Lest We Forget...
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them..."
'For The Fallen' - Laurence Binyon (1914)
Caroline Diani's Santa Barbara Home
Caroline Diani, of DIANI Boutique, was born in Kenya (where our fathers, both keen rugby players, became great friends), was raised in England and now lives in Santa Barbara’s Mission Canyon. Married last year, in Monique Lullier, to her actor/musican/photographer husband Jeffrey Doornbos, an original member of The Blue Man Group, the couple’s house is nothing if not stunning. Their understated elegance, effortless blend of driftwood, white walls and African touches, is a dose of Pinterest heaven.
“I was born in Kenya, grew up in England and live in Santa Barbara. I travel often. I’m a buyer for my boutiques and web store. My inspiration for trends comes from observing people in the cafes and on the streets of LA, Paris, and NYC. I’m a wannabe vegan. I’m a die-hard fashionista. I’m crazy about my dogs. Routine drives me nuts. Painting and drawing makes me smile. I’m a photography addict. My happy place is on my paddleboard. I heart chocolate covered almonds, and tequila.”
I, on the other hand, heart Caroline and her house... Oh ok, and tequila.
All photographs courtesy of the talented Lee Lacyd.
Artisan Chocolate Masterclass at Alain Ducasse, at The Dorchester
It’s not often I get invited into the kitchen (my friends and family feel safe in the knowledge that the best thing I make for dinner is reservations!) so to find myself in the famous kitchen at The Dorchester, in a stark white apron with a glass of champagne (is that not normal?!) was really amusing for everyone I know. I am not a great cook, and if I’m honest, I eat to live, not live to eat. I usually eat out at restaurants or, in direct contrast, forage amongst the kitchen cupboards and fridge, picking ferally at whatever I may have acquired at recent supermarket dashes that isn't a magazine or chewing gum…!
So what convinced me to step into the kitchens of Alain Ducasse? One simple, yet powerful word… Chocolate.
Five years ago Alain Ducasse, the king of French fine dining, alongside Nicholas Berger, Alain’s head pastry chef, decided to make chocolate - but not just any chocolate. Positioning themselves as craftsmen, the men managed to preserve the tastes and characteristics of each bean, using traditional vintage machines and time-tested methods, eventually resulting in the 2013 opening of the first bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturing facility in Paris.
I was invited by Nicolas Berger, Exécutif Chocolatier at La Manufacture de Chocolat, to an exclusive, hands-on master class where I was to uncover the secrets behind artisan chocolate-making. Using the finest chocolate imported directly from La Manufacture in Paris, I accompanied Nicolas in creating a range of indulgent puddings (a tarte fine au chocolate and the restaurants signature, and incredible, soufflé) and several bars of chocolate.
I am not going to lie, the creation of the chocolate puddings was agonizing. I am well known for my incorrigible sweet tooth and it took every ounce of maturity and restraint in my body to stop me from launching myself into the giant pans of melted chocolate. I gave the rolling, stirring, piping and decorating a go (embarrassingly, yet unsurprisingly, my varying attempts stood out like sore thumbs amongst the others), and learnt the best methods to melt, mould and work with chocolate. It had indeed been an incredibly interesting afternoon, but lets not kid ourselves here… the best bit was undeniably sitting down in Alain’s beautiful restaurant afterwards, alongside Nicolas, and devouring the fruits of our labour with dark chocolate ice cream. Heaven.
“Everywhere in the world there are tensions—economic, political, religious. So we need chocolate.” Alain Ducasse
Places for chocoholics on this workshop are now available to purchase and will be taking place on the 7th of February and 7th of March 2015. £150.00 pp.
Competition: Muru Jewellery's Dreamcatcher Eternity Necklace
I love wearing my long, gold vermeil Dreamcatcher Eternity Necklace by Muru, a London based jewellery company which draws inspiration from exotic cultures and mythologies. I usually layer my Dreamcatcher, traditionally used by Native American tribes who believed the symbol to trap negative energy and help you achieve your dreams, with other favourites.
If you would like the opportunity to WIN a gorgeous Muru Dreamcatcher Eternity Necklace of your own (RRP. £94.00) follow ‘thelondonchatter’ on Instagram or Twitter, using #TLCComp. The winner will be contacted later this week - Good Luck!
Hello There: Rosie & Twine
I was very spoiled on my birthday this year, when a fresh faced Rosie dropped by my home with this gorrrrgeous jam jar bouquet. Rosie has started 'Rosie & Twine,' a subscription flower company in SW London which delivers beautiful, fresh, British flowers weekly, fortnightly or monthly to your door. Errrrrm… Sign me up (daily?!)
Each bouquet sold also sees £1 donated to the Friends Of The Honey Bee campaign, providing a better future and further bio-diversity to support bees all across Britain.
The service is currently available in the following postcodes:
SW1, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW18 and SW19 and as a launch treat for us all, Rosie is offering a 20% discount code off subscriptions to celebrate: OPENFORBIZ.
My Ralph Lauren #PinkPonyPromise
I am really proud to have made a #PinkPonyPromise in support of The Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation's annual fight against cancer this October. For Each Promise made on Instagram or Twitter this month, Ralph Lauren will donate $10 to the #PinkPonyFund, and an additional $1 for each friend you tag. The money raised, which will hopefully exceed their epic $1 Million target, will go towards helping provide cancer care and treatment to people who may not normally get it.
Cancer unfortunately affects each and every one of us. I hope this initiative helps to raise as much money as possible… there’s still time for you to join in, so get making those promises!
Musical Moment: George Ezra ('Budapest' and 'Blame It On Me')
I have recently become a huge fan of George Ezra, the 21-year-old British troubadour who burst onto the music scene earlier this year. With a number one album, and a recent tour that sold out within a mere 10 minutes (!!!) you will also, no doubt, fall for his soulful, bluesy voice.
Here are my two current favourites from George; ‘Budapest’ and ‘Blame It On Me.’
"Ooh, for you... Ooh, you... Ooh, I'd lose it all..."
"We counted all our reasons, excuses that we made,
We found ourselves some treasure, and threw it all away...
What you're waiting for?"
The Good Web Guide: Top Sites of the Week
I am THRILLED to be included in The Good Web Guide's 'Top Sites of the Week' today! Thank you!
RIP Oscar de la Renta
Known for his bright colour combinations, full skirts and beautiful embellishment, Oscar de la Renta’s romantic and ladylike designs, regularly worn by socialites and starlets, captivated all our imaginations.
My favourite Oscar de la Renta moment? Carrie Bradshaw at MacDonalds…
“Oscar de La Renta sleeveless silk, full-skirted dress with black patent-leather bow belt… Now THAT is pure poetry.”
