My Bangkok Nature Challenge by Alex Bannard – Thailand correspondent

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Challenged by a friend on Facebook to photograph something natural and post it everyday for a week turned into a beautiful journey.

Recently I was tagged on Facebook to complete a nature challenge and I was filled with dread. We all know the feeling – one’s to do list already seems over-burdened or the challenge seems simply not possible. It’s almost like the 21st century chain-letter – if you don’t forward to 20 people within an hour your life will implode, you will grow an extra nose and you certainly won’t ever attain riches beyond your wildest dreams.

OK so I over-exaggerate a little but this photo challenge involved posting daily for a week a photograph of nature and nominating one of your friends daily to accept the same gauntlet. I balked. And procrastinated and thought ‘But I live in a city’ and dreaded burdening other friends and and and…

Well, of course I did the ostrich thing for three days and eventually ventured out with the dog for her morning walk around our Moobaan, armed with my phone. I don’t usually take my phone as I believe the walk is more mindful without it. I focus on the bird sounds (the for-real bird, the one who squawks ‘for-real-for-real’) and try to allow my thoughts to drift across my mind like clouds in the blue sky. And all of that dippy hippy stuff.

It was a revelation: I discovered beautiful flowers hanging from trees, bushes or in potted plants. I absolutely love the frangipani flower which we all regularly see on the ground in Thailand and decorating our plates but this time I noticed some that hadn’t quite opened in the morning sun’s warmth. But the frangipani wasn’t the only one, because I realised that there are many other spectacularly beautiful flowers if only one looks.

My friend’s housekeeper later told me that one bloom is collected by the locals to cook in oyster sauce, and that’s obviously what the stout old lady was doing one morning as her maid obediently following behind carrying handfuls of these flowers.

I looked more closely at the bark of the trees the dog sniffs around every day. I noticed the different textures in the different grasses at our feet. I looked upwards and discovered papayas, pomegranates and bananas hanging off neighbour’s trees.

I am sure the security and gardeners wondered what that mad Farang was doing, one foot on the dog’s lead, kneeling down with her phone trying to get the perfect shot of a dead flower on the ground. To be honest I didn’t care because I was in that all important flow state where time flies by and nothing else matters other than what you are doing. Kids are naturally in this state and it is somehow conditioned out of us as we grow up but it is so therapeutic and extremely good for you.

But best of all I was totally mindful of my surroundings, seeing things I hadn’t noticed before and appreciating once again how very lucky we are to live in this vibrant, bustling, busy city of Bangkok. You just have to open your eyes and slow down to appreciate its nature and beauty and I realised then I can never have enough of frangipani.

So thank you for the challenge, and I hope those I nominated also found it to be a time of similar revelation and calm.

And another lesson…if I had allowed my initial reaction to this challenge to dominate I would never have experienced these revelations and therein lies another revelation: don’t judge, stay curious and open because there is so much more to life if you do.

Alex has lived the nomadic life of an expat for over a decad living in the Middle East, Istanbul, Germany and recently settling with her family in Thailand. She teaches yoga in Bangkok and when not on her yoga mat, waxes lyrical about her oversea adventures. Contactable via: masteryoga@elbolivng.com

30 Days of Gratitude Day Twelve #30daysofgratitude

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Yesterday I had quite a stressful day. If only I made a list of things I was sick of, I thought, it would be so much easier than my gratitude list. After I thought this I began to wonder if it was true. Life is hard for all of us, no matter how it looks on the outside. We all have problems and stress. Sometimes our inner world is full of pain and turmoil will those on the outside look at us thinking we have it all together, or envy what we have. There are some emotions I never allow myself to indulge in: envy and jealousy are two of these. If someone has something that I want, I either go and get if for myself, or I deal with it in a mature way. We don’t all get what we want, and neither should we. So today I am grateful for what I do have. As I write this the sun is coming in through the blinds and some beautiful roses my parents bought me for my first Mothers’ Day are on the table. It is a Saturday so my husband is at home. This is when I am most happy: when I have my family around me. So today I am grateful for being loved enough to be sent flowers, grateful for my boys, and grateful just to have so much to be grateful for. Even if, on bad days, I feel that it can not rival all of the things getting on my last nerve.

Catch up on other days:

Day 1.
Day 2.

What are you grateful for?

The Flower Poem by Krystal Volney

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Flower so bright,
Flower so new.
Why does the humming bother you?
Spending your time, wishing you knew.
Speak with honour.
Stand with dignity.

Suppose the humming stopped humming,
what say you?
Trees look down on you and say nothing.
Let your nectar stay sweet and let the sun delight in your fashion.
The wind blows alone but it feels your presence.
Its spirit feels the fluster of your petals.
Trying to grasp onto one. Just one.
Till it realizes that you stand firm.

Your leaves whisper sweet nothings,
proclaiming your fun and varying colour.
Pretty with no inside jollifies the leaves when falling down.
Don’t let whispers tell your time for they too want to see you fall.
The branches watch everything with intentions of mocking you.
They too want to see everything falling, leaves and all.
They see it fit to stand out in front of everything.
When the rain falls, they laugh to see you drained.
They dry faster more than anything.
But don’t wilt flower.
Flowers are meant to stay beautiful.

Talking about the poem: (The explanation & extended thought)
It refers metaphorically to individuals (both women and men) that are seen as the flower (with radiant petals and nectar).

The green leaves are filled with chlorophyll(that illustrate envy) and are split typically into two halves on the leaf & as well as the back and front of the leaf meaning two-faced people with lines on them relating to compliments (envious persons).™ Green in this scenario demonstrates envy although the colour green in other cases symbolizes learning, growth and harmony.

“Pretty with no inside” can be elucidated through comprehending that each society has a different view of what is “pretty” poetically such as the Padaung Hill Tribe (women) or fitness (men) because there are multifarious species of flower on the earth. Without an inside representing nectar after the hummingbird has taken away the nectar or tried to sabotage the flower, the leaves become jollified as the seasons change.

The green leaves are jollified when the flower has no inside which displays the change from green to red & yellow colour in autumn at the time of leaf fall, emblematic for happiness, power and enlightenment.™ The branches deal with those who are rough in mentality & ruthless who are not blown away by beauty, (often attracting & entertaining friends such as snakes that coil and wrap around them). The trees express older and more ‘mature’ individuals who have been existent for centuries( stressing on the maturity and experience) or in decades (human life expectancy with experience at hand). The ‘humming’ refers to the sounds of the humming bird which is metaphorical IN POETRY & in this particular situation for people who are ‘haters’ connoting that the flower has both outward beauty & sweet nectar (sweet interior representative in the world for flair, talent, great personality or just in general something good about them based on perception); there will be envy expected, fuss and gossip as well in society because of its reputation. The drama!!! The humming bird goes by most flowers as most have nectar. The wind deals with the cold-hearted and lonely people in the world that desire to feel the energy of the petals. The flower is often mocked by the branches because flowers are present everywhere around the planet. The leaves are always whispering and hoping that the flower will fall as well.

However, in the end it ought not fall apart. The sun is the star of the solar system delighting in the fashion of the flower and its poise in Spring.

(This was the first poem written in the year 2010).

The Changing Seasons at Kew by Kelly Snow

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

During late winter I take myself off to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

‘What?’ I hear the protests. ‘Stomping through 300 acres of bare trees, empty flowerbeds and mud with temperatures dipping the wrong side of double digits?’

Ah, but think of the sprinkling of purple crocuses amongst trampled grass and, further on, the daffodils.

These flowers herald that a new season is on its way, one that means colour and warmth and the hope that things are changing for the better. A few days ago I went along to see the garden’s annual orchid display. The display promised ‘a floral feast to seduce the senses.’ In many ways, it delivered.

The orchids were nothing short of stunning with their vibrant colours and intricately engineered petals. Even their scent was alluring: nothing too heady, just a gentle waft to keep tourists (and pollinators) interested.

Kew made the display intriguing, even sexy, by using spotlight ultraviolet lighting to reveal the orchids’ patterns and markings, used to attract insects and hence propagate themselves.

I wondered, however, if it wasn’t enough just to walk through the display and be awed by the variety and sophistication of the flowers? Having said that, I was fascinated to learn in a video presentation that there is an orchid that traps insects inside its flower, curling its petals around its prey, like a cage, until the plant is pollinated.

I looked for this orchid, touching the tip of my finger to the centre of each purple plant as illustrated in the video, without success. So, perhaps better signage wouldn’t have gone amiss?

The official orchid display runs from February to March every year, but if you’re quick you might still spot them in bloom at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. And there is plenty more to see during the transitional months: the desert and savannah plants, arboretum, the world’s oldest potted plant – a rather wonky palm – and the tree top trail 18 metres up (empty branches, but a great view).

The Alpine house is certainly a highlight with its crags and waterfalls; the mountain plants exhibit more determination than parents queuing for coffee in the café. And speaking of cafés, I was thrilled to find gluten- and dairy-free soup and cakes on offer, making Kew not only a feast for the eyes but my stomach as well.

Upcoming events at Kew include the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition (now until 5 April) and ‘Shaun the Sheep’ will be visiting for the children during the Easter Holidays.

For more information, visit www.kew.org

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Frostie

Mother’s Day is on the 15th of March this year and It is time to spoil the most important women in your life. Here is our handy guide to gift-buying for Mother’s Day.

Ringtons loose tea and infuser gift box

We love this. The tea is absolutely amazing and the infuser is easy to use and looks great.

The fantastically presented loose tea infuser sets come in a stylish Ringtons cream and gold gift box, decorated with the famous Ringtons crest. The sets include a Ringtons tea infuser – a simple device designed to take the fuss out of preparing loose tea and bring out the full flavour of the leaves – and three full size packet of expertly selected loose teas as well as three x 30g sample blends.

The Luxury Great British Tea Infuser Gift Box (top image) • £22.99

Includes: Traditional English Breakfast loose tea (125g), Afternoon Blend loose tea (125g), and Classic 1907 loose tea (125g), and 3 x 30g samples.

The Luxury Taste the Exotic Tea Fuser Gift Box

• £22.99

Includes: Bird of Paradise loose tea (50g), Samavor Orange Spice loose tea (125g), and Mint Marrakech loose tea (125g), and 3 x 30g samples.

The Ringtons Signature loose teas featured and Ringtons gift boxes are available via mail order at www.ringtons.co.uk or via customer care on Freephone 0800 052 2440.

Some Flowers.

Try The Fantastic ‘Summer Memories’ Bouquet – Fresh Flowers with free Delivery

The Notebook on DVD

Mother And Daughter Message Bangle from notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Thank You Print by Rosie Robins from notonthehighstreet.com

Mum’s Measure Wine Glass by Becky Broome from notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Family Tree Cushion by A Type Of Design from notonthehighstreet.com

Cocktails are always a good idea….

Quintessentially Vodka Rhubarb Rickey

35ml Quintessentially Vodka

12.5ml Rhubarb liqueur / syrup

12.5ml Fresh lime

Soda (top up)

Method: place the Quintessentially Vodka, rhubarb syrup and fresh lime in a tall glass, adding ice and a spritz of soda.

To finish, stir a few times before adding a wedge of lime.

What will you be doing for your mother?

How Well Do We Know Our Friends?

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I met Paloma at a Tweetup in Ealing. It was towards the end of the night and it was almost a fluke that we met, and a very happy one at that. At the time she worked for the Ealing Gazette and she interviewed me for it. This was a marker for our future friendship: she is generous, giving and always looks for opportunities to help people. She really is a true friend and is now my chief bridesmaid at my wedding in July. When I met her I thought she was beautiful, nice, sweet, smart, a decent person and great company. All things turned out to be true.

However, it was a little embarrassing doing the Flowers of Holland competition challenge which is hosted on their Facebook page, because I learned that, even though we know a lot about each other, there is quite a bit I don’t! Almost like a Mr and Mrs challenge where the guy does really badly. For the challenge, if you guess your best friend’s favourite flower correctly you are entered to win a bouquet of flowers. Which is pretty cool so take the challenge yourself.

I will find out soon if my answers were even slightly correct, but what I do know is that we have loads in common: we have the same anniversary with our fiancees’, got engaged at the same time, are the same age, are the youngest with two older siblings…the list goes on. You can take part in the competition yourself here.

What is my friend’s favourite cafe?

It will be somewhere amazing that no one else had heard of yet. She is good at finding the buzzing places before they are trendy.

What’s my friends’ favourite place to shop?

She has good style but is also not too frivolous. I reckon she might like Topshop and will also know lots of out-of-the-way boutiques and shops that no one else knows about.

What’s my friend’s favourite city?

London I reckon. It is an amazing city and she grew up in London.

What’s my friend’s favourite movie?

Oh, hard one. Maybe Dirty Dancing? It is pretty classic and most women like it.

What’s my friend’s favourite flower?

Roses I think. Paloma is elegant.

What’s my friend’s favourite fragrance?

Maybe something from Dior.

I hope I got some of these right! I now nominate two excellent bloggers, http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk and http://www.lookwhatigot.co.uk/ to do the challenge. Good luck gals!

Take the challenge yourself and leave your link below, I would love to read it.

Simple Flower Arranging: Step-By-Step Designs & Techniques Book Review

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Frostie

Although this is in the wedding section the book works well for every day and every occasion. Simple Flower Arranging: Step-By-Step Designs & Techniques by Mark Welford & Stephen Wicks is a money-saving book, but also one with hours of funfor the creative and people who love flowers. Written by ex-Royal Ballet dancers and the owners of the award-winning destination florist Bloomsbury Flowers in Covent Garden, Mark Welford & Stephen Wicks have written a book to let blooming florists make amazing arrangements.

The book guides you through designs and techniques. There are over 60 different projects and the book teaches you to bring the professional touch to your arrangements. There are a lot of insider tips and it is very easy to read and understand.

The book also lets you take things around the home and use them to create great arrangements. The getting started section leaves you with a lot of knowledge; going through colour palette, vases, flower shapes, foliage and basic equipment. There is also chapters on maintence and tips.

The pictures and illustrations in the book are not only beautiful, but also make it easy to follow, along with the step-by-step guide. This is a very good book which allows you to make beautiful arrangements for every occasion.

Simple Flower Arranging is available here

The Set Table: The Art of Small Gatherings

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Some books are just beautiful and deserve to be endlessly browsed. The Set Table is such a book. It is a beautifully designed and full of endless domestic pleasures.

For those of us who are not domestic (me!) a guide on linen, cutlery and the art of small gatherings is a much needed and much appreciated thing. If you ever wanted to know how to buy or make linen this book tells you how. It also tells you how to get stains out and the different types of linen. Buying second hand crockery and types of crockery are also covered. Along with shapes and sizes. It also goes through different materials and tells you how to clean silver.

Hannah Shuckburgh is features editor of Conde Nast’s Easy Living magazine and you can tell. This is a classy book which will surely turn it’s readers into dinner party gods and goddesses. I loved the illustrations. The one on cutlery shapes will never have you confused about the difference between your bouillon and salt spoon again.

I also love the chapter on food. You can add lots to a meal with bread, water and sauces and this book really lets you know how.

An adorable, educational book. Brilliant illustrations and lots of useful information.

Simple and beautiful ideas for laying the table is the subject of The Set Table. From supper for two on a candlelit urban roof terrace to a picnic lunch for friends on the sitting-room carpet, the look is effortlessly artistic and uncomplicated, celebrating the intimate and unique experience of eating well. With ideas for every aspect of a well-set
table – from napkins to glassware, cutlery to lighting – Hannah Shuckburgh inspires you to make even the smallest of gatherings very special with modest resources.

Genius tips on how to unearth good crockery in junk shops; easy guides for simple but special things to make at home; ideas for styling supermarket flowers and recipes for delicious homemade condiments are accompanied by soulful photography by Charlotte Bland and illustrations by Lydia Starkey. The Set Table is about clearing away the clutter and complications of daily life creating a warm, welcoming setting for unforgettable meals with the people you love.

Hannah Shuckburgh is features editor of Conde Nast’s Easy Living magazine. She also has written for Vogue, The Times, The Independent and The Huffington Post.

The Set Table: The Art of Small Gatherings

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: flowers

My Bangkok Nature Challenge by Alex Bannard – Thailand correspondent

30 Days of Gratitude Day Twelve #30daysofgratitude

The Flower Poem by Krystal Volney

The Changing Seasons at Kew by Kelly Snow

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

How Well Do We Know Our Friends?

Simple Flower Arranging: Step-By-Step Designs & Techniques Book Review

The Set Table: The Art of Small Gatherings

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