my blog
Inspiring confidence and creativity through expert style, travel, and lifestyle insights.
Last week I was invited to the beautiful Middle Eight Hotel in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. In the basement is a fabulous live music venue, @qt_coventgarden, with a bar and restaurant. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there are two shows by Leo Green @theleogreen and his talented band. Leo is an incredible Saxophone player. The atmosphere was electric; we all got up, danced, and enjoyed a drink and the delicious small plates.
Last week was a double first: the first time I’d ever been to the ballet and the first time I’d stepped into The Royal Opera House, in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
I first had this delicious salad at book club made by fellow book clubber Rosie, and it was a recipe from Waitrose. I've adapted it to make it more flavoursome.
Cauliflower and chickpeas are roasted with fragrant garam masala to give this veg-packed salad a gently spiced warmth. I like to serve it with roast chicken, pizza or salmon.
The South West Coast Path offers (SWCP) 630 miles or 1,014 km of stunning coastal walking around the entire South West peninsula. Depending on where you start, you cover the Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, North Devon and Exmoor coastline.
A classic vegetarian recipe that is so easy to make and my recipe has gone around the world! Over the years, I've emailed it to friends who have enjoyed cooking it on repeat. It's an Indian staple dish and every Indian kitchen has lentils and pulses. I cook it at least once a week. I love this vegetarian and vegan recipe; it's so healthy - lots of protein, very little fat, and it tastes better the next day.
This book is packed with helpful, clear, pictorial information, including maps. The book describes the Highgate to Hampstead walk as "a long hilly walk across London's Northern Heights." It's about 7 miles. Our copy is outdated as it mentions shops, buildings and roads that no longer exist!
I love this dish; super healthy and delicious as a generous slab the next day as leftover lunch on the go or for supper. You can add any vegetables you've got in the fridge. I've made this with peas, courgettes, broccoli, peas, spinach and cauliflower.
I feel so fortunate to live near Richmond Park. Since 2020, I have visited the Park almost two or three times a week, either my walking or cycling or with friends and family. It’s the best therapy, and it’s free.
The iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station @batterseapwrstn opened in October 2022, and the architecture didn’t disappoint. So much so the architect took to stroking the bricks! It’s free and worth a visit, and do book somewhere to eat and the Lift 109 in advance.
Toad in the Hole, what’s not to love? Golden baked sausages roasted in a light and crispy giant Yorkshire pudding. For vegetarians substitute with Linda McCarthney’s vegetarian red onion and rosemary sausages and add a little extra oil when cooking them.
If you are in Richmond, I highly recommend visiting Petersham Nurseries @petershamnurseries. It’s about a 15-minute walk along the River Thames. It’s beautiful throughout the year. I took my in-laws, and they loved it as they enjoy gardening and a cuppa with cake!
Tucked behind an iconic location - Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman Hotel @theguardsmanhotel is a beautiful 60-room boutique hotel. The interior design is exquisite yet cosy and warm. The ground-floor lounge leads you down a beautiful spiral staircase to the basement restaurant.
would you like a free 30-minute video call to
explore the perfect service for you or your business?