Divine Di's

Luck of the Irish

2012-03-17T05:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Lá Fhéile Pádraig.

Luck and safety to all of you!

Pamper and primp

2012-03-08T23:29:00.002-08:00

Rise and shine ladies! I am one that suffers from quite sensitive skin when it comes to using facial products. I took a chance on Diry Works Wake up Call face wash, one the packaging I have admired because of its retro theme which would look good on a shelf next to your back scrubber and shower cap. The other reason was it promised gentle cleaning and something that could be used daily. Now I know what you are saying "Most brand promise a type of daily use." However the likes of Clean and Clear, No 7 Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Clearasil Ultra all in one wash and Johnsons Daily Essentials Gel wash (Normal). I have tried many other products and serums to keep my skin fresh and clean which I will list my experience below

Clean and Clear (various) Products would leave my skin extremely dry even with the help of moisturizor and subsquently caused deep painful blemish.

No7 Gentle Foaming left my skin dry in my t zone and with a mix of Simple Brand face lotion it left my skin sticky and again cause blemishes on the cheeks and forehead. I had to throw the cleanser away as I would break out within a couple hours of using it.

Clearasil Ultra all in one was harsh and cause my skin to peel and flake around the nose area.

Johnsons Daily I thought I had found a winner. I mean their products are used on new borns and children. I was content it didn't leave my face dry, my face felt clean and soft. After about a month of use I would wash and break out. I thought it may have been my moisturizor because at the time I was using Nivea which alway protraits its self as a gentle product. I switched to the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser and again it caused the deep painful blemishes.

L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Vitalift Toner has by fair been the worst product I have ever tried. It left my face sticky and I can only describe as a nasty feeling.

Simple Spotless Skin Spot Zapper I found did not reduce redness nor even raise the exisiting blemish. It would also cause blemishes on points of skin that had none.

I thought this was hopeless and I was actually getting disheartened that everything I was trying was giving my skin so much trouble.

I am very fond of some old methods because at times they are the best. So with that being said I did some research and many people raved about cold cream. There are many out there but I thought I would keep it simple and go for the Boots own brand. This product was lovely and thick, it moisturized my skin beautifully just the one down side is my skin didn't feel clean. Tired of the oily feeling I just gave up and just used a mild soap and warm water with not much trouble but I bit the bullet and bought Dirty Work Wake up Call face wash.

After three weeks of use partnered with Dove everyday lotion my skin feels fresh, soft, and clean. All the above is one personal experience everyone's skin type is different and what may work for one doesn't for another.

;)

xoxo

Nothing but crumbs...

2012-02-29T13:54:00.007-08:00

Well ladies it is the end of the day, you have soaked your troubles away in a hot bubbly bath, your fluffy bathrobe and slippers await you warmed on the radiator. Everyone needs a little indulgence and tonight is no different. A hot steamy drink and moist chocolate chip cookie, freshly baked by you of course! But before you cozy and snuggle down lets rewind shall we.

Now what shall we need...

2 1/4 Cups of All Purpose Flour

(aka 568ml of Plain Flour)

1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

(aka 5ml Bicarbonate Soda **NOT Baking Powder**)

1 Teaspoon of Salt

(aka 5ml of Salt)

1 Cup of Unsalted Butter (Softened)

(aka 225g of Butter)

3/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar

(aka 177ml of Gran. Sugar)

3/4 Cup of Packed Dark Brown Sugar

(aka 177ml of Packed brown Sugar)

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

(aka 15g of Vanilla Extract)

2 Large Eggs

2 Cups Chocolate chips

(aka 225ml Choc. Chips)

Non-stick paper

Baking trays

I will be baking a double batch as I like to share my treats at work and with the in laws :) Which is why there is so much dough for myself.

Now best way I find is to scoop out your butter and sugar and let it get to room temp. This is for easy mixing when doing it by hand (See my trusty wooden spoon)

While you are waiting it is always good to prep. I prefer sifted flour as it seems to blend much easier. Once all your dry ingredients are ready set aside and focus on your butter and sugar.

Mix until the sugar and butter are smooth and creamy. You want to add your vanilla and eggs next and mix until creamy.

Yeah, I got the mixer out... I knew what was coming.

Now the best tip to all you domestic goddess' out there...add the flour mixture a bit at a time until all is blended. You want to fold in your chocolate chips. I improvised and just chopped up some bars of chocolate as I can understand paying nearly £2 for a tiny little back of chips. Mix slowly and you dough should look roughly like this...

Now here comes the time consuming part... I do not like self proclaimed non stick kitchen goods. To save what I consider a lot of hassle is to cut some non stick paper to the size of your tray, it makes life so much easier even if you have metal utensils. My had 3 trays to spare, each tray could take 6 drops of dough...about a heaped teaspoon and bake until light golden brown for soft or a darker tint for a bit more crisp. All and all it was a busy night... but all worth it...

Now...enjoy your evening of bliss... you have earned it.

xoxo

Dinner Time

2012-02-26T12:56:00.014-08:00

Tonight I am making a lovely and creamy potato & smoked ham soup... this was something discovered about a week ago when I was off sick. I had such a sore throat that eating was not

fun....drinking I could tolerate. This was basically done on constant tasting because I didn't follow a recipe plus it was fairly cheap to buy and making a big pot it lasted for the week. You are probably only looking at a £6 because I had every thing else in the cupboard

First here are all the ingredients:

600ml of single cream

Butter (I used Flora about 3 table spoons)

Potatos ( 5 or 6 large)

Onions (2 large or 4 or 5 small)

Milk (2 pints)

Ham/Gammon (Smoked, 1kg)

Salt, pepper, garlic & mixed herbs for taste.

I washed and cubed the potatos. I perfer the skins so I didnt peel, just cut out the eyes or any bad spots I saw.

Boiled till soft, not crumbling. I find it they are just soft the texture of the soup is creamier. I browned some onions...mmmm they are so good when they are slightly burnt. hehe

Drain the potatos, leave a bit of the potato water in. Give them a rough mash, adding your butter to your own taste and your onions.

Now..I blend as I pour in my milk until the mix gets to the thickness I want.

After my ham is baked or boiled I trim the fat and cube to make blending easier. I do this about a handful at a time. I make sure I don't put it all in at once because it can be to much, I usually do a quarter at a time. From 1kg of gammon I usually have one quarter left.

Next at your salt, pepper, garlic and mix herbs to your taste preference. Make sure you keep on a low heat because you do not want the cream to ruin. Continually taste as you stir until hot and volia yummy soup, enough for dinner and to freeze.

As you see I have a lot but it will last as lunch and dinner for most of the week for a family of two.

Bon apatite

Busy Bee

2012-02-26T12:06:00.008-08:00

Well well, it has been a busy weekend and I got a lot done. I had a bit of a early spring clean and furniture move. It drives me insane to have my furniture in the same place all the time. Mark (my husband) sold me on getting a new phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note in white. Its fairly big...need to get a case to protect it. Anyone else remember cell phones started out huge (in the 80s) and then they started getting smaller and smaller, it seems there is a reversal now... soon we will all be walking around with something the size of a laptop to our ear.

I dread trying to get my head around a new phone. On a plus I did do a sneaky by of some new curlers :)

I am planning a hair cut next weekend, currently my hair is to thick and heavy to hold the nice Marilyn Monroe style. There possibly may be a dying...I am thinking blonde.

The bedroom has been changed around... giving us a bit more space...until I get a new dresser and vanity. Shhh don't tell. A girl has to have a place to put her make up and hair stuff...

Also made the closest a bit more user friendly and gave me the kick I need to sell some of the clothes I hardly wear anymore.... gives me more room for shoes :-p

But enough of that...on to a treat for you all. Dinner!

Me again

2012-02-25T11:42:00.004-08:00

Hello Blog,

I know, I have been away for a long time. If I am honest I am not sure what to write about or what others may find interesting to read. Lets face it, most people do not live the “jet set” life style. Work is work, won’t go into that as apparently some businesses get touché about that sort of thing.

Marriage is going great we will be 8 years this October which I feel is pretty good going this day and age. I have started sewing, it is a slow process but something I want to make a regular hobby.

I made my first apron, which all and all I am very pleased with. I wasn’t to happy with the material it seems quite thin and may not last a hot wash but you have to work with that you have.

My next project looks a little more challenging. I hope it turns outs well.

In the meantime I will just be using a old sheet and pillow case a friend gave as play material hehe.

Happy for the lighter nights, brighter mornings, and the winter blues to hit the road! I have also decided to set of a ebay account... hopefully I will be able to make a it part of my hobby to sell the things I make and add to another vintage doll to get this classic fashion back on the streets!

Watching over us...

2011-03-23T09:11:00.002-07:00

Sad, sad news, Elizabeth Taylor has passed away today, the likes of her talent will be missed at least we have the wonderful memory of her many spunky characters.

Rest in Peace you will be missed.

Peek a boo

2011-03-18T02:41:00.000-07:00

Hello to all, my apologises for the lack of writing I do in this blog. I feel no one ever reads them or it’s not interesting enough for people. We are our biggest and harshest critics when it comes to anything we try to achieve. There is always doubts, questions, and put downs we tell ourselves. It’s a fear that you are not good enough. I am one of these that and passionate about things and full of ideas, start them and feel I can not follow them through. The reasons I believe that is for this are doubt and another is always questioning my actions. “Is it worth it?” “Can I really do this?” And the last big kicker I think would be money, I am not flush and most that we have coming in has to go right back out. It is a pain being an adult sometimes, why did we have to grow up to be so responsible :)

On another note, my husband I have moved into a new flat back to Warwick, lovely place basically on the castle’s door step. Hoping life will settle back down and I can get my head on straight again. I would love to take up sewing…since the Interior design/decorating is a bit out of pocket reach at the moment. First thing is first…got to get the couch in hehe and then my wardrobe is in a dire need to be revamped. Still baking when I can, watching Bewitched reruns and Ebay surfing. Yes I know an extremely wild child aren’t I? Apologises for such a sombre beginning I am sure we have all been there are one time or another.

Stage and Spot lights...

2010-08-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Evening to all of you lovelies. I have discovered a few great things yesterday. First was the marvellous Sally Rand, who was an actress / dancer. In the 1920s she was a great star of the silver screen and after the introduction of sound film (talkies) she became a dancer (chorus line and burlesque). She also developed the bubble dance. If you haven’t seen Sally Rand you can see several aspects of her in the Tex Avery cartoons doing a bubble dance.
After watching her I feel she is the original entertainer to mesmerize many with her graceful fan dance which she was so famous for. Sally Rand was also arrested four times in one day for indecent exposure for the re-enactment of Lady Godiva as she rode through the streets of Chicago on a white horse, how ever the nudity was an illusion. Her dances remind me of the lullaby burlesque; they are so tranquil to watch. It almost like a ballet you become lost in the flow of graceful limbs, curved silhouette, and elegant steps.
I have also discovered a great song by the artist Devil Doll called “Bourbon in Your Eyes” I could just see myself dancing around the living room strutting, sashaying to and fro as I took "center stage" with the cats as my audience. It has a great beat which anyone could get lost in. I think of an old, smoke filled jazz room, dim lights and a single spot light on the singer. I have posted the song onto my Facebook, have a listen and I am sure many of you will love it like I do.

I also watched a lovely, feel good, movie called Julie & Julia, it reminded me alot of what I am going through at the moment; Personal things, new to blogging, and a woman just trying to break free from the chains which bind so many others who are content but more then likely will look back and think "Why didn't I do ____?". I keep being told "just except your hum drum life". I always say the same thing, "I can't, I am a fighter and I don't settle for things that are less then what I know I am capable of." I have to and like to try so many things and experience what is out there. I don't want to get on in years and regret not taking the path less traveled or at least trying it. It is like being smothered and you just want to break from and let out that pent up or suppressed energy which must be released!

Ladies and Gentlemen I suggest doing something different and out of the ordinary. Ladies if it suits you do your own Dita moment in the shower or tub, white shirts and bare skin would make your man go "Grrrr". Fellas puts some music on and grab the love of your life's hand and dance in your living room.

Have fun *wink*
xoxo

Up coming

2010-08-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

This October looks like it will be an exciting month for me. I have my eight year wedding anniversary and I have decided to take a sewing course. I am on pins and needles!! It is nice thinking that I might actually be able to make my own clothes the way I want as well as flattering to those that are a bit more voluptuous. I found it on the Warwickshire College website and luckily it is for beginners because the only stitching I know is cross and I can manage a button or a popped hem. The class starts on the 4th and the Campion School in Leamington Spa but I don’t think they will have actual sewing machines as I think you have to bring or borrow.

I have also been given the opportunity to lend an extra pair of hands to a talented Events organizer that created http://www.lekeuxevents.co.uk/Home.html. It is a wonderful events group that holds a variety of events in the West Midlands. From pin up shoots, hair styling help, hen parties, dance classes, even weddings and that just names a few things! I think it is excellent to have Vintage events in the area instead of having to travel to London which could get expensive. I am very much looking forward to this because it will allow me to meet others face to face with the same interests, since my 9 to 5 comes no where near. I feel as well to keep my blog interesting I need to actually experience these things because it is hard to write your passions about something if you have experienced at least a few things.

...and for dessert!

2010-08-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Pineapple upside down cake to me is a classic American dessert. It
became quite popular in the early 1900s because pineapple from a very
popular ingredient during those times. The idea of putting fruit in bottom
of our desserts is not a new fad and has actually been done since the
Middle Ages. The cake was originally made from apples and other fruits,
cooked in cast iron skillet on the top of the stove. With the invention
of the oven and the popularity of pineapple at the time it was just a
unique twist to put into an already traditional dessert.
There are many theories how it came to be, I always heard it was a
cake that went wrong. A house wife cooking a fruit base cake
accidentally scorched the top and to save it / hide it she tipped it’s on it face
with the glazed fruit now at the top was able to sink into the sponge. It
was an instant hit and behold a classic was born. Another tale said it
originated from France from what is called a Tarte Tatin which is basically
an apple tart that was turned upside down because of another scorched top.
So it is a great way to see how we all influence each other to get to a
yummy ending… or we just need to learn to set our timers!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Heat:
1/4 Cup butter

Stir in:
3/4 Cup of Packed Brown Sugar (best to have the moist kind)

Drain:
1 Can of Pineapple in Syrup (Rings, crushed, chunks how ever you prefer)
**Save your Syrup**

Spread:
The amount of Pineapple (and cherries) you want to use over the brown
sugar, place in the oven on a low heat (275F) while you mix the batter.

Beat:
2 Eggs
3/4 Cup granulated Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla

Fold in:
1 Cup sifted Plain Flour (I will cheat and use Self rising)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Stir in:
1/2 Cup of the Syrup from the pineapple

Pour the batter over your pineapple mixture, careful not to disturb your
positioned fruit layout bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Let
stand about 5 minutes before turning upside down onto a serving plate.

Great to be served warm plain or with a touch of rum sauce(the left one). They serve about 8, so Bon apatite! xoxox
PS I did taste and oh my! It was very moreish. I think I prefer the rum one.

Di's Rambling Day

2010-08-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all, been a bit swamped lately so I haven't been able to post as regular as I have been wanting. I’ve made a new friend who has the same interest in vintage as I do and it’s nice to have someone to chat to about bits and bobs. I also have been trolling the internet a bit just looking at this and that and have come across some EXCELLENT retro appliances; I posted some of the links on the side so have a little click and take a look. (I can just imagine the possibilities; you could have a games room with some of the booths and bar tops, a juke box, pool table, and the forever classic pin ball.) You would be the envy of your guests. I get so excited when I talk about decorating, I should make it a career.

Any who back on track. I have realized I need to protect my skin more, plus I am tired of being tanned. At least if my skin becomes fairer I will know it is better protected. Sadly I am one that tans so easily and sun block doesn’t really do the trick on its own so I recently became the luck owner of a lovely cream parasol and look forward to using it. I think I will take a big leap and learn to sew, I will be able to recreate some of the fashions of my favorite eras and as well it would be a real treat for friends too. Well signing out for a bit, be sure to take a peek at the Dames and Dolls page for tips and those little secrets only shared by us ladies. Stay beautiful ladies!

Oh! I shall be attempting pineapple upside down cake tonight. Wish me luck!

July 20 1950

2010-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

"Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa men have named you" Is the beginning to one of Nat Kings Coles famous songs and today is the day it was recorded. The song was actually written for the Paramount Pictures film Captain Carey, USA

And across the big pond, the British physicist Cecil Frank Powell was awarded the Nobel Price for Physics. The award was for his development of the photographic method of studying nuclear processes. Well done to you Cecil.

Oh by the way, if you were a Martian and born this day you would be 31.9 years old and your next birthday would be September 26 2010, Earth time :)

If you were a teen you would probably be listening in secret to The Fat Man by good ol' Fats Domino! Sing it!

Today in 1940s

2010-07-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, or may have read, I am rather new to blogging and still finding my feet. I thought some of you might be interested to know a little about the past that helped to shape our world we now live in. A lot of the things I state will be my opinion and I do not fear a discussion. As my interest is the 1940s and 1950s, those will be the eras I will try to stick with and possibly pop into the 1930s. I know that all the little facts I give can’t be chipper all the time but I will try not to play the history teacher.

At the end of the 1930s, World War II had started. Men and women left the safety of their country to fight and protect their homes and future. Men as young as seventeen were drafted. Some by choice joined because they took pride in their country and that prime-evil instinct to protect ones home probably helped with their choice. They couldn't bear to think of their mothers, wives or children at the hands of the Germans.

Today is July 20, 2010. Let's turn back the clocks and send you back to this day in 1940. Be sure that you dodge the bigger bits as you fall through the hole; we wouldn’t like it if you bumped your head on the way there. Please keep your hands and feet in the time bubble at all times. You will be a ghost in time; you can observe but are un-able to act. It is the dead of night some where in northwest Germany. You can feel the ground slightly shudder as bombs whistled through the air, and in the distance, spheres of bright light erupts from the horizon as it makes impact.

An unseen enemy ventures overhead, the rumbling growl of German night fighters echo through the night. Tiny glowing specs stream through the darkness above us. In a flash we are now standing on a frosty wing of a Wolfgang Falck’s ZG1. The specks were actually a hail of hot bullets being fired at a RAF Whitley; sadly the Whitley was brought down and was the first night-time kill by First Lieutenant Streib, who was only able to use radar to find his targets.

Back in our little time bubble, we bounce over to the coast of Tobruk in Libya. In deep waters, British torpedo bombers destroyed two Italian destroyers and sank a cargo ship. Back on the home fronts (and in a bit of happier news) Billboard magazine published its first top of the charts list, and baseball star Tony Oliva was born.