I Wrote a book | Book of Elsa

Eves' Secrets is a short novel that I have written: it's only available on amazon kindle here for the bargain price of £0.99 or free if you have kindle unlimited!
Have a fantastic weekend!

BOE

Christmas Haul | Book of Elsa

Cake Cake Cake | Book of Elsa

Book Review | Victim Without a Face - Stefan Ahnhem

Rapid Ragu | Book of Elsa

What's for dinner, is the never ending question we all face. Everyday. Even for someone like me who adores cooking. 

This ragu is my savior on those days when the thought alone of what to eat the end of a hellish work day can make me screech, the original recipe comes courtesy of Nigella Lawson and can be found here. I however, have tweaked it a bit with ingredients from my own store cupboard and preferences.

Anyway I digress, enjoy.

Book of Elsa

We Are Family | Michael J Burt

we are family, 

although we do not resemble

although I am black and you are white

although you are rich and I am poor

we are family, 

even though I am democrat, and you are republican

even though your ancestors are from Iraq, and mine are from Africa

even though you teach the class I'm enrolled in

we are family, 

although I'm a poet and you are a singer

although you are old and I am young

although I'm a gentleman and you a lady

we are family, 

even though you praise Allah and I praise Jesus Christ

even though I love football and you play soccer

even though you are a Sagittarius and I'm a Cancer

we are family, 

although I prefer rhythm and blues and you love blue grass

even though you have a car and I have a bus…to ride

although I have love and you are alone

even though you dress one way, and I dress the other

although my family loves me and yours does not know of you

we are family, 

you and I are family, 

me and you are family, 

no matter what the difference is

family we are, forever

because we are here, and here is earth

and earth is our home

so here, we will live, 

we are family. 

We Are Family

Michael J. Burt

Haul | Book of Elsa

 Finally used the gift card from my birthday! Went a tad LUSH crazy. On the other hand this dress from Oasis is sublime and a steal at £15!

XO,

Tinsel Skater Dress | Oasis £15 

Tinsel Skater Dress (back) | Oasis £15

American Cream Hair Conditioner | Lush £9.95

Tagliatelle alla Carbonara | Book of Elsa

This is a true week day stand by for me. The quantities suggested here offer a load of leftovers but that's a great thing if only stop the "what am I going to eat later" debate. 

XO

Book of Elsa 

Welcome to September | Book of Elsa

Ushering us all into the new season I bought a few things to hold on to the summer for as long as possible. 

3/4 lengths Pilates leggings from Elle Sport - £16.99 

The Aromatherapy Co. Soy scented candle in Wild Rose & Vetiver - £7.99

The Aromatherapy Co. Diffuser in Sweet Lime & Mandarin - £4.99

Rice Crispy Treats | Book of Elsa

Book Review | The Ten (Food) Commandments - Jay Rayner

First things first: this is not a recipe book. It contains recipes sure and good ones at that, but they are not the raison d'être of this book. They are, like snacks to nibble on whilst you ingest the true message of the written word. That word is worship. At the altar of PIG and other foodstuff... 

If like me you love food, then this is definitely a read for you. Funny, smart and current Rayner does something with words I had only previously experienced with Nigella Lawson: he makes me want to eat. To eat very well indeed.

Thank you

Book of Elsa

PS: it's available here

Aubergine Dip | Book of Elsa

This recipe came my way in the middle of the night courtesy of Nigella Lawson, Feast (2004) I've fiddled with it a little. By which I mean, taken out stuff I didn't like or have in the cupboards at the time of cooking. 

The dip itself is fantastic with bread, carrot sticks and any other crudités you might like. I don't judge. Enjoy 

xo

Cuba Vlog | Book of Elsa

Holiday Essentials | Book of Elsa

First and foremost, a book. If like me you believe in entertaining yourself then a great read (or two) is the way to go; Magazines are acceptable too... If you must.

   

Sun cream and insect repellent are vital = your older self will be full of thanks and the mosquitoes won't take you for an all you can eat buffet. On the same note don't forget to apply the latter at night especially if you're going somewhere tropical.

  

Tablet/Phone: Be sure to download a few games that don't require internet to play.

OBVIOUSLY.

DUH....

Home Video - Book of Elsa

Chocolate | Book of Elsa

Alright you fantastic people of the internet here is a recipe to change the way you feel about chocolate! Please excuse my enthusiasm for the subject matter but take it from someone who on a regular day doesn't even LIKE chocolate...

This Sauce is to die! I was eating churros with it :-) whilst seriously considering taking a bath of this stuff so here is the recipe such as it is

Book of Elsa

Ingredients

50g dark chocolate

50g milk chocolate

100ml double cream

Method

Chop the chocolate and put it in a sauce pan, add the double cream and cook slowly until the chocolate has melted. 

Take off the heat, stir, swoon and eat/drink :-) x 

Food for Thought - Book of Elsa

Food is much more than just fuel; we use it to celebrate all major life events. Sharing a table laden with delicious things is our way of showing how much we care about the people in our lives. Be it by baking cupcakes for a boyfriend or making your sisters' engagement party cake. Not only that but we also use food as a way of caring for those less able than ourselves such as the elderly and infants.

Therefore, with this in mind when I'm told to stop talking/writing about food all the time I know that I can never stop. It is much too important to all of us. Indeed much depends on dinner; in my opinion food and the preparation of food either alone or in a group is the most basic way of showing we care.

Happy Eating :)

Book Of Elsa

xo

Crave | Book of Elsa

Crave

I crave a love so deep the ocean would be jealous

I crave to miss his touch during our embrace 

My heart longs to feel every little thing books narrate about

I crave a love so far reaching that it scares me 

All consuming like a blazing fire in the pit of my belly 

Not enough to stop

His eyes hungry for my lips and all else I possess

My body aches for love like I've never known 

Book of Elsa