I'm Back

I'm so sorry for the sudden stop in posts.

Sometimes real life gets in the way of the things you enjoy most and love doing but I'm back.

In the meantime I've managed to spend time and enjoy the sunny weather with my gorgeous friends who are all back from university, I tried out a coconut milk blueberry ice cream recipe....which was delicious (I'll post the recipe this week) and I managed to get some really great interview outfits together depending on the company I was seeing.

I hope you're all still reading.

Happy Wednesday!

J xx

Evening Casual

 

Love this casual look I wore last weekend for a shopping trip and dinner at a local restaurant it's perfect to take you from day to night even more so if you add a tailored blazer. The shoes are a recent purchase and I'm in love with them, they're a great buy. Clutch is Asos, Shoes are Primark (£12.50- Unbelievable I know), Jeans are Zara, Black Top is M &S.

 

Happy Shopping

 

J xx

Old Book Cleaning

I have an unhealthy obsession with old books and am trying to get an Ernest Hemingway collection started so I took a trip to my local antique store, where they have loads to rifle through, although not in the best condition. I got the three shown above (Old man and the Sea, Great stories of love and romance and The best novels of Nancy Mitford) on this visit and they were very dusty. I found very little help on the Internet so I decided to go it alone.

Using a fairly firm medium sized paintbrush, some kitchen roll and newspaper I had a go at cleaning them up and it worked fairly well.

I used the paintbrush to brush of excess dust and dirt and then slightly wet one side of the kitchen towel before folding several times. This allowed a small amount of moisture to seep through to the side I would be using. I then began to gently wipe the covers, to remove excess dirt. (I most definitely wouldn't recommend doing this if they are of any real value). It really helped to spruce them up to ensure they were fit for my mantel piece.
Here are some images of the difference before and after:
 
 After

Before

After

Give it a try

J xx

Bikini Time: The Girl and The Water

I've been hiding a secret website that does the most sensational bikinis, but I feel with summer holidays drawing closer that it's time to share.

It's called The Girl and The Water.












The bikinis aren't cheap but they offer brilliant simple shapes with gorgeous design features. I'm in love. Plus a bonus is that they are not just modelled by stick thin women.

They are an American website, so for any international shoppers like me there is a postage of $10 for a 10 day delivery time, which is pretty good considering what others try to charge you.

You all have to check it out.

Heres The Link: http://www.thegirlandthewater.com/

Happy Shopping

J xx

Quote Of the Day

 

Never forget that even if you feel lost there are people that treasure you as a person and can't live without you.

 

Happy Wednesday!

J xx

21/05

Todays Oufit for a cloudy day...

Maroon Leggings- Moschino Target USA
Black Jumper - Forever 21
Statement Necklace - Forever 21
Ankle Boots - Zara

Nail Polish - Essie, Fifth Avenue
Lipstick - Maybelline 24hr Super Stay Color in Raspberry Framboise

Watch- Christian Dior
Bracelet- Pandora
Rings - Swarovski and Next
Knuckle Rings - LimeLace
Bracelet - Next

Check it all out on my instagram page
Username: sweetpblogger

J xx

Recipe: Tortilla Soup

I made this yummy soup recipe last week as something easy to be eaten whenever we were hungry. It was delicious and so easy to make. After having it as a soup, I reduced it down a little more and had it the next day inside a tortilla wrap (it would be great in a hard shell taco). Ive adapted it from a Martha Stewart recipe to add more flavour and depth and I have accompanied it with crispy tortilla wrap strips!

Ingredients
Serves 2 (+ leftovers)

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (Chopped)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (Crushed)
• 1/2 tsp Cumin (to desired taste)
• 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder (to desired taste)
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 500 ml of Bouillon (Vegetable Stock)
• 1 can of Black Beans
• 1 tin of Sweet Corn (frozen is fine)
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 cup of Tortilla Chips
• 2 Tortilla Wraps (One per person)

Directions

1. In a large pan, heat oil over a medium heat. Cook onions gently until soft.
2. Add Garlic, Chilli Powder and Cumin, cook for 1-2 minutes
3. Add Chopped Tomatoes, Stock, Black Beans and Sweet corn  and 1 cup of water (if needed), season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring soup to a boil and reduce to a simmer for approximately 20 minutes (or until ready).
5. Meanwhile snip tortilla wraps into long strips and Grill until brown and crispy.
6. 2 Minutes before serving add crushed tortilla chips until softened.
7. Remove from the heat. Serve with whole tortilla chips (if desired) and Crispy Tortilla Wrap Strips.

Enjoy

J xx