IrishGirlInEdinburgh's Profile

Carole - this is just gorgeous! Well done - it's beautiful & relaxing but with funky touches that stop it from being too girly. Is the bedding Anthropologie?

This is super-quick & delicious. For 2 people, put 8oz spaghetti on to boil. While it's cooking, put several tbsps EV olive oil into a small saucepan with a finely sliced clove of garlic, half a red chilli, minced, the zest of half a lemon & s&p. Warm this gently but don't allow to boil. Drain the cooked pasta & stir in the aromatic oil with some torn basil & grated parmesan. Ok, so the parmesan makes it 7 ingredients ... but it only takes 12 minutes to make!

Bermia - what is a girasole? I only know its Italian meaning as sunflower (& the explanation of the common name of Jerusalem artichokes - them being part of the sunflower family - arising from girasole & Jerusalem sounding alike). Living in Edinburgh, I do know what a spurtle is - but have never needed to use one! Do you just use it for stirring your risotto, & is it any better than a wooden spoon with a pointed corner?

I had started to write a response about using silks & velvets in purples/ pinks/ oranges for cushions & bolsters, & adding an item of old painted/ dark wood furniture as a contrast against the white - but then I remembered this tour from Re-nest, which says everything I would suggest & more, in pictures ... http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/green-tours/nancy-davids-restored-ranch-green-tour-155290.

They have mixed & layered strong colours & interesting textures with a fabulous collection of old & new pieces - including lots of gorgeous antique rugs - against a clean white backdrop (& white sofas), to create one of my very favourite tours on this site.

PS - I LOVE the rug too, & am extremely envious! Where did you buy it from?