Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Jessica Simpson Women's Long Sleeve Burnout Wrap Maxi Dress, Black, 10

Jessica Simpson Women's Long Sleeve Burnout Wrap Maxi Dress, Black, 10


Jessica Simpson Women's Long Sleeve Burnout Wrap Maxi Dress, Black, 10

ASIN : B00NZCMFTO

Rating : 5.0

brand: Jessica Simpson

category: Casual

Description : Long sleeve burnout wrap maxi dress

Features :
  • Belt with fringe detail
  • Maxi dress


Edinburgh's Old Town


I've realised that in all my ramblings about Edinburgh, I've never once 'properly' shared snapshots from our walks around the city. I use 'properly' to qualify all those photos I share on my Instagram page that never seem to make it to the blog....Walking into Old Town has become a favourite after work activity in recent months. The summer days in Scotland are exceptionally long and you could wander into Old Town after 8PM and it would still be wonderfully bright (when its not raining that is....). Anyway, I finally managed to capture a few photos from our recent wander in to Old Town (on an incredibly busy Saturday afternoon) and you will hopefully begin to understand why I love this city so much!



Our usual 'thing' is to wander up Waverley steps up into Old Town, wander around exploring new streets and alleyways, stopping by a cafe or pub, exploring a few local ( non-touristy) shops, often stopping by Armstrong's vintage, before heading back home. This visit was a bit different as we had mother-in-law along and we wanted to explore Mary King's Close. However, when we finally got there, it felt a bit too steep and claustrophobic for mother-in-law and so we decided to give it a miss and go 'free close' spotting instead.


The weather was a bit hit and miss and when it eventually started chucking it down, we sought refuge first in a whiskey shop ( with Ed and MIL sampling and me snapping pictures) and then at the Edinburgh Festival Centre. The latter seemed like a good opportunity for a couple of quick outfit shots.  Don't ask me what my 'look' was; I throw on whatever I feel inspired to wear every morning and that day it was this random oversized top over maxi dress look.





When it stopped raining furiously, we continued our wandering, stopping by to watch various performances around town before finally heading to one of our favourite places, Mezbaan,  for a 'dosa and chutney' dinner.






Have you been to Edinburgh recently? If not, I hope my posts inspire you to visit my lovely city sometime! Ann x 
  
Wearing: Cos oversized top, Next maxi dress, Cambridge Satchel, Zara pumps and Dior shades. 
To get in touch and see the latest on all my adventures, follow me on BloglovinTwitter,Instagram or Facebook.

Womens Sue Wong Blue Embroidered Occasion Dress Ladies (8 - blue)

Womens Sue Wong Blue Embroidered Occasion Dress Ladies (8 - blue)


Womens Sue Wong Blue Embroidered Occasion Dress Ladies (8 - blue)

ASIN : B00QDANF0I



brand: Sue Wong

category: Night Out & Cocktail

Description : This beautiful occasion dress in blue featuring an embroidered pattern, a rounded neck and a nude coloured underlay. Below the knee. 100% Nylon. Spot clean only.

Features :
  • Please Note that all sizing is in UK sizes.
  • This beautiful occasion dress in blue featuring an embroidered pattern, a rounded neck and a nude coloured underlay. Below the knee.
  • 100% Nylon. Spot clean only.
  • 100% Nylon


Quirky Shops: Either Or Pune, A Visual Delight


There is nothing cooler than a quirky shop with a strong ethos. I stumbled upon Either Or whilst in Pune, India and fell in love with the place. Everything from the shop's front door to all the bric-a-brac it sold had character. More importantly, the store is a supporter of local artisans and designers which, in an age of fast fashion,  is a wonderful thing. I liked the shop so much and Ed took so many photos that I will be writing two posts about this lovely boutique.



Either Or isn't just a fashion store. It sells a lifestyle that encourages ethnic design, sustainable fashion and creative ideas. I can't wait to get back home and hand paint my kilner jars and stuff them with wild flowers. Or perhaps, use block printing to revive a pair or of tired shoes. My favourite things included the intricately embroidered and colourful printed cushion covers, painted teapots, and hand-painted lampshades. The service was also very good-Laxmi and her team treated us to fresh tender coconut water whilst we browsed. Ed and I were impressed. Either Or has two sections within the same building to cater to its large and varied stock. The store also has a little lounging/reading area which stocks some fabulous reads including Handmade in India.


If you are on the look out for unusual fashion items, ethnic jewellery, colourful home decorations- this is the place to head to. Either Or also stocks some fabulous craft sets which are great for kids of all ages. I bought a few sets of crafty things for my little sister and myself. Expect crafty blog posts relating to bandhani and block printing at some point. Also, watch this space for my next post on Either Or featuring one of the designers they support. Keep colourful. Ann x





Humble Chic Women's Racerback Hi-Lo Dress - Black - MEDIUM - Sleeveless Tank Dress

Humble Chic Women's Racerback Hi-Lo Dress - Black - MEDIUM - Sleeveless Tank Dress


Humble Chic Women's Racerback Hi-Lo Dress - Black - MEDIUM - Sleeveless Tank Dress

ASIN : B00JQPD1NI



brand: Humble Chic NY

category: Night Out & Cocktail

Description : This lightweight, loose-cut tank dress has a high-low hem which gives it an effortless, fluid drape. Nipped at the waist for a feminine silhouette, it transitions seamlessly from casual lunches to post-work cocktails.

Features :
  • Humble Chic NY has been featured by Vogue, InStyle, People Stylewatch, and more
  • This lightweight, loose-cut tank dress has a nipped waist & high-low hem giving it an effortless dra
  • Runs small, we recommend going up a size.
  • 100% Rayon.


Lavender and Honey Panacotta

 

I don't know if you do this but I sometimes daydream myself into what I think is a brilliant idea. Edible flowers have fascinated me of late and as I sat staring at my garden one day I thought of making panacotta using lavender flowers. I've made panacotta a few times before and its so lovely yet simple to make. I thought lavender would add a touch of exotic to this creamy dessert. 

The recipe is very simple. I simmered 300ml of milk in a saucepan and after it reached boiling point, I added a few fresh lavender flowers. These mask the milky smell (which I detest) and bring out a lovely flavour. I soaked 3 gelatine leaves in water so as to soften them and then added them to the mix. I then added a couple of tablespoons of sugar and some honey to taste. Then in goes 300ml of double cream, stir, stir stir and leave it to cool. I poured the mixture into ramekins, covered them with clingfilm and left them to set in the fridge. The next day, I used a small knife to tease them out of the ramekins.

To serve, I poured a spoon of organic honey and garnished the panacotta with fresh lavender flowers. This was an experiment that went well. I'm thinking lavender ice-cream next! Ann x

Celebrate Bramley Apple Week

Tangy bramleys are at their best now and, to celebrate, this week has been earmarked as Bramley Apple Week. This refreshing mackerel and apple slaw recipe recipe from TV chef Valentine Warner and herb expert Jekka McVicar combines the flavour of the crisp green fruit with the freshness of herbs, so there’s no need to add salt or sugar.



‘Bramley apples have a lovely clean taste that goes really well with oily smoked mackerel, while the dill and chives balances the flavours,’ says Jekka.

Warm smoked mackerel with bramley apple slaw
Adapted from a recipe by Valentine Warner and Jekka McVicar

Prep time: 10 min, plus resting
Cook time: 10 min
Serves: 2

3 heaped tbsp light mayonnaise
3 heaped tbsp fat-free Greek yogurt
1tsp wholegrain mustard
2tsp Dijon mustard
1½tsp white wine vinegar
200g raw white cabbage, leaves very finely shredded
1½tbsp roughly chopped dill fronds
½tbsp snipped fresh chives
1 large bramley apple, sliced thinly and cut into very fine strips
2 small smoked mackerel fillets (not peppered)

1. Combine the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in a large bowl, then mix in the mustards and vinegar. Stir through the shredded cabbage and herbs, then set aside for 10–15 min to soften. Stir through the apple.

2. Warm the mackerel under a low-medium grill, then peel off and discard the skin.

3. Divide the slaw between two plates, then top each with a warm mackerel fillet and serve.

Per serving
601kcal, 28.5g protein, 45.8g fat, 8.4g saturates, 19.5g carbs, 17.5g sugar, 4.7g fibre, 3.6g salt, 165mg calcium, 4.2mg iron

Low sugar
Gluten-free
2 of 5-a-day