Endings & Starts
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if things were different? I don’t mean if Hitler hadn’t been born, or if Superman had landed in the USSR instead (though that is a fascinating idea, Mr Millar…); I mean everyday things. Life is built on such a mountain of happenstance. What if I hadn’t … Continue reading
Comfort Soup for cold Autumn evenings
You know those days where it never stops raining? That first morning of autumn where your alarm goes off and it’s still dark outside? When the day ahead of you is filled with investments and contracts and not nearly enough Unicorns? Those days require autumnal fortitude. And Jimmy Stewart. Possibly also a killer peacoat and … Continue reading
Independence Day: or how to roast a chicken
It’s almost the 4th of July. One of my favourite holidays, and yet another opportunity to subject my ex-pat acquaintance to a good dousing of Americana. This year, I heartily recommend blending two of America’s best culinary clichés (preferably while humming patriotic anthems): barbecuing large quantities of meat, and using an eclectic spice fusion reminiscent … Continue reading
The Pentlands
Edinburgh is nestled among the hills, a little oasis on the waterfront. Each peak and each range have their own character – from the imposing volcanic mass of Arthur’s Seat to the sweetly suburban greenery on Blackford Hill. Now we have Ollie, I am spending a good deal more time out south, in the Pentland … Continue reading
A Minty May Treat
May is one of the very, very best months. There is sunshine and there are flowers and barbeques and a bounty of good, juicy wild foods for foraging. One of the first welcome friends I find in the hedgerow (after the prolific wild garlic) is mint, in all her varieties. Foraging is not a skill … Continue reading
New Season Salad
Spring in Britain requires a little bit of flexibility. Some days it’s 70 degrees and sunny. Some days it’s freezing hailstorms. Lots of days it’s both, usually in quick succession. I like all this variety. Keeps things busy and my world feels alive. Plus, I take it as a personal challenge. Can I possibly dress … Continue reading
The Gardens
The garden is absolutely the best thing about our house. It’s a shared garden – a football shaped greenspace created in the hollow between two concave crescent roads, accessible by application to the inimitable (and slightly absurd) Garden Committee. I’d much prefer a backyard of my own, but in this city I’m willing to take … Continue reading
Red Velvet Cake
We like unconventional traditions in our house. They break things up and add spice to our everyday. Every year for our birthdays, we do two things: One is our birthday getaway which I mentioned already, and the other is cake. I know, I know. Birthday cakes are totally old news. But since we started dating, … Continue reading
Swingsets are for Grown-ups too
The tiniest whiff of spring has been gaining traction in these parts – and for my part, it seems to have come before it’s time. I can’t remember ever being caught off guard by sunlight like this. It’s a little unnerving. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.There is something rather pleasant about a shocking arrival … Continue reading
Cosy Winter Goodness
Can we talk about healthy? Feeling healthy is great. I am a preaching convert, always harping on about a life of fresh skin, enough sleep and lots of vitamins. Your grandmother was right about this, as with so many things. However, eating healthy to the point you feel deprived and crabby is just not worth … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 