RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE SWIRL CUPCAKES

I made these cakes as a late - not my fault it was late, he was in Malaysia on the actual day - Fathers Day present, and as it was the first recipe I'd pretty much made up myself I was rather impressed with how they turned out. The only downside is because of the cheesecake swirl and the raspberries the mixture is rather moist so you have to be really watchful in case they burn... alternatively you could make up a vanilla brownie version, which would make the cooking simpler.

CUPCAKES

2/3 cup of sugar

1 1/2 cups of plain flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2oz of butter

1 egg

1/4 cup of milk

3/4 cup of buttermilk

3/4 cup of raspberries

CHEESECAKE SWIRL

4oz cream cheese

1/8 cup of sugar

egg yolk

1/4 tsp vanilla

FROSTING

whipping cream

raspberries/white chocolate

Mix dry ingredients together in bowl. In a separate bowl mix butter and egg, then add milk and buttermilk. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture until just combined. Toss the raspberries in 1tbsp of plain flour and fold into mix. For the cheese cake swirl beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla until smooth. Half fill cake cases with cupcake batter, add a tsp of the cheesecake mix and then cover slightly with more batter and gently swirl. Bake at 175˚C for about 25 minutes, or until an inserted tooth pick comes out clean.

Whip the cream with a whisk until stiff and layer on top of cakes once cooled. Top with raspberries or grated white chocolate.

FERN

HOW NICE

a ceramic figurine in the backseat

A TRIP TO EGYPT

1. H&M Dress ... 2. Topshop Sandals ... 3. Topshop Necklace ... 4. BIBA Clutch

1. Rachel Comey Swimsuit ... 2. Karen Walker Sunglasses ... 3. Borders & Frontiers Shopper 

1. Samantha Pleat Dress ... 2. Bass Shoes ... 3. Karen Walker Sunglasses ... 4. Ted Baker Bag

FERN

THE SMITHS

This recently released video features actress Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith, and Jada’s own mother Adrienne Banfield-Jones. The three generations of women discuss their relationships with one another openly, honestly, and in depth, with complete acceptance of one another. Within society, girl love (appreciating and loving our female counterparts), is often forgotten and turned into the notion that all women are ‘bitchy’, ‘two faced’ and cannot be trusted. The women of the Smith family are an inspiration and encourage us to consider our own relationships with the women within our own families and upbringings, and to not only relate, take advice and knowledge from the women before us, but also for older generations to grow alongside younger women, to understand a new way of thinking.

ANNA

PEARLS OF WISDOM

I had the best surprise when I arrived home from work today - an unexpected Amazon parcel that contained this beauty of a book! I've been lusting after Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft for a small while now, but I thought it was so close to my Birthday I'd wait, luckily, I didn't have to. It's only been in my hands a few hours but I've been pouring over every page, getting excited to make pretty much everything in there. There have been other books, in the past, that I've loved at first sight but as soon as I see inside I lose interest because they're just full of things you'd never need or want to make, only the odd gem. From Bohemian Planters and lace panels, to personalising vintage plates and even reupholstery, this book has everything covered.

FERN

images - pearl lowe's vintage craft

PRETTY PROFESSIONAL

 Recently Laura Fernee was chastised within the media for declaring that she is too pretty to be taken seriously at work. Many women I’m sure can associate with the embarrassing and uncomfortable effects of street harassment, which often seems harmless to men and women who don’t experience it. Personally street harassment can ruin my day, and often make me not want to leave the house, so imagine having this feeling daily at your workplace. Although Fernee’s argument may be controversial and arguable, I can understand her stance on the subject. During her interview on ITV’s This Morning, she explained that her male and female colleagues made her feel inadequate intellectually by assuming her glamorous exterior defined her personality and academic abilities, for example, a fitted dress, lipstick or pearl necklace.

As a young woman fresh out of University, I have begun the job search, and for the first time I have started to consider what I would wear in professional circumstances, for example, a job interview. I don’t believe that your individuality and unique qualities should be boxed into a boring business cliché, and if at any point you are in danger of not being taken seriously because of an overtly feminine or sexy style, I would simply put this down to sadly jealous and intimidated co-workers. Dress to suit yourself, and always be true to your personal style, whatever the environment.

ANNA

Useful info; The New Professional, The Working Wardrobe, Mizhattan, Net-a-porter

images - laura fernee, jackets m&s, dorothy perkins, river island.

MORE NEW OLD STUFF

 I'm somewhat lacking in Internet at the moment, as a result I'm posting this from my phone - hope it looks normal! The sun has finally landed in England so we're soaking it up as this last couple of weeks is probably the only summer we'll likely get, then it'll be back to being cold. Here are a few things I've found lately; pillowcases, a strangely cute painting, an AMAZING handmade throw I bought for €15(!) when I was in the south of France and a gorgeous vintage 60s dress from New Orleans. I wore it when I modelled for a vintage fair this last Monday.. But that's a whole other story.

FERN

The SCAR Project

After hearing about Angelina Jolie’s recent decision to have a double mastectomy, I also happened to come across this website, The SCAR Project, which showcases a series of strikingly emotional portraits of young breast cancer survivors, shot by fashion photographer David Jay.

Initially, this project was designed to raise awareness of breast cancer among young women, however it arguably represents much more than that. These raw, uncensored photographs allow the women to reclaim their strength and power over their own bodies. The most jarring thing about these images is how courageous and almost heroic the women look, which as a woman viewing them, really makes you question whether you could be that brave in the same position. You cannot help but feel empowered by their honesty.

“For these young women, having their portrait taken seems to represent their personal victory over this terrifying disease. It helps them reclaim their femininity, their sexuality, identity and power after having been robbed of such an important part of it. Through these simple pictures, they seem to gain some acceptance of what has happened to them and the strength to move forward with pride."

- David Jay

If you are lucky enough to be a resident of America, exhibitions will be held in the following cities: Birmingham, AL, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA.

ANNA

BLOOMING LEOPOLD SS13

I've been waiting with anticipation for this lookbook for quite some time; Lauren Winter's collections just keep on getting better, and this new lot are no exception. It's all got such a relaxed, summery feel, helped along by traditional hand dyeing methods completed with natural inks - it somehow all feels perfect for the summer. And those clay bead necklaces are to die for.

FERN

images from bloomingleopold

TOPSHOP LIMITED EDITION

I've been so busy the past couple of weeks it's ridiculous. Tomorrow will mark my 11th day straight of working, I'm so tired that I now day dream about bed. Anyway, on my now daily hunt to topshop.com for shoes that I saw in-store but, somewhat frustratingly, don't seem to exist online(!), I stumbled across the new Topshop Limited Edition. Clearly a massive vintage influence in just about every piece, each one is beyond beautiful, and actually, rather affordable. And, as prom season is on the not-to-distant horizon, they're an exquisite alternative to a typical prom dress. Just wish I had an excuse to purchase one myself.

FERN

JANE FOSTER

During university I always wanted to do more screen printing, but I always find myself too scared. Not of the process itself, as I'd learnt in my college years how to make up the screens and print them, but more of the time it takes, and if it goes wrong you have to start all over again. I'm hoping to get back into it (if I ever find an exposure unit in Yorkshire) at some point, but until then I'll continue to pour over photographs of Jane Foster's creations.

I am insanely jealous of her studio set-up, working from home in Devon, Foster produces beautifully bold patterns and incorporates them into hand-sewn homewares. It's her toys I particularly love; the simplicity of block colour makes them stand out, and their little faces all have a slightly cheeky look about them - perfect for kids, and even some adults alike.

FERN

SOMETHING TO DO WITH SPYING

I have become somewhat obsessed with spy films after watching Skyfall and Argo recently and the brilliant new The Americans series from Fox. So I thought I'd make a list of my favourite spy films.

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE

Bill Murray stars as naive video shop worker Wallace Ritchie in this Hitchcock-style thriller who travels from Des Moines, Iowa, to London to celebrate hiswealthy younger brother's birthday - turning up unannounced on the same night that his brother has plans to attend a high-profile client dinner party.  Needing to  keep Wallace away during the evening, he buys him a ticket to the Theatre of Life to keep him entertained for the evening.

The game of street theatre requires Wallace to assume a character and follow the actions of those he meets. However while waiting in the phone box to receive his instructions to begin the game, he picks up the wrong call and the the phone instructions Wallace receives are actually intended for an assassin, part of a scheme to end the current UK regime and restart the Cold War. Blissfully unaware, Wallace walks without fear into a complex web of intrigue involving politicians, call girls, and Russian spies. As an international plot unravels around him, he thinks it's all part of the act while his pursuers are mystified by his fearlessness in the face of danger.

(Rule of thumb – if theres a Bill Murray film in a genre it will be one of my favourites)

THE BOURNE TRILOGY

I'm cheating here a little but I couldnt just pick one of them; though the latter two directed by Paul Greengrass are the better of the three. The trilogy sees Matt Damon star as Jason Bourne in this spy thriller that turned the genre, and especially James Bond, on its head; exchanging slow paced espionage for fast paced action. The first instalment sees Matt Damon searching for his identity  after being pulled from the sea unconcious. The second two instalments see our hero set out for revenge upon the members of the government agency who were responsible for him entering their world and then for everything that has happened to him ever since. The Bourne films are complex and the mystery surrounding Bourne's past and who he really is what really keep up the suspense along with yet another fine role from Matt Damon.

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY

Unlike the Bourne Films here I had to pick the first – and the best – Austin Powers film; the second one has it's moments but the great lines are from this film and let's not even mention Goldmember; Austin Powers sees Mike Myers, expanding on another SNL short after Wayne's World, he artfully plays both Austin Powers, the quintessential English Gent, complete with bad teeth and a Beatles haircut, as well as the imaginatively named baddie Dr. Evil. After being frozen in the 1960s, incase his nemesis would one day return, they wake him up and partner him with Elizabeth Hurley's character, Vanessa, in an attempt to thwart Dr. Evil's plan to take over the world. Mike Myers' comedy is at his best here. It is offbeat and clever throughout. Puns, laughs and a bit of blue - what's not to love?

MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE

I am not a massive fan of Tom Cruise films generally, but I was about 7 when this was released and saw it at the cinemas - I even bought a Brit Award album for the theme tune.

Based on the original 1960s show we see Tom Cruise play agent Ethan Hunt, who, after being framed for the deaths of his entire team, try to clear his name. His quest takes him into the depths of the CIA headquarters at Langley and across europe, before face masks, hi-tech gadgets and chewing gum saves the day.

Still the best of the series (though I still havent managed to watch the latest) largely because of it's clever plot and a brilliant supporting cast.

MUNICH

Not your usual espionage film; Steven Spielberg's Oscar nominated film tells of a squad of assassins, led by Mossad agent Avner, played by Eric Bana, hunting down and killing members of the Black September members thought to be responsible for the murders of eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Based on, but not completely true to, (Spielberg describes it as 'historical fiction;) Munich tells the story of the real-life Operation Wrath of God. Munich mixes standard spy thrills with some of the controversial debate around Israeli intelligence.

It's proved controversial for bending the truth so it never going to please everyone, but it shows you why Spielberg is a cinematic great and captures the feel and mentality of the time, with a beautifully crafted international spy thriller.

CHRIS

BLACKPOOL

I've only been to Blackpool a handful of times, but every time it leaves me feeling oddly excited. It's a typical example of a now-barren, British seaside town. I'm not sure if it's the overly strong cold wind, but  Blackpool always seems almost devoid of holiday makers, only thrill-seekers seem to inhabit the Pleasure Beach  and the odd family day trippers. I sort of love going to these sorts of places, they seem so kitsch they're almost a little creepy (in a good way), it's all about buckets and spades, fish and chips, and, of course the 2p machines in the never-ending strip of arcades.

FERN

PERSPECTIVE IS AN AMAZING THING

The right perspective allows you to see things as they really are or from someone elses point of view. A lack of perspective can result in massive misunderstandings, anxiety and even bullying. Being autistic can often mean that a lack of perspective is inherent. It doesn't mean that perspective isn't gained eventually, but until it is – the effects can be wholly damaging. I was diagnosed as having Aspergers 5 years ago. However I did suffer bullying for a very long time before that. My diagnosis provided me with answers, and eventually coping mechanisms – and that led to my confidence returning. I realised that my lack of confidence, and understanding about myself allowed others to pick on me. It allowed others to be strong when they saw me as weak, and I was submissive out of fear of reprisals for standing up for myself.


Since then I have been very much involved in my local Autism community. I have raised money, awareness and stood up for Autism. I also have worked with people on the spectrum which has allowed me to understand others and how their Autism affects them. It also has opened my eyes to how much bullying occurs – offline and online.


The internet allows people to find their voice – neurotypical and autistic alike. However some voices are louder than others and they drown out the quieter ones. Having seen a lot of forums relating to ASD over the past 5 years – I have been privy to arguments, cronyism, exploitation and victimisation. All by people with ASD to people with ASD. Now don't get me wrong, we are not all angels – having a disability does not mean we are pure as the driven snow and incapable of negative behaviours. But we do know the difference between right and wrong.

I have always been a firm believer in challenging negative behaviours, and bettering myself. I believe everyone to some extent is capable of this. However it comes more easily for some people than others. Otherwise ASD would not be the varied disability it is. It's called a spectrum for a reason. Having a resolute belief that you are right can be great under the right circumstances. However when it results in upset, anxiety and self harm – it's not so great. That is why I feel that bullying in the Autism community is all down to perspective. Lack of empathy is supposed to be a big part of ASD. I don't feel this is true. I know a lot of people who exhibit a lot of empathy – however it often comes after the fact, and usually when someone points out how an outburst in a classroom, or angry message online can have a devastating effect on someone else. It can be expanded upon by explaining just because you can understand things in a certain way or level of language – doesn't mean that the person you are having problems with does. Using overly complicated language on purpose to someone you know has issues with understanding it is bullying. Calling them stupid for that same reason is bullying.

Getting angry at that person for getting upset after they try to explain the best way to talk to them, or approach them – is bullying. Standing back and allowing it to happen – is enabling bullying. There needs to be a happy medium when we express ourselves – not too many rules that make us feel like children, and not a complete lack of them that allows the stronger voiced to dominate the less strong.


We are supposed to be a community. We fight bullying from the rest of the world everyday.

We should not be fighting each other.

JULIE

DISCIPLE OF DECAY

I think we all have a fascination with seeing what is usually hidden behind closed doors. You get a sort of buzz entering a new type of world that you're not familiar with. Urbex photographer Niki Feijen is particularly keen on exploring abandoned, decayed buildings - to me, the most eerie of which seem to be those of forgotten bedrooms; neatly made beds, belongings still carefully placed, as if waiting for their former occupants to return.

FERN

CHOCOLATE BEARS

I'm sort of a little bit sick of making cakes whenever I want to give someone a homemade present. Don't get me wrong, baking is possibly the best thing in the world, but sometimes the amount of time it can take just isn't practical when you're busy, so when I saw this silicone mould for £1 (yes, you read that right) my prayers were answered. 

Now, I'm sure there's some fancy way to produce beautiful chocolate, but again, with time constraints the simplest thing to do is to buy a bar and simply melt it down, then just leave it at room temperature to set. Done. You could always wrap them in a little bag and tie with ribbon to give to someone - maybe even try adding raisins, nuts, popping candy, or even, for the more experienced, layering different chocolates once the previous layer has set. Plus you can always use the mould to make ice cubes when you're done.

(Make sure the chocolate has actually set before prising them out - as you can see my first few were still a bit soft!)

FERN