It seems like a lifetime ago, but I spent this New Year’s eve in the Dutch countryside on a retreat organised by Delight Yoga run by the lovely duo Katiza Satya and Kevin Sahaj. By far the best New Year’s celebration I’ve had in a long time, the two day retreat included yoga (of course) as well as meditation and spiritual guidance and was mostly conducted as a silent retreat, which I really loved. Located just outside Amsterdam at the beautiful De Hoorneboeg it was two very special days which I will remember fondly for the rest of 2019.
Moore & Moore Living
We stayed in our Norfolk cottage last week and it was a wonderful as always. This time of year is just stunning, autumn has a very special place in my heart. I spent one morning shooting for lovely Catherine and Jonathan of Moore & Moore Living at their cottage on the breathtaking Blickling Estate. Moore & Moore Living is a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) practice with a focus on slow and mindful living and this shoot was for the lifestyle section of Catherine and Jonathan’s business.
Alex & Nicola's Wedding
Who doesn't like a good wedding, am I right?! Last month I had the pleasure to shoot Alex and Nicola's wedding in East London. One of the hottest days of the year- here are some of my favourite shots from this very special day x
Sweden- Crayfish Season
I've taken a very long summer break, which has included so SO much- from a crazy two month long heatwave, relocating to Amsterdam and spending three glorious August weeks in the summer house on Öland. One of my most favourite Swedish traditions is the annual crayfish party, this year we celebrated with family in the village and had a lovely evening.
Kettle's Yard, Cambridge
Had such an inspiring day out last week on a visit to the amazing Kettle's Yard in Cambridge. In my world- books, art, hand-woven rugs, found objects and an abundance of natural light makes a home, so I was blown away by this space. Once the home of art curator H.S. (Jim) Ede and his wife Helen, it's now in the care of Cambridge University. The newly renovated part of the gallery currently hosts an exhibition by Antony Gormley and there's also a lovely café and shop to discover.
Although the entry to the house is by a timed ticket, once you're in the house you're allowed to stay as long as you want and encouraged to sit in the chairs and soak up the space and its tranquil surroundings. I think if I lived in Cambridge I'd treat this as my second home... I can't recommend a visit to Kettle's Yard highly enough.
The newly renovated contemporary gallery section
The Antony Gormley exhibition SUBJECT runs unto 27th August
A Spring Shoot with Botany
My longterm collaboration with Botany is one of my favourite on-going projects. Walking into the beautiful shop on Chatsworth Road always make me happy and the owner of this tranquil space, Angela, has become a very dear friend of my. Here are some pictures from our most recent shoot which involved lots of chats, flowers (of course) and flat whites from our favourite coffee shop just down the road.
Maya Njie Perfumes
I'm forever attracted to the power of scent, a perfume can instantly change the mood of a room- a bit like music I guess... And I'm always always interested in small independent creative brands, particularly those run by women. When I was introduced to Maya Njie by a mutual friend, I knew instantly I wanted to take some pictures of her and her creations, and luckily for me Maya invited me to her London studio a couple of weeks later.
Maya started this small brand of perfumes in 2016 with scents inspired by her Scandinavian roots (she's a fellow Swede) and West African heritage. With perfumes such as Nordic Cedar, Les Fleurs, Vanilj and Tobak, nostalgia and old family photo albums depicting an idyllic 1970s are constant sources of inspiration for this ever-evolving brand. A muted colour palette of rose pink, pale rust, subtle grey and sage are also an essential part of the very essence of this special label. All of Maya's scents are made by hand in her attic studio where she blends, filters and bottles every single bottle herself. Explore more over on her site mayanjie.com, I can really recommend the Discovery Set as a great introduction to the range before committing to a bottle! You can also sniff the perfumes at selected retailers including bonds Hackney and Triangle Store.
I even got my very own bespoke perfume
Maya in her living room
Our Beloved Norfolk Cottage
We have had the cottage from nearly two years now and it's quickly become one of my favourite places in the world. Our intention was always to rent it out when we are not here but it's taken a while to get it exactly how we wanted it. We had our very first guests in November and since then it's been the temporary country home to quite a few Londoners. We are so happy to be able to share this very special place. You can find more info and how to book here.
The cottage sleeps two and is a workers cottage from 1890 comprising a bedroom (with a king-size bed), a small study, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen and two gardens. It’s roughly 1 hour and 50 min drive from us in Hackney. I would advise coming by car to be able to access the beautiful beaches of the North Norfolk coast (about 30 min drive). The closest station is King's Lynn you're coming by train.
Bedroom
Study
Bathroom
Living Room
Kitchen
A Snowy Day at the Cottage
Woke up very early this morning to a snow-covered landscape and so much of it I had to push the front door open to be able to get out of the house. I've never seen this much snow in the UK, it's been on my wishlist ever since we got the cottage to see it covered in white. Today was the day!
Annoyingly it also coincided with me having to get to the airport to catch a flight to Amsterdam. Safe to say that didn't happen, I'm hoping to travel at the weekend instead when things have calmed down... On a positive note I was able to go for a quiet winter wander and take these snow-filled images instead.
Lots to explore...
On the back roads of our little village
Otto was slightly bewildered by all the white and cold
Finally I got to see the cottage covered in snow.
And the garden...
Chelsea Physic Garden
Apologies, I haven't posted anything here for a while.... Life got in the way and in-between lots of travel, illness in the family and planning a relocation abroad I ran out of energy and creative inspiration. Thankfully planning little adventures in your own habitat can make you feel inspired again- last week I went with my friend Rika to the beautiful Chelsea Physic Garden. A truly magical spot, this is definitely a quiet sanctuary - highly recommended if you ever need to get away from the franticness of city living. In fact, it's the oldest botanic garden in London housing over 5000 herbal, edible and medicinal plants.
Somewhere in between the faint magical February afternoon light, blossoming hellebores, Victorian terracotta pots and old glass houses I found my inspiration again. I'll be posting more regularly - please check in soon to follow me on my adventures.
Yoga in Hackney Marshes
Yesterday I met up with Sophie, the lovely founder of East London yoga studio Stretch, to take some pictures of her and some of her teachers. I'm a big fan of yoga and mindfulness meditation, the restorative and transformative effect of regular practice is astounding. A beautiful autumn day in Hackney Marshes, here are some of my favourite images.
North - How to Live Scandinavian
Some of you have asked about the book I have been shooting for so I thought I'd share some details as it was just released last month. Called North- How to Live Scandinavian it's written by the brilliant Brontë Aurell who's the (Danish) lady behind the popular Scandikitchen in Fitzrovia. A lifestyle book about Scandinavia, this book covers everything from Nordic food, weather, customs and philosophy. It also features beautiful illustrations by the very talented Lucy Panes. Oh and it's already been translated to both French and Italian! Whether you want your apartment to look like it belongs in Copenhagen, to workout like a Norwegian or bake like a Swede, this book has it all covered.
The Most Delicious Aubergine Recipe
I've developed an aubergine obsession lately and this is one of my absolute favourite recipes. Super delicious, easy and versatile, I've been having it for lunch on its own and as a side dish with lamb for supper. It also makes for a great vegetarian starter! Hope you'll like it as much as I do.
You'll need
- 2 aubergines, cut in half
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil + extra for brushing
- 200g broad beans
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp tahini
- 200g crumbled feta
- 100g toasted pine nuts
- small bunch of chopped flat-leaf parsley
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6.
Score the flesh of the aubergines with a sharp knife, brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, bring a medium-sized pan of salted water to the boil, then cook the broad beans for two minutes, drain. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and zest, tahini and four tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Season and add the broad beans.
Once the aubergines are cooked, divide between four plates, sprinkle over the feta, pine nuts and parsley, then spoon over the dressing and serve.
*If you don't have/like broad beans you can just substitute the for regular peas or green beans (or a mix)
Yoga Brunch Club in Shoreditch
Last weekend I photographed the Yoga Brunch Club event at the stunning venue at that is 42 Acres in Shoreditch. Fusing two of my most favourite things, yoga and brunch, Clem who's the founder of Yoga Brunch Club organises these monthly events in Bristol and London. The food was cooked by chef extraordinaire Alexandra Dudley including delights such as homemade Bircher, caramelised apples and tahini honey, Moroccan sweet potato salad with oranges and almonds and to finish cinnamon chocolate brownies with cashew cream. Surely, the most perfect way to spend a Sunday morning.
Honey & Harvest at Deans Court, Dorset
I was invited to attend the very special Honey & Harvest day at Deans Court last week. Excited to return, I spent a couple of days in their Plum Cottage last spring and loved the beautiful setting! Honey & Harvest is organised by the lovely people who own and run Deans Court and the day was full of inspiring talks, creative people, gorgeous interiors and amazing locally grown food.
The day started with a Druid blessing in the stunning orchard, followed by a visit to the organic kitchen gardens with a talk by head gardener Teresa about permaculture methods. Next up was a mouth-watering food demonstration by Silvana who runs the Foodie Bugle in Bath. Lunch was all kind of delicious vegetarian treats from the garden including an incredible beetroot and goats cheese tart and an abundance of salads and homemade cakes. The Linenworks had styled a gorgeous autumnal feast in the dining room, complete with their very covetable table linen.
Autumnal decorations
Table styled by The Linen Works
The afternoon continued with talks from female entrepreneurs and foodies Hari Hari and Comins Tea, as well as a visit to the beehives and Deans Court beautiful café and shop. With a mind full of inspirational ideas and a belly full of food, my day ended with an early night in the seven bedroom Gate House (available for hire). Thank you to Lottie, Ali and William of Deans Court for their incredible hospitality and for being such impeccable hosts, I'm hoping to be back in lovely Dorset very soon.
The Orchard
Apple season in the Orchard
The Kitchen Gardens
Italian food demo by Silvana from The Foodie Bugle
The Cafe and Shop
Summer days in Öland
I feel so blessed being able to spend three whole weeks on the magical island of Öland this summer. Located on the East Coast of Sweden I’ve spent every single summer here since I was born, my great grandfather bought a farm in our little village in 1920s. Every morning starts more or less the same, getting up – going for a run, cycling down to the sea for a swim and then breakfast in the garden. Other must-dos include reading lots of books (I'm currently reading Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, as beautiful as it is devastating), baking walnut bread and a variety of cakes, making meatballs, having a crayfish party and going for long walks. In essence, practising the art of not doing very much at all.
A Rainy Afternoon at Holkham Beach
I know it may be a bit controversial but I LOVE rainy summer days! Yesterday we packed our rain jackets, took the car and drove to Holkham to walk along the deserted beach in the drizzle. Our favourite Norfolk walk is most definitely along this stunning beach. Strolling along the sand dunes to the colourful beachhuts of Wells beach is nothing short of magical. We usually walk through the enchanted pinewoods on our way back and finish with a drink at the Victoria Pub. A must-visit beach if you find yourself along the stunning North Norfolk coat and great for doggies too!
An East London Wedding Story
A very hot day a couple of weeks ago I photographed Becca & Bobby's wedding in East London. A lovely day filled with lots of love and laughter- here are some of my favourite moments.
Botany Wild Flower Walk
Yesterday morning I woke up early and cycled to Hackney Wick in the sunshine through Victoria Park. I met up with Angela, a very good friend of mine and also the founder of Botany, a special shop on Chatsworth Road offering a hand-picked selection of beautiful plants, homewares and natural beauty products. Emily who also works at Botany joined us, as well as a bunch of other flower lovers for a walk to look at the various wonderful wild flowers Hackney Wick and the surrounding area has to offer.
Strolling along the canal to the shop we encountered everything from wild oregano, salvia, poppies and blackberries. Once at the shop, Emily had gathered the most gorgeous flowers from the flower market for our very own attempt at bouquet making, inspired by our wild flower walk.
*Botany offers a variety of plant and flower-related workshops- you can book them here.
Walking along the canal
Flower identification
And we found lots and lots of blackberries...
Lavender Shortbread
I never realised just how incredibly easy it is to make shortbread, which is in fact quite dangerous as this will now possibly become a cupboard staple. I love the addition of the lavender, fresh mint and lemon here- it makes for the perfect summer biscuit.
You'll need
- 350g softened butter
- 125g caster sugar
- 4 tablespoons icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lavender
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 325g plain flour
- 65g cornflour
Method
Cream together the butter, caster sugar and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon zest. Combine the flour, cornflour; mix into the butter and sugar mixture. Divide dough into two balls, wrap in clingfilm and flatten to about 2.5cm thick. Refrigerate until firm, about an hour or so.
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 6mm in thickness. Cut into shapes with scone or biscuit cutters. For some reason the dough kept on sticking to the rolling pin so I just ended up making small balls in my hand flattening them out, piercing them with a fork in the end.
Bake for 18- 20 minutes just until biscuits begin to brown at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking trays then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with sugar if you fancy.
A lovely present- I wrapped four biscuits in twine and gave to my neighbours
*I found this recipe on all recipes.co.uk and adapted it slightly