Freshing Up

At the moment the budget will not allow a complete over hall in the bathroom. So.....I decided to give it a mini makeover.  You don't have to go all out.  Keep it simple, making small changes can make a world of difference. Here I spray painted the old brown storage basket in grey and bought a new blind from blinds2go. I also added a splash of colour with some pink accessories from Tesco et Voila!

The room has been transformed and it cost about £80

  You can see how the colour instantly made the space brighter.

Roasted Chicken with Tumeric Basmati Rice

Once a week I try to prepare a dish that I have not made before, or at least add something new to an old favourite.  Yesterday I decided to BBQ some chicken, but because I was out all day it was too late to try and light the coals. Instead I decided to roast it instead.  This is nothing new in our house so instead of the usual salad we would have had, I made some savoury tumeric basmati rice.

      YUMMMMMM...............

Chicken Marinade

1/2 Chicken or whole Chicken Spatchcocked
1/2 Teaspoon of Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Sea Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
2-3 Sprigs of Lemon Time
1 Finely Chopped Chilli
1 Spring Onion (chopped roughly)
(you can add more or less of any of the above, it's all down to your own taste)

1/4 Cup of basmati rice per person & Tumeric to taste or preference (1/2 Teaspoon)


Add all the Ingredients to a bowl with the chicken pieces and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. (This will ensure that the flavours really get into the meat, overnight is even better)

Put it in an ovenproof pan and cover with foil (you do not need any liquid), it should take about 40 minutes on a medium heat (about gas mark 3). You don't want it too cook to quickly, baste it half way through and just before you think it's done take the foil off and turn the grill on to crisp up the skin.

The rice is very simple.  In a pot add about a tablespoon of oil, once this has heated add the tumeric and the rice.  You just want to stir it until the tumeric has coated all the rice. Add the water a good pinch of salt. You can substitute the water with stock, but make sure to taste before adding any salt.
Bring up to a boil then turn the heat down to min, put the cover on and let cook for about 10 minutes. (Keep you eye on or it will burn)

Blank Canvas

When your dealing with small spaces, I always think it's best to keep the walls neutral. But.....Magnolia is not the only neutral. Is every house in the UK painted in Magnolia?  I just can't get my head around it.   I find it a bit dull to be honest, there are thousands of colours that can act as neutrals and lend themselves well to art, photos and furniture.  White on the other hand instantly adds a bit of glamour simply because everything looks clean & fresh.  It makes spaces look and feel larger and acts as a blank canvas. Don't get me wrong I love colour, but get it wrong and it could be disasterous! Simple is best the colour will come from the furnishings.

I found this photo in a Magazine and I think it's a very good example of white done well.

A lot of people think that white can be cold, but you can see from this example the room looks cozy. I can see myself sitting on the sofa with a glass of Pinot and good book.  It's all in the detail.

Evolving Envorinment

So you never really finish a space do you?  It just keep evolving, growing with you, in my case getting grandeur (if that's possible in such a small space) with a bit more edge of course.  I think as we become more comfortable in our surroundings our instincts & confidence start to kick in and we get more adventurous. I luv mixing glamour with a bit of chince. Although I have made many purchases these two are actually in situ on our bedroon wall, so they are ready for their debut.....

                                   I loved this figure the moment I laid eyes on it

        I just could not resist another JUJU Feather Hat, they add such glam to a room

           Unfortunately you will have to wait for the big reveal of the entire room  it's        quite finished. 

Upcycle...

This weekend we went to New Covent Garden market  more commonly known as Vauxhall Market in SW20.  I like to get there early as the this is when you find the best stuff.   It was very busy for such a miserable day, but lucky for me people didn't seem to be buying (the rain has that effect) so I took full advantage and quikly visited all the stalls I usually find treasures at.   I bought a few things but this is my favourite.

I am pleased a punch that I spotted and puchased this Vintage cabinet for £20! That's a bargain! I will put it in our bedroom.  I love the legs and metal detailing at the hinges. It's the perfect piece to upcycle, once this badboy is painted it will look like a new piece of furniture. I can't wait to start it, unfortunately I am feeling a bit a bit aprrehensive about what colour it should be so I am going to wait until I am absolutely sure.  Any suggesstions are welcome.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Using old food tins as plant pots has really started to catch on. I have even seen them used on tables in Bistros.  It's a great idea, I have a couple in my kitchen that I have planted herbs in. 

I planted some basil seeds and they are starting to sprout

They look great in the garden, even when they get rusty