Lavender Biscuits

Here's my recipe for wonderful lavender biscuits, perfect to go with desserts or as a unique snack!

 

Ingredients

Makes: 24 Biscuits - less with a large cutter

• 170g Plain Flour
• 110g Butter
• 56g Caster Sugar
• 2tsp Fresh lavender flowers
• 10g Icing sugar to dust

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Preparation method

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Extra time: 30 mins, resting

1.

In a mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

2.

Sprinkle the lavender flowers in to the bowl and add the flour.

3.

Mix to a soft dough then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

4.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 18/24 biscuits.

5.

Put the biscuits on a baking tray and cook for 10/12 minutes until browned.

6.

Remove the cooked biscuits from the oven and allow to cool a little on the baking tray before transferring to a cooling rack.

The Dark Knight

Now I admit, I have never been a fan of batman, but recently I was dragged along by my friends to see the newest batman film. To my complete surprise I loved the it, long gone are the tongue in cheek moments from previous films and to add to my enjoyment was Bruce Wayne actor Christian Bale.

The British born actor was handsome and buff (what more can a girl ask for?) My enthusiasm has led me to watch 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight Rises' and they haven't disappointed.

So, Christian Bale has a new fan and she's ready to watch some more of his films. I'll keep you updated!

Good enough to eat

'Punky Allsorts' has caught my eye recently, launching its new clothing range via ambassador Binky Felstead. Their quirky and bright jewellery designs are perfect for summer (and any occasion for that matter). Ideal for gifts - lookout friends that's all you'll be getting for the next five years.

Affordable yet individual, the key to great style.  

http://www.punkyallsorts.com/index.php?cmd=resetall

Tellison

Really liking this bands sound at the moment, something a bit different that captivates you. (Especially liking Edith Wharton) Check them out people!

http://www.tellison.co.uk/

Inspiration

Realised I haven't posted in a long time, so what better time to restart (properly this time) on blogging. I just had to share this amazing artist with someone, truly incredible! Hope you enjoy Pedro Campos' work...

http://www.zillamag.com/art/hyperrealistic-paintings-by-pedro-campos/

Ear Cuffs

I realise I have written alot about jewellery recently, but bear in mind the right jewellery can complete an outfit! As I wrote before ear cuffs are becoming very popular so below is the on I purchased and the link form where I bought it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DOUBLE-CLIP-EAR-CUFF-HELIX-CBR-BCR-EARRING-BEADS-SURGICAL-STEEL-/310379923239?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_CostumeJewellery_CA&hash=item484415c727

Yes, I did buy it from ebay. However, there are some really interesting and unique pieces on this online retailer AND at fractions of the price that the high street are selling them for. We all love a bargain! Below are a few of the more interesting designs. (I especially like the skeleton's fingers)

Punk Jewellery

Ear cuffs, chains, ear tunnels, spikes, skulls and symbols. They are all around in the spring jewellery collections. Topshop are setting the leather and spike pathway to which other high street retailers are following.
I teem my punk jewellery with soft pastels and denim (this season's trends) but it can be worn with virtually anything to give a kick to an outfit. Here's some of topshop's best but have a look for yourselves:
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?pageSize=200&catalogId=33057&viewAllFlag=false&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&beginIndex=1&categoryId=208556&storeId=12556&parent_categoryId=204484

Skull ring (available in pastels)
£10.00

Barbed wire ring
£5.00

Arm cuff
£12.50

 


Patterned spik ear tunnel
£7.50

Hearts a Mess

Gotye. Another one of my absolute favourite artists - and for the record I found him before he became big.

'Somebody that I used to know' has shot high up into the charts, with many people calling it 'the re-awakening of real music'. The song provoke deep emotion from Kimbra's and Gotye voice, the music video is compelling to watch and its one of those songs you can't help bursting in to song with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY

'Hearts a mess' is beautiful. Listen to it now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpN1j8R5lZ8&feature=relmfu

BEWARE: The songs grow on you until you become addicted to them.

Check out his other songs and albums aswell.

To keep away the vampires

Cross jewellery is bang on trend right now, I have purchased apar of earings from River Island - costing only £3.00 (see below). I really like them as I think it adds an edge to lots of outfits.

It may be mainstream, but it still looks good.

Adding some more posts about this punky new jewellery soon. xoxo

Scarf Print

I  really love my silk scarf, so I am overjoyed that this spring scarf print has come into many high street stores. Topshop and H&M are modelling the trend well but River Island are taking the lead in my opinion. Here are a few of my favourite examples from RI:





If you're feeling bold leggings, trousers or dresses (which I am a fan of) in the scarf print are an eye-catching style. However, I like to team my scarf print top with a leather jacket and leggings.

Lemon time

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4942/lemon-drizzle-cake

Here is a recipe for a scrumptious lemon drizzle cake. Lemon cake is always something I neglect to bake, so this was a refreshing change (especially good if you want to try something new).
My two tips are:
1. Definitely make sure the cake has completely cooled before taking it out of the tin - as I couln't wait and ended up getting the drizzle everywhere.
2. It really will take over 45 minutes to cook thoroughly (check with a clean knife) so leave it in the oven for the specified time.

Happy Baking!

Pre Raphaelite Love

Currently doing my art project on 'Myths and Legends' I have begun to research the Pre-Raphelites. Their elgance in painting has really astounded me and with my research the stories behind each painting are mesmorising.
 A few of my favourite examples:

Sons & Lovers

This is one of my absolute favourite songs, its not available for download on iTunes yet as the band is still relatively small. I first heard the song on Made in Chelsea and haven't stopped listening since.

Fingers crossed it will be out to buy soon. Have a little listen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1omoMxCLSd0

Macaroons are the new cupcake

http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/multicoloured-macaroons

Above is the recipe from which I made my macaroons. I found the trick with them is not in the baking, ( as anything with almonds in always tastse delicious is my opinion ) it's getting them symmetrical.

First time I made them they tasted lovely ( which is why I urge you all to have a go) but looked messy. Second attempt, I was reasonably happy with my almost circular macaroons. Sofar, I have just added food colouring in many different colours - making them look gorgeous atleast. I am soon to enter the world as flavourings though with vanilla, choloate and orange, rose and pistachio. - Just some of the flavours I wish to have a go at.

Fear not if you can't get round macaroons: I have been notified that Lakelands are bringing out a tray to help you achieve perfectly round macaroons (ingenious) - I will keep you posted.

Have a go!

Butterfly S/S12

The butterfly print seems to be popular on the high street this spring. I have chosen to invest in a scarf from new look ( only £2.99!!) the beautiful colours in the scarf mean that I can wear it with virtually anything. Also a top from H&M

Initiation

Starting with a little bit about me; art, fashion and baking are parts of my life so alot of these subjets will be written about often. Hopefully a bit more to follow in my next blogs.