This week's links. Enjoy.
Roost: A Simple Life
This is one of my go-to blogs when I feel like something beautiful and comforting. A food blog mainly, it features stunning photography and thoughtful posts not just on cooking but on home, travel, life and more. Lovely.
To Bricktop, On Her Belated Birthday
Great profile in the Paris Review of Ada Smith, or Bricktop — the legendary African-American singing star and nightclub owner. She taught the Duke of Windsor to dance the Charleston and became friends with Cole Porter, who wrote the classic song "Miss Otis Regrets" in her honour. Oh, to have been able to visit her club in its heyday. Via the Browser.
15 Minutes a Day for Exercise
If you've been feeling guilty about not getting to yoga class as much as you'd like, you might find this reassuring. A new study in Taiwan shows significant health benefits can be gained from just 15 minutes' exercise every day — activities such as brisk walking reduced the mortality risk in the study group by 14%.
Jackson Pollock: Lights, Camera, Paint!
Watch a 10 minute film from 1951 of the Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollock painting on glass.
Serving Stars But Never Gossip
A peek inside the pampered world of the Tower Bar, which harks back to an old school Hollywood era of movie stars dining in luxurious privacy, without the fear of paparazzi.
My Life As An Undercover Negotiator
Fascinating article about how National Portrait Gallery director Sandy Nairne secretly negotiated the recovery of the Tate’s stolen Turners, on loan in Germany at the time.
Voguepedia
Just discovered this and have been having fun exploring it — Vogue's version of Wikipedia, a database where you can check out designers, brands, models and more.
Vegetarian Mini Pizza della Sicilia
This would be a great idea for a casual dinner party — mini pizzas topped with all variety of delicious vegetables, such as fennel, eggplant, olives, mushrooms, zucchini, spring onions and more. Via Green Kitchen Stories.
(lovely photograph by simon brown for house and garden)