like these, and the occasional white one dropped in. might be more practical, less busy. Wasn't sure about dark tiles in a small space but the loo there was tiny and it looked great.