summer fun

A photo from Secret Garden Party - you stepped inside a photo booth and once the picture was taken a secret door opened to a hidden party! Oh summer fun, how I will miss you.

restaurant review: sushi of shiori

There is good sushi. And then there is good sushi. I'm talking about melt in your mouth deliciousness, tender pieces of subtly flavoured fish, each bite a beautifully balanced explosion of taste and texture. Sushi of Shior is good sushi.

Down a small road opposite Euston Station, this tiny (seating only 7) restaurant is well worth a visit. They will create a tasting menu to fit your budget, and whilst it's not cheap, I'm sure you'll find the food is totally worth it.

starter

sashimi course

nigiri course

We had a starter of cold fish balls (so much better than they sound!) and warm tofu with a sweet caramelised top. Our sashimi course had the expected salmon and tuna, but also included razor clam, horse mackerel and squid. And most amazing was the nigiri which exceeded all expectations. With a tiny paint brush used to apply the perfect amount of soy sauce, each piece of fish was topped with a delectable and unexpected flavour. From truffle, to okra, plum sauce and green onion each bite was an amazing surprise.

Make sure you book and savour each bite.

Sushi of Shiori, 144 Drummond Street, London NW1 2PA

wow

How striking are these images? I'm in love with both the photos and the clothes. Doreen Southwood's Summer '11 collection. As seen on  Miss Moss.

happy anniversary

To my wonderful husband. This first year has flown by! I can't actually believe we've done it. I absolutely adored our wedding day and am still excited about spending the rest of my life with you...and continuing to party all night long. xxx

happy birthday sister!

To my most amazing, beautiful, intelligent sister, the very happiest of birthdays to you! Enjoy your birthday month in the way that only you know how to do. You are a rock star and I love you. xxx

leaving on a jet plane

So long friends! We are off today to the US for a much needed holiday. We will spend a few days in Colorado before heading west to a good friend's wedding in Southern California. I've lined up quite a few posts whilst I'm away and will be back full time towards the beginning of September. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer! 

right now

I wish I was on my bed reading the day away. What do you wish you were doing?

oh comely

Friends! I have found the most delightful magazine. Called Oh Comely, it features all things lovely and wonderful. The imagery is dreamy, the features cover everything from how to make marshmallows and moccossains, to interviews with up and coming artists and musicians and the focus is on all things creative. The magazine comes out six times a year and I can't wait for it's next installment.

Some of my favourite features here!

Oh Comely

from our flat

It's odd being in the centre of something that has now reached international prominence, but sadly the rioting in London hit our neighbourhood in Hackney yesterday. These pictures were taken from our kitchen window and looking back at them now feels me with anger and sadness. Four shops were looted on my street - picked not to protest against any establishment, but to satisfy the wants of disrespectful kids. Whilst I appreciate and understand the numerous deep seated issues that young people in London face, I don't understand or respect their decision to ruin the community they live in. Thankfully we have been surrounded by numerous police officers who have helped to restore order in our little neighbourhood.

Pictures thanks to Sam O'Brien

riots

My sentiments exactly.

transfer accelerator

How amazing is this?! In the Dutch city of Utrecht, this 'transfer accelerator', otherwise known as a slide(!) has been built to help travellers quickly reach the railway tracks when they are in a hurry. Absolutely amazing... and so much fun! 


Seen on the fabulousness that is A Cup of Jo

happy friday

Happy Friday kids! I am so looking forward to the weekend. We have loads planned but thankfully it's all fun stuff with friends. I've been doing quite a bit of yoga lately and tomorrow morning I thought I would check out my latest find - a local yoga class in London Fields. Yoga in the Park runs every Saturday morning from 9am and I've been watching with jealously the last few weeks as a small group gathers to practice in the morning sun. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain for my first session tomorrow! What are you doing this weekend?

lovely lippy

I'm not normally a lipstick girl, but I recently saw a femme fatale wearing bring orange lipstick and decided to give it a try. After the husband got over the shock of the colour (he says: 'I saw your lips miles before I saw you!), we agreed it was great for a summer night out. What do you think? Would you brave a brightly coloured lipstick?

rocking the orange lippy at lovebox

lounging around

Oh dreamy is this? A house made entirely of hammocks has been built in the middle of Vienna, Austria. Designed by architects Heri & Salli, the Flederhaus was created to be an oasis of relaxation for residents to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. So delightful!

Found via archdaily

so bad it's good

Sometimes I think only fellow Americans could understand how this recipe for Elvis Pancakes is clearly the most amazing recipe I've ever found. I will be making this heart attack on a plate on Sat. YUM.

Elvis Pancakes

 - Mix crispy crumbled bacon along with a handful of chocolate chips into your standard pancake batter.
 - Once the pancakes are cooked, smear with a dollop of peanut butter and top with bananas and maple syrup.
 - Revel in your awesomeness.

Recipe and picture found via Ramshackleglam

drip, drip, drip

How amazing are these lamp shades? Created by interior designer Jimmie Martin, I love the rich copper lining and how it contrasts with the dark grey dripped paint on the outside. I might try to do a DIY version to add drama to our new kitchen table.

Jimmie Martin Lampshade

handel's house

Have you ever been to the Handel House Museum? I went to see a recital there last week (not knowing what it was) and was completely surprised to find such a wonderful gem.

George Fredic Handel was a German baroque composer who lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759. There have been many changes to the house throughout the years (in fact Jimi Hendrix lived there for a time), but the museum has recently completed a renovation, bringing the house back to its former Georgian glory.

The recital was preformed in the same room Handel used for private performances and with only 25 of us in the audience, it was easy to imagine what it must have been like to listen to the top sopranos of his day.

Performances by contemporary artists are available to the public every Thursday, a different sort of gig to check out in London town.

Handel House Museum, 25 Brook Street, London W1K 4HB