In Paradise Made


GardensOn LocationOutfits

Is there any greater pleasure, in the summer months, than picking fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers straight off the plant? I’m obsessed with it, although I can’t claim any responsibility for the hard work that goes in year round to create this summer joy. So my mother calls it Petit Trianon-ing, as I only appear for the delightful spoils. In these photos I have also carefully stolen her hat too!

Hat my mother’s

Dress ASOS

Shoes Castaner

Pearl Cuffs ASOS

Necklace Zara

Bracelets Monica Vinader

Watch Rolex

Lipstick Tom Ford Cherry Lush

Shop the Post

My Mother’s Lemon Poppyseed Cake


BakingSweet

This cake is a childhood favourite of mine. Simple and always delicious. I never turn down a slice. The sugar crust is crunchy and delightfully unexpected. I always try and layer it as thick as possible. I love this cake alone or with a generous serving of Yoghurt (or clotted cream if you’re feeling super indulgent).

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Cream the Margarine and Sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the Eggs, Milk and Zest.
  4. Then fold in the Flour, Baking Powder and Poppy seeds.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, I like it in a loaf tin but it works just as well in any shape.
  6. Bake for 35-40 mins, or until the top is golden and a skewer comes out clean from the centre.
  7. Once the cake is cool remove it from the tin and pace it on the serving plate.
  8. Squeese the lemon juice over the whole top of the cake (you can also brush it over the sides if you wish).
  9. Using a spoon sprinkle the top with a layer of Granulated Sugar.
  10. Repeat with Lemon Juice and Sugar until you have a crust. (I will normally do it 3-4 times).
  11. Leave the cake open to the air to allow the crust to form, if you make the cake at 11am, it will be ready for tea at 3pm!

Bisma Eight


CollaborationsEatStay

A new statement on the Ubud scene. Bold and modern aesthetically but peaceful and calm atmospherically.

There is nothing better than staying in a brand new resort. Discovering somewhere that you know is completely fresh and vibrant makes a hotel seem even more exclusive and luxurious. Bisma Eight is a brand new experience in Bali’s chic Ubud neighbourhood. Set down a ruff and ready track, which is lined with little cafes, hotels and rice paddy fields, you eventually come to this modernist design beacon. Bold polished concrete and brass greet you, giving you a suggestion of the aesthetic inside.

This hotel has a refreshingly current take on hotel design. With the atmosphere of a New York City loft and the design touches of Copenhagen’s laid back cool, Bisma Eight reminds you that not all resorts require white linen to be cool. Accented in orange, blue and the lush green surroundings, you feel nestled away in this peaceful oasis.

The hotel restaurant, Copper Kitchen, is incredibly cool, and offers an international take on asian flavours. Beautifully presented and well worth a trip even if you aren’t staying with them. Breakfast and dinner on the roof terrace is a real treat, where you have views across the property, central courtyard garden, infinity pool, jungle and the rice paddy fields, enough to entertain the most discerning diner.

Although for me the real highlight is the pool. One of the best designs I have seen in years. This infinity pool finishes with a vista of jungle and sky. The pool menu is delicious, I was addicted to these cucumber juices and cauliflower croquettes. It was ridiculous easy to watch hours drift away across the water.

Brass and copper hardware around the hotel, as well as great interior design details make this hotel so exceptional. I found myself constantly seeing new corners of interest and admiring little areas. Although the Hotel was full when I stayed I only saw about four other couples. It’s remarkably well designed to offer privacy and discretion. I also wanted to add a thank you to the wonderful Luxe Nomad for arranging my stay. Why not book your stay now?