Long Gone

Recently

2012-01-13T17:51:00.000Z

We've had one heck of a month, it feels like a year has passed since mid-December, and yet here we are on Friday 13th not having even seen the height of January yet. Madness. We've done so much and I've loved every minute of it. From the photos all that seems to be missing is my longed-for dog; soon sweet hound, soon.

Wiltshire on Boxing Day

Vienna on New Year's Day

Hampshire on a Sunday

Prior to my January HEALth kick, I thoroughly enjoyed eating my way through Christmas, right into my very lovely Viennese New Year, from falafel to wurst to kartofellpuffer, I really did enjoy Austria!

YUM!

Magamania

2012-01-12T20:11:00.000Z

Austerity aplenty in fledge towers this month(year!), but that doesn't mean window or charity shopping are a no go. Beautiful inspiration in Elle/Red/Oh Comely as always, along with some of the most engaging blogs out there, all translated in to some gorgeous hooped finds down Portswood way. Oh joy.

Thanks for the objective opinions and brilliant swaps from Sophie, I am now in possession of the most goregous cotton knit sweater. Perfect for my casual Friday wardrobe. I love doing the charity rounds with a companion, and it was a treat to have an expert with me on Saturday.

Vitamin C

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000Z

Healthy and colourful are my new eating themes.

I am trying to maintain my best weight/size/health for the big day in April and this is involving lots of salad and fruit. The Mr couldn't quite believe that I was so surprised by the low calorie content of clementines - I just presumed the natural sugars meant high calories. I am slow on the uptake in all aspects of my life, so why should citrus be any different. Really enjoying the restraint in all areas of consumption. Exercise in the form of walks and exercise biking is also fun.

I don't know how these slipped through the net...

You gotta lotta bottle boy...

2012-01-12T06:39:00.003Z

and girl! Merry Christmas to us, half of the delectable malty brews that arrived on the night before Christmas. Long lasting in to the new year.

Delightful.

Holmes Sweet Holmes

2012-01-11T20:47:00.001Z

This Christmas and New Year I have been overly indulged by the new re-workings of one of my favourite detective stories. Watching the Sherlock-off between Cummerbatch and Downey Jr has been a delight but had gotten me all spoiled and such. Not stopping at this (and some really indulgent Jeremy Brett you tube videos), I was also kindly introduced to the joys of Simon and Simon, an 80s throwback drama about a pair of private detectives. A shining example of the great television aired on English channels in Austria!

Meanwhile a nod and homage to an old favourite:

Jeremy, I love the way you hold your magnifying glass!

Satisfying Secret Indulgence Number 4

2012-01-08T19:30:00.000Z

Getting post. Peaks in December and March, and leaves an empty feeling in the quiet months. Highlight of a week day - unexpected missive waiting in the post box. Joy!

It's a Wien-derful Life

2011-12-29T19:31:00.002Z

We are headed off for a lovely long weekend with friends in Vienna - cue festive ramblings and drinks and snacks. Gluhwein, Schnitzel and Sachertorte? And maybe some Jimmy Stewart retro heart-warming? Fingers crossed!

Here's to 2012...

Errands

2011-12-27T19:07:00.002Z

The no man's land between Christmas and New Year always seems full of errands and to-do lists. No more so than this year with our upcoming trip to Vienna. We have been writing lists, checking the sales, sorting the flat and trying to organise the admin for our upcoming wedding. Lots to remember, lots!

I am busy now with quesadillas for lunch and Delia goats cheese bread for tea, with a little bit of retail therapy in between.

Blame Christmas, but is it too early for a drinky yet?

Natural History

2011-12-09T21:39:00.001Z

A couple of new friends...

Adorable little sweethearts - loved the Natural History Museum, and managed to avoid museum head!

Satisfyingly Secret Indulgence Number 4

2011-11-30T20:48:00.000Z

OK, to be fair, this one is no secret. I love a detective show. Literally LOVE! From Poirot and Marple, through to The Mentalist. I can track back to the very first time I got hooked when I was about 17, round at my friend Sarah's in the cosy Rawmere snug. We enjoyed a lazy afternoon watching Old School Miss Marple with tea and cake. Suddenly the boring and familiar Agatha Christie stories became a new and exciting passtime. Marple begat Poirot, Poirot begat Holmes (Jeremy Brett you hammy legend), Holmes begat Rose and Maloney and it went on through a list of good, and erm, not quite so good (I am talking to you brief fleeting CSI Miami phase), drama shows. Really as long as all the drama stays on the screen, I am keen.

Two long time pals Jane and Hercule

Footnote - not too gritty mind. I had to leave Luther after four episodes, too much for me.

Satisfyingly Secret Indulgence Number 3

2011-11-28T19:38:00.000Z

Reading our local shop and Aldi's weekly deal leaflets. Whilst I know they aren't illicit publications, sometimes they feel like illicit publications. Such great offers on things I never need.

TYVM - shopportunity

2011-11-27T19:44:00.000Z

I love a bargain, it's a major driving force in my day to day life and my competitive personality loves the kudos of a great find! So you can imagine how determined I was to check out some of the second hand clothing shops in Brooklyn.

I scrabbled, elbowed, browsed, tried on and generally felt a little harassed in the aisles of Buffalo Exchange and Beacon's Closet in Greenpoint/Williamsburg, but felt better for it. Vintage, designer and unwanted high street all hang side by side on the racks. I was delighted to source some J Brand needle cords, Acne straight leg jeans of the most satisfying robust gauge denim and some lovely Italian leather bashed up tan knee high boots.

Delightful.

Oh, and erm apologies once again for the grainy phone photos... blame my broken camera, my old phone and the boy for taking his compact away with him and for running the battery out on his lovely swish camera that I can't seem to 'get'.

Satisfyingly Secret Indulgence Number 2

2011-11-26T20:36:00.000Z

Getting to the door of the train before everyone else so I can get on/off first (whilst always allowing those people alighting to do so first, obviously), whilst acting as nonchalant as possible. Peps up an 'hour-each-way-commute'.

TYVM - dog therapy

2011-11-25T19:47:00.000Z

Walking the dogs in Forest Park = holiday heaven. I love Queens, my cousins live there, and trust me their oasis in Forest Hills is utterly magical. They and their canine cohort gave us such a lovely chance to mill about the flora and fauna, and explore their forest in the park.

I am determined to explore Prospect Park next time we are over. Both Forest Park, and it's charming sibling Central offered up some of their hidden parts to charm us in to falling in love with them all over again.

The one and only Dob-Dobs.

Walking in lines

2011-11-24T20:01:00.000Z

The Highline: elevated to another plane, a world away.

Brooklyn Bridge - tourists on bikes with no ruddy clue.

Williamsburg - a little too hip, but hipsters aside, gotta love a self-declared ironic moustache.

PA - mountains, microbreweries, amazing vintage shops, dilapidated old steel works.

Pennsylvanians just do it better.

Satisfyingly Secret Indulgence Number 1

2011-11-24T11:00:00.000Z

Using our ancient Garlic Press to squeeze out garlic cloves into our dinner. Genuinely the most satisfying feeling. Especially enjoyable when said garlic clove is a mega-clove. Note a similar result is acheived if you put two cloves in the press at once. Ideal for maximum fun after a particularly difficult day. It's good for your heart too.

Curious Candy

2011-11-23T22:37:00.000Z

Photo opportunity c/o Dollar Tree Candy Aisle

Crappy Quality c/o 5 year old Nokia

You can quote me on this...

2011-11-23T20:03:00.000Z

"I have a puckish side, and it will not be denied!"

A rare moment of clarity amongst tired-concept drama show Bones some seasons ago. A go-to quote if you will.

Good style: Knits

2011-11-23T19:59:00.000Z

Good Style - 50s knitwear pattern glamour.

Literally want this outfit to jump out at me and inhabit my world. Love this gal, trying to ignore that man's scarf however. A little too Rupert the Bear for my liking.

Good Style: Mary Jane

2011-11-22T21:22:00.000Z

This girl rocks 50s childhood chic like Ms Milly Molly Mandy.

There were a lot of other inspiringly branded US sweeties, that I may upload from time to time. This was snapped as subtly as possible on my lame phone in Dollar Tree, my sister's local dollar store in Stewartsville, New Jersey!

En Vacance

2011-11-22T19:55:00.000Z

So long holiday!

Oh my, how does time fly like this? I am not even sure what I have been doing with the days, hours, minutes and seconds since we got back home to Hampshire. Needless to say I am well behind schedule.

If it wasn't jet lag or turbulence, it was the clocks going back in the US that meant adjusting to UK times did not come easily, perhaps it's getting worser as I get older.

But hang on, wait, I just got back from the most fabulous holiday for years. I am so so SO thankful for the most wonderful welcome break. I managed to combine some of my favourite things: New York City, dogs, cousins, sisters, brothers, brother in laws and nieces, flea markets, beer in large volumes, adventures to mountains, second hand clothes shopping, diner home fries, good value travel passes, forests and parks.

Honorable holiday mention: Tim Minchin on outbound flight, and new Spiderman Andrew Garfield and gal-pal Rashida Jones in the West Village. Would have liked an A-Class celeb, but that's life.

The light all ten days was beautiful, the weather was delightful and the company second to none.

Back home, much the same, except the weather is crap!

Good job I had something for the road:

Thank you very much: HOLIDAYS

2011-11-02T05:52:00.000Z

Thank you very much ... it's time for a well earnt rest!

Thank you very much: chaussures

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much for little shoes and boots, snuggly toes and cosy ankles.

Quality footwear was a major priority for my mum when we were growing up, and so I do love a well made leather shoe.

The annual march of the well-worn ankle boots - lovely!

Linear

2011-10-26T15:25:00.000+01:00

Lines, Stripes, Hoops, Nautical or Breton, cliche or fashion staple.

Call it whatever you will, I have a dependency on navy and white lines on a top (with room for a little variation).

Puppy!

2011-10-25T19:30:00.000+01:00

Walking little puppy (at heart) Jakey made for a lovely Sunday morning. What a boy, he suits forest life.

Mr S and Master S.

Good Style: Art

2011-10-24T11:30:00.000+01:00

Nice Style c/o Elle

Thank you very much - Central Heating

2011-10-23T17:25:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much for the unexpected and very welcome surprise of a warm toasty towel this morning. Waking up to the chill of the morning, all bleary eyes, my shower did the trick of waking me up and was quite wonderfully coupled with a deliciously warm and cosy towel.

A Tale of Two Cities...

2011-10-20T18:36:00.000+01:00

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us..."
Thanks Mr Dickens, for what essentially captures my present attitude. What a book, this quote's a timely reminder to savour the light and stay resolute through the dark.

Good Style: Margaret Howell

2011-10-19T20:40:00.000+01:00

Simplicity and style - seriously, what is not to love:

Shopping Heaven!-

Eggs

2011-10-18T20:05:00.000+01:00

Yum yum yum lazy Saturday breakfast - the best way to start the day.

Good Style: Charlotte

2011-10-18T19:23:00.000+01:00

je ne sais quoi...

Picture sources unknown - please advise if pictures are your own and I shall gladly credit or remove.

Lunch - 15.10.11

2011-10-17T10:30:00.000+01:00

We dined at Amelie & Friends on Saturday - very very nice indeed.

When I heard that Purchases had closed I was so sad - especially when news that the garden had been completely cleared - but I am totally converted and love that the new direction the restaurant has taken. It really fills a long time gap in the market in my home town.

We had a cracking time, the service was excellent and the soup delicious! Happy drinkies and cheeky puddings all round, ideal!

Thank You Very Much: Sweet Treats

2011-10-16T20:17:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much delicious homemade fondant fancies. Lo and behold the hand crafted delicious treats:

Such a fun Saturday night, made so wonderful by the lush sweet squares. They literally trump any of nasty shop bought fancy every time.

Lovely Things # 1

2011-10-14T19:48:00.000+01:00

I love boiled eggs - they deserve their very own fabergé throne if you ask me

Yes!

I have found myself returning to this website on an almost daily basis checking out these wonderful cups. I have resisted so far, let's see how I fair. It is impossible not to love the V&A shop.

Catching Up Quick

2011-10-14T10:20:00.000+01:00

I am bubbling with excitement as this weekend we are going to see my parents and catch up with some very good family friends who are over from Holland. I am literally longing for the gorgeous bistro brunch we will be having tomorrow and in the meantime have my rather lovely casual Friday outfit on and my early finish this afternoon to prefix tonight's date night. Swanky restaurant, not for me, cinema, too much effort, clubbing - pah! - you will find me watching Another Year, eating homemade soup, drinking beer and wearing pyjamas! Bliss I tells ya.

Good Style: Clemence

2011-10-13T19:44:00.001+01:00

Belle!

Alas source unknown - found via

Cathedral Cities

2011-10-13T11:20:00.000+01:00

I have found myself in many a cathedral city of late. I was back in the small little spot where I grew up just this week, and had a good rummage in the charity shops and checked out the latest retail outlets: pastries and overpriced heritage wear - intriguing.

I had the rather lovely honour of catching up with a very talented friend who lavished me with tea, soup and muffins. We chatted all sorts, but the discussion about flatulence does stick out - borlotti beans in the soup started that one. I was particularly excited by my new purchase of an updated new york city guide for me and the boy's upcoming trip. Another cathedral city. The cathedral city. SWEET!

Thank you very much: beard

2011-10-12T18:30:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to Iron & Wine and Shepherds Bush and £3 parking in central London and Brooklyn Lager. General comments: Westfield is unbearable even when it's empty - the size, oh the size! - and as for standing gigs, they make me a bad person and shall hereon be avoided.

A little word with myself

2011-10-11T17:52:00.003+01:00

The only thing holding me back is me.

Thank you very much: glossy pages and matt pages

2011-10-11T17:39:00.003+01:00

Thank you very much for the luxury, utter luxury of two days off. When I have managed not to check my work emails, I have mostly been enjoying the glossy pages of Elle and the matt pages of Oh Comely. Two different publications which I absolutely love, different and yet I find myself in between them indulging in the imagery and words.

Thank you very much: lovely new things

2011-10-05T21:06:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much lovely new things. Lovely scent, lovely shoes, lovely nail polish and lovely belt.

Lovely!

Life expanding...

2011-10-04T19:12:00.000+01:00

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.”

Anaïs Nin

Good Style: Ginnifer Goodwin

2011-10-03T20:00:00.000+01:00

I really do love Ginnifer Goodwin, always have...

I love that she is such a chameleon. Although here I appear to have selected pixie Ginnifer, but I am sure in a matter of months she'll have a glossy bob or lush long locks, what hair she has, sigh.

Picture sources unknown - please advise if pictures are your own and I shall gladly credit or remove.

Thank you very much: autumn/summer

2011-10-02T19:18:00.003+01:00

Thank you very much for the laziest and yet most satisfying weekend. From a balcony soiree on Friday which trickled in to the early ours of Saturday (possibly making us unpopular with the neighbours) to lazy lounging on the balcony with leftovers, beers and Saturday papers yesterday. Today we bought our first pet (ok, its just an exercise bike) and I cycled for 15 minutes on a ridiculously low setting. Plus I fitted in the obligatory scour of the charity shops and got some lovely items. A really laid back relaxing weekend - bliss and calm before the 'all-change' of tomorrow's arriving cohort. I am off to sip some tea and take in some trousers.

Winchester/Portswood/Exbury

2011-09-29T18:40:00.000+01:00

Hampshire jaunts this past weekend, from trawling around the historic quarters and ancient streets, to leafy walks and mini steam trains, what a lovely long weekend.

Of note: nieces, £1.99 J&M Davidson bags in mint condish, smell of steam*, Indian food, Rosemary*, family outings, playparks, French food, unplanned Northanger Abbey... and it goes on.

On the down side, being stuck on A27 for three hours two miles from work on your day off is not good.

*did I mention the miniature railway? Kudos to Eddy the little shunt that got our dear train Rosemary all ready for the ride!

Thank you very much: sunny outlook

2011-09-28T20:33:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to the forecast, as ever helping the week spead by. Planning the last few summer outfits before tights, scarves and coats become necessities.

I have been longing for autumn, but as soon as it actually revealed itself I was a bit sad to part with summer: cue Indian Summer in the shape of the last summer weekend of 2011... here's to balcony drinkies, barbecues, sleeping under the stars and maybe some cut-offs and flip-flops.

good style: Erin

2011-09-27T20:28:00.003+01:00

source

Fab article which makes Erin seem very nice indeed.

Thank you very much: literary dream man

2011-09-26T11:30:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much Mr Henry Tilney. At sixth form I thought Herbert Pocket was my ideal man, but at university when studying Northanger Abbey, it became clear I only had eyes for Henry T. Watching the recent-ish adaptation with JJ Feild yesterday reminded me. Good casting, very good casting.

Thank you very much: brief hiatus

2011-09-25T18:30:00.003+01:00

Thank you very much for a brief time out. Whilst things get busy at work with the start of the new academic year and arrival of students on campus, things have been hectic at home too. Tidying and cleaning and pottering and readying - finally we felt we could welcome our transatlantic guests.

They are here, yippee!

Thank you very much: CSS

2011-09-18T21:19:00.004+01:00

Man alive nice blog boy

Thank you very much: smoky espionage

2011-09-18T14:00:00.008+01:00

Thank you very much George Smiley, you make a great protagonist. Seriously watch the film, just brilliant.

Particularly like Jim Prideaux (even with that hair), handsome.

Thank you very much: arrivals

2011-09-16T14:08:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much for the imminent arrival of my transatlantic relatives... here's to historic day trips, drinks and dinners out and lots and lots of time with my lovely niece.

It really speaks to me that song...

2011-09-15T10:00:00.006+01:00

A little snippet of me and the mister before we settled down south by the river

Thank you very much: closure

2011-09-14T21:47:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much that it is nearly all done again for a few months, registration badges away, tourist info leaflets filed, perma-smiles gladly dropped. I love helping to run an event, but usually not until it's been and gone.

good style: Maxine Peake

2011-09-13T20:13:00.001+01:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/apr/10/shameless-peake-duff-acting-talent

Any woman who describes their style as: "pre-war and post-war masculine chic" has already won a place in my sartorial heart.

Thank you very much: peace and quiet

2011-09-12T15:40:00.013+01:00

Thank you very much for the weekend just past of peace, quiet and reflection.

It's not often that you can recall to the very minute where you were and what you were doing ten years ago. Yesterday afforded one of those opportunities to sit down, and think about everything both personal and global that has passed by in those years. Thinking about the volume of thoughts and feelings I have had in that time hurts my head when it feebly tries to calculate and quantify. Lots has happened and lots has floated on by.

snapshot: 10.09.11

2011-09-10T14:13:00.003+01:00

Thank you very much: hops and malt

2011-09-08T21:40:00.000+01:00

Dreams can come true, according to Gabrielle,

and if so I may get some of this tomorrow... we shall see.

Paris

2011-09-07T19:30:00.000+01:00

We went to Paris back in March. Paris in spring time, except it was really still winter. What a wonderful time we had together, walking the streets and drinking in the sights. We ducked in to cafes and bars and wondered the areas that we'd read about. I found vintage luxe leatherware for 1E on my birthday, way to celebrate 28 after the elevated rooftop walks of the Promenade Plantee.

From hot chocolates to artisanal boulangeries to falafel to french onion soup, the tour of the city revolved around consumption. Paris tasted sweet, with my sweet. Appropriately I am writing this post in a breton top thinking back to our trip six months ago. I wish I could have captured the fun better.

Thank you very much: a sense of purpose

2011-09-06T20:49:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to my wonderful partner in crime. He has an uncanny ability to help me focus my energies to achieve what I never thought I could. This week it is the simple ability to use basic sums to correctly work out how much money I have (haven't) got to fritter away in the charity shops if I do indeed wish to have some spends by the time we return for Forest Hills/Kew Gardens fun in time for the mid-season Queens Mall sales, junior-mints-matinee-ticket-combos and general over-eating at Dani's restaurant. Today I resisted a ribena sparkling and a mag - my "necessity magazine" fix needs to be factored in to my budget. Until then, I remain mag-less.

good style: Bert

2011-09-06T20:34:00.004+01:00

Childhood HERO - preppy legend

good style: Paul Smith RTW

2011-09-03T19:40:00.002+01:00

Paul Smith just knows what I want to wear.

http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/F2011RTW/PAUL/RUNWAY/00020f.jpg

Thank you very much: Autumn Watch

2011-09-02T18:30:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to the annual autumn-clean. I don't really go in for a spring-clean, preferring autumn. Perhaps it harks back to the start of the academic year? The onset of wardrobe purging, boot re-heeling and re-soling (cue chat with the cobbler about taking better care of the leather and my empty promises to polish them more frequently) and coat dry-cleaning (I am aware this should probably happen more than once a year) has begun. The time for hosiery and scarves and deeper hues has come. Hello dear autumn!

Thank you very much: bibliotheque

2011-09-01T19:20:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much lovely local library. Although I recently moved to a much bigger city, I have downscaled libraries dramatically, never having made it to the central library. I love my local - it's historic, welcoming and always has what I didn't know I was waiting to read.

Here's to knowledge.

good style: Ms. Jones

2011-08-31T20:14:00.000+01:00

I recently watched Page 8 on iplayer which was brilliant. I kept getting distracted by Felicity Jones' wardrobe and general style though, shallow.

http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00544/Felicity-Jones-AP_544954t.jpg

Thank you very much: lemons and echinacea

2011-08-31T13:13:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much for vitamin c and floral remedies, I suppose it's not really summer without a summer cold, but still. Feeling rotten and eating loads to cheer myself up!

snapshot: 29.08.11

2011-08-29T10:56:00.000+01:00

The epicentre of gardening on a balcony

River Living

Wedding gown

Sweet favour - yum!

Hangover cure:

Thank You Very Much: Tapas

2011-08-25T21:25:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much tapas banquet - you were truly delicious. But boy, what a food hangover.

Clued Up

2011-08-25T20:14:00.001+01:00

"It's my hips, isn't it?"

Thank You Very Much: Harold & Maude

2011-08-24T19:51:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to adventures in railway carriages, churches and the great outdoors.

http://www.film4.com/reviews/1971/harold-and-maude

http://livingincinema.com/2008/06/24/hal-ashby-is-a-good-thing/

Thank You Very Much: jam and tea and cream and butter and scones

2011-08-23T20:30:00.001+01:00

I was hoping to sustain myself entirely on cream teas for the duration of the weekend; after the long haul to Exmoor it seemed like a fair reward. However, we didn't get the chance to go to a tea room, so my cream tea cravings remain unsated. We did however go to Quince Honey Farm http://www.quincehoney.co.uk/ which was quite honestly amazing. After walking round the fascinating exhibits, we had a cup of coffee and a slice of cake (I had some dime cake which I normally reserve for visits to ikea). I bought some of the sweetest set honey, which seemed only fair after all the bees' hard work.

snapshot - 23/08/11

2011-08-23T18:00:00.001+01:00

Train-bridge-spotter

Amour

The s**t you put up with when you love a forester...

Devon Knows

2011-08-22T19:42:00.001+01:00

Charging down the A303 with a hectic mix of Iron and Wine, Bon Iver and BBC news reportage, along with record breaking super-quick rest stops - we couldn't have willed our journey to be any shorter. As dusk fell, we entered the high banked leafy labyrinth of country lanes that keeps community, county and country connected. After numerous lefts and rights and t junctions and cross roads, we arrived at our destination a little weary, with the immediate prospect of beer a delight.

South Molton felt like France!

We visited the honey bees of Quince Farm, and marvelled at the market town of South Molton with its fantastic charity shops and enviable Saturday market, and swooned over the beautiful Exmoor village of Dulverton all dramatic valley and river and leaves, with a really community amidst the Lorna Doone scenery.

Our serendipitous bridge

Along the ridge road, we could see the world beneath us, with the sheep trying to take us on. The clio won, luckily without any physical confrontation of any sort. After a very chilled evening of reading and drinking, we took full advantage of our Sunday morning and returned to a beautiful spot we found quite by accident. An old bridge and ford over the rive Exe, just north west of Dulverton. Bolstered by a nice big family barbecue, we embarked on the journey home. This time rest stops a little more leisurely.

Travel Essential

2011-08-22T13:14:00.000+01:00

"Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say"

Poor Tom - a hero. These words make me feel 18 again.

snapshot - 18/08/2011

2011-08-18T21:02:00.000+01:00

Snaps from the past few months

Coffee features heavily.

Thank You Very Much: silver

2011-08-18T20:50:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much for lovely lazy days off of work. Bashing the sense out of a precious metal to make something pretty and accomplished. For cake and tea and trips to the home town. To craftmanship in sheds and crazy kitties jumping everywhere. To the sort of friends that bring out the best of you. For having a natter, refining ideas and giggling. A lot.

Thank You Very Much: wintry weather

2011-08-18T18:54:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much weather gods for the freezing torrential rain today. It has sated my longing for autumn, and proved an ideal opportunity to wrap up warm with a cup of tea and a nice chocolate chip cookie. Thank you also for quickly stopping the rain just in time for my weekend adventure to Devon.

Thank You Very Much: planning secret days out

2011-08-18T10:30:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much for the exciting preparation and planning of a day out for boy. He knows the date, he knows that we are going to see his beloved Iron & Wine in the evening, but I have been plotting and scheming for the bestest day's fun possible. It's taking a lot of energy and will power not to spill. Roll on roll on October 10th!

Thank You Very Much: packing for a mini break

2011-08-18T10:00:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much indeed! I love a list and at this point in time I am knee deep in the blighters. I can confirm I am editing my what-to-take-on-my-mini-break list currently. It's exciting, and I consider it as much a part of the break as the break, if that makes any sense. I am ignoring the impending 4 hour drive in a musty 90s hatch-backed vehicle, and am focusing on the best, most romantic road trip idealism my limited but willing imagination can muster.

good style: Michelle

2011-08-17T16:00:00.003+01:00

I don't actually know what 'it' is - but she has it.

Pic c/o http://fashionrules.com/2009/02/independent-spirit-fashion/

She had me at "dress with pockets"

Thank You Very Much: shiny new album

2011-08-17T10:13:00.002+01:00

Thank you very much to my dear boy who bought me Bon Iver's new release as a present for being brave. It was really nothing folks, no life-saving, no courage - just a little of living with something we grown ups call consequences. Would have been good to have been acquainted with such a concept those few years back. But Bon Iver does help put things in to perspective with it's epic qualities. Thank you thank you thank you!

good style: Andrea

2011-08-16T20:39:00.001+01:00

http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/inside/one-to-watch-andrea-riseborough

Thank You Very Much: the bridge

2011-08-16T13:03:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much to the builders who have just finished rennovating the beautiful local listed footbridge that gets me from the wrong side, to the right side of the tracks in seconds. It is beautiful, and being able to walk over it again is a delight. With its shiny green and red criss-crossing: it's looking sharp.

carrot

2011-08-16T09:30:00.000+01:00

"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it,"

Ye-hes-sir Anne Shirley, I am with you on this one!

Thank You Very Much: turquoise and coral

2011-08-15T19:46:00.001+01:00

Thank you very much for the summer palette.The simple combination of my revlon painted coral coloured toenails and my super soft turquoise leather sandals was enough to put a smile on my face today. Perking up my monotone outfit and my monotone Monday.

Thank You Very Much: ribena sparkling

2011-08-15T10:30:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much for the dawn of ribena sparkling. Yesterday I enjoyed it with a single milky way and 500 Days of Summer. Perhaps a little late in watching the movie, but a nice Sunday evening's activity nonetheless.

I had myself my first fizzy ribena last week as a special treat to myself on my commute home. I take the train for 55 minutes to and from work, and sometimes in the early part of a week a small item of confectionary or a trash mag can get me through that hopeless feeling that the weekend might never be nearby. This indulgence isn't all that economically viable, and I confess that it causes a lot of post-purchase guilt. In this case though, the ribena was really sweet paired with Nancy Mitford, making for a thoroughly enjoyable journey. I do love being swept off the south coast stopping service to another time or place, and the drink just capped it all off with fruity goodness.

When in Cymru

2011-08-14T20:50:00.000+01:00

We took a little trip to the land of leeks and dragons a couple of weeks ago, to the south coast close to Dylan Thomas' former home. With glorious weather and several luxurious days off work, it felt like a complete blessing out of the blue. In truth I hadn't really foreseen it as being a holiday, just a couple of days away with friends, but how wrong I was!

Driving the 200 or so miles, the journey flew by with coffee stops and chatter. I love seeing signs in welsh and honestly the sales staff are so much friendlier over the Severn. On arriving in to the village where we stayed, the bay looked absolutely stunning. The land speed records were recorded there in the 1920s, and I could imagine the scene. There is something immensely medicinal about spending time reading, relaxing, drinking and eating, and basking in the sun. These indulgences, along with good friends and sunny walks went a long way. From boat trips on the slight waters, to dramatic cliffs and flocks of sea birds, the scenery was stunning and the air refreshing. I came back renewed (albeit tired and ready to be able to relax in my own home!).

I talked a lot with my close friend whilst away, discussing hopes and ambitions and motivations. It was good to leave the familiar and find a new perspective on my thoughts.

Thank You Very Much: new page

2011-08-14T16:31:00.004+01:00

Thank you very much for a new page.

I am delighted to start again, having cleared the clutter and gotten rid of all the dusty past.

A bit like when you throw out a garment, something that makes you feel 'funny' when you wear it, today I am awfully thankful for the having had a good old fashioned sort-out. It has helped me to see what I had had all along, but had quite forgotten. Ongoing hiatus and past writings aside, this feels just like the beginning.

I haven't written at Horseshoe Bridge - life had gotten heavy and I felt squashed. Life is still heavy, but a gal's got to write.