Feeling like this...

via Country Living

I'm feeling a little like this today after consuming rather too much chocolate (see yesterday's post). But as I read recently, "Chocolate is nature's way of making up for Mondays". Now there's an idea I can get behind.

In honour of one of my favourite authors...

Today is Roald Dahl Day. In honour of one of my favourite children's book authors I felt compelled to make something chocolatey with a 'Wonka-esque' twist. I have been holding onto this recipe for quite some time - a torn out page from an old Vogue Entertaining + Travel. 
Begin by melting 300g of white chocolate. Once melted, stir in one teaspoon of salt flakes, two teaspoons of chopped dried rosemary and one tablespoon of dried rose petals (I picked these up from my local market, but VE+T suggests trying Middle Eastern food stores). Once mixed together, pour onto a lined tray, and spread out to about three millimetres thick. Put it into the fridge for about an hour to set, and then break it as haphazardly-as-you-like into shards. The taste is quite remarkable, and I am in love with the beautiful colours. Happy Roald Dahl Day.

The most unexpected things...

This morning I found a bird's nest in my peg basket, nestled in the corner atop a pile of pegs. How lovely to find something so beautiful in the most mundane of places.

Magical Markets

beautiful pottery from Alyssa Ettinger at the Brooklyn Flea

As soon as Friday comes around I can't resist planning my weekend. Whether your taste is the hippie-chic of  Fremantle Markets, the colour and style of Sydney's Paddington Markets, or the come-as-you-are appeal of The Brooklyn Flea, weekend markets are an opportunity to indulge, re-invent or simply sit and absorb. Gotta love the weekend.

I love a beautiful garden (and a good quote)

a beautiful garden from Paul Bangay

A dear friend of mine sent me this quote today, by Roman Philosopher, Cicero.

"If you have a library and a garden, you want for nothing."

Just about sums it up really....

Much-Too-Much Mint

The mint in my garden is suddenly, and quite profoundly, out of control. Needing to cut it back, but not wanting to waste the mint, I have been searching for cold-weather mint recipes. So many mint recipes are for ice-creams and salads, but until Spring arrives with a little more commitment, I am unwilling to travel that road. I love this recipe for Moroccan Mint Tea, and it should prove a warm addition to these rainy Spring days. I am hoping that once my mint recovers from a vigorous cut-back, it will rise again in Summer, ready to provide me with countless opportunities to try fresh, new food and drink recipes. I have always wanted to try a Mint Julep, and it looks so easy to make that I can have it done quicker than you can say, "The Great Gatsby". Roll-on Summer...

Love... Red and White

via The Cool Hunter

via Cemilanmata

via Brabourne Farm
Here are some beautiful red and white images. Red and white schemes conjour up thoughts of strawberries and cream, but these interiors are nowhere near as predictable. Combined with steel, timber, glass or natural textures, red and white may just be what my home needs for a Spring facelift.