back to black...

Every year I make the crazy claim that I'm going to wear less black. Who am I kidding? I can't get enough of black as soon as winter sets in, yes yes I wear black in the summer too. Black looks super sleek and I love the different effects you can get by layering different fabrics together. There is such a variety out there that black doesn't have to be dull or boring at all. My motto is if you can wear black tights with it then it's good to go.

Here are a few black essentials that every lady should have in her wardrobe:

A black pair of jeans is a must. Look after them too and wash them with suitable detergent to keep them staying nice and dark.

I love black tights, with heels and a cute black dress, or with converse and some denim shorts you just can't go wrong with black tights. I like mine to be at least 100 Denier. The darker the better and you can even get nice cosy thermal tights to keep you extra warm through the winter months too.

A black jacket is a wardrobe staple. Invest in a classic shape and have it dry cleaned after each winter and stored away properly and it will last you for years.

Some classic black heels work well with any outfit, paired with jeans and a sheer shirt or tights and a dress you really can't go wrong. Again invest in a good pair and remember to have them re-heeled and resoled and they will really go the distance with you.

Black nail polish comes and goes but for the last few years it has been big on the scene. Previously it was seen to be a little grundgy but now it is as chic as ever. Update your black manicure with some mattifying polish for that super sleek look.

Don't worry I'm definitely not forgetting the most important item of your winter wardrobe but I think the LBD needs a whole post of it's own so stay posted. Xxx

trick or treats...

So I know that around this time of year in almost every restaurant, cafe and bakery there will be pumpkin inspired recipes on every menu and blackboard. I like pumpkin, but there's only so much pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie that one can eat, so I went in search of a pumpkin recipe that I hadn't tried or even heard of before and I think I came up with a real gem.

It's fair to say I'm a bit of a chocoholic, so this one satisfies both my chocolate desires while also using the delicious pumpkin that is up for grabs everywhere right now.

Pumpkin and Nutella muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1/2 a teaspoon of salt
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1/2 a cup of granulated sugar
1/2 a cup of brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (not essence)
nutella, yum, if you're like me you will use a lot.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°/ 350°F/ Gas mark 4.
2. Line a muffin tray with liners or if your using a silicone muffin tray there is no need to use the liners.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt together
4. In large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and whisk until there are no lumps.
6. Fill the muffin trays until they are 3/4 full.
7. Top each muffin with about 1 teaspoon of Nutella and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. If the nutella is quite hard pop the jar in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it a little. If like me you love nutella then why not pop some nutella into the middle of each muffin too before filling the muffin tray.
8. Bake muffins for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Serve warm but do be careful as the nutella will be hot after cooking so be sure to allow enough cooling time.

These are delicious served with hot chocolate too. Mmm very Autumnal.

Enjoy.