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.