Off To See The Wool House

Both images via

Popping up to take a squiz at the Wool House tomorrow amongst other things. I shall tell all upon my return.

Simpson Piccadilly - a British Tradition

Evening Dress 1936

Fashion for the Phoney War 1939-1940

Sportswear 1940s

Looking tailored even in an air raid, no need to let standards slip.

The first round of upcycled clothing?

High spirits in the late 1940s.

Androgyny.

When Simpson first opened it's doors in 1936 it was perceived as the height of modernity, the store itself and the tailored clothing on offer. All these years later I look at these fashion plates and absolutely adore the British heritage and tradition they evoke. In a non jingoistic way I'm so pleased to be British.

A bit like this guy.  Although his tailoring is not so subtle as Simpson's.

Update on Smitten Kitchen Recipes.

I'm not sure if it's possible or whether I just imagined it but the grapefruit cake tasted as sunny as the egg yolks and olive oil looked. Although I have to say the grapefruity element didn't really come through, the cake could have been made with lemons. It was the idea of using grapefruit that appealed, plus they were 3 for £1.00 in Waitrose. I only used half of them for the cake so had some delicious fruit left over for later. The chicken dish made with olives and grapes was also a great success, a perfect combination of sweet and sour. I shall be cooking more from the book. But you don't have to buy the book to get access to her recipes as Deb Perelman has a great food blog. "Fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City".

I can't let today pass by without a mention for my Mum, who it has to be said was an absolute terrible cook.

My dear old Mum with my two eldest brothers and her own Mum who I sadly never met.

New York State of Mind

If I had all the time in the world or maybe just some extra spare time I would do more craft. I absolutely adore making things especially when they turn out well.










Purl Bee is a beautiful craft store based in New York, who regularly send me totally tantalising e-letters about all the amazing projects they are involved in, I so wish they were my local store. In my mind I could see myself as one of their regulars, drinking cwoffeeey and looking uber cool, and creating breathtaking 'stuff ' that New Yorkers would pay the earth for :)

The nearest I have got to that oh so lovely dream world of creativity recently, is cooking from my hurriedly purchased, 'Smitten Kitchen' book. The author, also based in New York looks very jolly and very American. She has only the tiniest kitchen but produces the most gorgeous looking food.

 

I saw this book on another blog and was indeed instantly smitten with the concept and the look of the book.

Straight on to Amazon, immediate purchase, like I need another cook book!

Anyhoo I have just finished making her grapefruit olive oil pound cake.

That can't be fattening right? I mean grapefruit and olive oil c'mon.

And tonight yet more creativity, with harvest (read Waitrose) roast chicken with grapes, olives and rosemary.

I hope this food tastes as good as Deb Perelman makes it look, I'll let you know ma petites.

 

Work it Girls.

Something to help all you hard working ladies relax.

found via

It's always good to look at high end brochures and magazines to see what's new and trendy. I do find them inspirational, although I almost never buy from them.

This quilt is gorgeous against the backdrop of those wonderfully intricate middle eastern tiles. The colours look quite pared down.
But my taste in quilts is much more traditional. I love busy brightly coloured quilts, my absolute favourites are by Kaffe Fassett, but unfortunately I do not have the necessary £2000 to purchase one. Although if I was a wealthy soul it might be a different matter as his quilts are exceptional. Witness the two gorgeous examples below.

The neutral one on the top left is new season 'Toast' a mere snip at £275. Still too rich for me.
But luckily enough I found a pre-loved quilt last week in one of my local chazza shops, not in perfect condition and a little stained. But after 4 machine washes and a liberal drenching with 'Vanish' spray it's now looking mighty fine and I'm very pleased with it.

It was a super deal at £20, but as you know dear reader I only tend to buy things that are great deals, I just have to be very patient sometimes. I wasn't actually looking for a quilt but when I saw it I knew it would be just right for my bright floral garden spare room to keep my visitors cosy on cold nights. It will replace the Welsh blanket that I actually bought from the same shop quite some time ago.

I really love this blanket but I don't need two extra covers for my guest room, so I will sell this and hope to get a good sum for it. I will save the money towards our next short break which is coming up fast, hurrah.

Spring Sunshine Delights

Two lovely feel good images from a favourite garden blogger of mine, who, lucky girl lives in New England.

 

Roll on the warm weather.