Almond crusted stuffed chicken breast

When the mister and I started the Whole30 we were manic to find new (easy) recipes we could use. The stuffed chicken was a crowd pleaser and once you've made it once, it's a cinch to whip up. We've made 2 minor changes to the recipe; prosciutto instead of bacon (it's surprisingly difficult to get bacon with nothing added to it, especially sugar) and we add sun dried tomatoes. Yum!

Full recipe

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea has got to be one of my favorite British traditions. The girls and I have started convening once a month for a tea session, which I not only love because I get to explore new places but it also fuels my growing obsession with all things British. So far we've visited Betty Blythe and Bea of Bloomsbury, both of which have had a cute retro feel (although Betty's was cuter) to them and excellent cakes and treats. I can't wait for the next one!

Tea at Betty Blythe

Tea at Bea of Bloomsbury

Seasonal produce guide

How adorable is this seasonal produce guide that I spotted over on Style Me Pretty (yes, I still occasionally read wedding websites).

You can download a printable version here.

The Hour season 2

The first season of The Hour was pretty good, but man am I hooked on season 2! The characters have blossomed (go Marnie!) and the introduction of Randall has really spiced things up. If you aren't watching, catch up on iplayer right now.

1, 2, 3, 4

Start packing

Hawaii is officially booked for May and I can't wait!

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Gusto and Relish

Just up the street from our flat is a cute local deli, Gusto & Relish, that sells delicious cured meats, cheeses, pastas, desserts and my favorite, home made dips. Every time I go in (to buy the butternut squash and tahini dip, which is to die for) I am tempted by their amazing desserts table. So far I've been able to resist...

Gusto & Relish

56 White Hart Lane

SW13 0PZ

pretty background

DesignLoveFest has the sweetest desktop backgrounds available for download on her site right now. I'm sporting the teal one currently.

 

Download the teal and yellow

All that twinkles

It's probably a little early to be thinking about Valentine's day but I came across two things this week that reminded me of it.

The mister and I generally have a fairly low key Valentines. We generally don't exchange presents (but in the past the mister has surprised me with a few small and adorable presents) and sometimes we go out for a nice meal.

This year we might do something completely different: stargazing at the Royal Observatory. Supposing it's a clear night, looking and learning about stars in the planetarium while sipping some bubbles - it sounds perfect! (Did you know there's a crater on the moon called Dave?)

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The other thing that caught my eye is this beautiful YSL ring. The deep purple hue reminds me of Valentine's quintessential warm red, pink and purple pallet. Perhaps Mr. Valentine will deliver this ring to me on Feb 14?

celebrations of sorts

As of yesterday I have officially been given the green light to begin transitioning to a new role at my company. My current job has worn me down to the marrow at points this last year and while when I hit my flow, it's absolutely exhilarating, the balance wasn't there and I was more often than not just burned out. 2013 is starting off all right. :)

Bucket list

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There are a lot of New Year's Resolution posts floating around out there and while I do have a list of resolutions (I love lists) they're a bit inane to share here. I have however been thinking about writing a bucket list. Bucket lists are a bit of conundrum to me. They're generally filled with things that are spontaneous in nature and can therefore not simply be ticked off a list. But then again, they can contain bigger (life things) that you're working towards.

I have a few simple ones so far:

• Go on an African Safari
• Run a half marathon
• Camp under the stars
• Eat at a Michelin star restaurant
• Trash a hotel room
• Eat a meal from food I've grown
• Make a wedding toast

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what's on it?