Motherhood came unexpectedly early in my marriage for me. I remember waking from sleep in the night to use the bathroom and just knowing I was pregnant. Feeling this dynamic change, I looked at myself in the mirror and felt a wave of uncertain realisation. Although we hadn’t planned it in any official way, I […]
March 2025
Chinese Style Duck with Rainbow Chard, Pak Choi, Ginger & Chilli – Food Styling at Prue Leith’s. – Alison Allmand-Smith
Last year, for six Tuesday evenings between 6.30-9.00pm during September and October, I was privileged to be able to attend an excellent course in Food Styling at Prue Leith’s Cookery School in London. It had come highly recommended by my food writer/ food stylist friend Ren Behan (www.renbehan.com) who had completed it a few years […]
Sending You Happy Easter Monday Prayers & Wishes! – Alison Allmand-Smith
This would be nice wouldn’t it?! Bobbling around in a boat! As lockdown lifts this will be possible again. Today we woke to snow which transformed into bright golden sun with a chilly wind! Still, it has been such a lovely day. Sending wishes to you for a happy & blessed Easter Monday Everyone!
Red Pepper, Chicken, Pea & Cream Pasta – Food Diary Day 6 – Alison Allmand-Smith
Today was a big day for Christmas shopping and Christmas dinner ingredient buying and preparation. When I finally returned home from the shops I made this chicken pepper and pasta dish. Our children like to grate cheese on top. And although I don’t normally buy pre-prepared vegetables, there is one circumstance when I do. When […]
Victory In Europe Day 2021 – 76th Anniversary – Alison Allmand-Smith
Thank You for Victory in Europe Day 2021. This wonderful culinary spread was from our VE Day celebrations last year, which marked the 75th Anniversary of Europe’s liberation from the tyranny of Nazi Germany and the Second World War. Sadly due to my being unwell and an extremely busy day, we weren’t able to […]
Being Thankful for Small Victories – Alison Allmand-Smith
I’m feeling really encouraged and motivated at the moment about getting back into the groove of focussing more on my health and vitality. I’m not quite sure what has changed but in the last week or so, I’ve noticed a difference in my mindset that has made me fear less the challenge of refining my […]
Christmas Eve – Photographic Diary Day 9 – Alison Allmand-Smith
My breakfast of Avocado & tomatoes on toast with Green & Black’s hot chocolate made with Jersey dairy milk. And…. preparations for Christmas Day. Onions, bay, cloves and mace infusing in warm milk ready to add freshly made (although from slightly crispy bread is easier!) bread crumbs in the morning to make my beloved bread […]
Roll on the 12th April for Gyms and Hairdressers! – Alison Allmand-Smith
Thank you Boris for giving us our hairstylists and gyms back. I can’t wait for the 12th April when I can god willing get my hair under some kind of control with the expert assistance of my wonderful hair stylist!
Tomato, Chorizo Yellow Split Pea & British Pork Sausage Soup and Tomato and Basil Soup. Food diary day 3. – Alison Allmand-Smith
This are prime examples of pictures that really get on my nerves because of their lack of good lighting and rustic aesthetic vibe, but nonetheless both these soups were packed with healthy and hearty ingredients. And…. as I have committed, I am keeping a diary of some of my daily meals so that trumps any […]
Collecting Kindling & Finding the Embers of Someone Else’s Bonfire! – Alison Allmand-Smith
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Happy William Morris Day! March 24 1834 – 3 October 1896 – Alison Allmand-Smith
Today is William Morris Day! And I don’t have a sample of his glorious Art & Craft Movement style fabric designs photographed to share with you. Instead I’ve a lovely picture of a vase of white peachy pink roses on a beautiful cottage window sill! Enjoy them and…. google William Morris’s most famous quote, because […]