raindrops on roses

Originally the plan was for my first-ever blog to feature a few of my favourite things (hence the Julie Andrews-inspired title), but it feels a little self-indulgent somehow. So instead I'm doing some shout-outs to my favourite blogs, which is kind of fitting since they're the ones that inspired me to start my own.

Lately, I can't get enough of Elle Deco's spotlight on international and South African designers. Having worked (briefly) at the magazine way-back-when, I'm always amazed at their style finds. Don't know how they do it, but I'm adding them to my Blogroll or whatever you call it right now.

When I'm hungry (which is often), I rely on A Slice of Cherry Pie for yummy recipe ideas. A year ago, I was that cliche girl who could hardly boil an egg (scratch that, I COULD NOT boil an egg), but thanks to Julia, I can now make a near-perfect risotto from scratch (and a few other things too).

Living in London, and as a newly-awakened foodie, I'm always on the hunt for hidden restaurant gems. Luckily, I've discovered some great restaurant blogs, including Londonelicious and Gourmet Chick.

For a little comedic relief, SPAstic recounts so-true-it's-painful descriptions of the super-rich women who visit a luxury spa in Kensington (one of the 'poshest' neighbourhoods in London, dah-ling). Reading about self-important, botox-riddled yummy mummies always manages to brighten up my day!

Finally, being a newlywed myself, Misadventures of a Newlywed is a sassy and outspoken take on balancing the husband-career-grad school thing - and it's hilarious. I think I want to be like her. (If you're reading this Mrs. Newlywed, I'm not a stalker, I promise.)

So that's just a few of the blogs that inspire, encourage, inform and entertain me on a regular basis - let me know which ones you've got bookmarked.