ETSY.COM - Etsy Items of the Week #1

Etsy.com is a site with hundreds of cute handmade and vintage items. I love trawling through the different shops for handmade jewellery, stoneware mugs, tea towels, pillows and all sorts of nic-nacs. As well as selling my own stuff on an Etsy shop, GarnishedVarnish, I thought I'd put my obsession to good use. Each Sunday I am going to post my picks of the week from Etsy which will be great inspiration if you are looking for a gift or even a little treat for yourself. I might also include things of the site Folksy.com which is a kinda of Etsy-esque marketplace. I realise this will be quite a good insight into what I am shopping for at the moment! Demi and I are moving into together for our last year of uni so I have been searching for cute items like pillows, throws, mugs and even egg holders...

SO let me begin:


Etsy Items of the Week #1 




PILLOW POODLE FRIEND

I love things in houses that make people look even if they don't like it. These pillows are a bit weird and out-there but they have a quirky charm that I love. I especially love the dog ones. I think the people pillows might creep me out a little too much!








THREE STAR EAR PINS

These earrings are a bit different and I always get stuck trying to fill three piercings with earrings that go together. These would also make a cute pressie.

CUDDLE COFFEE MUG

I have a bit of a weirdo obsession with mugs. I am a massive tea addict and I don't know why but stoneware mugs make the tea taste that bit better. This mug has a smaller top which keeps the liquid in it hotter for longer. All round winner!

TURQUOISE MINT DROP EARRINGS

These earrings are gorgeous and a massive statement. The turquoise stone pops next to the gold. I'm sure they'd make any girl stand out in the crowd!

AFTERNOON TEA CUSHION

In my search for some cushions for my new flat I found this little delight. Super chic and cute and £10 is to much of a hefty price tag either!

I hope you've enjoyed and look out for my etsy obsessions next week!

Alex xxxx

Fifty and Fabulous

So whilst it has been some time since I last blogged, I felt that I wanted to wait until I had something worthwhile writing about. I know it is considered rude to ask a woman her true age or even disclose their age for that matter. However, this blog post is dedicated to my wonderful mum who just reached this remarkable milestone of 50 years of age a few days ago.

Although she seemed to be experiencing a slight crisis about that number, all around her (especially me), were determined to make it a memorable birthday. As a lot of my friends will know there are many celebrations within my immediate family this year, so instead of a massive blowout party we have decided to go away together at Christmas to mark the end of a big year for all.

However, this does not mean to say that these occasions, when they do occur, should go unnoticed, and yesterday was certainly no exception! I made the trip down yesterday with my Dad and we had planned to go to a lovely restaurant in Nottingham called Hart's, which I had been fortunate to dine at once before for my best friends 21st earlier this year.

The food was delicious, presented beautifully and the surroundings of the restaurant were sophisticated. For starter, I had the organic salmon ballotine with creme fraiche and to follow I had the Cornish lemon sole with vegetables and saffron hollandaise. Other photos are to follow of what other members of my family chose. We arranged some champagne and balloons beforehand which was a nice surprise (although my mum was a little embarrassed by the massive '50' balloon sign!).

 

My grandad and brother raising a toast to the birthday girl

Crispy Salt & Pepper Calamari with Chorizo 

My starter of organic salmon ballotine

 Lamb rump... yum!

 My brother and dad enjoyed pepper sirloin with triple cooked chips and a peppercorn sauce





Now here a few photos of mi familia! Plus... the lovely present we had arranged as a surprise?!?

The boys!

 The parents and me

Family photo

Flowers always go down a treat with my mother

 SURPRISE!!!

Finally, yes so Happy 50th Birthday to my lovely mum! It was a lovely occasion and it has got me excited for my birthday now (3 months and counting)

Enjoy xo 



The Jesmond Breakfast Club

So, this morning Demi and I thought we would get the day started and ready for revision by going for a nice breakfast with our friends Freya and Claire. Arlo's lies in West Jesmond and is perfect for a good start to the day. Since today is the hottest yet this year (in chilly newcastle), we sat outside with coffee and sunglasses on. We made friends with the cutest dog who sat with us while we ate! Take a trip to Arlo's when you are around and be sure to have a slice of the tiffin or brownie, very yummy!

Poached Eggs Royale (With Hollandaise Sauce and Smoked Salmon) YUM

Demi with her granola and croissant (HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH)

The Cutest Dog Ever

Claire and I

Freya

Alex xx

Face Of The Night #2

Due to my upcoming exams my blog posts have been few and far between so sorry about that. However, I took a break from the books the other night to go out for my friends 20th birthday and whilst getting ready I took some photos of my makeup to share with any beauty lovers. Enjoy! x

PRODUCTS USED:

M.A.C Lipstick in Rebel

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation

Chanel Solei Tan

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked, Smog, and Creep (Naked Palette)

MUFE aqua eyeliner in Gold

Clinique gel eyeliner (black)

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless

Alex xx

PS. I know my eyebrows are in deep need of sorting out but like I said - exams haha

Here comes the sun!

Ok, so whilst I appreciate that talking about the weather isn't the most exciting topic since sliced bread, I do have to mention that this lovely blue sky we are experiencing has lifted my spirits and I feel excited for the summer ahead (fingers crossed!).

So with this lovely weather in mind, its (almost) time to tuck away those baggy wooly jumpers in place of some bright, colourful numbers. I recently invested in a lovely playsuit from River Island which didn't leave me penniless.

Green tile cutout playsuits - £25.00 (there are other patterns available too)

 

 

Also, as its beginning to warm up now is around the time that I like to start searching for some practical yet pretty sandals. I feel that my feet have been suffocated by the many winter days (and nights) of wearing boots or UGGS that they deserve some fresh air! I really do believe with shoes that its worth paying a little extra for a decent pair. Kurt Geiger always springs to mind! Whilst I appreciate that some of their styles are a little more on the pricey side these sandals, that I adore, aren't too expensive...

KG Kurt Geiger MOBSTER sandals (TAN) -£75.00

 

 

 

They also do these sandals in a black and a white version. I think they are such a staple when it comes to your summer wardrobe. Team then with wash jeans and a baggy T-shirt or wear with a flowery dress, they are extremely versatile!

 

 

One final thing: SUNGLASSES!

 

I cannot live when the sun is out without a pair of sunnies. I currently own a pair of Ray Ban Wayfayers in a deep mulberry colour. However, I really want a new pair of sunglasses and this is a difficult choice when there are so many styles you could go for. If any of you have any suggestions for sunglasses it would be much appreciated...

 

Hope you are all enjoying yourselfs wherever you are (with or without the sun shining, hopefully with!)

 

 

Demi xo 

How To Cook The Perfect Steak

As my friends know, Bonnett Family Friday Steak Night is a bit of a tradition in my house. Mum and Dad are in charge of the funding and purchasing of the steak while I am the chef for the night. If I may say so myself, I think I have become a bit of a steak master so I thought I would share with you my guide to what I think is the Perfect Steak.

1) BUYING THE STEAK
Personally from the most common four steaks you can buy in the super market I order them like this:

Fillet (The Best)
Ribeye
Sirloin
Rump

However, due to the fact that fillet is ridiculously expensive my parents tend to buy us Ribeye. Look for a piece with some nice ripples of fat throughout.

2) PREPARING THE STEAK
This is the bit most people leave out. They think that plonking the steak in a pan with some fat will taste just as good but believe me preparation is SO IMPORTANT.
Firstly, make sure you cook your steak from room temperature. Cooking straight from the fridge can dry out the outside and take longer for the heat to hit the middle.
Secondly, you need to tenderise the meat with something like a meat mallet. This also evens outs the steak to make it the same thickness all over so that it cooks evenly. Just go a bit crazy on either side of the steak and beat it until you feel satisfied.
Then, put a little pile of olive oil and salt onto the steak and give it a good massage to flavour and tenderise it a bit more. I like to put the oil on the steak instead of in the pan to make sure everywhere is coated and to spread the salt about.

3) COOKING THE STEAK
In my opinion, cooking a piece of steak anything longer than medium rare just destroys it. All you chickens who can't stand blood then please don't waste my beloved steak. Why eat something if you aren't going to eat it properly?
The absolute key to steak cooking is to get the pan (preferably a griddle) as hot as can be. I leave mine to heat up on high heat for nearly 10 minutes. I also only ever allow one steak per pan as I don't want the heat to be shared.
Slap your steak on and don't be tempted to move it around, let it sit so you get the nice cooking lines in it.

If, like me, you like yours rare (or blue) then just cook for 2 mins either side but if you want it pink in the middle then I flip it the minute you see any pinkish juices coming out the top side then just cook on the other side for 2 minutes.
Serve with garlic or sweet potato chips and a salad. Also try with horseradish sauce for something a bit different.

Who knew there was so much to cooking steak!? But trust me, its worth it! Happy Steak Cooking!

Alex x

Relaxing In The Scottish Countryside

Demi and I are now on our Easter holiday and I have spent the first few days staying with two of my best buds in one of their lovely houses in the Scottish Countryside.
After going all out for the last week of uni with two birthdays, including my own, it was nice to finally have some fresh country air!
We went to the seaside, had some nice walks, and drunk lots of gin and tonic! - a perfect few days!
We even went riding, but I, not being a very seasoned rider, came flying off the horse! At least it gave me a good excuse for some extra drinks each night!
Also, the friend we were staying with had the cutest dog called Bramble. She was a poodle and I think probably the first 'big(ish)' dog I've ever really liked.

Feeding The Hens

Claire - Posing

Baking!

Pre-falling off horse

BRAMBLE!

Alex x
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