Sunday 30 June 2013

Stripes

One of my big loves is stripes! I've selected a few of them to share with you.

This is an Oasis top, bought yesterday, so its still in stores.
My good old H&M stripes jumper, perfect as a layer, or spring time jumper.
Similar one here.
My lovely Crew Rugby - a gift :)
Another really old one from H&M.
Similar style here.
My Newest striped Purchase from Banana Republic. Lovely cross back maxi, and its in the sale!!!
My Crew striped maxi, with a little pocket
Do any of you have stripe obsessions? Or perhaps an obsession with a different pattern?
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Tuesday 25 June 2013

Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Here's my first recipe for the blog! Im making a quick early supper before we head out for some drinks this evening:


Ingredients (all per person)

125g fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 piece skinless chicken breast (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
300ml chicken stock
75g  arborio rice
50ml white wine
1/2 chopped onion
sprinkle grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
oil
salt & pepper to season


First Chop the onion: (I do this in my little whiz Cuisinart machine because its super quick & easy) then fry it in your non stick pan / wok.


Then chop the rest of the ingredients: Mushrooms, chicken (& some parsley if youd like).

 
 

Then simply combine all ingredients in your pan, and add a small amount of Chicken stock.

This next bit is the most important: your risotto must NEVER get stuck, and never have too much liquid in it, add this a little at a time.
 


Add a small amount of Parmesan


And the most important ingredient; White wine (make sure its a good one).


Test every now and again to see if the rice has softened.

Once ready for consumption (rice has mostly softened but is still a little solid)season with salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan, then serve with a cold glass of white wine or Prosecco if you'd prefer - I would!

 
  
 Its a simple and quick meal that will only take about 40 mins total, amd most of that is standing and watching ( i have myself a glass of wine or prosecco during this stage).

Enjoy :)
x

Friday 21 June 2013

Toppings Bookshop

I have lived in Bath for many years, and only just discvered this wonderful little corner of the city!

Toppings bookshop is a wonder where you browse the books before you buy even being allowed to read them, and the icing on the cake, you are offered free tea or coffee whilst you do so! (they don't however offer cake)

They have just two stores, one in Bath, and one in Ely.

Alexander McCall Smith called it "On of the finest bookshops in the world"



















I took tea; earl grey, my favourite, and dug in!

I came away with many items. Travel books about Paris, and New York, the two places i want to go to more than anything, a book about King George V for my father, and some fiction  suggested by the employees for my mother.
They are most certainly the most helpful bookstore i have come across, and if you're a book worm definitely worth a visit. To be honest, its even worth a visit if you aren't a huge book fan - I'm not the biggest reader, but loved this look place.  

   

Monday 17 June 2013

A Beautiful Mess


I think a large number of us might use these words to describe our life sometimes... A Beautiful Mess, at least i know i do.

Here arrives a lovely little app that creates little beautiful messes out of your photos. (If you're using iPhone, you must have IOS 6 to use it)

I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with it over the past week or so, and thought i would share some of my beautifully messy creations.



 
 
 
 

These are so much fun to create. Simple and quick, and whatever you do with them they look wonderful.

My Favourite blogger Rosie Londoner used this app in a few of her instagram pictures which is how i found it. Check out her lifestyle blog for some lovely posts.
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Saturday 15 June 2013

Hospitality Art Show (Bath Abbey)

Hospitality: at Bath Abbey
A collection of pieces of art in collaboration with the Bath School of Art & Design, Bath Spa University.

The pieces are by 11 different artists. Here are some pictures of some of my favourites.


Rest on the flight by Claire Todd 
(glass, porcelain, china and glaze)








I dont really understand this as art, but loved the way my picture turned out









This piece 'Welcome' is in the entrance, adding a welcoming splash of colour





Finally these bowls are my favourite. I love the colours, and think that they're beautiful, and so well made.





This colour is gorgeous, it really stands out



The bowls are all situated a lovely little side chapel, and every one of the colours is a slightly different shade

















(all photos taken with iPhone 4S)

Generally the pieces are all really nice, but I am not sure that i fully understand or appreciate them as art, even so it is worth a visit for some lovely photo opportunities, and to see the artwork in a most beautiful setting.

Beautiful Tub (Bath)


I live in a beautiful city - im lucky and i know it! It is simply stunning. I think that it's the 'Bath Stone' that makes it so special.
When the sun shines, i just can't stop myself, i need to be snapping away. I spend summer days just wondering around. Here are a few snaps from a day last week when i had a spare five minutes.


All these pictures were taken with my gradually ageing Canon 350D

Bath Abbey



 
 
 
The Roman Bath's
If youre in the area it's well worth a visit. Fascinating history, and beautiful scenery. 

 
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