Roast Dinner Mix-Up

Roast dinners, yum, yum, yum. They're one of the best things to warm you up when the winter sets in, right?

My family are HUGE fans of the succulent, medium-well Beef whilst I opt for a Veggie alternative.

But as for the veg, when it comes to me: the more the better, right? Being a Veggie, I literally grew up on vegetables: boiled, roasted, grilled - you name it, my Mum did it.

So for tonight, I decided to mix the veg up a little.

Tonight, it's roasted turnips, shallots and carrots on the menu. Drizzled with the finiest extra virgin olive oil and seasoned - of course.

So the garlic and herb chicken is in, the potatoes are boiling nicely and Desperate Housewives is set to record on Sky+. Good night!

Take-Away Saturday

When it comes to Saturday nights, I get a little (perhaps that is a lie - a lot) lazy. Cooking is my absolute passion (as many of you can tell) but on a cold, wet, dreary Saturday evening - cooking is not at the top of my list.

I would far rather snuggle down in my PJ's, beloved UGG slippers and relax away the weekend.

(House of Fraser, £95)

So tonight, with shame I admit that it is a take-away night. I know, I know - but sometimes, it just does the heart good.

So the fight is on in my household over which take-away comes up top.

My favourite = Indian

Family Favourite = Not Indian

Dilemma. Wish me luck, I'm off to polish off my boxing gloves.

It's Raining - It's Pouring

I don't know about the weather where you are - but where I am living - is has literally been raining all-day-long.

Grr, it always puts me in a bad mood when it rains. Going out shopping just isn't the same when you are running for your hair's life to reach shelter, umreallas caught in your eye, wet jeans, stained shoes, unhappy shopper.

But, alas, I have saved your raining dilemma and have come up with a FAB-u-lous answer:

This Hunter umbrella is so cute I sometimes almost want it to rain (okay, not quite.)

The handle contains tiny little Hunter boots just floating around in the Hunter glitz. It's so cute - you really have to see it to believe it.

As for the shape of the brolly, it's one of those royal family umbrella's which can only be described as a 'bubble.' I know, it may feel strange at the start but when you get into town and your hair still looks fabulous? The only person laughing - will be you.

Night in with Gordon and Barry

Tonight, it's like the Antartic outside and like the tropics inside. Absolutely delightful.

Dinner is on and I have a spot of time before I sit down with the family to write my blog and search through my latest purchase.

Gordon, Gordon, Gordon. His latest book, 'Christmas with Gordon' is any cooks' must-have for the festive season. It truly is delightful. My family are literally drooling over the 'Roast Turkey with Lemon, Parsley and Garlic.'

Christmas: Please hurry up and arrive soon!

As for my nails, I am just whipping on Barry M's 273 - a beautiful raspberry colour.

Enjoy the cold - and your dinner!

Product of the Week - Aveda

Don't you just hate it. You spend AGES getting your hair looking utterly perfect. It's shampooed, conditioned, blow-dryed, straightened and perhaps curled (if your hands haven't given up by this point).

You hit the streets and - bam - it's all-a-fluff.

Well say goodbye to this awful situation and hello to my new favourite product:

Aveda's Brilliant, Spray-On-Shine is literally my 'didn't know what I did before' hair product.

Pop it on to your hands, and sweep through your hair for added shine post-straightening. Or, if you have a few stray, annoying strands it will keep them down.

Go and grab a bottle - it will last an age - and will save your hair (and you) from winter-weather hair embarrassment!

Things to Check Out...

First I'd just like to say a little sorry for my lack of post yesterday. Annoyingly my internet connection was down. It was for all of us, a very boring and 'don't know what to do with ourselves night.'

Right, now that's over I thought I would drop in a few little things that are worth checking out this Tuesday night:

The always-so-fabulous Grazia magazine is perfect for your fashion-fix but some of you may not read to the back to know that every week they feature a star recipe. This week is the delighful 'Chilli Spiked Crab and Lime Pasta with Creme Fraiche.' Sound good to you? Add a pinch of mint to the top for added zazz.

If you're quick, check out Jamie's 30 Minute Meals right now on Channel 4+1. To be perfectly honest it is difficult to complete these three-course meals in 30 minutes but it's super fun to watch and having a stab at.

Meanwhile, for your night in, run along to M&S for a cheaters-way to the perfect patisserie:

Petite Patisserie

Yes, I know, they're not homemade but some things just don't need to be to taste irresistably good, right?

Photo from: marksandspencer.com

You Smell Lovely!

When it comes to perfume, I am, it has to be said, pretty fussy!

I have always been a fan of deeper, heavier scents which last all day long. I can't be doing with these light, floral smells which are gone before you leave the house. Some of my favourites include:

To me, these two scents are just perfect. But last week when I was strolling through Harvey Nichols I discovered a new scent which I had to purchase - immediately:

The latest scent from Lanvin, named Marry Me is an absolute delight. It is now one of my favourite perfumes and sits pride of place on my dressing table.

I wouldn't expect to get it from your boyfriend this Christmas as you may - shall we say - think he is proposing!

Try it, you will adore it. 

Boot Love-Triangle

BREAKING NEWS: I have found the perfect boot.

MAJOR PROBLEM: My sister came home with them today. Dilemma.

So it seems that I am in a slightly sticky situation where my boot-search is concerned. But one thing is for sure: I have to have them.

The Hudson Starley is my new must-have. But they belong to my sister - alas - there is a boot triangle situation.

So it seems it is: Me V. My Sister in the fight for my new love.

Photo from: http://www.office.co.uk/

Boot Desperation

Waking up at 6am means that I am leaving the house at 7am - pretty much every morning. It is deadly cold outside at that time, with my thermometer in my car reading around -2 on one day last week.

Now, that's pretty chilly in my book.

So today I looked and I searched and I prayed that I would find the 'perfect boot' whilst I was walking around Bath.

My tootsies are getting pretty cold at 7am, and yet there are still no 2010 boots in my wardrobe.

Usually I am resisting pair after pair. But this year - there are none. What is going on? My card is screaming to be used and yet it is staying firmly in my purse.

Absolute disaster as far as I am concerned.

Now when it comes to boots, I guess you can say that I am pretty fussy. I have never been a huge fan of silver buckles on boots (don't ask me why) and I am pretty certain I want them to black or dark brown.

But every single black boot which I have come across comes with - you guessed it - a silver buckle (inner scream). So what is to be done? Keep searching I guess. If anybody has any suggestions, you know what to do.

Onwards and upwards!

A Little Post-Dinner Treat

Ever get that post-dinner, full-up but still want something sweet-feeling? Well, I know I do and I'm sure you do too.

Fruit salad? No thank you, boring.
Chocolate pudding? Slightly too filling.
Chocolate Mousse? HELLO!

So tonight, for our post-dinner treat I have a sneaky little chocolate mousse up my sleeve (rather, in the fridge)

It literally took me ten minutes and is now residing sweetly in my fridge.

Ingredients (for 6):
1. 200g milk chocolate drops.
2. 6 large organic eggs.

Recipe:
1. Grab a pan and put it on low heat.
2. Pop in a small drop of water.
3. Melt away your chocolate on a very, very low heat.

4. Separate those eggs.
5. Whisk up the yolks and pour the melted chocolate into the yolks.

6. Whip up the egg white's until nice and firm.

7. Fold into the chocolate.
8. Place in small glasses and allow to cool.
9. Enjoy.