My Love Is Like To Ice, And I To Fire - Edmund Spenser

My love is like to ice, and I to fire:

How comes it then that this her cold so great

Is not dissolved through my so hot desire, 

But harder grows the more I her entreat?

Or how comes it that my exceeding heat

Is not allayed by her heart-frozen cold,

But that I burn much more in boiling sweat,

And feel my flames augmented manifold?

What more miraculous thing may be told, 

That fire, which all things melts, should harden ice,

And ice, which is congeal's with senseless cold,

Should kindle fire by wonderful device?

Such is the power of love in gentle mind,

That it can alter all the course of kind.

Why Christmas Is The Worst Time Of Year - Book of Elsa

Why Christmas Is The Worst Time Of Year 

This time of year is hard for me, I don't like Christmas. It only means one thing: spending long periods of time in an enclosed space with Family.

I love my family, I do. Honest. But I've realised after 24 years that I don't like them very much when we are all together. They start to grate at me, my mother constant criticisms, my father asking what am I doing with my life. I don't know is still the answer by the way. And my sisters, well they know how to push my buttons in ways that come 10 pm Christmas Eve all I want for Christmas is to go HOME. sod the presents. 

I would like to add that this is not the familys' fault. The problem lies with me. I've come to realise that I am not a people person and try as I might all other people do is rub me up the wrong way (after awhile).

It wasn't all bad though: watching my nephews open their presents on Christmas morning was pure joy. For that and other small nuggets of happiness dished out throughout the Christmas period and because my mother will never forgive if I don't attend I shall try again next year which I'm told is the spirit of the holidays.

Book of Elsa  

xoxo

My Favourite Brownie Recipe - Book Of Elsa

My Favourite Brownie Recipe 

Made brownies to take over to my mums' on Christmas Eve and this is my favourite recipe. Ever.

By the way you can find the actual recipe here.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

XO

Prayer - Book Of Elsa

Felling a fraction of the lost 148 souls departed too soon;

I sat crying as pictures came on the screen of shot up and exploded class rooms. 

Men with automatic weapons went into a school, same as the one I attended (and I suspect you attended) and opened fire.

The pain in parents eyes as they now get to bury their children touches close to my own heart. 

I pray that no one need ever feel such loss again, 

I pray The Lord to invite into Heaven 148 souls tonight; because that is all that I can do for them now. 

Please, Please let us be kinder with each other for enough blood has been spilled.

Book Of Elsa 

Making Of: Our First Batch "Oh Naturel" THE BODY BUTTER

Hello everyone! This is our 100th post here at Book Of Elsa and it's a special one...

Very exciting week here because my sister and I made the very first batch of our products ready to sale online (coming soon!). Of course I videoed it all :) hope you like.

Have a great Sunday,

Book Of Elsa 

xo

THE Most Delicious Hot Chocolate of all time - Book of Elsa

THE Most Delicious Hot Chocolate of all time - Book of Elsa

The name says it all, trust me anyone can make this!

Book of Elsa

Mini Marshmallows because they look darn cute but you're free to use whatever you like or to leave them out altogether (but really now is not the time to be healthy)

Squirty Cream needs no explanation but again leave out if you're crazy like that. 

Full fat milk of course :) if you're on a health kick or diet: eat a salad. This is not for you.

Cocoa mix: any mix is lovely but mine is from here

Christmas in Chester - Book of Elsa

Christmas in Chester

In order to change my attitudes towards this holiday, I've decided to embrace it all. From mulled wine to seasonal markets and twinkle lights... think I threw up a little in my mouth then; Nevertheless undeterred I'm Keeping Calm and Carrying On.

Book of Elsa  

Christmas - Gift Guide for under £15

Christmas - Gift Guide for under £15

The end of November can only mean one thing, CHRISTMAS is here!

This time of year can be seriously expensive so I thought why not give you guys a run down of the best deals I could find; Bear in mind shops have the advantage over the internet in some aspects as with buying clothes for example. 

Also please don't be conned into the whole bigger is better 'thing' that is Christmas, I've come to believe the best presents not only need to cost the earth but are THE best because thought has been placed. 

So have a think about who you're buying/crafting for: what do they like? What do they need? Are they likely to use the phone sleeve you're about to spend £20 on etc...

Goodluck!

Book Of Elsa 

xox

At just £10 this trio of body butter, scrub and body wash can be gifted in a twine basket with some pretty tissue paper lining or individually as stocking filler. Link.

Insomnia - Maya Angelou

Insomnia

There are some nights when

sleep plays coy,

aloof and disdainful.

And all the wiles

that I employ to win

its service to my side

are useless as wounded pride,

and much more painful.

Sunday Afternoon - 23/11/2014

Sunday Afternoon - 23/11/2014

Love watching my baby bro on Sundays afternoon in the freezing cold... No, really I do. Made this video just for him (and the rest of the team) as they did such a great job. Go UPTON!

Book of Elsa

xo 

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives - LOLA SHONEYIN

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by LOLA SHONEYIN

I'm going to keep this brief. I'm entranced. MUST READ NOW!

Elsa

xo

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Picture below is basically how I spend my Sundays in the dead of autumn/winter...

How do you spend yours??

Elsa

xo

Untitled - Book Of Elsa

Untitled

I am not finished... an incomplete poster child.

Untitled work of art or is it work of war?

Drew a line in the sand, the monster followed my soul 

Ran and ran woke up screaming the monster by my bed

All my twisted thoughts and cannot bring myself to say it

I love this monster, really I do. He's mine.

I've grown with him so go get your own

I try to battle, but fight is futile he's won. Always and Forever.

One of us must die; I fear it'll be him.

Then he'll know peace and I'll be all alone

So here I am on this early morn trying to decide

Am I an act of war or a work of art?

Book of Elsa

CANDLES - BOOK OF ELSA

BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH THESE BEAUTIES FOR A WHILE; YOU SHOULD SEE THE STATE OF MY KITCHEN!! 

LABELS HAVEN'T COME YET BUT I GET SOOOO EXCITED WHEN I MAKE SOMETHING FOR #OHNATUREL CANNOT WAIT TO POST ABOUT IT.

WEBSITE WILL BE LIVE VERY SOON!! MORE BATCHES TO MAKE FIRST BODY CREAMS TOMORROW. KITCHEN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. 

XXO

Autumn Inspirations

Autumn Inspirations

Literally dying for all things autumn! This time of year is a fave

Here are some of the things on my fall #wishlist

Candles, Candles and more Candles

This coat from ZARA is awesome, it gives me so much Kardashian chic in a good way. Perfect for my body shape and it's ridiculously soft. The colour goes with every  I own... mostly black and white stuff but if ever I introduce colour to my wardrobe (as if) I'll make it work too.

Books!!!

Themed Jumpers.... Gotta love it guys #dontjudgeme

and of course Pumpkins, I mean look how cute these are.....

 

Babysitting Weekend - Book of Elsa

Babysitting Weekend - Book of ElsaI adore my nephews but, and I'm speaking for experience here looking after them is a mission...

Caramel Croissant Pudding - Nigella Lawson

Caramel Croissant Pudding - Nigella Lawson. 

Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson is one of my favourite books for a number of reasons:

Not only was it the first cookbook I ever bought, I've tried almost all the recipes and love them all. However, the lust I hold for this one is beyond measure and I thought I would share in pictures... how I make it. 

Hopefully Nigella won't mind. You can find this recipe right here.

My Easy Steps To Moving Home

My Easy Steps To Moving Home 

This was going to be a a quick and easy guide to moving home, but as I realised during my own moving process; these things take a lot of planning. Here we go:

1. Make a list of people/companies you need to inform about the move.
2. In order of priority start sending letters or calling depending on the person/company. Bear in mind the council doesn't mind being told up to 3 weeks in advance but the gas and electric company has to be day off (apologies).
3.  If you're planning on taking your TV package i.e. broadband and supplier with you to your new home then you need to let them know in advance as to avoid disrupting your connection as much as possible. also this may be a good time to shop around for a better deal on phone line rental/TV package/broadband. Mind you I realise this will probably be a busy time so don't feel like you have to do everything at once.
4.  PACK!!!!! PACK!!!!!! PACK!!!!! I cannot emphasise this point enough. We all have more stuff (or crap in my case) than we think we do. A little bit everyday the week of your move will save a lot stress on the day. 

Change - Book Of Elsa

CHANGE

Change is a cruel mistress
I yearned for her to take me
Mould into me
Sandblasted into acute definition she
Chiselled at me until I wasn't me
New and different and complicated I became
Better? no.
No man is an island. They say.
A genius alone may as well be an idiot. They say
I wanted to change and I did.
Am I a better person for it, I hear you ask
I have hope but
I'll let you know when I'm done. 

BOOK OF ELSA

Random July Favourites - Goof!!!

Hope you like :-) xxo

The Rose That Grew From Concrete - Tupac Shakur

The Rose That Grew From Concrete 

Did you hear about the rose that grew

from a crack in the concrete? 

Proving nature's law is wrong it 

learned to walk with out having feet. 

Funny it seems, but by keeping it's dreams, 

it learned to breathe fresh air. 

Long live the rose that grew from concrete

when no one else ever cared.

Tupac Shakur

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep - Mary Elizabeth Frye 1905-2004

       Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep 

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

 Mary Elizabeth Frye 

My Life Changing Cookies are HERE!!!!!!

HOPE YOU LIKE THEM AS MUCH AS I DO :-) XOXO

Primark Haul - Video

Welcome,

 Book of Elsa! 

Spent least amount of money I could :-)

Enjoy xxo

Beach - Book of Elsa

Beach.

Warm sand under sore feet

Wind blowing the cobwebs off a tired face

Waves crash landing on a welcoming shore

All consuming so vast and deep

My ocean is scary; my ocean is beautiful

Floating and at peace water on the mind and in 

The bones

Being dragged back to shore, kicking and screaming

Book of Elsa

Top 5: June 2014 Beauty and Book favourites!!!

Had a lot of fun making this video :-)

xxo

Art - Book of Elsa

I hate my art; it owns me.

It's more than what I do... It has become who I am.

Writing is my curse, I love it with all I have

It's in my soul, it's my lover, my friend. 

Words are the best I have, the best 

in me. My art brings me more joy than man...

Feelings are confusing they mingle in ones' heart 

stewing and brewing. Making  nonsense.

Words are clear. perfect. Direct. 

They say what they mean and mean what they say.

They can swaddle in eternal warmth and cut deep. Deep in truth.

I hate my art; It owns me.

It is ALL (say it!) that I am.

Book of Elsa. 

WRITER. 

Ship - Carol Ann Duffy

SHIP 

In the end,

it was nothing more

than the toy boat of a boy

on the local park’s lake,

where I walked with you.

But I knelt down

to watch it arrive,

its white sail shy

with amber light,

the late sun

bronzing the wave

that lifted it up,

my ship coming in

with its cargo of joy.

Carol Ann Duffy

My Week in Moving Pictures, Sunday 29 June 2014

Hi, welcome to Book of Elsa

This week has gone by so quickly it seemed only natural to make a video instead of the usual picture post. Hope you like! :)

xo

Pork Burger Video

Welcome to Book of Elsa,

The response when I posted pics of this meal on Instagram has been insane!! So without further ado, here is the video of how I made it! Enjoy! 
Watch  here.

XO

Week In Pictures - Very Late

May/June Beauty Favourites

Hi! Welcome to Book of Elsa,

Video does what is says on the tin 

Enjoy! xo

HOW I MISS YOU - Book Of Elsa

HOW I MISS YOU  

by Book of Elsa

I miss the smiles you never had

I miss the clothes you never wore

I miss all the time we would have spent

Playing. Fighting. Loving.

I miss you little boy, like the piece of my heart I never knew I had.

Most of ALL,

I miss the life you didn't have, 

Wondering what kind of man you'd grow to become.

Endless possibilities that weren't to be 

Keep me awake in the dead of night.

Oh How I Miss You... Just like that. 

Sunday, 8th June 2014

ONE ART by ELIZABETH BISHOP

One Art

BY ELIZABETH BISHOP

The art of losing isn’t hard to master;

so many things seem filled with the intent

to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster

of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.

The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:

places, and names, and where it was you meant

to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or

next-to-last, of three loved houses went.

The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,

some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.

I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.

—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture

I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident

the art of losing’s not too hard to master

though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

Luxor - Egypt (Top 5 Tips)

Morning Guys! Welcome to Book of Elsa :)

Here are my top tips for travelling to Luxor, Egypt:

1. Bring loads of light layers, so that you can mix and match and layer on cool nights. Also bring a large scarf/shawl to cover shoulders in temples/mosque.
2. Bring a large sun hat!! Goes without saying but...
3. Whilst on excursion take 10 Egyptian Pounds to make tipping easier, the bus driver/guide/servers... it all adds up. Take my word for it.
4. Keep aftersun cream in the fridge for extra coolness following a day in the (very) hot sun.
5. If the one thing you miss from home is tea, might want to bring your own tea bags... Just had water.

PS: don't forget to hydrate. I recommend small quantities regularly!!

Bread - The Staff of Life

Welcome, to Book of Elsa!
For those who visit my site often carbohydrates are a common sight. The truth is, I love them (too much some might say) in all forms... BREAD being very high on the list.
This is NOT my first attempt at baking bread from scratch; this is NOT my 10th attempt either. I can honestly write that I've wasted tonnes of flour trying to achieve the perfect staff of life and that I kept failing. Badly. All I ever had to show for my efforts were badly shaped, flour covered rocks with the texture of sawdust.
Until this recipe here by Paul Hollywood. Anyone, can make this. I promise.
Elsa, XXO

Sunday, 1st June 2014

Welcome back to my blog! Here is this week edition of Week In Pictures, 

Enjoy....

XXO

Maya Angelou 1928-2014

A great woman died today. A poet and author, she's inspired me to be the best I can be by leading the way...  Her life was precious, unique and full I believe the World has gained an angel; May her words inspire you too.

Egypt - Luxor

Hello! Welcome back to the Book of Elsa!
I've been a very busy worker bee getting my Egypt video ready for you guys and I hope you like it.
I would totally recommend doing the cruise thing in Luxor because I got to see loads of temples/palaces/tombs including the Valley of the Kings which had always been a dream.
So here goes.......
XO

PRIMARK HAUL

WELCOME BACK!
HOLIDAY SHOPPING IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS....
XO

Feliz Cinco de Mayo - Pina Colada

Welcome back!
Cinco de Mayo has been and gone, it is a favourite holiday of mine because it generally means I can indulge in Tequila. This year however, I felt like a change and went for the rum route. Coconut Rum to be exact (my love for all things coco is legendary).
Here is the recipe for my Pina Colada:

Sunday, 4th May 2014

Random Pictures Collage - Elsa

Welcome back!

I've got a LOT of random photos on my laptop. Thought I'd put some in a video. Enjoy!

XO

Katy B - Drunk In Love / Vulnerable (Cover)

Don't think there's a version of this song I won't love by default.

What do you think?

xo

Grace of Monaco Trailer

Welcome back,

Grace Kelly was an incredible woman, seriously excited about this film

xo

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night - Dylan Thomas

Welcome to my Blog!!

2014 marks the centenary of Dylan Thomas’ birth; to celebrate the life and times of Swansea’s most famous son, I began reading some of his works. The one below is a favourite of mine because I believe it's a warning to live life to its fullest. That even if you're going down not to make it easy on yourself 'That Good Night' signifies death to me. Keep Fighting.
What do you think this poem is about??
Elsa xo

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Sunday, 27th April 2014

UNTITLED

Asked myself why I never got a tattoo to remember my brother.

Honestly, I don't need it. I'll never forget him or what happened to him;
I could never write anything about his Life -and death- on my skin or anywhere else.
Not because of its insignificance in my life but simply because: there are No Words.
No words to truly do justice to my feelings on the subject.
To quote an old proverb:
A man wrote a poem on set in stone about LOSS,
Days later he scratched it out.
Loss cannot be described through scriptures.
It has to be endured.

Like love, loss isn't one feeling. It is a mixture of them all;
A wave of pain and emptiness that no amount of writing will ever fill.

Easter BBQ

Hi, Welcome back to my Blog
Easter Sunday was family day round ours; I made 'red' rice, BBQ chicken and sausages and a small carrot salad.
Enjoy the video,
XO

Sunday, 20th April 2014

Happy Easter Sunday everyone!

Back by popular demand here is my Week In Pictures:

Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil - A Fab Life video

Welcome back to my Blog!
I love everything coconut related. I love eating it, drinking it (both milk and cream), cooking with it, applying it to my hair; Making DIYs stuff for my hair and skin care as regulars visiting my Blog will know...
So, I thought I'd share a video made by one of my favourite Youtubers: A Fab Life showing the benefits and uses of coconut oil, better than I ever could.
Enjoy,
XXO

The Likes of Us - Elsa

Aspirations were not meant for the likes of us
We cannot afford to pay its price
Private schools, elite universities
Legalised gangs and clubs: entry by credit card only.
£20,000 minimum.
This not so simple five letter word brings with it
Problems the likes of us cannot comprehend.
It means seeing beyond the special confines of our lives
Time has taught the likes of us our destiny is to be nothing
Below everyone else only good enough to serve
The likes of us should never read. Why, reading is the same as
Being glued to front of a warm bread filled bakery with an empty stomach
And equally empty pockets.
The likes of us accept our fate not because we want to;
The likes of us accept our fate because once we do we can feel much better.
The likes of us have our dreams stuck in the back of our throats claggy and sticky
Corrupted by fate, circumstance and experience.
Till they are no more than annoying distractions.
The likes of us, like the rest you just want to be happy.

Best Hair Mask In The World

Hi, welcome back to my blog!
I've been playing around with different hair masks for a few weeks now; changing the protein content egg, banana, avocado or a combination. Various oils, binding agents to make a better texture for application to different hair types. This next 'recipe' is in my opinion THE BEST HAIR MASK IN THE WORLD. Hope you like it. Happy Hair Day!! You scroll down to the very short video...

PS: Technically the mixture is edible, but please do not eat it. Taste Vile.

Today Is The Day

TODAY IS THE DAY I GO EASY ON MYSELF
TODAY IS THE DAY I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY I'M WORTH IT
TODAY IS THE DAY I  STOP FIGHTING AND START LIVING
TODAY IS THE DAY MY OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS
TODAY IS THE DAY I HELP PEOPLE, EVEN ONLY A LITTLE
TODAY IS THE DAY I STOP BEING SCARED
TODAY IS THE DAY LIFE CAN DO ITS' WORSE
TODAY IS THE DAY I SAY BRING IT ON
TODAY IS THE DAY.

First Day at Work - Truth

Got lost going to work this morning, my first day.
Got to a roundabout no idea where to go, thinking I'm going to lose this job before I even start.
Fighting back tears I called my recruitment agent and he drove me there (ashamed is the word)
Hope I haven't ruined everything

Book Review - Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Hi and Welcome back to my blog,
Recently finished reading Bitten by Kelley Armstrong, here's my review.
Its a first book in a series about supernatural beings such as werewolves, focuses on a female werewolf called Elena who is trying to escape 'pack' life. Very easy read, but won't change your life.
XXO