Graffiti......

Graffiti, a set on Flickr.

I totally adore graffiti, always have done and always will. I love the fact that someone has expressed themselves for all to see, warts and all.

Graffiti may not always make sense, but it wears with age and makes a beautiful urban backdrop.

This collection of graffiti was taken in Czech Republic and Germany.

xox

Nature.....

 Beauty can be found in a whole manner of places.  These images were taken on a recent trip to Prague and proves that there is nothing better than nature, simplicity at its best.....

Views of Edinburgh.....

I am very fortunate to have lived in Edinburgh.  It's a city I fell in love immediately. 

One of my favourite quirky things is the old police boxes that are no longer in use that are dotted around around the city (though one or two are used as coffee bars).  This particular one sits on the infamous Princes Street in the heart of the city.

One of my other favourite things about Edinburgh is it's seedy back streets and alleys, lending itself to become a fabulous backdrop for photography.  This is a little shaky as it was taken as we were driving, but I still love it........

xox



Skyline.....

Just had to share with you this stunning view I saw on St Andrews beach the other evening as the (rare) sun was disappearing...........

xox

Almond, Lemon and Cranberry Biscotti

delicious biscotti is so easy to make, reasonably healthy and perfect for dunking in a mug of fresh coffee!

1 large egg 

3 oz soft light brown sugar

5oz plain flour 

1 teaspoon of baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 

zest of 1 lemon

2oz nuts (almonds, unsalted pistachios, hazelnuts)

2oz dried cranberries

Pre- heat oven to Gas 4 / 180 degrees C 

Lightly toast your nuts *sniggers*

Whisk the sugar and egg together until a creamy consistency and leaves a trail.

Sieve in baking powder, nutmeg and flour.  Add lemon zest and fold in with a metal spoon.

Mix in almonds and cranberries.

Dust hands and surface with flour and make into a long sausage shape, flatten a little.  Place on a greased  baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. 

Remove from the oven, leave to cool for 3-4 minutes.

Slice into 1 inch pieces and place back on the baking tray.  Bake for a further 10 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.  

xox

Bliss.....

The past few months have literally flown by, with little time for anything else than work and looking after the family in between. 

This weekend, amidst all the usual chores Jonny and I popped along to Blackness to walk Alfie.  The weather alternated between harsh wind and grey skies to glorious sunny views.  It was a little snippet of peacefulness amongst a hectic few months....bliss!  

Vintage Celebrations

I recently turned 40 and some of my closest friends, The Magnificent Seven, decided to throw a Vintage inspired dinner party for me. 

The order of the evening was Nina Simone, champagne, cocktails, cupcakes and a whole lot of dancing and laughter.

We all dressed up of course, I wore an orginal 1940's black below the knee dress, leopard print heels and a 1940's headpiece, here's a few pictures of my special evening.....