I started this book over four weeks ago and unfortunately due to real life getting in the way I haven't managed to devour it as it deserves.
It was recommended to me by my mother who read it and deemed it perfect for me and Oh was it.
The novel follows a young Ernest Hemingway meeting and marrying his first wife Hadley in Chicago and moving to Paris to pursue his dreams. Within this are hoards of famous friends and jaunts to many European destinations but most prominently the story follows a woman's devotion to her husband.
McLain is a genius...
The book is a perfect mixture of fact and fiction
She allows you to become invested in the characters, most especially Hadley, who ends up feeling like your long lost friend.
You go through the ups and downs with her and root for her throughout the whole story
I particularly enjoyed the Sojourns into Hemingway's perspective although not always pleasant they allowed the story to move forward.
Although heartbreaking at times The Paris Wife was a joy to read and I'll most definitely be watching out for any future McLain novels.
Next to read is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
J xx
I wanted to share this picture of a simple but beautiful breakfast I made at the weekend
Croissants with Hazelnut Coffee!!
So glad to have the daffodils in bloom I make sure to have at least two vases full in the house at all times.
They are such a beautiful sign that Spring has arrived.
Happy Monday!!
J xx
Doves Farm Gluten Free Stem Ginger Cookies
In most cases unfortunately yummy treats = dairy and eggs.
Since having a dairy free and egg free diet I have become determined to find sweet treats that taste good.
These are my most recent find, which are absolutely gorgeous,
Although they only advertise them as being Gluten Free I was ecstatic to see that they contain no eggs or dairy.
They are remarkably similar to any other normal ginger biscuits that are on the market,
The only slight difference I found was that the cookies tended to be a little drier than usual.
Personally this made no difference to me and I'll definitely be getting them again
I managed to pick them up from my local store but they also sell them on their website.
Doves Farm Organic
J xx
We had very little food left in the house due to it being the end of the week so we decided to create something out of the left overs from the previous meals we'd had during the week.
And we came up with this delicious and healthy recipe.
Quinoa with Bacon and Peas in Lettuce Cups
Recipe for 2 People
Ingredients
1 cup of Quinoa
1 3/4 cups of Stock (I use Marigold Bouillon Standard as it is Yeast Free)
1/2 cup of Garden Peas (we used frozen)
6 rashers of bacon (chopped into small strips) (Bacon can be substituted for any leftover meat)
2 Echalion Shallots (any shallot or onion is fine)
4 large Cos lettuce leaves (washed)
1 Clove of Garlic
Instructions
1. Rinse the Quinoa thoroughly.
2. Bring the Quinoa and the Stock to the boil and leave to simmer for around 15 minutes until all the stock has disappeared and add more water if not cooked thoroughly. (When using just water to cook Quinoa add a pinch of salt, if using this particular stock don't add salt the stock already provides that)
3. Meanwhile chop and fry the shallots in Olive oil to soften
4. Add the garlic and the bacon (use extra olive oil if necessary)
5. Whilst cooking rinse and chop the ends of the lettuce off and display on the plate
6. Add the peas to the onion, garlic and bacon mixture, stir continuously.
7. When all are cooked add the onion, garlic, peas and bacon mixture to the Quinoa
8. Combine and serve in the lettuce leaves
Voila!
A perfect healthy and easy meal.
J xx
Having crushed on RHWs white high heels this morning I thought I would mention an amazing high street equivalent that my best friend A just bought (although I do own them in hot pink).
There a perfect way to bring your current wardrobe up to date for spring/summer and at only £22.99, you can't say no
I definitely won't be (it will just require some coordination with the bestie)
J xx
Couldn't help but post this sensational picture of RHW last night in Michael Kors at London's Cafe Royal to celebrate a night of Michael Kors hosted by Vogue magazine.
I love the beautiful yellow pattern on the dress which works perfectly with the dusky pink lip
And the contrast with the white heels (which are a must have for spring)
She looks sensational
J xx
Having recently bought Gwyneth's new cookbook "Its All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That will Make You look Good and Feel Great" due to the dairy free and healthy recipes myself and R (my partner) tried her Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Spring Onions (Scallions) and Parsley recipe, with added chicken (due to R's obsession with meat).
I have to say it was delicious
I've never experimented with Quinoa much before but will most definitely be using it as an alternative to rice and potatoes in the future.
I cant wait to try another of the recipes (most urgently the dairy free Belgian waffles)
So far so good
J x
I just wanted to say welcome to my brand new blog, Sweet Pea
I've never done this before so please bare with me and I hope you enjoy it and/or at least take something away from it.
I'm J (my partner is R, he'll probably get mentioned a lot) and I wanted to start this blog primarily to share my adapted dairy free, egg free and sometimes yeast free recipes with others
Plus
Lots of other things I like, find interesting or that i think are just plain cute or funny.
From fashion to beauty to home decor
There will probably be something for everyone
Hope you enjoy
J x
