Wednesday Diary

My super-busy week was last week so I’m now just trying to keep my head down and upload posts so I can take a bit of time off. I’ll be blogging infrequently over Christmas week, but will be checking in so do leave your comments because I’ll still read them. I’ll also be on Instagram and on Twitter for anything pressing.

Traveling To: Frankfurt. I was out in Frankfurt for most of Tuesday and Wednesday with Cosnova who produce Essence Cosmetics, Catrice and new brand, L.O.V. The latter is one to look out for because it looks like Marc Jacobs without the hefty price tag – but not available in the UK yet. It was a brand workshop so a very intense, busy creative brainstorming session and I saw absolutely nothing of Frankfurt apart from the Audi showroom which happened to be opposite our hotel! But I absolutely loved the creative work – when brands really listen it’s so energising and one of the very clear learnings of the day was that other countries value their bloggers much more highly than the UK does. I was also introduced to Fritz Kola – literally the only non-Coke cola that tastes exactly like Coka Cola. I’m a convert.

Watching: I really haven’t had a lot of time for TV (but obviously didn’t miss the Strictly final or Sports Personality of the Year – essential pre-Christmas viewing), but picked up on a documentary called The Council on iPlayer. If anything is going to make you appreciate your local council more, it’s this. It’s such an eye-opener – budget cuts, challenging people, difficult circumstances and desperate measures all contribute to making me realise exactly how much local authorities do given the restrictions they have.

Buying: Actually, I haven’t bought anything this week (yet) but notice that some of my favourite brands have gone into sale early so I’m flagging the sites just in case you can be bothered. Me & Em (above) up to 50% HERE .

Kate Spade HERE up to 50%.

Up to 50% HERE.

If you can bear to cast your mind ahead to sandals, Fitflop has up to 60% off with some epic bargains.. above, the slides are reduced from £70 to £29 HERE.

Cooking: Red Cabbage! This isn’t my picture because I forgot to take one, but this recipe was given to me by a friend years ago so it’s in old money and I made a big batch at the weekend. It’s absolutely delicious – my daughter and I love it; Mr BBB and my son hate it, but if anything can convert you to red cabbage, it’s this. 2lb red cabbage, 1lb chopped onion, 1lb cooking apples peeled and chopped into slices, 1 garlic clove, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground clove, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of wine vinegar, ½ oz butter. Chop everything, put the spices and the sugar in a bowl together then layer cabbage, onion, apple, spices and repeat. Put dots of butter on the top layer, chuck in the vinegar and cook in the oven in a casserole dish for 2.5 to 3 hours at 150.  It comes out sweet, spicy and a deep velvety purple.

Seeing: Jack Whitehall. I’m lucky to live near a venue that often has comedians trialling their material for upcoming tours. This year, I’ve seen Jimmy Carr, Russell Kane and now Jack Whitehall who managed to be funny, charming and endearing the whole way through with sharp observation and self-deprication. He’s the voice of Asda, cue many jokes about not being able to find the dauphinoise potatoes.

Finding: Actually, I tell a lie about shopping – I picked up these Nutella packs in Duty Free for my children who STILL have stockings! They’re available on Amazon HERE for £19.99 (they were less in DF) so if you have Amazon Prime you’re still in time.

Burning: Space NK Candle £16 (HERE), because it’s time! This is surprisingly generous in throw and the perfect mix of cinamon spice and citrus. You have until 2pm today to get this ordered to guarantee Christmas delivery. The link is the small candle – it looks like the larger candle has sold out.