On Creativity

I've been thinking a lot about creativity recently-where inspiration hits, what makes someone creative, what is considered creative etc- so when I heard about Jonah Lehrer's book 'Imagine' I had to check it out.

If you've read 'Thinking Fast and Slow' then you'll love this book which, in my eyes, is an easier and more enjoyable read. I'm not normally one for non fiction but I couldn't put it down. Lehrer engages readers with anecdotes followed by clearly written arguments. More importantly he sucks you in with interesting subject matter. Creativity could come from defocusing your mind or living in a dense urban setting or the relaxing of regulations. 

Awkwardly, a couple of weeks ago Lehrer was been accused of making up some of his Dylan quotes in this book and I think the publisher has pulled it. HOWEVER, I think the basic premise of the book is still sound. Yes, okay maybe Dylan didn't say XYZ, that doesn't change the fact that the basic idea behind Dylan's creativity is correct. 

Following on- I found this interview with Jack White on where he get's his inspiration: hard work and a challenge. 

“Inspiration and work ethic – they ride right next to each other.” ~ Jack White

Found via. Brain Picker

(Check out the random body sleeping in the background!) 

If you have 27mins or have headphones, I'd also recommend Tim Brown on Serious Play. He claims creativity comes from loosing your inhibition and stop self-editing.   

Where do you get your creative inspiration from?

here

Views from America

I've just come back from the most amazing holiday in Northern California and Seattle. These pictures make me want to go back!

Twinkle Cocktail 

Ingredients:
Elderflower Cordial (or liquor) + Vodka + Proseco = DELICIOUS! 

Delicious pastry from the local bakery, Twofish, in Sea Ranch. 

I finished off the whole trip back up in Seattle with a bike ride and visit to Red Hook Brewery. 

Custom Crazy Straws

How cool is this idea!

Go to Crazystraws.com to personalize your own. Limited to 5 letters or numbers. 
OOOhhhh the possibilities! 

USA!

I know I apologized last week but I'm going to have to apologize again! I haven't had one moment to be by my computer for the last two weeks and I'm heading to the west coast tomorrow so will be pretty silent for another week. BUT I hope to take some amazing pictures of the coast. So stay tuned!

here

Back!

Yes, I did disappear for a bit. It's been a crazy week & a bit and couldn't find a single moment to sit down at the computer. But it was a fun crazy week & a bit. Let me regale you with what I've done! 

FIIIINNINALLY made it to Pitt Cue (or it's little truck on the south bank) and managed to try the pulled pork. 
It was pretty good, very good actually. But the best parts were the sides. Homemade pickles where you can still taste the cucumber heritage, fresh slaw to counterbalance the heavy pork and amazing fried shiitake mushroom. 
There were no lines at the truck so definitely a great way to get the Pitt Cue taste without the Pitt Cue wait. 

Oysters from Wright Brothers- a great place to stop and rest your feet at borough market. 
I learnt a little bit about this shellfish while there:


The colder the water, the bigger and fatter the oyster! 


I don't know why you wouldn't want the biggest, fattiest and juiciest oyster but apparently some people dont. NOT ME! 
I would highly recommend visiting Wright Brothers, getting the 'sample platter' with 3 different types of oysters (2 of each) and a pint of Guinness. Then, when you've tried that, just order an entire platter of the Lindisfarne. THEY'RE THE BEST. 

The rooftop at Selfridges- with the Daylesford cafe
Thank goodness for the Olympics. Central London has been pretty quiet this weekend and therefore managed to check out the rooftop at Selfridges without having to wait! 
A bit massively overpriced but atmospheric. Never managed to check out the mini golf but looked fun and people seem to be enjoying themselves. 
We shared a lovely bakewell tart that wasn't too sickly sweet but just perfectly satisfied my niggiling sweetooth craving. 
I was very envious of those who had decided to have the full traditional tea. They bring over small stacked open crates (like what you would store wholesale vegetables in) with bitesized sandwiches on whole seeded buns with fillings like smoked salmon or egg. On the second small crate was the scones. Not huge but they looked very moist and well made from where I sat. 
They were also selling jelly (or jello depending who you are) in molds by Bompas & Parr (they also designed the mini golf course). The jelly of the day for us was gin & violet. They were very small and therefore perfect as a little snack with your drink. 
They also serve wine up there so I imagine it would be an amazing place to get an afterwork drink while looking over London. 
Go enjoy the garden rooftop while playing mini golf and escaping mad Oxford St below!

Opening Ceremony at London Live in Hyde Park. SO proud to be a Londoner. Bring it on world! 

 The best cinnamon role from Nordic Bakery

Fried custard and courgette flowers from Brick Lane Market

Writing this all down really makes me realize how much my life revolves around food. 
Let me know if you try any of these places out!

London Happenings #3: Supper Clubs

I love the idea of supper clubs. So secretive and private and full of surprises (or that's what I imagine them like, but my description sounds a bit like a boy with commitment issues). 
Here are just a few around London: 


White Room Supper Club

here

Run by a professional with a passion for food. It's about meeting new people and eating good food. Suggested donation is 35 pounds and it's BYOB. 


Italian Supper Club
I think they sum it up well-

The main ingredients of our events are food, wine and people - the first two must be Italian and the third one should simply have a big smile when they arrive and a bigger one when they leave.

Who doesn't want to go to an event described like that! Each event is at a different location and is capped at 30 people and costs 35 pounds including a wine pairing for each course. 

Saltoun Supper Club
Twice a week they turn a flat in Brixton into a restaurant for 16 people. They offer a set 4 course menu with a vegetarian option including homemade bread and treats. As is typical with supper clubs, BYOB. 

here

+65
Singapourian Supper Club that has been getting a lot of press. Their menus look adventurous and exciting and most importantly, delicious! 

here

The Secret Larder
North London supper club run by James Ramsden every other Thursday 

here

 I can't wait to try some of these out! Have any of you been to a supper club in London?

An Ode to a Craving

S'more Maker/ Mail order S'muffin/ Bourbon Bacon S'more Recipe/ Homemade Marshmallow/ S'more Candy Bar Recipe/ Home Made Graham Crackers Recipe