OUT ON THE LAKE...

Due to ridiculous amounts of work, I have barely had a free moment recently to sit down and write a decent blog post - sorry! To make up for it, here are a few snaps from a recent day out by the lake... :)

 

AUTUMN APPLE & RAISIN LOAF

 

After having worked pretty much constantly for the past few weeks (hence the lack of posts), I have finally had a day off, which I have spent chilling out at home and attempting to do a bit of baking. The weather here in the UK is already getting pretty chilly, giving me the perfect excuse for excessive amounts of tea and cake!

This autumn apple and raisin loaf was really an experiment, and after a few tweaks, I think I have come up with a very simple recipe to share with you:

1. Grease a large loaf tin. Preheat the oven to around 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Cream together 6oz of butter and 6oz sugar until smooth, then add 2 large eggs and beat in.

3. Gently fold in 6oz of self-raising flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

4. Add a generous handful of raisins. Peel a cooking apple, and grate it in. Fold the mixture again to combine the ingredients.

5. Spoon mixture into the loaf tin, and bake for around 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and well-risen.

If you try it out, please let me know how it goes! :)

LOOKING BACK ON SUMMER 2013

Although summer may have been and gone, I just wanted to share a few more of my favourite pictures from the past few months... 



Let's hope that the next few months are full of fun too! If you have any requests or ideas for posts, don't hesitate to ask me in the comments. Also, please follow me by email to be told as soon as I upload. :)

AUTUMN'S HERE...

September has arrived, and the weather where I am has already turned considerably chillier... which is the perfect excuse to pile on the cosy jumpers, and spend evenings soaking in a hot bath or wrapping up with a cup of tea - why not?!

These are a few things that (for me) make a perfect evening. If you're not familiar with it, 'oh comely' is a really gorgeous magazine which is filled with all sorts of quirky interviews and articles, making it so inspiring to read. It also often features upcoming and edgy artists and musicians, as well as recipes and make-your-own projects. I would definitely suggest going out and picking up a copy as soon as possible, especially if you haven't tried it before.
The nail varnish is Barry M Gelly in 'Dragonfruit', and is currently my favourite colour. The final shade is a warm pink, and the smooth, glossy finish means that it lasts really well (and you can't have a night in without a bit of pampering!).
My other must-haves for a cold night in are good music (I'm loving Paramore at the moment), plenty of chocolate, a DVD, and of course a hot water bottle. And NOTHING beats getting cosy and watching 'Friends' for hours on end... ;)


Disclaimer: All products have been chosen and paid for by me - I have not been paid to endorse any products or brands.

BIRCHBOX: AUGUST 2013

For those of you who are not already familiar with the concept, Birchbox is one of many companies who provide a fantastic subscription beauty service. For a small amount each month, you will receive a gorgeous box containing a selection of beauty samples and products from luxurious or exciting new brands, which is tailored to suit your tastes and needs.
I only recently heard of this concept, and was naturally intrigued. I picked Birchbox purely because I liked the design and had heard good things about them, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Here are a couple of snaps of what arrived at my house:

As well as a cute box (and bag inside) and a mini magazine, I received seven products and samples including a gorgeous lip crayon and a bag of popcorn! I am yet to try them all out, but I will hopefully post some product reviews in the future.
I just can't believe how cute these boxes are, and I will definitely be getting more in the future.


Disclaimer: I have no connection to Birchbox or any other brand, I simply bought the box for myself, enjoyed it, and was keen to share my opinions.