Lemon Bars

I have to confess to something. Until I baked these I didn't really know what a lemon bar actually was. Yes, they were obviously made with lemons (!), but I was expecting something more like mini lemon drizzle cakes. As I was following the recipe I was getting increasingly confused as to what I was doing, but I persisted with it, and they actually turned out pretty well. I now know lemon bars are similar to lemon meringue pie, with a soft biscuity base and a creamy, mushy, very tasty lemon topping. They were good, but I think in future when I bake something I'm unsure of I will research a bit more into the recipe before I attempt it. As for lemon bars, I will definitely be attempting them again soon.

Kisses,

Jade

Double Chocolate Brownies

I made my best-ever batch of brownies around a year ago. They were risen at the edges, and damp and squishy in the middle, to the point of being fragile to handle. The recipe was taken from 'Blissful Brownies' published by Marks & Spencer, and it was entitled 'Sticky Brownies', which really did not do them justice.

These brownies were not those.

These, taken from the same book, were a batch of 'Double Chocolate Brownies', made with a few compromises dependent on what was lying around in my store cupboard, and without the chocolate sauce included in the recipe. I also used chopped chocolate chunks (or, as Nigella Lawson aptly describes them, chocolate 'morsels') as I find they give a more interesting texture than simple chocolate chips. They were pleasant, but not a patch on the others! I really think golden syrup is needed to make the ultimate brownie.

Anyway, making brownies is always an indulgent experience for all the senses, so I thought I would photograph the stages and get your mouths watering.

Enjoy,

Charlotte

Mixing the wet and dry ingredients...

... folding in the chocolate 'morsels'...

... and ready to bake!

Pre-Season A/W '11 Edit 2

I love winter. Big coats + chunky scarfs are my favourite combination. Its not that I want summer to end, but all the pre-season talk/photographs in magazines has got me lusting after winter clothing already. Here's my top five pieces from the pre-season A/W '11 collections (mainly the ones i can afford!).



Miss Selfridge

Fur has always been a big thing in fashion, and it looks like its back again this year (see Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Gucci for but a few examples) . Of course I'd only ever wear faux fur, and this Miss-Selfridge coat is the perfect example. So glamorous, yet warm and practical for a cold winters day. I love the vintage look of fur coats; they look high fashion whether teamed with a gorgeous dress or a simple knitted jumper. Throw this coat on and your ready, and always looking great!

  

Next

I have wanted a chunky, tribal patterned scarf for a long time and it looks like this season I'm going to get my wish. This scarf from Next is just right. The pattern is subtle yet still striking and the monotone colours will go with anything.

 

Miss Selfridge

This jumper links in with my previous piece, another nod to the patterned tribal trend. I love chunky knitted jumpers (well, to be honest, i love anything which is chunky and knitted) and the bright colours and pattern makes this the first chunky jumper - of many - that I'm going to buy this winter.



Next

 This outfit as a whole stood out to me, the orange knitted jumper (another one, I know!) is very versatile, it could more worn on a chilly summers evening, or a cold autumn day. The midi skirt is still very much in style this A/W and this tweed number gives a gorgeous heritage look.




Maxmara Pianoforte

Dresses are my go-to item for any season, and while flicking through a recent issue of Grazia magazine i caught sight of this wonder. Isn't it just beautiful?


Kisses,

Jade

Going bananas!

My mum has always been a banana bread master, and being the baking lover that I am, I thought it was about time that I attempted it myself! This one was taken from Tiffany Goodall's 'From Pasta to Pancakes: The Ultimate Student Cookbook'.


I'm unsure if my use of extra banana, or my swapping of caster sugar for light brown sugar was responsible, but the middle of the loaf was squidgy and borderline unbaked. I kept on baking but eventually gave up to avoid the risk of burning. That said, my housemate loved its texture and couldn't keep his hands off it!


Banana bread is a great way to use up spotty bananas, makes for a filling (and marginally guilt-free) snack, and this one as you can see produced enough mixture for extra muffins.


Charlotte

Who wears the trousers?

I find that my high-waisted trousers make every top look a million times better. The tapered shape is fun, yet has sartorial chicness that makes me feel sophisticated, and looks especially smart with heels.

Charlotte

Kimono: O&O at Urban Outfitters; Collar: Accessorize; Trousers: Topshop; Shoes: Primark.

After much lusting and months of searching high and low for the perfect polka dot trousers, I finally found THE pair. Effortless and comfortable yet a statement – they work equally well with a crop top or a simple jumper. The high waist creates a flattering silhouette which compliments any figure.  I love them.

Jade

Trousers: H & M, Crop Top: River Island, Belt: Dorothy Perkins, Shoes: New look

Pre-Season Edit 1

Here's my top five wish list items for the coming season... that is, if you don't buy them first!


Enjoy,


Charlotte

Mango

As we’ve seen from Gucci’s collection, pussy bows are still big news and this blouse caught my eye in Mango at Convent Garden recently. Still, it’s a timeless piece that I will no doubt yearn for until I eventually give in and buy it anyway.

Topshop

Novelty knits are big news for A/W 11 and this is my current favourite of Topshop’s selection. Revolutionarily fresh? Perhaps not, but the ice cream pink and simple white collar somehow stood out to me. Definitely buying this one.

Skirt, Boutique by Jaeger at ASOS

This cute red Jaeger number could be a staple for your autumn wardrobe. It’s festive, and the high waist and luxe material make it perfect for both casual and smart occasions. Crimson is going to be big. Team with navy or bottle green.

Warehouse

I spotted this Warehouse piece on a wedding guest recently and it looked absolutely stunning; certainly worth more than its high street price tag. I have a weakness for monotone black-and-white combinations, especially in vertical blocks – something about it just screams ‘high fashion’. Plus this one, with its red obi-style belt, has a nod to the oriental trend of the summer; still, it will no doubt last many a season and is worth keeping in your wardrobe.

Miss Selfridge

I have a penchant for blue and gold; it’s a combination that reminds me of faraway lands, of exoticism and yet regal heritage at the same time. Teamed with a pair of shorts and heels, you couldn’t go wrong on a night out with this one.

Cosy and luxe... the new shoe

£35, ASOS

Just when we thought the only exciting things about footwear this coming season were a tassel and a square toe, in swoops the only feature of this month's ASOS magazine to really catch my eye... 'The Slipper'.

They are the epitome of winter luxe - studs, velvet, suede, regal crests, vintage prints - and all the with the necessary comfort factor required in chilly weather. Practical for puddles? Perhaps not, but who can resist indulging in a pair anyway? Our feet are bored!

Topshop have a few drool-worthy pairs. Miss Selfridge and Urban Outfitters seem yet to catch on, but I'll be waiting with baited breath...

Charlotte

£50, Topshop

£35, ASOS

PS. - How 80's are these?!