Cocktail Hour: El Presidente

The El Presidente originated in Havana, Cuba and dates back to the 1920s. It was named in honour of the Cuban president Gerardo Machado and it soon become the popular cocktail amongst the upper class. Similar to a daquiri, this is a really interesting drink.

You'll need:

• 50ml white rum
• 25ml curaçao
• 25ml dry vermouth
• Dash of grenadine

Shake it!

Add everything into a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir well, there's no shaking in this recipe. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of orange. Yum!

Flickr image from Waferboard's photostream.

Cupboard Lust: Suck UK Digit Microwave Cake Moulds

At last! A way of baking birthday cakes which is speedy, easy, and satisfyingly old-school in appearance.

Yep, with these digit microwave cake moulds, you can whip up some tasty cake in a matter of minutes, then just arrange the sections like digital clock numbers into the relevant age of your birthday boy or girl.

Made from food-safe silicone, each pack includes seven moulds, along with instructions for mixing up cake batter which which can be swiftly cooked to perfection in your microwave oven. Designed by Suck UK, they're £12 and available from retailers such as Urban Outfitters.

Design Porn: Origami Jewellery

Gemma and I actually spotted Origami Jewellery when we were in Paris. Of course, despite being in the Pompidou surrounded by modern art, we got most excited about the gift shop. It wouldn't be the first time. Origami jewellery is so very simple, and so very beautiful:


Betcha didn't know you wanted an origami triceratops until now. But you do, don't you?


Or a foldy-up pegasus! This might be my favourite piece.


I'd quite like some bunny earrings too. Hop hop hop.


The new collection has enamel in. Pretty!

Paris was (sadly) months ago, but we've been searching for a UK stockist since then. Finally! You can buy these pieces from Lillidiva on Lavender Hill, London. Can I have everything please?

Feeling Fruity: Perfect Pineapples

Pineapples are funny fruits. Most of the time there's a whiff of something slightly naff about them. The sophisticated option is never going to be the ham and pineapple pizza, for example. And then - when the sun is out - hey presto, the pineapple becomes totally tropically perfect. You find yourself reaching for a Pina Colada and, before you know it, you're pushing those pineapples and shaking that tree. It's definitely the fruit that accompanies fun in the sun.

So, as the sunshine is making me feel fruity, I decided it was time to stock up. The classic way to indulge in a chunk of pineapple is the sixties and seventies kitsch classic, the pineapple ice bucket. Pineapple Ice Bucket Retro have a whole host of the beauties for sale, yours for between £35 and £55. The one shown at the top of this post is £50.

This pineapple wall sconce is both crazy and amazing. It looks like it's come straight out of the interior of the Brighton Pavilion. I love it but I'm not sure I could live with it all year round. If you disagree, it costs £79 from Caravan.

A much less risky investment are these pineapple earrings from Accessorize which are only £5. They'll add a tropical punch to any outfit.

Or, for the ultimate holiday look, relax in this pineapple pin-up dress. Perfect for pairing with flip flops and sun-kissed skin, it's currently reduced to £24.50 in the sale at Joy. The Man from Del Monte would be sure to say yes.

Wallpaper Wednesday (ahem): Meg Mathews at Liberty

OK, it's not Wednesday. But we decided to nap through lunch yesterday and forgot to tell you about pretty wallpaper. Our nap was rather fun, so you'll have to forgive us. And instead tell us what you think of this Meg Mathews skull wallpaper over at Liberty.

I like it. Usually, black and skulls aren't features that I look for in my interiors. Certainly not on my wallpaper. But it works. They're not obviously skulls, so instead you get quite a quirky pattern. And y'know what? I'm really pleased that the wallpaper in Liberty isn't just an extension of their floral fabric range. That's pretty, but I'm not really a floral wall kinda girl.

So this black skull wallpaper gets a surprising thumbs up from me. Even if it is £87 a metre.

Design Porn: Creatively Occupied

Creatively Occupied is run by Michelle, and she's my new favourite ceramicist. I like the lines of text across the pieces (like a grittier Lisa Stickley) and each piece is special. Here are some of my favourites:

This cup and saucer plate is very clever, there's space for cookies!


I think that says something about glowing like fairies. Works for me.

Love this olive oil bottle. Such a lovely shape.

Etsy Pick: Elukka House Necklace

This little house pendant is from Elukka is adorable. It's cute, without looking like something a kid would wear. No one wants to wear little girl jewellery, do they? (Disney Couture, you're treading a very thin line.) The house comes in lots of different colours and will set you back just $18 with $1.75 shipping.