read me...

1

2011-08-14T22:55:00.001+01:00

He is 1 today, my little Boo. A full year has passed since his arrival and, despite the roller coaster ups and downs which parenthood brings with it, it really has been best year of my life.

Milo is so full of possibility, he's engaging and interested in everything going on around him. He has such a wonderful range of laughs, all signify a different happy emotion. It would be hard to select a favourite, but the low hushed Mutley type giggle he lets out when he gets hold of something he knows he shouldn't have is pretty close.

He is full of determination, and sometimes it seems he'd stop at nothing to do or get what he wants, climbing to reach the living room blind chords for a good old pull (I fail to see where the fun is in this myself, but he LOVES it), frequent stunt man antics off the sofa and bed and a good dig around in the dirt whenever the opportunity presents. Since he first started to crawl, it seems he was able to climb the stairs too.

Best of all is the love that someone so small, with so much still to learn, is able to give. Not only to me and his daddy, but also to his grandmothers, with whom he is fortunately able to spend lots of time with and his granddad Johnny.

I feel extremely lucky to have been given this happy little boy to nurture and care for. I hope I'm up to the job Boo.

Happy birthday Milo X

40

2011-05-01T21:00:00.001+01:00

What a truly lovely time I've had turning 40.

A new fancy camera.

Copies of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Hunting of the Snark (illustrated by Tove Jansson).

Lunch at St John Restaurant with my two boys, mum, dad, brother and his gorgeous family.

Tomorrow, lunch at Pizza East with friends.

Yesterday, time with the little man and Deerylou, including the obligatory a trip to Maltby Street.

Story

2011-04-17T23:47:00.005+01:00

I couldn't help feeling sad at the loss of Story Deli from the Truman Brewery... it opened when P and I lived close by, and in those days we were regular visitors. Happily, today I stumbled across the newly opened Storybox, which is located in the old Scooter Shop on Sclater Street, E1. A much more fitting premises, to my mind, which suits the Story aesthetic perfectly.

Welcome back! You make a wonderful cup of coffee.

RE at Liberty

2011-04-17T21:23:00.006+01:00

Yesterday I made a, now infrequent, visit to my favourite London store, Liberty, and was delighted to find that, for a limited time, RE have a lovely satellite shop on the 4th Floor. I treated myself to a rather nice Fairtrade woven plastic baskets from Guatemala.

Mother's Day

2011-04-03T21:18:00.003+01:00

I'm very happy at the end of my very first Mother's Day. I hadn't really thought too much about the day, but I did feel an unexpected sense of pride while we were out and about with Milo today.

I missed seeing my own mum today though... Happy Mother's Day mum. Love you lots X

Madras scarf

2011-03-12T19:42:00.003Z

Thank you Plümo, for sending me your new catalogue and offering 15% discount. I have made good use of it this afternoon and treated myself to this very nice looking Madras scarf.

Lucky me.

6 Months

2011-02-14T07:00:00.015Z

Today our little man is 6 months old. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that he has been in our lives all this time...

It has been an unbelievable pleasure to see Milo grow and blossom from a teeny tiny newborn into a very active, vocal, amusing and genuinely loving baby boy, whose smile makes my heart jump with joy every time and who, thankfully, is now three times his birth weight!

Happy half year Boo, we love you so much. X

Paying for coffee, Bermondsey Street style

2011-01-14T18:46:00.001Z

Orla Kiely charity shopping tote

2010-12-31T09:02:00.009Z

Tesco is not my supermarket of choice, so it was possible that the recently issued a charity shopping tote designed for them by Orla Kiely would have passed me by if it weren't for one of my sisters-in-law. Thank you Rachael!

This is the first design in a range which will follow in 2011. They're limited and cost £4.00, with 50p being split between two charities (children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent and Orla’s personal charity which funds bursaries for textile students at the Royal College of Art).

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas part 6

2010-12-24T09:57:00.004Z

Happy Christmas and all good wishes for 2011 and, whatever it may bring, I hope at least some of it is what you wish for!

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas part 5

2010-12-24T08:10:00.002Z

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas part 4

2010-12-23T06:25:00.001Z

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas part 3

2010-12-22T07:00:00.001Z

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas part 2

2010-12-21T16:03:00.002Z

Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas

2010-12-20T22:04:00.004Z

I've been playing Songs for Christmas to Milo during our play time recently. It's a wonderful festive collection of tunes from Sufjan Stevens which always gets a good airing at this time of year in our house. Until Christmas Day I thought I'd share some of my favourites...

Few & Far

2010-12-18T22:11:00.005Z

Photos of me are few and far between, especially full length ones, but P managed to sneak this one of me today admiring the festive wreaths at Maltby Street this morning. Unusual for me to say about a photo of me but I kind of like it.

Maltby Street

2010-12-18T16:27:00.009Z

This morning, just as the snow started to fall, we took a short walk from home to Maltby Street for coffee (two each as one is never enough) and the best custard doughnuts you will ever taste, seriously. It's a place we visit often on Saturday mornings, but today, in the snow, it felt a little magical.

And, as a day like today requires the very best of treats, we stopped by Violet Cakes to buy a slice of ginger molasses cake and a pumpkin whoopie pie from Claire Ptak, who is very nice indeed. The samples of her candid peel were delicious!

Do take the time to visit this wonderful collection of London's finest food retailers in our corner of Bermondsey. They're open for Christmas this coming Thursday, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.

10 Years

2010-12-08T00:04:00.005Z

Dear P

Can you believe that it's 10 years today since our first date and 3 years since you became my husband?

There are many reasons why, without a doubt, you're my perfect match and I feel privileged to have spent the last 3,652 days with you by my side.

Milo and I are so lucky to be your family.

Happy anniversary Winks, I love sharing my life with you.

X

A new toy

2010-12-07T23:45:00.003Z

Received in the post today, this Sophie la Girafe rattle from Vuli has been a huge success with my little man.

Happy Birthday Margaret

2010-12-02T00:04:00.009Z

Today one of my oldest and dearest friends turns 40... just 5 months ahead of me.

Happy birthday Margaret, enjoy your day!

Me and Margaret on my wedding day, 8 December 2007.

Milo's Chair

2010-11-29T16:04:00.004Z

Here's the chair I mentioned in my recent post about Robin Day. An original Hille manufactured chair from the 1960s, won for 99p on ebay.

Pirate

2010-11-29T15:55:00.004Z

Yesterday, our very good friends Stephen and Christophe came for lunch and brought with them this lovely gift for Milo, a Carlton Ware Pirate money box.

Thank you very much dear boys... x

Cushions

2010-11-23T11:53:00.005Z

Back in February I received a beautiful gift of toadstool fabric from Lisa, of Krims Krams blog. It has taken a while, but the fabric has been turned in to a comfy cushion (by P's Aunty Joan) which now resides on our Arka chair.

There was also some fabric left over from Milo's nursery blind, so we have two new cushions made from that too!

Robin Day

2010-11-22T12:16:00.014Z

In the week when I won my 99p starting bid on a navy blue child's Robin Day designed, Hille manufactured, polypropylene stacking chair, I was very sad to learn that the greatest of British designers has passed away, in the same year as his wife Lucienne, aged 95.

We also have a white Polo Sled chair which is a dream to sit in and, until we have more space at home, lives at P's studio.

Images:
1. Robin Day Poly Armchair from John Lewis
2. our Polo Sled chair
3. Reusable 2010 Tote Bag by Barber Osgerby at Twentytwentyone
4. Hillestack chair via the Design Museum
5. Days Forum 2 seater sofa at Habitat
6. Dining Chair at Habitat
7. Tricorne tray at Twentytwentyone
8. Festival of Britain coffee table found at Design Addict
9. stacking chairs found on the RCA website
10. Form Seat with Lucienne Day fabric found at Design Addict

FLATOUTbear

2010-11-18T20:22:00.005Z

Of all the gifts Milo received when he was born, his favourite by far is his bear, which my parents gave to him.

The bear in question is a FLATOUTbear, made from 100% Australian sheepskin.

Affectionately named Rocky Dennis by me and P, it's the best thing for comforting Milo when he is over-tired or just a little grumpy. Rocky Dennis travels with us everywhere, even though I am a little allergic to him.

Visit Seventy Tree if you would like the opportunity to win something lovely.

Globe chandelier

2010-11-16T00:14:00.004Z

I absolutely love this globe chandelier, found at Åpent hus.

Letters

2010-11-05T22:34:00.006Z

TOP: Hand printed letter postcards; consonants black, vowels red; £3.00 each; Labour and Wait

BOTTOM: Make your own words plaster letters; £4.00-£9.00 each; Shelf

Bust of a Child

2010-11-04T21:16:00.006Z

On a recent trip to Tate to see Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds, a rather dapper French gent approached me in the shop to say that he thought Milo looked like Paul Klee's painting 'Bust of a Child' (1933)... I can see why.

Milo's things

2010-11-01T16:58:00.008Z

For a very small boy, Milo already owns lots of things. Some new (gifts from family and friends) and some old (my Snoopy and dolls house, which I've had since I was 5, to name a few). Here's some of Milo's things...

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:31:00.002Z

Hope you had a fun Halloween!

Fashion

2010-10-27T15:33:00.007+01:00

I have a very small wardrobe of clothes, all of which are black and one item is pretty much a copy of the next. It's unintentional, but for the past 10+ years I have stuck to a basic sort of uniform which means that I always look the same.

These pieces from recent posts on Blog VDJ would fit in nicely. I'd love to be able to make these sorts of clothes myself, but have no idea where to find patterns... easy way out of taking on a dressmaking challenge I guess.

My boys

2010-10-09T21:53:00.008+01:00

Milo is 8 weeks old today. I can think of nothing better than spending time with my boys.

Ugly Childrens Clothing

2010-10-08T14:22:00.005+01:00

I need to add one of these Norwegian cuties to Milo's wardrobe... from Ugly Childrens Clothing.

One month old

2010-09-14T13:38:00.002+01:00

My gorgeous boy Milo is one month old today...

Milo's nursery update

2010-09-11T11:04:00.005+01:00

Two weekends ago, P put up the blind in Milo's room, which was very kindly made for us by his lovely Aunty Joan.

The Ikea fabric was hard to find as it's discontinued, but luckily for us P's mum wouldn't rest until she found some for us.

We love it!

Milo's weekend

2010-08-30T13:28:00.004+01:00

This weekend Milo managed to visit Tate Modern and Columbia Road flower market. Big trips out for such a small boy!

I fell in love with the Lisa Stickley Otis Large Holdall which she has designed for Tate. The Miss Harriet Knitting Bag is also rather smart... in fact, I'm very taken with the whole collection.

We're now just off out for a walk along the South Bank, to see what we can see!

The Comet Song

2010-08-27T18:46:00.005+01:00

Watch the new Björk Moomin film video, ‘The Comet Song’

thank you Matt x

Milo

2010-08-23T14:48:00.006+01:00

Our boy is here.

Milo Gilsenan John Roseman arrived by emergency caesarean section on Saturday 14 August at 2211 hrs, weighing in at just 2.46 kilos he's a tiny little thing.

Our rascal was in some distress so I didn't make it in to labour. The last two hours before he popped into the world are a bit of a blur and, as any new parent will tell you, the days since have been full of feeds, nappies, sleep (for Milo mostly) and lots of staring in complete amazement at what P and I have made.

Say hello...

Nursery

2010-08-01T19:16:00.007+01:00

With our baby due in a mere 11 days here is a peek at our nursery, which is pretty much ready and waiting for the patter of tiny feet.

This room used to be our bedroom and in order to get to where we are now, we've had to make a number of changes to our home. P has worked so hard for months and I really couldn't be happier with how he has prepared for the arrival of the new addition to our little family.

Our cradle is suitable for the first five months. P installed a ceiling hook in our bedroom as well so that the baby can sleep with us at night. We'll then move on to the Brio sleep cot bed.

I still need to get fabric for the blind and we should receive the white Tolix toy box at the end of September which will be very useful additional storage.

All that's left now is for the rascal to arrive...

Brita Sweden

2010-07-28T21:59:00.008+01:00

I've ordered the black and white Gunnel door mat by Brita Sweden. Can't wait for it to arrive...

Another Link

2010-07-07T22:31:00.004+01:00

Another link found today at Jokemijn, accessories for men by Steve Mono... I'm seriously loving his collection.

Links

2010-07-06T18:40:00.002+01:00

I had a minor pregnancy problem this weekend, which has resulted in me needing to rest for a few days after an overnight stay in hospital. Things are OK with the baby and hopefully there'll be no repeat of the problem. This rest has given me time to post, but as my mind has been elsewhere, I just have a few links to share which I enjoyed finding some time ago but haven't had time to mention...

Nutsa Modebadze journal

Ana Kraš

Elle Deco

2010-07-06T16:12:00.006+01:00

We have five weeks until my due date, 12 August, and it feels like we're a million miles away from being ready. Thankfully, this weekend we have some help with thinning out some furniture. I'm sure the end of our decorating will then be in sight. I know that I'll feel ready once we've been able to suspend the baby cradle in our bedroom, even if the baby's room isn't quite ready. Still need to buy the cot (in white) and chest of drawers, but do have the toy box on order ready for end of September delivery.

As part of our preparation, a couple of weekends ago I parted company with 10 years worth of Elle Deco, but not before I sat and flicked through every copy... January 1998 to December 2007.

I remembered how much I used to enjoy features which no longer appear, such as the "48 hours in..." travel articles, "Eating Out" and "Eating In" recipes for dining at home or in the garden... it was also interesting to see how much things have gone up in price...

- Alvar Aalto Stool 60 January 2000 issue price £55, now £160
- Iittala Mariskooli bowl in red October 2004 issue price £21, now £69
- Jean Prouvé Standard Chair August 2003 issue £395, now £517
- Isokon Plus Penguin Donkey 2 March 2002 issue £255, now £410
- Robert Welch Hobart candlestick in red March 2004 issue £35, now £50
- Kristian Vedel Architecht Made wooden birds March 2004 issue £32, now £44

My bag

2010-06-02T20:05:00.011+01:00

I love it when people post about the contents of their handbag. I'm not sure why I like it so much, but I really do. Inspired by the recent post over at Krims Krams, I emptied mine out tonight when I got home from work and here's what was inside...

Black Porter tote bag for Monocle containing iPhone with red leather Ordning & Reda cover, Cath Kidston cherries button mirror, Aesop rosehip seed lip cream, Liberty gift coins, Keys on a Hermès leather apple key chain, Keepcup, Marimekko umbrella, Nail file, Mason Pearson comb, Antibacterials wet-ones, Blackberry, Postalco pass case, Comme des Garçons wallet, Cutler & Gross sunglasses, Rennies, Rob Ryan for Afternoon Tea shopping bag, Sony Ericsson phone, Mont Blanc Bohème pens and pencil set, Moleskine diary, Coq en Pate pencilcase (plus photo of contents), Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX38 with case and MMMG wrist strap.

Oh, and a peek at the bump!

String

2010-06-01T21:11:00.007+01:00

I've taken a break from blogging without realising it, writing and reading, with a few exceptions. Time has been in short supply, and with just 10 weeks until our baby is due to arrive, it's difficult to believe that we'll be ready when the day comes... before then we have a number of changes to make to our home.

First was to move our library of books from the spare room (soon to become our bedroom) down to the living room, and I'm hoping that the String shelving we put up this weekend, after redecorating the room, will accommodate everything.

39

2010-05-01T10:27:00.003+01:00

Today is the first day of the last year of my thirties... wow, am I really that old?

It's only 10.30 in the morning and I've already eaten one salted butter caramel chocolate.

Now it's time to start the day...

Pushpull

2010-04-30T21:58:00.002+01:00

The list of essentials for our August arrival just gets longer and longer and despite the fact that we're probably looking at 12+ months before there'll be any walking taking place, the Pushpull by Kaiku Design looks like the perfect toddler's cart to me...

Kastehelmi

2010-04-30T20:06:00.004+01:00

If you need new plates, I doubt these would be on the top of your priority list. I don't need new plates. I don't even need one new plate, but that didn't stop me buying six Kastehelmi pressed glass side plates yesterday from Iittala as I was ending my work trip in Berlin.

Designed by Oiva Toikka in 1964, a selection of the original collection has just been re-released - it's only been on the shop floor for four days. Toikka named the design Kastehelmi, dewdrop in English, because he was inspired by lines of dewdrops on blades of grass on summer mornings.

Tolix

2010-04-25T18:49:00.004+01:00

Probably not the most practical place to start when thinking about decorating and furnishing a nursery, but I'm not sure I can picture ours without this Tortue toy box from Tolix... I hope it's available in white.

42 and 60

2010-04-24T20:54:00.004+01:00

My husband and my dad share the same birthday. Yesterday P turned 42 and my dad reached 60... today we had a lovely family lunch at Maggie Jones's.

Rhubarb Crumble

2010-04-10T21:34:00.002+01:00

Made today, this rhubarb crumble was delicious and just what I had been craving... tart but ever so slightly sweet rhubarb which I mixed with vanilla sugar and a little freshly squeezed blood orange juice. The crumble topping was not perfect but had a pleasing shortbread biscuit flavour.

A surprise in the garden

2010-04-10T21:30:00.000+01:00

Last weekend P called me out on to our roof terrace to show me these which appeared out of nowhere overnight!

Pineberries

2010-04-07T10:00:00.004+01:00

I couldn't resist picking these up yesterday. They really do have the flavour of pineapple and strawberry!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-05T22:05:00.003+01:00

This weekend has been a lovely start to our week off and so far I've managed an impressive amount of chocolate for someone who has lost her appetite. My Kawaii Bunny and Rococo egg are still in tact... I prefer to work our way through P's egg before cracking in to my own!

Hope you had a wonderful Easter.

Time & Things

2010-03-25T21:56:00.007Z

Time has been passing by and it seems that I've had very little of it for read me... or the other blogs I like to visit regularly. Am sure things will be back to a sort of normal soon...

Easter Bunny

2010-03-19T19:36:00.005Z

I'm looking forward to Easter, I have a week off work which I really need... although I'm not sure how much rest we'll have given that we're planning to move bedrooms and undertake some decorating. More on that at a later date.

I'm also looking forward to my chocolatey Easter treat from P. This little toffee bunny by Vosges would be perfect.

The Open West 2010

2010-03-02T16:37:00.014Z

P had a painting selected for The Open West 2010, so we had a lovely night and day in Cheltenham for the Private Viewing two weekends ago.

The Ghost of a Flea looked amazing amongst the other works and, in my humble opinion, stood head and shoulders above them too...

more here

Wilma Bench

2010-02-15T07:40:00.004Z

Another piece of furniture that we have nowhere to put... the beautiful and perfect Wilma Bench by Donna Wilson for SCP.

Valentine

2010-02-14T16:36:00.006Z

Happy Valentine's day P... I love you.

Cornishware

2010-02-13T10:04:00.003Z

What a sweet way to enjoy your morning coffee on Valentines day? I love traditional blue and white Cornishware, but this red and white version of the mugs has me wondering if there is room in the cupboard for two more...

Blanket

2010-02-11T22:24:00.004Z

No power means no heat, so tonight I was glad that I picked up this cosy Melin Tregwynt wool blanket last week, as I snuggled up waiting for the lights and radiators to come back on.

Light

2010-02-11T22:06:00.005Z

We've been plagued by evening power cuts since early December, including New Year's day. The power went out as I started to cook supper earlier today and as I fumbled about in the dark looking for candles, I decided that it's about time I upped the number of candlesticks which we have in the house.

Top of the list... Hobart by Robert Welch. Very keen on the 2010 colours exclusive to Heal's.

Robin Day for John Lewis

2010-02-10T18:40:00.007Z

Have you seen the recently released collection of Robin Day chairs for John Lewis? Such a shame that I don't have any room at all for any more chairs... I'd be there like a shot to pick up a white one or two...

A Gift

2010-02-09T20:26:00.006Z

When I arrived home tonight I was greeted by a wonderful gift, which was very kindly sent to me by Lisa.

I am now the very happy owner of this beautiful toadstool print fabric, which I can only guess is based on my favourite Jessie Tait design for Midwinter pottery.

Weekend

2010-02-09T19:26:00.008Z

A relatively restful weekend, mostly spent lunching and chatting. It was lovely to see the snowdrops at Columbia Road.

Elsewhere

2010-02-03T19:45:00.004Z

I've been elsewhere, in mind and body. Am back from a very long and hard week working away but my mind... it still hasn't really returned yet.

Enamel Alphabet

2010-01-11T20:57:00.004Z

I absolutely love these vitreous enamel alphabet plaques by Hyperkit.

Must see if I can check out the exhibition at the House of Propellers.

Happy Birthday Oscar

2010-01-10T20:35:00.006Z

Today my gorgeous nephew, Oscar, turned three. We had a fun afternoon playing horse jumping, dinosaurs, doctors and eating cake, but the highlight had to be when we sat round the kitchen table so that he could act out with home made models and tell us the story of The Gruffalo in full!

Happy Birthday boy... x

Read me...

2010-01-10T19:18:00.008Z

I realise that 2009 passed and I didn't post once about the books which P was reading to me at bed time. The last read I think I mentioned was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in November '08 which we followed with L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. On from there came the following, not 100% in the correct order and possibly missing a title or two:

1. Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol

2. Jill Murphy - The Worst Witch

3. William Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet

4. Honoré de Balzac - Selected Short Stories

5. Bruno Munari - Design as Art

6. Wilkie Collins - The Haunted House and Other Stories

7. Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu - Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Stories

8. Rudyard Kipling - Strange Tales

9. C.S. Lewis - The Horse and his Boy

10. Washington Irving - Rip Van Winkle, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories

Our current read is Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann - Tales of Hoffmann

So, now you're up to speed...

Irish Oatmeal

2010-01-10T11:22:00.005Z

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions. In the run up to the end of the year I often think about setting some resolutions for the coming twelve months but they never materialise.

In an effort to be good to myself, I have decided that my weekend breakfast should contain something delicious and nutritious though, so yesterday picked up some McCann's steel cut Irish oatmeal.

Perhaps not the best time of year for blueberries, but I couldn't resist.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T17:32:00.004Z

Happy New Year from me and P...

Here's to a great 2010.

Seizure

2009-12-30T10:53:00.002Z

London is rainy and cold again today and I really don't want to leave the house but yesterday, P and I ventured out and took a short walk down to Harper Road SE1 to see Seizure. I was amazed.

Happy Christmas

2009-12-25T22:14:00.003Z

From our home to yours.

Santa made a generous stop here last night. Hope he made it to you too... x

Not long now

2009-12-20T20:28:00.003Z

But the tree has been trimmed and the turkey ordered. I still have presents to buy let alone wrap, so it's just as well I'm now on holiday from work.

Wild Rumpus

2009-12-13T20:30:00.008Z

It feels like I've waited a long time for Spike Jonze's Where The Wild Things Are to be released. We took Friday off work so we could be at the first showing of the film at The Electric... a special film needs a special cinema.

We had a really lovely day together, which started with breakfast and a perfect coffee at Ginger and White and on our way from Hampstead to Portobello we made a quick stop off at Marylebone where I picked up a pair of grey and black Veja volley trainers from the recently opened Ascension store in St Christopher's Place, which I have been after for ages.

I loved the film and it was a great day!

Toadstools & Pine Cones

2009-12-13T20:13:00.005Z

I spent two days in cold and snowy Davos this week, where I found some Swiss chocolate toadstool and pine cone decorations for our tree.

Pure luxury as they're filled and not hollow... didn't you always wish for filled chocolate Christmas tree decorations when you were a kid? I know did...

Happy Anniversary Boy

2009-12-08T20:47:00.006Z

Today P and I have been married for two years... and it is also our nine year anniversary as a couple!

I was very pleasantly surprised this morning when P gave me a set of beautiful Tord Boontje charms.

Happy, Happy Anniversary Boy xx

From the market

2009-12-05T17:00:00.004Z

Among other fine produce, we picked up some delicious fresh vegetables at the market on Saturday.

Tagged

2009-11-30T20:52:00.010Z

I've been tagged by The Sneaky Magpie to list 7 things I love... much harder to select just 7 things than I imagined, but here are the 7 things which came to mind first.

1. My husband, for so many reasons, including the fact that he reads me to sleep at night, Pete has to take the number one spot in a list of things I love.

2. Pete's paintings are incredible, it really isn't enough to see them reproduced in photographs. To be captivated you need to spend time viewing them at various distances and from all sorts of angles. There is so much to see.

3. Japan has a very special place in my heart. We've visited twice and I spend a lot of time longing to go back.

4. Coffee any time day or night, I alway fancy a nice cup of coffee, whether it's a fresh brew on Saturday morning in our Chemex coffee pot or a flat white from number of fine, specialist establishments.

5. Black cashmere crew neck sweaters are always what I want to wear.

6. My camera recently had to be repaired and I was lost without it.

7. Murder, She Wrote... I have no explanation as to why I love this show, I just do and can watch it any time, episodes back to back over and over again. Can't wait for series 10, which will arrive on 26 December.

Weekend

2009-11-22T20:26:00.005Z

Time is flying by and I'm not really sure where it's going... among other things, I've had no time to post nor to catch up on all my usual blog reading. On the plus side, I'm sure there are lots of wonderful posts for me to catch up on.

This weekend started with my first Christmas get together, a very pleasant evening with friends for drinks and supper at Crazy Bear. The food was great, as always, so I was far too full to indulge in their (and my very favourite) salted caramel dessert.

We had a day of household repairs planned for yesterday, but instead decided to take ourselves off to the Norwegian and Finnish Church Christmas fairs. We stopped for a delicious coffee at Monmouth on Maltby Street, which is where they roast their beans. It is only open for a short time on Saturday morning and they are joined by Neal's Yard Dairy and Fern Varrow. The fairs were both fruitful, I came away with a variety of toadstool decorations from the Norwegian fair and a Finnish Moomintroll baking pan and Moomin some cookies.

Today I had the second of four Sewing Clinic classes at City Lit. I'm finally learning how to use a sewing machine and hopefully is my first step towards this little dream.

KeepCup

2009-11-22T19:13:00.007Z

For the past 18 month or more, I've been using my own cup for my morning (and lunch time, and afternoon) coffee, driven mostly by the desire to cut down on unnecessary waste but made a little sweeter as there is also a small discount on the price of my brew.

I finally retired my effective but rather cumbersome thermal Planetary Design mug last week, when I popped in to Dose for a lunchtime flat white, in favour of a new smaller, slimmer and lighter 12oz KeepCup.

I'm really very pleased with it... Dose didn't have many to choose from, but I've been having fun mixing all the various colour combinations which are available, take a look at the last tab.

The cup isn't thermal, it mentions on the website that it is, but I contacted KeepCup to ask how long it would keep a drink hot and they explained that it's not thermal in that sense but rather it's insulated so as not to be too hot to the touch.

plainMADE

2009-11-13T23:35:00.006Z

Everything is beautiful and unbelievably desirable at plainMADE.

felt pouch

hiding hood

false knit

Festive Decorations

2009-11-07T00:06:00.004Z

November brings with it planning for Christmas, arguably my favourite time of year... and probably my favourite part of preparing for the holiday is decorating our tree, which we always get at Columbia Road.

These stainless steele ornaments from Prismera would be a lovely addition to this years decorations!

Cake Stand

2009-11-06T23:26:00.005Z

I love the way clever people can transform old, unwanted things into completely desirable, must have things, like this powder coated brass candlestick attached to a hand-finished corian top.

From Iacoli & McAlister

Moleskine Desk Calendar

2009-11-06T23:07:00.006Z

365 days all at your fingertips... I'm very keen to get a look at one of these Moleskine desk diaries.

Tea and Crafting

2009-11-02T22:27:00.005Z

Have just spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening, learning how to crochet granny squares in a two hour class taught by Jane of Tea and Crafting.

Am very pleased with my first square... now, how long will it take me to crochet a whole blanket, I wonder?

Happy Birthday Deerylou

2009-11-02T22:16:00.006Z

Bright, early and chilly start today, to meet Deerylou for a birthday breakfast at Monmouth in Borough Market...

Happy birthday Dolly!

Weekend

2009-11-01T21:08:00.009Z

I went looking for shoes yesterday morning and ended up with a very sweet wool cape from Muji instead. On my way home I popped into Wild and Wood and sat in the cosy nook for a very well made flat white and a quick bite.

Today was a lovely grey rainy London day and for a change Columbia Road was quiet. We had coffee and breakfast in the rain at Ezra Yard and brought home some red anemones. I picked up Paumes Copenhagen Apartments, which I was very happy to find in Lapin and Me, and a copy of the newly released I Choose You from Elphick's. It's a lovely book by Silver Jungle, who are helping to protect endangered animals in the wild, and is illustrated by Lisa Jones.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T19:56:00.006Z

Happy Hallowen...

Tonight we have The Omen and Let the right one in back to back. Two of my top five favourite films. What a great fright night!

Weekend

2009-10-26T20:19:00.013Z

Friday morning I took a walk to Monmouth Coffee and then headed back home for a walk round the Bermondsey Square Antique Market. It was a lovely start to a very restful day which ended with a very enjoyable trip to the Barbican cinema.

On Saturday I made my way to Regent Street to check out Anthropologie. The newly opened store really looks wonderful but after spending time browsing all three floors I came away empty handed. Fernandez and Wells for great coffee and an OK peanut butter cookie before heading to Dover Street Market to see the ARTEK window.

Sunday we walked through Apple Day at Borough Market on our way to see Miroslaw Balka’s box of darkness at Tate Modern, then we took a touristy stroll all the way to The Wallace Collection, making one or two pit stops on the way... a swift half at The Seven Stars, a flat white at Flat White and I decided to pick up the Porter tote bag from the Monocole store.

Lovely Package

2009-10-24T00:04:00.002+01:00

I couldn't resist sharing this extremely cute bottle of Forest Milk from Japan.

Also via Lovely Package

Mr Fox IS Fantastic

2009-10-23T23:18:00.005+01:00

It seems an age since I mentioned it here but tonight we finally got to see the appropriately titled FANTASTIC Fantastic Mr Fox.

I loved every single joyous second of Wes Anderson's interpretation of Roald Dahl's much loved children's book. You should see it as soon as you can!

Lovely Package

2009-10-23T12:01:00.009+01:00

I'd be very happy to sip on this green berry tea, if only to marvel at the bird bag...

via Lovely Package

Saltwater sandals

2009-10-23T11:45:00.004+01:00

I love the change in the season from Summer to Autumn, that time when you can wear your scarf and mittens, but also your sunglasses and sandals too. Having wanted and waited for a long time, I am now the very happy owner of two pairs of Salt-water sandals from the Hoy Shoe Company in St Louis.

Can't keep them off my feet...

Weekend

2009-10-18T21:48:00.008+01:00

It's been a nice and relaxing weekend, much needed since I came back from Istanbul. Yesterday I took a trip to Monocle to check out the Porter tote and shoulder bags. Want both... I then had a very nice cafe latte at the recently opened Cocorino.

Today, Columbia Road for some ornamental cabbages. On the way we stopped in at Leila's Shop which has extended in to the unit next door to the cafe. Ryantown has lost all it's colour. For six weeks, all our favourite Rob Ryan goods are available in black and white only.

Before taking a walk along Regent's canal to P's studio we took a ride slightly further East, for brunch at The Counter Cafe. Totally worth the trip for the excellent coffee and a chocolate brownie that'd be hard to beat.

Pumpkin

2009-10-17T14:22:00.005+01:00

This beautiful beast, courtesy of my mum's allotment, is ready for Halloween carving...

Moscot

2009-10-15T21:23:00.004+01:00

I've started to feel that it's time to invest in some new glasses. For the past few years I have been loyal to Cutler and Gross, but I am now fixated on these rather smart Zelig frames from Moscot.

Now all I need is a flight to New York.

Bestagno

2009-10-14T19:48:00.010+01:00

Worthy of a mention on Lovely Package, I picked up a tin of Bestagno Olive Oil from Best Italian at Borough Market last week.

Not just great packaging (check the sweet red heart), this very fine, first cold pressed, 100% single estate extra virgin olive oil, from olive groves with trees that are said to be over 500 years old, has an impressive story behind it. Next time you're passing, pop in.

Best Italian Borough Market
4 Park Street, London SE1 9AB
CareTrade

Orla Kiely at Konditor & Cook

2009-10-13T15:37:00.006+01:00

On Friday afternoon I took a leisurely stroll to Borough Market, which is not complete without a purchase or two from Konditor and Cook, where I saw these Magic Cakes designed by Orla Kiely as part of their Cakes by Creatives charity.

A sweet treat.

Abdulla

2009-10-13T14:52:00.004+01:00

I could've wandered round the Grand Bazaar all day, but the store I most wanted to visit was Abdulla.

About a year ago I bought a cotton hamam towel from Toast to take swimming, as I thought it would be lighter and less bulky than a regular terry toweling bath sheet. I'm a complete convert. Abdulla had a great selection which made it difficult to make a choice. After a considerable amount of time pulling them all from the shelves, I settled on two of these ultra soft cotton bath towels with a grey and white border.

And the icing on the cake? The string bag which they came in once they'd been carefully wrapped in brown paper (looking a little crumpled here after the flight home)...