Want to experience the wild beauty and stunning contrasts of the northern California coastline in a morning or afternoon? The 17 Mile Drive is one of the best ways I know to do it! In the space of a few hours you can explore the rugged glory of the Monterey Coast and experience the wonderful architecture and luxury of the Pebble Beach Community. The steep and twisting roads of the well-marked 17 Mile Drive wind along a coastline rich in forests, wildlife and beaches, history and legend. We have experienced this drive so many times in the past seventeen years, and every single time we drive it ..read more

Hello and welcome to the May 2024 edition of The Hearth and Soul Link Party. What’s new in your corner of the world? My husband and I are enjoying settling into our home post the renovations. I am so pleased that we had all the work done. It has really given the house a new energy and I love how it feels as well as how it looks. (Photo by Terry Joshi Images.) The Hearth and Soul Link Party welcomes family-friendly blog posts about anything that feeds the soul. Things that feed the soul may include (but are not limited to) recipes, decorating, crafts, family, home, DIY, organization, travel ..read more

Roast vegetables are a foundation for countless meals and snacks, whether you are vegetarian or an omnivore. They keep really well, so I almost always have some on hand. Cooled and refrigerated, roast vegetables will keep for three to four days and they are one of the most natural, healthy fast foods I know. Making roast vegetables is a great way to showcase the best of the season as well as to use up any leftover or nearly past their best veggies you may have. You can focus on Mediterranean vegetables using eggplant (aubergine), peppers, zucchini (courgettes), and red onions, or you can use ..read more

When the weather starts to warm up a bit and we start seeing a little more sunshine, my thoughts always turn to spring salad recipes. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish or the main event, salads can add variety and great taste to your menus. Most take very little effort and some can even be made ahead, a boon for busy weeknights or easy weekend lunches. If you have leftovers (I almost always make extra on purpose), most are delicious the next day and also make a great packed lunch. When I was a kid, my mom used to make salad suppers, serving everyone two or three different sala ..read more

My Mom often made pound cakes, and one of my favourites was this Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake. Even though we bought our poppy seeds from the grocery store, as a child I was fascinated by the idea that they came from flowers just like the bright red poppies that grew in our garden. Mom and I often enjoyed a cup of tea after school. We would each choose a cup and saucer from her collection of antique china, pour some tea and sit together and have a chat. I treasure the memories of this time together. Occasionally, Mom would make this Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake for us to enjoy alongside our cup ..read more

There are plenty of things to see and do in Jersey, a beautiful island in the English Channel. It is a wonderful way to spend a few days or a long weekend, the perfect compliment to a longer holiday in the UK, or as a weekend break if you are UK based. I am told that Jersey has plenty to offer in all seasons, and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Jersey in the spring. November to March is the “off-season” and there are less visitors. This does mean that some attractions and restaurants are closed, however we still found plenty of things to see and do in Jersey in March, as well as ..read more

Hampton Court Palace is surely one of the most beautiful royal palaces, both inside and out. Now lovingly looked after by Historic Royal Palaces, Hampton Court is a treasure-trove of beautiful objects, history and intrigue. It is one of my very favourite palaces and castles in England. Inside the Palace, history comes alive with rooms seemingly held still in time – the throne room awaits the arrival of the King, and a table is set for an intimate dinner. The knowledgable staff at Hampton Court are often in costume and this makes visits especially interesting. The History of the Palace Hampton ..read more

Hello and welcome to the April 2024 Edition of The Hearth and Soul Link Party. I am excited to say that we are rapidly approaching the 14th anniversary of the Hearth and Soul Link Party in June! I am so grateful for you and for the community we have created together. I also can’t believe that it is my 22nd blogging anniversary in October… How are things in your corner of the world? I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend. Spring has definitely sprung here in the south of England, although April showers definitely arrived early this year, and show no signs of letting up. The few pockets of suns ..read more

Hello and welcome to the March 2024 Edition of The Hearth and Soul Link Party! March is one of my favourite months, not least of all because my husband’s birthday and our wedding anniversary are this month. We were married on my husband’s birthday 33 years ago in a beautiful 12th century church in Kent. I also love seeing the weather become nicer his time of year – although we have had rather a lot of rain if I’m honest – and I really love that it is still light at 5pm most evenings. How are things in your corner of the world? Is March one of your favourite months as well? The Hearth and Sou ..read more

Easter Afternoon Tea is a great way to bring together family and friends to celebrate the first long weekend of Spring. It’s a relatively easy way to entertain a crowd, and you can make it as formal or relaxed as you like. Whether you serve treats traditionally on tiered trays with finger sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle and cakes and pastries on the top, or offer a buffet style Easter afternoon tea, there are few people who will not enjoy this delicious celebration. Elements of Easter Afternoon Tea Traditionally afternoon tea features sandwiches, sweet or savoury scones and a f ..read more