Spring is (kind of) in the air and a sure sign is the arrival of all the newborn lambs in the farm close to our Norfolk cottage. Yesterday was lambing day and we took the chance to go and visit these adorable creatures and admire them up close. Also, there's something truly magical about the light in old barns- the way it seeps through all the cracks and gaps of the old ceilings and walls. Being surrounded by cute baby animals and biblical light, I was truly in my element!
A Winter Weekend in Norfolk
Spending the weekend in the cottage in Norfolk is always such a pleasure, even though it was a very grey, wet and cold one. We are finally getting a bit more furniture in the livingroom, slowly making it into the cosy nest we want it to be. Today we went for a long walk with Otto who got covered in mud but seemed very happy nevertheless. We met some lovely horses on our way, but didn't spot any humans- I think most people decided to stay in today, far away from the wind and damp.
After an hour and a half in the mud we decided to turn back, light lots of candles, make coffee and give the puppy and much-needed bath.
Snowdrops in February
Even if it’s bitterly cold here in Norfolk this weekend, snowdrops are a sure sign that spring might just be around the corner. Found these pretty creatures dotted around in the churchyard when I went for a walk with Otto this morning. So pleased so see new life in the midst of all the grey, can't wait to welcome spring.
A Midwinter Wander in Oslo
I'm in the final stages of finishing the pictures for the book project on Scandinavia lifestyle which I've worked on this past year (to be published in September). My last trip was to beautiful Oslo (my first time) and even though we hardly had any daylight, these frozen sculptures in the Frogner Park where nothing short of magical.
Located in the Frogner Park in the middle of the city, these sculptures were made between 1939-49 by native Norwegian Gustav Vigeland. With over 200 pieces in bronze, granite and wrought iron, this is the biggest sculpture park in the world made by one single artist. A thick layer of frost added to the dream-like quality of my last day in Norway.
In Malmö: Sara's Apartment
One of the greatest privileges of doing what I do, is that I quite often get to see how other creative people live and it's one of my absolute favourite things, snooping around their homes. This weekend I visited Sara at her beautifully serene one-bedroom apartment in Malmö. Full of vintage finds, Scandinavian design classics and calming colours- I'm hoping to be invited for coffee again next time I'm in town :)
We even had time for a Christmas fika, complete with homemade saffron buns and all. Thanks for having me Sara! You can follow Sara on Instagram here.
At Home with Lulu & Natt
I love visiting creative people at home, it's always such an inspiring insight to their lives and everyday. Last weekend I visited Lulu (of lifestyle brand Lulu&Nat) and her beautiful family in their light-filled house in North London. Lulu and I have been working together recently and I've been helping her style and shoot her new gorgeous bedlinen. With an incredible eye for detail and colour Lulu's house is welcoming and warm, with her two sweet daughters adding extra vibrancy to this stunning London home.
An afternoon with Sarah from Sala Yoga
One of the things I love the most about my job is the travel I get to do and all the amazing people I meet. I love hearing about peoples' life journeys and how they have ended up where they are right now. I spent a lovely afternoon with Sarah from Sala Yoga in Hampstead Heath this week, reminiscing about life, love, work and yoga (and yes we did talk a little bit about boys too). An inspiring lady with a humble, human approach to life in general and the body in particular, getting to know Sarah has been a pleasure and privilege. The benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness is something that for me is a constant companion on my journey so far and I can't wait to see where it will take me next.
Norfolk- Horticultural Society Show
After a very long summer, I have lots of stories to share... I'll start with this one. As first-timers we entered three items into the horticultural society annual show in our little Norfolk village. Cooking apples from our garden, a single rose as well as Norfolk Honey biscuits that I made.
We actually won first price for our apples, second for the rose but no mention of my baking efforts ha. Next year we have our eyes set of taking an actual trophy home! Watch this space.
As a Scandinavian living in the UK, I found the whole event rather exotic- this quaint show had a lovely traditional element to it. Plus I loved all the cute ladies in florals. We will definitely be partaking next year, and I'll be wearing my very best floral outfit.
Juniper Weaves
Earlier this week I went to visit Kelly who's the founder and creator of Juniper Weaves in her beautiful home in Richmond where she lives with her husband and two adorable little ones. Kelly showed me a selection of her stunning wall weaves and macrame work- I'm in love with her work's rustic charm and feminine sensibility. Really excited to be working on a special WE ARE HERE NOW + Juniper Weaves collaboration to be released in the next couple of months- watch this space...
To buy a Juniper Weave or discuss bespoke work email: juniperwallweaves@gmail.com
The Floury
A sunny summer morning spent in the garden of Holly's Victorian house in Stoke Newington, taking pictures of cakes. It doesn't get much better than this in my books! The Floury was founded by Holly in 2015 and makes wonderful cakes and baked goods using mainly seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible. Not only beautiful, but also made with much love, The Floury bakes everything from gorgeous bespoke wedding cakes to delicious birthday brownies. Inspired by the countryside, greenery, flowers and simple living- The Floury's unique aesthetic and mindful approach to baking makes it truly one-of-a-kind and very inspiring indeed.
A Retreat with the Secret Yoga Club
After a hectic week, going on a weekend retreat with the Secret Yoga Club at the beautiful Knowlton Court was exactly what I needed. Two days filled with yoga, creative workshops, amazing food and wonderful people I came back to London feeling calmer, more mindful and truly relaxed. Some things are good for the soul and this retreat was definitely one of them...
Hana Hybs Ceramics
I love the blend of faith, serendipity and luck in life and somehow believe that things don't just 'happen'. There's a purpose to all the people we meet in life, some stay only for a little while to teach us something and some people change your life forever. This is the beauty of life.
I was so pleasantly surprised to find out (via Instagram of all places) that Hana Hybs lives just a couple of doors down from me in the same building, on the same floor. I love the creative process of everything handmade and ceramics in particular, so after looking at Hana's beautifully crafted ceramics online I was dying to see them in person and of course to meet the maker behind them. Hana invited me over to her workspace/ studio/ living space and now we are working on a little ceramic collaboration together- soon available in my webshop.
Working with a variety of clays and porcelain, Hana works with small batches of mainly one-offs. Describing her work as 'modest considered pieces that last' I couldn't agree more and can't wait to share more pictures of her work from our upcoming collaboration. To see more of Hana's work and to buy her ceramics visit throwlikeagirl.co.uk
Function + Form Event
I was invited to Function + Form's first event in November last year and loved everything about it (down to the stylish paper clips). Bringing together like-minded people over an informal brunch in a beautiful space is probably my most ideal weekend activity, so I was delighted to receive another invite to their second gathering this past weekend. Starting with coffee and amazing cakes at Ottolenghi in Spitalfields, this time it was all about inspiring interiors as we were invited to tour the East London homes of architect Chris Dyson and interior designer Laura Lakin courtesy of Houzz.co.uk.
Set in a quiet backstreet of historic Spitalfields Market, architect Chris Dyson's grand family home houses a ground floor gallery and a rooftop terrace with amazing views over some of London's oldest rooftops. Dating back to the 1720s, this house is a lovely example on how to fuse historic architecture with contemporary details.
Equally gorgeous, with a very different vibe- interior designer Laura Lakin's Hackney flat is housed in an old school building. Home to a intriguing selection of contemporary art, this stylish home perfectly fuses a monochrome colour scheme with industrial details, still retaining a homely cozy feel. Can't wait for the next Function + Form event!
Madeleines
I love baking and I've been wanting to make Madeleines for ages, so I finally got myself a Madeleine tray and made some this afternoon. I found this recipe online at Allrecipes.co.uk- it's really easy + takes under 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
This makes about 18-20 Madeleines (I may have tried a little bit of the mixture..!)
You'll need
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 125g icing sugar
- 100g plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 125g butter, melted and cooled
- Preheat the oven to 190 C. Grease and flour the Madeleine moulds.
- In a medium bowl beat eggs, vanilla and lemon zest with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the icing sugar. Beat for 5 to 7 minutes or until thick and satiny.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder. Sift 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg mixture, gently fold in. Fold in the remaining flour by fourths. Then fold in the melted and cooled butter. Spoon batter into the prepared moulds, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the tops spring back. Cool in moulds on a rack for 1 minute. Loosen with a knife. Invert onto a rack and cool. Once cool sift icing sugar over the tops and tadah you're done!
Persephone Books
Bloomsbury is one of my absolute favourite neighbourhoods in London and right in the middle of it you’ll find historic Lamb’s Conduit Street, offering a selection of really nice independent stores. Not to be missed, Persephone Books reprints often neglected books by 20th century female writers. The signature grey book jacket is matched by lovely vintage-inspired endpaper and corresponding bookmark, making it the perfect present. I also love the A Book a Month subscription where you can choose between a six or twelve membership and get a book a month of your choice sent to you or a friend.
Visit Persephone Books at 59 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB
The Perfect Long Weekend at Deans Court in Dorset
As much as I love living in London, there’s something truly magical about leaving the hustle and bustle and general craziness of Hackney on a Friday afternoon to arrive in the tranquil countryside just a couple of hours later. This weekend we went to beautiful Dorset and spent three amazing days at adorable Plum Cottage on Deans Court Estate.
Located just a stone's throw from the centre of the picture perfect town of Wimborne Minster, Deans Court is run by William and Ali Hanham. The impressive country estate has been in the Hanham family for nearly 500 years and it's not difficult to understand why it's such a popular wedding venue. It also houses a vintage-inspired lifestyle store, great café, holiday cottages and a beautiful walled kitchen garden.
The seven bedroom Gate House is perfect for a long weekend with friends or family.
Walking around the grounds, orchard and walled vegetable garden was a real treat.
The super cute lifestyle store offers a mix of hand-picked items for the home as well as a café, which serves delicious coffee and a selection of seasonal snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes. Using local produce as much as possible, the food in the café comes from the vegetable garden and the local surrounding area.
To find out more about Deans Court as a wedding venue, book the cottages, The Gatehouse or to to attend one of the workshops (I love the look of the fishing event!) visit Deans Court's website.
Blåsippa
The blue Anemone (in Swedish 'blåsippa') is one of my absolute favourite spring flowers. We often find them in the back garden or in the forest in front of the cabin - bringing some home for the dinner table is one of the surest signs that spring is in the air.
Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs
Easter is one of my absolute favourite holidays and we always spend it at the summerhouse in Öland which this year is somewhere on the verge between winter and spring. Decorating for this special celebration is always a highlight and this week I dyed my own Easter eggs using red and yellow onion peel. Incredibly easy, all you do is cover your eggs in the outer layers of the onion peel, wrap each egg individually in tinfoil and boil for about ten minutes to get this incredible marble effect.
Grey is the Calmest Colour
A walk by the summerhouse in beautiful Öland, a magical island just off the East coast of Sweden. My favourite place on earth, the colours here are always spellbinding...
Kew Gardens in Spring
Receiving a membership to Kew Gardens is still one of my best Christmas presents to date, it's such a special part of the world. This afternoon I just walked around the grounds, exploring with my new camera...