Illustration de Mathilde Aubier

And more from the rather splendid Mathilde Aubier...

Hey, Doll Face...

Liking very much this handmade Lady Doll from Timor.

The portrait illustration is from Mathildeaubier.com

Marty Feldman

Braving the heavy Summer downpours forecast for today to seek out the Marty Feldman: Biography of a Comedy Legend by Robert Ross, published by Titan Books.

Teabread (Bara Brith)

I couldn't quite get into the trend for chi chi cup cakes, although there is no denying they make nice window display fillers, as do the billowy clouds of sugary smash at the touch meringues stacked high and temptingly in the local Judges bakery. Sorry to say that I am stuck firmly in the old school camp of a decent hearty slice of fruit cake and a cup of tea every time. So imagine my joy at finding this nifty recipe by Jane Edwards for this rather fabulous Welsh teabread:

500g mixed dried fruit and peel

300ml strong hot tea (Yorkshire is my choice of brew in this instance)

250g self-raising flour (my preference is Doves Farm)

1 teaspoon mixed spice

125g dark brown muscovado sugar

1 free range egg

Soak fruit and peel in a large bowl in the black tea for at least six hours minimum. Sieve flour and spice into the soaked fruit (no need to drain off any excess liquid not soaked up by the fruit if any) and stir in egg. Mix all ingredients until smooth. Heat oven to 150 degrees C/130 degrees C for fan oven or Gas Mark 2. Grease a loaf tin with butter (or buttered baking paper) and tip in mixture. Bake for 1 and a half hours. The teabread should be well-risen, firm and brown. Cool and store for at least two days - try it - as the bread become richer in flavour and develops a lovely elasticity. Slice and serve with a smear of salty butter.

Deer Heart

Liking this image by Katrine Kalleklev.

Hastings Old Town

An early Sunday morning view of the High Street which I'm missing - but due to move back in at the end of November so not that much longer to go now. However, there is the Hastings Seafood Festival to look forward to on the weekend of 17 & 18 September where you can try out the produce from the local fishing fleet and makers of excellent cheese, bread or become refreshed by the wines on offer from the nearby vineyards in Sussex.

Sally-Ann Provan

My gorgeous hat which I bought from milliner, Sally Ann Provan. This never ever ceases to raise interest from strangers when I wear it. The most common comment is 1) where did I get it and 2) guaranteed every time is 'can I try it on?'. I first saw Sally's hats at the Origin show at Somerset House and they really stood out. I've got my eye on 'Seduction' from Sally's latest collection on her website, it was stunning when I saw it first shown at one of Sally's shows. Your first port of call should be Edinburgh if you are after a wise investment piece for a special event.