Sunday, 17 April 2016

Sunday Bakes // Double Chocolate Biscotti


In my mind, biscotti are the perfect bake to dunk in hot drinks. Hailing from Italy, they are traditionally served a long side a steaming cup of coffee. But they also go down very well with the more British cup of breakfast tea!

Sunday, 10 April 2016

Sunday Bakes // Nutella Banana Loaf


A classic banana loaf was one of the first bakes I ever attempted which turned out well. My Mum has an old school recipe which works a dream every single time.

After a night out in London with my school friends, I was feeling ready to indulge in my favourite Sunday past time. I decided a banana loaf was the perfect recipe for such a day, it fills the house with the most amazing smell and is basically a pretty easy recipe to knock up when you are feeling a little worse for wear after one too many G&Ts (and copious amounts of dancing). 

Sunday, 20 March 2016

Sunday Bakes// Mini Egg Cookies


 
Today, Sunday 20th March, marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. If this doesn't make any British person leap with joy at the thought of finally being able to peel off those layers and maybe up the Vitamin D levels, the fact that it is International Happiness Day sure will.
 
For what better excuse is there to celebrate and appreciate all the little (and big) things which make you happy than a day which is dedicated to just that!
 

Sunday, 22 November 2015

Sunday Bakes // Dark Chocolate HobNobs


I have a theory about why HobNobs are such a popular biscuit in the UK. I think it all boils down to the fact that they are super sturdy and dunkable. They can withstand a lot of tea dunking, which is something us brits are known for!

Coupled with a thick layer of dark chocolate, these make for the perfect afternoon pick me up. 

Monday, 16 November 2015

Sunday Bakes // Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies


I love love LOVE Sundays. The one day where it seems acceptable to do as little or as much as you wish. 

There are lots of things I like to do on my lazy (or not so) Sundays. I like going out for a walk, spending a few hours reading, and watching some of my favourite TV shows. But most of all, I love spending the day baking. 

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

September Wish List


September is here, and with it autumn has arrived in the UK. Despite a gloriously sunny birthday weekend, the end of August has been a bit abysmal in terms of weather, and it seems that summer is truly over! I am a real summer lover, so this is a pretty sad time for me, but I am willing to embrace cool autumnal days if it means the countdown to Christmas can begin (yes, I said the C word!!). 

Thursday, 27 August 2015

Afternoon Tea at Stapleford Park


"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea"

After a wonderful weekend celebrating our 21st surrounded by our friends and family, Molly and I extended our celebrations with an afternoon tea for two at Stapleford Park. We received a voucher from our close family friends, and thought we may as well use it whilst we are both still at home. 

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Glamping in Norfolk


Although jet setting to new countries is always exciting and something I love to do, sometimes there is nothing better than a trip exploring your own country. The UK has so much to offer, with such a diversity of places to visit, from city breaks to sea-side stays, you are never short of places to explore or return to.

With this in mind, I booked a mid-week stay to Norfolk for James' birthday.

James had mentioned once or twice how he fancied going camping again, so I met him in the middle and booked us in to a Shepherd's Hut for a spot of glamping at Woodstock Farm. 

Monday, 24 August 2015

Sometime I Feel Like I'm in Barcelona

"Friends are like stars, you don't always have to see them, but you know they are always there"



With the steady descent into full blown adulthood in full swing, it is such a blessing to be able to meet up with old friends and reminisce about old times and share in new ones. 

With that in mind, I joined a few of my old school friends for a mid-week trip to Barcelona. 

Friday, 21 August 2015

Marrakech Part Three // Moroccan Adventure




Our time in Marrakech was quickly coming to an end. With just one full day left, we set out to explore a few of the tourist sites we hadn't yet seen.

First up was the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an ancient Islamic college which was founded in the 14th century, and re-opened as a historical site in 1982. 

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Essaouira // Moroccan Adventures

Following our successful first trip of the holiday to the Ouzoud Falls, Emma and I decided to spend a day exploring Essouria. For any Game of Thrones fans, this is the location used for 'Slavers Bay', which was a very exciting concept for the both of us, as HUGE GoT fans!

We set out in our mini bus, stopping off to take some snaps of goats in trees (?!). 


Saturday, 1 August 2015

August Wish List


August is upon us, and what a glorious month. Mainly because myself and my twin sister turn 21 this month, a mile stone birthday! As the last month of summer, August is all about squeezing out the most of the sunshine.

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Marrakech Part Two // Moroccan Adventure


Moroccan cuisine has long been a favourite of mine. I love tagines and couscous and all the middle eastern spices which are used. 

Me and Emma decided to make Moroccan cuisine part of our trip by taking a cooking class. The class was booked through our hostel, Rainbow Marrakech, and took place at their sister Riad. 

Sunday, 26 July 2015

Ouzoud Waterfalls // Moroccan Adventures




On our second day in Morocco, Emma and I decided to take a day trip to Ouzoud falls. We had heard lots of good things about the waterfalls, and were eager to take a look at them ourselves.

Marrakech Part One // Moroccan Adventure


"A visit to Marrakech was a great shock to me. This city taught me colour"
- Yves Saint Laurent

Morocco has been top of my wander lust list for as long as I can remember. Something about the vibrant colours, bustling atmosphere and exotic food always appealed to me. 

At the start of July, Emma and I boarded a flight heading to the Moroccan capital, Marrakech. We had been planning our trip away for months, so eagerly stepped off the plane into the blazing heat ready for an adventure.

This Week's Happiness List


Since my last happiness post 2 weeks ago, a LOT has happened.

I have travelled to Northern Africa with my best friend Emma to explore the streets of Marrakech, lots of posts to follow! It was a real assault on the senses, and we had the most amazing time soaking up the culture, and the 45 degree heat! I am also now officially a graduate! You can call me Rosie McKay BA (Hons) ;). 

Monday, 6 July 2015

All Natural Fudge Chocolate Squares



I don't know about you, but I can lose hours and hours searching Pinterest for exciting recipes. I have separate boards for a variety of courses, from drinks to veggie dishes. My favourite board to add to though has to be my baking/treat board

On Sunday, James and I spent the day in the kitchen baking up some treats. All three recipes we followed came from Pinterest, it really is the greatest and most extensive cook book you could ever ask for! 

This Week's Happiness List


As I write this, I am nervously awaiting my degree classification results coming through! So I thought I would write this post to take my mind off it for a little while!

This week has been INSANELY hot in the UK. I have personally loved it, I tried not to moan about being hot as I have spent the past however many months feeling freezing cold 90% of the time! It was nice to sit in the garden with an ice cold drink, my favourite being a cold brewed fruit tea with plenty of ice!

1. Driving again! I have missed being behind the wheel, and being able to drive, even if it is just ferrying my parents around ;), still makes me feel mature and like a real grown up!

2. A family BBQ on Wednesday, the hottest July day on record! We had plenty of salads and I enjoyed some prawn skewers. 

3. A walk in the countryside near my house one afternoon. I fancied getting out of the house for a bit, so headed out in the sun and cleared my head.

4. Lebanese feasting on Friday night. James and I made an array of Lebanese dishes and kindly shared them with my step-dad, who sang our praises non-stop!

5. A typical James & Rosie Sunday filled with baking! We made earl grey shortbread, carrot cake oatmeal cookies and healthy chocolate fudge squares (recipe post to follow). 

Rosie
x

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Lake Bled // Slovenian Adventure


Lake Bled may be one of the most picturesque destinations I have ever visited. The cobbled streets, gothic castle and the beautiful scenery make this a must visit place for any tourists to Slovenia.

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

July Wish List



JULY? ALREADY?
We are now over halfway through 2015, which is a really crazy thought. Summer is by far my favourite season, and with this first week of July set to be a scorcher in England, I am one happy English Rosie!