Kamilla Ruberg

On my way to work this morning a complete stranger struck up a conversation with me about my engagement ring. He commented that he thought it was very interesting and completely different from anything he'd seen... he is in the process of planning to propose himself, but was having trouble working out what sort of ring to get!!

I can't deny that I was very flattered. I'm so happy with my unconventional 'smartie' ring, designed and made by the talented Danish jeweller Kamilla Ruberg. You can see some pictures of larger 'smartie' dress rings via the Jewellery link on her website.

I knew as soon as I first saw these rings that I wanted one as my engagement ring. Some people think it's a strange choice, but I absolutely love it.

Kamilla also made our wedding bands, mine is a slim square band and, I think, it contrasts nicely with the round band on my 'smartie' ring.

As a wedding gift, P had Kamilla make me a pair of 'smartie' stud earrings too...

BL10

Danish company GUBI have owned the global manufacturing rights for the beautiful, British designed, Bestlite lamps since 2004.

They are launching the wall mounted BL10, which was designed by Robert Dudley Best in the 1930's to be used by diamon cutters... an idea which really appeals to me!

It's a handsome piece of Bauhaus design... don't you agree?

We have an ivory BL6 wall lamp in our bedroom, which is very handy in such a small space. I'm also seriously lusting after the BL3 floor lamp for our living room...

Berlin birthday boy...

I've been busy, busy, busy... so no time to think of what to write, let alone to sit and type.

We're in Berlin for 5 days. I'll be working for two of them, which is how we're able to stay at the Hotel Adlon for a few nights. And, I'm really excited because we then switch to Lux11 for the remainder of our stay. It looks super stylish...

AND... today my boy turns 40!! He shares a birthday with my Dad. Happy Birthday Boys!! XX

Summer feet...

It's still chilly enough to require a scarf and mittens, and we're enjoying some fresh April showers... but the sun has been out, and so I am dreaming about putting my nicely pedicured feet into a pair of these beauties, called Phoebe!!

A fabulous collaboration between 3.1 Phillip Lim and Tatami, available in London from the Birkenstock shop.

Correspondence update

These came home with me last week... now I am in the mood to correspond!

Ranunculus

We didn't make it to Columbia Road Flower Market yesterday, due to the London Marathon's route across Tower Bridge. Well done to everyone who took part!

Nonetheless, here are some pictures of the absolutely beautiful Ranunculus which P bought me when we visited the market last Sunday...

Although they're on their last legs, I think they're at their most beautiful...

Our chair is here!

YAY! Our new old Eames chair is here...

Perhaps I like it so much because it reminds me of the Snork Maiden?

Son of Rambow

Tonight we went to see Son of Rambow. I hadn't really thought about what to expect from the film, but I'm pleased to report that we both think it's really great, with lots of laughs. A heart warming tale of unexpected friendship. Bill Milner and Will Poulter are fabulous in their leading roles.

Make sure you go and see it, especially if you were at school in the 80s... and don't leave before the end of the credits.

A lovely cup of tea...

Despite being a big coffee drinker, I do love a nice cup of tea... Earl Grey, no milk or lemon, and preferably in a porcelain cup and saucer.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a complete sucker for nicely packaged goods. This fine selection of tea, however, doesn't only look great in the cupboard, they all taste great in the cup too...

1. Ceylon 1 is organic single estate tea from Sri Lanka. Superb quality, infused with pure, natural bergamot oil. The company support local charities to develop projects which help less fortunate street children gain education and health care, by donating 10% of all profits to these causes.

2. Peyton & Byrne finest, limited production tea, again from Sri Lanka, and infused with pure, natural bergamot oil. Adorable dotty packaging.

3. Brewhaha also Sri Lankan, is Ps favourite. I love the idea that Brewhaha was started in 2004 by a woman in Glasgow as a result of considering her options when deciding to return to work after having children. I also like the idea that the company operate socially responsible trading. It could be my favourite brew too...

4. Twinings of London have, amazingly, been trading from the same shop in London, since 1706. Their organic Earl Grey tea is very, very good. AND it's by Royal appointment to the Queen no less... can't say fairer than that!

5. Last, but by no means least, we have Kusmi Tea. This is black China tea, and very sophisticated. Last year Kusmi celebrated their 140th birthday. Their packaging is my favourite by far!

Another reason for enjoying tea, is that I get to use our absolutely beautiful Royal Copenhagen Princess teapot. The Arnold Krog design dates back to the 1880's and even though he was artistic director of the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain at the time, the service wasn't put in to production until 1978.

Check out the toadstool on the lid... beautiful craftsmanship, and still painted by hand to this day!

The Parlour

What a treat. This afternoon I went to The Parlour at Fortnum and Mason with Deerylou and our wonderful friend, Billiegirl.

What a place... Knickerbocker Glories, Milkshakes, Iced Sodas, Gingerbeer Floats, Ice-cream Sundaes... the menu is sheer, sweet heaven!

We each had a Milkshake, Deerylou and I both chose Smooth Banana, while Billiegirl selected Strawberries and Cream. Both were utterly delicious and blended to perfection!

For eats, Billiegirl had Esterhazy Cake, one of Austria's most famous cakes, made from layers of hazelnut sponge filled with white butter cream and topped with sugar icing. The sponge was not soft, but almost crunchy... it reminded us of florentines. The cake is named after an Hungarian nobleman. Billiegirl followed this up with a rather tasty Hot Chocolate... check the cute mini ice cream cone!

Deerylou went savoury to start, with Toasted Welsh Rarebit Crumpets and Tomato Chutney. For dessert she chose two scoops of the R&P ice cream, with marshmallow, biscuit, chocolate and strawberries.

My eyes were, as they always have been, too big for my belly. I had the Fortnum’s Black Velvet Ice Cream Sundae... a huge concoction of Blackcurrant and Cream,Vanilla Bean and Black Cherry with Canon Fronsac ice creams crowned with broken meringue, whipped cream, blackcurrant coulis, blackcurrants and blueberries... phew!

We were so giddy when we left... and are completely in love with the place!

Happy Birthday Mother-in-Law

Today is P's mum's birthday... we're spending the day with her tomorrow, after a visit to Columbia Road Flower Market bright and early.

Happy Birthday Mother-in-Law!!

Carrie

I recently bought myself this gem from Design House Stockholm...

I love the idea that Marie-Louise Gustafsson's inspiration is the Swedish crochet tablecloth that her grandmother served afternoon tea on! Doesn't that just conjure up a wonderful picture?

I'm now dreaming of warm sunny days, when I can take Carrie out, packed full of delicious treats, for picnics at P's studio...

Selvedge

I picked up the latest edition of the beautifully published Selvedge magazine whilst we were at the Our Showhome Midcentury.Modern show on Sunday. Gorgeous cover by our favourite whimsical paper cutting master Mister Rob Ryan.

Some highlights...

• Pénélope Naulleau's charming dolls.
• A short article about the extremely talented children's book author and illustrator Lauren Child.
• Another short article on Japanese illustrator Mariko Yamazaki, who has obviously been influenced by the hugely popular work of Czech illustrator Miroslav Sasek.
• Some unbelievably colourful offerings from Dries Van Noten.
• A lovely look at the home and work of eclectic folk artist Julie Arkell, who is holding a class at the adorable London yarn emporium Loop.