miss b loves.......spring in Istanbul....part one

A couple of weeks ago we spent another hectic yet fascinating  long weekend in Istanbul. As promised, here is part one of our very busy schedule........ 
Saturday began with a visit to Topkapi Palace which was home to the Ottoman Sultans, their many concubines, children and servants for nearly 400 years and was the heart of the Ottoman Empire.                      

miss b loves..........colour in the kitchen

My new Iznik pot stand from Istanbul has inspired a new kitchen colour scheme.......well, we were ready for an injection of colour ........

Espresso maker from Homesense
Le Creuset spatulas from Debenhams

Oven gloves from Homesense

Striped cushion from Laura Ashley
Ginko Leaf cushions from Next

I spotted these cute tea light holders as I was shopping at Sainsbury's and thought they would be perfect on one of the  glass shelves...

For the last few weeks I've been drawn like a magnet to all things orange, purple and olive...... We sometimes have lunch on Saturdays at a lovely casual restaurant called Food by Breda Murphy in Whalley. On the way out, I couldn't resist this Voluspa candle in their gift shop - I knew the colour would be just right and  it smells divine too (vacarro orange and myrhh). The coasters were another find on our travels - the souk in Dubai.  

It's surprising how a few accessories can make such a difference but when will this obsession with colour stop........!

Chilli oil - the perfect shade!

PS I have 100 followers!! Thank you, everyone....I'm so delighted and really appreciate your support. Welcome to Meroda,my 100th follower. 

miss b loves......... cappuccino art

I have an addiction to cappuccino and I'm always impressed with the patterns on the milk froth especially in one of my favourite local cafés - Java  in  Lytham St Annes

Java cappuccino- no stencil used!

It's good to see cafés making an effort, even if they do use a stencil...........

Costa coffee beans and M&S Fairtrade

I thought I might have a go at home and came across a couple of videos....How to 'draw' a leaf and a bear...........

and finally a face!! - perhaps just a little ambitious for me!!..............

so I'll just keep practising with my new coffee stencils  .................

....but you may have to wait a while to see a work of art.....

miss b loves...........spring

Spring has arrived here in the North-West of England - thank goodness for that! It has to be one of my favourite times of the year.......

1. Walking through the market square in Poulton-le-Fylde at the weekend we spotted this gorgeous blue sky and the croci at St Chad's Church. 
2 and 3. Tête à Tête dwarf daffodils and quince blossom starting to flower in our garden.
4. Local teenagers have made cute signs warning motorists about the frogs on our lane! 

I couldn't resist taking a couple of iPhone photos at our newly extended M&S store......

Spring kitchen at 
M&S Home department

Pretty Mother's Day
 gifts at M&S

Yes! Spring is certainly here!!!