Return of the blog

OK I'll admit, I've not been the most committed blogger of late. I'd love to say its because I've been having so much frickin' fun that I've not had time to sit and write, but the truth is I have been working. Working, and working a bit more, owing to the fact it is the dreaded exam season, and I have 100 odd elves ready to take GCSEs and A Levels. So boo to blogging and hello to hours of revision sessions, marking mock papers and tutoring pupils needing extra help. Still, it will all be over next week (huge sighs of relief), and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't had a bit of fun of late. This week is half term, and I've just returned from the beautiful Budapest!

With this blog post comes a smidge of smugness, as I feel I finally managed to crack successful packing for short mini-break type city breaks. In the past, much to hubby's dismay, I've insisted in putting a gigantic suitcase in the hold, filled with enough shoes to kit out my own mobile shop, jewellery, multiple day and night outfits depending on weather, occasion, mood etc etc. Exhausting, and never needed. This time however, I planned. I (shamefully) wrote out my to-pack list during mass with year 8, squiralled away at the back, pen and notebook balanced on one knee, one eye on the pupils placed strategically around me. This list was re-written, as weather predictions were checked and re-checked. I packed light summer outfits, light layers and just enough accessories to provide a change of look when needed. The case closed with ease and I earnt an extra good wife point from hubby (enough to earn me a new Pandora charm at the airport, score). So now for some of these outfits for you perusal... ; )

Travelling to Budapest outfit
Nude vest top (unseen) H & M
White linen oversize jumper new season Zara
White beaded Pashmina Mint Velvet
Floral jeans Zara
Ballet pumps Marks and Spencer (old season)

First day in Budapest
Swapped the jumper for a light Mango tee
Beaded toe post sandals by Marks and Spencer

Dinner outfit
White linen oversize jumper new season Zara
Zebra pattern scarf Zara
Jacquard pattern trouser Zara
Cheapie Primark matt gold flip flops (aka lifesavers - new sandals had caused blisters, bugger).
Mulberry postman's lock hobo bag

Dinner outfit
Same items as above but with my amazing Primark floral jeans - so similar to the Citizens of Humanity floral jeans I had my eye on... at £13 the Primark ones seemed a money savvy option, particularly for an item that may prove a bit of a one season wonder. I love.

Beautiful sunny day
Sheer dress DKNY
Sunglasses by Missoni
Beaded toe post sandals by Marks and Spencer
Mulberry postman's lock hobo bag
Chunky necklace Forever 21

Outfit as above, closer up of necklace

Back bustle detail of DKNY dress

Well back to earth now, back to insane wind and rain and weather that more closely resembles bloody October than June! Hopefully the blog posts will be more frequent from now on, particularly as exams as so close to over... gulp... ; )

Outfit of the Day

Hello dolls, hope you are all well and successfully avoiding the snow and cold! We haven't actually had any snow yet but apparently it's imminent, so I'm waiting with bated breath! The cupboards are stocked, the house is warm, come on snow, do your worst!!

I had an amazingly long lay in this morning, followed by a little jaunt around town and a little shopping with hubby. I bought a few bits and pieces in H & M which had sooo much new season stuff in, I was slightly excited to say the least!

Later today, hubby took me to Chiquito, one of our favourite restaurants.Today's post is therefore a little outfit of the day post : )

I wore my Mango black dress with leather detail collar and cuffs, a grey Topshop jumper over the top, black floral print tights from Primark, my new black Faith wedge boots, a Forever 21 horn necklace and my Mulberry bag. I wore my hair in a ballerina style bun which is a bit different for me, but hey, like to mix things up sometimes ; )

That's everything for now dear readers, keep warm and pray for snow! : )

Outfit of the Day

Hello dolls, happy Saturday to all! I am having another manic weekend again, well a bit of a manic week to be honest, finally getting some relaxing in now though, waiting for a nice takeaway and looking forward to X Factor! Thursday hubby and I saw Castor and Pollux at the London Coliseum, completely fabulous, we had an amazing time. Last night I caught up with my best friend over dinner, then we went to see 'My week with Marilyn' at the cinema. Again, very fabulous indeed, I loved the film and thought that Michelle Williams made for a superb Marilyn. Today I did a bit of shopping at Bluewater while hubby was playing hockey, I intended to buy my last few Christmas presents but got distracted with things for myself! Oh well there's always tomorrow! I bought some lovely things, which I will blog about soon : )

Just a quick outfit post today to share with you...

 I wore a long sleeved pointelle top by Free People at Urban Outfitters (love the little details like the neon green thread through the buttons!), a navy blue skirt and tan belt from Forever 21 (bought during my recent trip to Westfield Stratford) and my gorgeous and comfy tan boots with shearling cuff by Red or Dead at Schuh.

Well that's about it for today lovely readers, hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, more soon XOXO

Fine dining on a Friday

Hey sweeties, hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend! I have had a nice lazy week which has been perfect, as i'm trying really hard to relax and enjoy my free time before I go back to work next week! Yesterday was GCSE results day which was nerve-wracking for me, however, my pupils performed beautifully and achieved some amazing results which makes me one very happy teacher! I spent yesterday afternoon setting up an edu-blog for them as they have requested one, so hopefully, that will be a good learning tool for them this coming year.

Today I took my car in for her MOT so fingers crossed she is going to be OK! In the afternoon, hubby text and suggested a meal out to celebrate my successful results: I immediately set about booking a table at a new restaurant in Ashford called Everest Inn. I have visited this highly respected and recommended Nepalese restaurant before, at the Blackheath branch, and was excited to see that a new one had opened up where I live. The food was delicious and we did not hold back: I had poppadoms, Daal soup, chicken biryani and tea to finish. Hubby had a Momo starter which was a type of lamb parcel and the chef's special for his main (another lamb dish). I can't wait to go back and continue to try different dishes off the menu!

I decided to wear a fairly casual outfit for our meal out, so I chose a peg-leg style of trouser from Matalan, a white H & M vest tep with an asymmetric grey/purple vest from River Island layered over the top. I kept my earrings simple with a pair of white gold and diamond studs, and accesorised with my new Forever 21 necklace, and leopard print peep toe flats from H & M. Comfy and stylish! : ) (Did you spy Woody making a cheeky appearance in the last picture... he is such a poser, just like his mama ; )

I am so excited for the weekend, I am hitting London town for a night out tomorrow night with my best girlfriends and am looking forward to a night of fun and gossip! I will take some pictures and share when I am home : )

Until next time my dears xoxo

Sunday Couples Shopping!

Hello Lovelies, how are you all? I am having a lovely weekend : ) Yesterday I shopped and lunched with my best friend, I got some new bits and pieces for my autumn wardrobe which I will be sharing over the next few weeks. In the evening, hubby and I went to see the new Inbetweeners movie which was really funny and completely lived up to my expectations. Today hubby and I had a nice leisurely morning, we slept in late, then got ready for Bluewater shopping centre. I have to say, hubby is not a huge shopping fan, however, we are beginning to think about buying a new TV so with that arsenal, I managed to tempt hubby there. So, we spent a pleasurable few hours looking at TV's, discussing whether a Plasma or LCD would be better, and 40 inches or 43... hubby also announced he wanted a projector screen : 0 ! I was like, hmmmm, great idea, but think we better wait til we move again, as it will be installed in our ceiling!! Lol, boys and their toys ; ) I purchased a few bits for myself too (while hubby was occupied in HMV and Waterstones!) and we ended the day in Ed's dinner, eating burgers, onion rings, coleslaw and chips : )

Ok, so I am trying to slowly introduce new season autumn colour into my wardrobe and wean myself off all the colour block brights of the summer, so today I wore my River Island dark denim jeans, my topshop tassell ballet pumps, my new Forever 21 sheer top and a lovely rust coloured chunky knit cardigan that I bought on my shopping trip yesteday, from Primark. I also wore a chunky new tribal style ring, also bought yesterday from Primark. I really like the co-ordination of colours in this outfit, and it is perfect for transitional dressing!

Lastly, can I ask you to vote for the picture I have entered of me and Woody in a facebook competition.. all you have to do is click on the picture of Woody I have posted at the top of my blog page, follow the link and it should be clear (you need to like the Westfield Stratford City facebook page, and then click on 'vote' on my picture) Thank you xoxoxo

Sunny Monday in London

Hello dolls, hope your Monday was just fine and the weather is nice where you are! Today was pretty warm here in the UK, and I spent the day in London with 3 of my closest friends, for a delicious lunch at one of my favourite restaurants Cafe Rouge (I had my favourite, french onion soup to start, baguette poulet for my main and tranche au chocolat for dessert). Later, my friend Clare and I took a little trip to Oxford Street where we spent a good hour in a shop new to the UK, that I have been desperate to visit... yes ladies, I finally made it to Forever 21!

My first impressions of Forever 21 was that it was huge, very girly (decorated in pastel pink and white), with fairly good merchandising, and clear 'zones' so you knew where to go for what. The changing rooms were a good size with proper doors (I personally dislike curtains) and the lighting in the changing rooms was pretty good. The queue at the till was long, but the staff were numerous, and therefore waiting time was minimal. The range of clothing was very good, with a style for everyone. Oh and the prices were amazing! I knew it was a cheap shop but I was particularly impressed with the quality and fit of the items, especially considering the low prices.

My new purchases! I bought 2 sheer tops (love that style as so easy to dress up and down), one in a print and one classic cream colour. I also bought a kind of slouchy long sleeved jersey top in a dark orange that I think will be great with jeans. Lastly, I bought the gorgeous shimmery cuff and horn necklace. All in, 3 tops and 2 pieces of jewellery cost only £48 so I was very impressed. I will definitely return to Forever 21 when I am in London as the styles are great and the prices even better!

I got home at about 7 0 clock tonight and was surprisingly hungry (after my huge lunch!) but pretty tired, so I wanted to try another recipe that was both healthy and quick. I decided on super healthy sausages and beans (another recipe from my Sally Bee recipe book)

Step 1 - Cut your sausages up into smaller pieces (each sausage into 3 to 4 pieces is perfect). Put to one side.

Step 2 - Chop up your chosen veg (pretty much anything goes, today I used carrots, celery, green beans, peas and courgette). Chop up one onion and peel 2 cloves of garlic.

Step 3 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan and then add the sausage pieces. Cook on a medium heat for 7 minutes until the sausages are browned on all sides.

Step 4 - Add your vegetables (including the garlic which can be crushed right in) and let cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is beginning to soften. While this is cooking prepare 400ml of chicken or vegetable stock, and drain and rinse one tin of mixed beans and one tin of lentils.

Step 5 - Add your beans and lentils to the pan and pour on your stock. Add a good couple of sloshes of worcestershire sauce too. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 15 minutes (by this time the carrots will have softened and your dinner will be ready). Around the same time, begin to cook your rice (or whatever you plan to serve the stew with).

Step 6 - Add 1 tablespoon of wholegrain mustard to the stew to taste and a generous sprinkling of black pepper and parsley. Serve with the rice and enjoy!

* Sausages often get a bad reputation but as long as you buy minimum 90% meat content they are actually healthy - I usually buy mine from a butcher to be sure.

xoxo

New Jewels

Hi dolls, hope your are all having a lovely week, almost Friday now yay! After the beautiful sunshine we have been enjoying in the UK this week, the weather was not so good today, raining constantly for much of the day. Luckily I had done all my shopping and trips out and spent the day packing and organising for our festival trip tomorrow! I am sooo excited and have everything prepared which makes me even happier. The suitcase is packed and sorted into day and night outfits, I have packed an extra bag of food and snacks, and lastly, I have printed all of the information I previously researched, including details of restaurants, castles and historic houses to visit, and directions to our hotel and the festival. Oh and i've packed the festival tickets, don't want to forget those! Hubby is home from work now so all we need to do is take it easy and wait for the fun to begin!

Anyways, todays post is a showcase of some new jewellery I have bought recently. I keep seeing gorgeous little gems everywhere I go and I can't help indulging! One shop I am really looking forward to visiting next week is Forever 21, which has opened a new branch on Oxford Street. I couldn't find it (did I ever mention I am rather directionally challenged!) when I visited Oxford Street the other day, so hubby has promised to help me find it when we head to London next Tuesday. I keep reading about how good the shop is, and how brilliant the jewellery is, so I am very excited!!

From top to bottom:

1) Shimmery green stone set on gold ring from H & M - £3.99

2) Amber gem stone drop earrings from New Look - £4.99

3) Bright pink and purple peace charm necklaces from Topshop - £1.50 each (in sale)

4) Silver with gemstone flower ring from New Look - £4.99

5) Long silver chain with large purple stone necklace - £1.99 from Boots (in sale)

6) Gold chain and charms necklace - £12.99 vintage from Rokit Covent garden

7) Long chain gold necklace with turquoise stone - £1.99 from Boots (in sale)

I love the green stoned ring from H & M, and the necklaces from Boots were a complete bargain! I only noticed them by the door as I was leaving and couldn't resisit as they were such good value! Love the vintage necklace too as it is different and very 'ghetto gold' (Carrie's phrase for cocktail gold jewellery!) Hopefully I will be showcasing some of this jewellery this weekend at the festival!

Hope you like, I can't wait to share my festival outfits with you all when I get back! Enjoy the weekend, hope the weather is beautiful for you!! xoxo