No-one really ever expected this would happen. (I don’t really know why I wanted to write this post about life as an expat during a global pandemic, but this is my online journal and sometimes we just have to have a heart to page occasionally.) The world is topsy-turvy thanks to the widespread carnage of a virus, families have been torn apart both permanently and temporarily and who knows how long this will have ramifications… View Post
Piping hot, fluffy scones with mouth watering nuggets of dates, topped with butter melting into their hot surface. If you keep reading, consider yourself warned that this date scones recipe is addictive – made with simple store cupboard ingredients, they are ridiculously easy and scrumptious. Sorry, where was I? Oh yeah. Date Scones. These, savoury muffins and pikelets (aka “scotch pancakes” for my Brits) are cornerstones of my Kiwi childhood. Memories of the kitchen full… View Post
Did you know that London is the greenest major city in Europe and the third greenest city of its size in the world (officially)? Well, it is, and it has so many beautiful spaces where the city gives way from cold architectural structures to thriving green lungs that give us city-dwellers respite. Selecting the best London parks and gardens for this post was a job I adored taking on. Oh, and they are wonderful places… View Post
This date will be scarred into the New Zealand psyche forever. My heart shattered to hear how many families have been forever affected by the horrific actions in Christchurch. My home is grieving for its countrymen, and I don’t think I’ll ever quite have the words to express how I feel. I am also so proud of how my country has reacted in terms of compassion, changing laws and gathering together. Sadly, it has happened… View Post
Pubs. They’re great, aren’t they? London is great too. Put these together and what do we have? – the great London Pub. It’s practically an institution in British culture, and often becomes the extended lounge of busy Londoners. With that in mind, I thought my blog was lacking a list of the best pubs in London, so I roped in my local expert of hopped beverages. I met my lovely husband in a London pub… View Post