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?!

Chocolate Crackle-Tops

‘Nom Nom Nom’

That says it all.

Again I used my 500 fabulous cakes and bakes recipe book for these treats. I love the way these chocolate cakes look, the way they crack on top - very artistic but very easy to do.  I used a simple woven basket and a small piece of material to present these. I love the old-fashioned feeling this type of presentation gives - and I assume it makes them look tastier, as they disappeared pretty quick. And not in the bin if that’s what your thinking (:

Kisses,

Jade

(In the oven covered in icing sugar)

(Sieving the cocoa powder and flour)

(The ingredients)

Roasted Tomato and Bacon Risotto

After having a very lazy day, I decided to actually put some effort into something and made risotto for dinner. It’s a recipe loosely based on one I found on the internet, but I've changed the quantities and added a few extra ingredients.

It’s a really easy recipe to cook. To start with fry some bacon and onions and melt some butter. This all goes in together (I use a wok to cook it in). Then add the risotto and fry it until it’s slightly translucent. Next add a glass of wine, and then gradually the chicken stock. The packets say to use 450ml of stock but I always end up using double this. Meanwhile, roast some tomatoes (cover with oil/salt/pepper to prep) in the oven. Once all the stock is soaked up, add the secret ingredients… a few spoonfuls of mascarpone cheese and some chopped basil. Add the roasted tomatoes on top and you’re done.

A simple, easy, and very yummy meal.

Kisses,

Jade

(The roasted tomatoes)

(Adding the mascarpone cheese and the basil)

Gucci may have the answer...

So, it would seem that Gucci have found some smart ways to mix brights and warms this season. Deep purple and bright orange compliment each other with the addition of a monotone grey (a new solution to camel, perhaps?) Have to say, I'm pleased to see the additions of fur and pussy bows throughout the collection - some of my favourite winter pieces from last year.


Watch this space for more catwalk picks...


Charlotte