Churumuri and Memories of the Seaside

I grew up in a lovely little town by the sea called Mangalore. Back in those days there was no internet, unlimited TV channels or fancy video games. That was no bad thing. Instead, I spent time with my little friends, made up silly games, read books, made papier machie vases and enjoyed a relatively simple life. One of  my favourite things to do as a child was going to the beach for picnics or to the local children's park. Both places sold churumuri ( Manglorean street food), the highlight of these visits. Churumuri was sold in little paper cones and was a mixture of puffed rice, spices and garnished with onions, tomatoes and coriander. It was very moreish. I found some puffed rice in the supermarket whilst on holiday in India and was inspired to re-create that childhood favourite. Churumuri is incredibly easy to make and so very delicious. Here is how you do it.



Serves 6

Ingredients:

250g puffed rice

4 tbsp coconut oil

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 carrot, grated

1 onion, finely chopped

A bunch of coriander leaves

A slice of lemon

2 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp salt
Sev (chickpea noodles)-optional

Method:

Finely chop the onion and tomatoes. Add them to grated carrot and coriander leaves and mix with coconut oil in a large bowl. Add the spices, puffed rice and mix it all well. Squeeze a lime and serve in newspaper cones. Super easy and very tasty!

I'd love to hear about your favourite street food too.  Ann x

Quirky Shops: Either Or Pune, A Visual Delight

There is nothing cooler than a quirky shop with a strong ethos. I stumbled upon Either Or whilst in Pune, India and fell in love with the place. Everything from the shop's front door to all the bric-a-brac it sold had character. More importantly, the store is a supporter of local artisans and designers which, in an age of fast fashion,  is a wonderful thing. I liked the shop so much and Ed took so many photos that I will be writing two posts about this lovely boutique.

Either Or isn't just a fashion store. It sells a lifestyle that encourages ethnic design, sustainable fashion and creative ideas. I can't wait to get back home and hand paint my kilner jars and stuff them with wild flowers. Or perhaps, use block printing to revive a pair or of tired shoes. My favourite things included the intricately embroidered and colourful printed cushion covers, painted teapots, and hand-painted lampshades. The service was also very good-Laxmi and her team treated us to fresh tender coconut water whilst we browsed. Ed and I were impressed. Either Or has two sections within the same building to cater to its large and varied stock. The store also has a little lounging/reading area which stocks some fabulous reads including Handmade in India.

If you are on the look out for unusual fashion items, ethnic jewellery, colourful home decorations- this is the place to head to. Either Or also stocks some fabulous craft sets which are great for kids of all ages. I bought a few sets of crafty things for my little sister and myself. Expect crafty blog posts relating to bandhani and block printing at some point. Also, watch this space for my next post on Either Or featuring one of the designers they support. Keep colourful. Ann x

Fashionable Travel Treasures: Estonian Snow Boots

If you squint hard enough, you can see the positive in every situation. The transition from the balmy weather in India to the freezer that is the UK has not been easy. However, bountiful snow has given the country a postcard quality and made the shift a little bearable. Shoe fiend that I am, I had to get out and play in my *favourite* pair of boots for the occasion. It is an annual tradition developed over the last few snowy years.

Of course, I have to give you the travel tale. Some years ago, I hopped on a boat from Helsinki on a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia's quaint capital city. Clearly, a day isn't enough to take in most places but Tallinn is compact enough to do it. I wandered around the Christmas market in the city square, discovered beautiful churches and street stalls, and bumped into this lovely shoe boutique that sold shoes in classic Estonian knits. I fell in love with these wacky boots and simply had to take them home to the UK-even if there had been very little snow for a few years. My friends giggled at the sight of these mad boots but as you've probably figured-things like that don't put off things I love.

Talk about tempting fate, a year later, the bonkers weather began, now referred to as Extreme Weather Events or EWE. Global warming in so 1990s! The EWE phenomenon has guaranteed a good dump of snow over the last few years which meant my shoe has fulfilled its destiny. Anyway, enough of me rambling about climate change and snow fashion. What do you make of these wacky boots too? And have you picked up whimsical items on your travels?  Ann x

P.S. If you can't travel to Tallinn to buy a similiar pair,  these Tommy & Kate Knitted Boots  are so cute too!

Charity Shops: The Boutique, Pimlico London

I think Mary Portas is an amazing woman. When she gives something her seal of approval, I think its worth noting. So in my quest for amazing charity shops, I found Mary Portas's endorsement of the Crusaid shop in Pimlico. Crusaid has now been reinvented as The Boutique and it is pretty swanky for a charity shop. It is managed by the Terrence Higgins Trust which is the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the UK. It never ceases to amaze me how customer service is often so much better in a charity shop than a say a high street or designer store. The people that work here are often volunteers and not on big bucks but they are always willing to help. Needless to say, customer service was top notch at The Boutique too.

Charity shops are becoming more and more up-market these days and this particular one is a good example. The stock here included brand new Liberty silk scarves (donated by Liberty), Burberry and Tods bags, couture from Balmain and Dior etc. The shop had two rooms; one that focused on art, home decor and books and the other mainly fashion with a sprinkling of all sorts of other things too. I was particularly impressed by its collection coffee table books on travel and fashion and its vintage china.

The Boutique is a short walk from the Pimlico tube station and they also have log where they take note of any items you may be particularly interested in. I've listed vintage Chanel, Givenchy and Mulberry and am eagerly waiting for a phone call. Happy charity shopping!  Ann x

 

Floaty Light Maxis, Classic Margiela and Pune Nightlife

While its snowing in the UK, I am absorbing sunshine, vitamin D and culture during my last few days in India. I love wearing floaty maxis in sunny weather, it gives one an air of carefree-ness and summer light. I love them better when they are made for my petite frame. Next did a bloody fabulous job last year and this colourblock maxi from their SS12 collection is a wardrobe favourite. And, it is perfect weather for the temperate weather here in Pune. True to my style, I stalked it for months and bought it for a 60% off in the January sales. Also, it is easily dressed up or down using the right accessories.

I've teamed my maxi with a Margiela for H&M Glove Clutch which is a re-edition from AW 2007/8 collection. And, I got it 60% off in the H&M sales- very lucky indeed. Top tip: Most designer/ high-street collaborations have a peak phase when everyone buys everything they can. However, if you are patient and observant enough, a few pieces will come back and slip into the sale. That is when frugal fashionistas should buy. I did just that with Marni for H&M too.

Here, I am dressed up to go out for a few cocktails in downtown Pune. Pune is a bit like Mumbai's younger sister- it has plenty of good restaurants, bars and live music venues and caters to a large student population. We checked out the Kue Bar which is a brilliant venue, nice enough cocktails and music. I was particularly impressed by its decor. They did not allow indoor photography at Kue Bar so I've sourced this photo from a write up by Ankur Borwankar. I love a city with many endearing faces and Pune is just that. Traditional Maharashtrian yet free spirited and willing to embrace the new.

Sending you virtual sunshine and cocktails. Ann x

Halo Halo There!

I've discovered that the joys of travel can be re-created within the confines of your home through poring over old photos and trying out exotic recipes. One of my most interesting travel food experiences was whilst we were in Manila. Ed and I walked into this little restaurant that was doing a buffet of local food. The place, though busy, did not have a single tourist in sight (other than ourselves) and I took that to be a good sign. We tucked into a variety of local delicacies including the most random dessert ever, Halo Halo. Halo Halo literally means 'mix mix'. Whilst the traditional Halo Halo recipes (including what we tasted in Manila) include beans, shaved ice, rice, coconut water jelly, jackfruit, yam and evaporated milk, you can be flexible with the ingredients. I've made two versions of the recipe so far and my favourite one is below.



And whilst I tuck into this little delightful dessert, I am reminiscing about an adventurous day off our cruise ship in Manila; exploring little alleyways, posing with lady boys, witnessing some incredible ice skating, taking in the city's culture and history and smiling at the best health & safety poster I'd seen in a long time.

Ingredients:

Sharon fruit, chopped

Kiwi, chopped

Nata De Coco ( can be bought from Asian stores)

Ice-cream (any flavour, I used vanilla)

Mixed nuts

Evaporated milk

Grenadine liqueur

Method:

Fill the glass/serving dish with 1 cm'ish layers of the various ingredients. Choose any structure you fancy. I started mine with a layer of nuts and followed on with grenadine, ice-cream, kiwi, coconut gel, ice-cream, sharon fruit, coconut water gel and some more ice-cream. Pour evaporated milk over this mixture and its good to serve. I'd love to know if you've made Halo Halo too and what your versions looked like. Ann x

Fashionable Travel Treasures: Cos I love a Masai Necklace

Those who have known me long enough will know of my long quest for a Masai beaded necklace. I wanted a beautiful, handmade and brightly coloured piece of bead art. For years, I trawled though craft markets, ethinic stores and the internet but failed to find the perfect one. Eventually, I did find one whilst visiting a Masai village in Tanzania but the Chief's son wanted to over-charge ($50) me for it. I know when I'm being given a tourist price. I would not have minded if the proceeds went to the woman who made it but I knew that wasn't the case. Then, whilst at the government shop in Ngorongoro, I found The Necklace. It only took me about seven years to find it but I think it was well worth the wait, especially as it comes with a travel story. If you fancy buying African jewellery, try the Con-fused Arts online shop for some gorgeous pieces.

I wear the necklace as often as I can. It only cost me $15 but I've not found another piece of jewellery that makes me happier (except of course my wedding bling). I sometimes dress it down with a black polo neck top and jeans or dress it up with a silk blouse. My favourite combination though is with my white poplin Cos dress. I've been called a 'Victorian ghost', 'hospital worker' and 'poor orphan' whilst in this dress by those without an eye for fashion- you know who you are ;). It has not put me off in the slightest. Cos is one of my favourite high-end high-street brands and the quality and style of this dress speaks for itself. And, I'd definitely recommend the Cos sales.

What do you make of the outfit? Have you got a cherished piece of jewellery from your travels too? Ann x

Photography by Edward Chandler

Exploring The Lake City, Udaipur, India

Udaipur has always brought to mind mystical palaces, beautiful lakes, James Bond, history and romance. It has often been called 'Venice of the East'. I was very much looking forward to our few days in the Lake City and was quietly hoping that my romantic notions would not be shattered. The drive from the Airport to Udaipur was uneventful but as soon as we got to the historic centre, regal elephants and dieting cows welcomed us. The old town is densely built up and many of the old mansions (havelis) have now been converted into affordable B&Bs. We chose to stay in one such haveli overlooking the lake Pichola. The sunsets from our terrace were stunning and Udaipur at night looked just as magical.

I could write reams about what to do and see in Udaipur but my best advise would be to slow down and savour the history and beauty surrounding you. I must admit that there isn't anything particularly romantic about the wider city itself. It is just another Indian city with similar volumes of traffic, noise, colour and chaos. However, there are a few interesting palaces and gardens dotted around the visit that are well worth a visit.

To See: The City Palace, Jagmandir Palace and Monsoon Palace are all well worth a visit. I enjoyed our leisurely stroll around the City Palace and watching the sun go down from there in the evening. The Monsoon Palace was the setting for Octopussy. You can take a boat ride up to Jagmandir for about Rs.500. We also had an interesting time overcoming multiple building hazards to visit the puppetry making workshop on top of one the cities many terraces. There are plenty of  touristy tours available should you feel a bit lost or want a quick overview of the main attractions. I'd recommend exploring the place by foot, Lonely Planet in hand.

Culture: I always try and get a taste of the local culture whilst visiting a place. There are a couple of places in Udaipur that organise Rajasthani music and dance evenings. You can enjoy a few hours of Ghoomar dancing, folk music and puppetry which are all suitably entertaining albeit a little bit scary. I'd like to know how those women manage to dance with multiple earthen pots on their heads or with pots with fire.

Shopping: Rajasthani embroidery and textiles are hugely popular and there plenty of places to buy them. I'd recommend getting out of the tourist zone and heading to the less magical city centre to buy them. You can (and indeed) should politely haggle- you don't want to be taken for a dumb tourist.

Eating: There are many restaurants around Udaipur that serve a traditional Rajasthani thali which is worth trying. You also have plenty of bastardized curries to suit the western palate. I'd recommend the Ambrai restaurant  and Jagat Niwas Haveli in particular for impeccable setting, stunning views and great food.

Accomodation: Udaipur caters to all price ranges. If you have enough to splurge, there are stunning hotels like the Oberoi Udai Vilas and Taj Lake Palace that cost up to $800 for a night's stay. If like us, you are a regular person, try havelis that cost anywhere from $40-100 for a night's stay.

My favourites: There are three things that I'd definitely recommend, 1) Indian style afternoon tea at Fateh Prakash Palace, 2) Cocktails at Jagat Niwas in the little cushioned seating area overlooking the lake Pichola and 3) Beautiful white embroidered bed spreads from one of the many textile shops

I hope you get to travel to Udaipur some day- it is well worth a visit. Ann x

Photography by Edward Chandler
 

Quirky Shops: Bird's Yard Leeds

  

My early memories of UK high-street fashion included its mind-numbing sameness. It was like everyone that lived here went to the same school of fashion cloning. I was terribly bored and responded by stomping around wearing brightly coloured mekhalas and ethnic fashion items. After all, what is the fun is looking exactly like the person standing next to you? Of course I had not yet discovered Brick Lane or other quirky corners of this country where fashion rebellion does exist. Though I've now relaxed my stance on the high-street  (I love Cos, Zara, Mango, H&M collaborations, River Island etc.), I continue to feel fashion fatigue. 

 

It was in in response to this fatigue that I started my quest for unique and original fashion. I found that little dress-agencies selling retro fashion, charity shops and small boutiques are often the best bets for finding quirky and one-off fashion items. I usually research a place in advance of visiting to ensure I optimise time. However, I love surprise finds like Bird's Yard in Leeds. I was walking back from a meeting in Leeds to the train station when I spotted this store. It has a relatively unassuming exterior but is a veritable treasure trove of vintage couture, quirky fashion and unique home accessories inside.

Bird's Yard is an collection of independent boutiques selling vintage fashion, jewellery and home accessories including up-cycled chairs and handmade cushion covers.I love the Bird's Shell store in particular (on the topmost floor) which sells and hires out unique and highly embellished items of clothing. I also found an original 1930's tan satchel which felt like meeting history face-to-face. Bird's Yard is probably the only place in Leeds that stocks Tatty Devine, another favourite.The other interesting items included coke, beer and juice bottle tops recycled to make earrings, and cointreau and gin bottles recycled as lampshades. The downstairs is home to the Marvellous Tea Room which is kitsch and welcoming. I loved Bird's Yard so much that I could not stop myself from taking far too many photos. Some of my favourites are here. Have you got any favourite independent stores where you live? I tend to travel around the UK a fair bit so I'd love to discover other unique stores after a long working day. Ann x 

LBD Recycled Part 3: Inspiration from Coco

 Who doesn't like a bit of Chanel?! Coco's iconic pieces of couture have not gone out of fashion even after several decades. But in answer to that question, my wallet may not be that keen. So when Mango launched their recent Kate Moss collection, I was thrilled to find this classic boucle jacket. Its been on my wish list for a good few months and I recently gave in. The jacket costs a fraction of its original inspiration but is really well made and beautiful. I shop at ASOS a lot and use their 'save' option to keep track of my favourite pieces. Every so often, ASOS reduces the cost of certain items for a very short time. I managed to buy this jacket for 30% off.

The other point of discussion here is my recycled little black dress. A change in accessories and my Chanel inspired jacket, my LBD is transformed again. Despite my quirky tastes, I find classic pieces like this jacket and my LBD useful building blocks for my wardrobe and no-brainers for stressful mornings. Have you got any ideas on how to rejuvenate a regular dress? Ann x

Dress: Thrift store find. Jacket: Mango Boucle Chain Jacket from ASOS. Bag: Zara Plaited Shopper. Shoes: M&S collection