Sarahs Scribbles

The one were I joined a great team...

2013-05-17T14:27:00.004+01:00

Writing this blog has bought many amazing opportunities in my life, and despite my frequency of blog posts diminishing, my love for putting pen to paper or fingers to keys hasn't died. I love writing and especially love writing for things I feel passionate about - it is rare in this day and age that we get to air our views so openly and honestly and not get a barrage of insults after. As women I think there has never been enough places (especially on the internet) for us to be so vocally open about every topic and not just the feminine ones either, and this is why The High Tea Cast is a website that I have always held quite close to me. What started as a podcast and has now grown into so much more, The High Tea Cast is a website that manages to have it all, in one place and they do it with style.

Both funny, topical and all together a little cheeky, Sam Sparrow and Leanne Rice have done an amazing job at creating somewhere for opinions to be aired and fun to be had - possibly the best of both worlds. Without waffling on too much, I recently applied for a call out to be a writer with The High Tea Cast and well, I got in! I have been writing for the site for a couple of months now and I am loving everything about it. Covering the Fashion section and now recently, the Wedding section, I am writing monthly posts about anything that takes my fancy and it is truly great.

As well as writing for this amazing site, I have got to know all the amazingly talented writers in this collective really well - they are like family, they are the most creative, gutsy, gorgeous and sincere group of women (and boys) I've ever come across.Being a part of this group is probably one of the best things to of happened to me from this blog and by me starting to write.

If you'd like to have a gander - head on over to The High Tea Cast below - and dont forget to subscribe to their podcast which will have you wetting yourself with laughter!

What's on your menu? Super easy, super yum banana cake

2013-05-15T14:08:00.000+01:00

I haven't baked in a while, purely for the single fact that lets face it, I will eat whatever comes out of the oven.: I just cant say no to those fresh baking smells, I just want the cake in my belly, not in the tin! However the other day Mark kindly asked me one evening "what's for pudding?" It would seem that my non-baking hasn't gone un-noticed. After much huffing, puffing from him, I explained that I didn't really want to bake because quite frankly I cannot be trusted NOT to eat the entire cake. He laughed, I done an inward cry: I miss cake.

The next day, whilst grabbing my healthy fruit from the bowl I realised that the bunch of once ripe bananas were looking a little speckly and dare I say it, GONE OFF. Shouting to Mark that he had to eat them all ASAP (he brought them) he put in a request for, yes you guessed it, banana cake and so, on a Tuesday evening, and Mark’s fault, I went back to cake…

So here goes, a very simple banana loaf/cake that will help use your bananas up and satisfy your cake urges without wasting too much time - I done this on an evening after work and was busy munching on it by the evening!

Ingredients:

140g butter , softened, plus extra for the tin

140g caster sugar

2 large eggs , beaten

140g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

50g icing sugar

Method:

Preheat your oven to about 180C/160cFan/Gas mark 4 and butter a 2lb loaf tin. I have to be honest, my 2lb loaf tin was a little on the small side for my general ‘chuck it in’ method without measuring so be warned ;)
Peel your bananas and mash up with a potato masher (man does it look disgusting after) and set aside
Cream your butter and sugar together until it is fluffy and light in colour. Add the already beaten eggs with a spoon of flour. Once well mixed, carefully pour the rest of the flour into the mix along with the Baking Powder and your mashed bananas. Once well mixed, pour the mixture into your loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes or until the loaf is golden and your skewer inserted into the middle, comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin and then remove to a wire rack.
If you can avoid eating it just yet, wait for the loaf to cool.
Mix your icing sugar with a little warm water (or until desired consistency is reached) and simply drizzle across the loaf.
Then please commence eating – try slicing and spreading with a layer of nutella…. No words….

Have you tried avoiding cake? what's on your menu?

My First Job... #BEDM

2013-05-14T08:32:00.002+01:00

Wow... trying to think back to what my first job actually was is hard... so long ago... I now feel old! My first proper job was in a picture shop. This shop sold limited edition prints of work and offered a bespoke framing service.

I was employed as a 'Saturday girl' as they were called back then, and it was my first proper job. I used to work every weekend from 9am until 5:30pm or until the shop decided to shut. The picture shop was situated in the centre of Maidenhead town and I used to walk to work from my parents house.

Despite it sounding hideously boring, working in a picture/art shop was brilliant. It opened my eyes to alot of works of art, it helped me gain an opinion on what I liked and didn't like, and also helped me grow some creativity when picking frames to go with various pieces of art. I started off just manning the till, taking payments and replenishing stock - just the 'norm' for a Saturday job, but as I had worked there for a number of years the company gave me more and more responsibility - which I loved and I was eventually trained in how to bespoke frame.

Members of the public would bring in various pieces of art and want them framed and we would find mounts and framing to suit each and every picture. It was great fun picking out colours and styles of framing, and knowing that you were helping to make peoples treasured items even more precious was a nice feeling - it was a great job and I did love every second. After a few years, the management changed and so did the people I worked with. Essentially, the new people in charge didn't like having a Saturday girl and tried to phase me out and gradually the love I had for my first ever job died and I left.

It was sad leaving that place: I'd worked there for a number of years and enjoyed everything about working there. I look back to this time fondly and still find myself looking at peoples framing techniques!

What was your first job?

Pets - Scruffy #BEDM

2013-05-13T09:02:00.002+01:00

I did a little squeel when I realised that the latest #BEDM subject was pets! Y'see, I am rather obsessed with my pet, I'd even go as far to say she is the love of my life (apart from you Mark)

Welcome Scruffy. She is my 4/5 year old lionhead bunny rabbit. MANY of you will already know of my bundle of fluff, mainly due to the sheer amount of tweets and various pictures I post about the animal. Scruffy is a special rabbit, no she doesn't fly or appear out of hats, she's special because she literally came to me by sheer luck. When I was living with my lovely mama and papa, one day our neighbour came knocking on the door saying there was a rabbit in their garden and could my mum help catch it as it didn't look like a wild one. My mum, being a brilliant rabbit catcher (we had rabbits as kids so she was well experienced) went off to see if she could entice the fur ball into a box. About an hour and a half later mama scribbles came back empty handed. No-one could catch this rabbit - it was too quick and too scared to trust to go near anyone and so after nearly two hours they decided to let the rabbit go on its natural course and just hope that its future was a safe one. At this time I had been busy regularly bugging Mark to buy me a rabbit. As someone who adores all animals a rabbit was my dream animal, however my pleas had gone unnoticed.

Two months had passed when we got another knock at the door. There was the same neighbour announcing that the same rabbit was back again. Off my mum trotted to help go catch this phantom rabbit. I had yet to see the rabbit - a part of me didn't want to as I would've got attached and also I was worried it'd been hurt etc. about half an hour later, my mum appeared at the front door holding a bundle of towels, and in those towels was a teeny tiny furry bunny.

Scruffy.

We placed this feeble looking creature into a plastic box lined with newspaper. The rabbit looked painfully skinny and was weak, not moving or flinching when we placed her in the box. The rabbit, lay down and closed her eyes. I loved her instantly. I knew she must've been hungry so stole a carrot from the cupboard and began to feed her and hope to gain her trust. She munched on the carrot instantly and as I petted her soft furry head I knew I had to keep her. My mum, being the sensible one explained that we would have to wait to see if someone claimed her. Off went my daddy to buy her a cheap cage, some food and hay to make her comfy for the time being. My mum, dad and me took care of scruffy: fed her, watered her, petted her and began to make her feel loved, without trying to get too attached to her just in case someone claimed her (I secretly hoped they wouldn't after a week or so I booked an appointment at the vets to get her looked over and to see if she had a microchip or if they knew if someone had lost a rabbit.

The vet saw the rabbit and explained that she was a purebred lion head and was definitely not a wild rabbit, she wasn't chipped nor had an owner, and aside from being horrendously underweight she was ok. From that point, she was mine. I paid for her to have her vaccinations and various other treatments and over £100 later we went home with our bunny. I named her Scruffy instantly because she was, err, scruffy. Living rough hadn't been kind to her mounds of fur and so she looked a bit straggly, but I loved her.

Me and Scruffy have been inseparable since: I nursed her back to health, chased her round the garden when she escaped, cuddled her when I had a bad day and made my parents take her inside in the cold weather. Scruffy has seen me move out of home, move in with Mark, watched us decorate our first home and even learnt how comfy human sofas are. She now is a house rabbit full time, and she is one of us, my family. She does everything a rabbit probably shouldn't do: including watching TV on the sofa with Mark (her fave films are action) she licks my face regularly and follows you everywhere - to me she is a dog rabbit... a faithful friend.

I am a crazy rabbit lady, but I'm not even sorry. I love her with my whole heart and she completes me, she is a friend.

Fit and Healthy... my way. #BEDM

2013-05-10T09:04:00.003+01:00

Today's #BEDM subject matter is one I can totally get on board with. Being fit and healthy is a way of life, not an addition to life - it's a must and something I feel quite strongly about.

For me, after spending almost 5 years of my life suffering badly with eating disorders and depression being 'fit' was not a thing for me, I wanted to be slim and didn't care how I did it - causing havoc with my body, fast forward to today and I couldn't be more of a different person. I exercise almost daily and I love it. Some call me crazy, some wonder why I'm not some stick thin person as I exercise so much, but the truth is I exercise more for my brain and 'me' than I do the outer shell of my body. Exercise and eating healthy makes everyday life alot easier - my head is alot clearer, I have more energy, I feel more alive and most of all, I smile. alot. That's a good thing right?

We all know doing a little bit of exercise releases endorphins right? well for me, it does more than that. Those dark clouds that often reappear with depression are chased away by the second I start to do a little exercise. So what do I do?

Well, Mon-Fri I cycle to work there and back, which is roughly about 10 miles a day in total. On Monday's I go to Slimming World in the evening - SW is great for me as it completely helps me evaluate what and why I'm eating certain foods and helps keep me on the straight and narrow. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are all run days. I will head out after my cycle or during the day on Saturday, and just slowly run which can be anything between 3-10miles.. depending on how tired I really am. Wednesday and Sundays are my rest day and Friday I tend to do a Pilates dvd. It may sound alot, but the truth is I'm not regimental: If I dont feel like it? I wont. Simple.

I try to encourage many people to eat healthy, and exercise... for me, it is my life and has helped me out of many holes.

How do you exercise?

Five Fave Blogs... #BEDM

2013-05-09T08:46:00.002+01:00

Today calls for the turn of five of my favourite blogs - it's a hard one! Ask any blogger and they will struggle with just FIVE of their fave! For me, I like good, readable content that strikes questions and thoughts in my head, but good, dreamy photos are always an eye catcher! Here are five of my favourite blogs:

The First Mess

I've mentioned this blog on here before, but for foodie blogs this combines sumptuous recipes, delectable photos but thoughtful writing skills. I have a little bit of a girl crush on Laura who writes this blog and despite not being a full-on vegan I find her recipes easy to make and heartily fulfilling.

Paperbag Blog

The ultimate lifestyle blog. Paperbag blog is my secret little place to disappear to. I read Christina's blog to immerse myself in her world and soak up some of her fab journeys in and around the gorgeous town of Brighton. Good foods, good style, a thought level which matches mine and did I mention her cat Ras? too gorgeous for words!

The Online Stylist

The queen of style! Amanda's blog is literally like shopping porn! I adore clicking onto her page and ogling her life, her clothes, her impeccable style and most of all looking at all the amazing pictures! The Online Stylist is pretty much the only fashion forward blog I read. Amanda's style is very close to my own and its a sanctuary away from most other crazy fashion blogs out there.

The High Tea Cast

Not strictly a blog as such, but The High Tea Cast is the cheekiest, most informative site you are going to get that is aimed at women. For me, there was a real lack of websites that told the truth for women these days but The High Tea Cast doesn't mince it's words on any level. Fun, juicy, serious and all round genius - this is my go to site

More Than Toast

An honest, funny and realistic blog from Alice who writes about all things important in her life: her two very gorgeous children, the work/life/family balance, lack of sleep, love of coffee and everything else in between. As someone who starts to plan a family next year, this blog is just a brilliant read - Alice is a genius of a writer and I'm often finding myself in awe of her.

What are your favourite blogs?

A day in my life... #BEDM

2013-05-08T08:54:00.000+01:00

A typical weekday...

5:30am - Wake up with the dreaded alarm...

6:30am - First coffee of the day..

7am - I get on my bike and cycle the 5 miles to work..

7:30am - I begin to make myself look more presentable..

8:30am - I am at my desk - ready to go

10:30am - TEA TIME!

12pm - Lunch time

1:pm - Back to work I go

2-5pm - BORING WORK! Then I get back on the bike and cycle home!

5:30pm - I cuddle this

6:30pm - I go out for a run

7:30pm - I normally get my bake on whilst dinner is in the oven

8pm - I partake in a bit of beautifying...

9pm - It's cuddle time with the HTB

11pm - Bed with my book...

My life really is THAT uninteresting during the week! It's been kind of interesting to see where my day goes and even contemplating how I can fit more in!

What does your day look like?

Spring and me... #BEDM

2013-05-07T08:10:00.002+01:00

I've fallen ALOT behind in the #BEDM challenge, however instead of throwing in the towel I am getting back on the proverbial blogging horse and starting at the second day of the Blog Every Day In May challenge.

Today I talk about Spring! and yes, Spring has finally sprung with some gorgeous weather actually arriving on a Bank Holiday Weekend for once! For me, Spring is my favourite time of year. Don't get me wrong, Summer is lovely but for me, it is sometimes a little too much, incessant sunny days with no break from the heat definitely doesn't suit my body. Spring is more of the Summer warm up, and also a welcome break from the normal doom and gloom that the long Winters bring.

As well as the first breaks of sun and the drier weather, for me, Spring is all about fresh starts, new beginnings and time to move forward in life. Spring brings a clarity of mind for me and I always hold this time of year close to my heart. Those slightly chilly mornings with the sun just coming up are my thinking times: a time to sit outside wrapped up, or to get on my bike, but mostly its the one time I get things sorted in my head.

Flowers are just sprouting, the beautiful yellow flowers of daffodils are starting to peek out, and fields of grass are turning a brilliant green - Spring is a time where everything comes back to life and rejuvenates itself. Sitting with a nice fresh coffee and a warm croissant, hearing the birds tweeting - Spring is for the simple things in life and for me, next year Spring will be the time I get married to the love of my life.

What is your favourite thing about Spring?

#BEDM - 5 lines = ME

2013-05-02T08:16:00.002+01:00

Bobbed hair, eternally childish, eats too much pie

Eager to love and be loved, forever looking for acceptance

Writing is freedom, as are walks in the forest and making pictures from the clouds

I run for clarity and cycle for smiles, but enjoy lazy days being hugged by my sofa

Enjoys patterned trousers

Blog every day in May... time to grow

2013-04-30T08:41:00.001+01:00

I have to be honest, blogging for me has well and truly fallen to the wayside. What was once initially a massive part of my life has pretty much been taken over by stresses through everyday life: work, home life and planning a wedding - no excuse I hear you say, but I seem to lack the capability to organise myself, schedule well and get some good, quality content down on the blog for you all to read. Fair enough, I could chow out the same old drivel: press releases ahoy, but that wouldn't be fair on you and ultimately, that's not what I'm about.

I've been toying with the idea of maybe taking time out for the blog, or even shutting it down but again, it's not me. I love blogging, I love writing, but suffering with massive writers block is a hard thing to deal with, I feel uninspired and lacking any creativity and with that I have the guilt feeling of not blogging enough.

TIME OUT

Ultimately, to get back to where I was when I first started blogging, I need to love it again, go back to the beginning and breathe. Thanks to the lovely Elizabeth and her rather amazing blog: Rosalilium, she has created the 'Blog Every Day In May' programme. It was almost like Elizabeth had read my mind - this has been just what I'm looking for. Giving you a different topic every day in May for you to blog about, it is time to get creative again and inspire myself along the way. There are some fab people already signed up and I hope I can do the project proud, but for me, I want to get personal, I want to divulge a little more of me, I want to almost find out who I am and why I blogged in the first place and some the of the subjects certainly explore all of this.

So, with the 1st May literally round the corner (err tomorrow!) I thought I'd let you all know what was going to happen with the blog... some of it may be text only, some might be pretty pictures but most of all I hope you start to get to know me a little better and help make this blog grow into something a little more prettier and friendlier.There is still time to sign up to the challenge HERE

I cant wait to get started and see what you all think! To follow the Blog Every Day In May posts follow the hashtag #BEDM on twitter!

Are you blogging every day in May?

Monday Inspiration...

2013-04-29T09:09:00.001+01:00

a morning croissant..

a laid back outfit..

the sun peeking out..

getting to wear sunnies...

cycling...

it will..

simple, quick and comforting food...

new notebooks...

the perfect coffee shop...

Happy Monday!

Things to do... Getting arty in London

2013-04-25T09:38:00.003+01:00

I am tying desperately to come out of the most terrible writers block lately: nothing is flowing well in this head of mine, but slowly and surely I am trying - giving myself things to do. Places to go is always good to get the creative juices going (I hate that description!) and hopefully give me something to write about! I'm off to London this Sunday to be a bit of a culture vulture - I love London so much but don't get to visit all that often, so when I do go I am the biggest tourist you could ever imagine! Here are some of things I'm going to get up to:

The Other Art Fair
Tickets cost £6

I am not what you would call an arty person, BUT I find looking round galleries and art fairs incredibly inspiring and stimulating - not to paint or draw, but just generally for the mind. The Other Art Fair is a brilliant destination for up and coming artist to showcase their work. I have got my eyes peeled on checking out a particular artist Damilola Oshilaja.
This artist has caught my eye due to the vibrancy of his work - his works lean towards light being focal areas of interest, leading to the the perception of light, The focus is on terrestrial landscape (the natural world and the man-made world), and life within it. Human interaction within the environment. Human condition plays a significant role in this concern. I like artwork that makes me stare, think and then talk.

Tate Modern - Lichtenstein: A Retrospective
Tickets cost £15.50

Me and my brother shall be heading over to the Tate Modern, not only to still wow at the building, because quite frankly I LOVE IT, but to also visit the highly anticipated Lichtenstein exhibition. Lichtenstein was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, presenting us all with outbursts of abstract expressionism - vibrancy and a new concept of painting inspired by comic strips, advertising and mass culture imagery. There are a whole load of other meanings behind his works of art, but for me? I love it and cant wait to go and see!

Selfridges

I know, I know, but for the opportunity to go buy some goodies and get myself one of their eye-catching yellow bags - it has to be done! My purchase of choice? some new Ray Bans. I've been after a pair for a long time and as the sun has come out I thought why not treat myself!

Hummingbird Bakery

I cant go to London without stopping by here. As a cake fiend and obsessed with Red Velvet cakes, I have to come purely to face plant a massive slice of one! Granted, they are a pricy and calorie laden treat, but I am sure as hell going to enjoy this all the same!

St James's Park

This is by far one of m fave Royal Parks and I always love coming back here for a walk around and seeing the sight of The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Hopefully the weather will be good where I shall stop for a mini picnic and some time out from the hustle and bustle.

For me, going to London is all about people watching and soaking up the culture that literally buzzes around you. From being in the humble Berkshire countryside (quietness) it is always a treat to go to London to feel revitalized in life.

What are you up to this weekend?

Monday Inspiration....

2013-04-22T08:16:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday!

What's on your menu? an April website round up...

2013-04-19T13:01:00.001+01:00

Food glorious food.. I have to be honest, I haven't got many new foods to show and tell lately. Being on Slimming world means none of those naughty sweet treats, or calorie laden fried foods (which I LOVE) so I have been eating everything that is a little green in colour and doing my best impression of a goat. However, one thing being on the Slimming World diet has proved to me is how little I've been actually cooking - as in cooking from home-made, fresh, raw ingredients. My normal concept of cooking is taking the wrapper off a ready meal and shoving in the oven/microwave - something had to change sooner or later right?!

Along with me watching my expanding waistline and eating all things leafy, I have turned to the foodie blog. Normally, something I avoided, purely because it involved me having to actually do something, I am falling head over heels in love with food websites and mostly food blogs. Firstly kudos to anyone who writes a food blog - the amount of effort that goes into these sites is RIDICULOUS - the writing, the thought, the photos, the cooking...*sigh* but overall I have been seeking out those recipes that I can chop and change to fit the SW diet but that are also so tasty! I'm obsessed with drooling over the pictures and finding out that really,cooking, isn't that hard, and as well as trying out some of the more healthy recipes, I am myself staring at all the cake recipes knowing I cant have them - some kind of cake torture! Anyway, here are my favourite foodie blogs to help with your culinary conquests:

Butcher, Baker - www.butcherbakerblog.com
I love the tone of this blog - with delicious, inventive baking recipes coming from her (Jules) and the more more manly husband of Jules partaking in the other fab ideas like building your own Tandoori oven! This website is filled to the absolute brim with brilliant, easy to follow recipes - very wholesome.
English Mum - www.englishmum.com
The rather gorgeous Becky is a bit of a superstar - with the best sense of humour around, she has a great website that is 100% family friendly and really does have something for everyone. Becky has a great way of making you feel like you're really baking with her and not just following recipes.
Joy the Baker - www.joythebaker.com
This was one of the first food blogs I started following so I feel like I know Joy. A self-taught baker, mostly by her dad, Joy's foodie pictures are to die for and even better she LOVES chocolate. Her recipes are easy, but mostly so so tasty. A must read if just for the pictures.
The First Mess - www.thefirstmess.com
This is a recent find for me and I have instantly fell in love. Laura's recipes are all about eating and cooking with natural produce and has a great motto for the blog: "A meal has never been taken for granted in my life and this blog is a greater reflection of that simple idea" which to me, pretty much says it all. At the beginning of each recipe is a little recap on Laura, her life and thoughts and I love it.
Wuthering Bites - www.wutheringbites.co.uk
Another new one added to my reader, this website run by Sarah is a gluten free blog. As someone who is rather new to the gluten free way of eating and already seeing the advantages with my IBS symptoms, I love this blog for what it is - simple food, made simply, but with impressive tastes. This is the first site that has proved that eating gluten free doesn't have to be bland.
Hungry Darling? - http://www.hungrydarling.com/Launced only back in March, I'm already loving the fun nature of this site! Focusing on both the naughty and the nice of the eating world it's nice to know this will be a website that will feed both my naughtier sweet tooth and my more healthier leafy side! With reviews, a special section for diets and for goodies around the kitchen, this is a website for all!
Foodess - www.foodess.com
Like one big food party in one site! I love the slightly grainy food photos on this site - a real rustic website with countless of easy to make recipes that are great for dinner parties as they are eating along or for a family. My favourite are the banana bran muffins - YUM!
The Boy Who Bakes - www.theboywhobakes.co.uk
Alot of you will already know Ed Kimber from GBBO fame and since the programme Ed has gone from strength to strength - books, tv appearances and updating his rather fab website. His cinnamon rolls are simply amazing.
Fish Chips & Gelato - http://fishchipsandgelato.wordpress.com
I love this site - simple and straightforward. No airs or graces and its distinctly nice to have a food site where they done actively bake or enjoy baking cupcakes (who knew) Essentially the recipes are simple, but there are some nice twists to finish them. As an Italian cooking in England, its nice to see variations on recipes that I wouldn't normally go for.

How do you feel about Food Blogs?

The Wednesday Wanted: Comfort...

2013-04-17T14:57:00.002+01:00

This weeks Wednesday Wanted is a little bit of everything that soothes the mind, body and soul. I'm struggling with all kinds of writers block lately and feeling completely unimpressed with so many things. I've lacked the will to write, lacked the ideas and inspiration - over all I feel a little worn out - do you ever have times like this?

1- Basic loungetop £9.99 and bottoms £19.99 - Oysho
For me, comfort is lounging around the house is comfy yet cute clothes. I dont want a pair of trousers that is too tight that I cant cross my legs or breathe out. These cute animal printed lounge trousers are a steal at only £19.99 and along with the matching peach top you dont have to be embarrassed opening the door to anyone.

2- Boyfriend fit jeans - £30 - Next

Boyfriend jeans are a bit of a lifesaver. Great for those lazy weekends or impromptu friends coming round situations I love the casual nature of these bf jeans from Next and the turn up is a plus point for me. I like the natural, relaxed feel of wearing a boyfriend fit jean, when teamed with a grey marl t-shirt and neon pumps.

3- Chunky Knit Blanket - £64.80 - Laura Ashley
I am a blanket fiend - for the sofa or for the bed, I cant get enough yet my fleece blankets are getting a little too cosy now. Thanks to the warmer temperatures I will be changing to a chunky knit to keep the late afternoon chills out. This Laura Ashley knitted blanket oozes class aswell as looking super snuggly.

4- Elderflower and Gooseberry Cologne - £38 - Jo Malone
There is something really comforting about a homely, fresh scent that isn't too heavy. This gorgeous summery scent by Jo Malone instantly feeds my senses - both feminine and soft.

5- Seychelles Signature Candle - £20 - The White Company
I couldn't have a comforting list without some candles. Not only do I love candles and their scents, I also find the gentle flickering much more easier on the eye than having the lights on at night. I want to fill my house with candles all the time. This rather luxurious option from The White Company is the type of candle to be seen. It the perfect way to add some luxury to my day.

6- Anorak Kissing Robins Duvet set - £55 - John Lewis

With my body feeling the need to recharge its batteries, sometimes sleep and bed is the only option, and this duvet set is too cute I'm pretty sure I'd sleep soundly in this!

7- Salads/cooking

This one is free, but choosing to cook for myself, at home, from fresh, raw ingredients is massively important. Sometimes it is so nice to immerse myself in cooking - during the week I dont nearly get enough time to do this. Eating fresh and wholesome really does feed the soul.

8- Framed Chalkboard sign - £11.19 - Etsy

I just love the idea of hanging this simple chalkboard sign somewhere in my kitchen and feeling free to write the HTB messages for the day, inspirational quotes or thoughts to read throughout the day or even something silly - its a simple and inexpensive way to cheer the house up.

9- Instructions for a Heatwave - £9.49 Kindle - Maggie O'Farrell at Amazon

To lose yourself in a book is sometimes the simplest way of stepping back and recharging the batteries and helping the mind think of something else. I've been dying to read the latest Maggie O'Farrell book so I cant wait to settle down, and dive straight in and not stop until I've finished.

10- Chai Tea - £3.99 pk of 15 teabags - TeaPigs

Aptly described in the blurb as giving you a good slap round the chops, this may be the tea I need. A rich, malty tea blended with cinnamon, ginger and cassia. Worthy of dipping my nose in I think.

As well as wanting the above, this Wednesday I have mostly been thinking about:

- having a weekend alone with just my laptop and thoughts

- trying to stick to this new healthy diet and not go back to the chocolate monster I once was

- buying actual cds instead of downloaded music

- non stop listening to Jessie Ware album - Devotion I dare you to not fall in love with her voice...

- cooking and falling in love with Food Blog: The First Mess - so much goodness on one site!

- finding my life mojo...

What's on your Wanted list?

'On A Budget' 20% off shoes at Dorothy Perkins

2013-04-15T11:10:00.002+01:00

Everyone needs a new pair of shoes right? well Dorothy Perkins have got a brilliant 20% off all shoes for the entire week!

Get set for summer and head over to Dorothy Perkins now HERE and the add those much wanted shoes to your basket and the discount will be applied at checkout! Simple!

Monday inspiration...

2013-04-15T10:18:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday...

The quest for sleep... with Octaspring pillows

2013-04-11T10:24:00.001+01:00

I'm not a big sleeper. Im one of these people that finds it incredibly hard to fall asleep - my mind decides to spring thoughts, ideas and demands on me the second my head touches the pillow. And if its not that, it will be my inability to keep still in bed, Im a bit of a tosser (not in that way) I can never seem to get comfy, then once asleep, you can guarantee that any slight noise and I am wide-eyed awake, in burglar catcher mode positive that someone is trying to break into the house (and steal the rabbit) Y'see I dont find sleep easy and I am often finding myself still feeling so dog tired (where does that expression come from?) the next day not making for a very happy chappy I can tell you!

Sleepy bunny...

We all want the elusive minimum 8 hours sleep and to wake up feeling like sleeping beauty right? but the reality is more and more of us just dont get it. I know for you parents, getting the best quality sleep is imperative, even if you do manage to get any sleep (I don't know how you do it) However, I am on a one-woman mission to try different techniques to get a better sleep... sounds easy right?

First up is new pillows! I am a bad domesticated goddess, I havent replaced our pillows in a while shall we say, and mine resembles something like a pancake at the moment - offering no stability thanks to my penchant for cuddling the crap outta the thing. I suffer with neck and upper back ache due to siting at a computer all day so needless to say lying on a pancake style pillow isn't doing my back any favours. I have been toying with the idea of a memory foam pillow for a while - whilst some people (my mum) raves about them, other have said they are difficult to get along with.. Decisions! To help with my decision I have been lucky enough to be given a brand new type of pillow to road test in my mission to get good sleep. The Dormeo Octaspring Evolution Memory pillow contains some brand new complicated technology that makes this pillow really special.

Aside from the pillow being a memory foam pillow (which is known for making sleep better) This Octaspring pillow uses a firm pillow-spring to support under the neck, and soft, breathable memory foam pillow-springs for the head - it's pretty much the best of both worlds. The pillow respects the natural alignment of your neck and back to provide a good sleeping posture so you dont get those horrible aches when you wake up in the morning. Upon unwrapping, the pillow felt soft to touch, but I was a little disturbed as to how firm it was even more so compared to my pancake synthetic pillows. Laying the pillow down in place of my old dustmite ridden old pillows I was more than a little apprehensive about the nights sleep.

I'll be honest, I found my first lie on the pillow, err, awkward. I wasn't sure I was even lying on it in the right way, and found the whole memory foam thing weird when the pillow kinda moulded to my odd shaped head, but after the initial 10 minutes I was beyond comfy, and well, what can I say, I must've drifted off to sleep pretty pronto. At no point during that first night did I wake up once. Often I go searching for the cold spot on pillows but with the springs in this Octaspring make the pillow so well ventilated, it stayed at a reasonable temperature all night.

I have been using this pillow for two weeks now, and still love the feel of it. Granted, the initial 'sleep through the night' syndrome has worn off a little but for the time I do sleep, it is well rested with no tossing and turning. I allowed my partner to try the pillow as he was naturally curious about my statements of 'Oh that was such a good sleep' and he noticed a distinct improvement in his back aches first thing in the morning. As a pillow, I think this is top notch, however I do think it has done more for my sleeping posture than it has for keeping me asleep when my brain is active. Overall, I will be buying another pillow for my partner and would recommend the range to my friends.

The Dormeo Octaspring pillows are available in multiple different varieties and cost from £65 - £90

Have you tried memory foam pillows? What are your views?

*I was very kindly gifted the pillow in return for my review - all views are of a true and honest nature*

A little wedding find #1... Bunting

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

As much as I hate myself for writing about something 'wedding',I do apologise to you all - it is a massive part of my life right now, so I'm allowed to post a few little things right? Even though the wedding isn't until April next year, I have been keeping my beady eye out for bits and pieces wedding-y.

First up is this fab 'Mr & Mrs' bunting I got made. I am finding Etsy a good source for all things wedding and especially for the type of look I'm looking for, for our big day (vintage/homely) I came across The Swans Nest shop run by Holly Swann. I instantly fell in love with her handmade 'Mr and Mrs' bunting and pretty much all the other bunting on her Etsy shop, and after logging onto her site Swans Nest Weddings I love her keepsake quits - all are tailor made by you, whether for your wedding or other special occasion. I requested the Mr and Mrs sign to be made in peach with the ivory lace.

It was just what I was looking for - peach is going to be our chosen wedding colour and lace will feature heavily throughout! I was thrilled when it turned up in the most gorgeous package and looked just beautiful!

I already love it! I have decided that it should be placed on the top table where me and HTB are sat! what do you think?

After seeing Holly's handiwork, I think I'm going to enquire for more bunting, but this time in peach and lace to go all around our wedding venues! I've gone bunting mad!

What do you think of bunting at a wedding?

On The Radar: Uniqlo and their really rather good trousers...

2013-04-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm a bore when it comes to trousers: on weekdays I'm a black skinny leg trouser kinda girl, Weekends, give me my standard straight leg jeans and when I'm at home? Leggings all the way (hate me if you will) however, thanks to all these lovely glossy magazines, ultra fashionable blogs and dreamy pictures on Pinterest, I am harbouring over some patterned trousers.

I often go on about patterned trousers on the blog, but whilst I love the idea of them (on paper/screen) the reality is, having a rounded size 12 figure and being only 5ft 2in in height, I'm not entirely sure I am going to be able to 'work' the look or just end up like I've raided the dressing up box (Coco the clown anyone?)

I knew about Uniqlo a long long time ago, as, dare I say it, I buy all my loungewear from here - its cheap, comfy and looks really good for lounging around the house in! Although lately I've been looking at the brand a little more differently and not just heading straight for the loungewear section. That day, as I was perusing their site for more 'comfy clothes', they had a deal on some of their Legging trousers - It was a proper 'lightbulb' moment for me - comfort of leggings whilst looking like a trouser? Err SOLD. So instead of settling with the normal colours, I went all out.. I mean hey, at only £14.90 a go I thought why not I try this trend out, so I bagged me some patterned trousers.

Yes, me of the short legs fame! After swiftly bagging three pairs of these amazing 'legging trousers' I was left to hope and pray I would be having a thin leg day in order to ram them over my sizeable thighs, but when the delivery turned up I was more than happy and dare I say it, surprised! Here are all three in action:

Celia Birtwell for Uniqlo Cropped legging trouser £14.90 available in three different designs

I am a little Celia Birtwell crazy, so totally blame her and this collection for ordering these. Something I normally would never even look at, or dare I say even like, but once on and teamed with some black, black and err, more black, I liked the overall look and would def wear these for the office or for dinner/drinks! The fit on these was a little tight I have to be honest, but thank heavens for elasticated waists! Bear in mind I am SHORT, so the cropped length on you might be a little shorter if taller. I teamed with a silk tee and black knitted sleeveless waistcoat, finish with some high courts and a chunky black necklace - all letting the trousers do the talking.

Uniqlo Print legging trouser £14.90 in various different designs

For me, these were the ones I am less than in love with. The length is horrendously long and with no real lycra in them so I found the fit a little, err, scrunched. However, the paisley print is cute. I played it safe picking blue on black, but trust me there are some madder colours to choose from. Again elasticated waist happiness with a soft touch to them. I teamed with a simple Breton tee to break it down, tan brogue heels to break up the blue and a statement spike collar necklace.

Leopard print legging trouser £14.90 available in other animal prints

Firstly - SPANDEX, oh yes, these contained every curvy girls dream fabric: spandex. These trousers fitted like a dream, were so comfy I very nearly didn't want to change out of them. Ever. And, they are leopard print! This is heaven in a trouser if you're me. These are probably the more casual out of the three choices but actually this makes them alot more versatile than the others, these were my favourite! I teamed with a simple black vest top, boyfriend denim shirt and real ballet shoes. These fitted well, but were again a little long, but being so short I kinda like turning everything up!

I don't know about you but I was really surprised about Uniqlo clothing choice - everything fitted well, the prices were amazing and actually, you got a good quality product. As far as the patterned trouser look goes, I'm warming to it. I have to be honest, I will (always) get swayed by these 6ft models wearing them, but now, after wearing them, I kinda like them on a short girl like me.

What are your thoughts on patterned trousers? Have you shopped at Uniqlo?

Setting the mood... Bahoma London

2013-04-05T12:20:00.000+01:00

I don't ever seem to get much peace and quiet in chateau scribbles - if its not the tv blaring with another action movie (him) or jumping around to another fitness DVD (me) or even the various building work that is still going on (seriously, is it ever going to end?) I often look at all these gorgeously, dream like (clean) rooms either on Pinterest or on other blogs and seriously wonder where I'm going wrong. Y'see my house is pretty much organised chaos, I don't have kids but let me assure you, the amount of mess that me and the hubby-to-be manage to create is nothing short of unbelievable - there are clothes (his pants) everywhere, washing hung up to dry, piles of ironing to be done, last nights dishes sat in the kitchen (we don't have a dishwasher) and well, with a house rabbit that likes to share her hay with us all... it is not what you call a house of ambiance.

Aside from painting a really bad picture of myself (honestly, I am not that lazy) my inner domestic goddess longs to create an atmosphere that is, well, one of relaxation and a little less chaos and alot more 'Mmm'. My cheats way to creating something more of a dream house? Bahoma.

I was kindly sent some products from the rather gorgeously fragranced Bahoma, to test out in order to see if my home can be one of calm. Designed by master perfumier Malgorzata Strug-Guzowska in the good ol' London. Bahoma fragrances are designed to give a something little extra to a room, and lets face it, in my house? it is well needed. I am a candle addict and am always burning something or other in the effort to create a more homely, well scented feel but I have never used Bahoma before so I was intrigued as to how good their fragrances can be.

First up was the living room - in this vast, almost empty space, I was excited to see how well the Vanilla Black candle coped. The gentle Vanilla smell drifted nicely around the living room, and the candle itself burns at a really low rate so a little goes a long way. The scent wasn't too overpowering and wasn't too sickly sweet like some vanilla scents - it was almost creamy but mostly it smelt homely and warming. The chunky glass of the candle was classic and instantly made my rather tarnished table a little more pristine.

Vanilla black candle priced at £25.95

Next up was the rather lush looking Reed Diffuser room fragrance - I decided that I would place this in the main bedroom. Our bedroom lacks anything special at the moment as it is the one room we haven't begun work on so I thought the Jasmine aroma of this reed diffuser was much needed. I was delighted with the continuous, almost romantic scent that came off the diffuser - I'd never really smelt Jasmine properly but I hate to blow my own trumpet, but my room smells AMAZING! This will be a permanent fixture to my bedroom and dare I say it, the Jasmine has in fact made a massive difference in how I sleep (no more broken sleep for me)

Jasmine reed diffuser priced at £45.95

Onto the bathroom. I know, not known as being of the nicest rooms in the house but for me, I adore my bathroom. It was one of the first rooms we done when we moved in (you should've seen it before - EW!) and so I have a real habit of polishing the granite worktops.. .alot. I placed the Mimosa room spray in here for a quick spritz of loveliness whenever I'm in there. I didn't really know what to expect with Mimosa but was greeted with a light, crisp, slightly floral scent that had a slight musky after tones - it was really pleasant and would probably suit any room, not just the bathroom. The scent lasted for a while and didn't just disappear like most standard bathroom sprays - this would be nice when pouring yourself a much needed bath!

Mimosa room spray priced at £21.95

Lastly, is the Bahoma Bibliotheque - a set of all their fragrances in mini - I did have a play around creating some of my own, but for me? Summer Garden wins every time!

Perfume Bibliotheque priced at £20.00

I'm already a little attached to the entire Bahoma range - for its classiness, the prices aren't too steep and mostly the fragrances - and or turning my house into more of a home.

Are you a home scent person? and have you tried Bahoma?

*I was very kindly gifted the products to trial by Bahoma, however all views are my very fragrant own*

A little of what I've been up to...

2013-04-04T09:35:00.001+01:00

To say things are busy would be an understatement: not only am I silly busy at work, my homelife is beyond hectic too, with lots of social visits, things to do and all round 'having a life'
Sometimes fitting in blogging is hard even when I have a really good idea. Does anyone else find this?

I don't think I have found the balance right, even after so many years blogging now, but sometimes you do have to be just 'ok' with it, and I am, despite that niggling feeling inside of me that say's I should really be doing something i.e blogging! Anywho, here's a little photo diary of what I've been up to:

1- Cuddles with Scruff, who seems to of taken refuge on the sofa.. 2- Making a homemade cherry and almond cake as requested by the HTB. 3- Finding a whole selection of these vintage soup bowls and then, of course, eating leek and potato soup on a cold day.

4- Making a day trip down to Brighton to finally pick up my engagement ring. I love it more today than I did when I first picked it! 5- Handmade engagement party invites, saving money!

6- Seeing my head in this months Essentials magazine (May) I loved the whole day of this shoot and loved my hair! 7- Scruffy getting serious with the Lindt bunny "no, I'm the real Easter bunny" 8- What greeted me courtesy of the HTB for Easter, add in a few million chocolate eggs and I'm fit the burst!

What have you been up to lately?

Competition time! Win with Sweaty Betty...

2013-03-27T10:38:00.001Z

Some of you may or may not follow my other fitness-y type blog over at AmIReallyRunning? but for those of you who don't (naughty naughty people) there is a competition to bag yourself £150 worth of Sweaty Betty vouchers....

Here are the details:

Being part of Sweaty Betty’s new fitness collective, The Fit Crowd, is an incredible experience - being part of something that is pushing boundaries for women in fitness is something that is really close to my heart. As a self proclaimed runner who is taking some much needed time off running, I am still getting myself out there and cycling every day and pushing my all round fitness with cardio box and body combat classes aswell as throwing in home workout dvds!

Now as a little bit of a treat, because you lovely ladies are still getting out there and working hard DESPITE the terrible weather and feeling of wanting to eat the earth (cake anyone?) Sweaty Betty are offering you a chance to win £150 worth of vouchers to spend on getting glam during your workouts in their ‘SWEAT AND SNAP CHALLENGE’

All you have to do is simply show us your favourite work out outfit and tweet he picture to @SweatyBetty_UK using the hashtag #TheFitCrowd it really is as simple as that! Now go forth, get your fitness gear on and get tweeting!

*competition open until 31st March*

Now get yourself snapping and tweet away! The easiest competition EVER!

On the radar: Boo and Boy - Keeping things personal

2013-03-25T19:35:00.000Z

I'm not an art lover, I'm more of a wordy person, I guess it goes without saying as I have a blog right? but for me, the written word explains who I am. I dont buy art work: pictures of fields, flowers or naked bodies and I dont really know my Cezanne from my Renoir but what I do like is typography... and lots of it. I love seeing big bold words, putting it out there how I'm feeling, or about who I am, I dont like mincing my words, I'm a complicated person, and typography prints get me and they display it well. I work in organised chaos and by that I mean I like working around stuff that makes me smile, laugh, remember and inspire. Around my workspace I have random photos, postcards and special words and meanings - I wont win any awards for my style, but it is very me.

On my radar lately is typography prints with a difference, a personalised difference.

Boo and Boy is print perfection and was born out of love from Mr and Mrs B (the lovely Laura from Are we Nearly There Yet? blogger fame) Boo and Boy have a simple philosophy that works: creating design pieces that bring you closer to friends and loved ones. I loved the quirkiness of this site and their designs. For me, I've seen way too many typography pieces that try too hard to teach me about the meaning of life and it's lessons, when in fact Boo and Boy do they opposite and let me create pieces of printwork that celebrate me, my life and my vices (gin anyone?) it's different. Aside from the quirkiness and nice prints, this website feels personalised whilst creating your personalised print.

I am the lucky owner of my own Boo and Boy print and I have a print that pretty much says it ALL about me...

I adore moustaches, I am the owner of moustache shoes, necklaces and now my own print, and all I need now is my own 'tache... oh wait..
I love my Boo and Boy print because it gets people talking, it screams 'ME' and well, after I get it lovingly framed (which you can do via the website) it will go pride of place in my workspace - inspiration guaranteed.

I have already set my eyes on the next personalised prints: 'My Only Vice' where I can personalise my vices (I am the proud owner of too many) and 'Tea - making life easier one cup at a time' because lets face it, its TRUE.

Aside from treating yourself, which I really think you should do, Boo and Boy is so perfect for those pressie ideas - no more naff, throw-away presents. And to make it that little bit more enticing (like you need a reason) you can claim 10% off every order with FREE postage just by entering the following code at the checkout: B&B-RB-10+P&P valid until 30th April 2013 so go go go!

What do you think of typography prints?

Tried and Tested: Soak Yourself - dream baths?

2013-03-24T09:00:00.000Z

I have spoken repeatedly about the 'thing' I have for baths. I mean the depth of love I have for baths, some people haven't ever experienced - for me, it is proper 'me' time, the one chance I can switch off the laptop, leave the phone in the bedroom, light some candles and just relax.

I am and probably always will be a Radox bath kinda girl - I have tried all their variations and think they are good for the more everyday baths but come a Friday and after cycling to and from work all week, and several cardio box classes later, my muscles are well and truly calling out for something more (new legs possibly?) I got a tweet from the lovely people at Soak Yourself asking if I'd like to give their new bathing experience a go, you dont have to ask me twice!

Soak Yourself was thought up by Jackie Hope in 2006 with the aim to get us to remember how important it is to look after ourselves and allowing ourselves to have some 'pamper time' to recharge our batteries and reconnect with ourselves, an ethos I can mostly def get on board with, and from this ethos Soak Yourself has created handmade pamper boxes, with ingredients soured solely from the UK for us to literally do as they say: take time out. I often find myself going at a million miles an hour with everything in life, that I have regular crash and burn intervals, and since the beginning of 2013 it's been happening almost weekly. Soak Yourself has come at a time when in fact I really do need to make allowances for me.

I was kindly sent the 'Muscle Soak' box which is made up of rejuvenating salts and oils to soothe limbs and restore tired bodies - and yes, its suitable for you men too! Along with a box that was ram-packed full of goodies, it came with a full instruction booklet telling you how to create the 'experience' I like the whole idea of turning my boring bath into an experience. Firstly it smelt so amazing: kind of spa-like, but strong scents of eucalyptus lavender and rosemary hit me, and yes, I totally done that whole 'big sniff' into the box thing. Following my bath Ritual instructions was easy, in fact I totally enjoyed getting myself in this proper 'relaxation' mood, I even kicked out the ever so nosey HTB when he asked what the hell I was doing as I was lighting candles, sprinkling all sorts in the tub!

Along with the lovely essentials oils, salts, leaves, you get a rather gorgeous candle and holder AND, you'll have to know me to realise how happy this made me, but 4 Early grey teabags to make yourself a brew whilst taking part in this relaxation! Happy Sarah. Now on to the nitty gritty, did the product work?

A resounding yes.

As far as creating a 'time-out' and an 'experience', it worked wholly and fully. I feel I allowed myself to spend that time just for me instead of the normal 'quick in, quick out' bath routine. As for the products helping sore, tired muscles? Yes and YES! I have never actually taken a bath that has made my legs especially feel like new. I struggle with real tightness in my muscles and a build up of lactic acid but this bath made my muscles feel fresh and rested.

Soak Yourself brings taking a bath to a complete new level: I love the ethos, I love the product, the effect - everything. All boxes are priced at £40 - I get that this is a little more on the expensive side than say buying a High Street bath foam, but you really do get a personalised feel and a real reason to take time out for yourself, and 50 pence from every box is going to be donated to children's charity TLC based in South Africa. In the range they do boxes titled:

Blanche the blues SOAK - banish a down day, revitalise your senses and boost your mood
Broken Heart SOAK - a big, warm hug in a box to help you heal and embrace a positive future
Feeling Groovy SOAK - a calming and soothing chill-out-out soak to help you release, relax and let go
Full Moon SOAK - a renewal ritual to celebrate the cycles of life and prepare you for the month ahead
Love SOAK - a sensual bath ritual to deepen your connection with the one you love
Remedy SOAK - Relief from the symptoms of colds and flu, to help ease you back to better health

I cant wait until pay day to treat myself to another box - even though I'm on a self-imposed spending ban for the wedding I think paying just £40 for this treat is needed in the run up!

What do you do when you take time out for you?

*Even though I was sent this Soak Yourself box FOC, all views are my own and I really did love it*