My momento

London 2012 has been momentous. No one anticipated the effect the games would have and cynics will grumble but the results have been extremely positive and British morale has rocketed. Today is the last day of the games and I suspect we'll be sad to resume normal TV watching for there's frankly very little to watch. As a momento for this historic event, I've just bagged myself a bargain with Pedlar's lovely London MMXII tea towel. I love the graphics and think would look fab in a frame or I might turn it into a cushion! Well done team GB for doing us proud.

Bunga Bunga!

I love finding new places to try out and this place is the next one on my list.

Bunga Bunga appears to be a pizzeria like no other. Based in Battersea, diners can expect karaoke, cocktails, cheesy DJs and much more. My kinda place.

Source: Daily Candy

Burger Monday?

No, this is not an advert for Little Chef. You have indeed read correctly. If you're creative and love burgers, this is for you. On Monday 27th June, Chelsea plays host to a one-night-only art exhibit and pop-up dinner.

There will of course be burgers, burger-inspired art and design, and every guest walks away with an original piece of artwork that pays homage to the burger, presented in the form of a paper placemat that has been designed and signed by one of 24 leading illustrators.

It's 40 smackeroonis so not a cheap night out but sounds like a night to remember. See here for more info.

Source: Coolhunting

Burgermat Artwork: James Joyce

Springtime ride

Why is it that when you make plans, something else super cool comes up at the same time? Aubin & Wills are having their third annual bike ride this Saturday, but not just any old bike ride I'll have you know. But a bike ride in tweed. See here for more info. I'll just have to book this in for next year...but then something else just as fantastic will be on at the same time I'm sure!

How cinemas should be

Once you go to the Aubin & Wills cinema in Shoreditch, there's no going back. Never will you step foot into the likes of the Odeon ever again. Sofas to sink into, blankets to snuggle in, footrests to stretch out on, a bar to order your choice of beverage, wine coolers to keep your wine chilled. I know where I'm going for the next blockbuster.

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner

London home accessories always catch my eye. I have a growing collection of London gems to remind me of the city I grew up in and still miss to this day (as happy as I am on the south coast).

Loving the above: The London globe from John Lewis (other cities also available - see link) and this dear little lampshade by the inspiring Charlene Mullen.

Source: Living Etc, Dec 2010

Tobias and the Angel

Another must visit. This shop had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing like crazy. From vintage fabrics and furnishings to running block print workshops, there's lots of inspiration to be had in this little haven.

The burbs

At the weekend I took a brief trip to London and was spoilt with the loveliest afternoon tea at The Orange Pekoe. I've been once before and it's most definitely one of my fave places for Afternoon Tea, especially because it's near where I used to live... ahh, I love the green burbs of London. Anyway, if you're ever in the Barnes area, a visit to the Orange Pekoe is a must! It's got a fantastic selection of luscious teas and they do to-die-for cakes.

Talking of cakes, where Uni is tailing off, I now have more time on my hands and so here's a little something I knocked up this very evening - so yummy:

Banana and Walnut Cake

150g softened butter

300g Self raising flour

3 ripe bananas

120g soft brown sugar

Dash of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon rind

Handful of walnuts

2 eggs

2tbsp olive oil

I'm a lazy cook (life's too short for spending hours fussing in the kitchen) so I like to just chuck things together and see what happens. So where you should normally "fold" and mix in a "figure of eight", I kind of just bish, bash and bosh a recipe and more often than not, the results are truly tasty.

1. Mash banana with a fork until truly mushy.
2. Chuck in soft butter, sugar, lemon juice & rind, walnuts and mix thoroughly.
3. Add half the flour and one egg and fold until cake mix is wet again.
4. Add remaining flour and 2nd egg and mix thoroughly.
5. Mix in 2tbsp of olive oil (this will make the cake lovely and moist).
6. Place the cake mix in greased tin and cook for approx. 50 mins at 180 degrees.
7. Et voila.

Enjoy!!

Top Drawer Spring

It's the Top Drawer Spring exhibition this weekend so I'm going to try and get up there on Sunday. If any of you are planning to go, give me a shout and we can maybe meet up for a cuppa!