These Boots Are Made For Walking

A few weeks ago I received an email from the lovely people over at Barratts.  They'd seen my recent post describing my failed mission for a pair of boots (click here) and decided I was in need of some obvious help.  Their offer?  To send me a pair of boots of my choice. Well, I nearly keeled over.  In fact I thought it was a new breed of spam email and I waited for the catch.  Turns out there wasn't one.

After spending hours, and I literally do mean hours trawling the endless choices on their website, I finally chose a pair of boots.  I'm quite fussy when it comes to footwear and I had a pretty good idea of what I was after, which sometimes makes things tricky.

     My Checklist

1. They had to be black
2. With a broad heel
3. Could be worn with skinny jeans or dresses
4. Must not give me a cankle!!!

Two days later my boots arrived and I have to say their website doesn't do them justice.  They look even better in real life.

Not only that but I've had a serious amount of compliments over these boots.  My teenage sister!  My Mother! The Boyfriend!  Even a Builder!!!  It's safe to say I feel fairly smug with my choice and they have certainly become a staple part of my wardrobe.  In fact I have virtually worn them everyday since they've arrived and I think I've even developed a bit of strut!!  I'm not joking!  It's as if the streets have become my catwalk!  I need to remember, I am not a super model and therefore should not walk like one!! Except, I can't help it, these boots make me feel good!  Dare I go as far to say 'they complete me'?  Ok maybe not but they definitely complete my wardrobe!!

I think what I love about these boots is they fit all of my criteria.  They go with everything.  They're comfy.  Look good and sit right on the ankle.  There's nothing worse than wearing a cute dress only for your boots to sit just above your ankle giving the illusion of cankles.  You can tell I've got a hang up over this right?

But enough about my hang ups!  Back to the boots and how I wore them........

Casual drinks with the girls

How I wore them to the office

Sometimes in life there is no catch! And to top it off Barratts have got a massive sale on AND free delivery!!  They really do spoil us!!

Perfect Pavlova

My close friends and family will tell you I'm not a great cook!!  I once burnt a pizza so bad when I took it out of the oven it resembled some kind of African bowl.  I even managed to set a caravan kitchen on fire whilst cooking bacon.  It's safe to say the kitchen is not my domain!   Ok I know the basics that have got me through life.  I know how to throw a few meals together but although I love to eat, I dont love to cook!!

Or so I thought............

I don't know if the abundence of cookery programmes on T.V have had some kind of subliminal effect on me or if this is all part and parcel of becoming a 'grown up' but just lately I seem to be rather keen on baking!

Recently I was given a Lamona recipe book and decided to try out the Pavlova.  I'll be honest, the main reason I chose this recipe was because I already had most of the ingredients and there was only 20 minutes preparation time.  Yes, I am a lazy cook and most probably the reason for many chargrilled meals of the past! Anyway I followed the recipe and didn't allow myself any distractions, which basically meant I turned my phone off. And you know what?  It turned out bloody lovely!  In fact I've made it quite a few times now and even get asked to make one for family get togethers!! 

So I thought I'd share this recipe with you, because if I can make Pavlova then anyone can!! Yeah it's not a fancy Nigella recipe or anything but we're taking baby steps here.  Hope you enjoy.

 

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 150°C/gas mark 2.
• Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking parchment (This apparently works better than greaseproof paper although I haven't got a clue what the difference is).
• Place the egg whites in a large clean bowl, then whisk them with an electric whisk until they form stiff peaks - you should be able to turn the bowl upside down without them moving. (Note - Do not ever taste the egg whites, vile is not the word!!).
•   
•  Add the cornflour to the sugar, then add this to the egg whites - a teaspoon at a time, whisking after each addition - until it's all mixed in.
• Add the vinegar and vanilla essence to the mixture, and fold in lightly with a tablespoon.
• Spoon just over half of the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet, and spread it into a circle, about 18cm in diameter, to make the base.
• To form the sides of the pavlova, add the remaining mixture, a tablespoon at a time, around the edge of the circle. Use a fork to shape the sides, so it resembles a nest.

 

• Bake the pavlova for 1 hour. Remove it from the oven when it looks set, then leave it to cool completely.
• When it's cold, lift it carefully from the baking sheet. Peel off the baking parchment and place the pavlova on a serving plate.
• When you're ready to serve, whip the cream and spread it in the centre of the pavlova, arranging the fruit on top.

 Ta Daaaa.  We have Pavlova!!

Enjoy!

Careful, My Shoes Bite

I'm so excited about my new shoes that I had to blog about them!!

I first saw a pair of shoes like this a while ago over at Josie Loves Shoes.  June to be precise!!  And I've been dreaming about them ever since. 

Anyway last weekend I was on a mission for some flat chunky ankle boots and came back with these!!  Ok so they're not exactly boots!  And as my fella pointed out not exactly practical for winter, especially where we live!  But it was love at first sight!  As soon as my eyes landed on them in River Island our romance began.  I love everything about them.  The shape.  The print.  The studs!!!  They go with skinny jeans or dresses and completely transform an outfit.  The ankle boots never stood a chance. 

I think it's only right that I share my new found love with you.  I hope you appreciate just how special they are.  Now if only it would stop raining so I could wear them haha.

Thanks Josie for bringing these into my life and Happy Thursday everyone!

P.S  Obviously these shoes don't bite like my title suggests, however if they were alive I'm sure they would cause some serious damage!!
 xx

Photos courtesy of River Island

London Tourist

A couple of weeks ago I wangled a day off work and went on a daytrip with the family.

Woo commence extreme excitement because the daytrip was to LONDON!!  Being from London you'd think I wouldn't get that excited about it but a day off work, spending time with the family, visiting the olympic park, going on a London Duck Tour and squeezing in a trip to Westfields is right up my street!

As soon as I stepped off the train I turned into some kind of crazy photo taking tourist.  My London friends would most likely have walked off and left me, but I didn't care and besides, they were all at work!!

Anyway I thought I'd post a few of my pics so you could share my excitement. Oh and by the way, did I mention I met Patrick Anderson, the worlds greatest wheelchair basketball player AND he let my son wear his jacket!!! SWOON!!

Did any of you get Paralympic Fever??  Where was your last daytrip?

Big Ben, London Duck Tours, Olympic Stadium (made out of lego), Little Ben

My purchase from Bershka

Patrick Anderson (Team Canada), Being Tourists, The Orbit, London Eye