Autumn Bucket list

We have truly stepped into Autumn, even though I've spent all month giving you Autumn content, it is 'officially' classed as the start of autumn this weekend, as the harvest equinox has arisen, also this week (depending on where you are in the world) we will see the 'Harvest Moon', I have kept an eye out of window the past few evenings, the moon has been clear, bright and beautiful.

I thought this would be perfect time to do my 'Autumn Bucket list', having something positive to focus on with the new season!

1| Pumpkin picking -
I always see so many beautiful pumpkin patch photos on social media every year and I haven't ever been to one! I love the idea of a cold, crisp day, with a touch of sunshine, crunching leaves with my boots, as I walk amongst the pretty pumpkins, ready to pick my own and carve at home.

2| Baking Halloween and Bonfire treats -
I love baking at any time of the year, but seasonal treats, I find something so special about making them! I have a few ideas in my head for the holidays, Halloween and bonfire night cupcakes, toffee apples, honeycomb, all the treats that take you back to your childhood over the season.

3| Autumnal walk - Grab your cosy jumper, your wellie boots and a delicious apple! This weather is a great opportunity to go outside and get some fresh air, a walk through the golden woodlands and making a start at your conker collection.

4| Bonfire night - I only have a small dislike for this holiday purely because my doggy strongly dislikes fireworks so much. I really want to go to a firework display this year, I love all the pretty skies the fireworks create! Getting all cosy in my gloves, hat and scarf, with a giant warm coat on,
a toffee apple in one hand and a sparkler in the other.

5| Watch 'Hocus Pocus' - Ever since I was as young as I can remember, one of my favourite Halloween traditions was watching Hocus Pocus every year, I now do this with my fiance and he enjoys this tradition too, we get lots of Halloween snacks to tuck into whilst we watch the movie.

6| Autumnal cosy day - Don't you just love it when you wake up to the rain tapping at the windows, you're wrapped up in cosy pjs, a big fluffy throw, then you grab a cup of tea and make the most of the lazy day ahead. I very rarely have days like this, so hopefully I can fit a few more in!

7| Update my autumn wardrobe - This involves one of my favourite hobbies, shopping!!! I know the classic colours for autumn are orange, black and darker colours, as much as I love them, I still like to add my pink touch to each season, so I'm always on the hunt for cute, pink a/w clothes!

8| Hearty soup - It's no secret I love baking, but I also love cooking too! At this time of year I love to make sweet potato or lentil soup, both so delicious and warming on the cold days, with crusty fresh bread, you could even make some toast, chop it up into small squares and make croutons.

What's on your Autumn bucket list this year?

I hope you all have a wonderful week filled with woodland walks and lots of hot chocolates!

                                                                 Kellie Jo
                                                                     xxx

Autumn Baking - Pecan and Toffee Cookies

Hello lovelies! 

I hope you've had a wonderful week, taking in the start of what Autumn has to bring. I most certainly have, by starting my week off baking a tasty autumnal treat, Pecan and toffee cookies!!

If Autumn tasted like anything (except pumpkins), these would be it.

I loved snuggling up on the sofa with my cosy throw, copious amounts of tea and snacking on one of my cookies, whilst having a Harry Potter marathon.

If you'd like to make some of these to have on a cosy Autumn evening, carry on reading!

Ingredients - 

125g Butter, softened 

100g Light brown soft sugar

125g Caster sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten 

225g Self raising flour 

1/2 tsp Salt

10 Toffee's (or however many you desire), chopped in halves

5 Pecans chopped

1-2 Pecans on top of each cookie

Method -

1. Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 4/180c

2. Mix together both caster and light brown sugar with the butter, once they are creamed together (I find this easier using a fork), combine your egg in.

3. Sift in your flour and salt to the mixture and combine, then stir in your chopped pecans and toffee halves to create your scrummy dough.

4. I like to roll my mixture into a sausage shape, then slice evenly to create neater looking circles.

5. Place each circle onto a tray of ungreased baking paper, then proceed to bake for 10 minutes, or until they have golden edges.

6. As you remove them from the oven the smell of Autumn hits the kitchen and it's a delight! Leave them to harden for a minute before placing them on a wire cooling rack.

Here are a few more pictures of my Autumn bake...

I hope despite the mini heatwave this week is suppose to bring, you have a wonderful one getting prepared for the new season. Treat yourself to a new throw, candle, a mug filled with hot chocolate or a cosy new jumper!

Let me know if you do decide to bake these, I'd love to see your versions!

Remember to follow me on my socials - 

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Kellie Jo

xxx

Cosy, Autumn Essentials 2018

Hello lovelies! 

There has certainly been a change in the weather this week, there's such a nip in the air and the leaves are making a start to change into their beautiful colours. Autumn is starting to say hello...

It's transition time, putting away all the summer clothes and bringing out warmer, cosy knits, when the seasons change we change our fragrances, clothes, beauty products, trying new products for the season. I love this time of year, that transition season, I'm a total A/W person, I much prefer chillier, rainy days, than scorching hot summer days...

Today's post is going to be all about my Autumn essentials, from style and home ware, to beauty and fragrance. 

Firstly, one of my favourites...Throws/Blankets! What is nicer on a chilly, rainy, Autumnal day, than cuddling up on the sofa, with a cosy throw, pillows and a big cup of tea, whilst watching Harry Potter? This is my current collection, if I didn't restrain myself, I'd have so many I wouldn't fit them in a pretty picture. I think the best place to get a pretty, warm, thick, snuggly throw is Primark. They're so affordable and the quality is great for the price. They have all sorts from Disney characters to fluffy ones.

Cable knit jumpers are a A/W staple for me, they're so classic and chic! I love these two, white and pink is aesthetically pleasing together. I got this 'Jack Willis' pink jumper with rose gold edging in Autumn of last year and more recently picked up the cream and navy 'Ralph Lauren' cable knit, I thought the white jumper would be perfect for Winter outfits especially. The quality is impeccable and I think investing in pieces like this is definitely worth the money, as they will last for years.

I adore my 'Cath Kidston slipper socks' in 'Floral Spot', I really want to collect more as they're so pretty! They aren't fluffy socks, but they're very warm knitted ones. On the soles they also have little non slip pads, which are great on the cold kitchen floors in the chilly mornings, as I'm making a cup of tea.

Traditionally in Autumn people tend to go a lot darker, with reds, blacks, dark browns, but I'm not feeling that so much this year. I'm still loving my pinks, but I'm really enjoying the more rosey, deep pink tones. My two current favourites are 'Sally Hansen's Pink Prancer' and 'Essie's Eternal Optimist'.

I always change my beauty and fragrances through the seasons, as it turns colder our skin starts to dry out, which means extra products are needed to keep our skin feeling as soft and hydrated as we can.

I found this rose and argan body lotion in Home Bargains, it smells divine and is the perfect way to keep your skin as soft as a princess'. Keeping on this theme, our faces go through the tough process when the seasons change, one product I swear by is Chanel's 'Hydra Beauty, Blue Serum', it keeps my skin moisturised throughout all the seasons and smells beautiful. 

I find lips are forgotten about through the cold spells, they need just as much attention as the rest of our body. 'Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub' is my number one product for my lips during this time, then placing 'Vaseline's Rosy Lips', they leave the softest, rosy lips like an apple!

Make up wise, I love a little bit more of a darker lip, but I don't like them too dark, this lipstick from 'Estee Lauder, shade - Rose Tea' is perfect for this, just dabbing a bit on and giving them a lovely autumn tone. The name of this shade is so gorgeous too! 

I like to carry the golden glow from Summer through to Autumn, I use my 'Benefit Hoola Bronzer' to achieve this! I sweep this into the crease of my eyelid and in the alcoves of my cheek bones, to create a soft golden look like the colours of the leaves.

Last but not least, perfume! 

Last year was the first time I smelt 'White Diamonds' by Elizabeth Taylor, I really liked it from that moment, I knew it was a perfect for A/W. This is a strong scent, not subtle, but it lasts all day, which is perfect at work and the packaging is so glamorous.

What's your number one Autumn essential?  I'd love to hear in the comments!

I hope you have a wonderful week, full of cake and hot chocolate.

Kellie Jo

xxx

Autumn Baking - Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Happy September lovelies!

As I'm writing this, September has just come upon us. I'm snuggled up in a new knit from French Connection, I'm also wearing my new Chelsea boots, there's a crisp air blowing away, the sun is glistening at the window and I have a nice cup of tea to keep me warm. 

I much prefer Autumn/Winter, cosy blankets, hot chocolates, copious amounts of tea, movie nights, fairy lights and there is always so many exciting things happening, we have Halloween, Bonfire night, Christmas and my birthday is also next month!

This weeks post is a more Autumn themed, as September is now here! What more could you want than a yummy hot chocolate, with a hot chocolate cupcake? If you have a sweet tooth like myself you'll absolutely love this idea!

Sponge Ingredients - 

4 Free range eggs

225g/8oz Caster sugar

225g/8oz Self raising flour

2 Teaspoons of baking powder

225g/8oz Butter at room temperature 

3 Teaspoons Cocoa Powder

Frosting Ingredients - 

600g Icing Sugar

300g Unsalted softened butter

2 Teaspoons of vanilla extract

Marshmallows and flake for toppings

1 - Preheat the oven to 180c/160c fan/gas mark 4 and line your muffin tin in pretty cupcake cases.

2- Break eggs into a large mixing bowl, then add sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder and butter. Mix together until it's well combined, you can do this with an electric whisk or by hand with a wooden spoon, but be careful not to over mix.

3- In a teacup place 3 teaspoons of cocoa powder and a small amount of boiling hot water to create a runny chocolate paste, then place that into the batter mixture and stir in gently. This will create your hot chocolate base.

4- Place your mixture into each cupcake case and place into the pre-heated oven for 25-30 minutes. Once they are cooked, place them onto a cooling rack before icing them.

5- Sift your icing sugar into a large bowl, place your butter into the bowl and add your vanilla extract too. Gradually beat together until you have them as fluffy as the clouds and sweet as candy floss. I've found when I'm using a piping bag the icing will pipe a lot better when it's had some time in the fridge to harden, I usually leave it for an hour.

6- Once the icing is more pliable, place some into your pre prepared piping bag and swirl the cream on top of your hot chocolate cake. I'm still learning and practising with my piping bag skills, but I felt happy with the improvement I've made with these.

7- This is one of the funnest parts, toppings! I decided to get some pretty pink and white mini marshmallows and a flake to crumble on top, to perfect that pretty hot chocolate. 

Here are a couple more photos of these creations... 

I hope this post has made you feel more Autumnal and ready for the new season! Have a great week doing all Autumnal activities!!

What are your favourite Autumn blog posts?

Have a fantastic week!!

Kellie Jo

xxx

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♡

What's in my bag - Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

Hello lovelies!

I couldn't decide what I wanted to post this week! As we are in between seasons, I didn't know if posting autumn content was a bit too soon, or if everyone was starting to be interested. So I took to Twitter to do a poll, it was between this post or starting autumn posts and this post won the poll! So I'll hold off a little while longer before delving into one of my favourite seasons!

Last year I saved very hard, worked extra hours to make this special purchase. I always dreamed of getting a Louis Vuitton handbag, I never actually thought I'd be able to have one myself! I was very torn between the Speedy and Neverfull, I watched YouTube videos, reviews and done a huge amount of research to really make sure I made the right decision.
I noticed a lot of women also used the Neverfull as a 'Mum/baby changing' bag, which is something I hope to do in the future, to me that made this item more of an investment piece, something I can use a lot and it would be versatile.
I chose the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, in Damier Ebene.
The main reason I chose this bag in the Damier Ebene is because in England we get a huge amount of rain and this was the only leather that wouldn't get damaged by that, but it's very classic and timeless and I love this print.
This bag is brilliant for carrying all the things a girly, shopaholic needs!
It's beautiful quality, yet still lightweight enough to not hurt my arm or shoulder.

The contents of my bag is particularly girly! My purse is always in my bag, I adore my baby pink and cream Ted Baker wallet, it's just perfect for me, it fits all my cards and cash nicely, the quality is exquisite, Ted Baker products are always such a dream.
A woman always needs her perfect lipstick in her handbag, mine is this MAC one in the shade 'Holiday Crush', from their most recent Christmas 'Snowball' collection, it's a perfect frosty, shimmer nude shade.
Chanel no5 the perfume Marilyn Monroe wore to bed and done campaigns for, I know a lot of people call it an "old lady smell", but I love it, it's deep, rich and classy. A light spritz lasts all day long, but if I want a top up I have my bottle handy.
My rose gold portable charger is a brilliant creation, my iphone loses it's charge so quickly a lot of the time, so when you're on the go and busy all the time, this small companion is amazing and easy to carry around.
I also have this little Ted Baker make up bag, but I use it to store all my odds and ends pieces, my Chanel compact mirror (Blair Waldorf inspired), lady essentials, painkillers and plasters. Just so they're all organised in one place.

What is your must have essential for your handbag that I need?

Have a wonderful week lovelies, as we head into September! In my opinion, that's the start of Autumn!

                                                                     Kellie Jo
                                                                        xxx

Disney Wishlist

Hello lovelies! 

I hope you've all had a fantastic week!!

What is more magical than Disney? I think there must be a favourite Disney movie of everyone's childhood, a particular character you relate to...Mine is Marie, girly, sassy and always wearing a pink bow!

After such a long time, a 'Shop Disney Pop Up Shop' has finally arrived in a location near me in Canterbury. With this news I thought I'd create my own Disney wish list as the temptation of a store being so close to me is all too much for my bank balance.

Thumper |Medium Plush

Miss Bunny |Medium Plush

The Rescuers |Bernard and Miss Bianca 

Disney Traditions |The Seven Dwarfs

Disney Traditions |Mickey and Minnie Mouse engagement 

Disney Traditions |Carol Singing

Peter Pan| A Wonderful Thought Plate

Peter Pan| London Mug

Mary Poppins |Plush Toy

After watching Bambi for the first time last year (after so many people said they cried whilst watching it, I was worried to watch it for a while), I fell in love with Thumper and Miss Bunny, they're adorable, positive little bunnies, I'd love them for my collection. 

I remember watching The Rescuers for the first time when I was little and thinking I'd love to have a little Bernard and Miss Bianca as little companions to help me. There was never any of The Rescuers merchandise when I was growing up, so when is saw these little plushies I was in love!

I already have quite the Disney Traditions collection building up, they're all so beautifully crafted and they keep bringing out more and more. My top three favourites at the moment are...The 7 Dwarfs 'Hi hoing' off to work across the log, Mickey Mouse proposing to Minnie Mouse and my absolute favourite, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto carol singing together, this is such a Disney dream.

Shop Disney released more Peter Pan merchandise this year and they did not disappoint! 

This 'Think of a Wonderful Thought' plate and London themed mug gave me heart eyes, London is one of my favourite places, so I love the Big Ben touch with the mug handle. I think the plate is such a feel good piece with the wonderful quote.

Last but not least, this 'Practically Perfect in Every Way' Mary Poppins plush! 'Mary Poppins Returns' comes to the cinemas at the end of the year and I don't know about you, but I'm completely excited for it! I'm hoping there will be many more merchandise pieces released with the new movie, as I love Mary Poppins and this cuddly is lovely.

What are you wishing for from the Disney store?

Have a great week...

Kellie Jo

xxx

Princess Baking Wishlist ♡

Hello lovelies!

I've been working extra hard at improving my baking skills of late, as it's something I really enjoy doing and I find it helps me relax a lot more. Baking through Autumn and Winter is my favourite in particular, there's just something about baking on a cold, cosy day, when you can hear raindrops tapping at the windows, as the scent of warming cakes fill the kitchen. 

I have so many things I'd love to have to bake with, my birthday is in October, so I thought this would give me present ideas also. 

1. Kitchen Aid Artisan Food Processor| Pink

2. HHYS Pink Hand Mixer| Baby Pink

3. Premier Housewares 5kg Kitchen Scales| Pink

4. Kitchen Craft Oven Gloves| Heat Resistant

5. Silicone Fondant Mould| Tinkerbell

6. Silicone Non Stick Placement Mat| Fondant Pink

7. Bow Fondant Moulds| Lavender

8. Cupcake Apron| Pure Cotton

9. Three Piece Tool Set| Silicone Pink

I don't know if it's obvious enough, but I love the colour pink...So of course all the baking wishes I have are baby pink.

I'd absolutely love to have a baby pink Kitchen Aid mixer, I think it's every bakers dream choice, they are rather pricey at nearly £500, but I think the price says a lot about the quality of this product. That is a bit out of reach at the moment, so my second choice was the baby pink hand whisk, they both do the exact same job and both very cute! 

Scales are a complete essential for baking and why not have some pretty ones? I found these ones on Amazon and what drew me to them, other than the fact they're baby pink is the vintage feel they have.

My next pick are these baking gloves, I keep using tea towels, which isn't the best idea due to the fact I keep burning the teeny tips of my fingers when I grab my trays out of the oven, these would be perfect for all my cooking.

How could I do any sort of wish-list without incorporating anything Disney related? This little fondant mould in the shape of Tinkerbell screamed adorable to me! I'd love to make Tinkerbell cupcakes and sprinkle pixie dust all over them.

I was watching 'Catherine Bakes' and I saw she used this mat to help create her beautiful little fondant creations. She also had it in pink too and that made up my mind!

Another fondant mould product, but this time it's for bows. I love bows and feel they leave a pretty touch to anything, an outfit...A cupcake, it's even better on a cupcake, because that way it's edible! 

I already own a basic apron, but I think a pretty apron would add to my outfit and make me feel more like Snow White whilst baking.

Last but not least, a little baking utensils set, it has two spatulas and a egg brush, these will all come in handy for so many baking/cooking projects.

I hope you enjoyed this post, I already have a baking post in the works, so keep an eye out for that!

Kellie Jo

xxx