Sunday 24 November 2013

Food: Rococo Autumn Ganache Collection


Launched in March 1983 by Chantal Coady on London's King's Road, these chocolate beans come from the company's own Grococo garm in Grenada.

These award winning chocolates are hand made in small batches by head chocolatier Barry Johnson and his team, and are only available at their shops and at a few selected partners around the country.


I received four divine chocolates to try and they were presented in the cutest little box. The packaging was really interesting, with Rococo's signature 'Da Vinchi-esque' style print as well as a lovely high quality satin bow. I love it when there is detail and real attention paid to chocolate wrapping - it just makes the sweet tasting experience that much sweeter.

The chocolates I tried were delicious, from the Autumn Ganache Collection. They included four chocolate flavours from the larger selection - Sloe Gin, Walnut & Fruit Marzipan, Apricot & Lavender Ganache and Autumn Spiced Apple.

The Sloe Gin was an interesting flavour, as it's a liquor filled chocolate. I haven't had one of these for a long time, so it was a nice reminder of something a little different but still quite classic. Not everyone will like the alcoholic taste in this one, but the fact that the surrounding chocolate is dark creates the perfect combination.

The Walnut & Fruit Marzipan is also dark chocolate but with orange ganache. I liked this as the marzipan isn't overwhelming like in a lot of chocolates, and the hint of orange plus praline-like texture made it delicious.

The Apricot & Lavender Ganache was equally mouth watering! The lavender is subtle and the apricot sweet, so this odd but fun combination with the milk chocolate is lovely.

The Autumn Spiced Apple was amazing! Who knew chocolates could be so adventurous? This one is perfect for the season as it has that apple flavour yet with a little winter spice inside the yummy milk chocolate.


Buy these chocolates (priced by weight) or discover more from the Autumn collection from one of the brand's shops in London.

You can even hold a party at their Motcombe Street store or if you just want to learn to make your own at their Chocolate School, get in touch at events@rococochocolates.com.

They also hold tasting events at the same store as well as in their new Marylebone shop.



Finally, check out the Rococo stand as well as many others at the London Chocolate Festival taking place between 13th and 15th December, in the Southbank Centre Square (Belvedere Road)



Images from Rococo Blog and Nutpress

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Home Proud: Vintage china


One of the larger plates I bought on Portobello road...the detailing on the sides is beautiful


I've always been obsessed with all things vintage, including vintage china and kitchenware.

There is something very cute about them and they really do fit into any household, whether shabby chic or modern cosy is your style. They remind me of Marie Antoinette and cakes and everything sweet, so I love to serve cookies or cake on my carefully selected plates.


You can find mismatched tea pots, cups and plates anywhere for a great price if you know where to look, so I thought I'd share some of my 'search spots' with you.

Rare and Racy
This lovely young seller buys her vintage finds in the West country and then sells them at a stand on Portobello Road on Fridays and Saturdays. She has the most beautiful cake stands (£15) and mismatched plates (£3). She also makes her own mismatched cake stands.

Portobello in general has a lot of choice with some sellers not specializing in china that will have cheap prices.

Actual image from the Rare & Racy stand



eBay
Good old eBay - you can pretty much find everything here. From specific china designs from different eras, to cheap bargains like a 'lot' of plates (or bunch of plates). This is great if you are planning a party or want lots of china for your wedding.


Amazing selection of china for reasonable prices. I would recommend getting a better bargain at the markets but if you prefer to shop online then this is the place.


The China Girl on Etsy (Or Etsy in general!)
Really lovely selections of 'lots' of china plates, cups, etc.

Vintage Tableware Hire
There are a lot of companies that hire all sorts of vintage china for parties and weddings, and this can obviously prove to be a much cheaper option if you're looking to get them in bulk!

Pretty Vintage



Vintage Glamour Days (Also vintage styling and caravans)


Vintage Flair China Hire (Also styling)



Cupsa Daisy Vintage




Images from me and Google Images

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Tuesday 19 November 2013

London: The House of Peroni November


Hooray! I was so excited to hear that The House of Peroni was re-opening again this month, and I wanted to share it with you all once more. I posted about the event back in the summer, and did a fun collar making class.

This time, The House of Peroni was held at 41 Portland Place again (stunning venue!) and was kicked off with a swanky launch event on the 4th. We had some delicious Peroni infused cocktails by Gerry Calabrese, Michelin starred nibbles from the Costardi Brothers and enjoyed the great lounge music and surrounding artwork. I don't remember the last time I had so much fun on a Monday!



The event is all about creating a new wave of contemporary Italian culture, and this month's had a focus on film and fashion. The space was designed by award-winning architect Andrea Morgante, and guests can come in for free to admire the experimental fashion illustrations and specially commissioned fashion, art and documentary shorts. Daily events are now all sold out (You can get tickets on Ticketmaster) and included mixology or perfume making classes. Each room also has a dedicated soundtrack created by 25 young Italian music producers and DJs.

You can experience all of this at the house which is still open until the end of the month Monday to Saturday 12pm to 12am. On Friday, I hear there will be some amazing street food stalls so make sure you go and check it out, have a drink and chill on the cozy couches in the house.




Gorgeous Simone Rainer clutch bags


I was lucky enough to be able to attend the scent making class run by the fabulous scent creator Sarah McCartney and Italian fashion consultant Silvia Bergomi. We learned all about traditional perfume making and the different tones in a scent, and in the end created our own signature fragrance.

Getting the potions and lotions ready

Wearing Scarce in Speckled Pink nail varnish by Illamasqua, looks like chocolate eggs!



Smelling the different tones such as tobacco!


Annie with her perfume


My scent - combination of citrus, bergamot, patchouli, white flower, lemon myrtle, lavender and tobacco

You can make your own perfume with Sarah McCartney for £250
Find out more at www.4160tuesdays.com


Check out more info about the House of Peroni here, and don't forget to visit the house (41 Portland Place) until the 30th of November!



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Saturday 16 November 2013

Style: It's time for a Christmas jumper!

C'mon...you know you want one!



New Look, £24.99

New Look, £27.99

New Look, £22.99

New Look, £24.99

New Look, £22.99

Next, £32

Asos, £35

Joules, £79.95

Oasis, £50


Asos, £32


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Friday 15 November 2013

Style: Leopard shoes

This is a difficult one...it's a hit or miss...you can get it really wrong or really right...and some people simply cannot stand it. Leopard print...

I personally love it, but in minimal doses and when cleverly combined with an outfit...it's all a little bit of a challenge, not as easy as it sounds.

Here's some leopard print shoes I found that have a little chic edge...and I would wear them with all black, or maybe some blue skinny jeans and a white shirt. Classic combos is the way to go!





















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