Apart from snuggling up on the sofa for movie afternoons or when Boo’s feeling poorly, we haven’t needed blankets in a long time but I can still remember Boo’s baby blankets: from the hospital issue cellular blanket she was wrapped in when I saw her in NICU to the pink cowgirl cashmere and merino blanket (only Boo!!) she had for the first few months as her out and about blanket and all the others in between. They all evoke such strong memories form her baby years. When we’re looking at baby photos Boo will instantly recognise some of her favourite blankets and even has kept a couple to use when she plays with her dolls; plus I’ve got her must precious ones safely packed in her memory box.
Mamas and Papas have a great range of knitted blankets, from the ever stylish collaboration with Liberty to the classic and much loved gingerbread knotted blanket – I swear everyone had that blanket when Boo was younger, the multicoloured stripes were a big trend, proving very popular as they’re a modern day twist on the gender neutral trend.
So whilst we may not ‘need’ blankets anymore, you’re sure to find a collection of them throughout the house, from being draped across beds and sofas to there alwasy being a cosy one in next to Boo in the backseat of the car. Childhood stages may come and go but blankets are here to stay.
What’s your favourite blanket from when your child was young? And which of the Mamas and Papas blankets below is your must have?
This is a collaborative post.
Delicious Two Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
We’re having a home day, trust me when I say that it’s a very rare and welcome treat for Boo and I to not have to be anywhere or even go out for that matter. Our home days follow a very simple yet much loved formula: lazy snuggles in bed, pancakes for breakfast, a bit of pottering, and a fair few disney films thrown in for good message. One thing I tend to try and do when we’re having a home day is catch up with some baking; today I made banana bread because it’s universally accepted that there will always be a bunch of bananas festering in the fruit bowl – please tell me I’m not the only one – and banana bread is perfect to slice and freeze for a yummy after school treat for Boo.
I always like to make the most of the oven being on for an hour, so as I glanced round the kitchen for ideas I spotted a butternut squash again lurking next to the fruit bowl and then I remembered the ridiculously easy recipe for soup and decided to make that for our lazy lunch.
To make the soup you will need: 1 butternut squash and 650ml vegetable stock (I made mine with 2 Knorr veg stock cubes for a thicker consistency).
1. Start by cutting the butternut squash in half, and again twice more so you have eight pieces. Spoon out the seeds and roast in the oven on a lined baking tray for 45-55 minutes at 160C.
2. Once soft, remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly then peel the skin off and place in a medium saucepan.
3. Add the vegetable stock to the butternut squash over a low heat and use a stick blender to combine.
And that’s it! I’m by no means great cook (I think I wear the title lazy Nigella very well!) and I have to give credit to my Mama for the recipe. The soup is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and is so creamy and full of flavour, it’s crazy to think that it has just two ingredients.
So now the banana bread is cooling and we’re snuggled up on the sofa after a delicious lunch watching Snow White… We just love lazy weekends.
Getting Creative with Plastics
Who remembers Design Technology at school? And the time when after you’d completed your woodwork project it was time to turn your hand to creating a clock using acrylic sheets. Despite learning the hard way that there are no second chances or tolerances when it comes to cutting (hello lunchtime catch up sessions!) I loved working with the Clear Perspex Sheet.
Fast forward nearly fifteen years and as the home soft refurbishment project is tantalisingly close to being finished (I’m determined for everything to be finished by Christmas Eve; by hook or by crook it WILL be done!) I’m starting to look around the house to see where I can add small home made projects that will really personalise our home and reflect our personalities, don’t worry it won’t be anything too big – I know my limits! I’ve been contemplating adding acrylic perspex sheets to a pin style board, so instead of using the traditional cork and pins I’d choose clear perspex instead and mount it in front of a chalkboard which I could write our message of the week/reminders then use washi tape to fix party invitations/photos to the perspex sheet – bye bye painful push pins! I love the idea of the different layers and the perspex will help keep the theme of light and bright with the functionality and fun of the chalkboard backing.
What home craft projects have you got planned before Christmas? Would love to see your mini home transformations!
This is a collaborative post.
The Real Greek Cookbook Launch
Back at the beginning of summer, I was invited to The Real Greek, Westfield for the launch of their brand new cookbook with Tonia Buxton. I’m a big lover of Greek food and the whole set up of eating together so was excited to share a great meal with some lovely bloggers and get the chance to meet Tonia Buxton herself.
First up: Tonia Buxton is the bubbliest, loveliest and most down to earth person you will ever meet. As the face of The Real Greek and the new cookbook, her knowledge an passion for eating good, healthy food together is obvious the minute you meet her. We settled down the only way you can at a greek restaurant, on one big table and chatted whilst the procession of food began. We were treated to small plate after small plate of delicious fresh authentic greek dishes some super familiar – houmous anyone?! – right through to candied walnuts (these are EVERYTHING!!! Where have they been all my life!)
The informal lunch at The Real Greek was a chance to learn more about the brand and how the greek culture of coming together to eat is so important and makes eating healthy as a family so much easier and not forgetting fun!
The Real Greek is somewhere I’d love to return with Boo as it’s a slice of the Mediterranean that tastes just as good on a rainy day.
The Real Greek Cookbook is available to buy now.
Want It Wednesdays | 5th October
Another Wednesday and another week where I spend far too much time prowling the internet for all things fashion, I’m basically a stalker of pretties
I’m all about the stylish and comfy combo when it comes to working at home and these sport luxe joggers from M&S have my name written all over them, comfy enough to curl up and write but not embarrassing when the postman knocks – poor guy has seen me in some strange outfits, sorry Mr Postie! Talking of comfort, this plain but with a bit of detail white top from Hush shows it doesn’t take much to elevate an everyday outfit to a off duty style moment.
Talking of detail, this Somerset by Alice Temperley Lace and Spot Dress in black available at John Lewis has bundles of it, yet still manages to remain an instant timeless classic piece. It’s one of those dresses that you could see me in on the school run with a pair of converse and layers but also with killer embellished heels comes sundown.
It’s official I have choker fever… After buying my first one for a night out with my sister at the weekend, I can’t believe I hadn’t resurrected this earlier, so now I’m on the hunt of some day time chokers to add into my winter wardrobe as I love the edge they can add to a simple outfit and this Zara two pack choker set is perfect for playing with the trend.
Since it’ll be a while until I can justify the LV purse I’ve had my eye on for a while, I’m on the hunt for a high street alternative and this bow detailed wallet from French Connection may just be the one that steels my hight street heart – it’s understated yet pow here I am with a bow design is perfect.
So we all know the Victoria Beckham Estée Lauder collection is rather pricey (can a lipstick really be worth £36) but that doesn’t stop me wanting this Brazilian Nude lipstick; I love the warm tones and I think it’s a great way of trying out the range without breaking the bank.
Talking of expensive, these Alexandre Birman Clarita bow-embellished velvet sandals are not the most sensible of buys seeing as winter is nearly upon us and I don’t wear heels that often but these some up all of this season’s trends: velvet, deep colours, lower heel. Seeing as they tick so many fashion boxes, surely that makes them a need… right?
Let me know your favourites this week.
Happy Wanting!
