LA GRILLADE. LEEDS

This restaurant is an absolute favorite of mine. When dining out, especially in today's world of 'branded' and 'famed' establishments, one can be hard pushed to find somewhere where every element of the meal lives up to the  imprint made by the last morsel or sip... enter La Grillade.

Being a self-confessed food lover (the hours I spend in the gym to counteract my ever-bulging eyes and well fed thighs are justification to this statement) I cant help but over-indulge in the comforting french food this place has to offer...

 

Mussels to start (with endless amounts of bread to soak up every last drop)

 

Fillet steak (rare, of course) with traditional french fries and green salad

  

The best cheese board in the world (and if you're nice to the waiter you can sample every single one before you commit to choices)

I can never leave without having the creme brulee, and a mouthful of everyone elses sweet-tooth choice too, does it really need to be said?

Just go and EAT! I hear Alan Bennett makes a regular impression on the seat of his chair here too.

BLACK. WHITE.

No matter what season we're in, or about to submerge our bodies into, there is one thing I cannot prize off myself; monochrome. Here are some of my recent favorites that have startled my eye...

Whether its a simple floral print, geometric stripes, block coloring or jewelry I really think the right pieces can be a timeless stable to any wardrobe. Nothing in life can be black or white, except maybe your trousers...

images from various sources

HARVEY NICHOLS, EDINBURGH

By using everyday mundane items and turning them in to something extraordinary, one can see their true beauty and design worth. The central everyday object, such as the tree and the car, are made up of smaller related items like the pencils and the horses which when are put all together make a fantastic visual impact. 

The big idea behind these intricate works is that the 'vamping' up of these smaller items into the larger central iconic piece symbolizes the 'understated classics' in fashion. Staples that are otherwise ignored until you make them into something spectacular, but none-the-less shouldn't be forgotten, as without them the whole thing wouldn't be anything...

photos by me.

HOT YUMMY GOAT'S CHEESE SALAD

This salad is my favourite thing my other half makes for me and I beg to have it for breakfast lunch and dinner, then supper. But to ensure my behind does not super-size, its a once a week treat.

Ingredients

8oz cherry vine toms

4 garlic gloves (I use 6/7.. I have a fear of vampires)

Olive oil

7oz soft rind goats cheese (we use the mini Capricorn's and have one each)

2oz wild rocket

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Put the toms and garlic in the over (180'C) drizzled with olive oil for about 20 minutes

2. Remove the top and bottom rinds off the goats cheese and slice in half horizontally and place on a heat proof dish

3. Place under the grill for 3-4 minutes, until turning brown

4.Arrange rocket on the plates with the toms and garlic placed around , keeping the juices in the tray, and then place the yummy hot cheese on top.

5. Add the Balsamic vinegar to the juices from the toms and mix to make a dressing, then drizzle here there and everywhere on the salad... SCRUMMYYY

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

Just like when it comes to ordering off a menu, I cannot decide which one of these visual treats I am going to spoil myself with.

"The inspriation was very easy-I love junk food!

I was thinking of what I would like to wear to the gym,

and I thought junkfood on t shirts and sweatshirts would be perfect!

Perhaps not very motivational, but definitley very amusing!"

Personally, I won't be sporting one of these to the gym, I think it would most probably be a health and safety issue when it comes to running on the treadmill in front of the mirror!

When it comes to choice though, I think the hot dog has my heart...

source topshop.com

PUCKER UP

Stamp your other halves cheeks with a neon kiss. Another one of my favourite trends for S/S '11, although time must be taken to find the perfect shade for you, once found and matched with sleek hair and minimal make-up (think more classy colour-pop than confused colored Keisha) a match made in neon heaven.

 

LEOPARD...AND THE LIKE

There is something inside of me, very deep but very strong, that is weak for leopard print. Thankfully it is still going to be very big this Spring/Summer (can I just take this chance to urge that to hurry up please) meaning there are lots of variations to choose from. Whether its in Topshop Boutique's influenced silk shorts or Stella McCartney's beautifully executed dress or even Diane Von Furstenberg's fuchsia print swimsuit, with simple accessories anyone can carry off this classic print.

  

        

Personally I'm purchasing Zara's fiercely fabulous ankle boots. I like my leopards lively!

photos from various sources