Let's Go To Bettys!

 Whenever anything needs celebrating in the Forcella household, we cry "Let's Go To Bettys!"

So as it was our 7th wedding anniversary, that exactly where Mr. Forcella and I went for brunch!

The Secret Garden

If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Playing Hooky

Well, strictly speaking, I wasn't playing hooky - I took the afternoon off work to spend some time organising the move our of our little city flat back to our proper home in the "country" (well, Hebden Bridge isn't a city!).

Happy Hair Days

I've recently switched from blonde to brunette, however I didn't fully commit to the dark side and opted for the "ombre" (dip-dyed) look, with slightly lighter ends.

Life is Like Lasagne....

Life is like a good lasagne - lots of layers, a sprinkling of cheese and best served with great friends and lots of wine!!

I like a cheesy analogy, but I prefer lasagne on my plate and I'm sure you do too - so here's my recipe* for a quick, easy & tasty lasagne from scratch.

*Because this is how I make it and not an actual recipe from a book, quantities of ingredients aren't exact - you'll need to use a little judgement when you're cooking this, but don't worry, it can't go horribly wrong!

The Perfect Cosmo

Cocktails are one of my absolute favourite things - the fancy glasses, juicy colours and all of the associated glamour! I do like to create my own cocktails, however every now and then it's good to go back to a classic.

And what's more classic than a Cosmopolitan? Brought to our attention by the ladies from Sex And The City - in the final ever episode Miranda asks "Why did we ever stop drinking these?" to which Carrie replies "Because everyone else started!" - it was love at first sip for me back in 2004, on holiday in Grenada.

My first ever Cosmo in 2004!!

Mummmmtaz

Mr. Forcella and I are big fans of the original Mumtaz in Bradford, so we thought it was about time we checked out the restaurant in Leeds.

Serving authentic Kashmiri cooking in rather plush surroundings, Mumtaz Leeds is certainly a step up from your average Indian meal.

A Midsummer's Night Banquet

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows.

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows.

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.

A Midsummer's Night Dream, William Shakespeare

I don't need much of an excuse to throw a dinner party, and Midsummer's Eve gave me the perfect opportunity!

My best china, crystal and silver came out and the table was dressed with fragrant roses to give my guests a completely decadent experience.

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

 Turns out that life is a bowl of cherries...

Father's Day Feast

Much like myself, my dad always appreciates a tasty treat, so what better way to celebrate Father's Day and to thank him for all his dad-type activities (still on taxi-duty 35 years and one husband later, house removals, general handyman), than to create him his very own feast?

Chorizo & Apple Sausage Rolls

Lunchtime At The Gallery

So, as I work virtually next door to the Leeds Art Gallery, I thought it was high time that I paid a visit. To quote Mr. Picasso, art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life, which is just the thing a girl needs after a busy morning at the office!

Ciao Bella!

Luxury, elegance, taste, colour, style, flavour, fun, happiness, relaxation, inspiration, love, beauty.

Just some of the things I like to fill my life with and an introduction to my blog…