Bonjour Cupcake

Friday, 1 April 2011

This Week I've Mostly...

I didn't do enough writing this week. Slap on the wrist. Instead I listened to my music on shuffle and sang so much that my neighbours probably really hate me right now.

Drooled over this pretty bed from The Conran Shop. I was tempted to get in and see if anyone noticed.

Hung out in Paul Patisserie drinking lattes and eating too many pain au chocolats

Fake moustaches are cool. I'm still undecided on the real deal.

I am obsessed with herbs and putting them in every meal I cook

I miss Saved by the Bell

I think it's actually time to ditch the tights and get some colour on my legs!

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Novelists Share Their Tips on Writing...

Here is a great article from The Guardian with snippets of interviews from different writers about their personal process of writing.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/mar/26/authors-secrets-writing

How to Have the Perfect Picnic (or Parklife Part Deux)

I am a big fan of picnics. When the sun is shining what could be better than lazing in beautiful surroundings with wonderful food?
Probably the best picnics are had out in the countryside, undisturbed by others. When I lived in Yorkshire I used to go on walks recommended on nature trails and often used to picnic in meadows of wildflowers or by soothing waterfalls. Now that I live in London I don't miss out though, as this magnificent city has lots of gorgeous parks to choose from. My favourite has to be Hampstead Heath - it really is an escape from the bustling metropolis.

Here are my tips for a perfect picnic:

You need a big blanket, preferably a specific picnic one so the underside is waterproof. These can be bought quite cheaply at supermarkets
I love baskets and those gorgeous hampers with the plates and cutlery and even a little chopping board inside but any bag will do really. I often use those reusable supermarket bags. Cool bags are handy too if you want to keep things fresh and cool.
Plastic plates, cups and cutlery are handy to have but disposable ones are good too
Suncream and sunglasses
Napkins and baby wipes
Layers of clothing, in case it gets chilly when the sun goes behind the clouds
An mp3 player or guitar and a good book.
Sandwiches. You can pre-prepare, but I love nothing more than buying a crusty french baguette, pulling of hunks and smearing with butter and topping off with roughly chopped cheese, avocado and tomato. To take butter with you, use those little cubes you get in restaurants or put a blob into a small tupperware tub
Salad. I prepare a salad and put in a secure tub. My favourite salads include rocket, avocado, feta, toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, red peppers, cannelloni beans and tuna. Couscous is filling too as is sushi
Fruit; especially strawberries and melon - yum. Or peaches and cream.
Cupcakes or tarts
A bottle of water
Elderflower cordial is delicious
White wine or Prosecco
A plastic bag for all your rubbish

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Darren Hanlon - All These Things

Smiley happy video

Spring Fever (or Parklife)

Spring has sprung. Throw the windows open, fill your space with the heady scent of flowers. Feel the sun on your face, the air on your skin. Stop and smell the roses. Let the cherry blossom rain on to you.
De-clutter your wardrobe, your home, your life.
Breathe deeply.
Smile