Nigella's Kitchen

Don't forget to tune in and watch Nigella's Kitchen on BBC 2 at 8pm tonight

This evening's show to accompany her book of the same name features roast seafood (hmmm think I'll pass!) and Thai chicken noodle soup

Kelly & I were lucky enough to attend one of Nigellas book signings recently and meet the lady in person

And yes she is just as stunning in person!

Chicken & Stuffing

Starting to talk about Christmas led me to thinking about Christmas food so the other night on the way home from work I popped into the Supermarket and picked up the necessary to make this little feast

Chicken and Stuffing roll and fresh veggies - just perfect... and yes I watched a Christmas film whilst eating it!

Precious Pumpkin

I wasn't completely honest when I said I only brought Christmas presents over the weekend, I may have treated myself to a little something!

Isn't it cute! 

I thought it was a perfectly apt charm at this time of year for my bracelet from Kelly

What a Weekend!

Today was my last day with Michela and we have had A LOT of fun since her arrival

You'll have to wait for Michela & Kelly to share their photos with you as my camera is still out of commission but I can tell you about what we have been up to!

Friday

Lunch in Fortnum & Mason followed by a quick stop in Hamleys

Some swooning at Manolo's in Liberty's

Cake stop in John Lewis prior to final destination Selfridges for dinner with Teresa

Saturday

Our day started in one of our favourite cafes in Epping where we were joined by Kelly's mum and our friend Rose and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast

We then took Michela on a tour of local sites; a charity shop, card shops, The Range, HobbyCraft, TK Maxx...all the stores we've blogged about Michela was taken to and let's just say the British economy has been assisted by her visit!

Sunday

We were Knightsbridge bound today for Harrods where we indulged in a spot of lunch and a trip to the Christmas Department. I've been very reserved on our shopping trips buying mainly Christmas presents but today I treated myself to a lovely bauble

We couldn't let Michela return to Italy without visiting a Cath Kidston store so we popped into Covent Garden on our way home and I was able to pick up a birthday present for my nephew

It's been exhausting but worth every minute and we were already planning Michela's next trip!

Book Review | LA Candy by Lauren Conrad

From Monte Carlo to LA for my commuter read this week

LA Candy is the first book in a series by The Hills reality star Lauren Conrad

Lauren has naturally drawn on her own experiences for this "coming of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show" story. I've only managed a few pages this morning (due to be kicked off one train and squeezing into another where there was barely enough room for me, let alone a book in my hand!) so I'm looking forward to a better journey this evening to get reading!

Painting & Pottering

I've had a very productive weekend and it feels like I haven't stopped!

There was some leisure time visiting a friend for lunch - hmmm seems I wasn't great company?!

And paying a visit to Rose at a craft market

Back home what started as the simple job of washing up turned into re-organising the kitchen

and today I painted my hall

In the midst of that I've decluttered, baked Toad in the Hole and a Victoria Sponge!

Phew, it'll be nice to go back to work tomorrow for a rest!

Book Review | Saints V Sinners by Katie Agnew

This week I'm reading Saints Vs Sinners by Katie Agnew

Set in Monaco amongst the rich set it is the usual tale that money doesn't buy you happiness.

I'm half way through and it's a perfect accompaniment to my journey into work

As for last weeks read; Dancing at Midnight once again I enjoyed another of Julia Quinn's books but I couldn't help feeling like I was reading the same story. I think I'll leave it a short while before I read another so it feels more fresh

Happy Birthday Rob!

Today is my brothers birthday and if you remember he requested cinnamon buns so I decided to turn that request into an American themed brunch
(sorry for the picture quality I'm still without a camera and using my blackberry)

With the help of Nigella I baked pancakes (Mickey Mouse shaped - and that wasn't easy!) and blueberry muffins

Cinnamon Buns - and that's icing not fat as my dad thought!

Although I think there was plenty of calories in them!

There was also scrambled eggs and bacon, oatmeal raisin cookies, a Victoria Sponge cake and a basket of treats for my nephew

(which he spotted as soon as he walked in!)

Happy Birthday Rob - I hope you enjoyed it!

Making Plans

I have been lusting after a Moleskine journal for some time but due to the large box of notebooks I already own I’ve managed to restrain from buying one… then I saw Moleskine planner….

Now yes I do have a lovely Louis Vuitton diary but I couldn’t resist the practicality of the Moleskine planner – one page your diary for the week and the second lined pages for note taking, isn’t that just perfect?

Now I am just carrying one diary/notebook and even better it runs until December 2011

So for now the LV diary has been put away and the Moleskine planner is the new love of my life!

Lounging Around

I'm not usually a "nightie" wearer preferring pj's twinned with hoodies in the Winter but I couldn't resist this cute nightdress from Tesco a few weeks ago

Teamed with a pair of leggings it actually looks quite nice and is ideal for lounging around at home without fearing visitors and still smart enough that if I were to pop to my parents or put petrol in the car I wouldn't need to hide my face!

Such a Disney fan and liking this new look I could resist a second nightshirt from River Island at the weekend whilst shopping with Kelly

Once again it's perfect with leggings for a casual look at home but comfortable enough to sleep in

I'm now on the look out for some cosy, snuggly black cardigans in place of a dressing gown

Book Review | Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn

This week I am reading Dancing at Midnight, another book by Julia Quinn

I enjoyed Splendid by Julia I read a couple of months ago and Dancing at Midnight is the recommended second in the series featuring one of the characters previously mentioned

I'm pleased to say that I'm nearing the end of what was a long Amazon wish list of books I wanted to read achieved with the help of the library - I have to say once again if you haven't already checked out your libraries online service for ordering books you really must! It has saved me a fortune!!

I'd love to hear what are you reading right now?