Curiosity at Kew

Autumn had just arrived when we ventured along to Kew Gardens in September, which feels a world away now that the temperature has dropped on November's arrival. It's a beautiful spot on the outskirts of the city, and with gardens so vast that even if it is busy you might not see anyone for a while. The smell inside the Palm House reminded me of when my grandparent's used to take us to Wisley when we were little; some happy nostalgia. We even made it up into the tree tops, and as one who has mild vertigo it was well worth the trip into the sky to see the views all around, even if the walk ways swayed in the wind…! A great end to a fun weekend with the gals!

Kentish Coastline

The Kentish coastline provides never ending photo opportunities. We had a day out in wonderful Whitstable, wandering through the stalls at the Oyster Festival in the scorching heat, cooling off in the sea. We discovered beach front of Herne Bay, and looked out to the wind farms at sea. Finally we went back to our city of Canterbury, seeing it in a different light but still enjoying its beauty. See you again soon!

Twelve Things: July's Party

We were yet to make the most of our little flat in Brixton, so my birthday was a great excuse to throw a party. It's the ground floor of a Victoria terrace and we are lucky to have the run of the garden so a garden party was in order... but we do live in England after all. Good weather isn't guaranteed. True to form, rain was forecast and so the garden had to come inside.

To get inspired I started a board on Pinterest, and I loved the balloon installations and festoon lighting. Over the weeks before I collected jam jars to create hanging lanterns for outside, but the weather meant we kept them inside and instead we sipped prosecco out of them - how trendy! I'm still going to give the lantern project a go, but in the meantime they're fantastic as little vases.

Somehow a pink and yellow theme spontaneously emerged and it was seen in the cups and plates, flowers and balloons. I was up early on the day to get baking: lemon drizzle cake, rose and strawberry Victoria sponge, chocolate and raspberry and tea-infused cupcakes. Dan was in charge of the savoury goods: handmade pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pizza fingers.

I had a great night and the summer is only half way through, so I hope next time we can get out in the garden and have a dinner party out there!

Looking back: in January I started to learn to swing.

In February we learned how to make pasta.

In March I sewed some curtains.

In April I planted herbs.

In May I started running.

In June I learnt to knit Fair Isle.

Columbian Flowers

Hyacinth are my favourites at the moment, their distinctive scent and how I remember them potted in Nanna and Pop's kitchen when I was little. I bought this beautiful mixed bunch, which is further blooming in front of me with lilac and fuschia petals, from Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday morning. This little street in East London was teaming with people, flourishing with colour and smells of herbs. Not one of us five girls can profess a horticultural expertise but there was so much to be tempted by and a lot of new names of varieties to be learned. I picked up some basil, coriander and parsley to add to the herb garden, and Jess bought daisy-like argyranthemum and kindly gave me a pot too! And the flowers are just one part of the draw of Columbia Road - there's a wealth of little shops I've yet to explore, so will definitely be back and perhaps even earlier next time to avoid the crowds.

Spring in Strasbourg

Where did April go? The first half was crazily busy at work, whilst the second half was Easter, short weeks and wisdom tooth anguish (not mine). Before we knew it May was here, and along with it the first Bank Holiday. We jumped on a flight to Strasbourg to spend a both relaxed and energetic with Lauren in Strasbourg. We cycled through the cobbled streets, played table tennis in L'Orangerie, canoed down the Ill, made pizzas, drank Gewurz Traminer and slept in. A brilliant time as always.

The Island

Clear blue sea. Cats. Frappes. Mermaids. Sand everywhere. Pink flamingos. Mountain village and lush ladies. Boat trips. P20. Early squashes. Canelli. Yaya. Insect repellant. Limericks - "there once was a girrrrrrrl". Ancient ruins. Fish tavernas. Meze with snails. Cypriot wine. Toothless wonder masseuse. Secret beaches. Four best buds. "This is the life!!"