Embellished cape

I love a lot of the embellished jumpers that are in the shops at the moment, they're very festive and you know I love anything that sparkles!

What I forgot about until recently was a beaded cape I bought about 3 years ago at a market.  It can be worn over any top.  I usually stick to black jumpers, either a polo neck or crew neck so the cape blends.  I should probably try getting a bit more creative/adventurous with it though!  I'm wearing it today with jeans and an old Levi's black fine knit (and my cosy slipper socks!).  I'm also wearing my super cute favourite sale find - little gold sea horse studs with crystal eyes.  Reduced to £1 and I got the last pair in the shop, they're sold out on-line too!

 

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a lovely day today with your loved ones and if you can't be with them, there's always Skype!  We Skype with my parents every year and this year are doing it on boxing day as that's when my brother's dropping by.

I really love Christmas trees covered in lights!!

On Christmas day this year it's just Nik, myself and his parents which will be lovely and we're having roast rib of beef for Christmas dinner!  I'll be sure to blog pics later in the week!!

Yesterday I was working in the morning (manic for the first 2 hours then bored!) and spent all afternoon making things in the kitchen with my trusty dragonfly apron on.  I made spicy parsnip soup for last night's dinner which went down a storm (adapted from Jamie Oliver recipe here) after another baked Camembert - devoured by MIL ;)  I also baked a chocolate gingerbread cake with dark chocolate and ginger wine ganache and some of the mince pies that went down so well last year with orange pastry.

My new tradition also went down well, a big box filled with new Christmas themed Pyjamas for us all (I got myself Christmas Reindeer pants since I already had some old snowflake jammies but I wanted to wear my new check ones with my 'love' top) along with a Christmas film and popcorn.  I got my mother-in-law a star print onesie and it was so worth it for the look on her face and the squeal when she saw it.

Roz also gave me something to put in the Christmas Eve box - a card and a small gift which turned out to be a Christmas Eve Yankee candle (smells lovely!) and a gorgeous message which is such a lovely idea!...

I've sent a message to my parents who are over in Saudi Arabia.

I also made spiced hot chocolate with orange (all the flavours including cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick infused into the milk which was then added to the dark chocolate to melt it before being served) - so yummy!

Cinnamon, cloves, orange zest and cayenne pepper infusing into the hot milk.

We all loved the film (It's A Wonderful Life) which, believe it or not, none of us had ever seen before!!  I also managed to do a quick Christmas manicure ready for tomorrow - OPI 'Diva of Geneva' with a splash of H&M Urban Spirit on my ring fingers.

Today I will be wearing this outfit...

Christmas Day outfit by olivedragonfly featuring french connection dress

And just because I love them so much, here are some more of my tree decorations...

Recognise any Amy??  ;)

When Pinterest works

So, I spend waaaay too much time on Pinterest, it's far too addictive, but sometimes I do actually put it to good use.

Source: Uploaded by user via Bex on Pinterest

Other than using it to document my wardrobe (handy when putting together outfit posts) I have pins to inspire my outfits, things I want to make, home inspiration and stuff that makes me laugh.  I've also used it this year for my Christmas wish list and to pin potential presents for others.  It's SO handy and my in-laws were grateful to be sent a list (complete with easy links) although they never did send me one back!  Luckily I'm good at shopping and quietly confident that my gifts for them will be loved!

My Christmas pin board has recipes, decorating ideas, drinks, gift ideas and tutorials.  Last year I used to it to inspire my mantel and tablescape, this year I have saved a few recipes I plan to use, including this one for santa hat brownies!...

Source: daisyt13.wordpress.com via Bex on Pinterest

Mine aren't quite as perfect of course but I am pretty pleased with the result and they went down a treat on the last full day at work on Friday!

Smart-casual colourful outfit.

I recently got a fab bargain when I saw this top for £24 but was really supposed to be being good.  When I then saw it was down to just £12 I couldn't resist any longer!  I wore it on Saturday when I went to visit Sarah and her cute kids.

Source: dorothyperkins.com via Bex on Pinterest

I love this top, it feels so silky and sits well.  I paired it with my black skinny jeans, blazer and brown boots and gold accessories.  I also put on my bargainous Mango olive jumper when I got a little cold.  I was loving my new fur coat with jeans and boots too!

Peacock print top - smart casual outfit by olivedragonfly 

The headband is very old, from H&M I think, the ring is from Spitalfields market (see similar above via Polyvore), the necklace was also half price in Dorothy Perkins.  The earrings were my birthday gift last year from Claire and have had SO much use, they go with so much!