Simple is...

The simple things in life... the past few weeks have been a bit tough this end. Really, February hasn't been so nice to me. Still, on the brighter side, with all of these downs and disappointments, something really good must be around the corner and on it's way soon.
So in all this mess, I try to remember the simple things in life. The things I enjoy, those quiet moments where it's just me and the rest of the world. Simple things like walking all the way home from work in the beautifully falling snow, curling up with my cat, appreciating clean water, hot showers, sunshine and a roof over my head...

Architectural & Apartment Insanity!

I've lived in NYC a few years now, and right now I'm living not too far away from the (gorgeous) above 240 Center Street, which was built as the headquarters of the city's police department and designed by Hoppin & Koen in 1909.
I have often wondered what this building is doing these days, but I've never actually gone out of my way to find out (shame on me!). The building itself is really something quite amazing, born out of the "White City" Beaux Arts inspired notion of a beautiful city.
When the new modernistic red brick headquarters opened in 1973, this white masterpiece fell into a limbo of neglect.. it wasn't until 1988 when the building was converted into coop apartments 55-units designed by Charles Gwathmey.
Considered the premier residence of lower Manhattan based on the building and it's apartments, I was excited to finally get a peak inside (especially after finding out they are apts!) when surfing NYC real estate!
So, without further ado, I share with all of you the wonders enclosed in this magnificent and historical building... for the full real estate listing click here. And don't be shocked at the price!! Oh, and to add more juicy interest, I've add floor plans too!! Check these out again here!

Puppy Power...

So, I've been having a rough time of it recently, and so on this sunny gorgeous day in nyc I decided to make some time for me. I started it off with a wonderfully long chat with my Mum in England (why is it Mum's are so good at making everything better?!) and sitting on my favorite set of park benches on Spring St in Soho.
I then decided to hit up Starbucks for my regular latte and go have a manicure... next door to the place on Christopher St there's a pet shop, full of little puppies. Now really I wouldn't ever get a puppy from one of these places but I figured I'd take a look and well, who doesn't get cheered up at the sight of puppies anyways?!
And so, right at the end, as cute as a button, a little brown and black speckled Cocker Spaniel looked right at me, and I couldn't help but be caught by his sad puppy face and big brown eyes! I put my hand up to the glass to which he tried to bite right through it!! aww!!
So, I had to have a play with the little fella, so out he came and into a little pen on the floor. I got in too, and there we played around for ages, him jumping up and down, nibbling my fingers and getting a good tummy rub or two! He made me smile and laugh so much I only wished I could take him home and love him forever.... but sadly, I can't...
One thing for sure though, we had some fun and he cheered me up a treat! Thank you lil fella, I hope you get yourself a loving home... x

Perfect Patchwork!

Patchwork? Love it or hate it?
I love it! BUT it has to be done well!! In a white or neutral room, the bright patchwork taking center stage with nothing to compete with it. Imagine the above bed, as intense as it is, in a room of all white textures, billowing white linens, modern white wood furniture pieces, a light sisal & wool rug (from Merida, I know just the one!), just barely off white corduroy club chairs, white fur cushions, and just to finish it off some bright green table lights... niceeee.
Anyways... here are a few of my fav patchwork peices....oh, the fun is endless with these!!

Want This!

I love this kitchen.. clean, black & white, classic, but warm & friendly.
A kitchen to live in, love in, laugh in...

Bling in a Ring...

So I have a little obsession with big rings!!! Here's a few of my favorites via the wonders and talents of Etsy! mm... I'll have that one... and that one... oh, and that cute bag and pretty necklace while I'm at it!!

Pearl Cluster - Rigmarole Mega Mum - lizhutnick


Three Stone - Toosis Rosie Rose - GemDesignsbyBarbara


Bag - Ninu Necklace - GirlsInPearls

Because Orange Twice in One Day is Better...

To Tuft or not to Tuft? I'll tuft thank you. Especially that stunning orange ottoman above (from cozycozy.com!) I wouldn't say no to that beauty! Also loving that aqua, sea green color of the sofa next to it!! Okay.. so here are some of my absolute favorite tufted masterpieces! Enjoy! (and if you don't like tufting, well... there's always the sweet potato recipe right?!)

Because Orange Is Good...

Because I had a baked sweet potato for dinner (with butter, black pepper, raisins & sharp cheese!) I couldn't resist this pic (yum)... so I thought I'd post the recipe for it too. And boy, does it look deeeeelish!

Sweet Potato Stacks: Tri-color, garlic, fried sage

Tri-Color Garlic Sweet Potato Stacks

1 Tbsp chopped raw garlic

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 large sweet potatoes: one garnet, one jewel, one Japanese (about 2 1/2 lb), washed and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

24 fresh sage leaves

1. Preheat oven 450°F with rack in upper third. Toss garlic with olive oil and mix thoroughly with sweet potatoes in large bowl. Spread in 1 layer in a 15-by 10-inch shallow baking pan.

2. Bake until soft, about 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then fry sage leaves in 2 batches, stirring, until crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

4. To serve, stack sweet potato slices, alternating colors. Place sage leaves on top.

Hot Choc?

Okay, fine. If I have to be here then I'm going to have one of these warming Chili Hot Chocolates while the snow falls down around me!
This recipe makes for 10 servings, So who would like to join me?!

Chilli Hot Chocolate

Naughty, delicious and with a hint of fire, just what you need after a chilly walk.

• Serves: 4
• Takes: 10mins

Ingredients

• 750ml (1¼ pints) skimmed milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 red chillies, halved and deseeded
• 100g (3½oz) dark chocolate, grated
• 25g (1oz) demerara sugar

What to do

• Place the milk in a saucepan with the cinnamon stick and chillies. Carefully bring to a very gentle simmer for one minute. Take off the heat and leave to one side for 5 minutes so the flavours infuse.
• Reheat, then remove the cinnamon, and reserve the chillies on one side for decoration later. Add the chocolate and stir in until it melts, add the sugar and mix.
• Serve up in warming mugfuls. If you want to go for total luxury and a real one-off treat then top with a spoon of whipped cream, a dusting of chocolate and decorate with a half chilli – to give your family and friends a hint of what they are in for!

Sunshine vs Snow Storm?

There's a blizzard coming towards NYC. It's ready to drop inches upon inches of white powdery snow.... I'd like to be in the Bahamas right now... right there in the photo above, dipping my toes in that crystal water, wandering through that soft sand... yes please.
And maybe riding a horse like those below, warm salt sea air brushing past my face as we gallop along the waters edge... don't mind if I do, thank you very much.

Portrait courtesy of Ralph Lauren...

On the note of Ralph Lauren paint swatches, you must check this out!!!
Self portrait with swatches - I love this! I've been inspired even further!!
Check out Nathan's full Flickr set here!! and his .com here!