Le Tourbillon de la Vie

A little something for the weekend. I'm going to Leicester to see my family and make chutney. I hope you have a nice weekend whatever you've planned. x

I Have News

I really must do some outfit posts . . .but between the darker evenings and uni work it is quite tricky to get dressed up and find someone to take the pics. However I do have news . . . I have bought a ukulele. Seriously after taking up a new hobby of photography do I need anymore ways of putting off doing my research project?

Anyway this is a little something I came across when looking for this. She goes under the name of Scampi and has a facebook fan page. Pretty cool.



When I get that good I will show you, promise!

Mike Oldfield - In Dulci Jubilo

You're probably going to hate me for this but I promise it's a one off until December (or late November . . .). Every year my group of friends and I go out for a Christmas dinner and this evening my housemate has been organising the invitations and I've been picking my three courses. This has resulted in an overly festive feeling and I had to share one of my favourite carols in my favourite version. Apologies in advance and feel free to be bah humbug etc . . . 

Come on who doesn't love a bit of recorder and electric guitar? ; )

Staying on subject, I really want to do a post about Christmas Jumpers (think Scandinavian knits) do you have one and care to share it? I know you do. Don't be shy email it to me at magpiesneststyle@gmail.com

I will of course be showing mine . . .

The Jumper with a Story - Vintage Find Part 1

I suspect much of my vintage items are not officially 'vintage' despite being bought in those kind of shops and are more like second hand. Never mind, I bought them because I like them and want to wear them. However this bat wing gem I KNOW to be vintage (sorry Mum) because there is a great little story to go with it. 

I was shopping on Brick Lane and went into a small shop that I forget the name of. Downstairs everything was £10, so I trot on down and the first thing I see is this jumper. I have to have it. I mean I really HAVE to have it. So I run towards it grab it, try it on, love it. But why? the bat wing? no, the 80's grey and red combo? no. Simply because my Mum has exactly the same jumper but in blue and grey from the 80's. And because like most daughters, I look up to my mother and as a child wanted to dress just like her with her 90's power suits, high heels, glamorous make-up and elegant long nails. 

 I was so thrilled to find this that I called her up straight after to tell her. She  then tried to salvage her jumper because she uses hers to dye her hair (always has done since I can remember - terrible I know but I guess she never thought I might want to wear it). At some point I will post a picture of us both in our jumpers. Haha mum and daughter outfits ; )

Incidentally, I have never managed to match her long nails. That by the way never chip the nail polish - how does she do that?

Rocky Road for Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli'ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow;

By God's providence he was catch'd

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

And what should we do with him? Burn him!

Rocky Road is most certainly not traditional Bonfire Night food like black toffee or parkin but it is  easy to make and very moreish. My friend Helen has a reputation for making legendary Rocky Road for our work social events and she has kindly given me the recipe. Since the garden is too small for a bonfire and we are just having fireworks and sparklers, there will be no traditional baked potato's wrapped in foil and cooked on the fire. However it is nice to have something to snack on whilst enjoying the festivities and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have a go at Helen's recipe.

If you are interested in the traditions of Bonfire Night have a look here , otherwise scroll down for the full Rocky Road recipe . . . . 

Ingredients  

200g dark chocolate

125g butter

3tbsp golden syrup

100g marsh mallows (mini or cut up large ones)

200g rich tea biscuits (or plain biscuits)

1. Melt the chocolate, butter and syrup in a saucepan over a low heat. Stirring constantly.
2. Spread melted mixture over a large sheet of baking paper.
3. Sprinkle over the broken biscuits and marsh mallows.
4. Roll the mixture up into a sausage shape and put in the fridge until set.
5. Cut up into bite size amounts and put into fairy cake cases.

 

Tips: I found the rolling up part quite messy, you could just as easily mix the melted and hard ingredients in a bowl and then spread into a tray to set. I also didn't end up using all the biscuits as it looked too much and I think the marsh mallows are the best bit!