The Hostess Handbook

I Pretty The Fool

2012-03-05T19:19:00.000Z

This week I am mostly loving chunky jewellery. Layers of ornate, antique and statement pieces which promise to add strong character and striking presence. I adore contrasting embellished pieces with simple fabrics and knits to infuse a simple outfit with modern edge and glamorous feel. With plenty of high street stores offering custom jewellery lines there's no excuse not to indulge your inner Mr. T!

Blau x

Images via We Heart It, Refinery 29, elle.com

Designer Crush; Alice Halliday

2012-03-01T16:18:00.000Z

Alice Halliday, studied Art and Design at Warwickshire College, Leamington Spa, England. In May 2007, graduated from the BTEC Diploma with a distinction and Student of the Year award. Graduated from the University for the Creative Arts Epsom, Surrey, England in June 2010 with a 2:1 (1st off a first) BA (Hons) Fashion Design. Graduate Collection 'Soul Salvation' shown at GFW- Graduate Fashion Week on 6th June 2010. The cape from her graduate collection was taken on tour by Florence + the Machine's front woman, Florence Welch as part of her stage wardrobe for her tour of Australia and the US in Summer/Autumn 2010. Press release of the story was featured on Vogue.com, and in many newspapers and online articles and blogs. Alice's creations have appeared in the editorials of fashion magazines; Stellar, NONE, Vixen and Ballad Of. She was awarded 'Cork Fashion Week Designer of The Year 2011' creates unique, hand-made fashion and accessories, using a majority of recycled materials.

”My childhood and the environment in which I grew up strongly influence my work, West Cork is a very magical, Holy place I think. Nature is a huge inspiration to me, I believe we need to take action to look after the environment- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” - Halliday

An Alice Halliday Fashio Film by Aoise Tutty 92circles.com/

'A wake' :: Alice Halliday Fashion Film from Aoise Tutty on Vimeo.

“Stuck in time since the owner had departed this world, all was still in the old house and adjoining shop... until something started to stir. Slowly they opened their eyes and with slight hesitation, cautiously came up on to their feet: they looked around, but all was dark, draped in dust and curtains of cobweb. As the light started to brighten, a land of wonder appeared before them... and with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty the three dolls started to explore.”

Blau x

Images Miki Barlok, Vogue.com

Jackie O-Go-Go

2012-02-28T09:24:00.000Z

Pouting lips, swinging hips.

top/skirt/lipstick from Topshop.com

As far as I'm concerned I was born in the wrong decade. Fate meant for me to swing through the sixties with reckless abandon. I was to have been Jackie O's alternative life one where she lived not in the White House but on a silver podium dancing a-go-go.

Blau x

A Wispy Love Affair

2012-02-26T18:27:00.000Z

Spring is in the air and I'm in the mood for something loose, soft, feminine and delicate. I want to embrace womanly whimsy in an air of abandoned prairie meets runaway princess. A wispy love affair of simple teased perfection and whispered elegance.

Starting with a simple braid...

Blau x

Images via We Heart It, Just Jared, jjjound.com

Blau Bakes

2012-02-23T20:59:00.000Z

I got bored last night and happened to have dark cooking chocolate, cherries, ground cinnamon and rice crispies lying around.

Blau x

Kat Stratford's Underwear

2012-02-22T15:26:00.002Z

Partly inspired by one of my favourite scenes from the film 10 Things I Hate About You and the celebrity penchant for wearing innerwear as outerwear my mind is once again coming back to the days of trusted black inderwear. It's all about modern feminine mischievism: innocent yet flirtatious with some subtly exposed skin in unexpected ways.

From Topshop.com

Blau x

Images via We Heart It, Zimbio

The Vintage Stylist

2012-02-20T16:00:00.000Z

Just when I thought my favourite vintage store Turquoise Flamingo couldn't get any cuter now they have launched their 'The Vintage Stylist' service. This is a vintage photoshoot service resulting in uniquely vintage style photos to mark your engagement, for your own personal portfolio or even as a fun experience at a hen party. A consultation choosing the style and theme, followed by an enjoyable photoshoot providing the hair, make up, outfits, props and setting and you receive high quality, edited, ready-to-print photographs ranging from €80-150 for a personal photoshoot/ portfolio shoot to €100-250 for group shots.

Girl Walk // All Day

2012-02-07T15:48:00.000Z

Girl Walk // All Day is set to All Day, the album by mash-up musician Gregg Gillis (a.k.a. Girl Talk) creating an album-length music video of grand proportions. . The most important thing to note is that it features my dance idol/girl crush Anne Marsen. Marsen plays ‘The Girl’ in the video and her childlike naivety and facial magic add a realm of endearment to the screen. Marsen hails from New Jersey and first started dancing when she was just 2 years old. At 8, her mom brought her to Manhattan for ballet, tap and jazz classes. She subsequently attended the School of American Ballet for 6 years, developing a love-hate relationship with the form's competitive and restrictive environment. As her dance evolved, she began studying hip-hop and street jazz at various NYC studios, and found herself free styling at high school talent shows. She left college and is pursuing a career combining acting, dancing, personal choreography and music video projects. This led her, in her words, "to meet lots of awesome, amazing people to collaborate with including everyone on the Girl Walk team!!”

Watch the film here.
Blau x

Lollipops Bloggers Preview

2012-02-05T17:13:00.000Z

I swanned off to the Lollipops Bloggers Preview on Thursday last, a lovely way to round up an epic week of events and lunches. As a Shoreditch resident, I had spotted this shop and not been particularly attracted to much except their neon Lollipops sign in the window, which, knowing nothing about the brand, meant nothing to me.
On invitation to the event, I did a little research on Lollipops via their website. It was French and a little too fussy for me, if honest, so I resigned myself to low expectations of the boutique.

On arrival I was greeted and handed a drink in a marvellous plastic pink chalice that allowed me to feel about 7 and at a princess party, in the nicest way possible. A table of treats too fancy to touch lay in the centre (I did eventually touch them, and eat some and they were yummy).

So off I go on a little nosey round. Nice I think. Well laid out. Well presented. Pretty shoes sat on stunning leather briefcases. Wait- they are for sale too? "Cool", I think. I swan about taking photos. The more I take, the more I look at their attention to detail. I start to realise I really like this shop. And more importantly, I really like the stuff.

The necessary Umbrella Wall

Loving the little Mushroom Stools

These three go together, yes?

Loving the exposed bricks

Very much on my Wish List

A very feminine Summer Line

My wardrobe looks exactly like this....ahem

To sum up, yes. Yes it was lovely. Yes I was plesently surprised. Yes I left with my eyes on a pair of flats (see above) and my name on a stunning lace dress. And yes, I will be back.

Ez x

Hostess Hero: Pandemonia

2012-02-02T17:00:00.000Z

Its been a while since we had a Hostess Hero and when I spotted this amazing creation at the Fashion Monitor AW12 Party at Altitude 360 last night, I thought it was time to celebrate something so interesting.

Pandemonia is a 7ft tall tongue in cheek Pop Artist, developed and self styled around the fickle world of celebrity and draped entirely in latex. Her best pooch, Snowy is never far from her side.

Pandemonia first started to make appearances around 2009 and since then has been seen on the Front Row at Fashion Week and at exclusive parties and openings.

Becoming Pandemonia came from the explosion and made up world of Celebrity. She is famous for being famous- for the way she looks, where she goes and who she's with. Sound Familiar?

Goodnight, Bordello

2012-01-24T13:40:00.001Z

I am absolutely gutted to hear that luxury undies shop Bordello is closing down. Bordello always attracted me to the shop because of their amazing layout and window display, giving it more of a boudoir feel then a boutique. Their furnishings alone were to die for and their staff always looked really slick. This, along with the fact that they regularly had in store events, made the place a destination. So you see why I'm sad to see it go.

Then I thought to myself; I've never actually bought anything there.......mostly due to the fact that I used to pass Bordello on my way to work, when one is not in the most lingerie buying mood. Also because of the prices. They were pretty astronomical. I always presumed that people who shopped there were fancy high paid flirty 30's and somewhere in my psyche I thought that soon, I might join them. Realistically, I think I was just like everyone else. Admiring from afar, thinking someone else was buying it.

Everything's on sale now, so it's yours for the picking and you can buy them online here. Here are some of my favourite pieces.

1950's Mink Stole- ~~£225~~ now £157.50

Piaf Bow Knickers- ~~£145~~ now £72.50

China Butterfly fan- ~~£ 75~~ now £49

The Gils Elvgren Pin Up Calender by Taschen -~~£15~~ now £7.50

Red Striped Nauti Nautical- ~~£159~~ now 94.50

Ezzie x

Three Floor Fashion

2012-01-22T13:55:00.000Z

I am finding myself a little more then obsessed with Three Floor. The more I hear about it, the more I feel it's going to have to become a big part of my life.

Three Floor is the labour of love of Han Chong, a graduate of Central St Martins College in London. I love seeing graduates doing something different and its clear this fashion house is aimed at the fashion forward: I'm seeing the inspiration come from the minimalist editors, models and bloggers- the insiders. The best thing? Well there's two. Firstly the website hosts an amazing lookbook. Fun and playful. I just love it.

Then there's the price. Everything is between £40 and £150. I have my eye on this little number already.

Product Lust - Redken Wool Shake 08

2011-12-23T07:30:00.000Z

One product that has fast become my saving grace is Redken's Wool Shake 08. Thisis the product to reach for everytime I style my hair knowing it will add life, oomph and that all important swagger to my barnet.

This innovative gel-slush adds extreme volume, texture and a high-fashion, semi-matte topcoat. It promises to shake up any style with a diffused, unrefined wool finish. Simple and easy to use all you have to do is shake to liquify and spray a medium amount on dry hair to unleash wild texture with an unrefined, wool-like top coat.

Blau x

A Hollywood Remake

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000Z

With that hectic party circuit to tackle between now and New Years I'm turning all my attention to playing with hair and make-up in a bid to jazz up my already existing dress collection and well to have a bit of good ol' girly fun. What better look to attempt in the comfort of your own home than that of all those classic Hollywood icons? Here are a very modern intreptations of the old Hollywood glamour to help acheive a fresh and modern version of a timeless look.

Blau x

Images via We Heart It

Christmas Cocktails

2011-12-19T08:00:00.001Z

White Christmas

1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao, white
1 oz. Southern Comfort
4 oz. Eggnog
1 sprinkle Chocolate Shavings
Shake with ice, strain into a snifter. Sprinkle chocolate flakes on top.

Snowflaketini

1 1/2 oz. Alizé (Bleu)

1 oz. Vodka
1 splash Cranberry Juice, White
1 wedge Lemon
2 sprinkles Coconut
1 twist Sugar
Add the ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well and serve. You can sugar the rim of the glass if you want. Sprinkle coconut on top.

Gingerbread Man

1 part Irish Cream (Bailey's)

1 part Goldschläger
1 part Schnapps, butterscotch
1 part Vodka
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into shot glasses.

Blau x

Image via We Heart It
Recipes via DrinkNation

Blavatska

2011-12-17T17:04:00.002Z

Inspired by all things galactic and celestial, Yes Master channels its inner Blavatska...

Glamery, is inspired by the mysticism of love; drawing inspiration from enchantment, spells and white magic, the collection toys with celestial symbolism and night symbols. Inspired by the eerie feeling of a full moon casting its shimmer on an urban landscape spooky moons evokes the excitement of a big night out somewhere dangerous. The Boudoir collection uses elements of packaging of age-old lotions and potions, with rope tassels and curvy top stitching to create a seductive and versatile silhouette of pieces that can be worn as luxury basics for day or dressed up for the evening.

Blau x

Blue Velvet

2011-12-15T22:49:00.000Z

I really dislike mince pies so this Christmas lets make red velvet and blue velvet cupcakes instead.....

Ingredients

CAKE:

2 cups Sugar
2 sticks Butter, Room Temperature
2 whole Eggs
1-½ Tablespoon Liquid Blue Food Coloring
1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
1 drop Violet Gel Food Coloring (optional)
2-½ cups Cake Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Buttermilk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar

FROSTING:
1 pound Cream Cheese, softened
2 sticks Butter, Softened
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 cups Sifted Confectioners Sugar

Preparation InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cupcake pan(s) with paper liners.
Cake:
In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter, mix until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time and mix well after each addition. Mix cocoa and food coloring together to form a paste, and then add to sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar and add to mixture.
Pour batter into cupcake papers. Batter will be thick! Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy. Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Blau x

Recipe from SprinkleBakes

Bettie Bangs

2011-11-29T21:39:00.000Z

I'm all about 'the hair' at the moment; those locks, that crowning glory is the easiest way to update your look. Right now I'm attempting a retro nod to the fetish trend with a Bettie Page pin-up style bangs. A solid fringe that shines and bounces in that classic vintage way. Take Good Bettie for the daytime; a submissive lady of hidden mischief or take Naughty Bettie for the nighttime; a sultry playmate of power and feist.

Blau x

Images via We Heart It

The Staves

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000Z

The Staves are a three girls folk-rock band from Waltford, England and comprise of Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor. Having grown-up in a house that echoed the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Beatles, these three sisters began singing in perfect harmony from an early age. Now they have grown into a rapturous trio with a spell-binding sound of love and longing.

Blau x

Product Lust; Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask

2011-11-26T17:24:00.000Z

My poor little face is in need of some extra attention so I've been reaching for my Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask. Dehydration be gone! This soothing formula restores an ideal moisture balance to dry, dehydrated skin in just 5-10 minutes. The Katafray Bark extract attracts moisture to the skin before sealing in to smooth fine lines and restore a soft, supple texture. The Sorbier Tree Bud stimulates micro-circulation, boosting cellular renewal for a healthy-looking glow. All working together to save my skin from winter.

Blau x

Baileys Cheesecake

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000Z

Ingredients

Base
300g Packet Chocolate Digestive Biscuits (crushed)
125g/4oz Butter
Topping
50g/2oz Toblerone Chocolate (or plain or milk chocolate)
200ml Fresh Cream
450g/1lb Philadelphia Cream Cheese
125g/4oz Icing Sugar
1 Measure of Bailey’s Irish Cream

Method
1.Lightly butter a 23cms/9” springform or loose bottomed cake tin.
2.Melt the butter. Add the biscuits and mix until butter is absorbed.
3.While warm, spread mixture into the base of the prepared tin using the back of a spoon. Press down well. Leave in fridge for about an hour until 'set'.
4.Meanwhile, grate the chocolate, using coarse side of grater.
5.Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is soft. Beat in the icing sugar and the Bailey's.
6.Fold in the cream and chocolate until the mixture is smooth, spread evenly over the biscuit base.
7.Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
8.Decorate according to taste e.g. whipped cream, grated chocolate, fruit etc.

Recipe via Odlums,
Blau x

Love In A Hopeless Place

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000Z

Long time Hostess readers will know I'm a massive fan of the Australian ladies behind Hopeless Lingerie. In less than three years of existence, Hopeless Lingerie has managed to set a new standard in creativity and style. Taking inspiration from such diverse places as B-grade horror films, architecture and modern art, designer Gabrielle Adamidis with the help of her sister Dominique have established a strong following through innovative designs. Combining vintage aesthetics with modern comfort and convenience, Hopeless create pieces that aim to make women feel sexy and beautiful.

Blau x

Images via Hopeless Lingerie

Orient Express

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000Z

Trying to plan a holiday that's just a little bit different and now have my heart set on the Nostalgie Istanbul Orient Express. This train consists of 10 first-class sleeping carriages, containing private compartments with one lower or twin upper and lower beds, and a built-in washbasin with hot and cold running water. During the day, compartments are converted into comfortable salons and there are two dining carriages, shower carriage, Pullman and bar which are beautifully decorated with inlaid glass paneling. These original carriages (sleeping ones, shower, Pullman and bar) and were built in England, Belgium, France and Italy in 20s-30s and were the part of the legendary “Orient Express”. The names of Marlene Dietrich and Jean Marais, the Queen Elisabeth II of United Kingdom and H.R.H. princess Grace of Monaco, French president Charles de Gaulle and the leader of former Soviet government Nikita Khroutchev, Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, better known as Mata-Hari are in the list of passengers of the "Orient Express". On board this wonderful train I can explore and discover Northern Russia; Vologda, Arkhangelsk, Kandalaksha, Murmansk, Petrozavodsk, Novgorod, St. Petersburg and Yaroslavl.

Blau x

Image via We Heart It

Retro Prints

2011-11-17T17:08:00.001Z

The darling Eliza J recently introduced me to the wonderful work of Claudia Varosio; quirky illustrated posters, paper dolls and retro prints. These prints ship worldwide from London. Here's a collection of some of my favourites;

Blau x

A Cuppa A Day...

2011-11-13T20:40:00.001Z

Organic Herbal & Medical Tea's; tea blends for health, nourishment and recuperation. These delicious tea's serve to not only help restore your own personal health, but they are exceptionally good for the environment when added to compost pile or to your plants! Check out some of the wonderful and medicianl teas from Garden of Cures such as; Organic Hoorah Hyssop - Chest Decongestant Tea, Organic "Ease 'n' Cheer" Pain Relieving Tea Formula, Organic Cats Claw "RESILIANCE" Immune Decoction Tea, Organic " Liven Up Liver" Cleanse Formula, Organic Holy Basil & Spices Tea - For Colds or Organic "No Pressure" Tea for High Blood Pressure.

Grab a teapot, a caffetiere or your tea making equipment of choice.
Scoop 1 -2 teaspoons of herbal tea leaves, roots, seeds or flowers for you and the same for each of your friends into a pot and add boiling water.
3 cup tea pot = 3 / 6 teaspoons of herbal tea.
Let the tea infuse for 15 minutes.
Simply pour the brewed tea into cups and serve.
Breathe, sip your tea and relax

Blau x

Image via We Heart It

Versions 5; I Heard It Through The Grapevine

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000Z

Which is your favourite version?
Blau x

Rhythm 10

2011-11-03T13:01:00.000Z

Marina Abramović, New York-based Serbian performance artist, began her career in the early 1970s. Active for over three decades, she has recently begun to describe herself as the “grandmother of performance art.” Abramović's work explores the relationship between performer and audience, the limits of the body, and the possibilities of the mind. Rhythm 10, 1973.

"I was not allowed to leave the house after 10 o'clock at night till I was 29 years old. All the performances in Yugoslavia I did before 10 o'clock in the evening because I had to be home then. It's completely insane, but all of my cutting myself, whipping myself, burning myself, almost losing my life in the firestar, everything was done before 10 in the evening."

In her first performance Abramović explored elements of ritual and gesture. Making use of twenty knives and two tape recorders, the artist played the Russian game in which rhythmic knife jabs are aimed between the splayed fingers of her hand. Each time she cut herself, she would pick up a new knife from the row of twenty she had set up, and record the operation. After cutting herself twenty times, she replayed the tape, listened to the sounds, and tried to repeat the same movements, attempting to replicate the mistakes, merging together past and present. She set out to explore the physical and mental limitations of the body – the pain and the sounds of the stabbing, the double sounds from the history and from the replication. With this piece, Abramović began to consider the state of consciousness of the performer. “Once you enter into the performance state you can push your body to do things you absolutely could never normally do.”

Blau x

Tomato Bread

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000Z

Bread is my guilty pleasure, my downfall, that addiction I have to stash away in the toilet cistern away from judging eyes. I love it in any shape or form and love it even that little bit more toasted. I'll easily eat an entire loaf in one go and it doesn't even need to be buttered. That stall at the farmer's market that I make a straight line for on my moment of arrival, yeah you've guessed it; the bakers stall. Right now my favourite is tomato bread and I'm gonna settle down next to the fire and listen to the wind and hail outside the darkened window whilst tucking into a freshly baked loaf of tomato bread. I just so happened to have found this little recipe to follow.

Blau x

Obesity and Speed

2011-10-30T21:36:00.000Z

Lyz Olko and Josh Conner met in 2000 and were bound by their young and restless energy. They bonded over misfit music from the 80s and a love for dangerous looking clothing. Liz and Josh started their label in 2006 and named it "Obesity + Speed" referencing lyrics from an obscure Huggy Bear song. Their designs include skull and cross bones motifs, pentagramatic imagery, with handmade shredded seams and deconstructed details.

Blau x

L'appartement Provocateur

2011-10-09T22:32:00.000+01:00

Not content with seducing us with their fine collections of lingerie Agent Provocateur have launched a 'boudoir range' of sumptuous bed lined, silk sheets and plush cushions. They have unleashed a sensual and evocative collection to perfectly complement your own night attire. So go on, slip between these delicate sheets and slip into something more comfortable.

Blau x

Dead Man's Bones

2011-10-07T23:00:00.001+01:00

The recent Ryan Gosling film fest has me reliving my crush of old; not just his dashing old looks but his musical talents too! Gosling formed the gothic gospel group 'Dead Man's Bones' with friend Zach Shields. Their self titled debut album is a collaboration with the Silverlake Conservatory Children’s Choir. When Shields and Gosling met in 2005 they discovered a mutual obsession with ghosts and decided to write love stories about ghosts and monsters. The pair chose to play all the instruments on the record, even those they had never touched before. They also imposed rules on themselves during the recording process, like not playing with a click track, or trying to do no more than three takes on any song, letting any imperfections highlight the strengths of the music.

Blau x

Product Lust; DKNY Silver

2011-10-06T18:02:00.000+01:00

I have never bought myself perfume.

Maybe it was because my mother always has several,or maybe it's because the choice is always overwhelming, and after 4 minutes in the perfume department you need a lie down. Either way, I feel its something I have deprived myself of and me, I'm sorry about that.

This one's my favourite at the moment. x

Hostess Hero; Vidal Sassoon

2011-10-03T20:06:00.000+01:00

I watched Vidal Sassoon, The Movie yesterday and it reaffirmed what we already knew on a massive scale; this man created the back bone of the hairdressing interview. Every stylist I've ever met has cited him as an inspiration and if you stop in the street pretty much anywhere in the world, they'll know his name. He created some the most influential hair cuts that people still ask for today, including the bob and the five point cut. He was paid $5000 to cut Mia Farrow hair for Rosemary's Baby.

I was lucky enough to watch Annie Humphries, who was his colourist for years, speak about her experience working with him- from the moment she began her training. She spoke about being sent home if you weren't appropriately dressed and if you were late, you were not allowed to work. These standards set the bar for the brand that was to take over the world and industry.

Product Lust; Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner

2011-10-01T16:27:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year when the season changes and you begin to find yourself dashing between the rain showers and shielding your delicate self from the harsh winds. That or you live in Cork and it's starting to rain everyday instead of every second day. Either way it's time I started reinvesting in my skincare routine. So this week I went and bought myself Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner and I'm so glad I did. A creamy, clay-based scrub exfoliates with bamboo extract and energizes with tourmaline to leave skin radiant and refined. It's my new weekly beauty secret...ssshhh!

Blau x

The Back to School Post

2011-09-19T18:05:00.005+01:00

You may have noticed I haven't been about of late. Like everyone, I've had an incredibly busy Summer. But I'm back now and really looking forward to getting back in to posting. In the meantime, here's what I've been up to:

Spending as much time as I can in Dishoom, a super sweet pop up bar on the Southbank. Aside from the Gola cocktails and kulfi, its one of my favourite interiors in London at moment and since its here for a good time, and not for a long time, I've been spending as much time there as possible so I take take mental photos of the cool designs and put them in my future abode. It's also where you will find this awesome clock.

This Summer marked the end of my bridesmaid career. I was part of the bridal party for my wonderful cousin Emer's wedding in Cork. It was my forth time being bridesmaid, so I reckon I'm fairly good at this point. However, this is my last pro bono event. Got to capitalise on your skills, like.
I've taken on a new all consuming role at THE CHAPEL. Its been amazing. This photo was taken recently as Redkens Tribe where one of our amazing team was in the final. If you're interested, check out our blog where I've been doing a lot of posting too.

Ezzie x

Making Moussaka

2011-09-16T15:20:00.000+01:00

I don't know what it is about the weekend that makes my mouth water, oh yes having the time to cook! Tonight I'll be working from this Antony Worrall Thompson recipe for a marvellous moussaka.

Ingredients

75ml/6fl oz olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
675g/1½lb lamb mince
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1.25ml/¼tsp cinnamon
1.25ml/¼tsp allspice
2 x 400g/14oz tin of chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp fresh, soft thyme leaves
175ml/6fl oz white wine
4 medium aubergines, cut into 1cm/½in slices
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Plain flour, for dusting

For the topping.

85g/3oz unsalted butter
85g/3oz plain flour
900ml/1½pt milk
85g/3oz parmesan, grated
115g/4oz gruyère, grated
2 free-range egg yolks
1 free-range egg

Preparation method

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large casserole dish. Add the onion and cook gently for 10 minutes or until the onion is soft, but not coloured. Brown half the lamb in a frying pan and add to the onion. Add the garlic and break up the meat with a wooden fork until it has a loose texture. Brown the remaining lamb.
Stir the cinnamon, allspice, chopped tomatoes, oregano, bay leaves and thyme into the casserole. Add the rest of the browned lamb and de-glaze the pan with white wine. Pour straight into the casserole dish, reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 1 hour.
Place the aubergines in a colander, sprinkle with salt and leave for 30 minutes. This draws out any bitter juices.
Meanwhile make the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan and stir in the flour. Take off the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Return the pan to the heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Simmer over a gentle heat for 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in 55g/2oz of the parmesan and 55g/2oz of the gruyère cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Rinse the aubergines and pat dry. Dust the aubergines with flour and fry in batches in the remaining olive oil until golden on both sides, about 8 - 10 minutes. Drain on kitchen paper. Set aside until ready to construct the moussaka.
The white sauce should now have cooled enough to whisk in the egg and egg yolks.
Cover the base of an ovenproof dish (30 x 20cm/12 x 8in) with a third of the mince then cover with half the aubergine slices. Repeat the layers, ending in the last of the mince, then pour over the cheese sauce. Sprinkle over the remaining parmesan and gruyère. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C/350F/Gas4 for 50-60 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Allow the moussaka to settle for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Serve the moussaka with a chunky tomato, cucumber, parsley and mint salad and crusty bread.

Blau x

Tree-pi

2011-09-14T18:12:00.000+01:00

When I'm not reclining the luxury of my converted carriage I shall holiday in my own private tree-pi. That being a primally darling tipi-esque hut high up in the trees where I can go huckleberry picking in the summer and chanterelle mushroom hunting in the fall. If I can't build my own then Cedar Creek Treehouse shall be my first stop. "Imagine waking up to the music of a mountain stream flowing by your cabin -- except that your cabin is 50 feet up in a giant cedar tree with a view seen only by the birds.You're living in the tree canopies of a lush evergreen forest. You can see for miles. A great blue heron glides silently over the rushing creek far below. The sun splashes through a skylight and illuminates a mammoth tree trunk growing straight up through the floor of your two story treehouse and disappearing through the ceiling." Doesn't it sound dreamy?

Blau x

Image from Studded Youth

Carriage Hideaway

2011-08-29T16:21:00.000+01:00

As I revealed in my first Hostess post I have a real fascination with trains especially those of the olden days and black and white movies. After spending too much time on the internet I came across a site that sells old heritage carriages and I've decided to buy an old train carriage and convert it into my personal haven. Comfortable recliners, velevt curtains and an old movie projector to have all the classics flicker across the window panes...

Blau x

Images via Tumble, We Heart It Capture Allure

Product Lust; Redken Extreme

2011-08-24T20:24:00.001+01:00

As a girl with fine hair the Redken Extreme range with protein has become my shower time saviour. It gently cleanses to help fortify weakened areas, reinforce surface protection and internal strength and adds shine. Formulated with ceramides and proteins that begin damage control on the inside with a double line defence, it helps prevent further damage and split ends by constantly supplying strength. It's worked to add body, bounce and shine to my tresses.

Blau x

Versions 4; Jolene

2011-08-15T20:03:00.001+01:00

After the darling Evette Murphy discovered the wonderful Marling version I couldn't help but search for a few more. Which is your favourite version?

Blau x

Clip Ons

2011-08-10T07:52:00.000+01:00

My inner child is very excited about the vintage clip-on earrings currently available from Rock'n'Rose. I just wanna play dress up and run around in oversized heels.

Blau x

Pretty Pretty Pavlova

2011-08-07T08:41:00.001+01:00

It's not a dessert I'd ever order from a menu but I just love to make and eat a summer fruit Pavlova. 
A meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova created in honour of the dancer either during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. The above was my hangover cure the other morning. With its with a crisp crust and soft, light inner texture it also makes for a delicious treat.So here's the recipe I like to use;


Ingredients:            

4 large egg whites at room temperature
1 cup of Castor sugar, also known as "Berry sugar"
1 tsp of white vinegar
1/2 Tbsp of cornstarch
1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract
1/2 cups of whipping cream
Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwi fruit, passionfruit, bananas, blueberries
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Preparation:        

Preheat the oven to 275F (140C) and place the rack in middle of the oven. Line a baking tray with foil and draw a 7 inch circle on the foil with the blunt edge of a knife (don't tear the foil). Set aside.
In a clean, medium-sized metal bowl, beat the egg whites with a clean electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the whites form soft peaks.
Gently sprinkle the sugar into the egg whites, one teaspoon at a time. Don't just lump the sugar in the bowl and never stop beating the eggs until you finish the sugar. Your egg whites should now be glossy stiff peaks.
Sprinkle the cornstarch and vinegar on the meringue and fold in gently with a plastic spatula. Add the vanilla and gently fold the mixture again.
Now gently spread the meringue in the circle on the foil to make a circular base. Make sure the edges of the meringue are slightly higher then the center so you have a very slight well in the middle.
Bake the meringue for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until it goes a very pale, pinkish egg shell color.
Turn the oven off and leave the door slightly ajar to let the meringue cool completely. As the meringue cools, it will crack slightly.
Just before serving, take the meringue out of the oven and remove it gently from the foil and place on a plate.
Whip the cream with the vanilla extract until it forms peaks. Prepare the fruit by washing and slicing.
Gently spread the cream to the top of the meringue with a spatula and arrange the fruit on top.

Blau x

Recipe via http://australianfood.about.com

The Silver Factory

2011-08-04T05:52:00.000+01:00

We love a good tee here at Hostess HQ so naturally we're delighted to hear that the wonderful Shutterbug is to stock a collection of fierce t-shirts by Kilkenny-based young desigener Cameron from The Silver Factory. Cameron designs and screen prints these t-shirts himself . Every single t-shirt that goes out is handprinted thats right;from the cutting of the stencil to the actual screen printing making these little wearable peices of art.

Available from the 10th of August from Shutterbug and online.
Blau x

M&S; Mistress and Seduction

2011-08-03T07:54:00.000+01:00

Meet the midnight mistress of M&S. A lady of sophisticated seduction, playful teasing, tempting times and bottles upon bottles of red red wines.

Blau x

Images Marks and Spencer

Going To The Chapel

2011-08-01T07:26:00.001+01:00

So my last haircut was a fancy one. Have a look here for a our of the glamorous Chapel, my visit was to the Islington branch and it's well swish.

So I got off the tube at Angel and had myself a merry stroll to this top salon and was greeted with a warmest of smiles and friendliest of faces. With it's luxe interior, quirky decor and trendy vibes this is the gold standard of salons. The Chapel team go that extra mile to in sure the perfect and pampered experience. I was given a darling tour of the salon, much needed refreshment for the sunny day and an in depth discussion as to how I normally style my hair, what my routine is, how much effort do I realistically what to put into my hair at the start of the day and what look would I look would I like to go for, as soon as I mentioned the word 'Freja' my stylist Georgia got super excited and I knew I was in good hands. Better hands than I could even have imagined actually. Not only did Georgia take on board everything I said but she made the simplest of tweaks and changes that have made all the difference and taught me all the tricks as she went along. My hair has been given a complete new lease of life and a volume I've never managed before (as my hair is quite fine). Georgia even managed to convert me to the good life of styling products and I'm so glad she did.

...and then I was off to Queen of Hoxton for drinks where this just out of the salon shot was taken, cos I was a silly blogger and forgot to do proper befores and afters.

Blau x

Hard on The Eyes

2011-07-28T17:32:00.000+01:00

I'm kinda becoming a bit of a eyeshadow slut. Blame Topshop's make-up tutorials.

Blau x

Ah, Jayus

2011-07-27T21:37:00.000+01:00

I'm very excited about the new tee-line Plain White TShite that has hit the Irish soil running. Founded by a bunch of self-described 'festival-hoppers and fashion bloggers, interested in some good tunes, a bit of ‘big-fish, small-fish’, and basically just having a fun laid back time here in the sunny emerald isle' is a a creative force that 'are emblems of our own urban heritage and symbols of all that is blaydin’ deadly bud.'

So check out their site,

or find them stocked at 9 Crow St, Temple Bar,

or hitting the Pav Boot Sale in Cork this Sunday!

Blau x

Lovebox-ed

2011-07-21T09:44:00.008+01:00

Lovebox has become somewhat of a symbol of Summer in London these days. An easy to go to festival (only up the road, in Victoria Park) that is attracting very interesting performers (previous acts include N*E*R*D, The Flaming Lips and Gary Newman) It started in 2002 as a club festival in 93 Feet East and has since grown to a 3 day out door festival.

Since my first Summer here, Facebook friends have flaunted in my face images of beautiful people all wearing cool clothes and seeing great bands, while the Summer sun embraced them. So when given the opportunity to go this year, I grabbed it. Booked my Sunday ticket. Yippee!!

Only one problem: it was raining. Lashing actually. For.three.days. Was that going to dampen the Lovebox spirit? I have no idea, like I said, it was my first time going.

So Sunday morning arrives and I make a frantic rush around Shoreditch to buy wellies, however given it was day 3 of this rain, most were sold out, or getting a little too steeply priced for something I wanted to cover in mud. Finally finding some and off we went to meet a group of beautiful people in awesome clothes who were willing to overcome this hazey weather and get out of their (Love) box.

Highlights included Kelis, in a Flea from RHCP-esque skeleton suit, The Scissor Sisters and all the amazing DJs and dance areas. And then there was 2Many DJs who we don't even need to talk about or I may cry at how amazing that experience was.

Ezzie x

Erotic Bible to Europe

2011-07-20T08:54:00.000+01:00

Let me tell you about my new best freind; The Erotic Bible to Europe.

Erika Lust is an award-winning writer and erotic filmmaker who founder the production company Lust Films in Barcelona now offers a complete erotic guide through the Continent; restaurants, fetish stores, nudist beaches, events, cabarets and lingerie. This site gathers all the erotic places you can imagine; nudist beaches, sexy shows, fetish boutiques and designers, burlesque trend; everything from kinky to chic! This interactive website allows you to discover new erotic places and browse through your favourites.

Blau x

L.O.L.A....Lola

2011-07-18T20:12:00.001+01:00

Lola's is best known to some as that pit stop of tasty heaven on the ground floor of the Oxford Circus branch of Topshop. Victoria Jossel and Romy Lewis grew up in the same area of London when their families moved from South Africa in the early 90’s.Their relaxed and warm South African families love entertaining - so growing up life revolved around food and desserts. Victoria graduated in Computer Science and worked for Goldman Sachs for five years. She always felt like she could be muchmore creative, and started a simple website to take orders for cupcakes from her home kitchen. Demand was so high that sheapproached Romy, a Journalism graduate, about coming on board to help set up LOLA’s in 2007. The rest as they say is hostory!

Lola's use only the finest natural ingredients and they're always baked fresh on the day of delivery.
Blau x

Russian Doll

2011-07-13T22:45:00.001+01:00

I'm a big fan of Scarlett Hearts and their kitsch and vintage inspired handmade jewellery. Oh yes, jewels and goodies with affordable price tags without comprimising on originality and quality. Interesting pieces sourced from a variety of places inspired by fast fashion trends and close friends.

I just purchased numbers; 4, 7 and 8 to add to my collection of babushka items.
Blau x

Write Something!

2011-07-12T09:36:00.000+01:00

Write Something! is a social writing session that provides writers a place to work with the communal energy of a café, but without the expense of buying cup after cup of coffee. We’ll bring our computers, notebooks, snacks, coffee, and/or tea to the Exchange Collective Arts Centre (Exchange Street, Upper, Temple Bar, D2) and settle in for a couple hours of work and conversation. Whether you’re working on a novel, a blog, a love letter, a curriculum vitae, a poem, an essay, or even a PhD, writing can be too solitary and Write Something! will ideally facilitate productive writing sessions with “just enough distraction”.

Left is the front cover of their Book of Promptings, the brainchild of Miss Claire Layton. If you come to a Write Something meeting, but know not what to write about, you can turn to the Book of Promptings and it shall, well, prompt your imagination.

Enchanted by the concept I spoke with the girls behind the group; Muireann Crowley and Sarah Thelen. Muireann had the following to say; "Basically, the idea for it came out of me and Sarah meeting regularly for writing dates. She's working on her PhD and I'm working on a novel. We used to meet once a week in a café to do some work together, tap-tap-tapping away on our keyboards.

We had several thoughts about this:
(i) It would be nice if people would schedule writing for us, and just make us sit down and DO IT! (I originally wanted to call the event 'Shut Up and Write'. But Sarah thought we might not want to shout at people, which is true.)
(ii) It would be nice to be able to work in a public place that wasn't a library, but didn't require buying anything, and we could bring our own food and drink.
(ii) It would be nice to work in a place where we knew we'd have access to power points.
(iv) Other people must be thinking the same thing.

I guess that I should say that Write Something's location is flexible. We've been hosted by the Bald Barista café in Avalon House once, and we're returning there for the next two events. We're hoping to return to the Exchange after that, but we're toying with the idea of making it a moveable feast, of sorts. The Exchange is a fantastic resource, and we're really pleased to be able to use the space for our writing sessions.

That said, providing a free space for people to work in is one aspect of what we're trying to do. We're also trying to provide a time and a social space in which writers can meet and work, so we're not restricted to one place.. There are lots of great cafés in Dublin, and we're happy to support local businesses with our need for caffeine! We've also been supported by the amazing Nick's Coffee Company of Ranelagh and Tara Street who have provided us with coffee for our Exchange meetings. I cannot say enough about their wonderfulness and the smoothness of their coffee.

The format of Write Something is fairly straightforward and loose at the moment. We go in, we sit down, we write. We chat every now and then, refuel with more coffee, continue writing. Sometimes people wander in and out. We have a little prompt book for people to flick through, if they want to write but don't have something to write about. We're also open to non-writers; some people have come to work on photo editing or do some drawing. The event's called 'Write Something' because that's our own goal, but we want to provide a time and space for anybody who needs to work quietly"

Blau x

Image via Write Something!

Lascivious Showgirls

2011-07-11T01:00:00.000+01:00

Meet Roxy, Stardust and Candy.

Another reason to love Lascivious; the most seductive bodysuits. Choose wisely from the Showgirl collection to suit your mood. Opt for naughty cut outs, flirty fringing, tantilisng mesh or Swarovski crystal.

Blau x

Porridge

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

You might be thinking that it's far to sunny and hot for an oatmeal start to your day but I've been loving my fruity porridge these past few weeks. Oats are a great source of protein and contain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, Selenium, copper, magnesium and zinc. This breakfast will also lower your risk of developing heart disease by reducing the bad cholesterol (without lowering the good cholesterol) in your body and is proven to fight against IBS and even cancer.

So get your oats in the saucepan and add some milk! Serve into bowl, let cool slightly and then sprinkle a layer of ground cinnamon (which will help stabilise your blood sugar) and add a chopped banana. Add anti-oxidants via fist-sized portions of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, dried cranberries and a handful of goji berries. Repeat after me; 'mmmmmm'.

Blau x

Image via We Heart It

When The Hostesses Spoke to The Thrill Billies

2011-07-04T22:48:00.008+01:00

When myself and Blau embarked on a Stag and Dagger adventure back in May, we were a little giddy when we stumbled upon The Thrill Billies Burlesque group. This group of ladies Violet Empire, Ottolie Divine, Lady Libertine, Cinzia Dubonnet and Ms Biouxsie Rouge, put on a very special performance and we just had to catch up for a little chat to find out more. 

So tell me a little about how you guys got started?  

LADY LIBERTINE: Ah, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of making your acquaintance? My name…is Lady Libertine, a loyal lunatic, subject to The Thrill Billies & to the mistress of the function room, the beauteous Miss Violet Empire, whom I met over 3 years ago one painstakingly warm Summer’s eve…. Talk of Miss Empire starting Burlesque classes locally, cropped up in conversation with her over a few tipples of Gin…& Guinness, in which I informed another friend of mine whom was with me at the time, & who has now become the bewitching Cinzia Dubonnet of The Thrill Billies. Classes started but a month later in which many a keen soul rolled on up to see just what all the fuss was about! Violet taught us all the ropes of Burlesque, not just taking off stockings & strangling an innocent by passer with them, but also the history. Fifteen became ten, ten became eight & soon eight became the true Thrill Billies. We debuted in July 2009 at The Railway in Tulse Hill.

What influences your act and inspires you? 

MS BIOUXSIE ROUGE: I'm a very comical person so I think that comes through on stage but that’s true for all of us. We try not to take ourselves too seriously; there's nothing worse than someone trying too hard to be sexy. I believe inspiration comes from the strangest places and the strange situations I find myself in which reflect in my performance.

Tell me a little about your onstage persona. Are you a bit like Sasha Fierce, only for on stage, or are you a bit Lady Gaga?

CINZIA DUBONNET: My onstage persona has formed quite naturally incorporating different parts of my personality. But it’s enhanced them rather than forming a split personality! I’m playful and fun but will occasionally need to be spanked!

LADY LIBERTINE: Lady Libertine was born in 1890 Paris, France. She moved to London at 10 years old with her parents & at 15 found the love of her life whom she could only meet in secret. They later ran away together & found an old & disused mansion on the top of a hill.She earned a living from running her own Lunatic Asylum & may have been wealthy but that was nothing compared to loneliness that she felt, night after night…Until she stumbled across Violet Empire, one absinthe induced evening…

A Lady? Yes, & as for Gaga? Well, I do have a cog or ten loose upstairs. Lest you’ve forgotten, I do run a Lunatic Asylum & have incidentally turned a little (ridiculously) loony myself…I’m afraid that I may be a little too fierce for Sasha Fierce as I do perform in a straitjacket onstage & have a knack for getting out of it at an alarming pace, but, this is Lady Libertine that we’re speaking of. Yet, with The Thrill Billies, our forces combine to create pieces so grandiose, flamboyant, tasteful &, need I remind you, expensive, that those leeching on us will be left helpless, breathless & on the edge of their unpaid for stools. Fierceness doesn’t even begin to cover what The Thrill Billies create once they’ve graced the stage with their undoubtedly infamous presence. Experiencing our unique troupe is more intense than playing with fire, unless you’ve become accustomed to that way of living…I’ve been Lady Libertine & you’ve been most irritating, I bid you good evening…

MS BIOUXSIE ROUGE: Ms Biouxsie Rouge is easily recognised with a bursting flower perched on her hair and iconic dimples indenting her cheeks; Life and soul of the party. To sum her up; Cigarette smiles and Whiskey breath kisses.

OTTOLIE DIVINE: Ottolie Divine is ‘sleek and vicious’. She’s selfish, takes what she wants, but likes to toy with her victim in order to get it. You may have guessed she’s fairly sadistic, most of the acts she appears in are pretty morbid, but she has a sweet side that you mustn’t be led astray by.

There are definitely parts of my onstage personality that are my real character traits, but wildly exaggerated and camped up. There are other traits that appear when I’m onstage that seem to have come from nowhere!

VIOLET EMPIRE: Violet Empire is a strange creature, she started life as a proud, strong and somewhat meddling woman. She felt that others were simply put on the earth to entertain her, this is still true to some extent but she has grown into a more caring and motherly type. This probably has something to do with her role as madame of the group. She truly believes that what she has to say is worth a listen and if someone is seen to be uninterested she makes it her duty to involve them and find a common ground.

Violet is very much like me, just more eloquent, elegant and funnier. She taught me how to dance and see myself as a sexual being, to appreciate myself on a more sensual and aesthetic level, and i taught her to crave human affection and give it out in return. We are like one another’s alter egos, a little partnership.

What has been your favorite performance so far?

VIOLET EMPIRE: My favorite performance so far would have to be our first, where we will perform again on the 18th of June. It was crazy and all over the place. I had just been in hospital and couldn't do the show so I gave myself the role of compere. I watched the girls perform in front of an audience for the first time and felt an enormous amount of pride for them all and what they had achieved. That first performance set the wheels in motion for everything that was to follow.

OTTOLIE DIVINE: Stag & Dagger was great fun as we were given the royal treatment and had the chance to meet lots of other great acts. I enjoy all our gigs, but another really great one was a collaboration we did with a life drawing class, The Drawing Room, where we modelled various poses in burlesque bits and bobs for a couple of hours before wowing the artists and a few other spectators with our show. It was very intimate, and the artwork that was produced was amazing.

You will find these little minxes on their blog here and their Facebook here.

Ezzie x

Introducing...

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

Lily; a creature like no other, a pickpocket with an immense sense of adventure. Part Jack Russell and part, well God only knows. Lily is a fearless tree climber and can scale any surface with the ease of a mountain goat. She takes off like a whippet and can be seen leaping the length of the garden like a spring lamb. Her tail is longer than her body, she stands like Charlie Chaplin but spends more time on her hind paws than on all fours. She lives for the chase; be it sock, shoe or kitchen knife if Lily thinks you need it she'll be out the door, item in mouth just waiting to be chased. She's a true street urchin, a scallywag of the highest order. You cant help but love her untamed spirit. They say pets take after their owners but I hope I can take after her.

Blau x

Self-taught

2011-06-29T21:48:00.002+01:00

Music plays a large large part in my life but despite tin whistle lessons in school (compulsory) I never really played an instrument as a child. I have an older brother who plays the guitar and drums and has one of those cool track mixers that so must of my early dalliances involved creeping into his room when he was out. I was given a keyboard when I was twelve and I mostly played 'demo' on it. Aged fifteen I asked my brother to teach me to play a few chords on his guitar and well...he wasn't very patient with me and finally excused himself from any further ventures by telling me my were 'too small to play guitar'. So never one to ask for a man's help twice I went and bought myself a harmonica and I've been dabbling with it ever since. Now it's time to nurture my love of the xylophone and thankfully the age of blogs and videos make lessons so much easier

Neopolitan dreams xylophone by tchitcha25

Blau x

The Wholesome 'Brownie'

2011-06-27T22:45:00.000+01:00

What is it about sunshine that triggers that innate want and desire to 'go healthy' and detox, to make your body a temple and cleanse it of all those nasty toxins? Ah yes, having to show off more skin than normal. Well, I've decided to embark on a life of nutrition and exercise with the first step being to 'go brown'; brown bread instead of white and wholegrain pasta. With its darker and more moist whole wheat perfection I love it with a softly boiled egg, it's a better start to the day than my usual.

Ingredients.

320g Wholemeal Flour
260g Irish white flour or unbleached flour
80g Wheat germ
2 teaspoon Honey
½ teaspoon Bread soda
½ teaspoon Salt
3 teaspoons Butter, at room temperature
1 Large egg
0.5 litres Buttermilk or sour milk

Method.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC/Gas Mark 6). Do not start until the oven is hot.

Spread the wheat germ on a baking tray and place in the hot oven for 3-5 minutes until it is lightly toasted. In the meantime mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk together the egg, oil, honey and about ¾ of the milk.
When the wheat germ is done, leave it for about 2-3 minutes to cool a little then mix it in with the dry ingredients. Cut the butter into small pieces and with the tips of your fingers rub it into the flour.
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the milk mix. Quickly and bring the flour in from the edges and mix with the milk, until all the ingredients come together into a soft slightly wet dough. It should not be overly sloppy, you should feel you could pick it up without it running through your fingers, but it should be soft enough that it sinks slowly down and takes on the shape of the bowl. If it is too dry add a little more buttermilk. There is no need to knead this dough.
Put into a 9″ x 5″ loaf tin, the inside of which has been smeared with a little butter or oil. Place in the oven. Bake for 50 minutes. The bread should be nicely browned, have a good crust and sound hollow when you tap it. If it seems a little underdone, put it back in for 10 minutes.
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf tin before turning it out.
This bread keeps for a few days, and is much easier to slice thinly if you wrap it in aluminium foil and keep it until the next day.

Recipe from dochara.com

Blau x

Laura Marling

2011-06-23T22:07:00.000+01:00

Last night a saw the talented Laura Marling play The Pavillion. This lady of folk melodies and stark poetic lyricism provided a powerful and compelling performance peppered with playful humour and disquieting sensitivity. She also wore beautiful red loafers.Her debut album Alas, I Cannot Swim and her second album I Speak Because I Can were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2008 and 2010 respectively where she won Best Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards.

Blau x

The Beauty Spot

2011-06-17T21:44:00.002+01:00

The Beauty Spot Summer Tour kicked off in The Woodford, Cork last night. This proved itself to be the ultimate free pamper party featuring product sampling, free beauty and hair advice from NYC Beauty Bar, free nail bar,complimentary drinks from Eve, DJ set from Cici Cavanagh, pop-up shops from local boutiques and vintage stores including Amity, Peacock and Ruby, Miss Daisy Blue and Turquoise Flamingo, Chupi, the fashion team from the Irish News of the World along with the wonderful Abigail of Russell Styling with the night filmed for their online TV Channel, Stylenation.ie.

For the summer tour dates please check here.

Blau x

Screen Siren

2011-06-16T01:00:00.001+01:00

I'm currently hunting for the final items for my mistress boudoir, all I need now is an antique dressing screening or large fan. Once the my last treasure has been secured I can concentrate on parading around in delicate pantaloons as above.

Blau x

Images via Blaubushka Tumblr

Where's Wally?

2011-06-13T14:05:00.003+01:00

I'm truly delighted to have been one of the 2,563 people who flocked to Fitzgerald Park, Cork yesterday for the Street Performance World Championship and officially succeeded in beating the Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as Where's Wally? in one place at one time. The previous Guinness World Record was held by Rutgers University (USA) at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, on 2 April 2009 with 1,052 people. Proceeds from the Where’s Wally costume sales will be donated to the charity Africa Aware. Check out the pics!

Blau x

Hot Press Jägermeister Freezer Sessions

2011-06-11T08:00:00.002+01:00

Dead School.

One of the freshest bands on the Irish scene, Cork based Dead School are a four piece alternative rock band that is creating a stir on the local scene. Dead School was formed in August and comprises of Donal McDonald (vocals/percussion), James McDonald (guitar/drums /vocals), Cathal Maher (guitar/drums /keys) and Ruairi Dale (bass). Having spent an intense few months holed up in various flats and practice rooms writing songs and honing their sound they are proving themselves as genuine talent. Speaking about the night Donal McDonald had the following words to say "heaviosity reigned, Jägermeister flowed, the crowd sweated."

Bipolar Empire and The Shoos.
Bipolar Empire;Their stylistic folk infused rock’n’roll, delivered with genuine raw passion and boundless energy, began to draw the attention of young music connoisseurs and as the live shows developed into a tighter, more intense experience, so the Bipolar Empire fanbase began to blossom.

The Shoos;“I had a solo thing going on but my guitar-playing was terrible so I asked Barry to come and do a gig with me,” explains Texas, The Shoos’ lead singer who’s blessed with a full-bodied blues growl redolent of both Joe Cocker and John Fogarty in his Creedence Clearwater Revival prime. "Then another friend of ours, Steve, joined in on bass, which made his brother Scott feel left out so in order to be in the band he learned the drums! People assume there was a masterplan, but it was just pure luck that we got together and realised, ‘hey, something special’s going on here!"Collective identity settled on – “Scott has a bit of a stiletto fetish and we also liked the fact that ‘shoo’ is another way of saying ‘clear off’”, adds Texas.

Fight Like Apes.
The great misfit band Fight Like Apes tore The Pavillion to pieces with their energetic and feisty performance. MayKay is one of two of the more gregarious members of the band, the other being Jamie “Pockets” Fox. Their set was punctuated with battles and crowd surfing and the stage decorated with a mannequin presented to the band earlier that day by Galway man Richard Russell.

Blau x

Photography by Blau von T

I Read Palms

2011-06-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ever bemused by the art of palm reading, palmistry, chiromancy, and hand analysis I've decided to refresh my basic palm reading skills. This form of fortune telling involves the practice of evaluating a person's character or future life by "reading" the palm of that person's hand. Various lines and mounts, purportedly suggest interpretations by their relative sizes, qualities, and intersections.

A reader usually begins by reading the person's dominant hand (sometimes considered to represent the conscious mind, whereas the other hand is subconscious). In some traditions of palmistry, the other hand is believed to carry hereditary or family traits, or, depending on the palmist's cosmological beliefs, to convey information about past-life or karmic conditions. So for now the hardest part is deciding which of the many traditions to follow!

Blau x

Images via We Heart It

Product Lust; Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil

2011-06-08T01:17:00.002+01:00

I'm in lust with a new product. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. I'm hoping for the sake of my skin that its a long lasting relationship. As I mentioned before, I'm a bit phobic of the old lines and wrinkles. I understand they have to arrive, I'm just eager to ease their arrival. So stumbling upon Trilogy Organic Rosehip oil was one hell of a happy coincedence. I love products that have more then one purpose, this one also promises to be good for scars and stretch marks. That's what Bio Oil is for, I hear you say? Indeed, but on the face Bio Oil feels rotten. Rosehip oil feels lovely. Just moisturising enough. It also promises to help with acne scars and UVA damage. I pop a little around the eyes and on the decolletage morning and evening. Makes the skin feel lush. Love it, get it.

Ezzie

Hopeless Lingerie

2011-06-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

In less than three years of existence, Hopeless Lingerie has managed to set a new standard in creativity and style. Taking inspiration from such diverse places as B-grade horror films, architecture and modern art, designer Gabrielle Adamidis with the help of her sister Dominique have established a strong following through innovative designs. Combining vintage aesthetics with modern comfort and convenience, Hopeless create pieces that aim to make women feel sexy and beautiful.

Blau x

Images via Hopeless Lingerie

Suit of Arms

2011-06-05T12:43:00.002+01:00

I've always been fascinated by the world of body art and last week I delved into the secret world of Russian criminals and their love for body art. Left is my latest read featuring over 3000 tattoos collected by prison attendant Danzig Baldaev and represents the recordings of a closed society, the artful documentation of Russian convict.

Naturally all I want to do now is re-watch Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises and see how many of his tattoos I can recognise! The tattoos that he wore were, according to the New York Daily News, so realistic, that diners in a Russian restaurant in London fell silent out of fear until Mortensen revealed his identity and admitted the tattoos were for a film.From that day on he washed off his tattoos whenever he went off the set.

"I talked to...(authentic gangsters)...about what they meant and where they were on the body, what that said about where they'd been, what their specialties were, what their ethnic and geographical affiliations were," Mortensen says. "Basically their history, their calling card, is their body."

Blau x

Peekaboo, I See You

2011-05-31T22:12:00.001+01:00

Make like a sophisticated temptress snare your lover with sheer seduction and delicate temptation; from lace perfection to dark elegance it works a treat everytime.

Blau x

Images via We Heart It

Slane '11

2011-05-31T18:39:00.002+01:00

6.30am wake-up call. 8am drive from Cork to Slane. 80,000 people. The Whigs. Mona. White Lies. Thin Lizzy. Elbow. Kings of Leon. Wellies. Noodles. Beer. Fireworks. Friends.

Blau x

Rockabilly Night with My Evil Ex

2011-05-27T17:14:00.002+01:00

Last night saw me rock around the clock in the charming vintage store Turquoise Flamingo. A 1950's Rockabilly themed night instore with music from My Evil Ex. Free milkshake style cocktails (yummy White Russians), peanut butter cups and fudge slices! Earlier in the day there was also a stylist instore to help you obtain that perfect 1950s look.

Can't wait for the next night!
Blau x

Ghostpoet at Stag and Dagger, London

2011-05-25T19:11:00.000+01:00

Enthrawlling the crowd at 93 Feet East was the highly tipped musical contender for 2011; Ghostpoet. Obaro 'Ghostpoet' Ejimiwe a self-dubbed 'lad with a lisp with some stories to tell' provides sharp streams of consciousness with a catch-me-if-you-can rhythms and provoking percussion. This rising prince of experimental hip hop proved to the audience that his showmanship is equal to his wordcraft. If you havn't checked him out yet, do it now!

Blau x

Stag and Dagger

2011-05-24T08:00:00.050+01:00

Here's a taste of the bands and performances caught by Hostessess Stag (Blau) and Dagger (Ezzie) at the Stag and Dagger Festival around Shoreditch last Thursday. The Queen of Hoxton featured quite a bit in our musical roaming and are we happy we wore flats!

Cloud Boat.

The Thrill Billies.

Ghostpoet.

Marques Toliver.

Star Slinger.

Stay tuned for more detailed reporting,
The Hostesses x

Chicken Stuffed with Herby Mascarpone

2011-05-23T17:05:00.000+01:00

Being eager to impress my mister on his return after a weekend away, I decided to give this a go;

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees. Take mascarpone, mix with crushed garlic, chopped rosemary and salt and pepper. Slice chicken breasts and stuff mixture inside. Wrap with dry cured ham (prosciutto was what I was aiming for, but I couldn't find it. It worked in my favour) to keep the centre inside.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Serve with baby potatoes and pan fried green beans.

The result was, if I do say so myself, absolutely amazing and earned myself a few brownie points. I was tempted to post a pic of my smug face too.

Ezzie x

The Gentleman Who Fell

2011-05-19T08:16:00.005+01:00

"Gentlemen Who Fell", the only single released from Milla Jovovich's critically acclaimed folk album 'The Divine Comedy'. Though released in 1994 Jovovich had written the lyrics aged fifteen and recorded it aged sixteen. The video below was actually the second version made and is a pastiche of the experimental film "Meshes of the Afternoon" (1943), repeating a series of psychologically symbolic images-keep your eyes peeled! Whenever I watch it, I just end up clicking 'repeat'-just love it!

Blau x

Juno Falls

2011-05-18T10:29:00.002+01:00

Agent Provocateur's mint green Juno was inspired by the beautiful chinoisery designs of the Georgian period. Peonies, dragonflies and naughty monkeys dart across this exclusive print on silk satin. Lovely pink contrast ribbons finish off this classically elegant look with a twist. I want it.

Blau x

Versions 3; Wuthering Heights

2011-05-13T19:28:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the release of Kate Bush's new album I give you 'Wuthering Heights' in versions..and I couldn't resist adding that cheeky Noel Fielding into the mix.

Blau x

My Favourite Photos: Little Dude

2011-05-09T14:14:00.004+01:00

Dear Little Dude,

You have no idea how much this photo makes me smile.

Love Ezzie x

Hostess Hero: Alison Mosshart

2011-05-06T22:17:00.001+01:00

Oh Miss Mosshart how do you do it? Firece, crazed and talented this rock'n'rock devilwoman is near to being the perfect woman, in my eyes anyway. From her work with Jamie Hince in The Kills to her musical antics with Jack White in The Dead Weather she always delivers.

Previous Hostess Heroes include; Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and MIA.

Blau x

Image via We Heart It

The Great Wardrobe Swap

2011-05-04T18:41:00.009+01:00

I've been waiting for this day for months. The day when I swap over my wardrobes from Winter to Summer. I've done it annually since moving to London and having to share my flat with my mister (something about "compromise", blah blah blah) and space being of the optimum.

So yearly, it gets vacum packed and put under the couch. The best part? I completly forget about half the stuff I own!

This year I totally forgot about my green 50's tea dress, strapless lime pencil dress and the playsuits- oh the playsuits! I can't believe I forgot about these beauties, but thats what frozen noses do to you. It's like someone handed me a whole new wardrobe already packed with memories.

Many outfit posts to follow.

Ezzie x

Tea for Two

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Devonshire Tea. 

Tea taken with a combination of scones, clotted cream (or in some instances whipped cream), and jam. I'll be serving of jam of choice; blackberry.

Afternoon Tea.

Also known as low tea, is a light meal typically eaten between 3pm and 5pm. Traditionally, loose tea is brewed in a teapot and served in teacups with milk and sugar. This is accompanied by sandwiches, scones and usually cakes and pastries such as Battenberg, fruit cake or Victoria sponge. A great excuse to bring out the tiered stand.

High Tea.

This an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm and would usually consist of cold meats, eggs or fish, cakes and sandwiches. In its origin, the term “high tea” was used as a way to distinguish it from “low tea” or afternoon tea. The words 'low' and 'high' refer to the tables from which either tea meal was eaten. Low tea was served in a sitting room where low tables were placed near sofas or chairs generally. The word high referred to a table, this one in a dining room table, and it would be loaded with substantial dinner dishes - meats, cheese, breads.

So..

Blau x

Yoko Kimono

2011-04-27T22:51:00.004+01:00

I've always longed to own a kimono and here's my chance to get my hands on a more wearable version via River Island and Topshop.

Blau x

Little man - the way girls are

2011-04-26T08:00:00.002+01:00

One of my favourite short films and serves as a clear example of the differences between little boys and girls. Well watch and you'll see things don't change very much as we grow up. Hope you enjoy!

Blau x

How To Have The Best Easter Ever

2011-04-24T19:58:00.009+01:00

1. Wake up covered in glitter after spending most of the evening dancing on a table. Get an Iron Bru, secret hangover cure which should only be employed at the most desperate of times.

2. Stumble to Cowshed at Shoreditch House on the most glorious of days for the Ultimate Cowshed Pedicure. Feet are soaked and scrubbed and rubbed with a drill (yes- a DRILL!) until they feel like the feet of a thousand hours of dancing away. Complete this with a head and shoulder massage and varnish. This morning I went for a yummy coral.

3. Breakfast time. I love going out for breakfast. It is the single most lovely thing in the world. This morning I went to The Breakfast Club for a massive breakfast burrito served by happy hipsters.

4. Come home to find the Easter Bunny had been to my flat in my absence, eggs popping up everywhere!

5. Naptime, followed by a beautiful lamb dinner, cooked with love x

I hope you all had as nice an Easter as me

Ezzie x

Seka Cosmetics.

2011-04-22T23:12:00.002+01:00

Seka Cosmetics is 100% Irish owned and was established by make-up artist Susan Kilcoyne from Dublin last year. It is a new innovative cosmetic company committed to offering first class cosmetic products in a way that focuses on getting the customer involved and can boast as being the first cosmetics company in Ireland to have their products Made in Ireland. The top quality cosmetics range is handmade in Ireland, from the best quality ingredients. Customers can create their own bespoke colours for a number of products, including eyeshadows and lipgloss.

‘Because we have close contact with our customers, we get great feedback on what people want from their make-up, so we’re always refining our range and improving the service we offer.’ - Susan Kilcoyn

The online colour mixing palette is simple to use, with a click of the cursor, and gives an instant image of the colour choice, illustrated around the eyes. Shoppers can name their particular product colour, with the option of having the new colour added to the SekaCosmetics website for other customers to purchase. And, with prices from just €12 for the long-lasting moisturising lipstick range, and €13 for soft powder blushers, there is no better value anywhere in exclusive, quality cosmetics. The formulas produced for the first collection are natural, smooth, soothing, and, most importantly, long-lasting. SekaCosmetics use nourishing ingredients, including avocado butter, beeswax, mineral clays, coconut oil, cocoa butter, rice powder, pro-vitamin B5, shea butter and vitamin E.

Blau x

Keep Calm and Curry On

2011-04-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

If there's one thing that I've really grown to love the past year it's curry, my top pick being the Thai Green variety. So here's Jo Pratt's recipe for Thai Green Chicken Curry that I almost know off by heart.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp Thai green curry paste (according to taste)
1 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
1-2 thick stalks lemongrass, fat ends bashed with a rolling pin (optional)
750g/1½lb skinless, boneless chicken, cut into chunks (use breast and/or leg meat)
6-8 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (if unavailable, use the grated zest of 1 lime)
400ml/14fl oz coconut milk
Good shake of Thai fish sauce or light soy sauce
Small handful of coriander, roughly chopped
½-1 lime, juice only

Preparation method.

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the green curry paste and sugar and cook over a fairly high heat for about a minute, stirring with the lemongrass, if using. Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the chicken pieces and lime leaves or zest until coated in the paste. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce or soy sauce and bring to a simmer, cooking for 25-30 minutes until thickened slightly. Stir in the coriander and lime juice. Check for seasoning, adding more fish sauce or soy sauce if needed.

The curry is now best left to sit for a few minutes so the sauce becomes creamier. You will also taste the true flavours of the curry paste ingredients when it's slightly cooler. Serve with lots of fragrant Thai jasmine rice.

Blau x

She Bangs

2011-04-19T08:00:00.027+01:00

Given the amount of time I've spent lusting over the hair of Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry the past twelve months it seemed only right I should brave the bang and bring back my full fringe (pictured above, and starighten for the Perry effect). So far no regrets; it even nicely keeps my forehead warm and think of the money I'll save on foundation...joking, kinda.

Thoughts?

Blau x

Images via We Heart It

Lover. A Dance for One.

2011-04-17T19:31:00.003+01:00

Australian brand Lover is known for it's gorgeous quality. Started by creative couple Susien Chong and Nic Briand in 2001, they somehow know the secret to creating mind blowing styles that are still simple, timeless and wearable. The label has risen to prominence in Australia and internationally, developing a cult and celebrity following. Lover's look embodies "romance, drama and a touch of rock'n'roll swagger"

When asked to explain who or what is Lover, the couple reply; "We started the label based on what we loved and admired, in turn we've created our own world with a mix and match of our favourite heroes, muses, films and songs. We've found Lover ladies all over the world who share a similar vision who have re-interpreted the garments in their way, and for us that's perfect." Available from Bona Drag.

Clean and simple. 

That dress on the bottom right, that's going to be my wedding dress.

Blau x

Images via Bona Drag

Wear Irish

2011-04-14T08:20:00.003+01:00

Wear Irish Week 9th to 15th of May 2011.

Time to wear Irish and shop local as a new campaign started by Irish fashion designer Eilis Boyle to support Irish creatives and producers. From Peter O'Brien, Mia O'Connell to Harlow&Harvey get your hands on Irish threads! "When we read about Eat only Irish Week (www.eatonlyirish.com) the creative community of Ireland decided to come together to promote Irish Design and to encourage everyone to join us this week by wearing locally made or designed products. The intention is to encourage people to try and wear something Irish, as much of it as possible during this week"; Eilis Boyle.

Be sure to check out the Facebook page to discover more Irish fashion designers and local producers!

Blau x

Ten Things

2011-04-13T10:18:00.003+01:00

I do love blogger to blogger awards. A chance to build on your existing relationships and an opportunity to forge new blogging friendships. I also like to take the occasional chance to share a bit more of personal life you you kind people.

The lovely Laura of Glamours Glue was kind enough to tag me in the Kreativ Blogger award so here I am carrying it on. First I tag ten of my favourite bloggers (and I'm trying avoid those who have already been tagged) and then I share with you ten facts about myself..so here I go!

Ten bloggers...

Sarah of My Third Cousin
Rhona of Rose Tinted Uncertainty
Kitty Cat of Red Lemonade
Sarah of The Licentiate
Dawn of Skinni Peach
Sinead of Fashion House and Her Style Diaries
Janey of Noisy Shoes
Lavelle of Kisses and Cross Stitches
Cathy of The Style Strutter
Lorna of Things I Fell In Love With Today

Ten facts...

I really really wish I could be in London today to help Ezzie celebrate her birthday.
I spent yesterday morning working at a Teddy Bear Hospital (as shown on TV3 news, you can see the back of me twice!).
I'm already wondering what I'll be for Halloween.
I wont leave the house without pencilling my eyebrows. Its all about the power brow.
My favourite Disney is The Jungle Book.
I do a face mask and hair mask every Sunday.
If I were to become a collector of anything it would be all the early issues of The Face involving Kate Moss.
I've never listened to an Oasis album in full.
I cant be in the same room as a Meg Ryan movie.
I'm fascinated by puppets.

Blau x

Hello, I'd like a sexy Summer face, please

2011-04-12T19:01:00.006+01:00

So with Summer looming fast, it comes to the most hypocritical time of year for me. Protecting myself in the sun is a given; I'm Irish- not Hispanic and while I love the feeling of a tan, that beachy tightness on your skin, the few freckles on the nose, I cannot relax knowing the damage I'm doing to my skin. And neither should you.

So I'v been using Becca, a little known Australian Brand that has somewhat of a cult following. The Brand ethos is about creating flawless and natural finish to the skin, making it look amazing. Their USP is a promise to provide a foundation for every skin type. I use their primer (SPF 30) every day, but as the evenings get longer, I'm loving their Shimmering Skin Protector (SPF 25), which basically makes you glow. Use it under your foundation, or on its own with a touch of concealer and blusher for a natural looking Summer glow. It's truly is a beautiful secret weapon we should all sneak into our make up purse.

For suppliers, click here

Ezzie x

I Can Make You Ice-cream

2011-04-11T08:00:00.000+01:00

I want to travel the world selling
Ice Cream Sundaes.

Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae.

2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream

Peppermint hot fudge dessert sauce

Crushed peppermint candies for the topping

Candy Canes and dessert mints for decoration.

Place 2-3 scoops of ice cream in a dish or a bowl. Ladle the Peppermint Hot Fudge on top. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top and garnish with candy canes and dessert mints.

Blau x

Image via We Heart It

Designer Crush; Mia O'Connell

2011-04-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

Let me introduce to you my favourite new designer on the Irish fashion scene. Mia O'Connell; graduate from The Limerick School of Art and Design in Fashion Design Mia has undertaken work experience with greats such as John Rocha, Marios Schwab, The Times London, British Vogue and Sakina M'Sa Paris. Her collections are infused with soft pieces of strong and dominant form. These clothes create soft silhouettes with a strong technical base that afford their wearer an elegant yet urban charm. Her pieces are "designed for a woman with a love for the fashion forward, who chooses to be feminine yet with an edge."

Blau von T meets Mia O'Connell.

Do you think your own personal style reflects your designs?

Yes, I dress in a simplified version of the way I design. It is feminine but with a contemporary avant garde essence. When designing I am very aware of the figure inside the piece and the way women like to feel in clothes, I combine this with perhaps a draped element or an oversized detail to create contrast.

What would you do if you were not in the fashion industry?

If I was not involved in fashion I think I would be involved in graphic design. I have always loved putting together presentations, composition and taking photographs. I am currently doing a Photoshop and illustrator course and I hope to be able to do all my own catalogues in the future. It is another part of my work that I really love.

Currently selling in Ireland; Elaine Curtis Carlow, The Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin.
Online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/miaoconnelldesign

Blau x

Versions 2; I Put A Spell On You

2011-04-05T08:00:00.016+01:00

First I brought you my favorite takes on Nancy Sinatra's classic 'Bang Bang'. Today I give you my top versions of 'I Put A Spell On You' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Have a listen....

Which is your favourite version?
Blau x

(Malin + Goetz)

2011-04-03T13:28:00.001+01:00

(MALIN+GOETZ) family-owned and operated apothecary in New York's Chelsea neighborhood launched March 2004. The Chelsea store, while modern in every way, is similar to traditional neighborhood apothecaries of years past: full of activity, wonderful treatments, and great customer service. Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz waited on each customer themselves for the first three years and still live in Chelsea around the corner from the store, similar to chemists 100 years ago. Their wholesale operation, shipping and packing, all happened from behind this store-until they outgrew this space in 2007. And, of course, their bulldogs, Bob and Junior, became superstars as passers-by stopped to photograph the "dogs in the window".

Why I always smell like rum....

Blau x

Penguin Classics

2011-03-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

Did you ever wish you were back school? It would a great excuse to justify these exquisitely retro and intellectually looking school bag must haves.

Penguin On The Road Flask and Penguin Classics Postcards available from Urban Outfitters.

Blau x

Sexy Mexican Maid

2011-03-25T08:00:00.022Z

So we all have the default recipe that gets us through nights of entertainment and dining, this is mine. If you ever end up in an episode of Come Dine With Blau then this is what you'll be having courtesy of Delia Smith's How to Cook Book Two. Dinner to be served in the tipi.

Mexican Enchiladas with Cheese

Begin by making the salsa: first tip the tomatoes into a sieve over a bowl to let the excess liquid drain away. Next remove the stalk from the chilli, cut it in half, remove and discard the seeds, chop the flesh very finely and place it in a bowl. Then add half the chopped onion, the drained tomatoes, chopped coriander leaves and lime juice, and season well with salt and pepper.Now give everything a thorough mixing.

Meanwhile, mix the 2 cheeses together in a bowl. Next put the frying pan over a high flame to pre-heat and, when it's hot, dry-fry each of the tortillas for 6 seconds on each side. Place one tortilla on a flat surface and spread a tablespoon of salsa over it, but not quite to the edges, sprinkle over a heaped tablespoon of the cheese mixture, then follow this with a tablespoon of the crème fraîche.

Then roll the tortilla up and place it in the baking dish with the sealed-side down. Repeat this with the others, then spread the remaining crème fraîche on top of the tortillas in the dish and sprinkle the rest of the salsa over the top, followed by the remaining cheeses and red onion.

Now place the dish on a high shelf of the oven for 25-30 minutes, garnish with the extra coriander and serve absolutely immediately – if you keep them waiting they can become a bit soggy.

Blau x

Rock n Rose

2011-03-23T08:00:00.001Z

I'm a lover of vintage, a tart for a trinket and a sucker for some sparkle so naturally I'm a major fan of  Rock n Rose .

Well can you blame me? 

Blau x

Cocktails at the Clarion

2011-03-21T08:00:00.001Z

So the weekend wind blew Ezzie into Cork. I love when that happens and well I do what I always do when this lady is around; indulge and bask in extravagance. A hostess adventure to The Clarion Hotel it was with cocktails in the Kudos bar right off the boardwalk for that speakeasy style of the Boardwalk Empire. Getting right into that prohibition feel we were ladies who experimented with turbans and modern flapper attitude. The only room for brief disappointment was the lack of White Russian on the cocktail menu but Senor Mojito always saves the night.

How many sleeps til London fun?

Ezzie has promised to give me the a 'Shoreditch makeover'.

Blau x

Absolut Style at Set

2011-03-18T08:00:00.009Z

Fashion extravaganza, Absolut Style at Set 2011 will take place in both the Set Theatre and the Ballroom of Langton’s House Hotel, Kilkenny on 22/23/24 April.

FILMS, TALKS, FASHION AND BEAUTY!
Organised by writer/stylist Blanaid Hennessy, ABSOLUT style at Set is no ordinary fashion event, no MCs or the usual catwalk shows, it’s simply another world in which to escape for a few days.
ABSOLUT Style at Set will host a Friday filled with free fashion films, while Saturday and Sunday shall be stuffed with vintage stalls, guest speakers, wine tasting,ABSOLUT Vodka cocktails, hair & beauty zones and so much more.

STANDS AT SET
This year we've mixed it up with vintage fashion, furniture and vintage-style wedding stands. Favourites from last year such as Bonzie, Smoking Lily and Vintage Emporium join new and very welcome additions such as Dandelion Daydreamer, Elsa & Gogo, Lark Vintage and many more! Full lists of stands and info will be available on our facebook page and website over the next few weeks.

SPRING BREAK!
This year also sees the return of the incredibly succesful ‘Style Nights Out’.Saturday night will host the shenanigans of the ‘ABSOLUT YOU’ the brand new night from ABSOLUT featuring interacitve sets by DJs ‘Synth Eastwood’,audio and visual art designed by You and teapots of intense ABSOLUT Vodka cocktails by ABSOLUT. Sunday night will feature all kinds of old school, with renowned 80’s tribute band ‘Spring Break’ taking to the stage, followed by some 90’s hip hop and dance tunes from our DJ. Alternative/fancy/whatever you like dress is recommended!

SET THEATRE
Langton’s SET theatre, designed by David Collins interiors, is an opulant and charismatic space, which will be reflected in the feel of the ABSOLUT Style at Set weekend. It is already a favourite for many performers, with one Irish comedian describing it as ‘what it must feel like to live in a wedding cake.’

COME AND PLAY!
Over this packed weekend, you can...
watch movies, get your hair done, try on some clothes, eat some food, have drinks with the girls, get your makeup done for the night ahead, wear your new clothes, head to SET, watch a performance, have a dance, get your face covered in neon paint, dance some more,go to bed, get up, go to a fashion film, learn something from one of Ireland’s top stylists, buy a necklace, get your hair done, get your nails done, get your face done, eat some food, taste some wine, have some candyfloss, watch a new performance, dance til you drop...
all at...

ABSOLUT style at Set 2011
Weekend Tickets for the sat/sun inclusive are €8.00 (available online www.set.ie)
Saturday’s ‘ABSOLUT You’ night out tickets are €5.00 (available on the door only)
Sunday’s Spring break tickets are €10.00
(available online www.set.ie)
Tickets available to buy on www.set.ie/style

Further info:
Blanaid Hennessy : 00353 56 7703312
Langton’s House Hotel : 00353 56 7765133
Email : blanaidhennessy@gmail.com
Website : www.set.ie

Blau x

Images via Absolut Style at Set

Now That's What I Call Irish

2011-03-17T18:39:00.001Z

To celebrate St. Patricks Day here's a playlist of my favourite songs from Irish bands. Just click to play.

Cathy Davey - Little Red
Bell X1- Next to You
Divine Comdey - At the Indie Disco
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares to You
Villagers - Memoir
Fight Like Apes- Lend Me Your Face
The Cranberries - Zombie
The Immediate - Stop and Remember
Ash - Starcrossed
Director - Reconnect
Whipping Boy - Twinkle
Ham Sandwich - Keepsake

Emperor of Ice Cream -Valentine

The Frank and Walters - Plenty Times

Sultans Of Ping FC - You Talk Too Much

What are your favourite songs from Irish bands?
Blau x