That Blondie

Monday, 20 July 2015

The Savoy| London

The Savoy| Tea & Sweet Shop

The Savoy

The Savoy Grill| Savoy Hotel

Last Sunday, my brother and I ventured to London to meet our Uncle for a day trip out. When we were younger, my uncle jokingly said ' One day I'll take you to a really posh hotel to wine and dine'. He kept to his word, as we defiantly wined and dined and the beautiful and famous Savoy Hotel. The Savoy Hotel as seen numerous celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and is one of the top hotels to stay/ visit to many.

We had lunch in The Savoy Grill, which is an Art Deco themed restaurant inside the Savoy Hotel. The interior was very dark and musky, large chandeliers and silver cutlery, really made the lunch extra special. For lunch I had a Beetroot Tart with Goats Cheese Curd for starter and for main I had Pork Tenderloin with Cabbage and a due with a glass of Rose wine. It was delicious.

After having a further mooch around the hotel, eyeing up the lovely cakes and gaping at dozens of model- like ladies wearing beautiful gowns for a wedding hosted at the hotel, we took a brisk stroll to the National Gallery. The Gallery is the biggest Art Gallery in the UK, dozens of tourists approached the many marvellous artwork. Once we finished admiring the artwork and wishing I was better at painting, we headed for a pub on the River Thames.

The National Gallery| London

London

View from Boat Pub on the River Thames| London Eye

It was rather warm outside so I was eager to have a cool lemonade, although there were no seats outside on the balcony of the boat, we sat inside for a quick drink. The view was amazing, across the river was the London Eye along with many other incredible buildings. Before i knew it it was time to depart from London and head home.

Hope you enjoyed this post,

Thanks- Amy x

Berry Cupcakes

Ingredients

200g Caster Sugar

200g Softened Butter

1 Large Eggs

200g Self Raising Flour

A Handful of Raspberries

A Handful of Blueberries

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Splash of Milk

Decoration

200g Iicing Sugar

75g Softened Butter

A Handful of Raspberries and Blueberries

A Sprinkle of Pink Edible Glitter

1tsp Raspberry Jam

- You will need a piping bag and nossel

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees and line cupcake tray with 12 cupcakes cases of your choice.
Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Crack in 1 egg and stir into the butter and sugar mixture, make sure all the egg is broken up until you have a smooth, runny consistency.
Sift in the flour and add a dash of milk, begin to fold in the mixture carefully to make sure no air is taken out. Use your spoon to circle around the bowl before drawing a line in the centre, repeat this until the mixture is smooth. Add more milk if the mixture still looks a tad dry.
Add in your raspberries and blueberries and stir again gently
Once done, place a tsp of the mixture in your cupcake cases in the cup cake tray before placing in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Once golden brown, place cupcakes on a wire tray and leave to cool for 30 minutes
In the mean time, put your icing power and butter in a small mixing bowl and begin to cream together until smooth. Add a dash of milk to combine the mixture add 1 tsp of raspberry jam and stir briefly until the icing has pink swirls.
Get your piping bag with a wide zig-zag nossel and spoon in the icing before pushing it down towards the nossel.
Get your cupcakes and pipe a swirl,starting from the outside- in. Add 2 raspberries and blueberries on top and a sprinkle of glitter for decoration.

Enjoy.
Instagram

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Picnic look book

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Afternoon Tea

This afternoon my Mum and I went out for a treat after I finished my first year at college with high marks, when she asked me last week where I wanted to go, I instantly said for Afternoon Tea! I have never had Afternoon Tea until now and I can assure you, it is well worth the money!

We went to a place called 'Ginger & Pickles', which is a rather strange name for a tea room, however inside is cute with cottage- like furniture and cups of tea wall paper. Fresh flowers were dotted around, it gradually got busier and busier throughout the day. We chose to have the three layered Afternoon Tea which came with a selection of sandwiches (Tuna and sweetcorn, Goats Cheese and tomato and lastly Ham and tomato chutney). Next were large scones with fresh cottage cream and home made strawberry jam and lastly was the cake. Oh My Lord. The cake was to die for! We could choose from either Lemon, carrot, chocolate or coffee cake, we both chose Lemon and it was light and fluffy! Of course there was a large pot of tea with tea and saucers in a china print, the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful, just like a tea room should be! Not bad for £14.99 pp!

Once we finished we went for a mooch around the shops, in the area there are quirky and pretty shops with tonnes of room decorations, hanging ornaments, florists, more tea rooms and independent clothing shops. I brought this cute mug, ft below, with a very inspiring quote on, only for £4!

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Get The Wimbledon Look

Black and White

Dress| Dorothy Perkins| £28

Blazer| Mango| £32

Sandals| Laredoute| £49

Bag| Michael Kors| £160

Necklace| Kenneth Cole| £27

Neutrals

Shirt| Zara| £23

Skirt| Nordstrom| £89

Ballet Pumps| Top Shop| £25

Bag| Dune| £75

Necklace| Vince Camuto| £37

Navy Dotty

Dress| Romwe| £11

Cardigan| Vila| £30

Heeled Shoes| Monsoon| £25

Bag| Bead and Reel| £95

Necklace| Wanderlust& Co| £18

Blue Floral's

Top| John Lewis| £15

Shorts| Boohoo.com| £10

Shoes| Gilt.com| £31

Bag| ShopBop.com| £125

Friday, 26 June 2015

Where To Go In London

London is easily one of the most adored and travelled too Cities in the world, alongside New York City and Paris, it has many amazing landmarks from the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. However, there are many other treasures throughout this busy City which, I am sure, you will love.

1. Camden Market

Camden Market

Camden Market is a quirky and unique market which stretches for miles, with a selection of shops and stalls, it is suited for anyone. Have a stroll down the main market street alongside the canal, grab a bite to eat and any cuisine you like or simply mooch around the little shops and stalls with a combination of jewellery, clothing and artwork.

2. The Shard

The Shard

The Shard is a new addition to the ever lasting landmarks, here in London, it has quickly become one of the most visited spots in recent years. It's large skyscraper appearance invites tourists to the top of the building for an over view of London. I went last October and I have to say, it was pretty amazing, you get to see a 360 degree view of London and are able to point out buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Houses of Parliament. Why not have a meal up their as well? A selection of restaurants are open with bookings.

3. St Pauls Cathedral

St Pauls Cathedral

Like The Shard, St Pauls Cathedral is one of the most visited spots in London, the building itself stands proudly in the centre of main streets, shops and restaurants, just off the River Thames. Inside this historic building you are able to appreciate the beautiful stain glass windows, architecture and even have the option to walk up to the top of the building for an overview of London.

4. Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is perfect if your looking for a relaxing few hours, especially in the summer. The park is filled with pretty flowers, trees and of course, squirrels. Take a picnic and sit on the freshly cut grass or buy an ice cream from a nearby stand.

Friday, 5 June 2015

Health and Fitness

Summer has arrived and that mean's it is time for sun bathing, pool parties and wearing swim suits, but what about keeping fit and healthy throughout this season? Generally a lot of teenagers take summer as a 'chill out' period, often getting up late in the day, parties and eating rubbish, this year, for me, is going to be different!

Walks

Walking is a great way to do some gentle exercise for however long you please, whether it is walking your dog, a walk with your friend or just time by yourself. Walking helps to clear your head and leaves you open to the fresh air.

Yoga

Yoga is my favourite work out, many people believe Yoga does not have the same benefits as going to the gym, however it does. I like Yoga because it is a gentle yet hard going exercise you can do in the comfort of your own home or in a professional class. It has emotional benefits as well as Yoga relaxes and calms you, this is perfect for distressing or if you have trouble sleeping.

Adventure Sports

Why not bring fun into exercise? Go on dry ski slopes if you can with your friends or rock climbing, something that is really exciting and that all your friends will enjoy. Even just going for a swim can be fun with a friend, have races, try new strokes and you can even do water Aerobics!

Eating Well

Being healthy does not mean eating fruit and vegetables all the time, being healthy simply means maintain a well balanced diet. Make sure you eat regular portions of vegetables and fruits alongside meat/ fish, however it is also important to have good fats as well as the occasional treat!