Take Three.

#1. This mysterious package arrived last week. I couldn't think what it was for a minute, then, with a suppressed squeal of excitement, I realised that it was my signed copy of The Little Paris Kitchen and original print from the lovely Rachel Khoo. As soon as I have a chance to get to our local framers, which annoyingly only runs 9-5 Monday-Friday, I will be displaying my print with a few other pieces above my desk to keep me inspired. So thank you again Rachel; I couldn't think of a nicer, more unique prize to celebrate The Little Paris Kitchen's first birthday.

#2. This weekend I visited an artisan food market. Saturday was the second market since it started running on a monthly basis, and it really was excellent. We picked up a few bits for the week ahead, including a lovely sourdough loaf, and a plethora of scones. I also discovered Butterflies Chocolates, a new company that produces beautiful chocolates, with lots of innovative flavours. The theme for this month was rhubarb, which I love and am craving. Actually, I think buying some for stewing may have just become a necessity...

I'm looking forward to trying a few rhubarb-based recipe's. Where I work the chefs make the most beautiful rhubarb Panna Cotta, and, more simply, I am awaiting summer with glee so that I can make a strawberry and rhubarb pie, inspired by Cupcakes and Cashmere. A family favourite pairing is rhubarb with ginger; whenever a crumble is knocked up in my household, a few chopped up pieces of crystallised ginger is an essential.

 #3. Commuting just got a whole lot nicer. Remember my new bike basket? Well it got it's first commuter outing today. It seemed to cope with the swap from flowers to folders quite happily, and cycling home from the station today, in the first proper bit of warmth and sun this year, was absolute bliss. While waiting for my train this afternoon, the relaxing spring picture was continued as I sat outside with a cup of real leaf green tea from Filmore and Union, flicking through a copy of Grand Designs magazine. It's the little things that count.