Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts

Monday, 4 May 2015

make the most of may - bucket list


                                            click image for larger downloadable

Hi there lovelies! I hope you have all enjoyed the weekend. It's so lovely to have a three day holiday; a real treat. I can't believe it's May already! Aren't the months just flying by!

This month I'm planning to get a little fitter and step up my exercise routine. Lighter evenings and warmer weather do make this easier! I hear green tea increases fat burning and boosts the metabolic rate so I'm planning on drinking a lot more!

I'm also looking forward to going to see 'Far From The Madding Crowd.' Have you seen it yet? I would love to know if you enjoyed it. I loved reading the novel and watching the original film. I really hope it lives up to expectations.

Have you any plans for May?



Monday, 27 April 2015

fresh mackerel with roasted rhubarb









This combination of mackerel and rhubarb is absolutely delicious. Furthermore, it is so easy and quick to prepare. A perfect dish for brunch, lunch or an after work supper dish. This is a recipe we always make as soon as rhubarb is in season, as it never fails to hit the spot. 

Ingredients
for the roasted rhubarb
4-5 stalks rhubarb
1 tbsp light brown sugar

for the mackerel
2 fresh mackerel, filleted
1 tbsp seasoned plain flour
1 tbsp olive oil
3/4 sprigs of chopped rosemary
1 tbsp capers, drained
a splash of sherry vinegar

Method
  1. Cut the rhubarb into roughly 6in lengths and place in a roasting tin with half a teacup of water and the sugar. 
  2. Place in a preheated oven (200C/400F/Gas 6) and roast until it is soft enough to stab with a fork, about 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool, drain and set aside the cooking juices.
  3. Dip the skin side of each mackerel fillet into the flour to coat. Place the mackerel fillet, skin side down, in a pan of heated oil. Scatter over the rosemary. Add the roasted rhubarb to the side of the pan to heat through, then add the capers.
  4. Turn the mackerel after two minutes and then cook for another minute or two. Add the sherry vinegar and allow it just to come to the boil. 
  5. Remove the mackerel and rhubarb and add a little of the reserved juices to the pan. Scrap round the pan with a wooden spoon to lift the crispy bits. Serve straightaway, with the sauce over the mackerel and the rhubarb on the side.
Believe me when I say you will love this dish. Perfect for Spring.

Have a fabulous day lovelies.




Monday, 20 April 2015

a perfect way to start the day



As a lot of you know, or if you follow me on Instagram, one of my favourite parts of the week are my weekend breakfasts. It feels so good to be able to eat outside in the garden again. I'm sure food tastes better when eating alfresco! Croissants, fruit, smoothies and coffee! What more could a girl want!

My last post was all about choosing the right cafetiere and I'm really pleased to say we have found the perfect one. We chose the Bodum Chambord and we are so glad we did. It pours perfectly, no drips and spills, which makes it perfect for breakfast in bed. I definitely recommend it. I happened to be shopping in TK Maxx and I spotted it at the bargain price of £19 instead of the Amazon price of £44! Although, I still drool over the copper plated version of this one but it's quite a bit more expensive!

A good, hearty breakfast is always needed when a girl is busy looking for wedding dresses! It's exciting times ahead for us as we plan our summer wedding. This dress business is trickier than I thought!

Have a great week lovelies!



Monday, 6 April 2015

make the most of april - bucket list

click image for larger downloadable

Hi there lovelies! I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Easter weekend. Spring marks for me a time of plans and projects. The lighter nights, warmer weather and the promise of things to come always make me feel more optimistic.

This month my plans are to spring clean the house and tidy the garden which I think may take me a while! Doesn't it feel great to throw open the windows and let fresh air circulate! Getting in the garden for some vitamin D, smelling the aroma of freshly, cut grass and growing herbs are all things I'm really looking forward to. I just hope the weather gets better!

What plans do you have for April? I'd love to hear them.

Have a great week.



Friday, 3 April 2015

a little catch up


Hi there lovelies! I can't believe it is November since I last wrote a blog post. Isn't it scary how fast time flies by! I hope you are all keeping well and have had a great start to the year.

Since my last blog post, my life has basically been work, work, work. I have hibernated through the winter months, choosing to stay snuggled by the fire, as I have seemed to catch every germ going! But doesn't it feel good to see signs of spring? Lighter nights, waking up to birds chirping, warmer weather, tulips and the beginning of new life are just some of the things I love about this time of year. I always feel spring marks the beginning of a new year more so than January 1st.

I have really missed being here but I'm hoping to gradually get back to posting on a more regular basis. My batteries needed recharging and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs doing. Have you any tips on how you juggle blogging with work and family? Some time management skills would be greatly appreciated!!

We have some exciting things planned for this year which I'm looking forward to sharing with you over the next few months. 'Happiness is looking forward and not back.'

Have a wonderful Easter weekend lovelies. May the Easter bunny bring you all the eggs you wish for. It's good to be back.

Monday, 7 April 2014

ten things i love about spring

It's finally time to put away winter coats and boots and breathe in the sweet Spring air. Spring always represents new beginnings and a fresh start. Longer, warmer days and being able to spend more time outside is for me a huge mood booster. The whole world seems to come alive with colour and beauty. In the words of Leo Tolstoy 'Spring is the time of plans and projects.'

Here are the ten things I love about Spring:

What are your favourite things about Spring? 

Have a lovely start to the week.




Friday, 4 April 2014

hi! i'm back with my april bucket list


It has gone so quick, but I am back from a two month blogging break. I've had some lovely messages asking where I have been and how I am, so thank you all for those kind thoughts. 

Life has been a bit tough recently, which has made it difficult to think about and enjoy creating blog posts. All my energies have been focused on getting by with the loss of the main wage in the house, and all the upset surrounding it. However, I know so many people have to cope with so much more, including some lovely friends. 

A few weeks ago, I restarted my photo-a-day project, which some of you will have seen on Facebook, Instagram and 365Project

I thought the best way to get positive again was to create a bucket list and make sure I do everything on it this time. The challenge now is to do it, enjoy it but not to break the bank (all money-saving tips greatly appreciated).

The Easter break from school is coming up and that is a chance to get some jobs done. This year I want to plant enough herbs and salad leaves to keep me going over the summer. There is no substitute for fresh loveliness. I also need to get busy with a paint brush. It's great having two wood burners keeping me warm all winter, but they don't do much for the cream decor. I would love to hear about your plans for this month.

I have missed you all and it feels good to be back. Thank you so much for sticking by me.

Have a lovely weekend.

Friday, 26 April 2013

make the most of may - bucket list

Welcome to my new monthly post - make the most of May. I have been thinking for a while about making the most of the better weather and lighter nights and I thought there is no better way than a monthly bucket list.

This is my way of making sure I don't let the month go by without looking back at the end of the month thinking where did the last few weeks disappear to. I wanted my list to include lots of outdoor activities, making recipes with seasonal and organic ingredients and I am planning a road trip for the end of the month.

I am going to make sure I do a monthly 'make the most of' post at the beginning of every month and I will let you know how I got on at the end of May. I'm really looking forward to it.


What kind of plans have you got for May?






Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Spring lace dress and brogues


Well hello sunshine! The first proper sunny spring day this year. But don't be too deceived as it was quite chilly! As you can see I'm wearing my lace dress but a jumper and tights were a must in the cold and the colours were part of my holiday mix and match outfits. Loving burgundy right now! 

My brogues are so comfortable, just right for a day sightseeing.

We spent the day in a lovely little town called Harrogate, famous for it's spa waters and gardens. It was so lovely to see signs of spring everywhere. In the photos below you can see me desperately trying not to tread on the crocuses.


The town is also famous for a tearoom called Betty's. People queue up outside to get a table in here! So we thought 'while we are here, let's be proper tourists and queue up too.'  We were not disappointed! The choice of cakes was all too much, I wanted to try them all. But in the end I chose a raspberry cream macaroon and S had a fat rascal, apparently a 'local delicacy.' Divine!!



A lovely place with a lot of lovely parks and gardens, perfect for a picnic. We did brave the cold and sit outside to eat, next time we come hopefully it will be without a coat!

Primark lace dress - wardrobe
Primark burgundy jumper - wardrobe
H&M tights - wardrobe
Topshop brogues - wardrobe
Topshop parka - (last seen here)
Sunglasses - wardrobe
Urban Outfitters watch - (last seen here)
Primark ring - wardrobe

Have a lovely day everyone,

Sunday, 31 March 2013

easter


Happy Easter everyone! Hope you have all enjoyed lots of chocolate eggs and bunnies! This is how I decorated our dining room this year. This basket of flowers, we bought from a nursery, has made a fabulous centrepiece for the table; so colourful and bright. I put duck eggs in a bowl and an egg on each plate with table names on. So cute!


For lunch we decided to have roast chicken with pearl barley, instead of lamb, for a change. I used a recipe from the River Cottage Everyday cookbook. It was delicious and I will definitely make it again as it went down a treat with the family. Empty plates all round!

For dessert we had a chocolate nest cake and chocolate mini egg buns. I did cheat here as I went to Marks and Spencers and saw this heavenly cake and thought to myself that it would so much better (and easier) to buy this.

I decorated the sideboard with chocolate eggs and daffodils, it is really versatile as I can dress it up for any occasion. My girls think I am obsessed with bunting but I love it and it always makes the room look inviting and pretty.

What have you done for Easter this year?


Friday, 29 March 2013

spring wedding outfit

A perfect bang on trend outfit for a spring wedding. I have picked this dress as it can be worn throughout the season for other occasions too because of its versatility.

The yellow and white work very well together and white is the colour to be wearing this spring.
Combined with a white clutch and gold jewellery; definitely belle of the ball time!

White leather high heels - Schuh - £60.00
White double metal bar clutch bag - River Island -  £28.00
Gold tone drop earrings - River Island - £10.00


Tuesday, 8 May 2012

spring into colour



That's it! I've actually done it. I've finally entered the blogosphere myself after following others for years. Spring seems a good time to start. This was the first sunny spring day this year so I thought it was time for some colour.

Saltaire is a model village built by Titus Salt, in the 1800's, to house the mill workers. This is the park he built for them to chill out. It was a coincidence that many of the colours they used matched what I was wearing.
I'm wearing:
Jumper and shirt - Ark, jeans - Republic, shoes, bag and rings - Topshop, necklace - H&M, watch - Next, sunglasses and bracelet - Primark.

This  book kind of sums up what my blog will be about.

Salts mill is so cool. There is a gallery of pictures by David Hockney which doubles as a gorgeous bookshop. Upstairs is another awesome bookshop and everywhere there is always a lovely scent of lilies. I am working my way through the dessert board!