I planned to write about a Palahniuk book today, well, I actually did write about it, went to take a photo of the cover and realised it wasn't in my collection! I hardly ever lend out books, so thats pretty frustrating it's gone.

Soooo, change of plan. Here is my book of the week;

I really wanted to make my nails speckled like a birds egg, a pale blue background and brown & white pattern, but after a messing around for a while, realised I had no idea how to get that effect so settled for spots. I'm not that into them, so if you have any speckling tips, please let me know!

Yesterday we took a trip over the pennies to Manchester, I got Dixon tickets to see Morrissey for an early birthday present, at the Manchester Arena and took the chance to have a day out. We went for a little meal at Eighth Day, a health food store with a cafe downstairs, I was pretty impressed with the food, and the place itself, it also made me sad that Leeds has no where like this at all.

Whilst in the cafe we had a quick flick of the internet to find anything interesting close by and saw we were on the same street as the Manchester Museum! Dixon and me have a love for natural history museums, so we set off. The museum had a vivarium with tiny frogs and lizards. I particularly loved seeing the poison arrow frogs. The 'Life' section was by far the best, so many butterfly's, beetles and creepy locusts. I'm a fan of taxidermy animals too (I realise is weird for a vegan), it gives me the chance to see animals up close that I wouldn't usually get the chance too. They had a huge selection of birds,





Afterwards we went to a Brew Dog bar! I've seen their beers floating around the internet for a while but never actually tried them, and when we ran past the bar on our 10k route last month decided we'd have to come back one day. So we did! I stupidly ordered a beer with a good name, 'Zeitgeist', not realising it was a dark beer! GIP. So I stole Dixons, Punk IPA. Much better. The bar itself was amazing! I wish we'd had more time to spend there tasting some new beers. Hopefully they'll open one in Leeds soon? (please?). Heres Dixon looking cute, and one of the beers!

My intention was to share with you some amazing owl & shark cookies using some cutters Dixon gave me for my birthday agggess ago, the idea was they'd be half dipped in chocolate. Nom nom nom. But, I cannot bake, I try and try, but nothing ever turns our. So, here is something I made earlier in the week that I was very proud of.


It is so simple, I almost feel like i'm being condescending writing this out into a recipe for you guys but you really have to make your own salsa, dont ever ever buy it in a jar. We had it in fajitas earlier in the week, but it'd be great on nachos, any Mexican food, in a wrap with salad, as a dip, hot, cold, anything!

You will need:
   - A cup of tomatoes, I used a mix of cherry and regular.
   - 3 cloves of garlic
   - 1 medium red onion
   - Jalapenos, or any chili you like
   - Tomato puree paste
   - Lime
   - Olive oil
   - Dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, chili flakes.

Dice up the tomatoes and onion, smash the garlic and slice finely, dice up as many jalapenos as you'd like depending on how hot they are, and how hot you'd like it (I used about one). Put the onions and garlic into a readily heated sauce pan with a little olive oil, once softened add the tomatoes and jalapenos. The key is to have them on a slow simmer heat so the sweetness really comes out, give it a stir every so often. After 10-15 minutes when everything is juicy and a bit mushed, add a table spoon of tomato puree, half a tea spoon of smoked paprika, and half of oregano along with a few scrunches of sea salt and pepper, most importantly, a huge squeeze of lime.

Stir up, make sure to taste to see if you need anything else in there! If it seems dry, add a little move olive oil & tomato puree., or more lime. Put the lid on the pan and leave for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a few chili sprinkles and sprinkle of oregano! If you're not into the lumps. give it a blend.

Are you all watching the Olympic opening ceremony today? Either way, enjoy your Friday.

You might remember I mentioned I was getting my feet re-tattooed and posted a few photos, well, since then I have not had my feet out at all, I HATE that they don't match (not to mention the flakes, grim). Anyway, Summer hasn't happened in England, so it hasn't been too much of an issue. The sun was actually shining a couple of days ago, but since then it has just been ridiculously warm and clammy with LOADS of clouds. But today I dont care how wonky I am, i'm taking advantage of my friends having a house warming BBQ to get sandals on and spend some time sat on a picnic blanket.

Lefty is fully healed now and righty is booked in for Monday, not too long left to wait.

You need to know, I love watching prison documentaries I can't get enough of Lockup, Werner Herzog documentaries on the death penalty, anything to do with gangs or prison and anything relating to the Aryan brotherhood (I know, I'm weird, it just really interests me, definitely the only reason I have Netflix). Sooo when I heart about this book, I had to get it.


The book is autobiographical by Frankie Meeink, it starts when he is a young teenager in Philadelphia which is where he first becomes exposed to the skinhead culture. Its beyond weird hearing how someone thinks when they're in the state of mind, a completely clouded, misinformed, almost insane way of thinking, but you start to sort of understanding (not agree, just understand). You hear about the beatings, killings, the children he fathers and abandons, the kidnappings and awful torturing he participates in and goes to prison for. Whilst in prison Frank starts to realise his way of thinking could be wrong when he befriends 2 black inmates and comes out questioning things again, obviously it isn't easy to get out of a gang, especially when you're respected as a founder.

It's an unbelievable story, truly inspiring, and my heart completely broke when he starts hiding his drug addiction from his girlfriend, who is the only worthwhile person he's had in his life. Frank Meeink is an amazing man, and still does loads of fantastic work for equality all over America, I'd love to go see one of his talks.

I have never really read any autobiographies, so pleaaase recommend me some!

And, we got to see Dixons parents puppies! They're so big now its ridiculous. Alfie, the first photo, is 18 months, and Jack, is about 9 months now. They're full boxers, and have so much energy, but they are soooo cute despite trying to knock me over at any opportunity. I love dogs so much. The first thing i'm going to do when we can finally buy our own house is go to a rescue center and get a puppy. I definitely need to get smaller dogs than these two though, Alfie seems to enjoy pushing me over and hes only a puppy! They were both equally confuses by the camera...

Just a quick one, we're on our way to Dixons parents to enjoy time with the puppies and go to the airshow! I picked up my camera yesterday too, so expect lots of puppy photos when we get back. I just wanted to share my current nail obsession; painting every nail a different colour! It looks awesome and I get to use up the nail varnish dregs from bottles that don't have enough in to do a whole set.

Hope you're all having an awesome weekend.

I got a little excited yesterday when I saw a glimpse of sun, and decided to use up some of the fruit we had (that was on its way out) and make icepops. The first icies I have made this year, stupid weather.

I made 5 pops, using the juice of 3 oranges, 2 soft ripe mangos and 1 banana. I tried mashing them all together with a fork but failed miserably so got out the trusty hand blended (we bought our hand blender for like £5 2 years ago now, and its amazing, every kitchen needs one) and whizzed them up with a little sugar. I dont know why I've never thought of using the hand blender to make smoothies before, I had a taste and it was lovely, and super thick too. I put in a couple of banana lumps too before freezing overnight. The colour is amazing! Pretty impressed.

Although they are reallly tasty (we're ate 3 last night). If I made them again, I'd probably not put in any banana, no matter how hard I try I still hate bananas. Strawberrys would be good!

Happy Friday!

Tomorrow, is my pay day, and I am treating myself big time. I feel as though I haven't had anything nice in a while (a long while), and have a huuuuggge list of things I want to buy for myself. But, I have narrowed it down to 5 things as I know at the end of the month I'll regret over spending... I have such a huge problem with feeling guilty as hell when I spend anything over £50 on something for myself, and always instantly regret it, and this generally leaves me in the position where I have nothing nice! Pft. So I think it is time I treated myself a little (a lot).

So here it is, my big pay day wish list that I'll try my hardest to stick too.


Firstly, this beautiful beautiful bag is from Bookhou at Home, it's a little more than I would usually spend on a bag, but man I love it! I can't get enough of triangles at the minute. Second, leggings! Last week I got myself my first ever pair, I'm really not a legging person, and have always hated the way they look. I think I might be converted. And what could be better than leggings covered in panthers?! Nothing? Exactly. Thanks Urban Outfitters! Third, these super cute alphabet stamps, they're all over ebay, but these are my favourite, I love the display box! The size is perfect for making personalised cards. Fourth, Omerica Organic plugs which I am desperate for, I have had the same plugs in for ages now, they're the only ones I have in the correct size, theyre black, plastic, and boring. These are super cute, pink ivory wood, can't wait.

And finally, and definitely most excitingly a fancy new Canon 1100D!! I have toyed around with getting a decent DSLR for a while now, and I have finally cracked. I'm sick of taking photographs with my iphone (the only digital 'camera' I own) and them being grainy, and awful. I was torn between the 600D and the 1100D, but I am convinced I would actually explode with guilt as I haded over my debit card for the 600D. I went ahead and reserved the 1100D to pick up tomorrow. I can't wait and don't you think it'll fit perfectly into my new bag?

Oh crap, I forgot I am definitely buying polaroid film too! Okay, so top 6. What do you think? Do you make sure you treat yourself once in a while?

This week I decided to sway away from the serious, and share with you guys a different kind of favourite book with you all.

This was bought for me by a friend on my 18th (I think?) birthday, so it doesn’t even have any childhood memories stuck with it, and although you wont catch me on train or in a café reading any of Dr. Seuss’ books, I am holding on to this in the hope that one day I can read it with my own children.

You’re all probably very away of who Dr. Seuss is, and I’m sure I don’t need to introduce you to him, or his style of writing and illustration but what I wanted to tell you was why I love him. Apparently over in America (Hi guys!) this book is a popular gift to give to high school graduates, and people off to college, I had no idea! What a great idea! Anyway, the reason I love this little book so much is the realism, even though this is clearly a children’s book with huge monsters, and strange lands (and made up words!) it isn't a super happy everything-goes-right-all-the-time story. Okay, not that I want my children to be jaded, but I want them to know that they have the power to make things good again, and they shouldn't just wait for life, or someone else, to change its course and sort everything out for them. It’s pretty empowering when you think about, maybe I'm reading too much into it?

"Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98¾% guaranteed.)"

I haven’t read very many of his other things actually, I’d love to get my hands on some of the original printings.Whats your favourite Sesuss book?


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Ps. Did you know his surname is actually pronounced ‘Soice’! He realised that Americans (and English speakers) would naturally pounce it ‘Soose’, and stuck with it for its liking to ‘Mother Goose’ (I found that out here.)

Pps. I put together a list of all the books you have recommended me along with the ones I' m planning to read, have a look, and don't forget to recommend me your favourites so I can add them on!


Ppps. No photo of me today, I am sick and awful.

I love the idea of picking myself,  pressing, framing and hanging flowers around our flat. Hopefully after a little experimenting I'll be able to. Do you press flowers? Have any tips? I used to go it a lot with a press of my Mums, and can't remember it being too tough, I can't seem to find any 'how-tos' online though, so I'll have to use a bit of trial and error.
There are some really pretty flower jewellery around that I've been lurking. These two necklaces in particular are amongst the favourites I have found, both from Natural Pretty Things. I used to have a ring when I was a little kid that looked just like the one on the right, I have no idea what happened to it, I might have to try and dig it out next time I visit my parents. Cute huh?

Lightly toast the nuts in a pan, as soon as they're slightly brown, you're done. Serve up, wallnuts on top with a few extra parsley leaves and some fresh bread. Enjoy!

Have a good weekend everyone ♥

Dixon bought us a juicer a week or two ago, so have been having looooads of fresh juice every day. I bought straws especially. Grape, kiwi and strawberry has been my favourite so far, sooo tasty! Once we've mastered it I'll let you know my complete favourites and how you can make your own. We're going to make ice-pops too! 
Our oven is out of action at the minute (for the 3rd time in a year, AH!), so we've used it as an excuse to have tonnes of home made soups. I'm sharing a bright green recipe in tomorrows post that was easily the best soup I've ever had, I think you'll love it.
We're feeling super healthy and have loads of energy, i love it. And for someone that usually wears nothing but black, and the occasional gray, the colours have crept into my every day too. 
AND it didn't rain once today, the sky was blue, the sun shinning. I dont want to tempt fate (that and tomorrows forecast has showers) but maybe summer is here? Englands weather really does suck.

A few weeks ago I received a really wonderful gift from a very talented lady over at Tally & Hoe that I have to share with you guy. I love getting things in the post, and was over the moon when I discovered this unbelievably pretty package had come through my post box. I opened it soooo slowly so I didn't ruin any of the wrapping, and was instantly in love with what was inside! The necklace is just perfect, a little treasure.


I have a problem, I usually get a new necklace, wear it non-stop and before I know it, the colour has faded or the clasp has fallen off and I have to replace it. It's my own fault, I should be more careful. I have had this cross key necklace on for over 2 weeks now, and it is just as beautiful as the day I got it out its packaging.

Tally & Hoe also have the cutest collar chains too, I especially love the shell one. Go have a look at their store and let me know whats your favourite piece!

I've got a bit of a secret to share with you too, Tally & Hoe are going to be available in the mens accessories department of ASOS soon! I love seeing independent businesses getting the recognition they deserve. Good Luck Anna, and thank you!

Inspired by the ever so wise Mrs. Thrifty who has been sharing with us all her cheap make up finds, I took to the pound shops today.

I am no stranger to pound shops, I used to use them to pick up cheap 35mm film (although that seems to be a rare find now), and it's where I get my bird seed. Other than that I've never really had a solid browse, mainly because I never trusted the quality of things that are so cheap. BUT thanks to these posts, I was fully reassured.

As I had the day off work, and little money, it seemed like the perfect time to go explore! I ended up with a non-stick loaf tin, 100 multi-coloured straws (to go with our new juicer), more seed, and, the main reason I went, two amazing nail varnishes!

I was pretty surprised to find a few different colours of my nail varnish of choice, Rimmel - 60 seconds (usually £3.99-£5.99). There were some Revlon too. I wasn't too impressed with the colour variety, a lot of reds and gray, but for £1 you can't really argue! There was also Revlon lip glosses, eye shadow etc.

Just a little thing I have been loving recently. We have had a bit of a switch in balcony visitors. From tiny Great Tits and Gold Finches, to huge Wood Pigeons, Magpies and Collard Doves. We leave them out bread, fruit and seeds all the time, and I love having them around. These photos are taken from our sofa, so we're really close to them when they're hanging out. Mr. Wood-Pigeon used to be really skittish with us watching him, but he's gotten used to us and sometimes looks as though he's going to stroll right into the flat! Man I love birds,.