Uncovering Finland’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures

August 2, 2025August 1, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 8 Comments

The text and photograph for the post on Uncovering Finland’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures was provided to me. Uncovering Finland’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures Finland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From its pristine lakes and dense forests to its vibrant cities and fascinating traditions, this Nordic gem … Continue reading Uncovering Finland’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures

International Scone Week 2025

July 31, 2025July 3, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 24 Comments

It is time for International Scone Week 2025! My recipe for olive oil scones is the most popular recipe on my blog. Created in 2017 for this occasion, it still gets over 2500 views a year. A little bit about this Starting in 2011, bloggers around the world gathered to make scones. To see how … Continue reading International Scone Week 2025

Balsamic Tomatoes

July 29, 2025July 10, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 17 Comments

I would not use an extremely old balsamic vinegar to make these balsamic tomatoes. But, I would most certainly use a decent quality one. That will make all the difference to the taste of your oven roasted tomatoes. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Balsamic Tomatoes ♥ Let's talk about balsamic vinegar Originating … Continue reading Balsamic Tomatoes

Private Dublin, James Patterson

July 27, 2025June 27, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 2 Comments

Private Dublin opening lines: Thunderous applause filled the auditorium, and the filmmakers beamed as through the claps and cheers were dollar bills. My blurb: Jack Morgan has flown to Ireland to hopefully put a stop to Propaganda Tre. He thought they were done with them in Monaco, but it turns out, he was wrong. So … Continue reading Private Dublin, James Patterson

Is Matcha The Healthier Caffeine Fix We’ve Been Missing?

July 26, 2025July 20, 2026 ~ Tandy ~ 11 Comments

The text and photograph for the post on Is Matcha The Healthier Caffeine Fix We’ve Been Missing? was provided to me. Is Matcha The Healthier Caffeine Fix We’ve Been Missing? Despite its overwhelming success, many sceptics still turned up their noses at matcha, refusing to give it a proper chance. Why? Largely out of principle. … Continue reading Is Matcha The Healthier Caffeine Fix We’ve Been Missing?

Birthday Microwave Cake

July 24, 2025June 18, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 19 Comments

Most years for my birthday I host a dinner party. If I do this at home, we are the same three couples. I will go all out with the menu, doing starters, mains and a fancy dessert. Last year I did not do anything for personal reasons. And this year I am giving it a … Continue reading Birthday Microwave Cake

Breakfast Rusks

July 22, 2025June 17, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 14 Comments

Use any breakfast cereal flakes that you can find, and enjoy, to make these breakfast rusks. I have used coconut sugar for the sweetener element of my recipe, but you can substitute this with regular brown sugar if that is what you prefer. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Breakfast Rusks ♥ Let's … Continue reading Breakfast Rusks

Nobody’s Fool, Harlan Coben

July 20, 2025June 26, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 14 Comments

Nobody's Fool opening lines: Did it all go wrong the moment I saw you? I was a mere twenty-one years old, just a baby now that I look back on it, freshly graduated from Bowdoin College and gamely beginning the backpack-through-Europe ritual so common amongst my ilk. My blurb: To the people who know Sami … Continue reading Nobody’s Fool, Harlan Coben

Designing Small Spaces

July 19, 2025July 17, 2026 ~ Tandy ~ Leave a comment

The text for the post on Designing Small Spaces: Interior Styling Ideas for Your Dream Getaway was provided to me. Designing Small Spaces: Interior Styling Ideas for Your Dream Getaway The Big Charm of Small Getaways There’s something deeply satisfying about a space that knows exactly what it’s meant for. A small weekend retreat—whether it’s … Continue reading Designing Small Spaces

Fig Chutney

July 17, 2025June 12, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 16 Comments

This fig chutney recipe uses a combination of fresh and dried figs, giving it an unique texture. I only made half of Angie's recipe as figs are very expensive here, and only in season for a short period of time. I have paired it with numerous curries since making it, and the best to date … Continue reading Fig Chutney

Swedish Flatbreads

July 15, 2025June 11, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 18 Comments

I make two things most regularly in my kitchen, one of them being hummus. I was showing a friend how easy this it to make at home, and then had a batch that needed to be scooped up. The most obvious choice at the time was to make these Swedish flatbreads. And for those of … Continue reading Swedish Flatbreads

The Imperfect Murder, James Patterson

July 13, 2025June 25, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 6 Comments

The Imperfect Murder opening lines: Log 10/18/2018 18:58 EDT Transcript: Audio Recording. [Detective Declan Shaw] Maggie Marshall? My blurb: Jarod Cordova and his partner, Declan Shaw are trying to solve what looks like the perfect murder. Because, if the wife didn't do it, who could of? She is there, next to the body, covered in … Continue reading The Imperfect Murder, James Patterson

Spicy Yoghurt

July 10, 2025June 9, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 23 Comments

I made this spicy yoghurt to use as a dipping sauce for my sundried tomato flatbreads. This was our pre-dinner snack which we enjoyed with a few tots of whisky. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Spicy Yoghurt ♥ Let's talk about yoghurt There are many ways to improve gut health, and eating … Continue reading Spicy Yoghurt

Sundried Tomato Flatbreads

July 8, 2025June 6, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 20 Comments

These sundried tomato flatbreads will make the perfect addition to any mezze platter. They are oven baked which is a unique way of cooking flatbreads. But absolutely perfect as you don't need to pay too much attention to them while they are in the oven. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Sundried Tomato … Continue reading Sundried Tomato Flatbreads

Count My Lies, Sophie Stava

July 6, 2025June 25, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 4 Comments

Count My Lies opening lines: "I'm a nurse." The words fall out of my mouth before I can stop myself from saying them, loud and clanging like a pair of tin cans tied to a back bumper. My blurb: Sloane has been lying for so long that it comes as second nature to her. She … Continue reading Count My Lies, Sophie Stava

Rhubarb Tart

July 3, 2025June 5, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 12 Comments

One year when we were on our way shopping for a barge trip, we stopped at a small patisserie. Eric ordered something to eat, and we all declined, thinking the tarts were savoury. He offered us a bite, and I am sure regrets that to this day. It was a rhubarb tart, not a celery … Continue reading Rhubarb Tart

June 2025 Showcasing In My Kitchen

July 1, 2025July 2, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 32 Comments

June 2025 was mostly cold and wet, with a small smattering of snow. It called for lots of warming food, and snuggling under the blanket with the dog. I usually space out our social plans, but over the course of 8 days we went out three times and had friends over once. On one of … Continue reading June 2025 Showcasing In My Kitchen

2 Sisters Murder Investigations, James Patterson

June 29, 2025June 25, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 4 Comments

2 Sisters Murder Investigations opening lines: There'd been no doubt in my mind that Baby wasn't going to last the whole stakeout. My blurb: Rhonda does not know if she can trust her ex-boyfriend, and police officer, Dave. Her attorney brain feels that she can however trust her client, Troy Hansen, who is the main … Continue reading 2 Sisters Murder Investigations, James Patterson

Wilde Vy Bistro

June 26, 2025May 21, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 8 Comments

Google Maps took us on quite the journey to get to Wilde Vy Bistro in Durbanville. But it was well worth the windy roads to enjoy the food Chef Jürgen Snyman created. The restaurant is set around a wild fig tree on the Hooggelegen Farm, and thankfully, the road back was more direct. Our meal at … Continue reading Wilde Vy Bistro

Tomato Biryani

June 24, 2025June 25, 2025 ~ Tandy ~ 22 Comments

Tomato biryani is a wonderful dish to make in advance when you want a simple, yet flavourful meal to serve to guests. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Tomato Biryani ♥ What is biryani? Biryani is a traditional Muslim rice based dish to which either chicken, goat, lamb, beef, shellfish or fish is … Continue reading Tomato Biryani