Back & Birthday Wishes..

I'm back from the fabulous NY!.... thank you to everyone that has followed my daily updates and left such lovely comments... I stuck quite close to my itinerary and my friends knew where I was planning to be on those days... so if that had to contact Jack Malone from Without a Trace they knew where i had been.... my trip involved lots of walking and I am now in need of new feet! so a much needed rest today before my return to work tomorrow.
I will update you more, but today I'm off to the cemetery as it's my Gramps's 91st birthday, so a difficult day for me today...This photo was taken last year at his 90th birthday tea. Happy Birthday Gramps, thinking of you with much love.
xoxo T
ps.. don't forget that Kirsties back tonight and for the next 2 nights for her Homemade Christmas... Channel 4 8pm

Park & Packing!

Today is my last day in New York before heading to the airport for my flight home!...
so packing is a must first thing, and then i'm planning on heading out and hitting the park for my last few hours.
My 5 favourite things in Central Park are:

Y Wollman Ice Rink ( as featured in the film Serendipity)

Y Belvedere castle ( as seen in Stepmom)

Y BoatHouse ( where Carrie & Big took a tumble in the lake!)

Y Tavern on the Green (featured in many films but most memorable in Bette Midlers Stella)

Y Bethedsa fountain ( Enchanted - if only Patrick Dempsey was there in real life!)... A stroll in the park complete it's time to head over to the airport to board my flight home....

I'm sure that I will have more to share with a few pictures to add to my collection....

Farmers market & more

Today I'm heading out early to the Farmers market down at Union Square in the Flatiron area. I will also browse 'Lady's mile' home of the fashion bargains. This area along Broadway is filled with some fabulous Home shopping... including Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrell, Williams-Sonoma to name but a few, so lots of shopping for me today!

The market has a mix of farmers market and christmas market. I will be testing out here!

A stroll along 5th to the hotel will finish off my day.

A day in the village....

Today I'm heading downtown to explore Greenwich Village and its surrounding areas. This will include a stop off at Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic, Anthropologie and a Martini & Manicure at the Beauty parlour before heading back!.. There is so much to explore in these areas I will start off down at the Tribeca area before heading into Soho and then up into the village.... of course I can't stop off at the village without a cupcake and to check out Carries brownstone, which although on the TV she lives on the upper eastside the brownstone is actually a road away from Magnolia in Perry Road...spookily that's the name of the road that my Gramps was born in! ... I will finish my day off at the Beauty bar where I will have a martini & a manicure! so Cupcakes & Cocktails for me today!

Brunch in Brooklyn

Today I'm heading over to Brooklyn....for a day in the Heights. This will include a walk across the iconic bridge a stroll round the Heights district, with brunch at the iconic River Cafe.

The Heights promenade which has featured in many films, offers amazing views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty and Staten Island Ferry.

A stroll around Brooklyn navy base and a trip to the Mall is also planned!

Memories Old & New

Today I am heading Midtown and also to the Garment district! My first stop after coffee and pancakes will be St Patricks Cathedral, where i will light a candle for my Nan who I lost 5 years ago today. Ironically I was told the news sitting at a boarding gate in JFK airport, trying desperately to get home to say goodbye. It wasn't meant to be, so this year will be even more poignant to remember the most special lady in my life who is now been joined by my beloved Gramps... This holiday was a gift from my Gramps and I know that they will be looking out for me on my travels.
From St Patricks I well head over to the Rockefeller and go to the Top of the Rock to view the fantastic city!....
A stop at the New York Library and Grand Central station is a must before heading over to the Garment District which is situated between West 42nd & 34th street. The Garment District is featured in Project Runway and houses an array of Designers and fabric / fashion design shops. Donna Karan & Calvin Klein still have their design houses here...including MJTrimmings ribbon store!




34th street is also the famous street that has the square mile of Macy's on it!.... who doesn't love the Christmas movie Miracle on 34th street! Macy's always gets a raw deal against Bloomingdale's, Barneys & Saks but its a fab store which still has the original wooden escalators! and hosts the amazing Thanksgiving parade... so this where I will end my day before stopping off for Chicken Noodle soup on my way back to rest my feet!

Medium Brown Bags & Hot Chocolate!

where does a girl go when she has just landed in New York!.... after dumping my bags i'm heading over to Serendipity's for Hot Chocolate... and then I may pop into Bloomies! for a little browse!

The Christmas tree is being lit at the Rockefeller Centre, so I will head down their after the Hot chocolate.

The Rockefeller is the home to NBC and a number of news agencies, Top of the Rock, the Rainbow Rooms and the Radio City Music hall, and the Winter Ice Skating Rink.

Opposite the Christmas Tree entrance to the Rockefeller is the glorious 5th Ave & Saks, the windows are always a work of art, so i will view and then head back to my hotel....

off on my travels...

well the case is packed and its just a final check through of the stuff not to forget!


Tickets a
Passport a
Visa Waiver (no longer can you fill your little green form in on the plane!) a
Cash! a
Map a
Teresa's New York 2009 Things to do book (nearly full!) a
Ipod a
Starbucks card - topped-up! a
Book to Read a
I've posted a daily update of my plans whilst i'm away.... thanks for all the good wishes... will update you with lots more on my return!
Tx

Delia does Christmas!

Whilst I'm away.... The Grand-Dame of Cooking,Delia is back for Christmas!

"For the first time since 1990, Delia returns to television screens at Christmas time to unveil a celebration feast packed with indulgent, scrumptious recipes.
Delia is a firm believer that the festive period of cooking and feasting should be cherished, not feared. In a season which can be fraught with panic, Delia is here to allay cooks' worries. She steers through the minefield of timings and planning in the hectic weeks before Christmas Day; the key, of course, being to prepare as much as possible in advance.
Delia treats viewers with Christmas classics, from gloriously fragrant home-made mincemeat and traditional Christmas pudding to a glossily bronzed turkey with all the trimmings. She spoils the hungry with a delicious chocolate and sour cherry crumble, her best cranberry and orange relish, and delectable scallops in the shell. Diners will ascend to culinary heaven with her fillet of beef with wild mushroom and red wine sauce, and roasted bacon with blackened crackling, and there's a twinkly delight as Delia indulges dessert lovers with a gorgeous panettone trifle.
Delia's Classic Christmas is a sumptuous celebration of Christmas cooking crammed with Delia's best Christmas recipes, practical tips and step-by-step guides to enjoying the preparations."

I'm particularly liking the look of Gruyere & Parmesan Allumettes (Cheese straws!) Mincemeat & Apple Crumble and Christmas Cracker Puddings with Mascapone Rum Cream so set the record button for Tuesday 1st December BBC2 9pm

the holidays are coming......

in more ways than one!....... oh you always know when christmas is on its way when the Coca Cola advert airs....

this has really got me in the holiday mood!.... today has been a day of catching up with friends and sorting out the last of my things for my holiday.

Tonight is ironing, ready for packing, just got to pick up suitcase from my friend! and then I can think about packing, although I am notorious for leaving it to the last minute!

My ironing & packing viewing is a couple of NY themed movies!

Confessions of a shopaholic

and Serendipity!
off now the ironing board is calling!

1 week and counting!

can you tell that i am desperate to go away now!...well the planning has moved up a gear now. I've even plotted places to go on my map!... how organised am I.
As well as numerous shops to seek out, there are a few tourist musts for me so in no particular order;

Top of the Rock @ the Rockefeller Centre ~ everyone heads for the Empire State Building for views of New York, however this gives amazing views which include the Empire State. (usually less Q's too!)
Central Park ~ Where else can you ice- skate, go to the zoo, climb to the top of a castle, stand in strawberry fields, drink hot chocolate amongst the sparkling trees of Tavern on the Green all within a park in one of the busiest cities in the world!
New York Library ~ a beautiful building with a reading room to die for, ever more famous now thanks to the fated nuptials of Carrie & Mr Big!
Grand Central Station ~ features a concourse that makes you want to dance in it. This building epitomises all the glamour of New York and more.
Brooklyn Bridge ~ an icon of NY which often gets eclipsed by the Statue of Liberty, but if you are down at Battery Park, jump on the subway head over to Brooklyn and then walk back across the bridge. I defy anyone not to think they are in a movie! (who can forget Miranda & Steve in SATC!)
These are on my itinerary, will share some more later in the week. Tx

Dear Santa......

I've been a good girl this year! and I know that your are exceptionally busy this time of year BUT....
Kelly has done touch a fantastic job of a wish list of what she would like,I thought I would let you have mine and as we have similar wishes I would hate for you to get the stockings muddled!

In order for me to look glamorous & gorgeous (trust me Santa I need all the help I can get!) for the holiday season I would love a makeover by Bobbi Brown... the Queen of makeovers.

Makeover complete a girl needs to look her best, so key accessories are a must. As one of my mantra's is that "A girl can never have too many Handbags, Shoes or Friends" and I have many wonderful friends, but I would love an update on the handbag and shoe collection...

My handbag wish is the Mulberry Bayswater, but would be as happy with the Mulberry Charlie... (did you know that my Gramps's name was Charlie)....

and my shoe choice is either the Christian Louboutin 120 Ankle Boot or the equally scrummy Prive Slingbacks

(i know i'm a sucker for a slingback!) its an 80's thing...............

With the glamorous look complete, a girl has to commute in style, so an Aston Martin would be lovely, preferably driven by 007 himself! I'm not fussed on which style as they are all lovely.....

No glamorous trip is complete without an equally glamorous room to stay in to a trip to here The Plaza ~ New York which is a beautiful hotel in my favourite location.

Now a girl can't stay in such surroundings with out a date for lunch, dinner & breakfast!
so my accompaniment for lunch would be the lovely Rupert,

dinner & coffee with the gorgeous George

and breakfast with the McDreamey Patrick.........

who can hold the key to my heart in a little blue box!...

well a girl can dream .... can't she?

x Y x Y x

This week.....

it's been a bit of a Roller Coaster. Life has been a ride of highs and lows.....

Tuesday: Off to the Rugby, Saracens 'v' South Africa as wembley stadium..... great venue and a crowd of 48,000. Lots of green shirts for South Africa on the tube to the game. There's a large South African community in London... not forgetting that this side are the World Champions!. I caught up with my friends there, where we went for a Chinese first which was very yummy.

None of us were anticipating anything other than being beaten at this game and the score line at half time showed South Africa very much in front!.

Sarries came back after half time on the attack with a great display of Rugby and to clinch the win at full time!!!.... a great game of rugby!

Wednesday: After a stressful day as work I headed over to Portland Place for another Crochet class with the lovely Jane from Tea & Crafting. This nights lesson was Crochet Flower broaches!... and how cute are these. There was 6 of us in the class, Jane was extremely patient and eventually everyone went home with either a completed brooch or one nearing completion. I had a great night, and would recommend Jane's classes to all,(especially as sweets & chocs are supplied!!)

Thursday & Friday were 2 very long and stressful days at work, along with another bereavement in the family. My Gramps's youngest brother died on Friday, which really knocked me sideways, as he was the last one of my Grandads 8 siblings.

So next week will be a trip to Bury St Edmunds for the funeral, and my boss dropped into the conversation at 5pm Friday night that he had booked me on a course next week for 2 days which is compulsory. This now means 5 days work to be actioned in 2 days prior to my holiday..... I'm a little stressed..

two weeks and counting!

until my trip to NY!.........Thank you to everyone who has sent me places to visit and ideas for my trip (especially Victoria) My itinerary is growing at length... I have sourced a Target in Brooklyn, so my walk over the bridge will be go a little further a field than just the River cafe and ice-cream parlour!

Also on the agenda is Tinsel Trading and Michaels (who has opened in Columbus Avenue)

To aid my trip I picked this little book up at work.... what every girl needs on a trip to NY!

I'm looking forward to exploring more of Greenwich Village and the surrounding areas, I have sourced a couple of bakeries where cupcakes will have to be tested and tasted! I also have a list of flea markets & farmers markets to peruse.

off now to plan a little more!

Not like any other Sunday Boot sale!...

well the Simon le Bon post caused a stir!...
i am still smiling at meeting the man himself, however some of you have asked how!... Yesterday Selfridges held a Jumble / Boot sale, unlike any normal Sunday boot fair / garage sale this one was hosted by celebrities who had donated their belongings, in the process raising money for Mothers 4 Children.

An eclectic mix of goodies was sold off from 50p to £200, including signed shoes from Shirley Bassey, Designer dresses from Elizabeth Hurley,and what appeared to be half of Simon le Bon & Jamie Redknapps wardrobes!
I had a fantastic day, and met some lovely people, both celebrities and people working for the charity who were just great. We haven't finished adding up all the donations, but we are hopeful for a good sum. thankfully the weather was dry after an horrendous saturday as people Q'd round the block to gain entry.
I got my fab limited edition Tote bag signed by Simon as a keepsake from my day!
here are a few other pictures.... including the gorgeous Jamie Redknapp & Simon Le Bon together... well a girl can dream, can't she?

you can take the girl out of the 80's!

but you can't take it out of the girl!.....Living my teens in the 80's was fab!... my pop-idol crush was Simon le Bon & John Taylor from Duran Duran. My friend J and & I were devout Duranies. There wasn't anything that we didn't have that didn't have Duran Duran scrawled across it. I didn't need wallpaper in my bedroom as it was covered completely by posters!

We even went as far as going to Falmouth in Cornwall when Simon's boat Drum capsized in the fastnet race, just in the faint hope of seeing him.... When they re-formed and toured a couple of years ago, we were there screaming like we were 15 all over again!

So this weekend has been a little surreal, Friday night I got home from work late, flicked through the TV and found a programme on BBC4 documenting the iconic Rio album with interviews with the band etc, followed by a concert of there's.... it didn't know whether to feel old that Duran Duran were on BBC4 or that BBC4 were getting a bit retro! Then today at work (detailed post to follow) I met the lovely Mr Le Bon and his family... surreal moment sitting drinking mulled wine & munching mince pies with the guy that used to adourn my walls!... an all-round lovely family, Yasmin is stunning, Amber, Saffron & Tallulah are great girls and Simon was still yummy!

it's a hard job.......

but someone has to do it!...today at work, some of Rugby's Finest came in to sign their 2010 calendar... this calendar may feature in many rugby girls stockings this year!....My friend came up and met me, we had calendars signed by the lovely:

Nils Mordt ~ Northampton saints

Delon Armitage ~ London Irish & England

Dom Waldouck ~ London wasps

Will Matthews ~ London wasps

waiting in the entourage was the equally lovely Neil Kennedy from London Irish who was just scrummy!.. no sarries boys but hey a girl can't be too fussy!

We then had a bite to eat had a wander and then drove home..... a fab evening out.

Prior to the signing, the boys did a little Christmas Photo shot... Merry Christmas Girls!....

three weeks and counting....

and I will be on a plane on my way to New York!.... a bit of a spur of the moment thing but I am so looking forward to a week away, and where else should a girl go 3 weeks before Christmas!

Thank-you to everyone who emailed me to see if I was ok after my weekend, I'm feeling much better now and I've got NY to look forward too!

It is without a doubt my favourite city in the world, I have been a few times but never get bored of it.

As well as Bloomies, Saks & Macy's I will also be frequenting the following:

Y Pottery Barn ~ classic home ware... a must for a Friends Fan!

Y Dean & Deluca ~ A Deli to Die for!

Y Crate & Barrel ~ Kitchenware & Christmas goodies

Y MJTrimmings ~ Ribbons & Buttons in abundance!

Y Sephora ~ A must for beauty treats.

(click on highlighted store to peruse the website!)

the cupcake eateries are also on my list of 'To do's!.... As a seasoned traveller to New York, I'm always looking for new places to explore..... what do you recommend?

We must never forget....

Saturday and Sunday saw Remembrance services take place across the nation. Saturday the Annual Festival of Remembrance at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall and Sunday the Service at the Cenotaph. Both incredibly moving and even more poignant this year.

I didn't realise how difficult I would find this weekend, until it was upon me. It didn't help that I've been fighting a head cold all week which broke Saturday, sofa, duvet and hot lemon in a plenty for rest of weekend and lots of tissues!

Remembrance weekend was always time spent with my grandparents. This year without them both has been really hard, especially without my beloved Gramps.

Early Saturday morning I headed to Westminster to lay my cross in the field of remembrance. The heartbreak of seeing the remembrance field for the boys lost in Afghanistan this year, was incredibly moving.

I was incredibly blessed and lucky to spend the time with my Grandad that i did, His storey will be passed down to future generations but we must always remember the sacrifice that these men have made and are making for us all. This is a layout that I made a couple of years ago... thought it was more poignant this year.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..........

This week (Tuesday) saw the Christmas Light ceremony in Oxford Street. This year it has been sponsored by Disney in conjunction with their movie release for the festive season of "A Christmas Carol."

I have posted some picture here on my Recipes of London Blog. To avoid the nightmare tube journey from Bond Street, i nipped out of work early and headed over to St Pauls, as Spandau Ballet were performing as part of the ceremony there.

A great night... and it's definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Christmas Coffee is Coming!.....

the countdown has begun!..... there are things on the build-up to Christmas that make me happy! Red Cups are one of them!

How excited was I when I saw this sign outside Starbucks on my walk into work Monday!

Every year Starbucks switch to red cups for Christmas... I start to look out for them from early November, as we know that the holiday season is upon us!

I especially love them as I have complete association with them and New York, which as you know I Y this years signature flavour is Egg Nog! mmm yummy

this year I'm adding the following to my santa list....however I may need to sample whilst decorating the tree!

they are the yummy starbucks gift sets from Boots, Candy Set or Syrup set....

so Christmas Coffee wishes.... what ever your flavour! xxxxx

An evening with Albert, 3 soldiers & Michael!

last night my friend and I spent the evening at the Royal Albert Hall. We had supper in Leith's Cafe Consort, and then was entertained for the evening by 3 soldiers & Michael Bolton.

Confessing that I'm a fan of Michael Bolton is a like a little guilty secret, however having seen him a couple of times over the last 20 years, he never disappoints. Last night he was supported by the 3 serving soldiers who have recorded an album in-between tours of Afghanistan.

They were amazing.

Michael performed all his classics, along with sections of swing, Sinatra and opera... two and a half hours of pure entertainment.

Michael dedicated the evening to the militaries, and Help for Heroes. Explaining his decision to team up with the soldiers, Bolton says, "I have great pleasure in welcoming The Soldiers to the shows at the Royal Albert Hall because I have always, and continue to express 100 per cent support for the military at home and abroad. It is because of these people, the bravest of us all, that we have the lives and liberty that we cherish. "From visiting military hospitals in the USA, it only emphasises that these people should get all the respect and support they deserve from all walks of life including those in the entertainment industry.

A fab night was had by both of us, in a truly beautiful setting.

A 'Spooktacular' Halloween.....

Halloween wishes......
well we have certainly caught the bug this year for Halloween, it is everywhere!... I think that it falling on a Saturday has certainly aided all the parties and trick & treaters. I have spent the afternoon over at my brothers and there are so many houses decorated around by him. It looks great.

This year I have had a quieter Halloween, last year I went to friends for a party which involved lots of cupcakes & cookies!... this year I just decorated a pail and filled it with spooktacular sweets for the kids! I'm sure my brother & sister-in-law will be loving me later when Brad & Lib are bouncing off the ceiling!... They are off to a fancy dress party tonight, although Lib has spent the day dressed as a witch!... she has been a 'good' witch!, or so she tells me!...

I'm sure others may think differently.

I've also decorated a candle with the lovely 'Tilda & pumpkin' stamp.

So tonight the fireplace is dressed, candles lit and I'm going to curl up with a spooky supper... complete with witches brew soup! (loving my soup mug... bargain price of £1!)

have a hauntingly spooktacular halloween. Tx

Cookies & Cupcakes for a Cause

During the month of October, you may have noticed that there is a lot of Pink products about. This is of course for Breast Cancer Care. It is said that 1 in 5 of us will be touched by this disease in some way during our lives... so what can we do .. here are a few tips or TLC.

A number of big organisations launch products for this month to raise money for various Breast Cancer Chariots... Here are a few;Debenhams, Boots, John Lewis, or pick up some ideas from here.

We have had a number of events ongoing at work this month, Friday was bake's & cake's for breast cancer day. I made some Cupcakes & Cookies to sell off. I'm not sure what the final total is yet.

This Friday (30th October) see's the charity's 'Wear it Pink' day, so wear something pink and donate £2 to Breast Cancer care... and pop into Asda and pick up a special edition Flake for October only... it's pink!

Secret Santa....

Two months tonight Santa will be popping down everyone's chimney and leaving prezzies, but only if you have been good or that you have joined Victoria and Kelly's Secret Santa....details on either of the links.

Christmas is a tough time for me, but I love the build up. This year I am determined to make a little something for everyone and enjoying the build-up in London, so over the next few weeks I am going to share with you Christmas in London... watch this space.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without either the Grand-Dame Delia or the Domestic Goddess Nigella, so i'm excited that Delia has launched a new book.........this is on my 'Things I need for Christmas'. (I have a Things I need list which enables me to prepare and get ready for Christmas!!!)..... check out this review complete with 4 free recipes.

Coffee & Cuisine Catch-up..... Coffee

This month I have been to 2 fab places that are 'pop-up' venues,(only there for a limited time). Apologies for only getting round to sharing them with you now. Life has been a little hectic of late.

My first share is Coffee with Friends....(apologies Vic for plagiarising the title!)... whilst I was up at Carnaby Street a few weeks ago, I popped round to where the Friends Central Perk Coffee Shop had been set up. I was so early into London that the Q hadn't even started to form for it. and as I was peering into the window a member of the Friends crew opened the door and asked if i wanted to quickly look around whilst he set up!... how fab was that!. Central Perk was set up as a promotional event to celebrate 15 years of Friends... All of the set props were there to look just like Central Perk,including Rachel's bridesmaids dress and the Turkey complete with sunglasses from the fab episode when Joey puts it on his head!

The coffee menu only had the 5 coffee's offered in Central Perk

and was free with a downloaded voucher from the website.

It was great to see it all and you really felt like Joey or Chandler were going to walk in the door at anytime!

Coffee and Cuisine catch-up...... Cuisine

Several months ago the rumour mill went into overdrive at work of a proposed restaurant on the roof, with a much starred chef, of the Michelin variety cooking.... this was leaked and the restaurant whispers were loud via the restaurant fraternity, Internet & twitter...

When the store first opened 100 years ago Gordon Selfridge had a restaurant on the roof along with a clay pigeon shooting range.

The surprise was broken when during the summer months Pierre Koffman was seen having publicity shots taken on top of the roof,high above the chimney pots of London.

For those not familiar with the name of Pierre Koffman, he is one of the few chefs to achieve status of 3 Michelin stars, his restaurant 'La Tante Claire' was the talk of Chelsea, prior to its move to the Berkeley before his retirement. His signature dishes include Stuffed Pigs Trotters, alongside other celebrated French Cuisine dishes, all of which are amazing.

Joining Pierre for the event (which was due to be for London restaurant week, and now has been extended due to demand) are some of his former proteges Tom Aikens, Eric Chavot, Tom Kitchen, Raphael Duntoye, Helena Puolakka and William Curley.

My office sits alongside where this restaurant has 'popped up' so the disruption and noise over the last couple of months has been challenging. Last week clients of ours took me there for lunch!

I entered the restaurant with much expectation and excitement......to gain entry to this area is like something from Mission Impossible!... you follow black logo mats into the main entrance, towards a personal lift that whizzes you up 5 floors to a beautiful white reception space & corridor which has strategically placed art. For someone who knows what this space looked like 4 weeks ago it truly is amazing.

A small flight of stairs lead you into the 'tent' on the roof balcony. It looks fantastic,complete with antler chandeliers and bowler hat light shades, draped with an gorgeous rooftop scene of London with Hyde Park in the distance.After much deliberation my menu was chosen.... was I brave enough to sample the trotters... mmm no I settled on the duck!

I was treated to the Amuse Bouche of Langoustine Bisque with Potato Foam which was delightful.

My first course followed which was a Cocktail of Scottish Lobster & Avocado with Lemon Jelly, complete with cocktail glass. It tasted as sumptuous as it looked.

The Duck arrived and it did not disappoint.... I finished off with the legendary Pistachio Souffle which was out of this world.... Coffee and Petit Fours finished us off, made by the legendary William Curley which were just gorgeous.

At £75 a head this menu does not come cheap, but I can truly saw the food was phenomenal, and feel extremely privileged and lucky to have dined there. I can saw the return to my desk was a long a slow one, and needed a nap once there!... This menu is not for the diet conscious, it is a work of art and an absolute treat for the tastebuds.

As you can imagine people are flocking from far and wide to dine here, with much celebrated chefs and kings of cuisine also popping in... the legendary Egon Ronay accompanied by Marco & Pierre.

Show us your Cath....

Today Lissy Loo is hosting a Cath Kidston blog party for all those of us that love a bit of Cath .... I do love Ck but am cautious of not overloading as it can be too much.

(Remember Burberry a few years ago!!!) The bulk of my CK is in the little bits & pieces for sewing, laundry and where would christmas be without my CK apron!...talking on Christmas... check out the new Christmas releases. mmmm yummy!

Cath Kidston was featured recently in one of the newspaper supplements.. here's the online version with some 'Sew' tips... enjoy..

True Gold....

is the only way to describe Spandau Ballet on stage at the O2 last night....

I along with 3 friends, 1 of which I was in playschool with, headed off to see Spandau Ballet's Reformation tour. As a devout Duranie in my youth, one could never admit to being a Spandau fan, but I was, having a huge crush on Tony Hadley & Martin Kemp.

No school disco was complete without the epic True!

Earlier this year when the band reformed, I jumped with glee and eagerly awaited the release of tour dates, and whether it was just for financial gain or the fact that the boys had really put their past differences behind them, I didn't care, I was going to see them no matter what!... I've seen Tony Hadley a couple of times solo since the demise of Spandau, and as great as he was it missed that wow factor that the 5 had together. This preview of the Dublin gigs only got me more excited!

The boys hit the stage under a large screen of graphics and pictures of the UK in the 80's, ironically the band built there following during a recession hit Britain, 28 years later they are reformed in another economically challenged Britain! launching into Chant No1 from their 1st iconic album... this led into a mixture of songs from their epic back catalogue...

Highlights included Through the Barricades, Lifeline, Communication, too many to name!... one of the best bits was Tony & Gary together singing With the Pride,........ the night finished to their to anthem of True which was absolutely fantastic, including Steve Normans legendary saxophone accompaniment.(for a girl who played the saxophone at school this guy is a musical genius).The boys left the stage to thunderous applause to return to an encore of Fight for Ourselves and Gold .

Tony entering the stage with a obligatory tumbler of Jack Daniels & Coke.....these boys still know how to party!....

I am today wishing I could go back for more but am now eagerly awaiting the release of the DVD which was filmed last night... alas I cannot wait for santa to drop it into my stocking... I want it now, only 6 weeks to wait!... it's true what they say you can take the girl out of the 80's but you can't take the 80's out of the girl!....

Christmas Cupcake Countdown......

I've now started to countdown the days until Christmas... I know it's only October but this year I am so forgetful I'm worried that if I don't organise myself it will be January and Christmas has been and gone.I can officially talk about Christmas now because Boots has launched it's Gift Guide... you always know Christmas is on the way when that hits the shelf!
I have seen lots of bits and pieces for recipients and me!! I am particularly loving these bits from Next , I'm really liking the Cake sign and the Cake plate.....they have also got some fab sweets & treats gifts.... Debenhams have also got some great stockingfillers, although I do already have the pen set!. .. well the countdown has begun... so watch out for further postings!

Her name was Lola... she was a cupcake...

with lots of glitter and sparkle.....
last week LOLA's cupcake bar opened in the foodhall at work... It's a bar selling all sorts of cupcakes, from vanilla & buttercream, to rocky road, banana and of course chocolate...mmm.
We frequently get these to taste and they are yummy!. I'm currently liking the oreo one or the chocolate coconut one..

I gave some to Victoria & Kelly when I met up with them last week, and they have both emailed me to say that they were yummy. As you can imagine its quite popular so be prepared to wait!.... coffee & cupcake what more could a girl want!

welcome home....

Yesterday saw the home coming parade of 38 engineer regiment at Massereene army barracks in Antrim Northern Ireland. Within this regiment is my 19 year old godson, (son of one of friends,) This regiment was targeted by the real IRA on the night that they were due to leave for Afghanistan, where they lost 2 of the regiment.
Its 21 years since my friend & I met ( her husband & my boyfriend were friends... neither man stayed the course unlike our friendship!) and although we do not live close now (she's in Scotland and I'm in London) I know that she is only a phone call away.

He has spent the last 6 months in Helmund in Afghanistan...we've kept in touch via facebook which helps, especially when everyday you are dread listening to the news. Fortunately Daniel has returned.Whilst he has been on tour, the boys from his regiment along with other regiments ran a marathon around camp bastion to race money for Help for Heroes.
My thoughts are with all the families who's boys haven't come home or have come home injured.
Talking to Dan last night it certainly is harder for those that are left at home, to them they are dong the job that they signed up for and love.

As my friend has one boy home her youngest (16) is away on his first week of maneuvers at Harrogate.
I am incredibly proud of him, and incredibly relieved that he is home safe.

Hugs & Love ,

will up to see you all soon.

Tx

Quilting at Liberty's

Today I've spent the day at Liberty's in London learning how to patchwork quilt. The day was lovely, informative and I learnt lots!... I love the Liberty building, so be ensconced into a lovely old room for the day, sewing and being served afternoon tea was great.

There was 5 of us at the workshop, 4 ladies & 1 gent and we had lots of fun. Good value for money,all materials to make 5 blocks.We had coffee & danishes to start, and afternoon tea all thrown in for the price too.

Janet the teacher was lovely, patient, full of knowledge and information about quilting.

I managed to complete 3 blocks there, a basic 9 patch block, a monkey wrench and a ohio star with fabric and patterns to finish off a rail fence and astrip rail block at home!... it's all jargon to me but I liked it!.
I've always loved patchwork, especially memory quilts,(check out the film Stepmom)...I now have no excuse to cut up all my fabrics that are languishing under the stairs..... mmm what can I make for Christmas.......

Shabby Chic & Champagne....

As posted yesterday, last night I went and met Rachel Ashwell at her book signing event, so meeting up with Victoria & Kelly my blogging pals.... a fab evening was had by all. I had arranged to meet them between Pedlars & Cath Kidston in Selfridges... I did feel like I was on my way to a blind date!.. no horror stories to share,the girls were lovely and everything I thought they would be and more, we went for eats after the book signing and didn't stop chatting.

The book signing was lovely as was Rachel, it was staged with some scrummy things for the home. She became quite emotional when she started talking about emptying her mothers house whom she lost this year and the memories it evoked. I could completely empathise with her, but she composed herself and was really generous in the information she shared.

Here are a few pics from last night..... thanks Victoria & Kelly for a fun filled evening... hope see you both soon. Tx

Shabby Chic Soiree....

Today i'm off to a book signing event after work, at Selfridges. Over the last few weeks the store has hosted several 'Designer' evening's, this week see's the Shabby Chic Queen herself ~ Rachel Ashwell.

I am privy to the fact that she has been out with our buying teams looking for flea market finds this week, to stage the event and the new book is to die for!

This fab article was featured recently in the press, which has some great hints & tips....

On top of going to this event I am also meeting up with two friends that i have made through blogging. They are Victoria from Florence & Mary and Kelly from Recipes of Life. I'm looking forward to this as much as going to the event. The girls always leave lovely comments on my blog, it will be great to put faces to names!

Ladies that Lunch....

Today I took a half day from work! (miracle in itself!!). My friend Karen met me, we had a leisurely lunch, lots of chatting and then a bit of shopping in Selfridges!...

yes I know i work there but so much happens in the store on a daily basis that it was lovely to bimble round, & browse. I saw lots of lovely things for Christmas, and it was great to view it from someone else's perspective. I forget what a fab shopping experience it is.....

we then finished the day off with a glass of wine before heading back into the suburbs after rush hour.

a Fab day had by both.....

The de-clutter begins!

this year one of my resolutions was to create more of a home for myself, what with one thing and another (loosing Gramps) I haven't done anything about it.

My house needs some major re-decoration and a really good clear-out!... I can't put it off any longer, I have a colleague re-locating from Leicester to London and everyone thinks that my spare room would be an ideal re-location for a few months until she is settled. Having done the relocation thing I can empathise with her on how difficult it is, also the company would be welcome at the moment.... so a huge clear-out is required!

This challenge is big and time is limited so its all go at the moment... I can always remember my nan having a good clear out in Sept/Oct getting ready for the winter, so this is my Autumnal De-Clutter!
This recent read has also been inspirational.... A Spring Affair mmmm I hope that my 'skip' man is as yummy!

So my top tips for myself are:

Y Be Brave!

Y One Room at a Time

Y Make a Mess

Y Be Logical

Y Not All Clutter is Junk

Y Storage Solutions

Y Get Rid Feel Good

Y Relax........

A New York moment............

This weekend saw the new release of FAME....this film was a huge inspiration to me, followed by the spin off tv series, remember this!

Fame started my love affair with New York, it was somewhere that i had to go, (especially as you got to dance on the top of yellow taxi!).. I wasn't even in my teens when this first hit but can remember being swept up into the whole Dance/Music school vibe.... jazz shoes & leg-warmers were a huge hit!

My love affair with New York continues on, and still my favourite place in the world. I won't get there this year but are planning for next year already!... in the mean time I have discovered The City which is the spin-off of The Hills... it is addictive, especially Olivia who is quite hideous. so this will ease my NY fix for the next few weeks. Also recently discovered is Lipstick Jungle this is written by Candace Bushnell writer of Sex & the City. Loved the book... series did not disappoint..especially the character of Kirby Oh my word... definitely candidate for Scrum of the Week!

This week sees me having an ugly betty moment.. I'm undecided on whether to cut a fringe into my hair, however I am worrying that i will look like Ugly Betty's mum in doing so!... watch this space!

Thank Crunchie its Friday!

that's how I feel today!........ work's been a little demanding the last couple of weeks, due to sickness & holidays and I'm shattered. A much needed cupcake fix was needed, so Honeycomb Cupcakes were made... accompanied by a little of Cadbury's finest..

Chocolate Honeycomb Cupcakes

(Makes 12)

Y 60g Butter, softened

Y 1/4 cup castor sugar

Y 1 tsp vanilla essence

Y 1 egg

Y 3/4 cup self raising flour

Y 1/4 cup milk

Y approx 75g or 1 cup of honeycomb crumbs

Icing ~ Icing sugar, Butter & vanilla essence - mix to required taste. Honeycomb square to decorate.

1. Pre-heat oven to 175' and line a 12 hole muffin pan with cupcake cases.

2. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar, then add vanilla and egg. Beat until well combined. Fold in half the flour and milk until mixture is smooth. Repeat with remaining flour and milk and stir until batter is smooth. Either chop or crush honeycomb and stir into batter. Three quarters fill each paper case with batter.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove from oven. Leave cakes to cool in the pan for 10min and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Spread icing on cupcakes. Sprinkle the cupcakes with either some leftover honeycomb crumbs or top with with a small chunk of honeycomb.

Eat with Hot Chocolate, topped with whipped cream & honeycomb crumbs..........

knit 1, purl 1....

the nights are drawing in, so perfect time for the knitting needles to come out!.... this year i'm spolit for choice crochet or knitting!!... mmm my friends complain that i'm a 'hermit' already as i'm a nightmare to get out! i've now got something else to keep me from venturing out!!!...
Tonight I made over a knitting pattern book of my nans, with some great papers from cosmo cricket and a stamp from hanglar....its full of old patterns which i love. They bring back lots of memories as my gramps knitted a lot for me when I was little.
I've also knitted a little bag to put my crocheting in, whilst i'm on the train in the morning!... granny squares are coming on!
Jane who I blogged about recently has listed some new workshops for October... check them out here.
It looks like she's caught the blogging bug too! I've booked to do the flower brooches... hopefully will see some of you there!
I have also discovered this amazing blog by Vanessa, who's crocheted scarf is so on my wish list.....a lovely bright funky blog. Kelly has also posted a knitting post, supporting this great cause and a worthy reason to get the knitting needles out!
This weeks train read is the fitting "The Knitting Circle" which i picked up in the charity shop this week...
Recipes of London Life has come back after its summer break.. check it out here.
have a great week... Tx

Cupcake Winners.....

Alas National Cupcake week has come to end... thankyou all for the lovely comments, I hope that you have enjoyed the week as much as me....

the final blog cupcake candy is:

Y Cupcake Book
Y 6" x 6" pack of the Nannas Kitchen papers (1 of each)
Y 1 pack of "Sweet" papers (postcard size)
Y selection of yummy cupcakes cases
Y 10 x Sweets & Treats cards & envelope (recipe included on each)
Y ~ collection of cupcake stamped images

Y ~ cupcake shopping list

Y ~ Cupcake Diary 2010

Y ~ Cupcake wrapping paper

Y ~ Cupcake Fizz Bomb

Inside the Cupcake Cookie jar are all the entries... and the winners is:

KELLY ~ Recipes of Life

I have a little runners-up gift for Mel, so email me your addresses and I will get them sent to you both... Enjoy!

National Cupcake Week Day 5 ~ Books to Eat

If there was the equivalent of an AA for books I would probably have to join it and confess that I am a book addict.

I can't remember ever not having my head in a book, this obviously spills over to Cupcake books as well! .... I'm a sucker for a gorgeous scrummy picture on the front, the yummier the better..... Here are a few of my favs, for either the recipe or just to devour the pictures.

Y The Hummingbird Bakery ~ a joy from cover to cover, both for the recipes and as a coffee table read.

Y Cake Chic - Peggy Porschen ~ any of Peggy's books are a must, the 'Christian Louboutin' of cakes!

Y Magnolia Bakery Cookbook ~ no cupcake devotee would be without a Magnolia. Sex & the City catapulted the cupcake to stardom and a trip to New York would be incomplete without a stop off at 401 Bleecker Street.

Y Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey ~ not a specific cupcake book, but a feast on the taste buds and a must for a sweet tooth!

Y Crabapple Bakery Cupcake Book ~ a real hidden gem. recipes are a joy and the names are sumptuous....

currently on my wish list is Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery..... it may just fall in the shopping basket this month!... the highlighted titles will take you to a detailed review & more pics, enjoy!

what's your favorite cupcake book?

ps.. the highlighted titles will take you to a detailed review & more pics, enjoy!

National Cupcake Week day 4 ~ Shopping List

great ingredients are key to making yummy cupcakes. If you are anything like me then you spend half your time in the supermarket wandering aimlessly up the aisle with a shopping trolley, having completely forgotten what you need!... well don't fear I have made a little Shopping List notebook which I will be adding to the pile of treats....

talking of shopping I have found a few goodies which I am coveting... i'm loving these bits from John Lewis, and i'm spolit for choice on all these goodies at Laura Ashley (fortunately they have just opened a gift store at Liverpool Street Station, so may just have to pop in!)... have a great day... treat yourself to a cupcake!

Tx

ps don't forget to tell all your blog friends of my little giveaway...

National Cupcake Week day 3.... A cupcake for all seasons.

Today I am posting 4 recipes to take us through the cupcake year... these are some of my favourites from tried & tested recipes.....

Spring ~ Hummingbird Cupcakes ...originated from Southern America and made famous in the Magnolia Bakery New York...

Summer ~ where would summer be without a refreshing Gin & Tonic in the garden!... these are delicious and always a big hit at dinner parties!....

Autumn... I was spoilt for choice on this one but the Baileys Cupcakes won through... these are particularly yummy accompanied by a Baileys Latte!.... the volume of Baileys in this recipe is conservative feel free to add an extra splash!

The final season is of course Winter, there are so many great recipes but I picked my Christmas Morning Cupcakes which are scrummy warm from the oven, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or cold with cinnamon cream cheese icing!

....please click on cupcake name and this will take you to the recipe link...Enjoy!

National Cupcake Week day 2....Cupcake Challenge

To celebrate National Cupcake week I have made a card, and completed a challenge over at taylored expressions.... Taylor makes some fab Cupcake stamps.. check them out here.

.... I have been researching the history of the "Cupcake", there are 2 explanations for the name:

Y In the early 19th century, there were two different uses for the name "cup cake" or "cupcake". In previous centuries, before muffin tins were widely available, the cakes were often baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins, or molds and took their name from the cups they were baked in. This is the use of the name that has persisted, and the name of "cupcake" is now given to any small cake that is about the size of a teacup, alternatively the names origin came from the measurement or baking, where everything was measured in cups and not by weight.



Teresa x Y x

National Cupcake Week.... yummy treats

This week is national Cupcake week in the UK, so in honour of such a fab week I will be giving away a little cupcake themed parcel of goodies!....

As the week goes on I will be adding to the little pile and one lucky recipient will receive all the cupcake goodies. The giveaway will be open until Sunday 21st September. To be entered into the draw, please leave a comment and pop back during the week as I will be posting a daily cupcake entry in honour of the week!

All comments posted will be put into a large cupcake and one lucky recipient will receive the yummy treats!

These are the treats so far......

Y Cupcake Book

Y 6" x 6" pack of the Nannas Kitchen papers (1 of each)

Y 1 pack of "Sweet" papers (postcard size)

Y selection of yummy cupcakes cases

Y 10 x Sweets & Treats cards & envelope (recipe included on each)

Y Tuesday ~ collection of cupcake stamped images added...

Today whilst in sainsbury's i noticed that even they had got the cupcake bug!.....

featuring a fab article by the Queen of cupcakes herself Peggy Porschen, worth popping in a picking up a copy!

Teresa

XYX

Crochet for Dummies!.........

i've been practising and look what i've made!!... I sat last night watching a film on TV and completed 2 squares. I was very excited, especially as I remembered what to do!.

AND... Look what I picked up in the charity shop on friday for the bargain price of 50p!... they were having a sale and all their books were half price!... Crochet for Dummies!

This will keep me occupied during the winter months, knitting & crocheting a throw for me so snuggle under on the sofa!

Picnic in the Park!............

well not quite!.........the car park of Wembley Stadium. Today Saracens took on Northampton saints at Wembley Statdium. It's the first time that a Rugby match has taken place on the hollowed turf of wembley and what a fab day was had my all!.... in fact over 44,000 of us.

We arrived at Wembley at set up the picnic..... the weather was glorious and several other people had the same idea! After being fed and watered we entered the stadium.

It is a fantastic venue and bathed in the sunshine it looked glorious. There was entertainment on before the game which included a band called The Lightnings, Sarries 'v' Saints tug of war, and then Diversity (winners of Britains got Talent),

This was then followed by the Royal Marines who abseiled off the top of the stadium with the ball to start the game along with the Sarries mascot!

Game kicked off and it was thrilling... another nail biter for sarries with saints having a try disallowed 90 seconds from the end!....

we finished off the afternoon finishing off the picnic in the park!

Tea and Crafting.............

is how I spent my evening last night, learning to crochet Granny Squares!. Crochet is one of the few crafts that I didn't learn as a child... my Gramps was great at knitting, tapestry,and rug making, but he never mastered the art of crochet!...
I have had a hankering for some time to learn the basics, if only to make a square blanket for my old age! and I have coveted other bloggers crochet from afar... in particular Debbies blanket.
A couple of weeks I stumbled upon this site whilst eating my lunch at my desk.... Tea and Crafting
I contacted Jane and booked myself onto the Granny Squares. The venue is in Portland Place just down from the Landmark Hotel, which is a short walk from work. On arrival it turned out that it was just me, so I had 2hours of 1:1 tuition which was really great.

The evening started painfully for me, I am a bit of a perfectionist so the fact that I couldn't master chain stitch was a little frustrating, so the thought of completing a square by the end of the evening was a long and distant dream. Jane was lovely, really patient and a great teacher. After trying to crochet chain stitch I had to choose 3 lovely colours from this pile to make my square!... and we started, the first block was daunting, but ended up like this..... then suddenly after adding a second colour it all began to make sense!...
Then a third colour and suddenly i was on a roll!....... the evening drew to a close, and I left clutching some bundles of wall, a crochet hook and something resembling a Granny square!... I am pleased to say that I completed my square on the tube & train on the way home.

Here is my finished (other than darning off the loose ends) square!..... I did chuckle to myself on the train as I felt like one of the grannies knitting the shreddies in the Shreddie advert (this will be my friend Justine & I in a few years as the 'hot' conversation is daily whenever we are on the train together!!)
This was a great evening, I learnt a new craft and jane was lovely... a definite hit for anyone wanting to learn the basics... i've already tried to book on the crochet flower evening, but its full!...... Jane's posting some October dates soon...

Breakfast at Tiffany's...........

last night I went to see the first night preview of Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Haymarket Theatre in London. Anna Friel is staring as Holly Golightly, with this is mind I knew that it wasn't likely to be 'frothy'!.... As a warning to anyone who is thinking of going, if you Y the film and have never read the book, then this isn't for you.

This is a good adaptation of Truman Capotes book, which if you have read will know that its quite gritty and not glossed with Hollywood! (Truman hated the film and his estate are very strict on how his work is now adapted)

The other 'spoiler' is that Holly in the book is blonde, so Anna dons a blonde wig to play the role ..... she very much puts her style on the character and is not as ditsy as Audrey Hepburn. (Please don't think that I dislike the film or Audrey .. it is one of my favs, and she is great, but it is very different from the book).. what it does have is some lovely dresses worn by Miss Friel.

It is some time since I saw a play, I did enjoy it, i'm glad I went on my own, as you do have to concentrate as the narrative is quite fast. It is also quite long 3hrs in total, fortunately I'm learning that going to the theatre on your own you are more likely to be up-graded... so my £10 ticket saw me sitting in the £50 seats...bargain!!!... Overall a great adaptation of an iconic book, the set is very simple but incredibly effective, the cat comes very close to stealing the show.. worth a visit if only to see Joseph Cross (William/Fred) in the buff... a very pleasant surprise!... would I go again.. probably not, BUT I am really glad that I went.

On route to the opulent Haymarket, i did my own little piece of Tiffany browsing. The Old Bond Street store isn't anywhere near as iconic as the legendary 5th Avenue store but it is a beautiful building that still has the wow factor!....