Resolutions...

It's New Year's Eve today, and we're a few hours away now from welcoming in 2013.  I'm just sitting on my couch reflecting on the last year...it really has felt like the months have just flown by! So much has happened, both wonderful memories and bad moments.  I started this little blog (and have been loving every moment), I also got married, spent my honeymoon in Bruges and also got my very own beagle puppy.

I'm pretty excited about the new year ahead also, and like many people out there have decided to create some resolutions.  Actually, these are not really resolutions...more like goals I would like to push myself to achieve!

- continue to blog
- develop new skills, such as learning more about html
- go on holiday (America hopefully)
- cook more, & try new recipes
- knit, knit, knit
- buy a juicer
- drink more juice (after doing above, of course)
- spend quality time with my husband and puppy!

Have you got any goals that you would like to achieve in 2013? I would love to hear them!

Christmas wish list...

Now, I don't want a lot for Christmas (cue Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas in all of our heads, sorry about that) what with getting married, a lovely trip to Bruges and having Lena in our lives, I've been pretty spoilt and blessed these last few months. 

However, I thought it would be fun to make a little fantasy Christmas wishlist of a few things which would put a smile on my face...

Christmas wish list by peanuts-pearls featuring vera wang

~ A nice knitted Christmas jumper to wear on the day
~ A cute little bobble hat from River Island
~ I've had my eye on those boots from Clarks for a while (I may treat myself to these!)
~ My favourite perfume at the moment - Vera Wang's Princess
~ And of course a nice big cup of tea


Only a few more shopping days left, and I still haven't finished buying presents.  I better get a move on!!

                                                                         xx



Meet Lena...

I would like to introduce you to the gorgeous Lena, our new puppy!

She's a beagle, and is only 8 weeks old.  It seems as though she loves nothing better than following me around the house, jumping on the Christmas tree (not so fun for me) and having nap time on the couch beside me and my hubby.

We've only had her for 4 days, and having her is already the best decision we've ever made.  She's a bundle of fun, and I can't wait for all the adventures to come!

xx

Friday Fancies - time to sparkle!

You can't beat a bit of sparkle to glam up an outfit.  This week's Friday Fancies has come just in time for all the Christmas parties that are currently ongoing. 

Whilst I missed my own work Christmas do (as I was busy eating waffles and chocolate in Bruges, yum.  Ah well, what's a girl to do!)  However, this still hasn't stopped me dreaming of the perfect outfit to wear...

sparkle time! by peanuts-pearls featuring platform sandals

Leather shorts worn together with a simple blouse is always a good combination.  I've paired this with sparkly gold shoes, to make it more appropriate and fun!

I've got some exciting news also...we're getting a puppy!  My dreams have finally come true, I've wanted a dog for so long now and it's finally the right time to get one.  In fact...we're picking her up tomorrow...so we're in for a very exciting weekend!

xx

my instagram life

We came back from our honeymoon last night, and had the most wonderful time.  Bruges is definitely the place to be in December if you want to start feeling all Christmassy...you are surrounded by Christmas trees and fairy lights, and of course the Christmas market! 

Here are a few little instagram pics of our trip...

                                        (instagram name: angie_peanuts_pearls)

~ what better way to start your first night....cherry beer was my drink of choice...

~  amazing architecture all around you...

~  we even found a windmill on our walk!

~  of course, we had to stop for waffles...

~  Bruges at night is magical

~  more lovely sights around every corner

~  we took a romantic canal boat trip

~  coconut beer to finish off our last night!

Bruges is simply gorgeous and I would highly recommend a visit!

xx

Currently loving...December, and a few wedding pics

So I am back...and am now a married woman!  We had the best day ever, thanks to so many of our wonderful family and friends who helped with everything and made us laugh all day.  I should be having the official wedding photographs back before Christmas, but here's a couple that were taken on the day by our lovely family and friends.

Reading... Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.   I've only just started this, but I am loving it so far.  I haven't seen the film yet either, as I always prefer reading the book first....but I will definitely be renting this on DVD.  

Watching... I adore Girls!  I wasn't too sure to start with, but it has really grown on me lately.  Also, True Blood is always a favourite of mine.   

Buying... Christmas presents!  I haven't even started yet...but now that the wedding is over I will have more free time, so I better get started!

Loving... all the cosy knitted jumpers in H&M, is particular this one.  Perfect for Christmas!

Wanting... to enjoy my last few days of my honeymoon.  Bliss!

xx

See you soon...

This week is a bit of a hectic week for me right now, and I might not get the chance to blog at all...as I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!  The countdown is truly on now....with just 5 days to go and still lots to sort out.

So I just wanted to say I hope you all have a lovely week...and hopefully I will be back in blogging mode after the wedding....

                                                                          via

See you soon!

xx

Friday Fancies: winter treat

What is the best thing to do on a cold winter's day?  Drink a huge mug of hot chocolate, that's what!  It's one of my favourite treats to have, especially in the run up to Christmas.  So this week's Friday Fancies has been inspired by just that - a warm, comforting mug of homemade hot choc.

hot chocolate inspired outfit by peanuts-pearls featuring biker boots

I just want to snuggle up in this jumper immediately.  And the brown leather pants...gorgeous!

Enjoy your Friday everyone!

xx

Wedding Wednesday: mini moons

This might be my last Wedding Wednesday as a single lady! With my wedding date fast approaching in just 10 days I'm getting more and more excited to finally be finished with all the stress of planning.

We've also booked a little mini moon, which I'm secretly most excited about! We were unable to have a big 2 week honeymoon straight after the wedding for a number of reason, so a mini moon was the best solution for us. 

So...where are we off?  Bruges, that's where! 

                                                                        via 

Has anyone else been to Bruges?  It sounds like it's going to be a magical few days there, and here's why...

~ Christmas markets...

                                                                    via

~  Eating delicious waffles...

                                                                via

~ a nice cold glass of beer (or two...)

                                                                         via



~ walking around the beautiful canals...

                                                                       via

                         
~ and the romantic outdoor ice skating rink...

                                                                 via

What do you think of mini moons?  Would you consider it as an option?

xx

Lentil and bacon soup

On a rainy, grey day like today there is nothing better than making some comforting soup from scratch.  I've got some lentils to use up, so when I stumbled upon this recipe below from Good Food I knew I needed to make it.  In fact, this is what I'm making tonight!


Lentil and Bacon Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 x 70g packs pancetta cubes
• 1 carrot (about 120g), finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 chilli, sliced
• 2 low-salt stock cubes
• 250g red lentils, rinsed

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, 1 pack of pancetta and the carrot. Cook on a low to medium heat for 10 minutes until the onions are soft.
2. Add the cumin, turmeric, garlic and chilli and cook for a further 1 - 2 minutes
3. Pour in 1.25 litres of boiling water, crumble in the stock cubes and add the lentils. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 mins, stirring occasionally to ensure the lentils aren't sticking.
4. Meanwhile, fry the remaining lardons in a small frying pan for about 10 minutes until crispy.
5. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of crispy lardons on top
6. Enjoy!

xx

Wedding Wednesday: thank you gifts

It is normally traditional here in the UK to give out thank you gifts to the parents, bridesmaids, best man and ushers during the groom's speech.  Some brides also give out their gifts to the bridesmaids during the morning of the wedding (which is an option I prefer) as it adds to the excitment of getting ready. 

I'm currently on the lookout for the perfect gifts for my girls, and found a few little gems on Etsy!

~  This box is perfect for a bridesmaid gift, as you can personalise the ceramic tile.  This is avaible from Susabellas shop..very cute! 

~  a gorgeous infinity pearl bracelet from Mosnos would make another lovely gift for bridesmaids

~  I love this unique idea - personalised hangers for each bridesmaid and mother of the bride from Clouds and Currents.  You can also change the ribbon colour to suit your colour theme!

~ another fun idea from Unique and Trendy, where you can have personalised 'team bride' tote bags.


              If you are already married, what gifts did you buy for your bridesmaids?

xx

Friday fancies: jumper time!

Now there's nothing I like better than wearing a comfy, warm jumper during cold days.  This purple and pink ombre knitted number is perfect for me - I adore long baggy jumpers paired up with skinny jeans.  I thought the biker boots also gives the outfit a bit of an edge.

jumper day! by peanuts-pearls featuring a leather tote

Take a wander over to Friday Fancies for more amazing inspirational jumper outfit ideas!

With just 3 weeks until my wedding, I'm in full final planning mode.  I have my final dress fitting tomorrow (can't wait to see my dress again!), also trying to sort out bridesmaids fittings...meeting the photographer...making the table plan and table numbers....and many many other things....phew!

What's everyone up to this weekend?

xx

Currently loving...October edition

Happy Halloween!  I'm not going to a party, but I can't wait to get home and cuddle up with a scary film.  Possibly one like Scream....as I have seen it so many times and love it!  I'm not a massive fan of all the new horror ones...I much prefer the older ones from the 90's and 80's.

This month has flown by, and here is a recap of what I'm currently loving:

Reading... Between the Lines: My Autobiography by Victoria Pendleton.  To be honest I'm trying to relive the magic of the Olympics, and she is such an inspirational woman that I couldn't resist buying this book. 

Watching... so much (probably too much TV some would say...)  Loving the return of Gossip Girl, although it's just not as good as it once was...so it's probably a good thing that this is the last series.  Fringe is also one of my favourites, I love having Pacey back on my TV!  Also....how amazing is Homeland??

Buying... On the lookout for gifts for my bridesmaids, best man and ushers.  Any ideas will be gratefully received!

Loving... Homeland. Have I not mentioned this enough yet?

Wanting... a red coat for winter!

xx

Pinterest loves #3

What better way to kick start a Monday morning than looking through all the fantastic and inspirational pictures on Pinterest?

So here are my latest Pinterest loves....


~  I've always dreamed of having a kitchen island...and this one is so cute...

~  A red coat is ideal for snowy winter days...I've yet to find my perfect one...

~  YES

 



~  I can't wait to try this recipe!

~  Adore this vintage style ponytail...



Did everyone have a nice weekend?  With around 3 and a half weeks to go before I get married, I'm looking forward to having my weekend time back and not having to constantly be doing wedding related stuff!

xx