Furnished

{photo retrieved via Apartment Therapy}

我回來了。和愛丁堡比較香港真的很潮濕。悶熱。不過我還是十分興奮。無論在那邊的食物是多好味，handmade的小店是多可愛，這裡還是我的家。在英國生活的點滴都會是我和C的重要回憶。我們兩人，沒有親戚朋友，什麼都沒有；我每天焗面包, 煮飯，打理我們的小小的apartment， 自己一個人去Tesco買東西，去找好味的Chai Tea， 這些我都要記住。不要被香港生活迫人的急速影響。

話說我們不在時家裡大裝修，回來時周圍都是泥土色的塵，又抺又掃，花了我一星期我才敢unpack 將東西放回原處，還未可開始正常的生活。今天有點累，想懶一下， 不過看到這圖片，又想起home maker 的樂趣。我要對生活有要求。

I am back. Back to the reality of hot humid but sweet home land, Hong Kong. It was a rewarding trip and experience for both me and C. I am so proud of myself to live in a foreign country for some time. We were not tourist. We had no relatives and friends. We just lived there. On my own, I run my little home with my husband. I baked, cooked, shopped and cleaned our little nest. That will be some valuable memory.

Despite of the extremely delayed flight, I have been fighting to have my home re-organized after the renovation. It is hard not to keep my hands off from tidying, wiping and dusting. Our washroom, kitchen and the floor are all covered with yellowish dust.

I am a bit deflated today. The weather is too hot. My hands are too itchy. But once I saw this photo, I reminded myself, I am a home maker. There is always some joy of "looking after" your home.

My mind and my home will be furnished.

My school life

I have completed my jewelry craftsmanship course which

was rewarding. I am so proud of myself. I am now able

to know more about the fundamental knowledge of being

a jeweler. (A real one, not those assembly findings from

Shamshuipo bead stores) I do wish I can make it further

back to Hong Kong.

I did not take a lot of photos in the studio as I was too

concentrate to work and learn. Also, it was quite dusty

and full of chemicals. I did not want to put my camera

in danger.

Below is my jewelry bench during lesson.

My first piece of copper sawing, a seagull, which I can see

every day on the way to school. The seagull here in

Edinburgh do not afraid of people. I am afraid of them...

Left: hall way to the studio

Right: My first silver piece made from scratch.

I tempered and textured the silver.

Left: Pop-up exhibition. Every Friday there is a pop-up exhibition

to showcase all classmates' hard work for a week. Such that we

can see other classes' works. A brilliant way to inspire each other

also a marketing skills to make you enroll more courses.

Haahha as per the head of summer course said.

Right: me, my tutor and my classmates.

Bottom: Screen printing.

Victoria Charm

{Photo credit: Lobster and Swan}

Victoria charm has returned. Some may think it is granny-like, but I do like it. I caught a bad flu here in Edinburgh which developed to a serious one. My hubby has done well to take care of me. He cooks 3 hot meals every day! (Well done)

An old fashion cup of tea does smooth me. 3 weeks more and I shall return to my home.

Hope everyone is doing good.

Indie Shops in Edinburgh

There are a number of indie shops found in Edinburgh. I am surprised that how lovely and keening for both the shop keepers and the shoppers. There is only appreciation found in the shop. (No picking, bargaining or copying here, unlike Hong Kong)

The Red Door Gallery

Website | Blog

which is a lovely indie shop full of designers' and handmade artists' goodies. You may found amazing prints, hand bags, accessories there. I love the wide collection of illustration works. And I am tempted to buy one, however, I have to consider my limited luggage space for my return flight to Hong Kong. In respect of copyright, I did not take photos inside the shop but only the front door.

It is great that the Red Door Gallery operates an online store as well.

Below: My favorite collection Belle and Boo

Nostalgic

I have been Edinburgh for more than a month now. A lot of new and exciting things happened. I am more adapted to a Scottish style of living. It is weird that the older you are, the more time you would like to fall back to your old habit.

Both me and C were desperately wanted a bowl of hot chili noodles on the first fortnight. We are better. Not because we finally embraced the Scottish diet, we found a Chinese shop nearby :P

出前一丁 has become the most nostalgic thing after all. Despite of other Chinese grave, this is a cheaper and more accessible one. Lucky us.

Crapy noodles found in Tesco...

Eton Mess

We went to the Farmer's Market this weekend and bought some gorgeous raspberry. So I have made a traditional British dessert, Eton Mess.

The fruit here are so fresh and delicious. What a shame that we are having tasteless strawberry back at Hong Kong.

Lovely shop in Edinburgh

When you are abroad, you discovered your real identity. I discovered my crave of hot food, spices and chili.

My daily life is relaxing. Wake up, make breakfast for C and myself, have a cup of tea (I am a tea drinker before coming to UK), online for while, grocery shopping, prepare dinner.

We do wonder around at weekends to discover some interesting shops nearby. Here is one of them at the Victoria Street, Edinburgh.

DemiJohn - a liquid deli

A charming shop which specializes wine, vinegar, and oil. They sourced their own brewers and farm houses for some unique products. (As long as we did not see these at Tesco and Sainsbury's) It is lovely to have your liqueur /whiskey / oliver oil / vinegar to be bottled. They have all kinds of tasteful and vintage inspired bottles for you to choose. I do like the idea that we can taste their products before purchased. And we can only buy 100ml for a trial. You can also bring back the glass bottles for next purchase for a re-fill.

We have bought a stackable bottles for oil and vinegar. They are cute to be at my kitchen and convenient as a decoration for a special dinner as well. We bought the elderflower vodka and some raspberry vinegar.