Put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything is right
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Recipe: Jamaican Ginger Cake
This recipe is taken from the Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook. I have slightly adapted it as I already had the ingredients in the fridge!
Ingredients:
100 grams of unsalted butter cubed plus extra for greasing the loaf tin
100 grams of dark soft brown sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
150 ml of milk
1 large egg
150 grams of plain flour
Fresh root ginger - the recipe states to use 2 tsp of ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp of bicarbonate of Soda
75 grams of fruit cake mix - the recipe states to just use raisins but we had a packet of fruit cake mix hanging around!
001. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees celsius / Gas Mark 2 / 300 degrees fahrenheit. Grease the loaf tin generously. Place the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a pan and heat gently until it has fully melted. Don't forget to stir!
002. Add the milk and pour the mixture into a jug. Leave to cool for a few minutes. Then add the egg.
003. Shift the flour, ginger, cinnamon and Bicarbonate of Soda into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the wet ingredients and carefully mix together. Then add the raisins - mine looks a bit pathetic as I forgot to take a picture and had to add a few more in ha!
004. Pour the cake mixture into the tin and cook for around an hour. I only cooked for 50 minutes as I have a fan oven. Pesky things! A clever way to test to see if it's cooked is to place a skewer into it and if it comes out clean it's all good to go!
005. Place the cake on the wire rack and leave to cool before tucking in!
Admittedly it looks a tad burnt on top. Thanks again fan oven. But it was so moist inside and got a thumbs up from my boyfriend who would eat ginger cake like it's going out of fashion. I'd totally make this again - although not for a little while yet as it's no weightwatchers friendly!
Ingredients:
100 grams of unsalted butter cubed plus extra for greasing the loaf tin
100 grams of dark soft brown sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
150 ml of milk
1 large egg
150 grams of plain flour
Fresh root ginger - the recipe states to use 2 tsp of ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp of bicarbonate of Soda
75 grams of fruit cake mix - the recipe states to just use raisins but we had a packet of fruit cake mix hanging around!
Admittedly it looks a tad burnt on top. Thanks again fan oven. But it was so moist inside and got a thumbs up from my boyfriend who would eat ginger cake like it's going out of fashion. I'd totally make this again - although not for a little while yet as it's no weightwatchers friendly!
I'm going to paint you by numbers and colour you in
Denim Shirt: c/o Ellos
White v-neck t-shirt: Primark
Dusty pink skinny jeans: Primark
White plimsols: Vans
I meant to get this post ready last week but I was blessed with a stinking cold - I don't seem to get the sniffle but full on head cold where it feels like it's going to fall off - and I was also taken by suprise by a job offer! More on that later!
This was the denim shirt I was kindly gifted by Ellos. I've been after the perfect denim shirt for ages. I wanted one that was just the right shade, fitted enough to look right tucked in but not too fitted it looks silly undone and just the right length to not make me feel awkward about my child-bearing hips. This Ellos one ticked all the boxes! It has the perfect amount of stretch and feels lovely and soft on my skin. Once agin I think it's going to be a staple - everyone needs a denim shirt in their wardrobe. Ellos actually have a cracking sale on at the minute which is well work a little splurge!
So I have a job. A proper full-time permenant job on a magazine! To be honest I was beginning to think this day would never come. It's been a hard year doing internships since I left Uni and being offered short-term contracts here and there. I craved the stability so that I could get one foot on the career ladder and start moving up in the world. I actually went for this job last year but unfortuately didn't get it. I received a phone call last week to state I was actually second choice for the job and as the orginial candidate had left, was I interested in it! Needlessly to say I was shocked. My full title will be junior picture researcher on Love It! magazine and I can't wait to get my teeth stuck in. It shows if you have a dream, never ever give up. It might take a long time getting there but it will come true in the end. You've just got to have a little faith!
Top five bootsale finds
The next in the series of my top five is gems i've managed to hunt down at bootsales. I'm a sucker for a bootsale and my mother and I try try to go them as often as we can. We both love a bit of secondhand junk!
001. This has to be my all time favourite find at a bootsale. It was just 50p and I absolutely love it! It was in quite poor condition but my dad painted the frame and nailed the flyaway bits together - it came out just like brand new!
002. I've suddenly gone into full on nesting mode and have been buying bits and pieces for my future home. I have no intention of starting to save for at least another two years but best to be prepared though right? It might not be there by the time I move out - my dad doesn't agree with me! This is a little bit worn but I just think it adds to its charm. It's perfect for dinner parties!
003. I get so much wear out of this collar necklace, it seems to go with everything. I think i've definately had my money out of out for just a £1. Like i've said before you can get some proper gems at bootsales - they're perfect for magpies like me!
004. I dread to think how many brooches I own - i'm always picking one up here and there. I really think they can make an outfit and love to pop them on coats to add something a little extra. I pick up these three for only 50p each and admittedly I haven't worn them yet but they are so pretty! The three pearl one is my favourite.
005.This beauty was only £2. Bargain or what?! I've never heard of the make before but it feels such good quality. It's not often I find clothing at boot sales, it tends to be mainly bric and brac. Admittedly I've not actually worn it yet as I'm not a frequent jeans wearer but it's never going to go out of fashion - I've got plenty of time to wear it!
What's your best boot sale buy?
001. This has to be my all time favourite find at a bootsale. It was just 50p and I absolutely love it! It was in quite poor condition but my dad painted the frame and nailed the flyaway bits together - it came out just like brand new!
002. I've suddenly gone into full on nesting mode and have been buying bits and pieces for my future home. I have no intention of starting to save for at least another two years but best to be prepared though right? It might not be there by the time I move out - my dad doesn't agree with me! This is a little bit worn but I just think it adds to its charm. It's perfect for dinner parties!
004. I dread to think how many brooches I own - i'm always picking one up here and there. I really think they can make an outfit and love to pop them on coats to add something a little extra. I pick up these three for only 50p each and admittedly I haven't worn them yet but they are so pretty! The three pearl one is my favourite.
005.This beauty was only £2. Bargain or what?! I've never heard of the make before but it feels such good quality. It's not often I find clothing at boot sales, it tends to be mainly bric and brac. Admittedly I've not actually worn it yet as I'm not a frequent jeans wearer but it's never going to go out of fashion - I've got plenty of time to wear it!
What's your best boot sale buy?
I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
Floral perplum dress: Asos
Nude platform pumps: Primark
Nude envelope clutch: Asos
I bet you are getting fed up of seeing these nude shoes and clutch bag in every going out post. I know I am! It's just they go with absolutely everything and black just seems so harsh with my summer clothes. Although I have a lot of shoes - around 40 pairs is quite a lot for someone who's not a 'shoe girl' - they all seem to be in the same colours. I think I need to branch out and buy some brightly coloured ones! Ahhh this dress makes me so happy. It's just so bright and the flowers remind me 70s wallpaper which is always a bonus. The perplum is perfect for hiding a food baby which is just as well as I'm planning on stuffing myself silly tonight!
As I said i'm off out tonight. One of my friends has came home from travelling after a YEAR! Needlessly to say i'm pretty excited to see her and we are heading out to my favourite restaurant - a Mexican in the next village. Is it sad I already know what i'm having?
What are you lot up to this weekend?
A snapshot #15
It's a little bit late this week but this is what i've been up to in the past week.
001. One of my favourite ways to wear my nails recently is to have a pastel shade underneath OPI Rainbow Connection. It's a little subtle sparkle and everyone seems to comment on it!
002. My Olympic tickets arrived this week which was very exciting! I have tickets for the hockey and football quarter finals. It's made me really wish i'd brought some more but I really don't have the money. Still i'm going to try and make it along to the free road races if I can.
003. I'm back on weightwatchers today thanks to a week and a half of eating whatever I like. While it's been brilliant I do feel a little bloated and am actually looking forward to come disipline in my life once again. Plus I dread to think how much i've put on!
004. When my great nan died, my nan gave me some of her brooches to keep. I have an insane amount of brooches and sometimes forget what I actually have. I found this while sorting through my drawers yesterday and decided it deserved an outing.
005-006. The most amazing charity shop warehouse has opened in my area - it's seriously huge and sells absolutely everything. The furniture is to die-for and I could quite easily have came home with a piano if I had somewhere to put it. I didn't go home empty-handed. I brought a cute little sewing box and pattern - my friend is teaching me to sew over the summer so thought i'd start building up a collection. A lovely decanter for my bottom drawer - I couldn't leave it behind for £2! I play the clarinet and am drawn towards old sheet music. I don't quite know what i'm going to do with it but i'm sure i'll find a use for 50p!
Pretty in pink
Silk white blouse: c/o Ellos
Neon pink pleated midi skirt: New Look
Nude platform faux-suede pumps: Primark
Nude envelope clutch: Asos
Silver ball bracelet: Tiffany & Co
I was very kindly gifted this silky t-shirt along with a demin shirt (i've got an outfit post dedicated to that very soon!) by Swedish mail order company Ellos. I'd come across the brand on a few other blogs before so didn't stop to hesitate when I was informed I could pick a few pieces for myself! I'm so impressed by the quality considering the prices don't break the bank. They both feel lovely and soft on my skin - there's nothing worse than itchy fabric irritating you all day long. Swedish companies always seem to simple and sleek - H&M and Nelly are just two prime examples. Sometimes simple clothing is what makes the biggest statement in my opinion. I can see this white blouse becoming a staple in my wardrobe - there's no end of things it can be paired with! It's well worth the £17. I'm tempted to buy the other colours too!
I wore this for a bite to eat at Nandos last night - not been since November according to my loyalty card. How has that even happened?! I may have been a little dressed up but its was a Friday and i'm not going out over the weekend so i'm making the most of it. I've got a bootsale to do today - i desperately need the money to boost my Mulberry funds. I'm nearly half way there!
Do you have anything planned for the rainy weekend?
Gingham
Blue and white gingham wiggle dress: Asos
Nude platform pumps: Primark
Nude 1960's kelly bag: Charity shop
This has to be hands down one of my favourite outfits i've worn recently. I brought this dress around a month ago and had been saving it for a special occasion. It fits like a glove and I felt amazing it - can't say that about all of my clothes! I went for a slightly 60s look, I did want to attempt a beehive from Catherine's blog but ran out of time. Next time though! It's just a shame this picture doesn't really do the dress justice, it was a rushed jobbie at the hotel. My friend was none to impressed at taking pictures of me!
I wore this out to a charity ball over the Jubliee weekend with some friend. It turned out to be a really good night despite the fact we were the youngest guests by about 20 years. We ended up making our own fun and NOT getting drunk, Seriously who has the dollar to pay £8 for a glass of wine?! I was not impressed!
How was your Jubliee weekend?
Casino Royale
I love any old excuse to throw on a pretty dress, have fancy hair and put my war paint on. After all, what girl doesn't? One place where you can really go all out is a casino - we've all seen the elegant dresses in the casino movies. Casinos always seem like glamourous places - admittedly the only one i've been too is on a Christmas work party where we were handed a wad of fake money and told to blow it all!
With so many casino games to play, it's hard to pick a favourite. But if I had to choose i'd go for the Roulette wheel. I always play it safe and opt for black or red. I think i'm too much of a chicken to pick one number and risk it all. I've never really played any card games - only 21 and Uno! Have you ever played any games at the Casino?
Now onto the most important aspect - the beautiful dresses! I think the more glam the better to be honest. My personal favourite has to be the French Connection one. But at £250 it's a little steep. The gorgeous nude Asos one is a lot more purse friendly at £60. Now what can I sell to raise the funds for it....
Have you ever been to a casino? What would your ideal dress be?
This post was written in collaboration.
With so many casino games to play, it's hard to pick a favourite. But if I had to choose i'd go for the Roulette wheel. I always play it safe and opt for black or red. I think i'm too much of a chicken to pick one number and risk it all. I've never really played any card games - only 21 and Uno! Have you ever played any games at the Casino?
Now onto the most important aspect - the beautiful dresses! I think the more glam the better to be honest. My personal favourite has to be the French Connection one. But at £250 it's a little steep. The gorgeous nude Asos one is a lot more purse friendly at £60. Now what can I sell to raise the funds for it....
This post was written in collaboration.
Ahoy!
Outfit:
Boat printed cotton dress: Asos
Wicker bag with flower: Primark
White plimsols: Vans
Red plastic watch: Toywatch
Ball charm bracelet: Tiffany and Co
It looks like summer has finally arrived - well at least for a few days! I wore this outfit on Saturday to bask in the sunshine. It was such a nice day. Can't really go wrong with pie, mash and liquor, a BBQ and an evening spent in the beer garden. I brought this dress from Asos a good month ago but the weather never been nice enough to let me wear it. I adore the print on it and the cheeky little cut out back. I was trying to channel the 50s look with this outfit, although the plimsols were none to kind my my blistered feet! They were in agony! I think this bag may be my new favourite thing - i haven't been in Primark for two months! I think i'm coming down with something...
Did you all have a nice weekend? Go anywhere exciting?
55 Factory
Last week I was very kindly invited to the launch of of the second issue of 55 Factory, a cool magazine that focuses on music and fashion features. It's such a lovely handbag size which means it's perfect to pop in your bag and read on your commute into work - i'm always after things to make my commute go faster. TFL will be the death of me! The cover star was Pandemonia who is the rather fetching lady in the orange dress! The launch took place in Covent Garden's Rokit. Rokit is one of my favourite places to have a rummage, I could have spent a fortune on the jewellery if I wasn't so poor! The best thing about any blogger events is meeting old favourites and getting to know new bloggers. I met the lovely Gemma, Elodie and Laura - me and Laura spent ages talking to each other before we even realised who each other was! Thanks girls for giving me a really good night.
The final picture is the amazing Meat Market - i've been going on about this place to everyone. I can't get over how tasty the burgers were. Mcdonalds eat your heart out. They taste like cardboard in comparison!
Thank you so much to Lois of Carrottop PR for inviting and to all the sponsors for the lovely goodie bag. The lip balm is now one of my favourites!
What would you wish for if you had one chance?
Outfit:
Peach dipped hem shirt dress: New Look
Nude heeled pumps: Primark
Gold coloured necklace: Car boot
Taupe nails: Next
Gold coloured knot earrings: Topshop
This is something that's completely not my style yet I love it. I decided to take the plunge and embrace the dipped hem trend after spotting this dress in the New Look sale for only a tenner. I wore this to a wedding reception last week and have never really felt more Essex my life. With my fake tan and gold jewellery I think I did my county proud! The necklace was a car boot find and it's the perfect piece to wear under collars. Car boots are fab places to find unique jewellery and it's always so cheap too - this necklace was only a £1!
How is your week going so far?
A snapshot #16
002. First piece of holiday shopping for a holiday I haven't booked! I couldn't resist this bikini for only £5 in ASDA. Tempted to go back and buy the other colours. I think we are going to go to Morocco this year, we've found a lovely hotel and will hopefully book it in June. Trying to leave it as late as possible in the hope the price will go down!
003. I'm getting well into the Jubliee spirit of things and have been snapping out bits and pieces, Granted I don't need the bits and pieces but i'm a sucker for themed things. These cake tins were a buy from Sainsbury's and will give my scones a good home when I get round to making them.
004-005. I finally got to pay Meat Market a visit when I went to a event (more on that in the week!). I went with a couple of my blogging favourites Hannah and Lily as well as the lovely Aisling and Elodie. I went for the Double Bubble and it was absolutely amazing. The burger was massive and it tasted divine. It was like a heart attack on a plate - which is the reason it was so nice ha!
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