Compliments of the Season!

Bonjour!

So ... I realise that the 'Season' is practically over but I started this post mid-week and couldn't think of another title!  Anyway ... hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year - despite the snow and ice!  Our Christmas Day was very merry - literally ... the turkey crown had slightly frozen over in the meat drawer at the bottom of our fridge (my own stupid fault - meant to move it further up on Christmas Eve and forgot!).  It therefore went in the oven later than planned so dinner was pushed back, resulting in a fair amount of alcohol going down during the wait - which had the knock on effect of a dubious Christmas Day extravaganza of hubby and brother performing  MC Hammer's - You Can't Touch This ...! The video ended up on Facebook and has had over over 1500 views - there is no hope!  I won't subject you to the entire video but here's a still ... you get the picture ...!

Once again we have enough choccies to last until Easter ... they'll be rationed out accordingly and over time ... my kids know the drill by now ...! Walnut whips are my favourite of the moment ... how do you like my large 'whip stick'?

Some of my lovely presents from hubby and family ... most gratefully received ... the little green bag is the cutest manicure set ever from my mum ... along with a large jar of neck and decolletage cream ... Mum knows best! Started reading Sali Hughes' Pretty Honest the other night ... it's addictive!

And look what Santa brought ... didn't realise he read my blog ... !

Plenty of cosy nights in watching a whole array of films with the kids ... Spiderman, Maleficent, Uncle Buck and Snow White and the Huntsman to name but a few ... plus our seasonal cinema outing to see the last instalment of  'The Hobbit' ... what a brilliant movie - transported me to another world for a few hours (and I got to sit down!) ... not one you can chill out to whilst watching though ... too many Orcs around!  Star Wars planned for next year ... cannot wait!

And to round off New Years Day ... another superb meal cooked by my mum of Chicken Biryani ...

and Meatball Curry ...

What a combination ... taste bud heaven it was ...!

The snow and ice stopped me (literally) from getting to the sales this year ... despite my car having four wheel drive we were still sliding around on some of the hills (we have a lot of hills round here!) so gave up and I ordered some bits from New Look instead. When I did eventually make it I couldn't find anything really ... typical ... may have a quick look through the dregs next week but that may be it!

Anyway ... I only got to the gym once in between Christmas and New Year so have been suffering 'gym withdrawal symptoms' - sad I know, but true - so I'm off to visit the treadmill, cross trainer and  giant cross-stepper shortly with my IPod!

How did your Christmas/New Year go? What did Santa bring? Did you get to the sales?

Jen x

The Dr Marten Dilemma ...!

Bonjour!


Yep ... it has to be said ... I've not been able to get my backside into blogging mode over the last couple of weeks!  I've either had no time or no energy (sound familiar anyone?) ... falling asleep at one's laptop obviously doesn't help!  I decided to just go with the flow (or lack of it) and not stress about it  ... there's enough of that about at this time of year.  Anyway ... in an attempt to get my bandwagon back on the road thought I'd share my current dilemma ...

It's no secret I've been after a pair of Dr Martens for a while ... I've tried to resist and I just can't ... it's time ...!  The hubby says he'll add them to my Christmas list ... see he does listen to me on the odd occasion!  They go all the way back to the late 40s and first appeared in the UK in 1960 ... adopted by skinheads in the 70s and punks in the 80s (the hubby had a pair during his punk era) as well as the odd new waver!  Nowadays ... well anybody can use a pair should they so wish ... I intend to be that somebody! I've deliberated over various versions/how many holes but think I've more or less settled on the 8 holer ...  question is which colour ... black, cherry red or green?

Love this look ... these jeans look like they're in the 'skinny boyfriend camp' ... right up my street!

Cherry Reds with skinnies ... just bought a parka similar to this one ...

Love Gwen's outfit ... absolutely love it ...

And last but not least how about with a little skirt ... á la Jessica ... this would be a good way for me to make use of all the skirts/dresses I never wear for lack of footwear ... I'd have no excuse ...!

All Images  via Pinterest

Yes ... I think this itch must be scratched and the sooner the better!  What are your thoughts on Dr Martens - which ones would you go for and how would you wear them?

Jen x

Birthday Wishlist!

Bonjour!

Bit of a hint in the post title there ... yes my birthday is on the horizon - not so exciting an event when you're getting on! Still - always room for some sort of wishlist whatever your age eh?  I've never done a 'wishlist' post since I started blogging but I've recently discovered Polyvore - it's a bit addictive - like Pringles - once you pop you can't stop and all ... I've definitely popped ...!

Birthday Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring black laced boots

Quick blurb on the products then kicking off with the Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, must try this -after all good hair begins with a good scalp right? Had to restrain myself on the make-up front (obviously) or there would have been tenfold blushers on here, but how cute is the Cargo blush - there are several different 'beach based 'options and who knows I may even try a couple! Been wanting a pair of Dr M's for ages and I reckon I can get away with these ... probably not the ideal footwear to wear for the school run though unless I give myself ample time to do the laces up!  I only possess one MAC lippie (in Chilli which I still have to review) - I think it's time for another, preferably bright and matte - hence Lady Danger. Can't wait to shed my duffle coat and get Spring started, love this teal blazer!  Also need a new handbag - something like this would be ideal, roomy enough for my kitchen sink! Last but not least, I tried a sample of the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 and I was addicted - gorgeous!

So that's the list -will keep you posted if I end up with any of this lovely lot!

What's on your current wishlist?

Jen x