ITT'SS CHRRIIIIIISSTMAAAS!

 

 

Merry Christmas Everybody!

 

Have a lovely festive day tomorrow!

 

Love Courts x

Wednesday Tunes.

Another late Tuesday Tunes, what am I doing? I literally spent the whole afternoon yesterday making a festive vegetable strudel for tea which, was actually really lovely and very christmassy which, was nice. As such I had no time to post my Christmas Song Of The Week during the day yesterday and then by 8 o'clock I had fallen asleep on the sofa after having very little sleep the night before at my friend Jamie's Christmas Party.  I'm not used to these late nights anymore, bed is calling me by 9 o'clock. What a life. I love this Christmas song, it is very traditional, sweet and heart warming and it is actually my favourite Christmas song this year. It just makes me smile. I think that it is always nice to listen to some old school Christmas classics so, I hope you enjoy this one too! Only 6 days until Christmas now!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

Song of the week : Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song.

 

 

Thankyou for listening!

 

Love Courts x

Late Tuesday Tunes.

A Tuesday Tunes on a Wednesday and Two Favourite Songs of the Week. I'm not doing very well this week. It's just I was planning on choosing Step Into Christmas by Elton as I love it and it's a classic Christmas song which, everyone knows and it is really cheery and upbeat which is perfect for Christmas however, then Kids In Glass Houses released their new Christmas song, Secret Santa and I love Kids In Glass Houses so I thought I'd choose that one too incase you haven't heard it yet. I really like it. So, now we have a Christmassy classic and a fun festive new song. You rarely get really good Christmas songs released these days either so I think it's really nice when bands do write songs, especially when it's someone like Kids In Glass Houses who you love and don't expect to. Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) was a brilliant song by The Darkness but, other than that X Factor always take the Number One spot now and thats not Christmas. Also, whoever decided to put Mad World at number one the other year I am not a big fan of you. One of the lines is the Dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had... Fantastic christmas song. It's so depressing. These two Christmas songs deffinately are not though so I hope you enjoy them both! And the video for the KIGH's one. I never realised how good looking a band they are. Especially, Andrew and Aled. Oh my, they are beautiful. So, enjoy that too (:

 

Thankyou for listening!

 

Love Courts x

All I Want For Christmas Is You.

 

 

Outfit of The Day :

Zodiac Blouse - ASOS

Dungarees - Topshop via Ebay

Blue Vans Authentic - Ebay

New York Beanie - ASOS Marketplace, Gone Retro.

 

I think I should really continue to take my pictures outside as the lightings not very good inside and so the pictures don't come out very good quality. Nevermindd, it's rather chilly at the moment so I'm a big fan of staying as close to the heater as possible. Plus I'm a bit of a fool, who wears dungarees in the winter?

 

Nonetheless, I love them! I think dungarees are adorable and I got these ones the other week for only about £10 off ebay. I loved them so much when they arrived that I also bought the black version off of ebay for a similar price aswell. These ones are a little big on me as I got a size 12 and I am normally a size 10 but, it doesn't really matter as they are comfy and I still think they look really cute. I also love the acid wash effect to them too.

 

I think they will look great next summer as well with a t-shirt underneath and some vans on my feet which, is good and for now I am happy wearing them with some thick, wooly tights, a long sleeved top and a beanie. Although, again I am silly as I wear my hat so far back on my head that it provides no warmth for my head whatsoever. What is the point? The things you do for fashion.

 

I love my new beanie! It is very cool and retro and I got it from the Gone Retro shop on ASOS marketplace which, has some other amazing hats and gorgeous clothes so take a look! New York is also my absoloute favourite place, I have never been before but my dream is to go to New York at Christmas time to see it in the snow. It just looks such an incredible place. I hope I can go one day.

 

I got this zodiac blouse on sale for about £20 a few months ago from ASOS and it is lovely. It is very unique with the zodiac print and is made of a lovely, soft, shiny material which, is very comfy and looks very expensive. It is quite roomy aswell which, makes it nice and cosy and I like that it can also be dressed up and down.

 

Finally, my lovely blue vans. These are my favourite pair of vans that I own. I love them! They are so worn and faded now whereas my other two pairs are practically in pristine condition as they hardly ever get worn but, I always pop these ones on my feet. I'd wanted the blue ones since forever when I finally got them though so, I think thats probably why. They had always been my favourite pair and so they still are now, they rarely leave my feet if I can help it. A few months ago they got these strange oily stains on them and I thought I was going to have to throw them away as they looked terrible and I had no money to replace them so I was really upset but, luckily Mum managed to save them with two washes in the washing machine and a large amount of stain remover. Aren't Mum's just the best?

 

Another incredible Christmas song and no disrespect to Mariah as the original is incredible but, My Chem are my favourite band and I love this version! All I Want For Christmas Is Frank Iero.

 

 

 

Thankyou for reading!

 

Love Courts x

Three Ways To Wear The Faux Leather Skirt.

I apologise in advance in case these photos are really bad. As soon as I started taking them my camera (actually Dad's camera, gosh I'm such a thief. Dad's camera, Dad's laptop, what next?) started running out of battery so I literally took all of these photos in 10 minutes and I also took photos for another outfit post and changed outfits 4 times aswell so, you can imagine how much time I had to take each actual photo. The camera actually ran out of battery after taking the first photo of my last outfit aswell so lets hope I got an alright picture of it :P.

These are three ideas of ways to wear the faux leather skirt which, is very on trend at the moment. I got mine from boohoo the other day for only £15 and I love it and think that it is really good value for money. It came with a lovely studded belt which, really adds to the skirt and completes an outfit, it wouldn't be the same without it. I would highly reccommend this boohoo one, it is lovely. They also have some other really nice ones though so take your pick!

Outfit Idea One

The Casual Look

 

Outfit:

Tie Dye Top - Ebay

Geek Glasses - Ebay

New York Beanie - ASOS Marketplace, Gone Retro

Skirt - Boohoo

Creepers - Ebay

Outfit Idea Two

The Going Out Look

 Outfit :

Blouse - Yayer

Bowler Hat - Ebay

Skirt - Boohoo

Heels - Ebay

Watch - Fossil

 

 

 

Outfit Idea Three

 

The Smart Look

Outfit :

Grey Tee - ASDA

Skirt - Boohoo

Tights - Tesco

Boots - Ebay

 

I did wear a pretty necklace from Accessorise with this outfit too but you can't actually see it in this picture, nevermindd.

 

 

 

Thankyou for reading!

 

Love Courts x



Tuesday Tunes.

 

Song Of The Week: Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping.

 

Christmas is on the way so I thought I'd start posting some Christmas songs now throughout December. I love this one! Enjoy and I hope it gets you feeling festive (: 21 days to go.

 

 

Thankyou for listening!

 

Love Courts x

Chocolate Orange Brownie Cupcakes.

 

I thought I'd go with some nice festive red font today as it is getting closer to Christmas which, is very exciting. I also thought I would post this lovely, yummy recipe for Chocolate Orange Brownie cupcakes which, is delicious and very festive. I made these a few weeks ago in practise ready for Christmas and I used Jamie Oliver's Bloomin' Brilliant Brownies recipe which, literally makes the best brownies I have ever tasted. I make them all the time and I love them, they are so rich and chocolatey and have a lovely moist centre and chewy outside which, is gorgeous.

 

I often make them chocolate orange flavour aswell by using Terry's chocolate orange instead of dark chocolate and I thought that would be perfect for Christmas as orange is quite festive and gives a lovely christmassy flavour. I've never made them into cupcakes before though but, I just used the same recipe and it actually worked out fine. I found that the brownie cupcake stuck to the bottom of the cake case a little more than normal cupcakes but if you just leave them to cool for long enough they should come out just fine.                                                                            They have an amazing flavour and are so rich and chocolatey that you can just have them on their own as some people may find adding icing a bit too sickly. Me on the other hand, I adore chocolate so adding chocolate orange fudge frosting to the top has to be done. It is incredible.

Recipe

250g unsalted butter
100g Terry's Chocolate Orange
100g Dark Chocolate
1 Small Packet of Magic Stars
1 Small Packet of Milkybar Buttons
80g cocoa powder, sifted
65g plain flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
360g caster sugar
4 large free-range or organic eggs

For the Chocolate Orange Frosting
100g Terry's Chocolate Orange
2 tbsp. Milk
50g unsalted butter
75g icing sugar

Method

Place 12 cupcake cases in a 12 hole cupcake tin and preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.

In a large bowl over some simmering water, melt the butter and the chocolate and mix until smooth. Add the magic stars and milkybar buttons, if you’re using them, and stir together. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and sugar, then add this to the chocolate mixture. Stir together well. Beat the eggs and mix in until you have a silky consistency.

Pour your brownie mix into the cupcake cases and place in the oven for around 18 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them so, unlike cakes, you don’t want a skewer to come out all clean. The brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle. Allow to cool.

While the cupcakes are cooling prepare the Chocolate orange fudge frosting by putting the chocolate, milk and butter in a small heavy-based saucepan and heating gently, stirring until the chocolate and butter have melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the icing sugar until smooth.

Finally, spread the frosting over the tops of the cooled brownie cupcakes. If not thick enough to spread allow the frosting to set a little by cooling in the fridge so that it will hold it's shape when spread or piped onto the cupcakes.

Enjoy!

Thankyou for reading!

Love Courts x

 

I Promise, I Won't Let You Down, If You Take My Hand Tonight.

 

Outfit of the Day:
Hat- Amazon
Cardigan- Charity Shop
Army Jacket- Army Surplus
Top- ASOS
Shorts- Topshop
Vans- ASOS

This is an outfit I wore the other day actually, it would be far too chilly and rainy to wear it today. It's freezing but, hopefully that means we might be in for some snow maybe soon. That would be nice :).

These pictures I have noticed aren't the most flattering but, nevermind :P. I will embrace my rather chunky thighs. I love my Topshop dip dye shorts and I have noticed recently that they are selling quite a few pairs of them at the moment on ebay so, if you'd like some have a look. I actually got the blue and yellow version the other day for only £8. Bargain! Considering I paid £36 for these ones back in the summer, £8 is much better. Although, when they arrived I wasn't sure about them but I'm sure I'll love them just as much as these ones when I get wearing them. I'm thinking that maybe I should buy my winter clothes in the summer on ebay and then my summer clothes in the winter. You could get some real bargains.

My tights also look a bit shoddy so, I best invest in a few new pairs of those too. I have no idea what I do to tights and leggings, I just seem to rip them or damage them after one time of wearing. I also love this cute little white knit cardigan which, I picked up last year in a charity shop for only £3.50. It's very sweet and actually keeps you really warm and it is my only ever charity shop purchase. Why can't I find any more amazing little purchases like it? I see so many people wearing amazing charity shop items but, I can never find any, Cornwall charity shops just aren't the same as up country. The hat's on again as always too. I adore hats and just bought a really cool, retro New York bobble hat which, I am wearing currently... while, indoors laying on my bed. I'm so lame. And my beloved vans ofcourse.

I've bought quite a few new clothes recently actually so hopefully I can do a few more outfit posts now. Finally, I do love my army jacket and it only cost me £14 which, I think is really good having seen some in Topshop and ASOS etc. for like £40 to £50.

I love Simple Plan and they are one of my favourite bands but, for some reason I have never really listened to this song before until just the other day when I was flicking through songs on my ipod. I'm very glad I stumbled across it as I am addicted to it at the moment and can't stop listening to it. It's really sweet so, I hope you enjoy!

Thankyou for reading!

Love Courts x

Christmas Day Outfit Ideas!

Christmas is now only 27 days away which, for festive old me is incredibly exciting to say the least. I thought I would combine my love of Christmas and obsession with clothes today into creating one post where I come up with several potential outfit ideas to wear on Christmas day so, get ready to see plenty of sparkle, glitter, sequins and gold. Afterall, it is Christmas! (:

Outfit Idea One

This is actually the outfit I am in the process of purchasing ready to wear on Christmas day myself.

I love this bronze metallic, pleat skirt from boohoo and it is only £18 which, I think is a bargain. It is fun, cute, girly, shiny and BRONZE. Perfect for christmas. I actually ordered it the other day so, hopefully it will be here soon and hopefully I will like it as much as I did on the website in person. I love it paired with the black blouse aswell as it has the rock vibe I love and I was originally going to order a studded collar blouse like the one in the picture but, I now think I am going to go with this crucifix printed one from Missguided at £23.99, again not too expensive. It is also very on trend and fits with the Gothic trend that is very in fashion and popular at the moment which, is a bonus. I would love to pair it again with a bullet/spike necklace like that in the picture and a pork pie or bowler hat like this one from Topshop, or if you are on more of a budget like myself this christmas, this cute bowler hat from ebay. At around £7 you really can't go wrong. Finally, finish this outfit off with some black or glittery gold nail varnish and some studded platform heels.

 

 

Outfit Idea Two

I really love velvet dresses at the moment and I have fallen in love with both of these. There is this gorgeous, maroon one from Goldie London  but, it is rather expensive at £65, and then there is this lovely green, velvet dress from Missguided which, is much more pleasing to the bank balance at just £18.99. Missguided have some lovely pieces at the moment. I think both of these dresses would look perfect with a pork pie or bowler hat again and a pair of Jeffrey Campbell style Litas like these on ebay. Also pair it with some studded and spiky jewellery and these amazing Spiked earrings from Missguided.

 

 

 

Outfit Idea Three

 

Now to be very girly and festive. The perfect little red dress for Christmas day. I love both of these dresses by Jones and Jones, especially the second one. There is this lovely Tamara Red Sequin dress with cute peter pan collar for £75 which, is perfect and sparkly for Christmas and then there is this gorgeous Audrey Poppy Dress for £60 which, is very elegant and feminine with the lovely lace detailing and fun skater skirt. I really want a Jones and Jones dress and I think they are well worth their price tag. They are beautiful and unique dresses and I would really like the Jones and Jones Black Lace Poppy Dress. I think both of these cute little dresses would look lovely with some pretty, gold glitter platform heels like these on ebay.

Outfit Idea Four

This is a more simple outfit idea for Christmas day (if sequin hotpants can be classed as simple. :/) However, it is still very fun, festive and pretty. I love these hotpants from Missguided for £19.99 and I think they would look great with a cute festive jumper tucked in. I love this santa print one from boohoo and have just ordered it for myself however, I have just noticed it is now sold out. Hopefully it will come back in stock as it is an absoloute bargain at just £15 however, you can grab a lovely christmas jumper from anywhere at the minute as they are very on trend and primark are doing some really nice ones for only around £8-£9.

Outfit Idea Five

Then if you do have some more pennies to spare and really want to dress up for Christmas then why not splash out on a gorgeous Motel Gabby Sequin Dress. There are so many gorgeous colours to choose from including; black, green, gold and silver/charcoal and they are really popular with celebrities too at the moment. Zoe Ball wore the green version on Strictly It Takes Two the other week. They are beautiful, elegant and festive and I think they would look great with these stunning Lily Wing Court Heels fromTopshop.

So to finish off, who doesn't love a bit of Festive Buble?



 

Thankyou for reading!

 

Love Courts x

Tuesday Tunes.

 

Song Of The Week : The Blackout - You're Not Alone.

 

I absoloutely adore this song. It is so mellow and sweet and has really lovely lyrics. It is also just such a different song for The Blackout to sing which, I think is really nice. I'm used to them being quite heavy so, I think it is really nice to hear them sing such a lovely, soft, meaningful song like this. I also love their cover version of Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry, it is brilliant so have a listen if you haven't already and enjoy this incredible song too!

 

Thankyou for listening!

 

Love Courts x

Veggie Sausage and Leek Pie.

 

Good afternoon! Who doesn't like pie right? Surely there's no one in this entire world that doesn't like pie. I do hope that's the case anyway. Pastry is so delicious. Last week I made a very yummy Veggie Sausage and Leek pie which, turned out really well so, I was very pleased as I had never made a pie before.

As Dad is at work currently, I thought I would just quickly pinch his laptop... again (he must find me very annoying at the moment), to do a quick recipe post of my Pie recipe as I haven't done one in what seems like forever. I just thought last week that with this horrible chilly, rainy weather we are having at the moment, there would be nothing better to have for tea than a nice, warming, hearty meal so, I made this lovely pie which I found the recipe for on the BBC Good Food website and I served it with some cauliflower cheese, roast vegetables, asparagus and chantenay carrots. I know how posh of me. I absoloutely adore asparagus at the moment.

The pie is normally not vegetarian but, as I am a vegetarian I made it using the Red onion and Rosemary Vegetarian Sausages by Linda McCartney which, worked perfectly in the dish but, ofcourse if you are not a veggie, feel free to use whatever sausages you wish.

There is another winter warmer on the menu tonight as I am making Vegetable Goulash and Chive Dumplings, nom. But, for now here is the lovely, and surprisingly cheap and easy to make, pie recipe.

Recipe

For The Pastry

                                        85g cold butter , chopped                                           

                175g plain flour           

                                                                                                         

For The Filling

450g good pork sausages (I used 

                                            10 veggie sausages)                                                  

2 large leeks , sliced and washed

25g butter

25g plain flour

300ml milk

2 tsp grainy mustard

handful of chopped parsley

1. Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ conventional 200C/ gas 6. Whizz butter and flour in a food processor. Add 2 tbsp. water and pulse to a ball. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill.
2. Heat the grill to high, brown the sausages for 5 minutes. Fry the leeks in the butter for 2- 3 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in the milk. Season, add the mustard and bring to the boil, stirring.
3. Cut each sausage into five at an angle and pile into a 1.2 litre dish. Stir the parsley into the leek sauce and pour over.
4. Roll out the pastry and cut out a shape 2.5cm larger than the dish.Re-roll trimmings to make a 2.5cm strip. Brush the rim of the dish with water and lay the strip on top. Lift the rest on top, press to seal and crimp edges. Bake for 25 minutes. (I added 3 simple pastry leaves for decoration instead.)

 

Serve with whatever accompaniments you like whether, it be chips, peas and gravy or fresh vegetables. I served mine with some roast red and yellow peppers, red onion and courgette, as well as some cauliflower cheese, steamed chantenay carrots and a few asparagus spears. Yum.

Thankyou for reading!

Love Courts x