Christmas Decor: Part 1

Christmas is nearly here! One favourite holidays of the year and this year I will be spending it at home in England. Last year was spent in Hong Kong  and it was such an eye opener for me. To kick start the festive celebrations I have been doing some DIY decorating. Nearly everything here is vintage and recycled...   Let's all try to Planet Earth Friendly this Christmas! This year I seem to have gone for a rather masculine, rustic and tonal style for some reason...but so far I'm liking it! Let the Christmas count down begin!

Vintage Christmas tree baubles... don't they look delicious?

DIY advent calendar made from vintage tins.

Vintage brooches... per

fect little stocking fillers!

Present for a gentleman in the making

DIY xmas tree... perfect for a those with a smaller home or on a budget! 

Recycled light bulbs as decorations. 

Old crystals, hand made hearts and old lights make an unexpected

excellent festive display...

The most simple way of gift wrapping without wasting too much paper...Let's do our bit for Planet Earth right?

Age Gap Project

One of the projects I am working on at university... an investigation into social degeneration.  Whether UK or HK, these social gaps are everywhere in society and I hope to design a platform to bridge these gaps. I am still in research phase so I will keep you updated on this project. 

Next time you walk pass someone, try and offer them a simple smile! Take just a little time to see those around you and perhaps a little courage to say a big HELLO!

London Foodie!

You have probably guessed it by now but I confess I am a total foodie! Im not one of those girls who are shy to eat those sinful sweets or deep fried carbs once in a while! It's all about moderation and pacing myself. 

Gatsby style afternoon tea at the Balcon

Tea for two!

The iconic balcony

This was a tea set for two. The portions were quite big and although some of the

desserts were a little to sweet for my taste, it is still worth a try if you have the time

since toptable.co.uk does really good deals for this place.

Mini scones with jam and clotted cream. Selection of finger sandwiches 

and four different patisseries... the table next to us had macaroons too!

The scones were probably my favourite.

A quiet weekday afternoon... we came a little later so most people would have 

finished afternoon tea by then. 

Andaz 1901 at Liverpool street. Weekdays have really reasonable set menus 

and the atmosphere was great. After dinner we enjoyed a few cocktails as well.

Enjoying a few cocktails after dinner...perfect!

A happy girl at Duck and Waffle, Liverpool Street. 

The best view possible! The iconic Gherkin was in full view!

Their iconic fried pig's ears...

Duck & Waffle obviously. I was actually quite disappointed at their iconic dish. Their food is quite rustic and some of the flavours go really well together, but the prices are high,

 so you are more than likely paying for the view instead! 

Some wicked wall art at the waiting area.

Catch up... Over Coffee

Just a quick catch up of some of the things i have been up to since my last post! To be honest university has occupied most of my time, working hard day in, day out...I guess this is training me up for real work in the future right?! haha. Hard work still deserves some time to relax right? I can't imagine anything better than a nice cup of coffee and some comfort food to fill me up and get my engines going!

Coffee outside V&A museum

One of my favourite exhibitions in London! Steampunk, gothic and eerie romance...that is me summed up!

Barista art... this is on my 'to learn' list...any offers to teach me?

Enjoying a rose lemonade

Delicious Lebanese food! 

1920s slip dress showcased at the V&A

Since my last blog, there have been many celebrations... birthdays,engagements, anniversaries... I've been able to share some special moments with the people i love!

Coffee, tea and memories with old friends...

Waiting for my nice cup of English brew...

A few cups of coffee is definitely needed to get me through these books!

Starbucks, Prêt a Manger, Costa... I really am a coffee addict! Although I would much rather support local cafes...

Silly times with coffee...ahhhhhhh....

Long time since I last came on here! I have been so busy since starting my Masters in Performance Product Design, that I have completely neglected my blog! The Christmas holiday is fast approaching so hopefully after some deadlines I can find the time to blog again...I promise! Meanwhile follow me on my Facebook page... It's a lot easier for me to update there! 

https://www.facebook.com/histoiredelle1929

30th Anniversary Celebration

On 11^th September 2013, my parents' celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary. It was a celebration for thirty years of bliss, happiness, understanding, tears, friendship, hardship and most importantly....LOVE. Almost everything was homemade...and although I am certainly no Chef, the simple recipes certainly didn't let me down.

Happy Pearl Anniversary Mum and Dad...

Small gift... BIG heart! 

Tea Party for 8 (the table wasn't big enough to display all the food) ... There was actually plenty of food left over for the guests to take home... 

Rose petal Shortbread...This was my favourite bake of the day... the texture was perfect and i could imagine it being the perfect little gift to bring to a house party.

Mini versions of the shortbread

Homemade Devon scones... the recipe needs to be altered but they were still lovely when served hot with jam and most importantly...Clotted Cream! YUM

Jelly in vintage glasses...

Homemade mini Victoria sponge... easy as 1...2...3. Probably not the most impressive cake on earth, but it was the thought that counts. 

 This was cheated! I confess to shop buying this quiche...This is definitely a recipe i want to learn soon. 

A selection of sandwiches...Lochmir Salmon, Egg and watercress and classic BLT all in wholemeal bread.

Tea or coffee? Lady Grey and Betty's coffee blend...

Simple decorations really does make the difference. The attention to detail can really turn simple, basic things into the most thoughtful and elegant outcomes...

Quarter past three, afternoon tea! RSVP please! Homemade invitations.