WoW!

As I set up this blog mainly to showcase how wonderful & versitile small spaces can be, I spend a lot of time on the internet looking for insiration from others who live in spaces like mine.  Today I came accross this and I luv it! I hope that I can get this much personality into my home.

  At  only 178 square feet, it's a fantastic use of space. The more is more approach actually works here.  The Kitchen has been cleverly slotted into an  alcove so it appears to be hidden.  The island doubles as a console and breakfast bar. Nice!

          Using clever storage solutions saves space & minimizes clutter

JUJUing It Up

Since I decided to revamp the lounge I've been scouring antique fairs, charity shops and the Internet for the weird and wonderful.  As the summer brings with it the urge to uncloak  and the overwhelming sense of "feel good", this is always a good time to inject colour not only into your wardrobe but into your home as well.  I decided that a bold coloured statement piece was absolutely necessary.  While on eBay I came across the most unusual wall hanging and decided this was just the ticket.  Now it sits proudly behind my sofa and it's Fabulous!

It's called a JUJU Feather Hat, originally worn by tribal chiefs, royalty and dignitaries in the Cameroonian kingdom during royal affairs, weddings or funerals and now it's entered the world of Interior Design.

                             Now to find some new cushions.......stay tunned!

Ta Daaaa!

After cutting the legs down, much sanding and some gold paint, I finally managed to turn this dark and drab second hand chest of drawers into a fantastic addition to my lounge.

                                                   
                                                      What do you think?

My Latest Project

I recently purchased a chest of drawers for the lounge. Unfortunately it was too high, too deep and the colour wasn't working.  I've since moved it to a less invasive place and stare at it everyday trying to figure out how I'm going to make it work.  I think I've finally made a decision and all will be revealed soon. In the meantime hear it is......

Not exciting I know, but I'm working on it

White Space

I love fresh white paint on walls, but oddly I don't like bare white walls.  It can make a room feel a bit cold and unloved.  I especially think that if you live in a small place you need to utilize the wall space and make every inch count....including the blank spaces in between, which can work as a frame for smaller pieces of art and photos.
As I mentioned previously I feel that a well rounded interior takes time to get right. After all Rome wasn't built in day, so how can you expect to furnish your whole house in a weekend?  It takes months and sometimes years.

I have been working on this particular corner of our house since we moved in 6+ years ago. I find it quite awkward and constantly look for things that I think may work.  It is still a work in progress and I am not sure what the end product will look like but hear it is.

The beginning of After

A Zebra patterned cushion in orange, a hanging plant pot holder from Ikea and a  carved wood shelf that I found on eBay add depth and interest.  Still working on the window treatment. Watch this space.....

Before

Before before...boring....

Deep Fried Curried Chicken Wings

I have cooked for many years and never fried wings. I have always either bbq'd or put them in the oven because I was afraid they would be too crispy on the outside and under cooked inside.  A  friend gave me a simple recipe including a top tip for perfectly cooked wings every time. 

Here is a recipe that is not only good for wings but can also be used for fried chicken as well. These wings are great for picnics, bbq's and pot lucks. Try this recipe for the tastiest wings you will ever have....believe me!! 

Ingredients

• 10-12 Chicken wings (remove tips and cut in 1/2)
• 1 Tsp curry powder (if you don't like curry leave it out)
• 1 Tsp cumin
• 1 Tsp salt
• 1 Tsp black pepper
• 1 Tsp garlic
• 1 Tsp paprika
• 1 Tsp fresh or dried parsley chopped finely
• Chille power (as much as you like)

Prep before frying and coating

• 3/4 Ltr of vegetable or rapeseed oil (this is for the frying only)
• 2 Tbl spoons flour
• 2 Tbl spoons bread crumbs

In a bowl, put the chicken wings and all the ingredients above.  You will need to get your hands dirty for this, mix it all together. It's best to let this marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, this will ensure that all the flavours permeate the flesh.

Once marinated take out of the fridge and let sit for about 5 mins.  Heat oil on a med to high heat in a pan with a lid preferably not a shallow pan. I have used a dutch oven but you can use a small deep pan. You should have at least 4" of oil in the bottom.

While this is getting hot...add the flour and bread crumbs to a bowl or sandwich bag Put five to six wings in at a time  and make sure that they all get coated (if you run out just add another table spoon of each).   Once coated place them gently into the pan (five to six pieces at a time, any more than this will bring the temperature of the oil down, you need the oil to stay hot) and (top tip) put the lid on the pan. This will keep some moisture in and cook the wings properly.  It only takes six or seven minutes for them to cook so keep a close watch, turning once in the process. Once golden brown remove and place them on a couple of sheets of paper towel to drain excess oil off. That's it! It really is that simple, don't over think it.

I served this with lemon and coriander cous cous and bbq'd corn. It was a perfect supper for a perfect summer evening. Enjoy!

My Favourite Shop

Since we have been having such great weather, I decided to visit my favourite shop The Good Companion in Herne Hill.  With it's mix of Brazilian, Nigerian and English finds it's always full of interesting, eclectic and affordable wares. From antique dishes, glass ware and prints (some of which are painted by one of the owners). There is something for every household, the best part is everything is one of  kind so it's unlikely that you will ever see them on the high street.  If you are ever in Herne Hill I highly recommend that you visit this shop. They even serve tea!

{Beautiful heavy glass vases}

{Period writing desk}

{Paintings in lovely frames}

{Ceramic jugs}

{Curious objects}

{Stunning china and pottery}

{Mirrors/lamps and wooden statues}

{Custom upholstered furniture & cushions}

{Taxidermy}

{And much more}