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Monday, 30 April 2012

A Cake

Everything I learnt about baking came from my Nan; one of my earliest memories is making rock cakes with her whilst my Grandad cleared up the mess, and as the years progressed the things we made got more adventurous and I became more independent. Actually, I never used to bake at home, I always went to my Grandparents to do so (maybe because I have a natural flair for making a mess) and thus, when it came to providing refreshment after her funeral today, it seemed only right that I baked my contribution.

I opted for a Sticky Toffee Date Cake, found on this delicious blog

Ingredients:

200g of dried dates
275ml of boiling water
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
175g soft light brown sugar
150g  butter, room temperature
3 eggs, beaten
175g self raising flour

Method:

  1. Pour the boiling water over three-quarters of the dates
  2. Leave to soak for 30 minutes
  3. Preheat the oven to 175degC
  4. Blending together the butter , sugar and the soaked dates (including the soaking water)
  5. Add the eggs and finally stir in the self raising flour and bicarbonate of soda
  6. Finally stir in the remaining unsoaked dates
  7. Pour into a 30cm square lined cake tin
  8. Bake for 40 minutes until firm to the touch
  9. Allow to cool , cut into squares and serve

What was the first thing you learnt to bake?

Thank you for the continued support, maybe now things will find some semblance of normalcy...

xxx

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Sarenza A-Z: P is for Pieces

After an absence last week, this week I am a day early with my A-Z of Sarenza, and the sharp witted among you may notice I've skipped over the letter "O" (it was impossible). Here I am a day early giving you my favourite picks from the brand Pieces; a rising Danish brand that is both on trend and affordable.



Shoe wise, Pieces don't do an awful lot, but what they do create, they create well. With Summer supposedly looming I'm drawn to these staple black sandals; Sevilla (top) costs £50 and Sandra costs a very reasonable £40. I always think black sandals are worth investing a little in as they are a classic that goes with everything.






 
Another reason I love Sarenza so much is they stock a wide range of bags to compliment the shoes, and this is where Pieces really comes in to it's own...full of sorbert shades and all styles for Summer I have my eye on (from top to bottom) Florine, £33.99; Noella Net, £22.90 and Narella leather clutch, £29.70. At those prices it's tempting to get all three!

Have you heard of, or shopped Pieces yet? What do you think?

xxx

Saturday, 28 April 2012

grateful


My Birthday was never going to be an easy day to accept this year; to celebrate doesn't feel quite right (although I will, in time) and neither did ignoring it completley. Thank you to my family and friends who have made me realise it's ok to mark the occassion, that it's ok to laugh as well as cry and who have respected my wishes around presents and cards...there is time for all that and none of it really matters. What matters is spending the day with the people closest to me.

Thank you to all of you, again, who have left words of support on here, on facebook and on twitter. I've said it before and I have said it again...the internet and social networking can be a truly wonderful thing and I'd like you all to know how much I appreciate each and every one of you.

xxx

Friday, 27 April 2012

in time




They (whoever they are) say time is a great healer, and I guess that's true, but for now the days are both far too long and far too short and I barely know what day of the week it is. I'm just about managing to keep on track thanks to this Sekonda Pink Ladies Party Time watch sent c/o Find Watches, a website specialising in, well...watches  at great prices and with free postage.
My Nan would have loved this watch and may well have tried to steal it off of me, and again, she seems to be my driving force behind posting right now.

The outfit also consists of my favourite Matalan skirt and a jewelled collar tee from H&M that cost something silly like £12.99. I figured it was time to stop moping in jeans and baggy jumpers, that wasn't going to achieve anything and I can just hear my Nan shouting "don't be so bloody stupid" all the time. The same goes for wanting to cancel my Birthday, which happens to be tomorrow. I turn 25 and would, quite frankly, like to ignore it completley. But again her voice rings true, and although it's going to be very different this year, I will mark it some how.

Thank you again to everyone for the love and support. Both myself and my entire family truly appreciate it. I promise to try and pull myself together a bit more soon...
Starting to notice Mae sneaking in to every post I do, which rings true to how life is at the moment, it's like me and my shadow. Pets are great. Really great.

xxx

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

fly away home





I would like to start this post with a thank you; to everyone who commented on my last post, sent an e-mail, tweeted, texted...it sometimes takes a tragic event to realise what people mean to you and how much comfort strangers can bring, and trust me, you bought comfort.

It feels strange to be blogging, so soon (although I've kind of lost track of days) but my Nan loved my blog, and her and my Grandad often sat reading it. One thing that always intrigued her was how I ended up with so many gorgeous things from it (and the friendships I've made are included) and so it seemed fitting to write this post, so she can still see the dress I was sent c/o Ella Tino, a site I only discovered due to the world of blogging.

To be honest, I can't really do the dress, or the website justice other than to say there is a lot on there I love; especially the shoes,
I'd urge you to take a look for yourselves, and like their facebook page too. I really am making a bit of a hash of this post, perhaps it is too soon, but regardless...a big thank you to Ella Tino for the dress (so perfect for the Spring/Summer weather we are yet to have) and for the discount code they have created to enable readers of my blog to indulge themselves when they enter the word "daisychain" at the checkout.

Thank you for sticking with me...the funeral will be on Monday. My Nan was such a self-less and loving woman, she only ever thought of others and dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. Perhaps this explains why I am so distraught, why we all are as a family and why nothing seems real. In the cruelest twist of fate, she was getting better and was excited by her progress and coming home.
I will endeavour to get some blog posts up though, it's a moment of escapism for me, and for her, something to look down upon.

xxx

P.S. If none of this makes sense, I'm sorry. If you think I'm an emotional idiot I'm sorry.

Saturday, 21 April 2012

away


It is with a heavy heart I announce a blogging hiatus. This morning we lost the most amazing woman; my Nan (and yes, a blog post should probably be the last thing I should be doing) and I shall be taking a break until it feels right to be back blogging properly again, and to spend time with my family.

Actually, I know exactly why I am blogging right now, and that is because my Nan was always fascinated by the concept of blogging and the community, and thus it feels a fitting tribute.

I would like to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to wish her and my family well over the last, difficult few weeks. This was sudden and un-expected and we are drawing peace from the fact it was peaceful and dignified.

Thank you.

R.I.P. Nanny.

Miss Fluff




The title of this post doesn't refer directly to Mae (although one could call her Miss Fluff too) but to the gorgeous necklace I'm sporting, kindly gifted to be by the talented Sare at Miss Fluff Jewellery. A graduate of London College of Fashion, and leather jewellery designer, Sare has an Etsy shop jam packed full of beautiful leather pieces at surprisingly affordable prices...


Cherry Blossom Bouquet, £22


Feather hair clip, £10


Red bunny brooch, £8

My necklace is Pink and White Blossoms and sells at £14. I teamed it with a Primark jumper, New Look skirt and ever faithful Yull chelsea boots.

What's your favourite piece from Sare's shop? It'd be rude not to treat yourself to it when she's offering my blog readers a fantastic 15% off when they use the code DAISYCHAIN15 at checkout! Let me know what you buy!

xxx

Friday, 20 April 2012

A Little Bit of History; another fabulous book giveaway!


Last week I was the lucky recipient of two more books from the team at Carlton Publishing; and just as before they are jam packed with stunning imagery and bursting with the kind of knowledge that every fashion lover needs...
I have a few sneaky images to share with you guys, PLUS the chance to win a copy of each for yourself.





The books aren't available until May, so these really are sneak previews; but credit and vital statistics are as follows:

The Little Book of Prada by Laia Farran Graves, published by Carlton, £12.99, available from all good book shops and online.

The Little Book of Schiaparelli by Emma Baxter-Wright, published by Cartlon, £12.99, available from all good book shops and online.


Carlton are once again offering one of my readers to win a set of the books and entering couldn't be simpler...

- leave a comment on this post

- make sure I have some way to contact you


- open to all UK residents

- giveaway closes 8pm next Friday, 27th April!


Good Luck...these really are divine and interesting books so I'd urge you to enter, or purchase!

xxx

Etsy Seller Spotlight: WestArtAndGlass

I've seen many bloggers do Etsy seller spotlights before, and yet I've never done one myself; this isn't because I don't love Etsy...far from it; it's just...I've never felt 100% compelled to blog about a seller before. That all changed when I made a purchase from WestArtAndGlass, although I can't show you what I actually bought because the recipient doesn't have their Birthday just yet...

All the pieces in the shop are created by the delightful Zena West who shares this fab little bio on her website...

"
My name is Zena West. I live in West Bridgford, a suburb of Nottingham in England, and I make glassy things. And to a lesser extent, arty things. Through the magic of the internet, I have sold these glass things to lovely people in Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Puerto Rico, 22 different states of the USA, Canada, Brazil, Poland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland and Wales. I figure I just need a sale in Africa and one in Asia then my little slice of world domination will be complete… I also sell regularly to people in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, through participating in and organising local craft fairs.
I am 27. I am mildly obsessed with giraffes and Star Wars. I love cats, but they don’t like me. I once met Badger of “Bodger & Badger” fame. One day I want to open up a little glass/art/book/coffee shop and be my own boss. My worst vice is crisps, I eat on average 3 packs a day. Salt and vinegar Discos are the best. I live with my lovely husband/muse John, who can never remember how old he is, occasionally takes awesome photos, and hates cheese and Marmite. Weirdo. Still, he doesn’t grumble too much when he treads on a glass splinter."

And although I can't share my actual purchase with you, I can share some of the other delights that Zena has created.



"Arty Wave"

Star Wars Slogan Coasters

Patterned Bowl

Millefiori Coasters





Hooray for Everything Coasters (a.k.a. the happiest coasters EVER!)

And if you are tempted by any of these, or the 40ish other pieces in Zena's shop, she's offering 5% off your order when you quote the code DAISYCHAIN on checkout!

What's caught your eye in the shop? Let me know if you make a purchase!

Are there other sellers that I'm missing out on?

xxx

P.S. Massive thank you to Zena for agreeing to being featured, and for the swiftly delivered, well packaged purchase!

Thursday, 19 April 2012

wild thing






Primark Jumper, River Island skirt, Shellys shoes, Vintage locket

This skirt is one of my fall backs for days I don't know what to wear, it's seen me through a lot of shifts at work; the thick fabric and nipped in waist keep it ok for the office I find.

Just a brief post, I seem to have a million and one things to do before work...not least clear up the trail of destruction Mae has left over my room...don't be fooled by her cute looks and love of cuddles, this creature gets up to all sorts!

Happy Thursday folks, the weekend is within our grasp!

xxx

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

RUN! early access to Motel Rocks sale!


You can thank me for this post later, right now you guys need to head HERE to shop the Motel Rocks sale a whole day early!

Let me know what you buy!

xxx

black 'n blue





Matalan Dress and Noe shoes c/o Sarenza. Mae loves these shoes as much as I do...she makes a beeline for them whenever they are in her reach! Actually, she likes shoes in general, which is a sign she's the right cat for me!
HAIR DOWN! This never happens. You can't really tell, but it's got so long, especially at the back. It is in dire need of being coloured again, which will happen asap (weekend, I hope!). I'm thinking of bleaching the ends to an orange-y colour for a bit of a change...kind of a sunset ombre type thing...oh I don't know. I'm in one of those "I hate my hair" phases...any suggestions?

Happy Wednesday folks, half way there!

xxx

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

all things bright




A casual look from Sunday featuring New Look jumper and skirt, Tabio tights, Converse c/o Sarenza and a Pilgrim necklace...
I kind of liked this mish-mash of clashing colours, although I felt a little conspicuous!

Officially survived Monday; as far as Mondays go it was pretty decent! Today is blood taking in the morning and reception in the afternoon, I feel like I have a split personality on days like these!

I hope everyone has had a good start to the week, it'll be over before we know it.

xxx

Monday, 16 April 2012

My Very Favourite Dresses

I do a lot of shopping online – almost all of it in fact. One thing I’m addicted to is dresses. Every week I tell myself I need to give my debit card a rest, and my wardrobe a chance to sort itself out, but every week I end up seeing dress and before I know it, there it is, sitting in my virtual basket.

One of the places I love to shop at is Very.co.uk. Aside from selling a vast range of women’s fashion clothing, from the biggest brands you can think of, they also have a buy now pay later option that helps me spread the cost (and therefore the guilt!) when I indulge in my favourite hobby.

As I’m such a dress-aholic, people are always asking me which ones are my favourites, and that is such a hard question to answer that I decided to put it down on paper (well, a screen…).

You see, I love dresses in general. They allow me to be bold, brash or beautiful depending on my mood. They keep me covered for every possible social scenario – from weddings to parties. They allow me to express myself so that one moment I can be the sophisticated office woman, the next a sassy style fox, oozing glamour and feeling sexy.

When you search Very’s women’s dresses, you’ll find a wide range from the biggest brands (how do Diesel, Fever, French Connection and Lispy grab you?). And the chances are I’ll have at least one of each style hanging in my ever expanding wardrobe space (my boyfriend is finding himself more and more pushed into a single chest of drawers – he understands!).

For those sophisticated moments I like to go with a pencil dress. These are elegant and bold, yet retain a subtlety that, to me at least, keeps me looking classy. A pencil dress requires nothing more than the right heels and a clutch bag to achieve a gorgeous evening look.

I also have my share of printed dresses. These are very good when women want to show off their fun, cheeky sides. Classy prints with a bold pop of colour don’t so much grab the attention as drag it kicking and screaming by the scruff of the neck!

My absolute favourite dresses though are probably my collection of maxi dresses. I’ve got all sorts of styles, and they all tick their own boxes on my fashion ‘to do’ list.

And for the times when my inner princess comes out and I want to feel like the belle of the ball? Prom dresses are just the thing. Maybe it’s all those American films I’ve been addicted to my whole life, but there’s nothing to help make your fashion fairytale become a reality than a shimmering prom dress.

Like my choices? Try searching out your own Very women’s dresses and find your favourites.



Hello Dream Hair



Now where can I get me a personal hairdresser?

xxx

Another Wishlist





Perhaps I ought to name Mondays as "Material-days" as they seem to be when my wishlists are at their worst...right now I'm blaming having a birthday fast approaching and people moaning that I don't want anything...well folks...now you can shush your moaning!

These shoes are Linzi Shoes are pastel perfection...
It's kind of cheating to list this necklace from Nelly.com as I succumbed already and bought it!
Oh Motel Rocks, I've tweeted these shorts enough times lately...I need them...they are Daisy printed after all.
And finally...Nails Inc...my love for them grows stronger by the week, and their latest offering of fishnet effect magnetic polish has my lust-o-meter going off the scale!

There's probably 1000 other things that have taken my fancy too, I'm hopeless at book marking things!

Either way,
I'm still yet to get excited about my Birthday, and don't really know what I want/care if I get anything...but it did make a good excuse for a post ;)

What are you loving right now?

xxx

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