Summer Sweets | No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Hi lovely reader! Happy Memorial Day weekend! Hope you are having a great weekend and celebrating the kickoff to summer in some way. Today's recipe is simple, delicious and totally customizable. I found this recipe on the Food Network Kitchen App and it turned out great so I wanted to share. As you can tell from the title, the great thing about this ice cream recipe is that you do not need an ice cream maker! Just a 9x5x3 metal pan or a similar size to freeze the ice cream in. I also posted a reels video over on my instagram if you want to see the process!

No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients

-1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk

-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

-a pinch of fine salt

-2 cups of cold heavy cream

-1 9x5x3 inch chilled metal loaf pan

To make the ice cream,

Whisk together the condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl and then set aside.

Whip the cream with a mixer (I chilled my mixing bowl before starting) on medium-high speed until firm peaks form, around 2 minutes. Fold 1 cup of the whipped cream in the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined and then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended. Then pour into a chilled 9x5x3 inch metal loaf pan and freeze, covered, until thick and creamy, like soft serve, around 2 hours. Swirl in any desired mix-ins with a spoon. Place back in the freezer, covered, until solid and scoopable, about 3 more hours.

Enjoy!

Summer Reading 2021 - 10 Books that Aren't Brand New but Worth a Read

Hi lovely reader! Happy Saturday! As you can tell from the title of this post, I wanted to put together a list of some of my favorite books for those of you looking for ideas of what to read this summer. I also focussed on books that aren't necessarily brand new in the hopes that they are easier to get a hold of. I often find that as people start releasing their must reads for the summer months the books are newer and on so many people's lists that they become impossible to get! So have a scroll and hopefully you'll find something you might like!

For the person who is all about that Personal Growth,

For the person who loves a bit of Christmas in July,

For the person who loves a good heart warmer,

For the person who loves a book that makes you think,

For the person who believes "Young Adult Novels" aren't just for young adults,

Giving this book honorable mention because apparently it is all over TikTok so it may be harder to get but it is def worth the read! I read it right after it came out in 2014 and it is still one of my favorite books!

What are you reading this summer? Xx

Some More S'mores Please | S'mores Cupcake Recipe

Hi lovely reader! I hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend! In honor of celebrating summer, even if it's been one of the least "summery" summers of all time, I wanted to share this easy and fun s'mores cupcake recipe that I found on Food Network's The Kitchen App (this is not a sponsored post). The cupcakes are perfect for a treat yourself kind of night or to share with family or friends.

Cupcake Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup finely ground graham crackers

1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 1/2 stick (6 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup milk

Chocolate Filling:

8 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Meringue Frosting:

4 egg whites, at room temperature

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Chocolate squares, for garnish

Graham cracker shards for garnish

This recipe does include a ingredients for the actual cupcake mix but if you want to simplify even more you could buy a boxed cake mix and then just whip up the filling and frosting! 

For the Cupcakes,

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line one 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk the flour, ground graham crackers, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture and milk, alternating, starting and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined.

Step 4: Divide the batter between the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake until golden brown, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back to the touch, about 25 minutes. Cool in the tin 5 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Filling,

Step 5: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the filling: Combine the chocolate, cream and corn syrup in a medium bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals on high, stirring, until smooth. Set aside until cooled and thickened slightly, about 30 minutes.

For the Meringue Frosting,

Step 6: Bring 1 inch of water to a simmer in a saucepan that can hold a heatproof stand mixer's bowl above the water. Combine the egg whites, granulated sugar and cream of tartar in the stand mixer bowl. Set the bowl above the simmering water and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the egg whites are warm to the touch, turn white and are beginning to get fluffy. Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer, fitted with a whisk attachment, and whip on high speed until the meringue is cooled, fluffy and very thick. Beat in the vanilla.

To Assemble,

Step 7: Place the chocolate filling in a pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag fitted with a small round tip (about 1/8-inch diameter) and snip the end. Pierce the center of each cupcake with the pastry tip and gently squeeze in the chocolate filling until it begins to come out of the top of the cupcake. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.

Step 8: Pipe or swirl the meringue frosting onto each cupcake. If desired, brown the meringue with a kitchen torch or place briefly under the broiler. Garnish with a chocolate square.

Enjoy! Xx

Cheeky Quote Tuesday

No White After Labor Day? | White on White

Hello lovely reader! Happy Labor Day weekend to those of you in the USA and happy weekend to the rest of you! For many of you hopefully this is a weekend to relax, barbecue, maybe head home for the first time after being away at school, and spend time with friends and family. Labor Day has many different associations for people, first hopefully being the true meaning of the holiday which is to honor the American Labor Movement and those in the work force, the end of summer, and also the "fashion rule" of No White After Labor Day which in this day and age has little to no meaning anymore (in my opinion). However I was still interested to see where this rule even came from so I did some research and came to find that white was basically seen as a summer color as it was lighter and kept people cool before air-conditioning existed. It was also a color worn by people who were on holiday representing relaxation, against the "drabber colors" people wore in everyday life to work. That's my little history lesson for you and if you want to read more about it, check out this article on Time. So my outfit post for today is perfect if you want to get all your white clothes out of your system before the holiday or if you want to be a "rebel" bust out your all white on Labor Day or even better, the day after!

This look is comprised of a two pieces that I have had for a couple years and never worn until one day I was editing my closet and had the epiphany to put them together. I love matching sets especially just with a single color. I think there's something super chic about a coordinating look. There's also that moment that you know you've got a good set when someone asks you if that's a dress and you can say, no its actually a top and a skirt that I put together. (Makes you feel quite swish) The blouse is from H&M and has embroidered white dots all over it with white button. The skirt is from Nasty Gal and is white mesh on top of a white knit fabric. The shoes are by Chinese Laundry and are brown with a rose gold strap over the toes. 

Similar tops: H&M Sleeveless Top, ASOS high neck sleeveless blouse, ASOS sleeveless blouse

Similar: ASOS Mesh A-line Skirt (closest), ASOS Asymmetrical Skirt, Little Mistress Midi Tulle Skirt

Similar: ASOS Glamorous Gold Block, Bershka Block Heel

Some all white outfit inspo for you!

What do you think of the "No White After Labor Day" rule? Xx

The Perfect Sunny Afternoon | Notting Hill - Kensington

 Hi lovely reader! We are nearing the end of spring and summer is coming quickly which means more sunshine and warmer weather and with that more opportunities to be outside! Since living in London my view on weather has changed in that when it is sunny, I am more aware of it and appreciate it, feeling like I need to take full advantage of this time and do as much outside as possible! So I thought I would share my ideal day out in London, including where to eat and what to see, and some insta-worthy spots. Notting Hill is a great area with tons of shops and restaurants and of course pastel colored houses that lead to OOTD and Instagram pic goals. Kensington Palace is not far from the main area of Notting Hill and of course houses the royals and some gorgeous gardens which are really worth seeing in the spring and summer. 

Like I said, so cute and picture ready. There are multiple side streets with these colorful homes just off Portobello Road.

Of course you have to start the day off with some breakfast and Eggbreak is too cool of a place to pass up. As with many brunch spots, the place is smaller so there may be a line but don't let this scare you away as it typically moves pretty fast. They serve breakfast items from 8am-12pm so just make sure you give yourself enough time to wait. I got the McMuffin when I went which is of course a play on the golden arches classic but with much more natural ingredients and was really nice. They also serve "regular food" from 12-10pm which I have heard is good as well. And of course after eating breakfast there is no better way to walk it off than with some shopping.

Portobello Road is packed with little shops such as Alice's which is worth a peak inside to see the amount of things in the store! Some of my favorite shops are Ragyard which does really cool clothing and accessories and The Blue Door which has a mix of teas and tea-ware. Portobello Road Market is definitely worth going to and is up at these times:
09:00 – 18:00 Monday To Wednesday.
09:00 – 13:00 Thursday.
09:00 – 19:00 Friday Antique stalls
If you can go on one of these days you'll see everything from flower stands, to tapestries, to old post cards, and souvenirs. 

After you've done some walking and shopping, Farm Girl cafe is the perfect place to have a nice lunch. Now, I will admit that after seeing blogger after blogger post about this place on Instagram I wondered if the food was actually good or if it was just picturesque. So in my honest opinion and based on what I had to eat, the taste and quality of the food is just as good as the amount of photo opportunities, if not better. 

I had a Chicken sandwich which was full of flavor. There was beetroot on it which prior to ordering it I was unsure about but it was actually delicious and one of my favorite sandwich or salad additions now. I also go a side of sweet potato fries which were seasoned to perfection and so good.

 

After lunch you can take a walk or a tube to Kensington Palace where you can relax and enjoy some time outside strolling through the gardens or sitting in the park.

Where's your favorite place to take in some beautiful weather? Xx

May Favorites | 2016

Hi lovely reader! Happy June!! It is time for summer to get into full swing and I don't know about you but I am ready. May was a pretty busy month, with school finishing up, exams, and then a trip to New York, I am ready for things to slow down a bit. I've got some new favorites to share with you and also some summer staples that I know I have mentioned in the past, everything from fashion to food, and even a guilty pleasure TV show or two!

Favorite Fashion Piece: Stylish Sneakers

These shoes are my absolute obsession for the month of May. If you have an Instagram or a Tumblr, you will have seen these Adidas Originals everywhere! I know for me, everyday I would get on social media I would see at least three posts where someone would have these minimalist loving monochrome obsessor's dream. I had wanted them for a while and when I got them the rush was fantastic because I had all the outfit ideas already planned out in my head. If you ask anyone who knows me, they know that I have a weakness for shoes, especially a cool pair of sneakers. I love being comfortable and still looking fab. 

As mentioned above, I love a good flat and for that matter a nice flatform as well. I always get lots of compliments when I where them and even more shock and awe when I say that I found them at Target....yes Target, and Target clearance for that matter. They can dress a look up or down depending on what they are paired with and who doesn't love a good sparkly shoe every now and then. It makes you feel like a kid again with the whimsy of it all!

Favorite Songs:
Dangerous Woman | Ariana Grande




fOoL fOr YoU | Zayn

Favorite Multi-Purpose Cosmetic Item: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

This moisturizer has worked out great for the summer so far. It has SPF 15 in it so if I know I am going to be outside, I make sure to put an even coat on my face and I have yet to get sunburnt while wearing it.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure TV Shows:

There Goes the Motherhood: Even though I am far far away from hopefully being a mother one day myself, I have gotten so into this show! I just find it super interesting to see how the different lifestyles of these ladies and their families. I also like it because it's not as "intense" as some of the other Bravo reality shows.

Rich Kids of Beverly Hills: Ok so this is polar opposite from the show above but I still freaking love it. I mentioned it in my June favorites last year and Season 2 is here with some new faces and the documentation of planning a wedding. Everyone on the show is so distinct and funny and yeah, guilty pleasure.

Favorite Apps:

PhotoWonder: It is a fantastic photo editing app

Snapchat (My two favorite filters are the flower crown and the star crown princess looking one, but the original one, not the one that gives you a beauty mark and makes your face look fuller)

Favorite Throwback: Disney Channel airing some of the 100 Disney Channel Original Movies

All the childhood throwbacks

What have been your favorites this month? Xx