holidays.

I spent the weekend before last in Leeds for my friends Birthday!! The Victoria Quarter is a place that will always be close to my heart, as I used to work in there.... it is always so enchanting at Christmas-time. How amazing is the mirror ball tree?! The German Markets were also lots of fun but sooooo busy it was insane, I lost my friends temporarily, only to find them riding the horses on the carousel... also sampled a chocolate coated marshmallow thing, and some hot apple juice. DELICIOUS. Katie.xx


Other news....

So the last holiday in September had such a great effect on my health, I decided to book to go away again. I have a permanent battle of holiday or clothes?..am completely crazy about both, and forever seeking the perfect balance.

Earlier this week I set off for a stay in Taba, Egypt in the Sinai desert, which is realllllly close to Jordan). Although I have never been before, I have heard that where we are staying is pretty fabulous, complete with the most awesome snorkelling. So that's me off for a week of sun, swimming and snorkelling.

 I am a bit of a geek, so have been reading about the fish I might expect to see there- lionfish, parrot fish, snowflake moray eels (eeek)  Picasso fish found at the 'picasso' reef, an underwater mountain.. which sounds amazing, so wish me luck. There will be photos on my return, but I will be leaving you with posts on sunday, monday, wednesday so keep checking back... 

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lucky strike.

After 2 weeks away and 2 shopping jaunts into Palma I am still craving a few winter 'essentials'. Usually if I search for something... I never find it. After completing a million mundane errands... and compulsary costa visit, I popped into Topshop just incase, and struck lucky. Also pleased to be invited to the student shop in... even though my student days are long gone... 20% discount- how could I refuse? I'm thinking of wearing the contents of this bag! Also have my eye on a few other basics... let's hope they are in stock! 


I also confess to excess red jean wearing- they are my new favourite. Katie.xx


(wearing red jeans- Topshop, tee- asos, huge fluffy cardi- topshop, gemsytone necklace & navy satchel- NEW HOLIDAY PURCHASES)

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city dining- chandeliers, snakeskin & Gaucho.

9.15- table booked at Gaucho.
9.30- missed the first taxi, only 15 minutes late- it's a personal best.
Gaucho must be one of the most decadent argentinian steak houses around, rarely a spare table in sight, striking black & white decor- complete with black marble floor, cow print hair chairs, huge mirrors, chandeliers and subtle lighting. 
The desert- meringue with almond and orange caramel, redcurrants & incredible malbec sorbet/icecream, sprinkled with cinnamon (my boyfriends- although I admit to stealing his spoon for a taste!)


(wearing- new Topshop leopard collar dress, Kurt Geiger Fashionista wedges, snakeskin clutch- ancient family treasure)
(Gaucho- st.Marys street, Manchester- near Kendals)

pimms + sun = fun.

A weekend filled with laughter, great conversation and the most insanely good weather. Celebrating the Birthdays of my brother and dad resulted in the most awesome double whammy of events. BBQ, sunshine, pimms, and talking late into the night with a garden full of candles. The crazy star lights ended up in the apple tree somehow, a few things got broken including a few glasses and a garden chair, but most importantly a great time was had by all!

My dad purchased a brilliant ' Colin the caterpillar ' cake... saving me from baking, and incase you were wondering- the pop rocks, lucky charms etc were a funny prezzie for my brother!

(outfit- all saints dress- beads Brighton bead shop, gift from friend- and DIY from an ex boy!)

katie.xx

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the weekend.

Incredible day spent at the horse races - champagne, strawberries and the perfect amount of frivolity. Completely exhausting but well worth every minute. I usually find when I pick according to the most striking jockey attire- I win the most!
 ( probably not recommended.)Proper outfit post coming soon!


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delicious treats

I'm not about to blow you away with an out of this world recipe... but i am going to share with you the most simple, and deliciously light recipe of vanilla buns with lemon icing. They are quick to bake, and so much fun to decorate! I didn't get time to bake over Easter but saved these eggs specially!

I am also a secret fan of mixing the prettiest shades of icing... ( the fun part as I am unable to eat starch- no worries it's been years, and can eat almond substitutes = macaroons & meringues.

THE RECIPE

Makes 18! ( to make fewer adjust quantities)

110g sifted self raising flour

1 heaped teaspoon baking powder

110g soft margarine

110g caster sugar

2 large eggs

3-4 drops good vanilla essence

To finish- lots of icing (made entirely with squeezed lemon juice) food colouring, crispy shelled eggs or dolly mixtures.

1.Take a large mixing bowl, sift baking powder and flour from a height to give a good airing ( helps make buns extra light!)

2. Simply add ALL other ingredients and whisk ( electric works best) for approx 6 minutes- until pale and airy. 

3. spoon into bun cases- i made exactly 18 from this recipe standard size.

4. Bake for approx 9-10 mins at 160 degrees C in a PRE-HEATED FAN assisted oven.

( Gas mark 3, or 170 degrees c in a non fan oven)

5. Test buns with sharp knife- should be clean- no mixture then leave to cool.

6. The fun part- mix icing sugar entirely with freshly squeezed lemon juice, add 1 drop of red/pink dye decorate, keep adding 1 drop of red or blue to get a large variety of pinky blue subtle shades!!- add sweets- enjoy.