A quick study break (and choral music)

Christmas draws closer, and, although I am studying for my law course, everyone needs a little break. So make a cup of tea and maybe find a biscuit or two (or in my case, stollen - thanks mama!): I have a musical and restful treat in store for you.

Here is what I consider one of the most beautiful pieces of Christmas choral music in the world. I defy you to find one more spine-tingling than Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium.

As ever, there are a multitude of different versions available on youtube, spotify etc - this is the one by the Nordic Chamber Choir. If you fancy buying it off iTunes though, the Stephen Layton/Polyphony version is sublime. It was only written twenty years ago, but doesn't it feel utterly timeless?



Hope you're having a happy November.

E xxx

Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence

When I was little I used to love the 'Jolly Postman', a children's book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg about a postman (a jolly one) delivering letters to various fairytale characters. The story was sweet and illustrations lovely, but what I loved most was the fact there were actual letters inside little envelopes that one had to take out, unfold and read to continue with the story.

It is that interactive side to reading that first drew me to Nick Bantock's beautiful Griffin and Sabine trilogy - a sort of exquisite Jolly Postman for grown ups - a book entirely in correspondence. In truth, I first read them when I was too young - I stumbled across them in my parents' bookshelves and was drawn to the front cover. Consequently, I didn't wholly understand everything the books hinted at (but going back on them and reading them again has been inspiring) - but I adored the gorgeous illustrations (all Bantock's handiwork), the art form of the exchange of postcards, both sides shown to the reader, and the crisp letters folded inside envelopes.

It is, essentially, an enigmatic and artistic love story spanning three books, sparked when a postcard arrives from Sabine, to Griffin. She is a stamp illustrator who has lived all her life on a tiny Pacific island, and he is a lonely, disillusioned artist based in London. Mysteriously, she can see every stroke he paints, and every line he draws, and so on finding out his identity, writes to him to try and understand the phenomenon.

(Photos from amazon.co.uk)

And so the extraordinary correspondence is born!

It is both a puzzle and a joy to read. I have only just discovered that he wrote a second trilogy following on from the first - the next three are definitely on my Christmas list!

Would you read a book like this? Or would you feel childish?

E xxx

P.S.  J J Abrams has recently been involved with a book called 's.' which sounds like a similarly interactive reading experience. It's essentially an old, cryptic novel by a fictional author filled with handwritten notes in the margin, and with newspaper clippings, scrawls on napkins, and scraps of paper tucked into the pages. I am dying to read it- it sounds so interesting (though perhaps pretentious? But maybe that's JJ for you!). Here's the link.

Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

Autumn is by far my favourite season. As time rolls towards October, the evenings close in, and the air becomes chillier. There's nothing I like more than wrapping up in woolly layers to go outside, and to feel the pink sting of cold air on my face. Autumn is the time of hot chocolate, cinnamon, soups, firelight, falling leaves. The trees are still in their summer greenery at the moment, but I am looking forward to the riot of colours to come (nothing like the spectacular New England fall colours, unfortunately, but still golden and stately).

Anyway, there is something deliciously cosy about staying in on autumn evenings (with a cup of mulled wine, perhaps?) and an enthralling book. Here are a few on my wishlist:

(Photo from PanMacmillan)

I love tales of the war, and this biography about a young woman who signed up for the Wrens (because she liked their hats, naturally) and was drafted into the secret services seems just my cup of tea. I can't even imagine her bravery - especially when she had to tell her family she was just working for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. A fiction 'version' of this that I have read recently is Jackdaws, by Ken Follett (author of the amazing Pillars of the Earth and World Without End), which is about the heroic female spies parachuted into wartime France, whose bravery was barely acknowledged because the medals they deserved were not, at the time, awarded to women.

Also on my wishlist is Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. I've read so many good reviews for this, and the premise is so intriguing - the chance to live a life again, an infinite number of times, changing the path taken. I can't wait to read it.

Finally, although I've already read this, I had to recommend it to you. A love of Jane Austen (or at least, familiarity with Pride and Prejudice) is a must - it is such a joyful read. Simply put, it's Pride and Prejudice below stairs, but in reality it's much more rewarding than that. There are enough glimpses of the real P&P novel to make the Austen-lover smile, but it's actually an entirely different story of the incredibly difficult lives of the servants of Longbourn, the Bennets' residence, who, to be brutally honest, do not care a fig for the balls, Bingleys or romances occurring, and instead are exasperatedly calculating how long it will take to remove those six inches of mud from Miss Elizabeth Bennet's skirts. Of all the books I've read this year (and I've read a few), this is my recommendation! Let me know what you think!

E xxx

P.S. You know what I'm like about book covers, so I couldn't resist: the American version is infinitely superior to the British! Click here to have a look. It's so much more simple, elegant, and regency than the horrendous British purple cover, which seems more brash and Victorian to me...

The Lifeboat

(photo from charlotterogan.com) 

I've just finished reading The Lifeboat, by Charlotte Rogan, and here I am, recommending it to you. Set in 1914, it follows the experiences of Grace Winter, a survivor of a sunken cruise ship, crammed onto a lifeboat that is dangerously over-capacity with dozens of other men and women. It's fascinating to see the power struggles, the rumours, storytelling and feuds that start and spread through the cramped boat as it floats for three weeks in the middle of the Atlantic. As it becomes clear that the only way for the boat to survive in the merciless ocean is by lightening its load, it leads you to question your own morals - who would you choose to go overboard? Would you sacrifice yourself for 30 others? Would you kill somebody?

My sister, who, in turn, recommended it to me described it as 'a combination of The Life of Pi and Alias Grace', an apt description indeed. The cramped boat is a wonderful stage for the action, and the narrator is deliciously unreliable!

E xxx

Botanical Garlands by Rifle Paper Co.

My exams are over! To celebrate, I'm holding a little garden party next week, and in a fit of excitement ordered this beautiful garland set from the Rifle Paper Co. to string up outside.

So, the box is super pretty - and you can already tell how exquisite the illustrations are:

There are 80 cards - 8 of which are just floral designs, and the rest are letters, in varying hues of pale pink, teal and faded brown. It comes with a 5 yard ribbon, so the words or phrase can be fairly long! I had a go with the title of my blog:

There was definitely room to spread the letters out, as I only used about 2/3 of the ribbon up. Now all I need to do is think up a suitably summery greeting for my party guests! Anyone for a Pimm's?

E xxx

P.S. I just LOVE everything the Rifle Paper Co. does! This card makes me smile, and this happy iPhone case is definitely on my wish list! Also, this stationery set would be a lovely present for a young horse enthusiast!

Smith's Rosebud Salve

One of my favourite bloggers (from The Princess and the Frog Blog) wrote about Smith's Rosebud Salve a few weeks ago, and on a whim, I ordered some off Amazon to give it a go. I'd heard things about it before, with the words 'cult buy' and 'beauty classic' bandied about, but this glowing recommendation prompted me to finally go ahead with the purchase.

I paid £7.50 for it, which I suppose sounds a lot (It's cheaper in the US - $6 a tin), but I consider it totally worth it. I adore it for a number of reasons. Firstly, the tin is old fashioned and a sweet navy and white.  The texture of the salve itself is unlike anything I've tried before - I thought it might be like the rose Vaseline you can buy - but it's silky and almost gel-like, and so moisturising (and therefore non-sticky). Also, it is tinted a very transparent rosy hue, which is super pretty. Finally, it is divinely (but not too strongly) scented of roses!

Try it! You will be converted. I'm not sure I will ever buy anything else...!

E xxx

The Book Thief

Have you read The Book Thief? I first it read years ago when it was first published in England (I remember I loved it so much I emailed the author, Markus Zusak, who replied! I was excited.). Ever since then I've recommended it to anyone who asks (and indeed, to some who don't), but I realised that I could barely remember what happened in it, apart from the basics. I only remember the feeling after I'd read it. So, I reread it today, and was struck again - perhaps even more sov- by how beautifully written and staggeringly good it is. I also wept my face off.

So, here I am, recommending it to you. It was first published in Zusak's native Australia as an adult book, and it was subsequently published in America as a children's book. Some of the themes are pretty gruelling (it is, after all, concerning Nazi Germany), but written in such a human way that they are not frightening. Still, maybe under-12s shouldn't read it...

I implore you to give it a try.

Here's the cover (picture from amazon):

Enjoy.

E xxx

La Source

Winter always destroys my hands  (I'm one of those people who always forgets gloves aka an idiot) so a good hand cream is a lifesaver for me.

My mama always takes great care of her hands, so, over the years, I have seen all kinds of lotions come and go, and tried most of them.. but I can say, without a doubt, that my ABSOLUTE favourite is Crabtree and Evelyn's La Source.

Hand creams can smell floral, herbal, botanical, medicinal, sweet, coconutty, fruity, whatever. This smells like none of those things: I can barely describe it. It smells clean, and is reminiscent of the sea - it has a bracing freshness that is at once subtle and luxurious. In short, it smells utterly divine, and, what's more, transforms my battered and rough scullery-maid's paws to smooth and glowing objects of delight.

It's not the cheapest but won't break the bank either. A little goes a long way. Let me know what you think!

E xxx

P.S. The picture is from Amazon, where you can buy a smaller tube if you just want to try it!

Daniel Wellington

I am always, without fail, fiendishly on time. No matter how fashionably late I try to be, I just can't do it - I am, in fact, usually early.

It goes without saying that I love watches. I wear one every day, and if ever I forget, I absently look at my bare wrist dozens of times, and feel a bit lost without it!

The watch I wear is quite one of my favourite things - it's absolutely beautiful - a 21st birthday present - but I do feel that it is sometimes too smart to wear quite everywhere, so I am saving up for a more cheerful, rough-and-tumble sort of watch. A Daniel Wellington watch, to be precise.
Yes, expensive, but so stylish and preppy - I am solemnly trying to save £10 a week, and will hopefully be able to afford one by early summer:

Just looking at it, I can just imagine being at Henley, drinking Pimm's...

I am torn between the above watch, and this one, which I think would 'go' with more things... but it's just not as frivolous, is it? 

Have a look at the Daniel Wellington website - aren't they lovely? I like that you can buy the straps separately - perhaps I'll buy the red, white and blue watch, and ask for the blue and white strap for my birthday? 

E xxx

Einaudi

Have you guys heard of Ludovico Einaudi? He's a contemporary Italian composer, and he's got a bunch of albums, and my family have been obsessed with him for years, and each been to see him several times - I think I've seen him perform live 5 times, and my sister even more than that (she's the musician of the family)!

All his pieces are the most calming, exquisite music.

Here is a wonderful video of him playing his latest album live from his home - I love that he's got a huge poster of his name on the wall - in reality, he's so softly spoken and modest, it seems incongruous!




If you were to buy any of his albums, I would recommend I Giorni to begin with. It is beautiful.

Have a relaxing evening,

E xxx

The Great Gatsby

So, who's excited about the Great Gatsby movie? It's not out until May (although it was supposed to be released this Christmas, then got postponed -boo!) but I thought I'd brush up on my Fitzgerald and read it again. The first time I read this at university I struggled a bit - and I have no idea why! This second time I read it in one sitting, lying on my sofa with a pot of tea by my side - and absolutely adored it - it really is such an evocative and wonderful book.  I can't wait for the film.

This is my copy, which I think it so beautiful:

(photo from Inspiredology.com)

But these are lovely, too:

(Photos from Penguin.com)

In case you hadn't realised, I love a good book cover, and it really alters my reading experience. I don't think it would feel the same reading it from the classic American cover, which I think is rather ugly:

What's your favourite? There are dozens more out there!

E xxx

The Breakfast Club

Breakfast is obviously the most important meal of the day, so it makes sense that The Breakfast Club is the most important place in London.* It is amazing. If I had to eat somewhere for the rest of my life, it would be here (although I would probably die early of morbid obesity).

Yes, this is an obscenely large tangle of crispy bacon, dusted in icing sugar, perched on three fluffy pancakes, drenched in maple syrup, and served with a bottle of more maple syrup.

It is heaven on a plate.

I am a creature of habit, so once I discover something totally delicious on a menu, my rationale is that I HAVE to have the same thing next time I go there, because otherwise I might choose something inferior and be disappointed, and have food envy of the people I am with who undoubtedly got the thing I was going to get but didn't. It is a veritable predicament.

However, I have managed to branch out because the menu is so tempting (and I have nibbled from the plates of my unsuspecting brunch-dates) - and I can honestly say that it is always delicious.

Look out for the sunshine-yellow shopfront off Wardour Street, and the queue of hungry people outside. You can't book, and it's always busy, but that never stops people (i.e. me)... I tend to go at odd post-lunch, pre-supper times where I can just waltz in and stuff my face. You will leave feeling full, warm, and happy.

E xxx

*It probably isn't, but it should be.

V&A Cafe

I can't think of anywhere else in London where one can have a quick, cheap(ish) cup of tea in such opulent surroundings. It really is ridiculously sumptuous, with intricate golden pillars, stained glass windows and enormous crystal spheres suspended from the soaring gilded ceiling.

It is the perfect back to relax (and enjoy the work of the pianist who plays the glossy grand piano - without sheet music - in the centre of the room) after spending a leisurely hour or so strolling through the many rooms of this magnificent museum.

The scones are rather lovely, too!

E xxx

The Flour Station

I love Borough Market, but it's one of those places where if you're there for lunch, it's slightly stressful making a choice because everything just looks so darn delish. There is quite literally every kind of food you could think of, so you really need to know what you want - and every other person wandering round with you is clutching a delectable-looking handful that makes you change your mind again.

My new strategy is either to go for the first stall that draws my attention, or to go to Borough Market when not especially hungry, then I end up buying some bits and pieces to try at home.

One of my successes was a couple of (English) muffins from The Flour Station. Enormous, squashy pillows of joy. I kept it simple, sliced them in half and gobbled them down with thickly spread salted butter and a dash of marmite.

They were divine.

E xxx

P.S. In the Metro yesterday, Kappacasein, also in Borough Market, is supposed to serve the best cheese toastie in London... I'm definitely going to try it! In the name of research, of course.

Malteaster bunnies...

If you haven't tried one of these yet, you haven't lived.

Small and delicious, they basically taste of Malteasers, but somehow 100 times better. Should be around 60p. Pick one up next time you're in a newsagent!

E xxx

(This post is for my dearest sis, who has bought me many!)

(Photo from mysupermarket.com)

Old Times

What a beautiful production. Now, I did a bit of Harold Pinter at university, so am familiar, and if not familiar, acquainted with the somewhat mysterious nature of his plays, but I have never seen his work performed.

Yesterday, I saw Old Times (at The Harold Pinter Theatre) for the second time. I don't usually make a habit of this (my funds don't allow it) but, you see, the two actresses (there are only three characters in the play, Rufus Sewell playing the third) switch roles from show to show. So dazzled and intrigued was I by Kristen Scott Thomas' and Lia Williams' performances the first time I saw it a couple of weeks ago that I simply HAD to see them act the other way around as well.

Theatre critics have raved about the subtle differences between the two different castings, and I don't have much to add, only that both women seemed to capture a dimension to each character that the other did not achieve.

Doesn't it show even in these pictures?

On a side note, Rufus Sewell was pretty dreamy:

He also sings romantic songs for about 5 minutes! What's not to love?

The Harold Pinter releases 20 tickets or so every morning for just £10 - all you have to do is show up waving a tenner. Let me know what you think...

E xxx

The Sisters Brothers

Altogether not the book I was expecting. I knew it was about the Gold Rush and the Wild West - and Eli and Charlie Sisters (brothers), and that is true. It was also absolutely divinely written, funny and sorrowful, and ultimately a wonderful tale of a journey. It's also fairly short, so will be perfect to read inon a Sunday, looking at the grey skies of England and dreaming of the Dust Bowl...

It's always best to support local bookshops, but Amazon are selling it so cheap it's so difficult for me to say no...

Which cover do you like best, the one from the UK (the first) or US (the second)? Both striking, but the American one a trifle unsettling - or is it just me?

E xxx