I’m hoping that by getting a bike this week I’ll do more exercise than walking to the kitchen and back ten times a day. The main incentive is the prospect of getting; a) a basket b) a bell and c) handlebar ribbons. Maybe I’ll leave out the ribbons. The thought of going on a cycling adventure with a bottle of wine and baguette in my basket makes the idea of exercising more appealing! The only thing that would make it all even more exciting is being in Paris to buy the wine and baguette.

The Sandpit from Sam O’Hare on Vimeo.

Tiltshift photography really is magical, especially when it’s made into a little movie like this one!

The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (official video) from The National on Vimeo.

Love the National. Love their new video. Love their new album. Listen to them asap if you haven’t already…

These cookies are so simple to make, they’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and full of delicious chocolate chips! I’ve adapted a few recipes and came up with this one:

220g Dark Brown Sugar

200g Granulated Sugar

450g Plain Flour

3 Eggs

1tsp Baking Soda

1 tbsp Vanilla Essence

250g Chocolate Chips

Mix the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla together. Add the flour and baking soda and stir together to form a dough. Add chocolate chips. Roll into a ball and refrigerate for an hour.

Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC. Remove dough from fridge and roll into medium sized balls. Place 9 on a baking sheet spread well apart as they will expand during cooking! Bake for around 15mins. (I normally just watch them for the last 5 mins to make sure they don’t brown too much). Remove from oven and allow to cool. The cookies will get crunchier as they cool. They can be enjoyed straight out of the oven, the choc is melted and they are delightfully chewy!

I tied all my cookies up with different coloured ribbons – they almost look too good to eat

Enjoy with a large glass of milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea (my favourite).

200g Butter

I got this recipe from one of my best friends, she used to make these delicious chocolate & coconut delights when we were at school! I just remembered about them last week and had to message her instantly to get the recipe. They are a perfect treat with afternoon tea

This weekend has been full of roses, champagne, love and celebrations! All for my sister who just got engaged! I’m so happy for her and her fiancé! And it was a great excuse to drink champagne in the afternoon.

First day of 2010. A sky full of pretty winter hues. New year, new hopes, same dreams.