Friday night, the most fabulous thing happened to me. I have been reading Romancing The Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach, and as a result (if you have read it, you will understand!) I have been wanting to make her Madeleine recipe. Well, I have been, only in little cupcake cases as I have not Madeleine tins. and while they taste lovely in cupcake cases, I have been long convinced that they would be better in the little shell shapes.
Well we were going to see a film (Inside Man, rather good) and before it started we had some time to spare, so took a walk about the shops. We were in Le Creuset looking at the odd bendy silicone cake moulds, when Lo! Behold! Madeleine cases appeared before my eyes! And the bakeware was on buy one get one free...so I did. I now have bendy bendy Madeleine moulds and mini jam tart moulds.
The madness is this though. On the delightful rainy Sunday afternoon (gentle rain so we could open the window and smell the soft sweetness of it and hear the gently shush of it) I made Madeleines in my new moulds, having watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice on dvd and done needlepoint and knitting (just to set the mood!) and the cakes were lovely. I know it is not modest to say so, but they were nice. Monday was the day from hell. I had an interview that went badly, I spilled coffee on my lovely interview dress; I blew the bulb in our bathroom at home (rendering me in pitch darkness as we have no window in that room!) and a hundred and one other little things went wrong. I had a friend coming to visit, so I made some Madeleines. And they sank. Oh, they flopped. And they stuck! They stuck to the silicone! And when they cooled...lets just say that they were more like fossilised sea shells than anything else! I suppose you win some and lose some...I just wonder if they can pick up on the atmosphere? They were happy to rise and bake merrily in a Pride and Prejudice soaked afternoon, but not on a harassed Monday night!
Our other adventure was a glorious walk on Saturday. It was sunny you see, so we drove to Goldhanger, and decided to walk along the sea wall. Dear Carl said that although it was a long walk there was a pub at the end where we could have a lovely pub lunch. Well, we walked. And walked. And walked. Two hours later, there was no pub in sight. Just miles and miles more sea wall. And mud. And birds. So we turned around, and walked, walked, walked all the way back! After four hours of walking, I did not realize it at the time, but I had caught the sun. Most amusing really, as I have a little red nose, and a white patch on my chest where my locket was!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. If my Madeleines work tonight I shall post the recipe tomorrow. As I said, they can be made in cupcake cases if you don't have a seashell shaped Madeleine mould~but I rather think finding the moulds is an adventure worth having!
Tuesday, 25 April 2006
Monday, 24 April 2006
Friday, 21 April 2006
Mimi Says
Some of you may know that I am the Mimi who writes Mimi Says for Brocante Home. As Brocante Home is taking a bit of a break, I have started another blog at blogspot- http://mimisaystoday.blogspot.com (mimi says was taken already, rats!) to post Mimi Says on. They wont be terribly regular, but I do like writing them. When Brocante Home is back, I will be back there too, lovely Alison allowing! Anyway, just that....thanks...
A Thought
While I was walking along to work this morning, I had A Thought.
Many of you read lovely Alison at Brocante Home, who has just decided to have a little restorative break (miss you till you're back, sweetie!). I think a lot of us read each other, having found each other, as it were. Lovely Wendy has had her computer die, and equally lovely Kristy is not going to be blogging as much for a little while, while she does 'other things'.
And most of us have, at some stage, said that while we love the friendships we are developing online, sometimes, blogging can be a little demanding.
Now I have no intention of not blogging, I do love it, and I am so glad I have come so far into the year and am still blogging. But what I was wondering is this...
It may sound silly, but I do miss it when you, my favourite blogging girls are not around. Of course I understand you have lives and are busy, but I do love reading you! At the same time I do not want to think that anyone feels pressured to blog, blog, blog. So I started thinking about pen pals, but then, writing so many different letters will be just as much work, if not more than blogging.
This led me to think about this. What if, once a month, each of you sent to me a little something to share with everyone else. Perhaps a little open letter, just saying what you have been up to. Perhaps a recipe you have made, perhaps a photo of something, perhaps just a short ramble, anything. I was thinking it would be nice to have it on paper, so it would be more a step away from computers, and back into the world of correspondence, paper, pens and so on, but if the computer makes it easier, of course you could email me. I could make a copy of each thing I receive, and once a month send out a little bundle of loveliness to each of you. That way, we could all keep in touch without any pressure or hassle; and of course, if you didnt make it one month, I wouldn't throw you out!
Just as a musing, I know this has some rough edges, but what do you think? Maybe say that if you send me your things by the first Friday of the month, and I will send them out by the the second? Or any other date mutually agreeable?
Now this is an open invitation to all of you fabulous girls, many of whom I have met through Brocante Home, and Alisons list of links. Below is a list of you who I read regularly, so it is particularly open to you. But so many blogs I have stumbled on by serendipity, so if I have missed you, it is only by mistake! And also, many of you I do not have email addresses for. Please point anyone you think should be included who I have missed in the direction of this post- just leave me a comment if you are interested, and if enough people are interested, I shall post my email address, then we can get into adress swaps and so on. I am thinking I would like to keep numbers not exclusive, but manageable, if that makes sense?
Anyway, people I read....and apologies to those of you I have not found yet!
www.brocantehome.com
www.dailyparcels.blogspot.com
www.vintagepretty.blogspot.com
www.vintagepleasure.typepad.com
www.fairycakegirl.typepad.com
http://ameythystegrove.blogspot.com
Oh, there are more of you, I am certain! I just cannot dredge the links from the top of my mind...more later...but do, do let me know!
Many of you read lovely Alison at Brocante Home, who has just decided to have a little restorative break (miss you till you're back, sweetie!). I think a lot of us read each other, having found each other, as it were. Lovely Wendy has had her computer die, and equally lovely Kristy is not going to be blogging as much for a little while, while she does 'other things'.
And most of us have, at some stage, said that while we love the friendships we are developing online, sometimes, blogging can be a little demanding.
Now I have no intention of not blogging, I do love it, and I am so glad I have come so far into the year and am still blogging. But what I was wondering is this...
It may sound silly, but I do miss it when you, my favourite blogging girls are not around. Of course I understand you have lives and are busy, but I do love reading you! At the same time I do not want to think that anyone feels pressured to blog, blog, blog. So I started thinking about pen pals, but then, writing so many different letters will be just as much work, if not more than blogging.
This led me to think about this. What if, once a month, each of you sent to me a little something to share with everyone else. Perhaps a little open letter, just saying what you have been up to. Perhaps a recipe you have made, perhaps a photo of something, perhaps just a short ramble, anything. I was thinking it would be nice to have it on paper, so it would be more a step away from computers, and back into the world of correspondence, paper, pens and so on, but if the computer makes it easier, of course you could email me. I could make a copy of each thing I receive, and once a month send out a little bundle of loveliness to each of you. That way, we could all keep in touch without any pressure or hassle; and of course, if you didnt make it one month, I wouldn't throw you out!
Just as a musing, I know this has some rough edges, but what do you think? Maybe say that if you send me your things by the first Friday of the month, and I will send them out by the the second? Or any other date mutually agreeable?
Now this is an open invitation to all of you fabulous girls, many of whom I have met through Brocante Home, and Alisons list of links. Below is a list of you who I read regularly, so it is particularly open to you. But so many blogs I have stumbled on by serendipity, so if I have missed you, it is only by mistake! And also, many of you I do not have email addresses for. Please point anyone you think should be included who I have missed in the direction of this post- just leave me a comment if you are interested, and if enough people are interested, I shall post my email address, then we can get into adress swaps and so on. I am thinking I would like to keep numbers not exclusive, but manageable, if that makes sense?
Anyway, people I read....and apologies to those of you I have not found yet!
www.brocantehome.com
www.dailyparcels.blogspot.com
www.vintagepretty.blogspot.com
www.vintagepleasure.typepad.com
www.fairycakegirl.typepad.com
http://ameythystegrove.blogspot.com
Oh, there are more of you, I am certain! I just cannot dredge the links from the top of my mind...more later...but do, do let me know!
Early Morning Thoughts
Last time I posted, I was talking about how much I like the late night in the library. Well, almost as much I love the early morning. Today is my half past eight start, which I know is not as early as some people have to work, but that half hour does seem to make a difference. I came out at half past seven this morning, so I could enjoy the walk in, at that magic time when everything seems fresh and new still. There are veritable fountains of violets frothing up in many of the gardens I pass, which is bliss. The park was empty, and slightly cool, and quiet. I had breakfast upstairs (there is a canteen on the top floor of our building, with fabulous views) and sipped coffee before coming back downstairs.
I am on the upper floor of the library, which is always slightly quieter than downstairs, thanks to the mobile phone ban! It is quiet now, apart from the fan and the sound of people softly tapping on keybords. The big, old maps are resting in the map cabinets, and everything is peaceful. I like it like this. At about nine, it will start to busy, but I do like a few moments, early on, to contemplate the peace of the day.
I am on the upper floor of the library, which is always slightly quieter than downstairs, thanks to the mobile phone ban! It is quiet now, apart from the fan and the sound of people softly tapping on keybords. The big, old maps are resting in the map cabinets, and everything is peaceful. I like it like this. At about nine, it will start to busy, but I do like a few moments, early on, to contemplate the peace of the day.
Tuesday, 18 April 2006
Hush In The Library
This (6.30pm) is one of my favourite times in the library. I only have to work this late once a week, but it still makes me a little tired. Nine-till-Seven is a long day. But I love it, when it gets to this time. There is a quiet hush in the air, amongst the books.
Oh, there are still people here, we are still busy, the phone still rings, but it as if we are slowly winding down, ready for the rest that comes at seven o'clock. No doubt someone will scurry through the doors with five minutes to go, and be desperate to do what they have left till too late- to use the internet, or the photocopiers, or start an involved query. But at this time of day, mostly, the people who are here are here because they want to be. Because they got up this morning and planned to drop into the library on the way home from work. People working on projects, looking for a new book to read, wanting to work quietly.
This time of day is bliss. Today has been long, but I know when I get home, dear Carl will have cooked a little something delicious for tea. I nearly always get right out of my clothes and into my dressing gown as soon as I get home. Take down my hair if I have put it up, wash the day off of my face, put on my slippers, and always, always, have a cup of tea.
Maybe it is a little perverse, but on the weekends I have to work Saturday, and on my late night to work, I always seem to get more out of the time I have- perhaps because I know I do not have much? A philosophical thought for this time of evening!
I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. If only you could have been peeking through my window Easter morning. Carl, like me, is not into commercialism at all. We both value the home-made and the vintage, and the thought, most of all. Turns out Carl had been all over town to try and find me a Cadbury Buttons Easter Egg, as I remember loving the little bunny carved into the side, and how the buttons came inside the egg, in a scrunchity cellophane bag when I was a little girl. Well it seems he looked and looked and could not find one, so decided to do something a little different. He handed me a large shoe box, wrapped up in paper. I was told not to tip it, and open it carefully. I nearly dropped it! A soft toy snake (that usually lives near our real snake's cage!) was on top of a deep layer of sawdust. And scattered amongst the sawdust were little treasures for me to find! Being nervous of poking my fingers into things I could not see, I ended up stabbing hopefully with a knitting needle!
We were also lucky enough to be given a home made simnel cake by my lovely, lovely Mum.
Happy Easter Everybody!
Oh, there are still people here, we are still busy, the phone still rings, but it as if we are slowly winding down, ready for the rest that comes at seven o'clock. No doubt someone will scurry through the doors with five minutes to go, and be desperate to do what they have left till too late- to use the internet, or the photocopiers, or start an involved query. But at this time of day, mostly, the people who are here are here because they want to be. Because they got up this morning and planned to drop into the library on the way home from work. People working on projects, looking for a new book to read, wanting to work quietly.
This time of day is bliss. Today has been long, but I know when I get home, dear Carl will have cooked a little something delicious for tea. I nearly always get right out of my clothes and into my dressing gown as soon as I get home. Take down my hair if I have put it up, wash the day off of my face, put on my slippers, and always, always, have a cup of tea.
Maybe it is a little perverse, but on the weekends I have to work Saturday, and on my late night to work, I always seem to get more out of the time I have- perhaps because I know I do not have much? A philosophical thought for this time of evening!
I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. If only you could have been peeking through my window Easter morning. Carl, like me, is not into commercialism at all. We both value the home-made and the vintage, and the thought, most of all. Turns out Carl had been all over town to try and find me a Cadbury Buttons Easter Egg, as I remember loving the little bunny carved into the side, and how the buttons came inside the egg, in a scrunchity cellophane bag when I was a little girl. Well it seems he looked and looked and could not find one, so decided to do something a little different. He handed me a large shoe box, wrapped up in paper. I was told not to tip it, and open it carefully. I nearly dropped it! A soft toy snake (that usually lives near our real snake's cage!) was on top of a deep layer of sawdust. And scattered amongst the sawdust were little treasures for me to find! Being nervous of poking my fingers into things I could not see, I ended up stabbing hopefully with a knitting needle!
We were also lucky enough to be given a home made simnel cake by my lovely, lovely Mum.
Happy Easter Everybody!
Saturday, 15 April 2006
Gifts of the Season
Oh I do hope you are all having a scrumptious and happy Easter weekend. I got up early yesterday morning to bake hot cross buns. Although I love them, I do hate that they are in the shops the whole year round. I think they should be special for Easter, or people will forget what they mean.
Anyway, I found myself in the kitchen, and as my dressing gown sleeves were too long to do kneading in (ever get the urge to just get up and bake? I hope it is not just me!) so I wore the fabulous Victorian style nightie I was fortunate enough to find in Tesco of all places! I love to knead, it makes me feel really connected with what I am making. I was pleased with how this recipe turned out (from the latest issue of Country Kitchen magazine) and shall be making them again next year.
A quiet but delicious day. It rained a little, and our little flat was full of the smell of spicy little buns baking and coffee percolating, and I watched Merlins Apprentice and knitted on my dishcloths (Chinese Waves again, but I am trying Garter Stitch Lace next!). So peaceful. Then in the evening we went to see dear Carls family. We took them an Easter Basket I had made up- a pretty yellow plant, a knitted chick each, a bag of mini eggs in the bottom, and a hot cross bun each. They are not long back from Amalfi (how I long to go Italy in April!) and bought me the most beautiful scarf- I was so touched. I wanted to wear it to work today, but could not decide what to wear with it, so am leaving it till another day. It is very pale pink, almost net material, embroidered over with darker pink rosebuds, and the edge is scalloped in green. It needs a very plain dress with it I think.
Who knows, soon (fingers crossed!) I may be posting some pictures on here...
So here I am at work this Easter Saturday. We have had more people in than I hoped for, which is nice. I spent my morning tea break making up clues for Carls Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow (I have gone for a Da Vinci Code theme- most of them are in code!) and my afternoon tea break reading The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg, recommended by the ever lovely Alison at Brocante Home. I am not very far in, but oh! How I am enjoying it. It is delicious. Only just now, I was reading about how she (the main character, Betta) has spent her life decorating windowsills with odds and ends- 'the gifts of the season' as she puts it. And it really spoke to me. This is what I have always done, or tried to do. But I had never thought about phrasing it quite like that. If you are stuck for something to read, do give it a go. That, or Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen which I have just devoured and adored. How I laughed! Considering how long ago she was writing, so much of it is so relevant now. In one passage, she remarks how (mostly!) the efforts a lady goes to in her dress when she is hoping to impress a new man are wasted, as men are incapable of telling one dress from another!
Well, it made me laugh!
The other thing that came to mind for me to post is just a silly little thing. But I shall post anyway, as I do love silly little things and bits of whimsy. Do you every cast your eye around your house, and see something perhaps that you have seen a hundred times before, but suddenly think just how much you love that thing? I have a large flowerpot that once was home to a sadly departed orchid. It now holds all my knitting needles and crochet hooks- from my great big 20mm needles I bought to knit a cushion for a Christmas gift, to the teeny tiny thin ones that belonged to the Mother of a friend, that I used to knit my Easter Chicks. It amuses me to see them there. Perhaps another picture to post?
Anyway, I found myself in the kitchen, and as my dressing gown sleeves were too long to do kneading in (ever get the urge to just get up and bake? I hope it is not just me!) so I wore the fabulous Victorian style nightie I was fortunate enough to find in Tesco of all places! I love to knead, it makes me feel really connected with what I am making. I was pleased with how this recipe turned out (from the latest issue of Country Kitchen magazine) and shall be making them again next year.
A quiet but delicious day. It rained a little, and our little flat was full of the smell of spicy little buns baking and coffee percolating, and I watched Merlins Apprentice and knitted on my dishcloths (Chinese Waves again, but I am trying Garter Stitch Lace next!). So peaceful. Then in the evening we went to see dear Carls family. We took them an Easter Basket I had made up- a pretty yellow plant, a knitted chick each, a bag of mini eggs in the bottom, and a hot cross bun each. They are not long back from Amalfi (how I long to go Italy in April!) and bought me the most beautiful scarf- I was so touched. I wanted to wear it to work today, but could not decide what to wear with it, so am leaving it till another day. It is very pale pink, almost net material, embroidered over with darker pink rosebuds, and the edge is scalloped in green. It needs a very plain dress with it I think.
Who knows, soon (fingers crossed!) I may be posting some pictures on here...
So here I am at work this Easter Saturday. We have had more people in than I hoped for, which is nice. I spent my morning tea break making up clues for Carls Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow (I have gone for a Da Vinci Code theme- most of them are in code!) and my afternoon tea break reading The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg, recommended by the ever lovely Alison at Brocante Home. I am not very far in, but oh! How I am enjoying it. It is delicious. Only just now, I was reading about how she (the main character, Betta) has spent her life decorating windowsills with odds and ends- 'the gifts of the season' as she puts it. And it really spoke to me. This is what I have always done, or tried to do. But I had never thought about phrasing it quite like that. If you are stuck for something to read, do give it a go. That, or Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen which I have just devoured and adored. How I laughed! Considering how long ago she was writing, so much of it is so relevant now. In one passage, she remarks how (mostly!) the efforts a lady goes to in her dress when she is hoping to impress a new man are wasted, as men are incapable of telling one dress from another!
Well, it made me laugh!
The other thing that came to mind for me to post is just a silly little thing. But I shall post anyway, as I do love silly little things and bits of whimsy. Do you every cast your eye around your house, and see something perhaps that you have seen a hundred times before, but suddenly think just how much you love that thing? I have a large flowerpot that once was home to a sadly departed orchid. It now holds all my knitting needles and crochet hooks- from my great big 20mm needles I bought to knit a cushion for a Christmas gift, to the teeny tiny thin ones that belonged to the Mother of a friend, that I used to knit my Easter Chicks. It amuses me to see them there. Perhaps another picture to post?
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