Forms, forms, forms...

Right now my life seems to revolve around filling in form after form after form! I'm busy applying both for a Masters course and jobs, and it is all one long application form. It's one of those boring things in life that noone enjoys doing, but who knows it could lead somewhere amazing! I must admit, sometimes I do get a little tired of filling in every qualification I ever achieved (although I'm definitely still proud I managed that A* in GCSE Welsh!) and it often seems a little never-ending. Nonetheless, I keep reminding myself that it'll all be worth it.

Since my house is so chilly I've taken to working wrapped up in my duvet and have busted out the lovely woolly socks little sis bought me last Christmas. Although I sure do wish my room wasn't quite so icy, there's something quite nice about being all cosied up with a big mug of tea. 

Where there's tea, there's hope
(credit)

I don't mind the cold weather too much, or even a light dusting of snow - as long as the trains are running I'm a happy bunny! A low point last year was heading home for Christmas and spending 3 hours stuck in Birmingham New Street because of the snow. I don't think I've ever been so relieved to get home!

I know everyone is already super excited about Christmas, but I'm one of those people that refuse to consider any present-buying, decorating, turkey-stuffing, etc. etc. until 1st December. My favourite part is definitely the music and I've got some good stuff lined up for a listen - I have been recommend 'A Very She & Him Christmas' and I can't wait to get stuck in! I'm sure I'll blog something ridiculously Christmassy when the time is here, but for now though I'm staying shtum. 

Hope you're as cosy as me!

Sarah x

Recipe: Cajun Chicken with Pineapple Rice

My friends threw a little 'Come Dine With Me'-style party the other evening and we all had to take a dish. Now I am not the niftiest in the kitchen, but had a crack at it and this was the dish I made! I must admit I was pretty pleased with it, as it's tasty and actually quite healthy (although the mountains of yummy pudding after certainly weren't!). The only thing this bad boy doesn't win any points for is looks - I actually won 'Least Aesthetically Pleasing'! But anyway I though I'd share the recipe:

Cajun Chicken with Pineapple Rice – serves 4

Ingredients

·         Olive oil

·         1 red pepper

·         1 small tin of sweetcorn

·         2 tbsp Cajun spice mix

·         250g long grain rice

·         1 chicken stock cube

·         1 small tin pineapple chunks in natural juice

·         Chicken (standard pack)

Recipe

1.      Heat oil in pan and fry diced pepper, sweetcorn and half of spice mix

2.      Mix up stock cube in 700ml of boiling water, then add this and rice to pan.

3.      Bring to the boil, gently stir in and then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

4.      Meanwhile, cut chicken into chunks and rub in the remaining spice mix.

5.      Heat oil in a separate pan and fry chicken.

6.      Gently stir in pineapple chunks and juice into rice and allow to simmer for a further 3-4 minutes.

7.      Add chicken and serve.

8.      Enjoy!

It's also great cold if you fancy taking the leftovers for lunch the next day!

Sarah x

No. 17 Ruby Gem Nail Varnish

Another pretty quick fix from No. 17's Fast Finish collection. I am LOVING all things berry-coloured this autumn and Ruby Gem is a gorgeous addition! Like all the Fast Finish nail varnishes, this doesn't really last that long (no more than 2 days chip-free), but I always feel a little bit glam when I have painted nails (even when they are my little stubby ones)!

Ruby Gem - a lovely berry colour!

I've definitely been guilty of buying waaay into the berry trend at the moment - nail varnish, a cardigan and 2 dresses already!

Hope you're enjoying the autumn sunshine!

Sarah x

Back with a Veg-ance

Don't think that title really worked did it? Never mind, sorry I've been off the radar for a while, things have been so busy! But here I am once again.

I HAD to share my Innocent Veg Pot experience! I am not a vegetable lover at the best of times, and really struggle to try and get my five a day in. Recently I've been making a big effort to try and eat properly, as I know I'll always feel so much better when I've had plenty of fruit and veggies. One of my problems is that I find just plain old veg so boring (and broccoli is just plain horrible), so when I spotted this little pot reduced  in my local shop, I couldn't wait to try it!

Delicious!

I had the whole pot for dinner and it was delicious! I'm not a huge fan of spice, but it was perfect and although there were no noodles/rice etc., it was still really filling. For people like me who don't drool over healthy stuff, this is the perfect solution. I must admit, they're not cheap so I would only buy them reduced, but if that's your bag then I thoroughly recommend!

Well done to the lovely Innocent people :)

Sarah x