Astronomy photographer of the year

A few weeks ago the mister and I ventured over to the lovely Greenwich for the Astronomy photographer of the Year exhibit at the Royal Observatory. The exhibit is much smaller than the likes of the Wildlife Photography exhibit at the Natural History Museum but it's also free. 


The photos were fantastic and they really piqued my interest about space. All of the entries can be found on their Flickr page but I've also pulled a few out below that I thought were especially cool.

Check out the tiny star on the right-hand side, just peaking out from behind the eclipsed moon

The now famous Icelandic volcano eruption
(from the Earth and Space category)

From the people and space category

Not a finalist but a great photo
via

Amazing handbags

I recently purchase this bag after months of searching for a bag that wasn't covered in logos, studs, tassels or any other general hideousness. My main criteria were that it fit my laptop comfortably and it was genuine leather. You would think this would leave me with quite a few options but realistically there were only a handful that landed in the affordable category. Opelle was a front runner with their absolutely gorgeous and simple bags. I saw over on MadeByGirl that there's a 15% code for her readers so go check out her site if you like Opelle's wears.


Opelle's etsy shop

 

 

 

 

Gail's

Have you noticed that Gail's are popping up all over London? I've only visited the one in Clapham Junction but it's a favorite spot to grab lunch, especially on a sunny day.

Gail's on Northcote Road, Battersea

Asian salad

Apple and Raspberry juice

Fresh OJ

Chicken sandwich

Veggie tart

Map Wraps

These beautiful city maps can not only be used as wrapping paper but I think would also look great in a frame. (A fantastic low budget gift idea!). 

 

Paris

New York

London

Berlin

Sydney

Tokyo

Dear America

Have you seen Zara's new Dear America campaign? 50 photographers from the 50 states in 50 beautiful pictures that capture just how diverse the landscape and life is. I love.

Wyoming



Kansas, Nebraska, Mississipp

Washington



Oregon, Montana

Sheep rocker

I don't really like the idea of luxury children's goods but occasionally I can't stop myself from browsing a site. I saw this rocking sheep on Smallable and thought it was simultaneously grotesque and adorable (and very fitting for a part kiwi baby), which I didn't know was possible. I'm not buying it for anybody nor putting it on any wish list, but definitely thought it was worth a share.

image [via]

The last of the summer

Before we went away to the Alps we had some really glorious days in London. In order to celebrate the last few days of summer I made Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. I served the potato salad with Heston's Veal and Tartare burgers which were in themselves amazing and a great compliment to the potato salad.




This potato salad recipe is very light in taste. I like that the recipe calls for plain yogurt as well as mayonnaise. I have re-posted the recipe below but you can also find it on BakinandEggs. (I also used her French Toast recipe.)

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
(Recipe source Confections of a Foodie Bride)
also via


Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain reduced-fat yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (I omitted)
1 green onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup buttermilk
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices thick cut bacon, cooked to a crisp and crumbled (I used Turkey bacon - not as crunchy but better for you)


Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with 1-2 inches of cold water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring potatoes to a boil and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes.
While potatoes are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, green onion, garlic, lemon and buttermilk in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Drain potatoes and transfer to a serving bowl. Let stand for about 10 minutes and then pour half of the ranch dressing over the potatoes and half of the crumbled bacon and gently toss to combine. Refrigerate one hour and then toss with remaining ranch dressing. Top with the rest of the crumbled bacon and garnish with chopped parsley. Return to refrigerator until ready to serve.


Yield: 8-10 servings