Thursday, April 8, 2010

Then I just think of my favourite things...

I always have these grand plans before I go on holidays - trips to the art gallery, seeing a tonne of bands, clocking up lots of books, movies, lunches, the grand list goes on. The reality is I didn't really get around to doing much of this at all.

I managed to finish one book - 'Daniel Deronda'. I liked it, but I can't help agreeing with F R Leavis, who said it would have been greatly improved if Eliot had based the book around Gwendolen and left out the Jewish section. I much preferred reading about the superbly egotistical Gwendolen Harleth.

I am in love...with my Swedish Hasbeens. I saw them on liebmarlene vintage and had to have them immediately. I was worried I would never wear them, but I think I have worn them every time I have gone out. LOOOOve them.


Last week I went to L'Occitane to spend a gift voucher. I bought the foaming rice cleanser, clarifying rice mask, almond apple velvet concentrate moisturiser, and the voluminising shampoo and conditioner.



Having not used any of L'Occitane's products before, I am very pleased with all of them. The rice cleanser is my favourite, and the apple velvet moisturiser feels really nice on the skin kind of like...velvet. I think what I like best is the natural smells of the products.

My absolute favourite product of the moment is Batiste dry shampoo for brunettes. I have always been a dedicated Klorane user, but didn't really enjoy the chalkinesss left on my dark hair. Batiste is so good, I don't have to wash my hair for 3 days (coming from washing it every day).

Behold my angel.

Oh Donna, I do so heart thee. I've made quite a few things out of this book. I really like it. It's so pretty and well styled. The pizzas are divine, the first dough I've liked. I am going to make them again tonight. I tried using pumpkin and ricotta last week, it got the thumbs up, so may do that again. For desert I'm going to attempt the apple and coconut cobbler. Yum, hope it works.

I'm off to the gym with my new running shoes. I'm sure the fuchsia makes me run a bit faster.

EM xo

Monday, April 5, 2010

music, sweet music

I am constantly obsessed with music. I have to hold myself back when it comes to buying cds (yes, I'm of the old school cd buying generation).

I have been getting back into She & Him. I bought Volume 1 ages ago and have recently been listening to it a lot in anticipation of the recently released Volume 2. I really like both albums, I heart Zooey!



My total obsession at the moment is Warpaint. I don't really know where I heard them first but after buying the EP, I'm totally into their dreamy, minimalistic yet tough and gritty sound. Here's the clip for 'Elephants':



I'm also enjoying recent releases from Broken Bells, Joanna Newsom,and Frightened Rabbit;and am slowly getting into Holly Miranda too.


One of my favourite songs of the year is The Jezabel's 'Hurt Me'. It's got great vocals, and I love its drama.



While we're on the subject, on my nails is Chanel's Rouge Noir. I heart this colour, it's a classic. I'm a teacher, and the best thing about school holidays is that I can wear darker colours that I think are too risque for the school term.


In other musings, Easter was a low key affair. For the first time in over 20 years, my family did not have an Easter hunt. Sad news indeed! It was also the first time I didn't get sick from eating too much chocolate; which is strange because I ate quite a lot. I can't work out whether I was better at practicing restraint , or whether my chocolate eating capabilities have improved?!

I hope you had a nice Easter, put off the obligatory post-Easter guilt. It can still be acceptable to eat Easter eggs and hot cross buns at all times of the day right...right???