Glammersmith this morning

Last day of work for 2013 and I was up so early the sun still hadn't risen! Don't mistake the lamp-post! Luckily my home town was living up to its name at 7am this morning #fairylights #christmastime

Magic and Sparkle

Magic and Sparkle. That's pretty much everything we are looking for at Christmas time. And magic and sparkle M&S certainly delivered with their Christmas television advert. An amazing British cast interspersed and amid a fabulous celebration of classic children's stories, there's something for everyone. My favourite scene being the Mad Hatter's Tea Party from Alice & Wonderland. 

Unlike the Lily Allen accompanied Bear and the Hare advert from John Lewis, there was product placement to satisfy the sofa-based shopper. 

Friends & Food

For a group of young twenty-something girls, there are three main pleasures in a girly get-together; gossip, giggles and grub. Having promised myself a calorie-free weekend (mistake this not to mean a low-calorie intake, but just a guilt-free, turn your head the other way kind of an attitude to over indulging) whilst visiting a friend in Birmingham, I made the most of it from the off.  I won't even divulge the train journey snacking escapades but it started like this...

I can always blame alcohol for bad food judgements. I feel bad thinking back to it now so let's just skip to late Friday evening...

This was a very good friend indeed I was visiting, one who knew to stock up on Doritos & dip (main course) and Minstrels & wine (dessert) - a diet that got me through my dissertation - for my arrival.

The next morning, I awoke to the stomach rumbling wafts of bacon flowing up the stairs. And just like they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I'd like to throw out the notion that a good breakfast is much the test of a good friendship. Check out what an amazing friend I have (never guess she's a feeder would you?) 

Within five hours of digesting this, I was 30 miles better travelled, the car was one friend heavier and we had left the suburbs for the midlands countryside. Settled in front of a beautiful open fire, us four girls got to the gossip and giggles...

...and without much of an appetite, my inner Burger Babe could not resist the Angus steak burger on the menu. 

YUM-MY!

At this point I'll breeze over the takeaway I had that night and just skip to the satisfied nights sleep I had that night (praying not for a heart attack!)

So on reflection I feel kinda gross but every mouthful was well and truly enjoyed! I'm now writing this Monday night and glad that I haven't had dinner tonight (but that's a whole other post in itself!)

Winter is a time for pie

The most warming, fulfilling, delicious, stomach-satisfying lunch from EAT. 

WARNING: Forget the 3 o'clock slump, this comes with a full-on food coma! (But totally worth it!)

My New Love

Fuelled by a cross-Channel trip to bonne Paris, my pride and joy these days is a beautifully stocked and displayed cheese board. At a recent dinner party, in which I was delegated responsibility for dessert and wine, I made a somewhat controversial decision to substitute sugar for dairy. That's your prerogative right? My course, my choice! 

My beautiful creation below was an absolute hit. Thanks to an amazing newspaper offer for Waitrose, it's wasn't too dear either. With the decoration of red and green grapes and a side dish of olives and sundrieds tomatoes plus featuring my new favourite, blue cheese, I realised this offering was a defining moment. Gone are the days of Babybell and Boursin - I'm now a hardcore cheese lover. The smellier the better! (Unless it's the Brie that's been in your fridge for a few months)...

 

Hammersmith Chocolate Delights

When I finally managed to break away from my default mode of Cafe Plum on a Sunday morning, I discovered a little gem nearer Hammersmith Grove. Situated between a florist and an independent cafe is a very cute creperie. All white wash decor, the air was filled with sugar-coated top notes!

This absolutely treat is one their classic waffle dishes (recommend one between two on next visit as this was so rich!) 

...but they also have a wide variety of savory and sweet pancakes!

Best thing about this place? No calories on the menu. See you next Sunday...

Wagas Wednesday

The most perfect Hump Day treat #foodforthought