Showing posts with label French. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French. Show all posts

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

around my home


I'm so lucky that I have got a partner that can build practically anything he turns his hand to around my home. It's not what he does for a living but he believes anyone can make things if they put their mind to it. One of the reasons we bought this house was to put our own stamp on it. It's just a modest 1930's house but it still has a lot of its original features.

It has two chimney breasts into which we have put log burners. However, the chimney breasts did present us with a problem. What would we do with the alcoves? We came up with the idea of a DIY bookcase that S promptly designed, then made an MDF box to fit a very awkward space (1930's houses are not the straightest!) S made the shelves different sizes to fit different sized books, vases of flowers and a lamp.

I had quite a few books that I wanted to hand (book hoarder!), and the bookcase is perfect. I love shabby chic and French styles as you can probably see. It houses my fashion and lifestyle books and I do tend to collect pretty notebooks so they stand on there too.

It's amazing how much it actually holds, it definitely adds interest to the room without it feeling cluttered. Everyone who visits my home, including my daughters friends, all make a beeline for the books.


Friday, 5 April 2013

how to make a french roast ham & pear open sandwich


This open sandwich is simple but sooo tasty. It really is! Perfect for lunch.

Ingredients
Ham (I used French Torchon ham)
Really fresh bread (I used a baguette but there are so many gorgeous breads)
One pear (I used a conference pear for its soft sweetness)
Extra virgin olive oil

  1. Lightly toast the bread.
  2. Whilst that is toasting, thinly slice a pear.
  3. When the bread is toasted, brush on a little olive oil, and top it with the pear and some strips of French roast ham. Delicious!

Simple pleasures!

I took this open sandwich recipe from Rachel Khoo's The Little Paris Kitchen cookbook.


Wednesday, 20 February 2013

green day


A lovely day for wearing my Zara blazer, cold but beautifully sunny! I paired it with a blue and cream striped blouse and my darling Topshop jeans. I felt I needed a scarf to add a splash of colour so I had a hunt through my scarf drawer and I found this at the back. I had forgotten all about it; ideal, and with a picture of the Eiffel Tower!

The orange in the scarf is a perfect match for the bag, it has a detachable strap and I have to say I prefer using it more as a clutch.



We decided on a visit to the Botanical Gardens today, a lovely place to chill and relax all year round. I'm looking forward to the summer when we can lay out on the grass with a picnic, reading and watching the world go by. Around the corner from the park is a deli shop which make the most delicious sandwiches and melts. I am determined to have a go at recreating my own at home (watch this space!)


Blazer - Zara (wardrobe)
Blouse - Primark (wardrobe)
Jeans - Topshop (wardrobe)
Scarf - River Island (wardrobe)
Boots - Ebay find (wardrobe)
Handbag - Ebay shop (wardrobe)
Ring - Topshop (wardrobe)
Bracelet - (wardrobe)

Tuesday, 15 January 2013

small sighs

I'm starting to collect new items for my spare bedroom as I am going to be redecorating it very soon. These are just a few of my new things. The bedroom will be very French inspired as you can see! I adore the cover of the book; such a beautiful picture of Brigette Bardot.

S and I went away for a weekend break to a quaint place called Hebden Bridge. We fell in love with it straightaway; there are so many funky little shops to look round. The beautiful cupcake soaps and glass dish were from a shop called The Yorkshire Soap Co. It is one of the nicest shops I have ever been in. I spent at least an hour trying to decide which soaps to have! Decisions, decisions!

I will post before and after pictures of the room renovation when I start the new project. Stay tuned.