A COOKERY BOOK MAGPIE....

I know I am not alone in saying that I have a little bit of a 'thing' for new cookery books.  I have a large cupboard in my kitchen full to the brim with them....surely more than enough inspiring recipes to last several life times and beyond!  Yet as soon as I hear a recommendation from a friend or from a magazine, promising new culinary inspiration, the chances are that a few clicks later with my good friend 'Amazon' and the next lovely book is on its way...who else can relate to that mild flurry of excitement when the postman arrives baring that anticipated parcel?

Cook book addiction aside, I am pleased to say that I have been genuinely inspired recently with two great new publications.  

The first of which is 'Persiana' - Recipes from the Middle East and beyond.  This fabulous book is perfect for any of you, who like me, love the flavours of the Middle East.  Modern, accessible recipes which are uncomplicated and delicious.....trust me, their 'Za'atar Cod with Relish' and 'Spice Perfumed Shoulder of Lamb' are  winners, along with flavoursome, interesting vegetarian recipes too.  The 'White Bean Salad Piyaz' and 'Harissa marinated Asparagus' were very popular in our household over the summer months.

Link: Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond

Another cook book I have been enjoying is Madeleine Shaw's 'Get the Glow'.  There has been a wealth of new healthy cookbook releases over the last year, and I have enjoyed most of them, but Madeleine's recipes are particularly appealing.  It is a book that I go through and actually want to cook everything in there and are satisfying and delicious as well as good for you....unlike one or two other uber healthy recipes from other books I have tried, which Mr. W found a little challenging,  but am pleased to report that everything from 'Get the glow' has scored well with him!

Link: Get The Glow: Delicious and Easy Recipes That Will Nourish You from the Inside Out

Next on my cook book radar are these!  I have always enjoyed Rick Stein's TV programmes and 'Venice to Istanbul' was particularly inspiring.

Link: Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul

We all know how the huge success of 'The Great British Bake Off' seems to have got the whole country baking, and 'The Great British Bake Off Celebrations' looks naughty but very nice!

  

Link: Great British Bake Off: Celebrations: With recipes from the 2015 series

High on my Christmas wishlist is 'The Nordic Cook Book' (please note, any family reading...!) which is an impressive and beautiful compendium of the delicious nordic cooking of my Swedish mother's heritage that I love and am keen to explore more of, as well as the history and culture of ingredients, along with beautiful photography.

Link: The Nordic Cookbook

Having enjoyed all of Ottolenghi's books to date, I am eager to delve in to 'Plenty More' which has come highly recommended by chef daughter Georgie.

Link: Plenty More

Lastly, we all love the amazing Mary Berry don't we?  Aged 80 with numerous successful books to her name and of course, the success of 'The Great British Bake Off' she is still working hard, and is a true inspiration!  If anyone is going to convey confidence in her tried and trusted recipes, then it's certainly Mary, and her book 'Mary Berry Absolute Favourites' looks like the perfect edition to jazz up both family mealtimes and help with successful entertaining.

Link: Mary Berry's Absolute Favourites

If you have been inspired by any of the above,  just click on the links, and if you have any other recommendations then I would love to hear from you....although I may just have to rethink my cookery book storage situation first!

Happy cooking!

Sophia xx

TWO GREAT POST CHRISTMAS READS...

PICTURES 'SOPHIA HOME'

 The house feels unusually quiet today....with the children back in London and my husband back at work for a couple of days... the fun, noise and laughter of our very happy Christmas is sadly over.   All good things have to come to an end of course, and make us appreciate celebrations and the people we love all the more.

The silver lining is that I am also the type of person who enjoys time on my own to potter about and I just love this wonderful 'limbo' time, between Christmas and New Year!  The world is still in part hibernation and I am fortunate that there is no hectic work agenda for me.  The weather has been glorious here in Kent, with crisp frosty mornings and cold sunny days.  Walking the  dogs, catching up with your lovely blogs and getting the house back to normal have been so enjoyable.  I have also been taking the time to enjoy two fabulous new books that I received for Christmas, that I would love to share with you.

The first is 'Hemsley Hemsley - The Art of Eating Well', written by glamorous sisters Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley.  The foodie in me has enjoyed the Hemsley sisters' wonderful blog for some time, so I was thrilled to be given this book by my daughter Georgie (who as a chef loves to give 'foodie' presents!).  Just perfect for an uber healthy start to the year, this lovely book is packed with over 150 exciting, inventive and nutrient packed recipes.....I am totally inspired and starting tonight, I can't wait to get cooking lighter, fresher meals, after the delicious but rather indulgent treats over the last week!

The second book I am loving, was given to me by my eldest son Teddy.....he knows how much his mother loves to travel, as do we all, so 

'The New York Times 36 Hours - 125 Weekends in Europe' 

could not have been more perfect!

Taking 125 European destinations, it is packed with top tips and suggestions for the best things to do, to make the most of 36 hours in each City. It is a great 'Taschen' publication, following the New York Times' popular newspaper column of the same name.  Already I have wonderlust and am dreaming of our next trip away....along with some well known destinations high up on my wish list, it gives a real insight in to ideas for lesser thought of destinations.  Highly recommended, and like all Taschen publications, a beautiful book.

Two great reads that satisfy the foodie and traveller in me....perfect to cuddle up with on the sofa with a hot cup of tea....in my case, the delicious new discovery of 

'Taylor's 'Sweet Rhubarb' which again is highly recommended!

Who can believe that tomorrow is the last day of the year?  The last twelve months have flown past and have been particularly fulfilling for me.  Inspiring interior projects with lovely new clients, some exciting and memorable travel, happy celebrations with family and friends, and enjoyable projects here at home and in our developing garden.  I have so enjoyed sharing these with you, and I would like to thank each and every one of you lovely readers from all over the world, so much for reading me, and for your generous and positive feedback and kind words.... 'Sophia Home' would not exist or certainly would not be the same without you!  I look forward to sharing more with you on the blog in the coming year....

I wish you all a very, very happy, inspiring and above all, healthy 2015!   

With lots of love,

Sophia xx

FINDING BEAUTY EVERY DAY...

On a daily basis, I like to feel inspired!

Inspired in particular by something beautiful….whether through my design work, creating beautiful schemes that match my clients' needs and taste….through to something as simple as appreciating beauty in the nature that surrounds me when I walk my dogs each day.  It could be a beautiful basket of vegetables freshly picked from the garden, through  to a simple but beautiful table setting for an everyday but deliciously cooked midweek supper.  Taking ten minutes out of a busy working day to have that relaxing morning cup of coffee. Flowers from the garden, or picked up in my weekly farmer's market.  I love finding beauty and inspiration from travel, but equally, there is so much beauty all around us in our own environment, whether we live in a country or urban setting.  Not always the obvious things either, as it is often the small and least unexpected things and aspects of our lives that can be the most beautiful and rewarding. We just have to be open to seeing it,  and we will find it. 

Beautiful books are my great weakness….a package from Amazon once in a while is always a treat.  Design books in particular.  For me there is nothing nicer and more indulgent than to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a fabulous new coffee table book, and I would love to share with you today, a couple of new additions to my ever growing collection!

'Beauty at Home' by Aerin Lauder... 

Aerin is the granddaughter of legendary beauty empire entrepreneur Estée Lauder, and now at the helm of this iconic brand.  This beautiful book gives an insight in to Aerin's home life, both in her New York apartment, and at Estée's former home in the Hamptons which she and her family have inherited.  With stunning photography throughout, it depicts beautifully how these uber glamorous and luxurious homes still combine the comforts and simple pleasures for family life.   A stunning visual feast of beauty, which I have so enjoyed...

… 'Living Life Beautifully' by Christina Strutt of 'Cabbages and Roses'…

Using the core values originally created by Christine for her 'Cabbages and Roses' lifestyle brand of 'beauty, simplicity, longevity, integrity and sustainability', this lovely book shows how Christina has put all of these values into practice in her own home and work spaces, and those of a number of artists who share a love of Cabbages & Roses, to create beautiful places where life and work mingle.  From a country house to an urban apartment, Christina shows how easy it is to 'live life beautifully'.  With her wonderfully eclectic and pretty, pale vintage interiors, this is a charming and gorgeous book which I am sure you will love too.

Both conveying a completely different style to each other, but both women with a design and home life ethos after my own heart…our homes should be our sanctuaries, and with a little thought, imagination and planning, we can all have 'Beauty' in our day to day lives.

Have you come across any particularly inspiring design reads recently?  I would love to hear your recommendations!

Happy Thursday…

Sophia xx

www.sophiawadsworthinteriors.co.uk

AGING WITH STYLE AND ATTITUDE….

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Ageing……mmm….well it's inevitable isn't it?

It is not a subject that I have given a great deal of thought to over the years, but now in my late 40's, and with my children having now left home, I am very aware that I am now in a new era…..the 'third stage' as I am hearing it referred to….and although I have gone through the usual sadness of my chicks having flown the nest, I am appreciating their love, fun and friendship as fellow adults, and also now embracing the extra freedom that this stage has to offer.  The time to spend more time on the work and hobbies that I have always enjoyed, to travel more, and to pursue new goals and aspirations.  

Gone are the days of our grandmothers' generation, when this stage marked the official start of 'middle age' and a time to start slowing down, and taking things easy.  I appreciate that this doesn't include all women of their generation…indeed, I had some pretty strong and adventurous women in my family who have gone before me, as I am sure many of you have too?  However, on the whole many more women today are enjoying and achieving remarkable things, loving fashion and beauty, enjoying their fitness regimes and embracing all the adventures that the world has to offer…..well in to their 80's and 90's….how fantastic is that!  

My own lovely mother (who I am sure won't mind me mentioning, is 70) rang me last night to tell me about her morning at the gym and new exercise class, so she certainly isn't slowing down!  Indeed, my mother in law at 91 goes to a weekly exercise class too, which is beyond inspirational!

Suffice to say, it is still a little disconcerting for many of us girls to suddenly look in the mirror and find those first few lines and wrinkles that can suddenly appear overnight.  I like to tell myself that I am fortunate that those little lines around the eyes are from a happy and laughter filled life so far….although I have also found myself addressing my own skin care regime with a few new pots and potions promising great things!  I have also stepped up the 'Spinning' and 'Body Combat' classes…...but more of that another time!

At the end of the day though, I like to think that it is a woman's style and attitude that people notice as they age, and their love of life.

No one knows this better than French women, who have a wonderful attitude to ageing.  This ethos has been captured beautifully in a lovely little book that I have been enjoying this week…..'French Women Don't Get Facelifts', written by Mireille Guiliano, author of international bestseller 'French Women Don't Get Fat'.  A former chief executive at Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Mireille is a true ambassador of the art of French living, and living well.  I love her attitude to finding joy in life's simple everyday pleasures and especially her attitude to the idea of never depriving oneself and eating well but in moderation and balance.  

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whether your attitude to ageing is a positive one, or perhaps you are finding the process a little daunting, I would urge you to read this delightful, lighthearted read….and discover the French woman's secret to doing so with great style and 

'joie de vivre'!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whatever your age and stage in life, what are your thoughts and attitude to ageing?  I would so love to hear form you!

***

Wishing you a very happy weekend…..

Sophia xx

A LOVELY 'LIMBO' TIME.

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Happy Monday everyone!  

I do hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas?

Ours was a very happy time, spent with our three children who were home, plus various family visitors.  With very stormy weather here in the UK, we battened down the hatches and enjoyed good food and wine and the sanctuary of home.

Now with everyone returned to London, my husband and I are enjoying these lovely 'limbo' days at home, as I call them….the days in between the festivities of Christmas and New Year.  A time when we are still 'on holiday' but all is peaceful and calm and at a slower pace.  Enjoying the leftovers of the 'feasting' so no major meals to prepare, getting some fresh air and exercise with the dogs in between the downpours, and enjoying the time together to make plans for 2014….whether it be future travel, new garden and house schemes or work ideas.  It is also a lovely opportunity to sit by the fire and enjoy some relaxed reading time, especially as I have two wonderful new design books which were given to me as Christmas presents by my eldest son Teddy, and my sister Ellen, who both know how to pick the perfect pressie for me!

One is the fabulous new updated publication by 'Taschen',  'New York Interiors'…showcasing a wonderful eclectic mix of the most stylish and exciting interiors to be found in the City.  The second is 'Designers at Home', written by Ronda Rice Carman, author  of the blog 'All the best'.  'Designers at Home' gives a  rare behind the scenes insight into the personal homes of fifty top Interior Designers.  As well as beautiful photography, it is full of each designers' tips on their own idea for creating the perfect sanctuary, the decorative details that in their opinion bring a room to life, plus suggestions for perfect impromptu entertaining, and more…..

 Both are wonderful inspirational reads, to charge the imagination for the upcoming new year, and I would so recommend them!

Enjoy your New Years' celebrations, whatever you have planned.  We tend to avoid the big party atmosphere on this night, preferring to enjoy a quiet bottle of bubbles to see in the New Year, followed by a new tradition in recent years, of visiting 'Whitstable' on the North Kent coast for a fabulous seafood lunch on New Year's day, followed by a bracing walk on the beach….for me this is the perfect way to start a new and exciting year!  So to all of you, I wish you health and every happiness……thank you again so much for reading me, and I look forward to sharing so much more with you in 2014!

Sophia xx

AN EARLY MOTHER'S DAY GIFT...

Photo: Sophia Home

Photo: Sophia Home

Photos: Sophia Home

Good morning!  I hope your week has gone well so far?  I'm not sure where the last few days have gone, and that

 it is already Thursday! 

My morning coffee was made particularly enjoyable this morning, with the arrival of a parcel!  It was an early Mother's Day present from my sweet, thoughtful daughter Georgie - who regular readers will know, is working in the French Alps as a Private Chef.

Like mother, like daughter, we are both obsessed with cookery books!  Amassing quite a collection over the years,  I love the thrill of a new inspiring publication to add to my collection and can spend many a happy hour browsing through them.

Georgie has turned out to be a very instinctive and passionate young chef who has proved herself adaptable to many forms of cooking.......whether delicious, comforting home cooking.......through to visually stunning, top end cuisine, which she prepares for her discerning clients.  However, it is her upbringing and passion for truly healthy and nutritious cooking that is particularly shining through, and for which many of her clients have shown a great appreciation for.

Her surprise Mother's Day gift to me was this inspiring recent publication 'Honestly Healthy' by Natasha Corrett and Vicki Edgson, which she thoroughly recommends.  With a great emphasis on eating  'alkaline' rich foods, whilst eliminating or cutting down on 'acid' foods, it also brings a holistic approach to health.  Full of mouth watering recipes which look visually stunning as well as being super healthy.  

She jokingly assures me that 'all the celebrities are embracing it Mummy'........well, whether they are or not........I can not wait to try out some of these fabulous recipes.

First to try could be a refreshing looking 'Avocado, Mango and Dill Salad', and I loved the sound of the 'Puy Lentil, Coconut and Goat's Cheese Bake'.  Not wanting to sound too virtuous, the 'Chocolate Superfood Ganache' also sounded and looked very tempting too!

  Who said healthy eating was 'boring'.......?

Thank you Georgie!

***

Delicious soups......

Beautiful 'Pak Choi' parcels.

Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day 

in advance for Sunday.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Sophia xx

THE PERFECT START TO THE WEEKEND!

Good morning!  I do hope you are all having a great start to your weekend?  Mine started perfectly last night.......We went over to my mother and her husband for a delicious dinner.  Expecting it to be just the four of us, she announced that she had two mystery extra guests?  What a lovely surprise when we realised that those two mystery guests were our sons!  We are an incredibly close family, but naturally they are now both busy with their young adult lives, living and working in London and it is not always easy to all get together quite as often as we would like.  My mother (whom they adore) had hatched the plan and bless them, they had cancelled their busy social lives to come down to the country at short notice for what was an extremely fun and entertaining family dinner, and to stay at home for the night..............Result?.......'Happy Mummy'......'Happy Grandmother'!  We just wish our daughter, who regular readers will know is working as a Private Chef in the French Alps, was home too...........roll on April for her return!

So, a happy and lazy start to the weekend today with cooked breakfast for hungry sons before they return to London, and no urgent plans.......a bit of a luxury.  

Second lovely surprise so far this weekend, was the postman delivering a parcel, which turned out to be the very generous 'book giveaway' by American blogger Debby Steel, which I recently won!  For any of you who have not visited Debby's beautifully stylish blog 'Inspired Design', I would urge you to make a visit!  Debby also designs beautiful blog layouts for anyone wishing to have help with this.  

The book that Debby has so kindly sent me is 'Romantic Style' by Selina Lake and Sara Norrman, with stunning photography by Debi Treloar.  If you adore romantic, elegant interiors, filled with soft colours, vintage finds, flowers and candles, then this is a fabulous feast for the eyes.  

The weather is freezing outside this weekend, so I think you will find me curled up on the sofa in front of the fire this afternoon with a big cup of tea, reading and dreaming about romantic interiors.

I shall leave you with a taste of this gorgeous book......

All photos: Romantic Style



Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend!

Sophia xx

CREATIVE INSPIRATION ON A COLD JANUARY DAY......

The weather may be cold outside, and in our case here in England at the moment - freezing with snow, but January is the month in which I like to plan creative projects for the coming months.  As well as my passion for Interior projects for myself or for clients, I love to plan what I want to grow in the kitchen garden, what I can then cook with the results, and what further developments to our landscaping we are going to do.  What better time to immerse oneself on a cold winter's evening than with seed catalogues, beautiful blogs and especially, inspirational books......I can't get enough of them and could easily get completely carried away on Amazon if I allowed myself to!

A new year's gift to myself recently, was this beautiful book 'Gifts from the Garden' by Debora Robertson.  Debora is the associate food editor of Red Magazine and works for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at River Cottage.  She also writes her lovely blog: lickedspoon.blogspot.com.

Packed with inspirational projects using plants and produce that can be grown easily in your garden, it is filled with inventive ideas to make beautifully presented, delightful homemade gifts.  Ranging from preserves, liqueurs and edible treats, to fragrant firelighters, table decorations and gorgeous homemade body scrubs, bubble baths and moisturisers.  Simple and original gift ideas, costing very little but created with love, care and thought - these are the things that I personally love to give and especially to receive myself. 

It is hard to choose a favourite project from this wonderful collection, but one that particularly caught my eye was how to make a 'Trio of Tisanes', with the lovely idea of writing out instructions for making the tisane on a gift tag and packaging it up beautifully.  For a very special gift, Debora suggests adding a pretty teapot and tea cup, or perhaps also a pot of honey to sweeten and if you are feeling particularly generous, a tea strainer too.  With recipes for Energising, Calming and Digestive blends, there is something for all tisane lovers.  With my New Year's health drive I have grown to love this delicious healthy choice and shall be making all three, but for now I shall leave you with the recipe for the 'Energising' tisane, which is suggested as the perfect, uplifting remedy to combat that late afternoon slump......I'll drink to that!

Energising Tisane...

25g dried peppermint leaves

5g dried marigold petals

5g dried ginger

2 pieces of dried lemon grass roughly chopped

2 strips of dried orange zest, pared

Dark coloured glass jars, pots or airtight tine

Muslin and string (optional)

Make your blend and tip into a dark-coloured jar or an airtight tin to help preserve the flavour.  Alternatively, cut some circles of muslin, spoon a couple of teaspoons of the blend into the centre of each one and tie into bundles with string.

Allow a generous teaspoon of the blend per person and one for the pot.  All herbal teas will keep, stored in a cool, dark place, for a couple of months.

Sophia xx