Saturday, 31 March 2012

Our Little Black Book - Jimbobart

Now and again whilst perusing the pages of Etsy you can find a real gem and today I am going to share with you a real treasure which is James Ward's shop - Jimbobart - the drawer of things on things.

Jimbobart sells a range of ceramics that are fun and centred around animals either protecting, stealing, eating or asking politely for your food. All items are hand drawn by James himself.

James studied Illustration at Westminster University in London where he developed a love of working in pen and ink. He has experimented with a range of mediums in illustration, but it was only after a visit to Sweden, inspired by the huge range of natural history surface design on furnishings and homewares, that he began experimenting with ceramics. James creates a new character every couple of weeks, and loves receiving feedback for his new designs.

And here at I Am Into This we adore all of his creations! Every single plate and cup has really brought a smile to our faces. Jimbobart is ace if you are looking for something unique, cool and quirky.

Next time you have a dinner party, wouldn't it be fab to serve some food from one of these 14 inch oval servers? 

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And is their anything more entertaining than one of these 7.5 inch side plates? We doubt it. Here's just some of our favourite ones:

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Yes, there are quite a few of the plates which we love and there are plenty more amazing designs over at Jimbobart.

Also, there are these stacker cups which come in two different sizes, espresso or coffee. And we love the first set below; we think the expression on the bear's face is hilarious. Nothing better than waking up in morning to have a coffee with a p*ssed off looking bear.

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But then we are quite partial to a bit of Mr Fox looking so dapper too….

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There are many more items and other designs which James has created which are all worthy of a look so head over to Jimbobart to admire his brilliant work.


Teresa x

Friday, 30 March 2012

Friday Food Lust - Hummingbird Bakery's Key Lime Pie

The Hummingbird Key Lime Pie
With the weather so glorious this week (I've just jinxed it now, I know I have - apologies!), it's got me thinking of delicious, summery desserts. I'm thinking citrusy, fruity, light and airy puddings which are perfect for making your mouth water on a sunny day.

I first made the Hummingbird Bakery Key Lime Pie for one of my best friends, who happens to have a serious addiction to Waitrose Key Lime Pie. Anyway, I was amazed at the results - it's simple to make, tastes absolutely divine (said friend reckons it was one of the best things he's ever eaten - beats Waitrose hands down!) and, as baking goes, it's relatively cheap too.

Anyway, the filling is deliciously sharp and zingy - brilliant when combined with the buttery biscuit base. If you want something a little lighter, leave off the whipped cream topping. But if you're anything like me, decadence is the way to go...and why not?

So, if you're looking for a dish to impress for a summer BBQ, here we go...

Enjoy,

Sam x

Ingredients:


For the filling and topping:
8 egg yolks
2 x 397g tins of condensed milk
Freshly squeezed juice and zest of 5 limes
450ml whipped cream (optional)

For the base:
500g Digestive biscuits
200g unsalted butter, melted.

One 23cm pie dish, greased

Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. To make your biscuit base, roughly break up the Digestives with your hands (or a rolling pin, if you want a little bit more therapy!), then pop them into the food processor. Blitz until they are finely ground crumbs.

2) Place the biscuit dust into a rage mixing bowl, then add the melted butter and stir together until combined. Press this mixture into the base of the pie dish, then neatly up the sides. Use a spoon to flatten and compress.

3) Bake the biscuit base in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until deep golden and firm. Set aside and leave to cool completely.

4) Turn the oven down to 150 degrees. Place the egg yolks, condensed milk and lime juice in a mixing bowl, then whisk until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This is my favourite bit as it smells absolutely delicious - like summer in a bowl! You want the liquid to thicken naturally as you go along.

5) Pour the limey liquid over the ready-cooled biscuit base, then bake for 20-30 minutes. When it's cooked, the filling will be firm to the touch, but ever-so-slightly soft in the centre (without being wobbly!).  Leave to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight if possible.

6) When you're ready to serve the pie, whip the cream with a handheld whisk until soft peaks form. Spread over the pie and decorate with sprinklings of lime zest.


Friday's High Street Hitlist

So, another week has flown by - and, oh, what a gorgeous week it's been! Whenever the sunshine comes out (well, actually, whatever the weather) I always want to go shopping to top up my summer wardrobe.

If I wasn't pregnant, I would DEFINITELY be buying the Oasis pineapple-print skirt, the polka camp to wear under my blazers, the Zara appliqué shirt, fringed jacket and the ASOS midi dress. Well, maybe everything...

Enjoy this week's picks!

Sam x



Zara


I am in love with this fringed suede jacket - to me, it screams 'Kate Moss at a festival.' The only problem is, it's suede...and I am clumsy. The two don't mix all that well.

Fringed suede jacket, £149
Emerald green skinny trousers, £25.99
Sleeveless silk shirt with appliqué collar, £39.99

Floral dress, £49.99
Studded ankle sandal, £39.99


Topshop

The colour yellow makes me very, very happy indeed! I was always told that blondes shouldn't wear yellow, yet I've always been drawn to it. And, in fact, when I wear the colour (usually a bright, in-your-face shade, or a mustard - never lemon) I always receive compliments. I think it's because it makes people smile! So, get set to make the world happy with this gorgeous blazer...
Sherbet lemon blazer, £65

Heart print trousers, £38
Mint green polka dot cami, £25
Spike bangle, £12.50


Oasis


For me, Oasis are having a bit of a moment. The store is packed full of retro-style prints, 50s floral dresses and gorgeous full-circle skirts. They're great for fellow curvy girls wanting to show off that waist, and for any Mad Men fans! My favourite of all is this pineapple skirt. I LOVE the print!

Pineapple full circle skirt, £55

Dahlia maxi dress, £70
Warehouse
I love these pretty lilac cropped trousers - I think the stripe detailing along the side is fab! Better still, I -think- Warehouse has a 25% off offer with Grazia right now. Ready, set, GO!

Side stripe trousers, £35

ASOS


ASOS is usually my first stop for holiday finds because they have some fantastic prints which won't blow the bank. I also love that you can view all of the items on a catwalk before you buy - it's a great way of seeing how the material and outfits fall! I especially love this stripe midi dress (oh, the pockets! The rope detailing!)...

Stripe midi dress with pockets, £35
ASOS Silk Wrap necklace, £8
Contrast buckle clutch, £18
Vero Moda palm print skirt, £24

River Island

Last summer, I loved pretty much every item in River Island - I crammed my wardrobe with their Betty Draper-esque midi dresses. This year, however, I'm finding it a little disappointing. I still love these hi-tops, though...perfect for working the sports luxe trend!
Navy hi-tops, £30

Green faced watch, £25
Kurt Geiger

I'm always ready for a bit of shoe lust...and these gorgeous heels really make me drool! I love the caged detailing on them. Perfect for adding a fierce edge to cropped trousers!

Hue heels, £150

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Spring DIY - A Daffodil in a Teacup




For some reason unbeknown to me, I have always been drawn to vintage teacups and saucers. I have all sorts stacked away in my kitchen - there's the beautiful 1920s set which my great-grandma brought home from her travels in Europe, there's my random Alice in Wonderland collection and then there's the assortment of others.

I've often mulled over what to do with these teacups, until it suddenly occurred to me - why not use them as cute, eclectic flowerpots come spring?

Now, since Daffodils are my favourite, favourite flowers (I'm such a cheap date!), I've gone a bit Daff crazy and planted lots of miniature ones (I -think- they're called Narcissus, right?) in the teacups. I love them because they remind me of sunshine and chocolate eggs and bouncing, cute fluffy lambs. Pretty much anything brings a smile to my face when it's that vivid shade of yellow.

Anyway, I thought I'd share with you some pictures of my now-planted Daffs. They're a fab DIY project to do because, let's face it, not even I could have messed this one up (save for me spilling soil everywhere which, of course, I did). Plus, it only cost me 97p for three bulbs!

They have really brightened up my dining room table and make me smile every time I walk past. Does anyone have any ideas for the rest of my teacups?!

Sam x




Platforms and Wedges - The Summer Shoe

Platforms, flatforms and wedges seem to be everywhere at the moment and I thought it would be an excellent idea to devote a whole post to the height enhancers!

Now, Samantha is a lucky lady because she can wear skyscraper heels, you should see her Louboutin collection, and still be able to take elegant steps whereas I do a rather ungraceful walk (think Whoopi Goldberg in Ghost); therefore I have to consider this fact when choosing a new pair of heels.

Like many girls I like to feel tall and love to lengthen my legs with some ankle breakers, but I prefer the platform or wedge type shoe because I have more stability in them. So, today I have put together some of the best platforms, flatforms and wedges there are currently on the high street. However, I have omitted some because quite frankly they were ridiculously high and you would suffer altitude sickness when wearing them!

I hope you find a pair you like. I quite like the Off-White Wedges from Zara for £29.99, and I am very impressed with the Mary Portas for Clarks designs!


Teresa xx


KURT GEIGER
Vintage America Heavy Metal Black leather shoes  £120
Vintage America Heavy Metal Brown leather shoes £120
Vintage America Heavy Metal Blue leather shoes  £120
Orange Nine West platform shoe  £110






TOPSHOP
Topshop Platforms & Wedges
Whamm Espadrille Leather Wedges £65
Wynna Pony Skin Wood wedges £55
Shilo Strap Raffia Platforms £65
Pendulum Cross Strap Platforms £90
Pink Platinum Sporty Platform Shoes £90
Gold Walton Bleach Wood Wedges £50


TOPSHOP Wedges & Platforms
Grey WhizzKid Clean Wedges  £45
Wynna Pony Skin Wood Wedges  £55
Lisbon Buckle Wood Heel Sandals  £68
Soda Ankle Strap Wedges in Yellow  £72
Pendulum Cross Strap Platforms   £90
Cut Out Flatforms by Unique  £110



RIVER ISLAND
River Island Platforms & Wedges
Coral Colour Block Peep Toe Wedges  £50
Pink Buckle Sandals  £60
Bright Orange Wedges  £65
Black Wedge Sandal  £65
Cream Block Heel Sandals £60
White Animal Print Wedge Sandals  £40


HOUSE OF FRASER


House Of Fraser Platforms & Wedges


Mary Portas & Clarks La Amelie Beige  £89.99
Mary Portas & Clarks La Amelie Lilac  £89.99
Mary Portas & Clarks La Amelie Yellow  £89.99
Guess H Pizana B Block Heel Slingback Sandals  £95
Oasis 70s Cream Wicker Wedge  £55
Hobbs Hampstead Beige Wedge  £129

House Of Fraser


Hobbs Hampstead Wooden Wedge £129
Head Over Heels Buckle Wood Wedge £55
Bertie Wood Wedge Grey High Sandals £85
Nine West Memento Orange Wedges £105
Carvela Kinder Orange Wedges £85
Carvela Kit Wedges £85







STEVE MADDEN AT HOUSE OF FRASER




Steve Madden shoes

Steve Madden Colour Block Wedge Sandals  £80



ZARA
Zara platforms & wedges

Zara platforms & wedges


Black T-Bar Wedge  £29.99
Red T-Bar Wedge  £29.99
Black Wedge with Buckle  £39.99
Multi-Coloured Combined Wedge  £39.99
Wooden Wedge Shoe  £39.99

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Brides - Step Away from the French Manicure

Hands up who had a french manicure for their wedding day? Because Samantha and myself both did and we really regret it.

Back in 2010, we both bowed to the pressures of keeping everything 'traditional' on our wedding days instead of being ourselves. Silly isn't it? And do you know what makes it even more ridiculous? Neither of us have ever had a french manicure before or since!

So, with this in mind we want to encourage any other brides-to-be out there who are considering not going down the french manicure route to please stick to your guns. Have whatever colour you want!

I have put together some other options for you ladies depending on how extravagant you want to go. Well, when I say extravagant, I mean daring for your wedding day but totally normal for everyday living.



Pastels Nails
Soft peach, pretty pink or dreamy lilac? 


Mac nail polish
Love Mac - an earthy tone or a fresh pink?


Grey Nail Polish
There's nothing dull about this grey.


Dare to be Different?

Dare to be Different - Go Bold and Beautiful


If I was getting married this year I would be very tempted to wear either a battleship grey or a snazzy fuchsia pink.

So, anyone out there brave enough to go against the grain of neutral bridal nail colours and go for a shocking pink or a flamingo coral? I do hope so.

Teresa x




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