Wednesday 10 July 2013

Hair one minute, gone the next



{11th July 2013}

I cannot tell you how in love I am with the subject of this blog - my hair piece!  There hasn't been an occasion that I have worn this when someone hasn't commented and asked me if it is my own hair and where I got it from.

I have really useless thin blonde hair. I hate my hair - it is flat, and straight, and lifeless and if I style it, it is straggly and unattractive in about 15 minutes.

This hair piece has saved my life.  It was bought for me by my hair dresser as part of my wedding hair (picture above and 1st picture below).

It is a long straight fishtail plait that my hairdresser at Doodahs dyed to the same colour that I had for my wedding, which means that the piece matches my hair perfectly.  People don't believe me when I tell them that it isn't my real hair.

It is so versatile and I wear it across my head, as seen below, and my favourite everyday look is to wrap it around my tiny top knot to give a really big bun, all wrapped up in a gorgeous plait.

TOP TIP: If you have useless, blonde, flat hair, talk to your hairdresser about investing in a plait.  My wedding hair was about £90 which included this plait - best £90 I've ever spent!
(Alternatively - make your own by buying extensions without clips and get plaiting)






Elderflower Cordial


{10th July}

I have always loved that my Mum makes so many things to keep in the cupboard that preserve that summary taste - elderflower cordial, tomato chutney and raspberry jam.

I thought that I would try my hand this week at elderflower cordial.  I had trouble finding citric acid (used for preserving) so I have made mine without - meaning I have frozen some, and will just have to drink the rest pretty speedily!

I used this recipe below - however living in the city meant that finding enough elderflowers was a bit tricky.  I ended up using 20 elderflower heads and as a result the cordial is tasty but a little bit more like lemon cordial!

TOP TIP: use amount stated or more of elderflowers.

1k sugar
1.5 litres boiling water
4 medium lemons
30 large elderflower heads
(55g citric acid - I did not add this as it was tricky to find and used for preserving)

Place the sugar in a large saucepan or pyrex bowl and pour over the boiling water.  Stir until the sugar has dissolved and leave to cool
Grate the rinds on the lemon with a fine grater, add to the sugar water
Cut lemon into thick slices and add to the water.  Add the citric acid (if using) and stir, then finally add the elderflower heads and stir again.
Cover with a cloth and leave to steep for 48 hours.
Strain through a muslin cloth into a clean bowl
Using a funnel pour into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge if not acid has been used.  Or pour into plastic bottles and freeze.




Monday 8 July 2013

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work - Aristotle


{8th July}

I started my new job at Eventa Group Ltd as Corporate Account Manager today.  I am so pleased.  I finally feel that I have found a job that is a career move, rather than a job for a jobs sake.  I have spent the last 5 years moving from job to job while working on my BA degree and then my Masters degree, but none of them actually used my skills.  I am so pleased that I have found somewhere that I can really see my self staying for the next few years.  Suddenly feel settled.

To celebrate my new job G took me out for dinner.  We went to one of our favourite restaurant - The Ginger Dog.  It's not one of the cheapest places to go, but it is always worth the money.  For a 2 course meal you could easily spend £70.00 but the menu changes monthly, meaning the chefs are constantly using in season produce, and the menu never gets boring. (Plus they do a brilliant loyalty scheme so we cashed in our 2 course meal free voucher and only spent £35.00!)

After a tasty Ribeye Steak with Dripping chips and Baked Peaches with Honeycomb and Brioche we had a really leisurely, and full, wander home in the glorious setting sun.

What a wonderful day.


Sunday 7 July 2013

It's like a sunset on my hands....


{7th July 2013}

Over the last 3 years I have realised the importance of being well turned out when leaving the house.  It's amazing how it makes you feel different you feel.

I don't mean having to be glam and wear dresses and heals every day.  I just mean making sure clothes are not torn, shoes are clean, hair is brushed and neatly styled, and nails are painted and not chipped.  I know it sounds obvious but it wasn't long ago that I was happy to leave the house with holes in my trousers, dirty shoes, unmatched items, and chipped nails.

Having polished, neat nails is so important for that finishing touch.  I really enjoy mixing up the looks and colours on my nails and, admittedly, do spend a couple of hours every other day making sure they are freshly polished.

I love this look that I am wearing at the moment.  It makes me feel really summery and means I get to enjoy some of my favourite colours all at once!

I am a massive Essie fan and this look combines some of my favourites (Working backwards from the thumb):

Temple Spa: No. 201
Essie: Cute As A Button
Essie: Tart Deco
Essie: Fiji
Rimmel:  430 Porcelain

Rimmel: Ultra Shine Top Coat