Weekly Top Five

Gi’s weekly TOP FIVE…      

Saturday 11th September 2010

Strictly Come Dancing 2010!! – I must be honest, I’ve never watched a full series before…however my very good friend Kara Tointon is going to be on the show. Ahhhh!! I’m so excited for her, I think it’s going to be an amazing experience for her! You can show your support and follow her on twitter – www.twitter.com/ktointon


 Apple Soup! –  We have an Apple Tree in our garden and my neighbour always winds me up and tells our other neighbours of all the lovely apple-based foods that I’ve been making – my speciality being Apple Soup…. I’ve only ever made ONE Apple Pie. So to continue our little game I took him over a nice Apple Soup. He turned up the next day having drawn spots all over his face to make it look like I’d poisoned him – cracked me up with laughter!!

Here is the recipe (Very simple really)

 Ingredients

2               tbsp olive oil

2               Bramley apples, peeled, cored and sliced

2cm knob of ginger, peeled and grated

1 onion, chopped

 4 potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

1.5 litres vegetable stock

salt, and freshly ground black pepper

 

To serve:

crème fraîche, or cream

croutons

cubes of marinated feta cheese, (from a jar)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and lightly cook the apples, ginger, onion and potatoes until they are softened, but not browned.

2. Add the stock and bring to the simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are completely cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Pour into a liquidiser and blend until smooth.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

5. Serve in bowls with a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of cream, croutons or for something a little different, some cubes of marinated feta cheese.


www.bookcrossing.com – I love the sound of this!

1. You choose a book that you wish to give away - maybe one you’d love to share with others or one you didn’t particularly like.

2. “Register” the book on Book Crossing and they’ll give you a BCID code.

3. Write the code on the book with a message explaining what Book Crossing is about.

4. When you’re ready to leave it somewhere, “Release” the book.  

5. Watch as your book travels around the world!

“If you love books, then let them go” - I don’t know about you, but I am a MASSIVE hoarder of books. I like to save them all, perhaps I’m subconsciously planning on opening my own library one day! 

However I love the idea of this website. LEAVE a book that you’ve enjoyed somewhere and watch it be passed from reader to reader across the globe. Magical!! 

If you’re brave enough to release one of your much loved books, go to the site and let me know how it goes!! 

Cabdury’s Spot v Stripes - Cadburys are the “Official Treats provider” for the 2010 Olympic games. To celebrate this they are encouraging us all to go back to our childlike ways of thinking and remember how much fun playing can be. Spots v Stripes can be played ANYWHERE and using ANYTHING. Any game counts, from an intimate game of nought’s and crosses to a massive football match - just pick your team and play to win! If you go to their website you’ll see very funny pictures of loads of people in purple suits up and down the country kicking the whole thing off. There’s massive games of “Simon Says”, egg throwing and paper plane flying - Plus sooooo much more!

If you’re with a bunch of friends just split yourself into two teams (Spots or Stripes), get your imaginations flowing and let the games begin! Find out more at www.spotsvstripes.com.

I’m gonna try my luck and beat Tom at some games around the house!! ENJOY!!!

 

Topshop Makeup – This week I used their brilliant red nail- varnish from their core range. It was so light and easy to apply. No second coat needed or anything. It was actually the first time I had people commenting and admiring my nails… lovely!

    

Friday 3rd September 2010

Tatty Devine – Brilliant and fun jewellery that I always feel good wearing. I ALWAYS get comments on whichever piece I wear. I’d describe the jewellery as little piece’s of art!www.tattydevine.com 


My Last Duchess by Daisy Goodwin - Easily one of my favourite books this year. Get taken into another world! Read my review here -http://giovannafalcone.com/post/1033729063/my-last-duchess-by-daisy-goodwin-i-recently

Love – Usually known for being a concession in Topshop, but you can now buy pieces from their own website. I love the dresses on there. Nice and summery, and not ridiculously priced. There’s something for everyone!! In fact, the Nicky print Pini that I wore a couple of weekends ago is just £15! Go to  www.inlovewithfashion.com and get yours!


Bioré –Friday’s “Photo of the Day” was of me using the Facial Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. Hilarious and silly – I looked beeeautiful! They literally pluck the dirt from your pores. Yes, I know, yuck yuck yuck – but it blooming works! I’ve gotta say, I’m liking it!! http://www.biore.co.uk


Party Girl by Mcfly – It would be wrong to miss this out! The new single from the guys is out on Sunday. Who is staying up till midnight on Saturday to download it? We all are!