My Ingredients to a "Smashing" Summer...

Seeing how it's my first official summer here in the UK and though it's not exactly edible, I thought it would be fun to make a sweet summer recipe for summertime fun. Here’s what I've got so far…

1 Tablespoon: Walk on the Brighton Pier.

3 Cups: Sunsets on Primrose Hill, with a dash of The Beatles and the Beach Boys.

A sprinkle of Pimms and Lemonade.

2 Cups: Outdoor concert or music festival. {Note: Hyde Park is happening this summer! Was lucky to enjoy the likes of Train, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks & a taste of home – The Barenaked Ladies).

3 Teaspoons: Sunday picnics in Hyde Park

1 Pint: Uncertain adventure.

A splash of swimming at Hampstead Heath ponds.

1 heaping scoop of summer love.

A pinch of spontaneous out of city trips.

1 stick of cocoa butter (and some SPF) For tanning, of course.

Instructions: Mix all ingredients together over a 3 month span and enjoy!

What are you hoping to do over the summer? Make your to-do list and post it in the comments below.

riot romeo and juliet

There was fire, looting, blood-spattered rioters, shattered glass, destruction and mayhem. 

Yet in the aftermath of the chaos that rocked Vancouver, Canada, last week, the image that has burned more indelibly in the public consciousness than any fire or baton-wielding policeman is a simple kiss.

Scott Jones and girlfriend Alex Thomas were photographed kissing on the ground while surrounded by riot police as chaos swirled around them following the Vancouver Canucks’ loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday. Illuminated in a glow, they looked like they belonged on a movie poster (their embrace even drew a comparison to the iconic image of lovers on a beach from the film classic “From Here to Eternity”).

In the flurry of interviews that followed the photograph's publication, Jones told reporters that he kissed his girlfriend in order to calm her down after police knocked them to the ground.

 “I was just trying to calm her down, it was pretty scary for her, and it seemed like the best thing to do.’’ said Jones.

And any girl will tell you... a good kiss will make just about anything okay.

canucks behaving badly.

okay. i was just as disappointed as the rest of you. in fact, staying up until 3am (London,UK time) and watching your team from the motherland get their canadian cabooses' kicked is not my idea of a fun night away on holiday - however, I was shocked when I woke up and switched on my CBC app to find nothing but negative headlines toward my fellow canucks.

Vancouver - you're not bad people -- but this is VERY bad behaviour.