Making an Eucalyptus Wreath

I love eucalyptus and making a wreath is surprisingly easy. All you need is a frame, a bunch of eucalyptus, a pair of secateurs, some floristry tape and you're ready to go. These wreaths dry really nicely too - hang them on a door handle, on the wall or in the shower for the most gorgeous scented bath. 

You will need:

• A large bunch of eucalyptus
• Thin metal wire
• Secateurs
• Green or brown floristry tape

Start by making a metal frame by wrapping thin wire around itself until it's reasonably sturdy.

Cover the metal frame with floristry tape by wrapping it around the entire frame.

Start wrapping the eucalyptus branches around the finished frame, fresh eucalyptus is pretty subtle and easy to work with so this shouldn't be too difficult...

You can make your wreath as thin or bushy as you want (I usually prefer mine quite skinny). Keep on wrapping the branches until you reach the desired effect and TA-DA, you're done!

Berlin

We stayed in Kreuzberg this weekend and I love the relaxed vibe and many small hidden cafés and bars in this neighbourhood. One of the things that also struck me is how much cheaper Berlin in compared to London when it comes to eating out. We will definitely be returning soon... 

The canals of Kreuzberg

My favourite breakfast of this trip was definitely at super cute Roamers 

Hotel Michelberger is perfect for a relaxing afternoon coffee or evening drinks

Oh and Valentine's Day brunch at Soho House Berlin

A Warming Winter Pea Soup

As the coldest month of the year, homemade soup is for me the most perfect comfort food in February. This is a variation on Swedish pea soup (traditionally eaten on Thursdays in Sweden followed by pancakes with jam). Cooked in Sue's beautiful Norfolk kitchen on a cold and blustery winter's day, the recipe and cooking are lovely Sue's creations, the styling and photography was done by me.

Swedish Pea and Ham Soup (serves 6)

1 Ham shank 

300g split peas, soaked overnight, drained and rinsed 

1.4 litres stock ( made from the ham shank using onions, celery, carrots, garlic,bay leaf, sage parsley a pinch of salt and peppercorns ).  Keep the cooked ham from the bone for later to add to the soup. *This soup can also be made with a really good chicken stock using ginger and a large chilli and a stick of cinnamon plus a couple of legs or thighs for extra meat.

40g butter

2 leeks, washed and chopped

2 onions, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, finely crushed with sea salt

225 each of celeriac and carrot, cut into dice 

Bay leaf and sage

Melt butter in a large heavy - bottom pan, add leeks and onions and cook them covered over a low heat until soft ( keep checking and stirring ) add a splash of water if needed.

Add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes, then add the stock and the split peas and bay leaf and sage.

Cook the soup for about an hour, then add the carrots and celeriac, cook for another 30 mins. The vegetables and peas should be soft. Check for seasoning, I always use a good sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Add the cooked ham from the bone to the soup.

This soup can be served with a spoonful of sour cream and cubes of smoked bacon or a dribble of good olive oil and freshly chopped mint or just enjoy its rustic charm.

A Walk at Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Today we went for the most glorious walk at Holkham Beach. Walking across the sand dunes, admiring the picture perfect pastel-coloured beach huts and finishing with a brisk walk through the pine woods, every time i go to Norfolk I fall a little bit more in love with this beautiful part of the world... 

Magical Places: Kew Gardens

London is full of magical places and Kew Gardens is one of my absolute favourite. A place to wander and explore, I would definitely recommend spending the whole day here if you can. A mixture of everything from glass houses filled with tropical wonders, to a dedicated cacti area to historical trees and an enchanted tree top walkway, I love everything about it. My absolute favourite Christmas present this year was receiving an annual membership to Kew so now I can go as much as I can possible squeeze in...

On the Importance of Flowers

Something I will never ever tire off is having beautiful flowers at home and my collaboration with lovely Botany Shop has thought me just how easy it can be to make your very own bouquet. I buy fresh flowers at least once a week- it makes such a difference, especially this time of year when there is too much grey everywhere. 

I usually try and pick up flowers from Columbia Road flower market on Sundays. I love going there and the fact that it's less then ten minutes bike ride from our flat helps. I never really know what I'll find prior to going- the beauty of bargain hunting and being surprised is part of what I love about these little excursions.  

In terms of making bouquets I'm not a perfectionist by any stretch of the imagination, I just combine colours and textures that I like. Sometime the most simple looks the most stunning, a single stem or some eucalyptus always look amazing. Next I'm on the hunt for some Magnolia branches... watch this space!

Greetings from a Sick Bed

I actually think it's good to be ill sometimes as it makes you appreciate how amazing it is to not be ill! After my (minor) operation on Thursday I'm so grateful for everyones kind well wishes and the special healing powers of my extraordinary caring boyfriend who's been making me everything from supercharged green juices, to scrambled eggs and comforting chicken soup. 

Other things that definitely help are beautiful things to look at, fresh flowers (of course!) and lots of magazines to read... Oh and Netflix!

A Sunny Winter Day

Today was one of those perfectly sunny, crisp winter days. I started off the morning with a brisk bike ride and then met Lulu for coffee at Allpress in Dalston, plotting some creative collaborations whilst sitting outside! They do some of the best coffee in East London in my opinion and there's such a cute little courtyard space too.

I then cycled through London Fields for a quick meeting with the nice people at Hotpod Yoga and on my way back bought the most beautiful tulips (the first this year for me). Nothing much happened today but it was lovely and I got to watch the most incredible sunset from my bedroom window...

Healthy Banana Pancakes

I absolutely LOVE pancakes and when I found out that you can actually make healthy pancakes without any dairy or flour I was beyond excited! This recipe is super easy and I’m addicted. 

*Enough for two or one very hungry person

You need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 free-range eggs
• 125ml rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Maple syrup to serve
• Blueberries to serve

1. Combine chopped bananas, eggs, oats, baking powder and salt and blend until the mixture is smooth (I use our beloved Nutribullet but any powerful mixer will do)
2. Allow the batter to stand for 10-20 minutes until thickened slightly
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat
4. Fry big spoonfulls of the batter until golden brown on both sides (I use coconut oil)
5. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and blueberries (or any other fresh fruit/berries)

A New Year...

Making something with your hands is a completely different way of working to what I'm used to. I loved collaborating with Lokal 54 on this special limited-edition wall calendar project. Even the process of wrapping them in brown paper and going to (and even queuing at) the post office was a reminder of what mindful slow living should be all about. 

*As this was a limited edition of 50 calendars only, this product is now SOLD OUT in my online shop. Thank you all so much for your support!