My Nostalgic Thing

After indulging in too many chocolates and puddings my boyfriend and I took Elsie (my black Lab) for a brisk walk around the local park. On our journey home a colourful tray filled with homemade chutneys in someone's drive caught our eye. A sign read: 'Christmas Chutney's, £1.50' beside the tray. All adorned with a Christmassy jar toppers and a cut-out label, I couldn't resist purchasing one for my parents. Small gestures and kindness in the community puts a smile on my face...maybe I should try something similar!  

Has anyone done anything like this before?

A few of my favourite things

 

Christmas is a time for giving and I could buy endless presents for people! I love choosing, wrapping and giving presents to close ones and seeing the look on their faces when they open them. This year I didn't ask Santa for much but I had a lovely selection of things in the end. I thought I'd share with you a few gifts I received. 

 

 

 

My boyfriends Mum gave me these luxury angora socks stuffed with chocolate coins and a ring. They are so comfy and are perfect when snuggling in front of the fire.

 

My uncle somehow knew Urban Outfitters is one of my favourite shops and bought me this delicate necklace.

I was shocked when I saw this Vogue postcard set from my brother. This must be the first year he has bought me something he has really thought about. I am a Vogue fan so this gift was a lovely idea.

 

Yardley's Royal English Daisy perfume was given to me by my uncle and aunty. It's delicate, floral scent suits me as it's not too overpowering.

 

A little while ago my boyfriend said his work mate had told him: 'All women love anything Cath Kidston.' Yeah, he was right. These pretty mugs will brighten up my uni kitchen.

 

My Aunty gave me and my brother a leather notebook and pen (V5 - the best) for Christmas. It is ideal for jotting down ideas or can be used as my next uni notebook.

 

I hope you had a magical Christmas as I certainly did. My favourite things are opening presents in pj's, eating chocolate for breakfast and stuffing my face all day because I can.

Christmas Outfit

With all the yummy food, party games and presents my blogging posts have come to a bit of a halt. So, time to share my Christmas outfit...I wanted to wear my green velvet skirt to add luxury to the light, silver top (yes, made me resemble a turkey wrapped in foil) so two of my favourite things were in one outfit: velvet and sparkle.
We spent Christmas Eve at my Granny's, Christmas day at our house then Boxing Day at my uncles and my boyfriends. Pretty hectic but good fun at the same time.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas x 

Top and necklace: New Look, Skirt :71 Queens

Chocolate Truffle Bark

 

This moreish chocolate truffle bark is for chocoholics only. The recipe is really simple and its rich, creamy flavour will keep guests (and you) happy!

 

Ingredients:

200 g of dark chocolate
100 ml of coconut milk

1 tbsp. of golden syrup

Cocoa powder for dusting

 

Method:

1. Grease a medium sized baking tray with some butter and line with cling film.

2. Roughly chop all of the dark chocolate on a chopping board and keep to one side

3. Measure out the coconut milk (make sure to tip off the watery bit at the top of the can) and heat on a low temperature to melt

4. Toss in the chocolate chunks and slowly heat whilst constantly stirring.

5. Once the coconut milk and chocolate have combined, stir in the golden syrup.

6. Spread evenly on to the baking tray and freeze for an hour.

7. Then tip the slab of chocolate onto the chopping board and cut into chunks. Dust with sieved cocoa powder and store in the fridge or freezer.



 

Christmas Bath blogger meet

This post is a little delayed due to exams, the dreaded publishing deadline and packing ready to come home for the Christmas holidays!
But, last weekend I got the chance to meet fellow bloggers and wonderful people at the Bath Xmas Meet up, kindly organised by Megan from Briar Rose. It was my first event like this so was a little nervous but excited to see what was in store. Everyone braved the weather to have a gander at some gorgeous dresses in Bath Fashion Museum, a good old chat and a browse around the bustling Christmas Market.

 

Lovely group photo by The Cinnamon Slipper

 

 

Dress of the Year created by Raf Simons

 

We were all lucky enough to receive a little Christmas present and card each when we arrived. I'd thought I'd share mine with you as I couldn't wait until the 25th to open it! In a lovely wrapped box sat a gold shell shaped necklace that says 'I'm Really a Mermaid' by I Love Crafty. Adorable.

New Buy: M&S Boots

 

While dark skies and drizzle accompany our mornings, I have been on the hunt for some new black winter boots. Unfortunately the Zara boots I had last year were worn so often (plus the fact we had a puppy who liked to bite shoes) they had to be thrown in the bin.
I came across these beauties in M&S a little while ago now but like most shops in Bath, they didn't have my shoe size and they had sold out online! Every shop I went to either didn't have my size, the shoes were too expensive or the heel was too high. I wanted a boot that was practical, black (goes with everything) and simple.
So. On a whim I went back to M&S with my boyfriend. Whilst he was deciding what scarf to get, I wandered over to the shoe section. Alas, there sat a Size 7 boot on the top shelf. Of course, I tried them on and bought them. They are leather and suede with a buckle detail which adds a chic look. Most of all they are comfortable and go with pretty much everything in my wardrobe...

What are your winter boots?

My Nostalgic Thing

Yes, this week I tipped out all the pennies in my piggy bank. Sad times. Piggy banks remind me of childhood because every kid has one, right? I used to save up my pennies to buy sweets, and to be honest, not much has changed.
I received this cute piggy bank last summer from my boyfriend after our day trip out to House of Marbles in Devon. It has come in useful! I don't know about you, but I hate having a pile of coppers in my purse taking up valuable space. All my coins are put in him^

Do you have a piggy bank?

New Buy: Asos dress

 

I haven't bought any clothes in a while as my funds are low!
However, I needed something new to go out in that could also double as a day dress. I found this perfect paisley ASOS dress which is only £25 and can easily be accessorised to take it from day to night. I got the longer length because I am tall and find dresses are always too short.

What do you think?

 



My Nostalgic Thing

 

 

So my Nostalgic Thing this week was re-discovering my Disney storybook I have had since I was a child. It was my Mums before it became mine and the red cover is splotched with stains...as you can probably see. I forgot I even had it until I rifled through a pile of books at the bottom of my shelf. It has large writing and beautiful coloured illustrations. My favourite tale was Toads and Diamonds as I was like a magpie and obsessed with shiny things and jewels when I was younger! The magical tale tells of a kind-hearted girl who is blessed with having jewels fall out from her mouth every time she speaks; although I'm not sure if I would call that a blessing.
The book took me back a few years and I wanted to read it for some inspiration for my 'writing for young people' fiction week at uni.

Winter Squash

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Winter is the season to make warming soups to comfort you during the dark evenings that prevail. I picked some winter squash a few days ago from Bath Organic Gardens and for the first time, made some soup with them. Squash are rich in vitamins A and C, and the darker the colour of the squash, the more vitamin A it contains. Winter squash is also a good source of iron and riboflavin - so get cooking with it!

 

 

Here is a quick and easy recipe that serves around 2 people:

 

Roasted Squash Soup

 

Ingredients:

Splash of vegetable oil

1 large butternut squash

1 onion

1 clove of garlic

1 litre of vegetable stock

1 tbsp. of cumin

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of chili

Salt and pepper to taste

Dollop of cream (optional)

 

 

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees / Gas mark 4.

 

On a chopping board roughly cut up the squash (removing the seeds) with a large knife. Cut off the stem, and cut length ways into the rind. If it is too hard to cut, microwave for a few minutes to soften the skin. Next, chop the onion into large chunks and crush the garlic. 

 

Put some oil in a roasting tin and toss the squash, onion, garlic and spices in, making sure they are covered in oil. Season with salt and pepper.

 

Next, roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 180 degrees / Gas 4 until the ingredients have a caramelised colour to them but not burnt.

 

Whilst waiting for the ingredients to roast, make up the stock mixture using boiling water. Then, put all of the roasted vegetables into a blender with a few spoonful's of the stock mixture. Blend.

 

Depending on how thick you want your soup, you can gradually add more stock and if you find you have put too much stock in, just place the soup in a pan and slowly boil until it has reached the consistency you want.

 

Season the soup again and dollop some cream on top. Serve with warm, crusty bread.

 

 

What recipes do you cook with squash?

 

 

 

Market Find: Framed Butterflies

 

Every first and last Sunday of the month Green Park Station in Bath, is host to a Vintage & Antiques market. I often go for a gander as it is only 10 minutes away from my house. Looking around the various stalls is always fun as the stalls have something different to offer every time. It is always bursting with treasures, ranging from collectable porcelain, glitzy jewellery and furniture to vintage toys, rare LP's and treasured curios.

Recently I have accumulated a fascination and love for butterflies. There's something about their delicacy and beauty I admire and I have been on the look-out for framed butterflies for a while. So when I saw this framed picture at the market with 7 framed butterflies I was happy!

However, the glass was broken which meant I would have to get it re-framed. It also meant it was £25 down from £45 after I learnt it was broken by a customer looking at the stall this morning. I decided to blow my student budget and buy it as it has 2 rare butterflies and would look perfect in my room...

Do you like butterflies? What do you think?



My Nostalgic Thing

This week it was great to go back to Devon and find a pile of magazines that had been delivered to my house. Reading magazines by a cosy fire with some tea and cake is unbeatable...

What magazines do you read?

Charity Shop Find

 

 

Being a student with no job and not much money means going shopping has to be a treat now. Much to my disappointment. I used to buy something new almost every week when I was at college and couldn't help but go in and see what shops had to offer. However, now I tend to go charity shopping a lot more as I can justify spending £3.50 on a top rather than the average £25 I would normally spend. There is something more fun and exciting about charity shopping as you never know what you might find. You have to delve and search for a jem instead of sifting through Topshop rails where you know what you're getting. Also, being in Bath, the selection in charity shops is a lot better than at home!

I picked up this glittery tee for just £3.50. It is an XL and had shoulder pads but I cut them out and roll the sleeves when I wear it. It has a wintery feel to it and is perfect with black jeans and a bandeau for going out.



 

What bargains have you found?

Raw Cashew Coconut Balls

 

Raw Cashew Coconut balls

So I am a snacker. I need snacks throughout the day to keep me going and I am on a mission to find some healthy recipes so I swap the chocolate fix for something nutritious. These Raw Cashew Coconut Balls have chia seeds in which are packed with Omega 3's, fibre and calcium. They also have cinnamon in, which helps regulate blood glucose levels to keep the sugary cravings at bay. This recipe is simple to make and will keep you full until Tea time...

 

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of sticky dates
1/2 cup of soaked cashews

1/2 cup of desiccated coconut

1 tsp. of chia seeds

1 tbsp. of honey

Pinch of cinnamon

Drop of vanilla essence

 

Method: 

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend for around 3 minutes until the mixture sticks between your fingers. It should be very sticky! If it isn't sticky enough then add more honey or put in the fridge to set for 5 minutes.

 

Scoop out the mixture and roll into little balls.

 

Put on a plate and keep in the fridge.


 

 

 

 

Enjoy!

Car boot Find

You can’t beat the British charm of pottering around a car-boot sale on an Autumn afternoon unearthing treasures at a cheap price. The thrill of finding exquisite items piled on top of plastic tables, sheets and stalls is something irresistible. Even if you don’t find something, there’s always the fascination of looking at what’s on offer and never knowing what you might find.
My local car-boot in Devon is only a 15 minute drive so it's handy when you've got a spare few hours. I am not good at haggling and it is something I must work on! However, when I came across this original vintage Biba bag I didn't feel the need to haggle. I was stood debating at the stall: Do I really need another bag? when the owner offered £3 for it. How could I resist? So I came away happy with the delicate embroidered bag in clutched in my hand.

What treasures have you found?

My Nostalgic Thing

Baking With Friends.With so much going on and not much time to spare, it's important to make time for friends. Nothing beats a bit of baking, gossiping and TV watching with your closest ones. We made some scrummy cookies...and managed to demolish them all!

What did you do?

My Nostalgic Thing

So, I have plans to make this a regular post and share with you something nostalgic I have done... 
Wondering Around The Museum.
On those afternoons where the sun is out and you have a little free time, it's always good to do something different. I decided to take my housemates to the Holburne Museum in Bath. It sits grandly at the end of Great Pulteney Street, waiting for discoveries to be found by all. I used to volunteer there but hadn't been back since Summer.
With 2 floors filled with delights, it’s a place to wonder around and relax while absorbing various art and history. In the Galleries, there are secret drawers with puzzles and facts, as well as the chance for you to look at the miniature items close up. 18th Century paintings dominate the fantastic core collection - hugely based on William Holburnes’ own findings – but with a selection of modern art combined with the classical portraits, everyone can find a little something they enjoy. The housemates seemed to like it and more so by the fact it's free entry!

What is your nostalgic thing?

Cereal Magazine

 

 

Today I was fortunate enough to sit in front of Rosa Park, editor and creator of Bristol based magazine, Cereal. As part of my Publishing course at Bath Spa we receive lectures by ‘industry insiders’ in a quest to help us find our feet. Dressed in a chic monochrome dress with her coat slung over her shoulders, Rosa began to tell us her adventure with Cereal and publishing…

Being an independent magazine consisting of three employees, Rosa typically works between 60/70 hours a week. Working in such a small team gives them ‘agility’ and the chance to focus on what they want to creatively. They often travel together, discuss their own visions and ideas for the magazine as well as hang out. Rosa came up with the idea for an independent food and travel magazine that didn't have the typical food recipes and chef interviews in 2011.

 

The design of Cereal is minimal and simple, which has now, Rosa states, become a trend. She doesn’t want to be typecast but feels minimalism is the answer to timelessness. They hope the magazine won’t date and everything they include will in some way be timeless e.g. parks, museums, languages, so if you picked it up from under a suitcase in the attic in ten years time it would still be relevant. Their ‘geeky, historic’ approach to the tightly focused brand helps to achieve that.

 

Unlike other magazines, Cereal is divided into chapters with 8-10 articles in each chapter. An interesting fact Rosa shared with us about the logo is each little line dividing the letters ‘Cereal’ replicates the shelves on a bookshelf – nice touch.

 

Online Cereal replicates the print magazine wonderfully. With the same minimalist, clean style the website acts as a ‘shop window to the world.’ More people will see the website than they will print so it’s important to create ‘great content.’ It has to be punchy, snappy with online articles and the great thing about the web is – if you don’t like it, you can remove it!

 

What hit me most about the team is their passion and dedication to the magazine. It shows that if you want it enough, you can do it. The designer, Rich Stapleton, said: ‘You can always change your track’ and ‘Pick what’s right for you,’ which is comforting to hear as an undergraduate stuck in a misty cloud of decision-making.