The Wifelette...Bakes!

Of late, my new vocation in life has not been law, but baking. And as such, I thought it about time to share my very favourite carrot cake recipe by Nigel Slater. It is genius and works every time. But before I introduce it, here are a few gratuitous shots of my cake baking success to date!

Recipe for carrot cake heaven as follows...

Ingredients...

Eggs - 3
Self-raising flour - 250g
Bicarbonate of soda - half a teaspoon
Baking Powder - a teaspoon
Ground cinnamon - a teaspoon
Salt - a pinch
Sunflower Oil - 200ml
Light muscovado sugar - 250g
Carrots - 150g
Juice of half a lemon
Walnuts - 150g

For the Frosting...
Mascarpone Cheese - 250g
Philadelphia cream cheese - 200g
Unrefined icing sugar - 150g
The grated zest of a medium orange
Walnut halves - a handful

Set the oven at 180 degrees. Lightly butter a cake tin and line with a disc of baking parchment.

Separate the eggs. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Beat the oil and sugar with an electric mixer until creamed, then introduce the egg yolks one by one. Grate the carrots into the mixture, then add lemon juice. Roughly chop the walnuts and add them too.

Fold the flour into the mixture using the electric whisk on slow. Beat the egg white separately until light and stiff, then fold into the mixture using a large metal spoon (a wooden one will knock the air out).

Scoop the mixture into the tin, smooth the top gently and bake for forty to forty-five minutes. Test with a skewer. The cake should be moist but not sticky. Remove from the oven and leave to settle for a good ten minutes before removing the cake from the tin.

To make the frosting, mix the mascarpone, Philadelphia cheese and icing sugar with an electric mixer. Beat till smooth and creamy (there should be no lumps). Mix in the orange zest.
When the cake is cool, cut the cake in half and smooth approximately 1/3 of the frosting. Then sandwich the halves together. Use the rest to cover the top of the cake. Finish with walnut halves. And ta-daa!

Chanel-lo!

So, what better way to start than to fess up about my most recent splurge. After having been locked away studying law for the past year, last week I treated myself to a post-examination splurge on some new skincare. But not just skincare; Chanel skincare. I had previously been a Chanel sceptic, but having read so many fantastic things about their wares on the amazing Makeup Alley, I relieved my savings account of any money and donated it to Chanel. What I received in return has thus far been fantastic.

After finally coming to terms with the fact that I have reached a point where I now need foundation, I initially indulged in Chanel's dewy, gorgeous Vitalumiere. As a bona fide bronzer gal, I also had my first foray into the world of blushers, which has been made incredibly stress free by Chanel's Tweed blush in Coral. Indeed, I would even go so far as to say I'm now a convert.

But as every girl knows, makeup can't perform miracles if you don't have the skincare to match it. So, not only did I invest in Chanel's Precision Cleansing Milk and toner, but the super-luxe Hydramax Active Moisture Cream.

I'm sure I also purchased a couple of other items, but for now that's quite enough to report on. Needless to say however, I am very happy with my splurge. I have also given my other half details of the items I didn't buy so who knows, hopefully they will make their way to me sometime soon...

Welcome to The Wifelette

Welcome to The Wifelette, home to the ramblings of a wannabe wife.

As you can see from the posts below, this is not my first dalliance with blogging. Indeed, this blog used to be known as Chez Gracie. However, whilst I loved dipping my toe into the blogosphere, I found myself trying to model my blog on other, more successful blogs. Blogs that had captured the attention of publishers and had subsequently been turned into books. Blogs that had become the darlings of editors and whose authors had gone on to become members of the full-time editorial staff. Blogs where the bloggers are invited to fashion shows. Blogs where the bloggers were invited to anything. And blogs with an audience of, well, more than just me and my other half.

And so there it began. My blogging despair turned into an idea. I decided that rather than morph myself into another blog I should really find something to be passionate about. And no, it's not weddings (although I L-O-V-E these), it's not fashion and it's certainly not beauty. No, my blog would be based on the lessons I'm learning as a wife in training.

You see, I'm on the brink of embarking upon wife-hood. But 28 years and one fiance later, I'm none the wiser about what I have to do to become this nobel creature known as a 'Wife'.

Wives are grown-ups. Wives are wise. Wives can cook. Wives are...scary. And I'm soon to become one of them. Eeeeeek!

So, rather than go it alone, I thought I would share my lessons with the blogosphere. Whilst I doubt my blog will boast the Nobel Prize for literature, it may well boast a few of the humbling lessons and triumphs learnt on the way to wife-hood. So, in my new incarnation I am the Wifelette; a girl becoming an grown-up and studying the art of Wife.

Oh...

Hello! I'm back after a good month of hard legal labour. It was incredibly painful and my brain is so sore I can't even read a non-law book now. But it's over - hurrah!
So, I thought I would start off by introducing a shift in direction. I started another blog last week based on an idea that had hatched quite a few months ago. But Blogger have changed their template and I'm just not happy with how it looks. So, I have been considering changing the name of this blog and steering it in a new direction instead. I'm still umming and ahhing about it, although if I do go ahead, all will be revealed shortly.

Another thing I just wanted to say is that even if I don't change the name of this blog, I will be changing the direction. As an ex-PR whose clients were always desperate for coverage my colleagues and I were all encourage to start writing blogs so we could provide our clients with coverage instead. Sounds desperate. And it was. Nevertheless, my view as a PR is seemingly very different to that of the lovely people in blog-land and where I have previously copied images from websites and gushed about how brill a brand or photographer may have been, I have discovered that this isn't quite what you do on the blogosphere.

So, it may sound incredibly naive, but apologies if there is anybody out there who has had a little read (unlikely!) and noticed their creative wares on here. It has certainly not been my intention to offend, but I guess where my PR mind has been trained to believe that anyone is grateful for coverage, it just doesn't work that way. Seemingly on the tinterweb what I may think of as coverage is classified as, er, 'liberating' shall we say?! So apologies chaps, and I won't be doing it again.

Finally, as it seems that only my parner and I actually read my blog, I'm not going to keep the theme of writing from a faux-commercial point of view. Instead, I'm going to write about stuff I like. Who cares if no one reads it (please read me, please read me!!), at least it will make me happy :)

So here goes, a whole new blog...

My Good Friend, the Midnight Oil

Yes, it's exam season, hence the late night posting and absence of late. There's not much to say really as my life currently consists of an impossible amount of dull revision. As a result I am try (but failing) to put the wedding planning on pause. Whilst it's a wonderful distraction, it has to be put into context: exams in one week, wedding in one year. There's a clear winner here.

So, whilst all this goes on I may be a bit silent as I'm purposefully restraining anything that's remotely inspiring in favour of hitting the books. What a dull existence. Roll on the end date, holidays, spending time with my other half,  having a life and forgetting all the legal nonsense I've been filling my head with! x

The U.S Equivalent of US

Wow, this wedding has really caught my eye. Shot by the very talented photographer Jill Thomas, I just love the colour scheme and whimsical feel. This is, without doubt, how I imagine our wedding to be...

Via The Bride's Cafe

The Twitterati

I love a spot of social networking. Facebook? Love it. Forums? Fab. Twitter? Ummmmm...

You see, I'm rapidly finding that as a bride-to-be Twitter is getting me into a little bit of trouble. Whilst I think it's great that suppliers can gather together and network amongst themselves in a way that was never before possible, it's not so great for indecisive brides-to-be like me. Suddenly, getting in touch with 30 different stationers about the same event becomes embarrassing, particularly when your wedding becomes the subject of mortifying Twitter banter between suppliers.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a champion of small, independent businesses and the tools that help them become a success, but what about the customer? I've had a horrifying experience where, struck with yet another moment of indecision, I changed my mind about the first photographer we booked. So, after much (international) research, I finally booked another and got h2b to make our excuses. Thing is, the new photographer has mentioned our wedding at least three times on Twitter. Unbeknownst to me, she is also very good friends with one of the other photographers I got in touch with and nearly booked, and has subsequently had conversations with her online about our wedding. THEN, I discovered that our previous photographer follows her on Twitter. Eeeek!

Whilst I'm sure I'm over-dramatising the whole situation, I feel like my anonymity has gone and the suppliers are in charge. I am now Twitter-stalking our photographer to make sure the ex-photographer doesn't twig, realising that our polite excuses were just another way of saying 'we found someone who we love more than you'.

I know it probably doesn't matter as it's business after all, but I can't help but feel it somewhat detracts from  the VIP status of brides to be. Suddenly, seeking and securing coveted suppliers whilst secretly revelling in your bridal neurotocism isn't as much fun as it initially seemed. Particularly when you're worried that people are sniggering at your expense. Hhhmmmm... perhaps refraining from supplier stalking is the way forward, or at least the way to preserve my sanity!

Pale & Interesting

Heaps of revision means...more blogging! Yes, I'm happily avoiding the mundanity of law ('Tracing' today - yawn) and looking up pretty things online. And today's delights come from a lovely little boutique called Pale and Interesting. A place where very simple is very beautiful, this gorgeous site is packed with household must-haves.

Rent Your Rocks Ladies!

Well, the first revision day in my long haul journey towards exam season may have been pretty disastrous, but it hasn't been a complete washout. In fact, I've discovered something that will TRANSFORM my wedding (yay!). Rent Your Rocks is an online treasure trove of glitter, suddenly made accessible.

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this genius site allows you to hire delectable diamonds for your wedding day that would otherwise be out of reach. So whereas a necklace may have a retail value just short of £4000, it's available to hire for the week of your wedding at a snip for just £250. A-ah-mazing. What's more, there's a specific bridal gallery allowing busy brides to get straight to business. So, red carpet style wedding day jewellery on your wedding day? Check.

Kong

I'm just catching a re-run of the final episode of Sex and the City and it's reminded me of just about the best bar I have ever been to. Kong, at 1 Rue du Pont Neuf is a sensational place, seething with the Parisienne gliteratti. I went there with my mum a few years ago, in homage to SATC, and it didn't disappoint. If like me you're a die-hard Sex and the City fan, you must go. Or scrap that actually - GO!

Headband Love!

I'm a total sucker for a headband and these ones from Rockstar Diaries writer Taza's shop are just the ticket:

It's times like these I wish I suited dark hair...and yellow...and red lippy. At least I can buy a headband!

SATC 2

I am unbelievably excited about the new SATC movie. One word says it all: AIDAN!! I've been giddy with delight for the past few days. Check out why for yourself...

Weddings and the City

Having booked a countryside wedding venue I am now of course eyeing up city spaces instead. My current favourite is the Haymarket Hotel.

Have I said 'WOW' yet??

Office Stationary

The Office: An American Workplace is my favourite show of all time. So imagine my hysteria when I saw these phenomenal wedding invitations for Jim & Pam, one of the very best couples in TV history:

LOVE them!! They're from a great stationary find, The Future Mrs. Darcy, a super-talented designer who I will definitely be in touch with for our wedding stationary

1707

Yesterday, my other half and I stumbled upon what has to be one of the very best bars in London. 1707 is nestled in the basement of Fortnum & Mason and is an absolute treat.

After a busy day's shopping we propped ourselves up at the bar with a stunning glass of vino and a scrumptious cheese board, all accompanied by the sounds of an accoustic guitar. There is something very special about being in Fortnum & Masons after hours, so we will definitely be returning, particularly seeing as we escaped without sampling their amazing wine flights...yum!

Westwood Wellies

OMG - Love, love, love these Vivienne Westwood Anglomania wellies:

And while I'm at it, I'm also head over heels with her Hearts and Heels range, which is just perfect for brides-to-be (although my mum doesn't approve so they're out for me). At the very least, I'm going to have to treat myself to her simple black heels, which as per all the aforementioned shoes, are a collaboration with Melissa Couture. What's more, not only are they absolutely to die for but are very purse-friendly too. Perfect combination I say!

Escape

Sometimes it's good to escape from everyday life, and that's just what I did today. Ok, so it may not have been for long, but there's something about arriving at a train station and knowing that you're about to take a journey other than the daily communte which is exciting. Today's journey took me to Cambridge to meet a friend who is soon moving to Australia.

It was so good to escape, even if it wasn't for long. I didn't see much of Cambridge either, just the inside of a restaurant, but it was still exactly what I needed.

Domestic Fantasies...

Ok, so Sophie Dahl's new cookery show may be a bit dubious, but for me the unequivocal star of the show is the set. Shot in a sublime North London home, AKA my dream home, it is every bit the domestic fantasy...

Ban.Do

I must confess, I'm not a big jewellery person. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my share of diamonds and pearls, but big jewellery looks all wrong and try-hard on me. One area I can't wait to accessorize as a bride however is my hair, and having stumbled across a gorgeous brand called ban.do I'm even more excited now.

Their range of hair-wear is so chic, and knowing that h2b would like me to wear my hair down on the big day, I think incorporating a little number from these guys could do just the trick.

I Carry Your Heart

I carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)

I am never without it (anywhere i go you go,
my dear; and whatever is done by only me

is your doing, my darling).

I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)

I want no world (for beautiful you are my world,
my true) and it's you are whatever a moon
has always meant and whatever a sun
will always sing, is you.

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the
bud of the bud and the sky of the sky
 of a tree called life; which grows higher
 than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder
that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

EE Cummings

Joules

Lordy, have you seen the new SS10 collection from Joules? I hadn't previously considered myself a Joules type, but am totally in love with their 1950s inspired range, not to mention the photography. Hoovers have never looked so good...

And the Oscar for Best Dressed 'Sleb Goes to...

Demi Moore, without doubt...

This woman must be a Benjamin Button type, what else could explain her impossible regression ('surgery!' you cry - yes perhaps)? Still, her devastatingly beautiful Atelier Versace gown stole the show at last night's Oscars as far as I'm concerned.

And as for SJP? Shame on you. You let the side down so much that I'm not even going to post a picture. Orange, tattoo-transferred skin teamed with a yellow dress and bouffant hair? The word 'Chanel' doesn't even redeem you love. Tut tut. 

Vintage Postcards

After trawling the internet, I've finally sourced some vintage travel images to name our tables at our wedding! The idea is to name the tables after places h2b and I have been to as a couple.

I used to handle the PR for Photobox so I'll use their photoprinting service to turn these into postcards...hopefully with a discount. Yay - the first affordable idea I've had to date!

Donation Required

This is not fair. Why are all the best invitations so expensive? This is yet another gorgeous wedding invite, this time from Cheree Berry...

I love letterpress, it's so classy...but expensive *sigh*.

500 Days of Summer

I've been a bit late to market with a few things recently. This time it's 500 Days of Summer, a brilliant indie rom-com that has left me singing You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates ever since!

As per usual, after watching I wanted to transform my life, namely by discovering more of the Beatles back-catalogue, reading Dorian Gray and realising my career aspirations...as well as morphing into Zooey Deschanel. Great movie though with a fantastic message - watch it!

Sara Berman

I've belatedly discovered Sara Berman, a fantastic North London designer who, despite having been established for a good ten years, has sadly only been on my radar for the past two weeks.

As a girl with a particular penchance for leather goods (who is also a hypocritical vegetarian), I've fallen head-over-heels for her stud-embellished and ruffled handbags. What's more, she has some incredible white snakeskin clutch bags which will be the perfect to accompnay my wedding dress. Oh which one to choose...

Heart Shaped Balloon

For all you Romantics...

From Keith Davis Young. Amazing!