Belle & Bunty: my favourite green dress

My favourite dress is the Willow in emerald green silk by Belle & Bunty which was in their shop window earlier this week.  Belle & Bunty launched their new Bridal styles today, read their blog about it here - my favourites are the Mae and the Darcey - or go and visit them at their boutique on Brecknock Road.

hand beaded and sterling silver jewellery made by Clara Francis

Adventures in the kitchen: marmalade, cake and shortbread

Foggy, misty days are perfect for staying indoors and making marmalade, shortbread and cakes. Shame I had to go to work today - but here are some I made at the weekend.

Seville Orange Marmalade - the best. Recipe is from a Dorling Kindersley book - to which I would add my top tips: cut the peel using scissors, cook the peel until tender for at least 2.5 hours thereby much reducing the liquid, and when the sugar is added boil for 30 to 40 minutes to get a rich flavour and a good set.

Heart shaped cake - a family favourite, that makes an appearance at birthdays and on weekend days when we must have cake - this one is chocolate with plum jam filling

This shortbread could not be easier. The amount of butter is terrifying- recipe from here (BBC website) - 125g butter, 55g sugar, 180g plain flour

 

January 2013: Mimi sale!

Mimi's having a sale. 

Maximum Elsie, in navy, is the one I have my eye on - it's large enough for A4, and all the other bits and pieces you need for the day:

 Inside it, I would keep my Cyril Metallic purse

And this Kindle case in camel

 

Plus the kitchen sink