26 April 2012

Snapshot from home

Hello again :)

I took a trip back to the Lake District to see my family and I spent as much time as I possibly could in the countryside! You don't realise how gross the air is in London until you manage to get out and take a deep breath of fresh air into your lungs. It feels fantastic! So naturally, I made the most of it ;) I just wish I had appreciated it more while I lived there growing up. Oh well, better late than never...

Here are a few pics I shot via the magic of Instagram.

Meet our family dog :) Little Chicken is her name and she is amazing!
I can't wait to take her camping in a few weeks.

This sheep started clawing the rail as we arrived.
Little Chicken wasn't too impressed with that!

A not-so-friendly bear greeted us at the start of our walk. Stern but cool.

15 April 2012

Love window shopping?


Then you simply have to check this site out! Polyvore is a site made to help you explore your inner stylist. You can use it to create outfits, interior design looks and basically anything your heart desires :)

Here's a little number I made earlier...

Spring in Paris


Alexander McQueen zip jacket
£1,195 - net-a-porter.com

SHY SHY black hosiery
$15 - yesstyle.com

Lulu Guinness black handbag
$465 - luluguinness.com

Ivanka Trump black jewelry
$5,900 - endless.com

Fallon south sea pearl jewelry
£123 - farfetch.com

Mexx flower jewelry
€13 - zalando.de

Melissa Odabash floppy hat
£16 - debenhams.com

Carole hair clip accessory
$7 - jcpenney.com

Retro shades
£4 - fashionunion.com

Recipe Box: Dal Palak


Meet Dal Palak. It's a lovely Indian curry made from lentils and spinach and it comes with a nice spicy kick! You can make it soupy or more like a stew, depending on how you feel at the time :)

I adapted an American recipe to UK standards and yummmm! I had a technical hitch while making this; the lights blew out as I started cooking and so I made the curry in candlelight. Who said romance was dead?! The recipe makes a generous amount (I had to split it into two pans!) and would serve around 8 people.

Ingredients

Olive oil.
1 large onion, diced.
2 medium-sized potatoes, cubed.
1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped.
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
2 teaspoons coriander.
1 tablespoon garam masala.
2 teaspoons chilli powder.
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes.
295g spinach, washed and sliced into ribbons (even Popeye would be satisfied!).
190g lentils.
700ml water.
Salt.

To the kitchen!

  • Heat up a spoonful of oil in a large soup pan over a medium heat, adding in the onions and a pinch of salt when the oil is ready. 
  • When the onions are looking translucent, throw in the potatoes and another pinch of salt, and cook until the edges are starting to appear a bit see-through (technical term ;).
  • Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add in the ginger, garlic, spices and a little more salt.
  • Cook for around 30 seconds and then stir it all up. 
  • Add the tomatoes complete with juices, the spinach and the lentils and stir to combine all whilst adding in the water.
  • Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for around 45 minutes, making sure that the lentils and potatoes are cooked through. 
  • Et voila! Bon appetit :)

14 April 2012

A few pretty things...

I've been window shopping on Etsy and spotted a few lovely items...


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I would love to own this print by Rob Ryan! It's the cutest :)


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I think I may have to buy this adorable passport cover by Owl Say



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I think my heart just melted :)

How long is it until pay day?! 

Recipe Box: Vegetarian Chilli


Check out what I made! It was delicious served up with tacos and rice :) And it kept us well fed for two days straight. 

Yummy!

The easy Jamie Oliver recipe can be found here

Televisual Treats: Being Human (British Version)


I've always loved anything supernatural, I like the way it captures my imagination. But even I was uncertain about a show which involved a ghost, a werewolf and a vampire inhabiting the same house! What a ridiculous concept! Well, more fool me because I'm now hooked and counting down the days until my Series 3 DVD arrives :) 

Being Human follows the adventures of the housemates doing what they can to forge 'normal' human lives for themselves despite their respective 'afflictions'. Annie, the resident friendly ghost, is attempting to come to terms with her own death whilst living with George, the reluctant werewolf. Oh, and there's also Mitchell. He's a 'vegetarian' vampire trying to keep the rest of his kind secret from the humans, while he himself is doing everything he can to avoid succumbing to a frenzied blood lust. It all makes for a deliciously dark and often gory drama which doesn't take itself too seriously. I cannot recommend it enough! 

Has anyone seen the American version yet? I can't wait to check it out!

Hannah xo


13 April 2012

Decor Delights: Storage Jars


Jars make things look better. Besides I was sick of all the drawer space being taken :) My jar collection may continue to grow in the future...