Moroccan Wedding Blankets

I've posted these before, but I love them. We were going to get one for our bed when we were in Morocco (where they are cheep cheep!) but kept waiting, thinking we would see them everywhere. Of course, we never quite found one as beautiful as one we had seen in another town, so held off. Now, when I see them, they are all too expensive. I got a gorgeous pom pom throw for the bed for my birthday - will post some photos at some point, so don't really need one any more, but if I did find a great one, it might be perfect for the day bed we have.

A selection here, if you like them.

My New Toy

I've been debating about getting a stand mixer for a long time. Too much food network viewing has made me realllly want one. But, I've held off because as far as I can see, they are used to make the sweet, fattening stuff and I need more bad food like an extra hole in my head. Then I was debating about getting a cheapy one but as Nick pointed out, it's false economy in a way. A good one with a powerful motor will let me make breads, handle heavy doughs etc. That decided it for me and off we trotted on Sunday afternoon to make the big purchase. Heavy as can be so I was lucky I had my love with me to carry it home. Now, what shall I make with it? i think it will have to be something cheesey, just for Nick.

Strawberry Jam

My grannie makes the best strawberry jam. After chatting with her the other day, I decided I would make my own. Pretty delicious. Basically, cook strawberries that have been cut in half over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add sugar if you want, I added about 3/4 a cup for 3 or 4 pints of strawberries, but next time will do sugar-free. After the frut softens, add half an apple grated, or cut small, for the pectin, and a half cup of blueberries if you have them. Keep stirring. Done in about 40 minutes. Can't top eating it.

The Wire

This is a must-see series. It's been off TV for a few years now but it is just the best. Seriously. It's a cop shop set in Baltimore. We are nearly finished season 3 of 5. Addictive.

I like the simplicity of this room, and the way the photo is situated off to the side. Striking. This is from John Pawson's home (wonderful architect).

Every time I get flowers from the farmers market, Nick comes home and says that they are his new favorite. Of course, he said these were his favorite too. They are pretty, but given that it has been quite hot here, they haven't lasted as long as we would like. Nice while they lasted though.

Chicken and White Bean Chili

It's hot here. Probably too hot to make this but I think I might make it for Nick for lunch one day. Perfect for the cold weather in Oz. Mum, I think baka and dida would like this too.

Recipe here

Nice recipe for a limoncello granita within the episode. It's made with marscapone. Super simple, but you need a food processor, mix it all and then pop it into the freezer. recipe here

More photos to come, but this is a great one Nick took in San Sebastian, Spain. I love this. We are actually blowing this up to hang on the wall in the apt.

Bathroom Radio

We don't have one, and probably don't need one, but this is a cute one from Muji that I just saw on another site. It's disguised as one of their typical shampoo bottles. Clever. Only $40 if you happen to be at the Muji in Japan.

Market Bags

These are rather fun. Not worthy like some of the non-plastic bags out there (e.g. I am not a plastic bag). I like. Caroline, this could be something fun for Matt to do.

Flowers

We always have flowers in the apt, these looked great, and lasted forever. The farmer's markets always have such a great selection. Lucky us.

Ina's Tuna Rolls and Lentil Soup

Both look delicious and are definitely recipes I will be trying. The dressing on the tuna roll looks like something that I would love- Asian flavors, and I do love a lentil!

Lentil vegetable soup recipe here

Tuna Roll recipe here

No pictures I'm afraid.

Eating in Paris

Lots of good places here for our trip over New Years.

From the NY Times blog, info here

Tavern On the Green

When Meg was with us we went for a drink at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. It's touristy, but it has a very pretty little garden with lovely lanterns.

Great Pool

The designer Alberta Ferretti is featured in this month's Harper's Bazaar in one of her houses. Such an amazing house, and the pool looks exquisite. You actually can't see the detail but it it amazing - the pool is tiled in tiny black and green tiles. I would be very, very happy with this! And I would probably sit and pose like that all day long, feeling very good about myself.

Biarritz

How beautiful are these flowers? From the loveliest flower shop you have ever seen, in Biarritz, France. I haven't posted any pictures from our May holiday, but promise I will.

Fancy Fruit Salad

Fruit is pretty good here at the moment - lots of berries, my favourite. If only passion fruits weren't so expensive. Anyway, this makes a fruit salad a bit fancier, good enough for dessert. It's drenched in limoncello and has a delicious lemony-yoghurt top. I'll report back when I make it- maybe tomorrow night.

Carrot and Pineapple Cake

Another reason to get a stand mixer. Looks yum. It's from Ina (barefoot contessa) and recipe is here

Paris

We are spending New Year's in Paris this year. Can't wait. Xmas in the UK and then off to Paris for three nights before flying home. We had such a great time in May that I said to Nick that we must try and go every year. Wishful thinking maybe, but a nice thing to aim for. I'm attaching an article of some restaurants we may want to try. Hotel is booked, just need to book airfare and find somewhere delicious for New Year's Eve.

Article from Gourmet here

* how great is the picture? It's a restaurant called Le Train Bleu - I think we will have to pop in here, at least for a cocktail.

Lemon Honey Chicken Breasts with Mustard Mayonnaise

Recipe here

Cassis

A pretty little town in France which may be the site of a holiday next summer. So pretty - who's coming?

Tropical Locations

I read about this travel site in the FT 'How to Spend it' mag, which I like a lot. Site is great. And, has some pretty good deals (still crazy expensive) to great places like Nepal, Maldives, India etc. I'm keeping it here so that one day, when we are feeling a bit fancy, we can check it out to book a great vaca. It's a UK based site and a lot of the special offers include airfare. Website here

Aren't the pictures above divine?

Gnocchi

Yum. I remember mum making it all the time when we were younger. I love it, but now only get the prepared stuff or have it at restaurants. Too hot to make them now but for those of you in Oz, if you are bored here's something to do. Also says they freeze well so could be good to do on a rainy day.

Recipe here, from the kitchn.com

Le Cake (with olive and cheese)

Poor Nick never gets to have anything for dessert as he doesn't like the sweet stuff. When I saw this cake in Gourmet, I thought it would be something I could make just for him. Pretty easy to make, and my picture doesn't do it justice - I think it looks better in the flesh. And as I can't eat it (too cheesy) we froze it in slices so he can bring a little treat for lunch time. Recipe here. You may have to register to see it.

Oooh. I would like to be here right now. I found the image but cannot remember where it is from. I know that it is in Miami, and I think it might be a new, old hotel. Actually too hot to be in Miami right now, but I'll keep it here for winter time.

Storage

We are actually pretty lucky with storage in this apartment, but I think a shoe cupboard would be great. Wouldn't take up much room and I think we have just the right empty space for it. We seem to have shoes everywhere, wearing at least 2 or 3 pairs a day and they always just end up in the hallway making it look messy. And, those in the cupboard seem to take up too much room. Something for me to add to the to-do list.

Fun stencil for a kids room. I think Phoebe would like this. Not sure where it is from however.

Flowers

How amazing does this look? Did you guess it was fields of tulips? Imagine how pretty that would look if you flew over it. We've had lots of great flowers in the apartment recently, so I will start posting some pictures. Not quite as impressive as this, but still gorgeous.

Pretty Bench

I love this. No room in the apt I don't think, but wouldn't mind finding a space for it. Like? It's from Vivaterra.com a site I quite like.

Clafoutis

Doesn't this look wintery delicious? Basically a crepe batter over fruit. I've seen a pear version and also an apple one. Too easy.
Recipe (and photo) from Gourmet here but I would just use it as a guide - ie make your usual crepe batter (Baka (my granny) gave me her instructions - and I successfully made crepes for the first time on the weekend) and pour it over the fruit.

MIka

When we were in Patonga at Dickbusch (name of house), the owners had the Mika CD. Perfect summer holiday CD. All bouncy, happy, singalong songs. I just got the CD today and am playing it - a lot - before Nick gets home and makes me take it off repeat. Anyway, it's great, and I bet little ones would love it too. If anyone wants a copy, let me know and I will pop one in the post for you. Doesn't the cover art look happy?

Recipes - Crab Strudel, Crunchy Coleslaw

I love crab. It's my favorite. No picture, but here is a recipe for Ina's (barefoot contessa) crab strudel. Recipe here

And, from Giada, a coleslaw. Not that you need a recipe for it, but I want it here to remind me to make it. It has cranberries and pinenuts in it. And, the dressing is yogurt and sour cream. Better than mayo. She also does it in the food processor. I love mine, but have yet to use the shredding/slicing function. I think i'll try with this. recipe here

The Hangover

We saw this on Monday night. Very juvenile, but fun. Worth seeing if you want a larf.

Smarty Pig

For my US readers, this is worth investigating. It's like ING but offering much better interest at the moment. Well, 2.75% versus 1.4% at ING. All rather rubbish really. Site is www.smartypig.com

Lentil Salad, Pasta Salad

Here are some more easy hearty salad recipes from Giada. These will make yummy lunches or prepare ahead summer dinners.

Lentil and Rice Salad here

Antipasto Salad here

Spinach Salad with Orange Vinaigrette here

Stuffed Shells

This is a recipe from 'Cook Yourself Thin'. A new friend, Lucinda (a brissy girl, but moving to London soon) was on this show despite being literally the size of a pea (she's the one with her hair back). Anyway, nothing fancy, but a good, healthy, easy meal.

Recipe here

Phoebe's Scary 3rd Birthday Party

I've just heard that Phoebe is having a ghoulish, scary 3rd birthday party, so I thought I would trowel the web looking for some ideas. First stop Martha and her halloween section.

First up, these are scary ice eyeballs which might make a fun table setting in a big glass jug. Maybe too scary, but here just incase.

Directions here but basically, just radishes and olives in an ice cube tray.

Secondly, we have a potential fun costume for little Ash. You could just place him on the table and he could help set the mood, and you would know where to find him. Directions on her site.

Thirdly we have a template for a pumpkin. Might be fun to decorate the room, but maybe too halloweeny. It's here

Fourthly, a fun way to decorate pumpkins, if they are in season, which I think they are. No directions, but picture above for inspiration.

Fifthly, a template to make a paper bat here . These might be fun off twigs.

That's enough for one installment.

The Baby Larters

Looking Good! I can't believe how big Ash is getting. Looks like a little bruiser in the photo with Pen and her spaghetti legs. Wish I was there.