Butter by Nadia

This summer I have so many parties, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, christenings, the list is endless. 

The very idea of having to buy a dress for each event is enough to have my credit card quivering in the corner. 

Thankfully, those of you who have been following me for a while will know that I have an Ace up my sleeve. 

One dress, you can wear a hundred different ways. 

It's from a range called Butter by Nadia. 

The dresses are made of the most sumptuous cotton jersey, which makes them ideal for traveling as you can just fling them into a bag without worrying about creases. 

Worried about being caught in the same dress at two different parties? 

Just pull the ol' switcheroo with the straps & voila! A whole new dress. 

You can choose just how demure or slinky you want to be and the empire line cut means it flatters all shapes & sizes.
I know lots of women who use them as bridesmaid dresses, so that everyone can find a style that suits them.
I found my royal blue Summer saviour at Stanwell's Boutique, but I also have one in silky black, which I wore to The Boodles Boxing Ball & a little navy cotton number which I wore in Harbour Island.

You can never have too much Butter!
They aren't cheap, but I'm a big believer in paying for quality. My others have lasted for years, so I know this beauty will do a lifetime of service.
If the idea of playing Transformers with your wardrobe tickles your pickle, have a look at the website.
I have my eye on the navy maxi version...
But if you can't find a colour you like, try here.


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Cooking With Poo

I have a very childish sense of humor, I also love a worthy cause. 

For me, this made "Cooking With Poo" utterly irresistible! 

It's a new cook book from a chef called Poo (Saiyuud Diwong) who teaches children in the slums of Thailand to cook and helps them to find jobs. 

Her book is beautifully presented & jam packed with authentic, simple recipes bursting with flavour. 

I thought I'd give you a little taster, just to whet your appetite.

So here's my version of her Yam Neua (or Spicy Beef Salad to you & me). 

To serve 2 people, you'll need:

2 good quality fillet steaks
2 whole chillies, chopped
1/2 a red onion, finely chopped
2 large, ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 spring onions, chopped
4 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
1 stick of lemongrass, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp fish sauce
Handful fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce

Chop all of your ingredients (except for the steak) and throw them into a bowl with your sauces.

In a very, very hot pan sear your steaks. They'll need about a minute on each side, as you want them to be rare.
(If you hate rare beef, you could cook them through, I'm sure it would still be delicious.)

Once browned, place your steaks on a chopping board and slice them, as thinly as you can.

Pop your steak into the bowl with all your other ingredients, toss & serve immediately.

Incredibly fresh, authentic thai flavours, hugely rich in protein, iron, antioxidants, vitamin C and guess what?
That whole plate contains less than 250calories!
The protein will ensure you fill up, but if you're trying to cut back this is a great option.
Poo's book is full of goodies just like this & by buying it, you'll be helping her work with underpriveledged children in some of Thailand's worst slums.
Go on, buy it here and tell a friend!


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Project, London

I'm getting more and more requests for blog posts talking about London's best bars & clubs. 

I wasn't sure how I should approach 'reviewing' nightclubs. 

Do I take pictures of the DJ? Artistically arrange a few bottles of beer and talk about the quality of the airconditioning? 

So I figured I'd just bring you along on a night out with the girls! (Photographically, of course.) 

This weekend we went to what I think is one of the best clubs in London, Project. 

Still in its infancy, people queue around the block to get in and experience what this new kid's got to offer.

Awesome music (mostly house with classical live performers thrown into the mix), incredibly beautiful dancers and more celebrities than you can shake a stick at (but you shouldn't, they don't like it very much). 

But to be perfectly honest, the reason I like it is the crowd. 

No sleaze bags, no one trying to grope you or chat you up. You can just grab your best girlfriends & dance the night away.

Which is just what we did! 

If you're into West End parties, I highly recommend a trip. Project's got the scene sewn up.

Website's here. 

For table & guestlist requests email: info@projectclublondon.com

Ps. I wore a purple silk dress by All Saints (sold out, but Topshop have a similar version here.)
Henrietta wore an orange lace creation from Topshop. Zara wore a black leather beauty from Armani Exchange & Ianthe wore sexy little pastel shorts from Urban Outfitters.


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La Cave à Fromage

La Cave in South Kensington is one of my favourite places to grab lunch with friends.
A little taste of Euro-chic in an otherwise cold & wet London town.
You sit up at rickety, tall tables for two while friendly shop assistants buzz & fuss around you chattering about new cheeses & combinations you have to try.
From the second you walk in you're transported to Barcelona, Paris or Roma... not bad for a little cheese shop on the corner.

The menu is very, very simple.
In fact, I think there's only a choice of two plates... meat or cheese.
I'm always sure to go with a friend, so I can have both!

A platter of freshly cut hams & salamis will be delivered to your table and your waiter will explain what is what & where it's from.

Then... the cheese will arrive.
The main event.
The reason we're all here.
The big cheese, if you will.

8-10 different types of cheeses, from all over Europe will be displayed infront of you.
The waiter will explain the variations and insist that you make your way around the board in one direction.
They're laid out according to strength, so this will ensure that your pallet isn't overwhelmed.
It's very serious business this cheese eating.

My favourite was the ludicrously rich brie, topped with flavoured honey.
But you all know I'm a sucker for salty/sweet by now.

When you're done with your lunch, I highly recommend a browse around the fridges & cupboards.

Without fail I leave with bags & boxes piled high with soft cheeses, meats & baguettes.

If you're looking for an unpretentious, inexpensive but delicious lunch stop, I highly recommend it.
Lunch for two, with drinks is usually around £25.
You'll find them here & I never bother with a reservation, they can usually squeeze you in.
If you're not London based, they also have a website where you can order a cheese selection.
Get it delivered to your desk, put on your best beret, curl your moustache & enjoy your own little Parisien daydream.
Oh la la!

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