Meeting the neighbours

Looks like there's a new neighbour in town. Friendly chap, a tad shy — didn't really have much to say, but nice to meet him nonetheless...

Cheeky Sunday afternoon

I made a cider and apple cake for a birthday treat on a warm summer sunday afternoon. Tasty.

Tasty tasty chocolate cake

So I had a productive Sunday and went all out with a chocolate Guiness giant cupcake. Went down a treat 😊

Food glorious food

People always seem to complain about foodies on the web. 'Why do want to see what someone is eating for tea?' They always moan. I can see where they're coming from when it's some stale BLT from the train station on the way home but when it's something inspiring or just basically delicious then I love a bit of food appreciation. It's creative, mouth watering and inspires me to give something a try. So on that note I'll leave a picture of my scrumptious antipasti I scoffed for lunch earlier today!
Tasty toasted focaccia, a selection of Italian meats, mozzarella with fresh basil, tomatoes and sundried tomatoes and a little bit of perfectly ripened avocado on the side. Delicious!

Hey Blondie!

Independence day 2013 – a day of American celebration. To be a little more specific, one american in particular has a little bit more to celebrate. Debbie Harry observed her 68th year on this planet with a brilliant gig at Newcastle's O2 Academy. 

Scores of fans lined Westgate Road to grab themselves a great spot to partake in a booty shake to old hits and stonkingly good new tunes. The evening started with Lexy and The Kill introducing themselves and proving that the young and confident can do something worthy of a crowd waiting for the aficionados to take the stage.

Before the expertise of Debbie Harry et al made their way in front of the crowd, a crew member made his way  across the stage with a very large bouquet of flowers and placed them centre view. The black sheets were whipped away from Clem Burke's unmistakeable sparkling red drum kit in it's very own perspex booth, Paul Carbonara's mix-up of digital and analog keyboards and the vast array of guitars for both Chris Stein and Tommy Kessler. They were all put straight and tuned to perfection by their crew.

The warm up tracks began to play and the anticipation grew. The mood from the crowd changed when they knew what was about to begin. 

As each of the members of Blondie made their way on stage the audience shouted and screamed – as any adoring fans of any band would do – but as the petite, blonde sixth and final member made her way on stage, the shouting and screaming doubled in volume. The entertainment had arrived.

The band took their audience on a roller coaster of crowd pleasing hits and brand new entities. Clem Burke – an animal on the drums as ever, harmonious, menacing and sexy vocals drive this group of individuals forward from the talented and intelligent lady at the front. She KNOWS how to work the crowd.

A somewhat overlooked band as a creative force these days – what does age have to do with anyway? – I felt a massive growth in their development as something visually pleasing since their last visits to Newcastle and York, two or three years ago. There was a brilliantly animated backdrop which changed with every passing tune they played and fitted well to the construction of their performance and setlist. An experience to be savoured, I can't wait for next time.

Simply brilliant.

The Special One's Renaissance

Mourinho is back. A doodle just for those smiling Chelsea fans...

The Lake Poets in session

The Launderette Sessions is something that everyone should take part in whenever they get the opportunity – a most splendid example of diversity if there ever was one. The Old Cinema Launderette in Gilesgate, Durham has been running as a retro themed organisation for the past couple of years offering to wash your dirty linen as well as stopping by for a hot beverage to quench your thirst. A quirky format in itself but in addition to this, for the past year this establishment has been hosting a series of very intimate gigs known as 'Launderette Sessions'. Hot and cold drinks are at hand for a splendidly social evening or BYOB is offered to host a more jovial affair. A place where you can take in the warm and cosy atmosphere and feel very welcomed to be part of something very special.

Something of a bonus was the night that I decided to attend (Saturday 20th April, 2013) – The Lake Poets were performing. An ever-changing ensemble that I saw supporting The Futureheads in Durham Cathedral last year. An enchanting sound with lyrics so honest and humble, Martin Longstaff will draw you in. His quirky anecdotes add to the warmth of the atmosphere even though the most of his music is based around despair and tales of woe. The trio in our presence this fine evening were a very welcoming bunch. The very handsome drummer squeezed into the background with his snare and symbol and Mr Longstaff and his accompaniment alongside him played a multitude of instruments in the very close foreground.

One of the most memorable gigs I have attended to date. I left the tidy little venue feeling warm and fuzzy. I can't wait until the next time.

 I caught Martin Longstaff's appearance on Look North on Monday (27th May) evening – a successful performance as the Evolution Festival in Gateshead / Newcastle, no less.

If you'd like to catch The Lake Poets live in action theres a performance coming up at Frankie & The Heartstring's forthcoming pop-up shop in Sunderland. They will also be playing at the Gala Theatre in Durham as part of the International Brass Festival in July

Slowed down Sunday

A warm sunny sunday afternoon in May – something of an extraordinary occurrence given the weather of late. What better way to accompany such an occasion than to craft a delicious baked delight. A twist on the expected – Butternut Squash and Chocolate Cake, topped with a gooey dark chocolate ganache. Recipe via

Bank Holiday Seaside Sunshine

A trip to Seaham Harbour for a walk along the pebbled beaches in the afternoon sunshine...

May Day Lunch

A tasty dish for a leisurely lunch on a bank holiday Monday. Lemon, lavender and honey roast chicken and cauliflower bake with hazlenut crunch crust. Yummy in the belly. My take on another delicious recipe from Rachel Khoo.

Lioness

Love her or Hate her...

Margaret Thatcher has gone. This is a monumental moment in itself – the act of shuffling off this mortal coil has un-irked something that was buried deep in people's memories. It's like Thatcher herself has regained power and is once again shaking the foundations of our nation and it's political beliefs. Certainly the hot topic of the moment – everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As I contemplated, I doodled her iconic image. Love her or hate her – Thatcher is part of our national identity and the past cannot be erased.

When browsing the Creative Review I also came across this little gem – The Guardian's simple image summed the situation up perfectly

Easter Sunday Indulgence

A little something to accompany a restful Easter – tasty tasty carrot cake

Lovely Luncheon

Easter Saturday treat – Croque Madame Muffins. A tasty french recipe from Rachael Khoo

Fish Friday

Delicious fresh mackerel from Leeds Kirkgate Market, filleted and roasted with fresh chilli, garlic cloves and lemon. We made Garam Masala red potato wedges and stir fried vegetables to complete a perfectly nutritious meal. A tasty treat to feed a creative brain this Good Friday. Yum.