HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH.....

Happy Halloween to you all!  

Are you celebrating in some way?  

I know that my American readers will probably be going all out on the decorating and partying tonight.....I have seen some stunningly creative decorating schemes on some of your wonderful inspiring blogs out there! We are a little behind here in the UK on the scale of Halloween festivities, but do seem to be catching up fast in recent years, with more and more children and adults alike, enjoying the dressing up and all that goes with it.  I am not so sure personally about the whole 'commerciality' of it all, but at the same time, I would hate to be a bore, and am the first to enjoy any excuse to have a party!  

My daughter is busy catering for a client's childrens party this evening in their home in London....letting her imagination run riot to create a large 'spookily' themed teatime spread, along with the same brief for similarly 'gruesome' but delicious canapes for all the adults.

Beyond my seasonal decorating with pumpkins and gourds in the house, and a cosy night in with a delicious recipe using some of the glut of delicious squashes I have grown in the garden, there is no 'trick or treating' planned in our peaceful corner of Kent tonight!  However, we have a special celebration today....it is the 70th birthday of my beautiful mother 'Lottie'!  So I would like to if I may, dedicate this blog post to her....one of the kindest, most caring and wonderful mothers that a girl could ever wish to have, and a true friend....

'Happy, happy birthday Mummy!

We look forward to our special family birthday party celebration with you here at home on Sunday! xxx'

My mother 'Lottie' last year on her birthday!

*****

Do you have plans for Halloween? 

I would love to hear about any decorating, partying or traditions that you or your children may have?

Sophia xx

'BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES'

....and make soup.

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Happy Monday everyone! 

Sorry I haven't posted for a while....things have been rather busy around here.  My husband took a week off work last week, so that we could tidy the garden and 'put it to bed' for the winter.....this along with clearing up and composting everything that was finished in the kitchen garden and also planting a large number of hedging plants took up most of our time, as you can imagine.  I am still awaiting a delivery of about 1,000 spring bulbs which shall need planting shortly......a gardener's work is never done!  An enjoyable week though, interspersed with a quick trip to the beautiful Cotswolds for a birthday lunch with my mother in law, and also a lovely visit from our eldest son and his girlfriend over this last weekend.

How is the weather with you?  Here in the UK, we are all experiencing the effects of 'St. Jude's Storm' as it has been named......torrential rain and high winds.  Although not as bad as we had anticipated here in Kent, it was a long and noisy night last night without much sleep and being exposed and positioned high up on a hill, the winds were extra fierce and loud.  Today is still very blustery and unpredictable.

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I braved a dog walk earlier this morning, and was relieved to find that there hadn't been too much damage caused in the garden, although three of our large wooden obelisks in the beds at the back of the house had blown over and slightly damaged the box hedging, but nothing too major!

On days like today, I feel fortunate to not have to venture out, and to quietly do my jobs and paperwork sitting at my desk at home.....snug in the warmth while watching the wind and rain and chaos reign outside!

And of course soup is always a good thing to make on days like this....today I am enjoying using the first of our parsnips, along with the added ingredient of apple and mild curry spices.....always a winning combination.  So now I have pleasure in leaving you with the recipe for this delicious winter warming soup, and wish you a safe journey if you are travelling today in the UK, and a very happy Monday  

wherever you are in the world!

'Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup'

700g parsnips

1 medium Bramley apple

1 heaped teaspoon coriander seeds

1 heaped teaspoon cumin seeds

6 whole cardamom pods (seeds only)

40g butter

1 tablespoon groundnut oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 heaped teaspoon turmeric

1 heaped teaspoon ground ginger

2 pints good flavoured vegetable or chicken stock

salt and freshly milled black pepper

Heat a small frying pan and dry roast the coriander, cumin and cardamom seeds, to draw out the flavour.  Remove and crush finely with a pestle and mortar.  Next, heat the butter and oil in a saucepan until the butter begins to foam, then add the onions and gently soften for about 5 minutes before adding the garlic.

Cook together for 2 minutes then add all the crushed spices, along with the turmeric and ginger, stir and let it all continue to cook gently for a few more minutes while you peel and chop the parsnips into 1 inch dice.  Add the parsnips to the saucepan, stirring well, then pour in the stock, add some seasoning and let the soup simmer as gently as possible for 1 hour without a lid on.

When ready, remove and liquidise to a puree.  Return to the heat and at the last minute just before serving, grate the apple in to the soup........serve with parsnip crisps or garnish with spring onions and/or croutons......yummy....bon appetite!

*****

Sophia xx

LOVING.....'INDUSTRIAL CHIC'!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

While sorting through the dozens of photographs that I took in Rome over the weekend, I came across this one above, which I took of the interior of a charming looking restaurant called 'Angelina' in Via Poli in the Trevi area....unfortunately they weren't officially open for service at the time that we passed, but I have it firmly in my address book for when I am next visiting!  I wish I had been able to take more pictures of the interior, which was so stylish in its simplicity.  'Industrial chic' summed this gorgeous look up, and the botanical theme with herbs, trees and shelves of pots and tools gave it a fresh and quirky feel......the menu also looked very inviting, with healthy, 

innovative looking dishes.

It got me thinking about the whole 'Industrial chic' look, which in the right setting, looks so stylish but unpretentious.  So via these 'Pinterest' images below, I share with you today a few that particularly caught my eye.....

ALL PHOTOS VIA PINTEREST

Some with a strong, bold statement.....

Streamlined.....

.....and uncluttered

Softer.....

....with a pretty vintage take.

Eclectic....

Simple....

One of my favourites!

***

What do you think?  Even if not appropriate for your own home, does one of these looks appeal?  

I would love to hear your thoughts?

Wishing you a happy Thursday!

Sophia xx

PS.  If you would like help with redesigning your dream interior, you can contact me via my website: www.sophiawadsworthinteriors.co.uk

BELLA ROMA!

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Good morning!

As my regular readers will know, my husband and I were fortunate to visit Rome this last weekend,  accompanied by our three 'young adult' children......which was such a wonderful treat!

Two days to get away from busy lives, to relax, to be inspired, and to spend precious time 

all together as a family.......

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME....TREVI FOUNTAIN

We stayed at the charming small boutique, Hotel Modigliani, recommended by Sawdays 'Special Places' guide which is right in the heart of the city, close to the 'Spanish steps' and spectacular Trevi fountain.....a perfect 'family' choice, with kind and helpful staff.

We arrived late on Friday night in time for a delicious meal in a small trattoria that our hotel had recommended around the corner, followed by a fun but late (!) end to the night, in a nearby music bar where we listened to two very talented young musicians playing 'gypsy jazz' on guitar. Not being as used to late nights as much as our children these days, breakfast and more importantly coffee and a brisk walk was on the agenda early the next morning!  We soon regained our energy as we stepped outside in to the glorious unexpected sunshine and heat of the streets, and nothing had quite prepared us for just how stunningly beautiful this ancient city is......not just in parts, but everywhere!

We enjoyed a few of the main spectacular attractions, the Trevi fountain and Pantheon lived up to all expectations, but we sadly discovered at the last minute that the Vatican and Sistine chapel were closed on Sunday which was what we had also planned to see.  It was crowded as you can imagine, so we also welcomed the opportunity to just wander through the quieter cobbled pedestrianised back streets.....something interesting and beautiful to be found around every corner.......a chance to take in every day life here in Rome, and not just from a tourist's perspective.

We walked for miles, taking in the awe inspiring architecture.....the soft aged patina and colours of the buildings in burnt umber and sienna contrasting with soft grey particularly caught my eye. The fabulous array of authentic small family restaurants and bars made us spoilt for choice.....yes, we certainly enjoyed some truly inspiring and delicious food and wine!

Campo dei Fiore market, one of Rome's oldest markets, was a particular favourite of mine.....a foodie's idea of heaven and a photographer's delight......

We loved the subtle contrasts of each neighbourhood....all so beautiful, but each with its own style and vibe.  Saturday's lunch found us in the 'Treveste' area on the other side of the river, a slightly bohemian neighbourhood, with interesting small boutiques, great restaurants and bars and a relaxed atmosphere, and apparently a great place to go out at night.....

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Two days was not enough, to take in all that Rome has to offer.... there is so much beauty and inspiration, it literally takes your breath away.  Our children too, fell in love with this stunning city, and we all plan to hopefully return some day in the not too distant future......

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME......COLOSSEUM

*****

Wishing you a very happy week!

Sophia xx

DESTINATION ROME!

Good morning!

I can't believe that it is Thursday already.....where is the week going? 

I do hope your week is going well?

A busy day today, getting through a long list of things to do, before packing for a weekend away tomorrow......destination Rome!

I first fell in love with Italy many years ago, when we spent our honeymoon on the beautiful Amalfi coast, but I have never been to Rome.  A friend whom I was recently chatting to about our trip was quite incredulous that I had never been before....and she along with everyone else I talk to, assures me that I will LOVE it!

What makes this little trip even more special, is the fact that our three children shall be joining us too.....a real treat to all be together the five of us, to spend special time together as a family, see the beautiful sights, and of course....enjoy the delicious food and wine that Italy is so famous for!

If you have visited Rome, I would love to hear from you!  Do you have any top tips and recommendations?

Wishing you in advance, a very happy weekend, whatever you have planned.....

Sophia xx

CANDLES AND FLOWERS.....

.....what more does a girl need?

PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Candles and flowers......my all time simple pleasure and everyday luxury.

Flowers bring a room alive with their living freshness....and candles create a calm and welcoming atmosphere at any time of day.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I burn a lot of candles.....must be my Swedish blood!

Breakfast through to the evening, there are at least one or two gently flickering away throughout the day here at home......and many more lit, 

once night falls.

Candles and flowers..... even more special and enjoyable, when given as gifts by dear friends and daughters!

Thank you to our lovely friends Sarah and James who came to stay at the weekend, for the gorgeous pink Cyclamen display and to my wonderful daughter Georgie for the beautiful Lavender scented candle that arrived as a surprise in the post today!

Feeling very spoilt.....

Do you too love flowers and candles?

***

Happy Wednesday!

Sophia xx

A GOOD START TO THE WEEK....

PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Yesterday's walk with the dogs was a particularly lovely start to the week.  It was one of those perfect early Autumn days, with warm sunshine, bright skies, and the sweet smell of nature's new seasonal changes.

'ROCCO AND KIKI'

                           

Most days, we like to walk in the woodland adjoining our land, but another favourite is to stride out across the fields behind the house, and up to the top of the hill to look back towards home and the views in the distance....

These fields are a rich source of fungi at this time of year......

 I was pleased to find the hedgerow at the far end, heavy with 'Sloes'....perfect for this year's batch of 'Sloe Gin'.....

As well as Sloes, I found the hedges abundant with  Rosehips and Blackberries......the result of this year's wonderful summer......

A good stride out, is always the best start to the day.....although Rocco, who lives for his walks, is getting on a bit, and had to stop for a rest.

This lovely walk takes us full circle, around the fields and back up to home....

Our favourite tree in the garden.....that we were so delighted to inherit.....

One of the most perfectly shaped 'Oaks' that I have ever seen.....so stunning in its different forms each season.

Back through the 'White Rose Garden' behind the kitchen.....still reasonably in bloom.

An energising, calm start to the day...

Wishing you a very happy week!

Sophia xx