Author: friendsageinggracefully

SPRING CLOTHES HAUL

We had such a fun day checking out the brand new Spring range for women at the wonderfully large Camberley M&S store. Annabel and I had a delicious cappuccino in the coffee shop before we began our Spring clothes haul – essential as we love our caffeine! Then we set off around the store – our trolleys soon piled high because there was literally so much to choose from and to try on.

Am sure I’m not the only one who is a fan of layering – it makes so much sense with our unreliable British weather. It may officially be Spring but try telling the grey skies and drizzle that!

There is a wealth of neutrals to choose from – neat fitted jackets, wide leg trousers, short blazers (which seem to be very on trend at the moment), easy to wear midi and maxi dresses and an interesting range of shoes, both flat and heeled (including wide fit – sooooo comfortable). These neutrals work together so well but, of course, you could mix them with brighter colours too.

Thankfully, long is still on trend. Why do we love long? Because it is slimming and you can dress it up or down, wear with heels or sneakers. Which means you can rather handily use one outfit for day and night if you’d like to.

We’ve always been advocates of bright colours because they seem to cheer up both wearer and anyone who sees you. I know it’s early days but I’ll be ready when the sun shines again with this co-ord outfit in vivid blue or this heavenly shade of soft orange. The cashmere sweater is available as a V neck or crew neck and is worn here with the best selling ombre print sweatshirt.

Oh the denim! Sorry to wax lyrical but is there really any other place to buy your denim than M&S? They always have a huge choice of well made, quality denim jeans, shirts and dresses. Something for everyone style-wise, various leg lengths, a choice of colours and even some with super comfortable elasticated waists (the latter a guilty pleasure for many of us!).

Our overriding impression of the new Spring range at M&S has to be the endless combinations you can make from just a few key pieces. These days we have to consider both the cost and the provenance of the clothes we buy. So the more outfits you can make, the better, ringing the changes makes absolute sense, both environmentally and financially.

More style and make up tips can be found here

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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – YES OR NO?

Why do some people swear by regularly taking apple cider vinegar? You may have come across praise for it on social media, so is it hype or actually something you should consider taking?

Biona Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother £3

Apart from making a great salad dressing, limited studies show it may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce bloating, aid weight loss, soothe skin blemishes, help digestion and even boost your immune system.

Apple cider vinegar comes in two types – it’s recommended that you choose one with the ‘mother’ (where the good bacteria has not been filtered out).

Apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and should not be consumed undiluted on a regular basis. Obviously if you have allergies to either pectin or apples, avoid apple cider vinegar. However, for most of us, it’s perfectly safe to drink apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Speak to your GP if you have specific dietary requirements, are taking medication, have allergies, or any other concerns before taking ACV regularly.

For an invigorating tonic, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar with honey in a glass of water and enjoy. 

You never know, it may also be good for your waistline…

More about apple cider vinegar can be read here

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EBORIAN CC CREAM: A LITTLE TUBE OF HEAVEN

Eborian CC cream is a lightweight skin perfector, tinted moisturiser and brightening face cream. Korean products seem to work wonders, am not quite sure why, but they have an excellent reputation. Treat yourself and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in.

This little tube of heaven also gives you SPF25 protection. You only need a couple of drops – I use a kabuki brush (which makes the product go further) – and although this lightweight tinted moisturiser is white, it almost instantly blends to your particular skin colour and hydrates your complexion. It may be a small tube but it lasts a long, long time…

Available on Amazon for £17.58 at the time of writing.

Why not have a quick look at some of the other products Annabel and I have tried and tested.

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MAKE UP BRUSH KIT

Quick heads up on a brilliant make up brush kit from Marks & Spencer. Four great little brushes which are excellent value and quality (as we have come to expect from this brand).

  • Powder Brush – Swirl powder onto skin and blend out
  • Foundation Brush – Use for liquid products
  • Eyeshadow Blender
  • Eyeshadow Primer/Concealer Brush

More products that we’ve tried, liked and are happy to recommend to you.

M&S

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ARIANE POOLE

Ariane Poole and Annabel did a fun, chatty Instagram Live today – all about make up for older women and how to look at any age. There were so many really useful tips so do try and watch the video which is on our Instagram feed.

Annabel swears by Ariane’s ‘looking great at any age’ make up products. Why not have a look at her website and, if you are impressed as much as we are with her range of products, you can obtain 20% off using our exclusive code: FRIENDS20

You can also join Ariane on her regular Instagram Lives every Wednesday at 7pm (UK time).

Products used in the Live video:
Annabel used from @arianepoole.cosmetics

  • Mineral Illuminating Pen in Medium
    Eyeshine Graphite
    Gel Eye Pencil in Mystic/Graphite
    Brown Mascara
    Blush/Bronzer Duo in Passionate Pink
    Her own Pink Lipstick from Look Fabulous


Ariane wore:

  • Foundation Stick in Light
    Mineral IlluminatingPen in Light
    Brow Balm in Brunette
    Cream Eyeshadow Amethyst
    Ultimate Eye Pencil Deep Amethyst
    Navy Mascara
    Lip Gloss Rosy

To receive 20% Off at Ariane’s website use code FRIENDS20

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UNLAWFUL KILLINGS

“There are a lot of ways you can kill someone. I know because I’ve seen most of them at close quarters”

The recently retired High Court Judge, Wendy Joseph, describes in her bestselling book Unlawful Killings, what it is really like adjudicating on life-changing murder cases at the Old Bailey.

Wendy recently stepped down as one of the handful of judges qualified to preside over murder trials at the Old Bailey. And one of the few female ones at that.

For the first time, she can now talk about what it’s really like presiding over and ruling on life-changing cases. Through six extraordinary stories, she explores why we kill, what happens in court and what this teaches us about the society we live in. It’s a page-turner of a book – get your copy here.

If you live in or near London, you may be interested in attending a literary event on Wednesday 21 February when Wendy will be discussing her book, Unlawful Killings at Kent House in London’s Knightsbridge. For more information or to secure your ticket, please visit the website or use the QR code below. Doors will open at 7pm and there will be a chance to meet the author at the book signing after the talk. Tickets are £25 (or £20 when you use our exclusive promo code GRACE2024) and include a complimentary glass of Roebuck Estates vintage fizz.

This is a QR code. Simply hover your mobile phone’s camera in front of it and click on the yellow link that pops up. It will take you to the Kent House Series website where you can read more about the upcoming interview with Wendy Joseph which will be held in Knightsbridge, London on Wednesday 21 February.

Have you checked out our delicious new recipes yet?

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JUICY FIG CANAPES

Love a nibble before the main course but wanted something other than crisps, peanuts or pretzels. Spotted some ripe figs in the supermarket and decided to use those paired with goat’s cheese (or it is “goat cheese”, I never know!).

JUICY FIG CANAPES
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JUICY FIG CANAPES

Recipe by GraceDifficulty: Really easy
Prep time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ripe figs

  • Goat’s cheese

  • Runny honey

  • Toasted hazelnuts

  • Chervil (or a.n.other herb to decorate – optional)

Directions

  • Cut figs in half
  • Pop a sliver of goat’s cheese on top of each half fig
  • Drizzle with honey
  • Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts
  • Top with fresh herb of your choice (optional)

More tried and tasted recipes can be found here

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SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

Was tidying out my kitchen cupboards yesterday and found my slow cooker gathering dust. Whipped it out, gave it a wipe and made this sausage casserole because it was grey and cold outside and I had a busy day ahead. Proved to be as comforting to eat as it looks. Inexpensive and filling – why not give it a try?

SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE CASSEROLE
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SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

Recipe by Tesco Real Food
Servings

6

servings

Just chuck everything in your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Freezable. No slow-cooker? Follow the method to brown the sausages and veg, then put in a 2ltr casserole dish, cover and bake at gas 6, 200 ̊C, fan
180 ̊C for 2 hrs.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 454g pack 50% less fat Cumberland sausages

  • 2 red onions, cut into wedges

  • 2 celery sticks, trimmed and sliced

  • 1 garlic clove, sliced

  • 150g mushrooms, quartered

  • 150g pack Tendersweet carrots

  • 1 leek, trimmed and sliced

  • ½ tsp crushed chillies

  • 2 x 400g tins butter beans, drained and rinsed​

  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes

  • 300ml red wine

  • 1 chicken stock cube, made up to 800ml

  • 10g fresh rosemary, leaves only

  • 4 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 5 tbsp water

  • green beans and crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Directions

  • Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the sausages for 6-7 mins, turning frequently, until golden. Transfer to a 2.5ltr or bigger slow-cooker using a slotted spoon.
  • Add the onions, celery, garlic and mushrooms to the pan and cook in the remaining oil for 4-5 mins over a medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften. Transfer to the slow-cooker with the carrots and leek.
  • Mix the remaining ingredients together in a bowl, then add to the slow-cooker and season well. Cook on high for 3 hrs or until thick and bubbling.
  • Spoon into bowls and serve with green beans and crusty bread to mop up the juices, if you like.

More tried and tasted recipes can be found here

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CHEAT’S LOBSTER SPAGHETTI

I love cooking food from scratch – not only healthier (with less salt and sugar than pre-prepared dishes) but also tastier. Plus, you can add any ingredients that you like to personalise the recipe to you and your family’s particular tastes. This Cheat’s Lobster Spaghetti recipe uses tinned soup – yes, tinned soup. The only tinned soup I would wholeheartedly recommend mind you. No-one is more surprised than me that it tastes as good as it does. I know I’m blowing my own trumpet here but this quick and easy recipe is one I think you’ll want to make again and again.

Annabel gave me some peanut rayu – a relish that I’d never seen before. Definitely once seen never forgotten – am now ladling spoonfuls onto anything remotely Asian inspired because I love it’s crunchy spiciness.

CHEAT'S LOBSTER SPAGHETTI
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CHEAT’S LOBSTER SPAGHETTI

Recipe by Grace

A super quick lunch or supper that may not take much time but is packed full of the taste of the sea. If you can’t get samphire, which I couldn’t (shame, I really love the stuff!) use rocket instead. I am definitely not a fan of tinned soup but Baxters Lobster Bisque is exceptional and certainly saves a huge amount of faffing around making your own.

Ingredients

  • 150g spaghetti

  • 8 shell on raw prawns (as large as you can find)

  • Half finely chopped red chilli.

  • Grated zest of an unwaxed lemon

  • Tin of Baxters Lobster soup

  • Quarter of cucumber

  • 2 spring onions

  • Peanut rayu

Directions

  • Decant the soup into a large saucepan and pop in the chilli and your raw prawns, shell and all. Heat gently until the prawns are cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, finely chop the spring onions and cucumber and set aside.
  • Put the spaghetti into another saucepan and pour over boiling water and cook as per packet instructions (preferably al dente).
  • Drain the pasta and put into two warmed bowls. Add four prawns and half the lobster soup to each portion. Top with the fresh cucumber, spring onions, a sprinkling of lemon zest and a good dollop of rayu. If you have any coriander or similar handy, pop some on top.

Notes

  • Next time I’m going to add a good handful of samphire to the soup.

More tried and tasted recipes can be found here

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