Turning my Garden from Hell to Heaven with a little sparkle from Debenhams!

Ok so we finally moved into our new home and are very very lucky to have a rather large back garden which we're very happy about!

Never having had a garden before as we've always lived in flats I never could have guessed how much work would be involved.
We moved in December so I've spent a good few months goggling and pinning pins on pinterest without thinking exactly how much work would be involved.

Just to give you a clearer image below is my current garden hell.

This is actually already a step up from when we moved in! We've spent quite a few dry days working on it. When we moved in a number of the surrounding neighbours were unhappy with the tree as it was so large it blocked their light and they spent a great deal of time in the autumn cleaning leaves!
So we spent a good deal of time cutting it back, Daddy Angel was of course super excited to be able to climb a tree as an adult (until he realised it was quite high and his not a teenager anymore lol).

So when I saw that Debenhams were running a competition to create a mood board of your favourite garden products, I again welcomed the opportunity to let my imagination run wild.
Why not create your own mood board today.

So the thing I would like most out of my garden is that I'd like to use it as much as possible! And with our British weather as much as our days are sunny are evenings can be very chilly! Debenhams have an outstanding heater in the form of the La Hacienda free standing patio heater. I love the clean stainless steel of this heater and with two terrors that will also want to take advantage of the garden this summer, I'd feel safer that the heat element is out of the way of tiny fingers!

Next up as much as I love the sunshine its nice to relax with your feet up, chilled glass of lemonade and a good book in the shade for awhile. So this Parasol that is not only height changeable but can also be locked at an angle is perfect for my needs, it provides the much needed shade while not blocking the view of my heavenly garden.

Next up I'd love to host a garden party and that means actually having somewhere for people to sit!
I have a large patio area thankfully since we're quite a large family and that means we need quite a few seats that doesn't detract too much from the space we have.
This 'La Rio' Corner Seating Arrangement would be perfect for our needs as it provides much needed seats but still allows everyone to mingle.

My garden is in definate need of some colour to make it pop, I'd love to say I have green fingers but as yet nothing has survived me :( but this year I'm going all out. I've read up on different lighting areas and different soil types I'm armed and ready! So these 'Winchester' planters would be perfect to display my award winning blooms! (what I said I was letting my imagination run wild!).

Next we need a little mood lighting a little something for effect this light pebble is amazing and I'm sure if my blooms let me down (Ok I admit I'm not Alan Titmarsh to my chagrin) then this would get any garden party guests talking.

And for those very late nights whiling away the evening with my nearest and dearest setting the world to rights as we often do over a glass of wine this lantern finishes off my dream garden with just the right touch of vintage.

All I need now is the sun.

A truly wonderful evening...

Valentines Day is well on the way and I've had fun trying to create a fantastic meal that is quick and easy to do while still looking amazingly scrumptious!

Myself and Daddy Angel generally don't buy each other gifts as our anniversary is so close to Valentines day! However we do always ensure that we sit down for some together time and spend a moment with each other.

We don't spend us much time together as we'd like between work and children so what little time we have we make the most of. 

So when I found out that Superbreak.com were running a competition to win an amazing trip to Paris I decided to be organised for a change and pre-plan a meal (I know shock horror right!). 

So to start our Valentines evening this year we shall begin by dining on Sweet Chilli Prawns, I love anything with a little spice. And these are so easy to do and can be prepared earlier in the evening meaning I'm spending little time away from the table and my valentine ;) 

Ingredients-

18oz shell-on prawns

4 Small garlic cloves

2 bird eyes chillies 

2 Spring Onion stalks

1/4 Cup of Thai sweet chilli sauce

tbsp soy sauce

2 drops of sesame oil 

Methods - 

Mix sweet chilli, soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl and set aside for later.

Roughly chop your garlic, slice spring onions diagonally and red chillies.

Devein and trim your prawns.

Heat 2tbsps of cooking oil in a wok and add your garlic, chillies and half of the spring onions saute.

Add in the prawns and let cook until slightly charred and turning orange then flip to cook the other side.

When the prawns are almost cooked add the sauce mixture and stir to bring everything together, do this over a low heat to avoid burning the sauce.

Once the sauce thickens and starts to caramelize, switch of the flame and add the remaining spring onions and toss everything together. Serve on a bed of long grain rice.

As it's Valentines I'm going to use my heart shape cookie cutter to shape my bed of rice ;-)

Our main will be a simply yet lip smackingly delicious dish of Herbed lamb chops accompanied by a mustard mash potato.

Ingredients - 

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1/4 Cup mined onion

1/2 Cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dried tarragon

1/4 Cup white wine

1 tsp Chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp Lemon juice

1 tsp Black pepper

2 Garlic cloves

4 Lamb chops

Method - 

In a large mixing bowl, blend the olive oil, red wine vinegar, white wine, lemon juice, garlic and onion. Season with tarragon, parsley and pepper. Place your lamb chops in the mixture and cover. Leave for a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge marinating. (Again this is another thing that can be prepared earlier in the day meaning you have maximum time together)

Then when your ready place your lamb chops under the grill under their lightly browned.

For my mustard mash I add in roughly 4tbsp of wholegrain mustard to achieve the taste that we both like.

And for dessert ( which of course is my favorite part and must contain chocolate!) Brownie bites with fresh cream!

Ingredients - 

• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 4 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons chocolate liqueur (optional)
• 1/3 cup cocoa nibs
• Cooking spray
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Method - 

Preheat over to 400

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar and cocoa into your mixing bowl stirring with a whisk.

Whisk egg whites until foamy in a separate bowl, add oil and continue stirring with a whisk. Add your egg white mixture into your flour mixture and continue whisking until moistened. Fold in chocolate drops.

Spoon your mixture evenly into muffin cups and bake for roughly 8 minutes, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

1. I tend to cook this after our mains as we like to eat them hot :D 

So there you have it my very easy to make and least time consuming Valentine's menu, can't you smell the love in the air!

And don't forget if you'd truly like to spoil your valentine this year you could always book one of the amazing mini breaks away with superbreak.com.

I love to cuddle up and read a good book!

There's nothing I love more then finding a new author and casually spending the next few days/weeks hiding behind the pages of a book.

I pick up books from everywhere I go and the slowly make their way around the family after I'm done, I recently went on a trip to my local charity shop on the hunt for some new books and found some by an author called J R Ward.

I'd never heard of her or her series of books but from reading the synopsis they seemed right up my street, so on a whim I bought the six books the Charity shop had. And boy am I glad I did I found myself in a world of Angels and Vampires in the aptly named series The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Their a completely new twist on the whole vampire myth, their both dark and compelling yet are filled with romance. They speak to every emotion and I found myself gasping and laughing and equally becoming angry on their behalf in some points!

The story-line is intelligent and is forward thinking, planting little tiny clues and tid bits that become obvious later.
Without giving too much away, the first in this series follows the story of Wrath and his love interest, Beth. Of course, love is never easy and then there's the lessening society, bent on killing the civilian vamps. The Brotherhood are not only stunning male examples, but they are also totally badass with a whole array of weapons.

What more can I say? I love it. With a fiery passion. Readers will NOT be disappointed. If you are, however, come see me, I'll change your view, 'cause this series is more than a gem, it's like finding the lost city of Atlantis and all its treasures!

In fact the only problem I have with this series is awaiting the latest release which isn't due until April the 1st! Patience is a skill I'm afraid I've yet to find! So what are you waiting for join me in my fantasy world :)

Handmade English Chesterfield Sofas & Chairs

Valentines Gifts in Unusual Places!

So I love to think I'm crafty and always have this amazing wild ideas of the beautiful thing that I'm going to create with my own fair hands to show Mr Angel that I love him.

And every year without fail I run out of time or it looks like one of the kids projects from school and I'm soon returning to the ole faithful of getting him something football related or daddy related which isn't really what Valentines about!

So when I saw this challenge from SportsDirect.com I thought what have I got to lose!
And I have to saw it's the first time I've been on a serious hunt around the site, I have purchased online with them before but every-time I've specifically gone straight to the item I need.

I'm shocked I've missed so much and there's me thinking I had a nose for a bargain!
So the challenge was to find five items I deem acceptable as Valentines for the amazing man in my life!

So a little about my Mr Angel:
* He loves Tottenham
* His a comfort guy and always goes for his trainers
* He always wears Jeans and has to have a belt!
* He looks good in a suit ;-)

So here's the results of my hunt!

I know that if my Mr was to receive all of these gifts and know they cost less then £100! (I know I'm in shock!) he would be over the moon and Mrs Angel would be off of washing up duty for at least a week! Now if that's not win win I don't know what is :) I know where I'll be heading Father's Day!

Adidas Derby Half Logo Mens Trainers - £20.00 he loves trainers and their top of his list for attempting to wear almost anywhere!!

Score Draw Tottenham Hotspur Away Shirt 1962 - £19.99 I love this shirt. I always attempt to get him a little something from his team and usually its so expensive so this is a total bargain.

Calvin Klein 2 Pack Boxer Mens - £19.99 I always buy underwear so it has to be on my list! I think he would genuinely miss them even though he complains and these are fab!

Giorgio Tailor Fit Suit Mens - £15.00 I know can you believe the price of this! It has to be on my list Richard doesn't have a suit that fits him nicely and how nice to go out for a meal with him looking so dasher for a change,

Nike England Core Polo Shirt Mens - £17.50 I know that Richard would love this as he loves polo shirts and of course it's England!

I'm dreaming of a perfect Christmas....

Merry Christmas! This post is my entry into the Tots100/Argos 12 Days of Christmas competition.

The perfect Christmas for me would still begin at an outrageously ungodly hour as its me that wakes the kids up jumping on their beds filled with glee!

I love Christmas its the only day of the year that my whole family get together as year by year we get bigger and bigger and our numbers swell. We all bundle together and of course the table isn't big enough nor are there enough chairs but we make do and get inventive, and of course these make shift chairs always go to the youngest. 
It makes me smile to look down the table and remember how many moons ago I would have been on one of those chairs.

My perfect Christmas isn't about gifts and bling or toys and things its about how many amazing people I have in my life and the influence they've had on mine and now my children's lives.
I would love a Christmas that has everyone I've ever loved there so that when I look around the Christmas table I don't spot the missing faces.

I'd love a Christmas filled with joy and to watch everyone opening their presents and see them smile when they realise that the tips and hints they've been dropping have been heard.

The perfect Christmas for me wouldn't have the stress of not being able to afford whatever is on the Christmas list, in fact I think in order to truly have the perfect Christmas you need to look at Christmas through the eyes of a child.

When I was a child everything seemed amazing each little gift I'd asked for was there wrapped nicely under the tree just for me. So that would be my wish for a perfect Christmas that I'd be able to no matter what make sure the magic of Christmas is felt by all.

My New Years Eve Style with #ShopStyleParty

This is my mood board of the outfit I would love to be rocking this New Years Eve!
It's been a long time since I've actually had a new years eve out but my number one mum has offered to babysit the angels this year.
So if your on the hunt for the ultimate party season outfit you have to check out ShopStyle.

This is my #ShopStyleParty Christmas/New Year Party outfit!

Harrods Leila Fur Trim Cape £1375 this is my lust after item it screams sophistication and as its been four years since I celebrated New Years I figured what better way to go then in style.

Alexander Wang High-rise Skinny Jeans £205 I decided to go with skinny jeans as I can not bear being cold and these would flatter my curvy figure.

Malene Birger Lancie Striped Silk Top £235 the perfect monochromatic accompaniment that not only looks fabulous but is sure to make me feel a million dollars too.

Lucy Pearl Drop Earrings £25.00 Simple yet elegant I feel their the perfect accompaniment to this outfit although I did differ over whether I should have been more bold!

Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch £1,175 I love this bag admittedly not much space to carry everything I need but I'm willing to sacrifice the better half's pockets in the name of love!

Rosie Perspex Studded Counter Printed Heels £15.00 I save the shoes till last I'm a little addicted to shoes and these are shoe perfection and a bargain at that price I'll have two pairs please!

So the overall look I'm trying to achieve is a mix of high street and high end store that presents its self as a well put together, sophisticated, yet fun loving mummy on the town.

Ladies Shopstyle is the place to be if you as indecisive as myself, I literally had so many tabs open so I could flick back and forth. And lets face it that's got to be an improvement on rushing from store to store and then going back to the first outfit we tried on, we all do it.

The Little Stuff 'Big Night In Challange'

The Little Stuff 'Big Night In Challange'

When I read about the little stuff big night in challenge in conjunction with Two Little Fleas I jumped at the chance to imagine having an amazing night with the better half and my family without having to leave the house!

No drama of who to leave the angels with no taking the kids out with us and making sure we're back at a reasonable time to ensure we don't disturb their routine!

Imagine being able to hold your perfect evening all in the comfort of your own home.

Well that's exactly what I did....read on to see where my imagination leads to...

There's nothing I like more then dinning alfresco but in the UK we very rarely have the opportunity and lets face it even when it seems like its going to be a beautiful evening there's very little warning when it's going to change to welly weather! So we have a gazebo that we put up whenever I get it in mind to take it outside and yes in true Mummy Angel style this idea arrived after the rain did. Never let it be said I make the same mistake more then two or three times :D

We'd have our own chef and waiter for the evening so everybody could have the evening off! No cooking or having to sit through Daddy Angels burnt BBQ offerings for us! The time will be spent talking about good times and laughing as it should be spent while in the company of those you love.

And when the dinning has finished and we're all thoroughly stuffed it's on to the game section of the evening, we're all hugely competitive and can even turn bingo into a competitive sport lol

There would have to of course be awards given out to all the winners and maybe a trophy to the worst losers of the evening for their epic failure! Which despite mine and Daddy angels huge effort would probably go to us!

There would be a huge 50inch television for Xbox Kinect and Just Dance not to mention bowling which always turns into war, there's always something isn't there with the wii it was hitting someone with the remote which was of course their fault now its standing in the zone of the kinetic lol I told you were competitive!

You see for me an evening in wouldn't be an evening in without being surrounded by those I love laughing at the silliness of us all, in fact there's nothing I love more then sitting back and watching those I love enjoying themselves unhindered and relaxing so that for me would be an amazing Big Night In worth having.

Family where life begins and love never ends.

Thanks for letting my imagination run wild Little Stuff and of course Two Little Fleas.