Pictures in the house

This is the newest picture to join the house. Most of our pictures have a water or beach theme. We've just painted the stairs and landing a duck egg blue- and the background on this picture brings the colour together with what will be the new carpet colour (beige of some description). I wasn't too sure when the colour went on the wall- as it looked a bit different when on a large expanse! It's brighter than I was expecting. But now we've been living with it for a while- it's made the place look a lot brighter and cheerier! We've got another 2 pictures to put up on the stair wall. One is a harbour scene made printed like a collage- I'll add a photo when the walls have had a final overcoat! We borrowed a special ladder to do the bits we couldn't reach- and now need to add a second coat. But for now it looks done!

Last year we spent the weekend in Derby for our anniversary. There was a craft fair going on in Bakewell and the artist was selling lots of pictures. We both picked the same ones out for a short list and this one was our favourite. We were going to buy a smaller one- but decided to splash out and get this one. This is waterside based aswell!

Another little plaque hanging in the kitchen.

The Lagasse Girls

When you have to give up gluten, either for yourself or a family member, you may think you have to say good-bye to all of the comforting foods you love. It's hard enough adopting a new way of eating, but the idea of giving up your favorite fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese, or oatmeal raisin cookies is downright unfair and intimidating (and if your kids are the ones diagnosed, it can be even more difficult!). It's a story Jilly and Jessie Lagasse know well.

With a father famous for his bold Creole cuisine, Jilly and Jessie grew up loving rich foods full of big flavor. When they learned they both had to eliminate gluten, the Lagasse girls made it their mission to demonstrate that "gluten-free" doesn't have to mean "flavor-free." After years of gluten-free eating and experimentation, they're here to help you re-create classic recipes and all-time favorites made without gluten—without sacrificing any of the signature flavors that make them so irresistible.

Using everyday ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, Jilly and Jessie share recipes for breakfasts, lunches (including hearty salads and soups), appetizers, mains, and, of course, scrumptious desserts. With dairy-free and quick-and-easy options as well, Jilly and Jessie make gluten-free eating simple and extraordinarily delicious—whether you're cooking for one or two, hosting a family get-together, or feeding the whole Little League team.


My review

I've been looking for a book like this for ages. One of my friends needs to eat gluten free and I needed some inspiration to plan nice meals for her rather than always resorting to shop bought snack type meals.

I love the lists of things to use and some of the meal ideas are definately joining our '52 new recipe' challenge this year. I will have a lovely source to choose new ideas from. 

I think I'm going to get her a copy of this book aswell.

It's Monday- what are you reading?

Pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone is reading this week.

It's our anniversary today- and although my husband hates all the books around the house he bought me a copy of The Gone Girl. I'd said that I fancied going to see the film and he was listening and went to get me a copy of the book! I've read that the film is very true to the book- so maybe I need to leave the film for a few days until I've had the chance to read the book first.

Burn- James Patterson.

Detective Michael Bennett finally returns to New York City - and to the most unsettling, horrific case of his career.

At last, Detective Michael Bennett and his family are coming home to New York City. Thanks to Bennett, the ruthless crime lord whose vengeful mission forced the Bennett family into hiding has been brought down for good.

Back in the city that never sleeps, Bennett takes over a chaotic Outreach Squad in Harlem, where he receives an unusual call: a man claims to have seen a group of well-dressed men holding a bizarre party in a condemned building. With no clear crime or evidence, Bennett dismisses the report. 

But when a charred body is found in that very same building, he is forced to take the caller seriously - and is drawn into an underground criminal world of terrifying depravity.

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I still want to read the latest James Patterson- in the hope that it finds him on top form again. I don't like his partnership with some authors and some of the series seem a little tired now. But on the whole I enjoy the Michael Bennett series. I actually didn't enjoy the last book in this series- I don't tend to be that keen on the gangland stories so much. I did really enjoy this one with his return to NY. He'd upset his new boss previously and finds himself put in charge of a unit investigating all the crimes no one else wants to look at with a team of detectives who also come out of the pool that no one else wants! He makes an impression on them and starts to motivate them to be the police force they want to be. They want to solve the crimes and make a difference. Alongside this he is assigned to a series of jewellery heists with other crimes being wrapped in!

You had me at Bonjour- Jennifer Bohnet

his was a real feel good book about a woman wanting to take a Shirley Valentine break after her husband decides that he is isn't going to unpack his case after their holiday. He's going to move in with his girlfriend.

After she is made redundant she decides that she wants to escape the rat race whilst she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She moves into an appartment and introduces herself to the other residents and enrols in some French lessons. After a slow and quite lonely start she starts to make friends and experience some of the luxury events going on within touring distance of the South of France. She attends parties, music Festivals and the Monaco Grand Prix. 

The cast of characters are a charming mix - and her best friend and daughter come out to visit and add different dynamics to the burgeoning relationships.

Needing a way to support herself she starts to write articles about her adventures and they prove very popular.

Will she want to return to the Uk at the end of the year- or will she try adventures further afield.

This would make a perfect beach read and I really enjoyed the book. I will look out for more by this author.

Pieces of You- Ella Harper

A really special book. You fall in love with the main characters in the first few pages- but then things unfurl and you begin to wonder what will happen next. I read reviews that said that it is best to leap into this book without reading the blurb and I think that's true. It takes you on a real journey where you really care about what the outcome is going to be for them both.

The extended family and friends are well rounded and you can just imagine the relationships with the under the surface tensions they all have. Ade comes back from Australia after an extended break from his entire family. Her friend and her husband tell Lucy how they always held Lucy and Luke up as having the perfect relationship everyone aspires to. Their love shines like a beacon and makes everyone aspire to achieve same.

I would highly recommend this book and thank Harper CollinsUk, Avon and Netgalley for the chance to read and review it.

I loved her writing style and couldn't wait to read more. I will definately look out for more by this author.