Quince Yellow

ADDED LUSTRE

2011-11-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

I have a bit of a thing for metallic at the moment, just a glimpse not a whole eye-full can add an exciting element to the frame. I would love to find a replacement for an antique lustre jug that I inherited but that got smashed some years ago but in the meantime this is my collection of shiny things I love.

The power of blue

2011-09-30T07:47:00.002-07:00

Have been on a quest for late-in-the-day delphiniums to go with the seasonal gladioli, sunflowers and dahlias whose hot oranges and reds I love but that look even more spectacular when paired with a great plume of bright blue. I have been frustrated in this quest but it got me thinking how many times blue, so often a readily available and boring colour can be the visual catalyst for lifting the mundane into something truly beautiful.

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

2011-09-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

After such a rubbish August it would be easy to feel depressed at the passing of summer and gloom at the prospect of shortening days (or is it just me!?) but Autumn does have its' good points - like CORN! And CONKERS. I'm sure there was something else as well, what was it now ……...

FANTASY GARDEN

2011-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

The garden is looking so battered by the weather and neglected, I thought I would remind myself of all the lovely flowers that I have enjoyed in the house over the last few months. If only I could nurture half of what I have bought and photographed from M&S and Waitrose!

NEW FABRICS FOR SPRING

2011-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is a bit of a "Eureka moment" for my reversible handbags as I have just got delivery of my first bespoke print run from Elanbach fabrics and here's a sneak preview. I can't wait to start pairing it up with beautiful nappa leather in all colours (I'm thinking cognac, cream, steel grey …. mmmm!)

Big, pink and squashy

2011-01-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

After a lengthy enforced stint in bed - due entirely to medical reasons I'll have you know - I decided to splurge on some beautiful Designers Guild bedding, fantastically priced in the January sales. I was so pleased with it, it inspired a mini bedroom-makeover!

Channelling Jonny

2010-11-13T02:46:00.000-08:00

I'm wanting to try some black eye make-up to look sophisticated and mysterious but it could go so wrong!

One day my quince will come

2010-10-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

You know you lead a quiet life when buying a quince is the most exciting thing that happens all day, but then I had never actually seen one before. Despite having eaten quince, seen pictures of quince and of course calling my blog after the sour, bright yellow colour of the fruit, I was delighted to bag one all of my own. So, now - what to do with the rock-hard, horny skinned blighter?

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Baked quinces

“This versatile fruit in all its perfumed, dimpled ugliness is perfect for savoury or sweet dishes.”

4 cups sugar
8 cups water
6 star anise
2 cinnamon quills
peel of 1 orange
2 vanilla beans, split in half
1 tsp cloves
6 quinces

Chef: Brigitte Hafner

Method
Combine the sugar and water with the spices and orange zest, bring to the boil and stir. Turn off the heat when the sugar is dissolved. Heat the oven to 160C.

Peel, quarter and core the quinces, but do not discard the skins and cores. Lay the quartered quinces in a deep ovenproof dish and pour over the sugar syrup. If you have a muslin cloth lay it over the quinces, then scatter over the peel and cores to save picking them out when cooked and cooled.

Cover with baking paper then a sheet of foil, tucked in at the sides. Cook 4-5 hours or until the quinces are a deep, rosy red.

Cool in the syrup, then place the quince quarters in jars without the skins and cores and cover with the strained liquid. They will keep in the fridge for weeks.

I LOVE MY DOOR!

2010-07-23T04:42:00.001-07:00

all eyes on my tulips!

2010-04-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Another week and they should be in full-blown gorgeousness

April tulips

2010-04-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

I've been looking forward to seeing these come up in my garden since ordering them at the Chelsea Flower show last year and they are now coming into glorious bloom after this spell of warm and sunny weather.

textures and colours

2010-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

these are my favourite cushions and a scarf that I love

Spring inspiration

2010-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Just so excited by these gorgeous fabrics - the colours reminded me of delectable French macaroons

Good company

2010-03-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

Instead of taking off to some hot and foreign holiday resort, I am enjoying a mini-break ensconced in the English countryside with plenty of pheasants for company - so much more manageable! Sitting here at the kitchen table, this is what I can see (sans the cat who is studying the ducks-on-pond with interest)

saw this and had to have one cont.d

2010-02-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

flowers flowers everywhere

2010-02-23T12:19:00.001-08:00

In the mood for Spring

2010-02-23T02:42:00.001-08:00

my kinda house

2010-02-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

my kinda colours