Twinkle Toes

Even Frank came over to check them out

It may be a little late in the year to be giving summer tips but I am so impressed that I had to share.  Maybe file this one away until Spring or take note now if you are lucky enough to be chasing some late summer sun.  I know at least one stylish lady is reading this all the way from Sydney where the summer is just getting started so this is perfect timing for her at least.

My toes have been pedicure perfect this summer thanks to Zoe at Soda Beauty & Blow Dry Bar.  In what is fast becoming a summer tradition she "Minxed" my toenails and I have only just taken them off a massive eight weeks after they were expertly applied.  That is almost two months of not having to worry about chipped polish or whether the colour matched my outfit.  

Last summer I went for the ghetto fabulous metallic leopard print but I chose a more neutral silver for 2011; both looked amazing.  They lasted brilliantly despite getting smashed by the Southern California waves, baked by the Nevada sun and squished into shoes for most of this so-called British summer. 

So next year, when you are beginning to fret about getting that body beach ready, you know you don't have to worry about your toes.  Just one Minx pedicure and you're good to get those sandals out for a couple of months.  

Briefly Brighton

I popped to Brighton for a quick day trip yesterday.  As you do.  I had intended on writing a long post about all that I ate and saw there.  Unfortunately most of the photos I took were on my iPhone which was rather rudely stolen out of my handbag last night.  Not in Brighton I might add.

I have the privileged role of being Maid of Honour for my dear friend Kimmy when she marries the love of her life in March.  I am so touched that she asked me to be such a big part of her wedding and am in the process of planning the perfect hen weekend.  I jumped at the chance to go bridesmaid dress shopping yesterday, knowing that I would get a chance to catch up with my long-distance friend and I might even get a chance to browse the famous lanes.

The few hours I spent in Brighton were filled with exploring the amazing Snoopers Paradise; a real vintage treasure trove, eating frozen yoghurt and avoiding dive-bombing seagulls on the pier.  I am so disappointed that I have lost the photos but I guess it means I will have to plan another visit soon.

Popcorn & Pies

I was first introduced to the joys of Joe & Seph’s amazing Gourmet Popcorn by Katy of The Feel-good Foodbook on our way to see The Killers at Hyde Park earlier this summer.  She had recently discovered them at Taste of London and had brought along the few remaining kernals of the Smooth Caramel, Coconut & Cinnamon variety.  I was hooked.

I have been regularly perusing their website ever since struggling to decide which of the unusual but intriguing flavours to order.  After weeks of indecision I realised I needed to try it for myself and found the perfect opportunity when I won tickets to Oxford’s Foodies Festival.

The popcorn was even better than their tasting notes could describe and their popcorn enthusiasts were happy to let us try as many flavours as we wanted.  I finally decided on four pouches of the wonderful golden puffs and I’m not planning on sharing any of them!

I chose Smooth Caramel, Coconut & Cinnamon; as I knew after that first taste on the M3 that I needed more, Caramel Macchiato & Whisky, the perfect after dinner treat, a savoury Goats Cheese & Black Pepper and the brand new Toffee Apple.  

Popcorn booty

I was also lucky enough to try the, as yet unreleased, Mince Pie flavour which I have been assured will available in time for winter.  I’ll be putting it on my Christmas list for sure.

Although clearly my favourite stall at the festival, and the crowds around it would imply that many would agree, Joe & Seph’s was not the only food I fell for.  

A motto to live by

I tried a warm Heidi pie from Pieminister, a tasty mix of goats cheese, sweet potato and spinach inside a perfect for one pastry case.  I will definitely be choosing these as a feel-good go to in the cold months ahead.  

I was tempted by the American-style baked delights of Outsider Tart.  The peanut butter Monster Cookies were an obvious draw but I was also intrigued by the Shoofly Whoopie Pies.  I had to pass on the sweet treats seeing as I had a bag full of popcorn and a stomach full of pie.  I heard that the pumpkin pie was pretty special but I just can’t bring myself to eat Autumn flavours yet.

Huge thanks to Joe & Seph's for the tickets.  I'll be placing an order just as soon as I finish demolishing these pouches.