Friday 6 July 2012

House of Elliot Clearance Sale

I had to share with you today the amazing clearance sale from House of Elliot.     These are all going fast so if you fancy something extra special and a special price then get in quick.




These shoes are reduced from £175.00 to £60.00 and are available in a Size 5

Also available in black if you wanted something different or if you are planning to change in the evening.

Also available are these rather gorgeous Keepsake Boxes, they come fully assembled and are covered in highest quality interior design paper.  Perfect for you precious memories no matter what the occasion.


Check out their website for more gorgeous goodies including garters, boots and much much more.


Wednesday 4 July 2012

Tefal Kitchen Machine and Jamie Oliver Bakeware Product Review

How excited was I to be able to try out the Tefal Kitchen Machine and Jamie Oliver Bakeware for Cupcakes,  here is the press release and our review is at the foot of the page



The trend for cupcakes is ever-present at weddings up and down the country, with brides opting for this individual, quirky approach over a more traditional three tier confection.

There are a lot of advantages to a cupcake wedding, these smaller cakes can be individually coloured to the theme of the wedding, are easier to distribute without the venue having to cut them up and, crucially, they can be made at home for a valuable saving on your wedding costs.

There’s been an increase in cupcake bars at receptions, so all the blushing bride needs to do is provide un-iced cupcakes, and a variety of frostings and toppings so guests can create their own delicious memento of the happy occasion


 
There’s no question it’s easier to bake a lovely batch of cupcakes than a three-tier royal icing creation but it can be tricky to produce a moist, spongy, deliciously-light cupcake. It's quite simple really - the secret to baking the perfect batch is getting enough air into the mixture to begin with


The Tefal Kitchen Machine (£199, www.tefalfreshexpress.co.uk) uses a planetary movement system to reach the whole mixture, gathering all the ingredients and adding air into your mixture, creating cupcakes that rise beautifully and are so mouth-wateringly light, you'll be able to eat two! 
        


There's no point whipping up the perfect mixture if it's not going to cook evenly. We've all made a dozen cupcakes before where 6 happily rise and the rest seem utterly reluctant. Achieving that elusive even finish is heavily dependent on even heat distribution. Hot spots can cause some parts of a cupcake to rise faster than others, not to mention leave the bottoms burnt in some places and undercooked in others. The 12 muffin tray from the Jamie Oliver range of bakeware from Tefal (£13, www.tefal.co.uk) is made from tough carbon steel which eliminates hotspots and ensures you turn out perfect cupcakes every time.

     
Try some of these great suggestions for jazzing up you cupcakes:

Classic Vanilla
For just the right amount of creamy sweetness add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or fresh vanilla straight from the pod to your cupcake mix, and top with fresh buttercream

Mocha Cupcakes
The grown up’s cupcake – mix in half a cup of coffee and a generous helping of cocoa powder for a delicious mocha flavour. For the real coffee lover try whipping up a decadant espresso icing to go on top

Earl Grey cupcakes with a hint of lemon
Just two tablespoons of earl grey tea with add a delicate flavour to your cupcakes, for an authentic earl grey taste top with buttercream infused with a hint of lemon juice

Double chocolate
The addition of melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder to the initial cake mix, and melted chocolate to a buttercream topping, makes for the ultimate indulgent treat



Beauty Weddings Review

Firstly I am going to review the Tefal Kitchen Machine.     I am the first to admit that I am not the keenest baker in the world, in the past when I tried to bake a cake it would sink in the middle, was unevenly cooked or was just like a brick!  I'm sure that many of you have been in the same boat at one time or another.   This machine is brilliant, not only does it look good and would take pride of place in your kitchen, but it also makes baking fun and more importantly in my case ..easy!    So I decided to make some cupcakes. Assembling the mixer was straightforward and the instructions clear.   Mixing the ingredients was easy to do and the splash guard stops the splatter mess.   The mixture came out exactly as promised.   Taking it apart to clean was also easy to do and I was cleaned up in no time at all.   I couldn't actually find fault with this machine, so if you are looking for a new kitchen machine, this Tefal model for me is definitely the way to go.  




Our Rating


Jamie Oliver Bakeware  As I said before baking isn't really my "thing", however, my faith in my ability has been restored.   I have cooked several batches of cupcakes with this tray and it really does work fantastically, that I have went out and bought one for myself.   I must have made about 10 batches of cupcakes over the past few weeks and each time they turned out perfectly, the tray is so easy to clean and it still looks brand new.  So if you are planning on making your own cupcakes for your wedding cake, this is a must buy.  Great value for money and perfect cupcakes every time, what more could you ask for!





Tuesday 3 July 2012

Superdry Product Review


TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH NEW SUPERDRY STEEL AND BLACK
HANDY SIZE 40ML

Whether you’re off on holiday or simply heading to the gym, Superdry’s new Steel and Black travel size is the ideal companion when you need to be space and weight conscious. 
Developed for day-to-night appeal with sleek, bold lines and embossed glass, the touch-soft packaging makes these fragrances the perfect travel companion.  


Superdry Steel
A refreshing, effervescent statement fragrance, with top notes of lime and bergamot, a heart of cardamom and violet leaves and rich base notes of cedarwood and moss.   The sleek silver steel and embossed blue glass bottle creates an indispensable new scent for the modern man. 
40ml £29.50RRP

    

Superdry Black
An aromatic heart of lavender, jasmine, thyme, coriander and nutmeg, sweetened by a juicy lime note and rich ripe fruits completed by a deep base rich of sandalwood, balsam, incense, leather and moss for a fresh take on fragrance.     40ml £29.50RRP





Superdry Steel and Black are available now from Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, larger Debenhams stores, larger Boots stores, selected independent department stores, Superdry stores and online at www.superdry.com.

Beauty Weddings Review

We tried the Superdry Black for our review.   I had always associated Superdry with clothing so was a little sceptical as to whether or not they could pull it off with a fragrance.    I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  The packaging was pretty funky and looked great on the bathroom shelf.   This is a gorgeous men's scent that has fantastic staying power and lasts all day.  Our tester was delighted with this and has now said that it is his scent of choice.   The price point is great value for money.   A good all rounder and is excellent for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Our Rating


Monday 2 July 2012

Coast Collection from National Trust


Escape to the seaside with the beautiful scent of the
Coast Collection from National Trust


   
Be transported to the seashore, along sandy beaches and rugged coastline with the National Trust Coast Collection. 

The collection is made in England using fragrance extracts from British fruits, flowers and plants, features four distinct fragrances inspired by the coast, countryside, gardens and woodland looked after by the National Trust.

Every purchase will go towards supporting the National Trust’s work as an independent charity preserving special places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

National Trust Coast – Rock Samphire and Driftwood reflects the stunning setting of Holnicote Estate in Somerset, with its spectacular coastline and panoramic views from some of the most dramatic cliffs in England.

Rock Samphire grows on the shingle beach which sweeps around Porlock Bay.  Its fleshy, aromatic leaves deliver an invigorating aroma with a spicy kick that encapsulates the fresh sea air and rugged coastal beauty.  

Driftwood creates a full scent that adds depth and blends with refreshing Rock Samphire to produce a richly aromatic fragrance.  

The National Trust Coast Collection is available now at selected National Trust shops, leading Department Stores and Premium Garden Centres and Gift Shops or Online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk .

Beauty Weddings Review: 

I have tried the hand and body lotion and I have to say I absolutely LOVE it, not only does it smell absolutely gorgeous, it leaves your skin soft and silky too,  it absorbs beautifully.  I actually love it so much that it is now my everyday moisturiser.  If you are looking for a lotion that smells great, does the job and every purchase goes to helping preserve those special places and towards the hard and deserving work of the National Trust.

Our Rating: 




Beauty Weddings Product Reviews

It's been a busy time over the past few months for Beauty Weddings and we are in full swing of the wedding season.   Whether you are getting married in 2012 or in the next couple of years we can help with your planning and accessories.


Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing a variety of products that may provide you with inspiration and ideas for your wedding needs.  


There are some very exciting things to have a look at and every product I have tested myself, so you can be sure that the review is honest and reliable.


Also Beauty Weddings website is getting a complete redesign, which I am very excited about, it will be more interactive and user friendly, as well as special offers and competitions coming up in the future.   Its all very exciting stuff.    I am happy to share with you the new banner for our new website






Why not subscribe to our blog to make sure you don't miss out on any of our exciting and inspirational updates.


Fiona