Flowers in the park

Spring is most definitely here.  The Magnolia stellata - Star Magnolia have their lovely finger leaves out, the traditional magnolias are in bud.  Tulips are out, some daffodils are on their way, and the cherry blossom makes London feel like a wedding ceremony.

Love is in the Air

Luscious lips in the air.  Blue sky in London is enough to make us feel happy, but quirky cloud shapes...

Spring is in the Air, Hyde Park

Lovely to see blue sky and feel the warmth of the sun on ones faces, though it was cold with arctic winds.  Weather for the soul.  One can feel that spring is desperately trying to establish itself and that if we are lucky summer will follow.

Rain & Reflection

Yesterday was weather for taking photographs from the inside of buildings.  These are from the warmth and dry of Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre.  It's huge glass panels in the lobby area give a wonderful view of the sky, which has been grey for far too long in this part of the world.  Roll on spring - crocuses are up, and daffodil and tulip leaves are in progress.

Fish Pedicure!

 Strangest thing - a fish pedicure.  Tens of Garra Rufa (from natural spa pools in Turkey) lightly sucking away on the dead skin on my feet.  It's not as bad as it seems, my feet are organic, not GM, and no pesticides either!  Some say it's ticklish but that's not the sensation I felt, more like lots of little fingers gently tapping on you.  It was the sweetest thing, and am going back next week to give them brunch!


Located at Level 1, 02 Centre 255 Finchley Road, London
www.mfeet.co.uk

Soda Bread

Ingredients
400g flour (I used a mixture of Quinoa (no more than 50g), spelt, rye and wholemeal flours)
2 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 generous tablespoon molasses
25g olive oil or melted butter
450ml buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice added to it)

Preheat the oven to 220C/gas mark 7.

Sieve the flour, sugar, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl and mix well.  Mix the molasses, olive oil and buttermilk together.  Stir the liquid through the dry ingredients quickly and evenly.  Scape it into a floured 20cm tin.

Bake the loaf for 20 minutes with oiled foil covering the top.  Then turn the oven down to 200C/gas mark 6, remove foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the bread is cooked.

Super with a hearty winter soup or a bowl of lentils. 

Anish Kapoor, Turning the World Upside Down, Kensington Gardens

Kapoor’s stainless steel sculptures are situated within the beautiful landscapes and stunning setting of the Kensington Gardens.   The park is showcasing a series of Anishs' major recent works never before shown together in London.

This must-see exhibition runs till 13 March 2011, reflecting the different colours, elements and moods of the people and their surroundings across the seasons.

 

Fabulous, fun and free - for children too.