Buns and Bacall

I am amongst other things a Sarf London girl, Battersea born and Fulham schooled. I love London, and go up to the big smoke as often as I can. I keep a small list of things I'd like to see or do up there and try and tick a few things off the list in one hit.

Tuesday was The Scandi Kitchen and Bonhams, plus lunch at the 'club' to make use of my free 6 month membership I received with The Lady magazine subscription.

I've been wanting to check this place out for a while. It was smashing. My chum and I shared a Semlor cake with some fresh coffee. Divine. I also made a few essential grocery purchases.

We then pressed onto Bonhams to check out some objet d'art from the estate of Lauren Bacall, due to go under the hammer in New York next month. I do love a bit of Hollywood glamour. Brought up on it you see.

They only had a few lots on display, which are touring  London, Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles before the big event. Beautifully displayed with some gorgeous huge black and white images of Miss Bacall, totally seductive. The auction in New York will be made up of more than 750 lots. Oh if only I had some spare cash masses of cash I would definitely try to buy something. The estimates look quite low, but I just know the items will go for huge amounts.

A few years ago there was an 'attic' auction at Chatsworth. One of the lots was a tiny brooch that had been owned by the Dowager Duchess, Debo. The estimate was something like £250. I left a bid of £450 and the hammer went down at £4,500. Nuf said.

Cake Baking and Fitness

I have recently had a cull of my cookery books, taking them off to my local chazza shop. With I might add, the firm intention not to buy anymore, under any circumstances. But oh, my Scandi crush continues, and Trine Hahnemann has done for me with her Scandinavian Baking book.

It was a necessary purchase in some part, because the Mister and I are formulating plans for the future and cake may be playing a part in that. More of that later.

As you know dear reader I am also trying to keep the body (not so beautiful at the moment) under control. The two don't really mix. But I have decided to bake only once every two weeks. Thus the sweet intoxicating pastries and cakes will truly be a treat.

It's not all sweet recipes in her book, although there are some real doozys. She covers some smashing bread recipes too and Smorrebrod, that's danish lunch to you and I.

The top two images are from her book. The last one is not from her book but she does provide a recipe for these oh so darling little Medaljers.

Anyway back to today and the news is I'm away for a week with a girlfriend  to Champneys, to make a dent in my flobbage, to re-educate my portion size and generally boost my fitness and energy levels. It's a New Year present, investing in my health and of course I got a deal, win win for me.

A very warm welcome to two new Google Friend Connect followers, thank you for clicking on my button. Wean who blogs here and a 'Few New Pennies' who blogs over here 

Goodbye to Anita Ekberg

As so often seems the case with glamorous film stars from the golden age of Hollywood, Anita had a sad, lonely and poor old age.

A tremendous fall from grace and a tremendous shame.

She died today aged 83.

She will of course always be remembered for the iconic Trevi Fountain scene in Fellini's 1960 film, La Dolce Vita.

Fantastico.

A welcome also today for my latest Google Friend Connect follower Coco Jayne, who blogs here.

Alafoss Wool Factory Shop

The old Alafoss wool factory was established in 1896. It is said it marked the true beginning of Iceland's wool industry. The shop we visited is located in the old factory house by the waterfall, about 15 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

Stuffed to the gunnels with yarny wonderfulness, the only thing that held me back was the size of my luggage.

At the back of the shop we found some old knitting and factory machinery and some vintage patterns and photos. We also spotted an Icelandic jumper in the making.

I did have space in my case for a small purchase of yarn, which I will be using very soon and is absolutely not just adding to my stash. Which is quite a small stash anyway, just in case anyone is interested.

This is the quirky dressed window that greets you on arrival at Alafoss. I hope you can make it out, not a brilliant pic' I'm afraid.