Summer has arrived. It is hot, humid and very sticky. The poinsettias are in bloom. The bees are about. Cold drinks and afternoon swims are needed.

I decided to mix up a salt scrub. I use cooking salt, Epsom salts and a wee bit of rock salt. Mix it all up to a paste with your favourite massage oil or body wash. Rinse off and admire how smooth your skin has become!

The salt crystals are super pretty. Be careful though, it tends to get everywhere!

I decided to combine my two favourite vegetables and accidentally created the WORLDS TASTIEST SALAD. Finely sliced fennel and radishes with spinach, a dash of apple cider vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Freakin’ delish.

I’ve been painting my nails bright colours. Summer does that to you I guess.

With all these internet sales happening, I’ve been contemplating buying a new handbag. Like six isn’t enough?

Sometimes a gal needs to treat herself to a candlelit bath.

Or macadamia encrusted dark chocolate from Lief.

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Assorted sweet treats this week: pretty postcards, Garden Spells, sunning myself like a lizard on thge warm concrete next to the pool, rediscovering old musical favourites, wearing the tiniest amount of perfume possible, The Hamster Wheel, making an effort at having a conversation with new people (instead of being terminally shy), fitting everything in my handbag, blue cheese, cuddles and sleeping in.

• Grey Librarian Skirt
• White Ruffle Blouse & black ribbon
• Black Cardigan
• Black Schoolboy Socks
• Mary Jane Shoes
• Big-White-Bow Headband
• Peter Rabbit Book Bag

My Noggin!

• Notes: This bow reminds me of Blair Waldorf, but I think it’s sometimes more reminiscent of Dolores Umbridge when I wear it! I had a few errands to run at my local bank & at the supermarket so off I trundled with my trusty umbrella only to be drenched within minutes! Tres dépassé! My umbrella was so tiny it left me with soggy socks, squishy shoes & a damp skirt. So to avoid the same mistake on the way back I caught a business-class taxi home. (how naughty!)

When I arrived home I was in need of some warmth, so I whipped up a little treat – delicious hot chocolate – Bella style! Here’s the recipe for all you chocoholics.

Bella’s Hot Chocolate

Put 250ml (1cup) full cream milk, 125ml (1/2 cup) pure pouring cream, 45ml Frangelico Liqueur & 50g chocolate pieces into a small saucepan over a low to medium heat. Stir gently with a whisk until hot. If you like, you can whisk it up till its frothy and full of bubbles. Have a warmed coffee or chocolate pot ready and waiting. You want your hot chocolate to be between 65-70 degrees Celsius. Any hotter and the sugars in the chocolate & milk will burn (& perhaps your tongue!). Makes enough for one big mug or several small cups. Enough to share, or spoil just yourself. (you devil you!)

I had my hot chocolate with some miniature angel cakes & then I stretched out on the couch & had a nap – delicious! How do you enjoy your hot chocolate?

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