I Sit Here Watching...... Wish It Couldã¢â‚¬â„¢ve Been Different for U My Baby...

This blog post is one for all of yous with nippers, nieces or nephews.

When I was little, ane of the best things virtually Christmas was Christmas Eve. My parents would sit us by the burn and read 'The Night Earlier Christmas' with mugs of steaming hot chocolate and wriggly toes in pyjamas.

Just earlier we'd go up to bed, we'd make sure the stockings were all hung nicely on the mantle piece & we'd leave Santa a little thankyou.

We would choose the biggest mince pie we could find, with a lilliputian glass of port (filled to the brim, everyone knows that tipsy Santa gives improve pressies), some carrots for the reindeer & some doughnuts for the elves. It never occurred to me that this wasn't a world wide do. Patently some people have been leaving the elves out.

So, this Christmas, assemble the nippers, make your very own tiny doughnuts, and brand an elf's Christmas special this year.

To make your tiny treats, you'll demand:

Cheerios

Nutella

Sprinkles

Icing/Powdered saccharide

Chopsticks

A minor match box

These are so easy to make, but can be a little fiddly. Trust me about the chopsticks, they make all the difference!

Pop a spoonful of Nutella in a dish & microwave it for about 20seconds. (You lot could also just utilise melted chocolate, but Nutella is the lazy option.) You merely need to carefully dip ane side of your Cheerios into the chocolate and and so milk shake sprinkles over the top. Poke ane of your chopsticks through the hole to keep your doughnut shape. Identify them on the side to dry.

To make the manifestly chocolate ones, practise the aforementioned minus the sprinkles.

And for the powdered saccharide ones, but curl them in the powdered carbohydrate. If it wont stick, give them a very little lick, like a stamp, and try over again. (The elves wont mind a flake.)

When you have all the doughnuts you need, pop them into a friction match box, with a little tissue paper folded underneath. If you were feeling especially festive, you could even decorate your friction match box!

The Coke can should give you an idea of scale, only incase you thought I had HUGE hands. Sometimes I like to make a couple actress and pretend I'm a giant as I eat them. I highly recommend this approach.

If you make your own tiny treats, please tweet me with the pictures, I'd beloved to see you or your niggling elves enjoying them equally much as I do! .

I take been lusting after these boots for months.
Months I tell y'all!
I'd seen them on every top fashion web log you lot can imagine and for me, it was love at first site.
Unfortunately it was one of those love at first sights that happen on the double-decker… where y'all never pluck upwards the backbone to say hello and spend the rest of the solar day wondering what their name was and what your babies would wait similar. (Just me?)
So, having seen these shoes all over the interweb, I had no idea who fabricated them or how I could get a pair of my very own.
Finally, this weekend I found them.
Jeffrey Cambel Litas, you will be mine.

Unfortunately you accept to take them shipped from America, which this lovely
picayune website
does.
I'thou not sure how much shipping is, but the shoes are all around £120, which I think is pretty reasonable.
However, if you're not quite ready for a £100+ delivery, in that location are a couple alternatives.
This
Ebay shop
sells some remarkably similar beauties for £27.99 and this
ASOS marketplace seller
has some rather tasty spiked numbers for £lxx.
As you can see, Litas come in every color y'all could ever wish for.
This afternoon I'chiliad going to order my very kickoff pair in tan suede, after that I may have to relieve up for the spiked black ones and the incredible Usa prints…
and then maybe the pink ones & the glitter ones
and the… bluish ones…

Thankyou to
Hanushka
for finally spurring me on to buy a pair! x

All images via Pinterest (until I get my own!)

.

Somerset Business firm is i of my favourite places in London.
The huge courtyard plays host to some of The City's biggest & most glamourous events, and has washed so for hundreds of years.
This Christmas, Tiffany'due south take put on a truly festive care for.
An enormous (60ft!) Christmas tree covered in lights, baubles & lions greets you equally you walk through the onetime arches into the enormous courtyard.
To your left there'south a larger than life Tiffany's box housing a store full of chocolates, cakes & lilliputian blueish cups of rich hot chocolate.
And in the middle, ofcourse, is the huge slab of ice with couples giggling, children smiling & clumsy immature men falling to their knees.
If there's annihilation more festive & magical in the whole of London, I'd beloved to run into it!

Information technology'south incredibly hard to get photos while skating, simply I assure you… I was on skates, ON Ice when this was taken! (…in the children'south area.)

Alice, of
Style Street Stalker
 (a gorgeous footling weblog you all take to go & visit!)

Zara ankle boots

Diesel fuel jeans

Zara sparkly jumper

Zara military coat

Prada bag

HUGE TREE by Tiffany & Co.Â

Nosotros went for the very latest slot at ix.xv but it'south open all day long until the 22nd January.
A wonderful place to take the family unit, friends or even a first engagement to 'pause the ice!' (Sorry.) Book tickets via the
Somerset House website
, or just take your chances & turn upward.
Prices vary from almost £7 to £14. Mine was £xiv, but if you lot're crafty maybe you can get the cheaper ones.
I'one thousand going to follow this piece up with other wonderful things to do in London over Christmas, so if you've seen anything you think I should bank check out, please let me know!
.

This time final year, I was slipping into the crystal waters of the Red Sea, having only gorged myself on fresh fish & cocktails. I had popped over to Arab republic of egypt to lap upwardly the concluding of the Winter sun. This calendar week I'm sitting shivering in my London office, wistfully gazing at my pictures.

If you haven't been to Sharm el Sheikh yet, it'due south really worth a trip. Nifty snorkelling, gorgeous weather & one of the cheapest holidays I've ever been on! I stayed at the Sharm Plaza Hotel & it was fab, I hear the Hilton in Sharks Bay is pretty nice also, though. Go on, brand me jealous, are you heading off anywhere fabled this Christmas? .

I of the best things most this time of year is cuddling up next to the fire with a practiced book or a great picture show.

Warm equally toast on a cold winter's night.
But what exercise yous do when it's time for the long ol' trek up to bedfordshire?
Racing up the stairs, wriggling out of your wearing apparel and flinging them onto the flooring as you dive into ice cold sheets, teeth chattering abroad every bit you become!
If, similar me, y'all were fabricated for warmer climates, you'll love these snuggly, warm owls.
You just pop them in the microwave earlier bed, skid them between the sheets & spoon them all night long.
(They don't even snore.)

I've made mine as Christmas gifts for littlies and oldies alike.
I'thou sure they'll love them, who tin resist those silly big eyes?!

To brand your own Snuggly Brown Owl, y'all volition need-
i. Your favourite soft fabric.
(I used a cheap blanket from Tesco, only you could even brand one from old pyjamas.)
two. Black, yellow & white felt.
3. Black thread, yellow thread.
four. Sewing needle
5. Scissors
half dozen. Embroidery pins
7. Rice
8. A4 newspaper (or a sheet of news paper) & a pen.
9. (optional) Name tags, ribbon or labels.
I used a sewing machine to make my owls, you could hand sew them, only make sure you exercise a really good task of it, so none of his filling escapes.

First-
Draw your basic owl shape onto a piece of A4 newspaper. Information technology should fill most of the newspaper.
Cut around this.
Fold your material over so yous accept double thickness.
Place your owl template onto & pin information technology into place.
Cutting around information technology, until yous're left with something like this…

Split the layers & sew two white felt circles onto 1 slice of your textile. I used the sewing car for this, so it's not very… circular… only these are rustic, home fabricated owls, do don't worry about it, too much.

Next you lot'll need to hand sew ii smaller blackness circles on as pupils & a little xanthous diamond equally a nose.

Pin your 2 owl shapes back together, inside out (so that his face is touching the other piece).
Stitch around the outline, leaving a gap nearly 2 inches wide at his bottom.
(Brand sure you've remove all the pins.)

Anchor your stitching & very carefully turn him inside out…

Use a funnel or a piece of paper rolled into a cone to fill up him up with your rice.
Nearly 800 grams is pretty much perfect.

When he's fill, stand up him on his head.

Fold the raggedy bits within & stitch him upwards.

There you have information technology, your very own, mitt fabricated, warm upwards teddy carry!

If yous'd similar to test bulldoze him, popular him in the microwave for i.5mins (My micro is 900W, so conform for your own).

When he comes out, identify him on a news newspaper or a tea towel to get rid of whatever moisture.Â

After a couple mins residual, he should be ready to rock!Â

Scoop him up in your arms, squeeze him & race off to bed.Â

He should stay warm for 45mins-1hour. But enough time to send you off to the land of nod, cold sheets banished to history.Â

Prophylactic notes-
Never ever bake your owls. Microwave merely.
1min 30 seconds was perfect time for me, just wouldn't advise over 2mins incase information technology gets too hot.
Do not allow children operate the microwave.
Do not leave owls unattended in microwave.
Later on a few uses, the rice will lose it's moisture & may burn. To avoid this, just pop a piddling cup of water in the microwave during heating, and he'll experience much better.
I know I said I fabricated these every bit pressies… but I think I'm going to keep one.
Would information technology be really nerdy of me to call him Errol?
Mayhap yous could make a white 1 & call him Hedwig!
.

Custard is coming besides!

When information technology comes to Christmas pressies I have somewhat of a legendary status amongst my friends and family unit.
I don't know what it is, merely I have a knack of finding just the right affair, for but the correct person, just in fourth dimension.
In fact, upon seeing the new
John Lewis Christmas advert
, the entire room turned to me and said "It'due south
you
just a
boy
!"
Yep. I'm a Christmas nut and I don't care who knows information technology!
Anyway, this twelvemonth I programme to make nearly all of my Christmas pressies (aye, I will web log my progress and tutorials so yous tin make some too!) but that doesn't mean that I can't share my little insider tips with you guys.
There is exactly i month until Christmas Eve, 1 month of crowds, snow, bad traffic & 'sold out' signs. So sit back, relax & let your mouse do all the hard work!
If they're a dreamer:

This
star projector
fills your room with the night sky.
Pretend you're lying on a beach with the waves lapping at your anxiety, watching the stars above you.
…Or chilling in your personal space send having just saved the earth… whatever.
If they're a talker:

These
Air Quote Mittens
by Kate Spade should give whatsoever self professed chatter box hours of amusement!
*Try to avert the Joey from friends misuse issue past only giving these to your… brighter friends.
If they're house proud:

The inbook charger.

A nice fashion to hide an ugly phone charger… and wait clever at the same time!Â

Sign. me. up.Â

If she's girly:

Dry, warm tootsies and big yellow bows?!

Joules have it covered.Â

If they're little:Â

Nothing says "I love you little'un" like a ferocious lion glaze.Â

Rawr!Â

If they're nerdy:

Oh, oh, am I a computer? Why am I all pixelated you ask?

Because I'thou awesome, that'south why.Â

Minimalist, geeky chic from Firebox.Â

If they're Country:

Handmade, personalised, monogramed pillows.

Fancy pants.

If she carries her globe on her shoulder:

You could probably fit a baby lama in this oversized handbag from Zara.Â

Probably being the key world in that sentence.Â

This gorgeous leather handbag has all the trappings of a designer must have, without the outrageous price tag.Â

If they're (secretly) jazzy:

Nosotros all know that ane guy who wears the same tiresome suits & shirts to work every day.Â

Mr sensible… until… he crosses his legs & BOOM! Crazy socks.Â

Suddenly you see him in a whole new lite, you smiling, he gives yous a knowing nod & you get on your way.Â

I love that guy.Â

If they piece of work too hard:

The 1 Slice is the ultimate in lounging luxury.Â

Warm, cosy, stylish (sort of) & easy to slip in and out of.

They're also unisex… and then you could always share!Â

If they're a wee scrap strange:

Derailed former auntie? Weird (just wonderful) father?

This Marmite Chocolate should brand them chuckle.Â

If they're a glitter issues:

It has to be diamonds.Â

I wont share a link for this ane, as I have a rather gorgeous * sparkly* giveaway coming upwardly.Â

Then you might not accept to buy any at all…

If they're hip:

This moustache mug (with a choice of moustaches) from Urban Outfitters is a hipster's dream.

Watch them slurp their double shot, soy, non-fat, cinnamon latte… without the tickle of existent beard.Â

If they're former schoolhouse:

There's nothing improve than a tasty chip of crumpet on a common cold winter'due south day.Â

Get all rustic with this extending toast fork, and then slather on lashings of butter & raspberry jam.Â

If they're gorgeous:

If there'southward one special person you've been dying to kiss, give them this mistletoe charm from Penhaligon's.

Concur it loftier, lick your lips & utter those immortal words… "Oh look, mistletoe!"Â

Vacation romance, guaranteed.Â

If she's adventurous:

Dip dyed hair is all the rage, only can be a little intimidating.Â

Accept all the fun, with none of the commitment with a Colour Bug from Kevin Irish potato.

The one dark stand of hair colouring, if you lot will.Â

If they used to be naughty:

These room fragrance Stink Bombs by Cire Trudon requite you all of the naughty, with a piddling bit of squeamish.Â

Throw one to the ground to meet it explode with gorgeous odor & disappear into nothing.Â

Giggling school kids, minus the rotten egg odour.Â

If (thinks) he'south Casanova:Â

This little black volume from Smythson is a boy most town's dream.Â

They besides take amusing little titles for anyone else in your life. Mums, sisters, dads, brothers, boyfriends & co-workers. You really can't go wrong with Smythson.Â

If they're festive:

I've had the White Company (3 wick) Botanical Winter candle burning every single day for the concluding month.Â

My bedchamber smells similar a sort of sexy Santa'southward grotto… I imagine.Â

I recollect ÂŁthirty for a candle the size of my head is a pretty good deal, but that could just be me.Â

The smaller 'Winter' candle in glass is besides cute & slightly stronger.Â

If they're snap happy:

You can pick up a vintage Polaroid camera for about ÂŁxx on Ebay.Â

Perfect for the retro lover, political party goer or trigger happy photographer.Â

If they're cute:

Temporary Secretary's sweetness piddling food rings are certain to keep any kitch loving, kooky female smiling well in to the new year.

If they're arty:

Gelaskins accept every comprehend you could ever dream of for your iPhones, iPads, Blackberrys, Laptops…Â

Y'all get the idea.Â

Cull annihilation from Monet to Graffiti.Â

If she'southward hot & nerdy:

Level up!

Black milk clothing have some of the coolest (nerdiest) clothes I have always seen!
Unfortunately this
Gameboy Swimsuit
wont be available in time for Christmas, but there are plenty of others to placate the 14 yr old geek you lot are at heart.
If they're fearsome:

Amazon have a range of
awesomely ferocious hoodies
for kids. Whether your little monster is a veloster raptor or a fuzzy wee tiger, this is sure to delight!
(I can merely detect these on American amazon, so I'm not sure they'll ship to the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland in time. Worth ordering for birthdays or New year's day treats though.)

If you're giving them lots:

Wrap it all upwardly in this gorgeous, personalised Christmas sack from Not On The Highstreet.Â

That'southward all for now…

I'chiliad sure I'll stumble across a few more unmissable goodies during the next few weeks, and so shall update this postal service as I find them. Make certain you cheque dorsum if you get stuck.Â

Should you see annihilation I should include just pop information technology in the comments & I'll take a look!Â

Happy hunting!Â

.

Last week I headed over to London'south freshest new popup, Bonnie Dupe. Hidden away in an old pie 'n' mash shop in Broadway Market, Bonnie Dupe specialise in that old British favourite, shellfish & chips. Fresh oysters, plump lobsters, buckets of steaming mussels & some of the biggest crabs y'all've ever seen. All done down with…whatever tickles your fancy! It'south BYOB, or bottles of common cold pop are on hand if y'all'd adopt.

We went on opening night, when a trouble with the electrics meant there were no chips. Not a problem, nosotros popped over the road to the local chippy & brought them back to dip in our buttery lobster shells.

Three of us gorged on oysters, crab, lobster, mullet, chips, vino, cokes & ice cream and the bill came to under £50. Not a bad night out on the tiles! If you lot fancy checking out BG (and y'all really should), you lot can discover them at: F. Cooke, 9 Broadway Market E8 4PH They're open from 7pm, from Wednesday to Sabbatum. Don't forget a bottle of wine & a coat, it does get quite cold! No bookings, but follow them on Twitter for updates.

We all love a proficient pie.
Whether it's pie & brew in the pub, or your mum's secret recipe apple pie & custard.
To be quite honest though, very few of us have the time, patience or inclination to broil a pie from scratch when nosotros go habitation from piece of work.
So… I requite you the Berry Slab Pie.
In less than 10mins, you'll have a rich, glistening pie cooking away in the oven, ready to whip out and snuggle down on the sofa with.
Mmmm…sofa pie.

Yous will demand-Â

1 Ready to roll shortcrust pastry block

one Pack frozen summer berries

2 Cups pulley saccharide

ane/2 Block butter

i Egg

Vanilla ice-cream (optional)

Pre-heat your oven to 180
°C
 or 350
°FÂ
& line a baking tray with tin can foil.
Curl out your pastry until you have a bones circumvolve. Don't worry about accuracy, this is a rustic sort of pie.
You don't want it too thin, 2-3cm thick is fine.
Manoeuvre your pastry onto your foiled blistering tray.
Resist the urge to spin it in the air and don an Italian accent, it wont exist as funny equally it is in your head & nobody likes floor pie.
Pile the frozen berries in the center of your pastry & sprinkle with your carbohydrate.
At present, fold up the sides of the pastry, pinching along the style to make it stick.
Once you have a neat little circle, chop your butter into chunks & pop them on tiptop of your berries. Keep one piddling chunk to the side, y'all'll use this to pretty-up your pastry.
Crush an egg & use a pastry/paint brush & wash it over all the exposed pastry.
Melt your little chunk of butter & do the same with information technology.

FInally, sprinkle a trivial sugar over the whole shebang & pop it in the oven.
Get out it for 45-60mins (when it's brownish, bubbly & oozy, it's set).

To serve, gently remove it from the pan using the tin can foil & place it on a plate.
Scoop on good quality vanilla ice-cream & hand your guests a spoon each.
Think of information technology like the cheese fondu/tapas of the pudding world.

Ps. You lot may have noticed I've added a 'pin it' button. If y'all're perplexed or would similar & invitation, just click hither.

Do you call up I need a Tweet button, or are y'all only happy sharing the link?Â

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Source: https://www.thelondoner.me/page/175?m

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