Friday, 6th August 2010

MAKING WHOOPIE!

Apparently the best bakes since cupcakes. Whoopie Pies! They look so delicious, like giant cake versions of Oreo Cookies, yummm, I can wait to try one…

The traditional whoopie pie consist of delicious white frosting or cream sandwiched between two chocolate cakes, just enough for one person to indulge in. They originate from New England where Amish women would bake them and put them in farmers’ lunchboxes. When farmers would find these yummy treats, they would shout “Whoopie!”

I think they’d be great for a sweet/cake table at a wedding! Huge in the US it’s only a matter of time before they hit the Irish market.

As they haven’t hit Irish shores yet and I’m not going to America any time soon I think I’ll have to get baking if I want to try them. If you fancy trying them too here’s a recipe I have found, let me know how you get on…

TRADITIONAL WHOOPIE PIES

Recipe makes 12 pies, Cooking time 12 min

Cookie Dough Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 large egg

Marshmallow Creme Filling Ingredients: 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, slightly softened, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 jar (7- to 7 1/2-ounce) marshmallow creme, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 large cookie sheets.

Prepare Cookie Dough: In large bowl, with spoon, mix all dough ingredients until smooth. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on each prepared cookie sheet. (There will be 12 rounds per sheet.) Bake 12 to 14 minutes, rotating sheets between upper and lower racks halfway through baking, until puffy and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. With wide spatula, transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare Marshmallow Creme Filling: In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter until smooth. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Beat in marshmallow creme and vanilla until smooth.

Spread 1 rounded tablespoon filling on flat side of 12 cookies. Top with remaining cookies. And enjoy!

Recipe from www.delish.com

Author: pamela | 2 Comments »

Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Food + Drink, Wedding, Wedding Style + Trends

Friday, 6th August 2010

BARCELONA TILES

I fell in love with these tiles in Barcelona, the colours and the patterns are so beautiful. I’d love to have them in our kitchen and hall, but which ones, the choice and pattern possibilities are endless?

Barcelona tiles also called cement or Mexican tiles have seen an increase in popularity in the US and have never been out of favour in mainland Europe. They are considered “green” as they don’t require firing like ceramic tiles, and are not quarried like natural stones. They are low-maintenance and hard wearing, and can be used indoors and on patios outdoors, but sunlight can fad the colours. You can keep them matt, which I prefer, or you can wax them, if you want a more formal, shiny look.

I love the geometric patterns, possibly the graphic designer coming out in me. Maybe it’s best to keep to more neutral colours for the kitchen and hall, or a more classic combination like black and white, although I’m really drawn to the greys, taupe’s, pale greens and blues. I love the mixture of the vibrant coloured, pattern tiles randomly laid too, maybe an idea for our balcony.

Swoon… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on, and cost them, and convince Alan too.

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our House

Tuesday, 3rd August 2010

ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

I’ve started thinking about our engagement shoot, myself and Alan are going to Rome in September, to celebrate my 30th birthday and to organise our wedding, I can’t wait! We have arranged to meet our photographer while we’re there to talk through all the arrangements for our wedding and to shoot our engagement photos around the amazing sites of Rome!

I’ve been looking at many beautiful engagement shoots for some inspiration, do we want a formal or informal shoot, something quirky and fun or romantic and classic? There are so many possibilities, but whatever we decide, hopefully we’ll have some fun and a giggle.

On my search for inspiration I came across Rina & Bram’s engagement shoot on Jennifer Skog’s website. The pictures are really stunning and caught my attention straight away. They are so romantic and really capture the mood of Rome, hopefully our pictures will be as nice…

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Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Photography, Real Weddings, Wedding, Wedding Style + Trends

Wednesday, 28th July 2010

SANTA BARBARA WEDDING

The instant I saw the images from this Santa Barbara wedding on Style Me Pretty I swooned! The style is so romantic, with a beautiful vintage 1920’s feel. What can I say I have total wedding envy…These Images are taken from a Real Wedding featured on www.stylemepretty.com one of my favourite blogs for wedding inspiration and the beautiful photography is by Aaron Delesie

Author: pamela | 2 Comments »

Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Photography, Real Weddings, Wedding, Wedding Style + Trends

Tuesday, 27th July 2010

BARCELONA!!!

So I promised to tell all about our trip to Barcelona and Tossa de Mar, so here goes with lots of photos too…

We flew into Barcelona and got a bus to the city centre where we got another bus to Tossa de Mar, the heat hit us as soon as we left the airport, wow! We were traveling to Barcelona for our friend’s wedding, David & Eimear, but I surprised Alan with a week in Tossa de Mar before the wedding for his 30th birthday. We both badly needed some relaxation, not having had a holiday in three years!

The drive to Tossa took an hour and a half, and the closer we got the windier the roads got and the higher we climbed up and down the cliff road, then finally we rounded a corner and we had an amazing view of the coast and the old town, we were there.

Tossa was everything we hoped for, beautiful beaches(blue flag), lovely restaurants, some brilliant shops and chilled out bars with delicious cocktails. We stayed at Hotel Avenida which was basic but clean and perfectly located. The staff were so friendly, the breakfast delicious and we were right beside the sea. We spent every day at the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in the beautiful clear water and watching the beach football tournament that was held for three days while we were there. Evenings started with a bottle of Cava on our balcony, a stroll around the old town and shops, a delicious meal followed by some amazing ice cream and finally some tasty cocktails to finish the night off.  We were lucky enough to be in Tossa for the final of the World Cup, the atmosphere was electric, and when Spain won, craziness ensued! Unfortunately I had a bit of a road accident in the middle of all the excitement; skint knee, cut up foot and a very swollen toe, but nothing some cocktails and ice couldn’t solve. We spent six days in Tossa in total and it was pure bliss…

So then we bussed it back to Barcelona the day before the wedding, we arrived in the evening checked into the hotel and straight away we were sitting with all our friends drinking wine and beer and toasting the happy couple. The drinking lasted well into the night and it wasn’t long before we were all in our glad rags on our way to the church. The wedding was really beautiful, I’ll write up a separate post all about it.

We were staying in the H10 Montcada, very very very nice, I would go back in a heart beat. The location, in the Gothic District, was perfect, the rooms were lovely and there was an amazing roof terrace complete with hot tub, sun loungers, bar and brilliant views. We woke up the day after the wedding with sore heads and spent the day in the hot tub. Fully recovered, four of us went for a walk  to the Marina where we had a delicious meal in Emperador Restaurant, overlooking the Marina. The meal of prawn and avocado salad followed by seafood paella and profiteroles was delicious washed down with Torres white wine. We finished the night with a toast to our own wedding, a year away to the day!

The next day we got the underground to Nou Camp, a must visit for all football fans. We spent a good three hours there, Alan loved it and believe it or not I quite enjoyed it too! We spent the rest of the day walking around the Gothic Quarter, enjoying all of the smells, sights, sounds and some shopping. We had a traditional evening cup of chocolate with churros, delicious fritters dipped into thick chocolate, yummmm, in Granja Dulcinea, a dairy bar that Sallvador Dali used to pop into when in Barcelona. That evening we ended up in Boadas, a cocktail bar just off the colorful street La Rambla. Boadas is a tiny Art Deco bar whos’s founder once served Hemingway at the Floridita bar in Havana. A great hide away from the hustle and bustle outside, offering delicious cocktails served by very dapper bar men. We continued the cocktails in Maragrita Blue, a Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant. We had a great night of cocktails and the best Mexican food we have ever had, we loved it so much we went back the next night too. The atmosphere was great and you could sit at the bar drinking cocktails, nibbling tapas or sit at a table lingering over a delicious meal.

We spent our final day sight seeing, Alan had never been to Barcelona before and wanted to fit in as much as possible. We decided to go on the hop on hop off bus, blue line, around all the Gaudi sights. First stop was Casa Batllo and La Pedrera two building deisgned by Gaudi. We were blown away by Casa Batllo, even though I had been there before it still impressed me as much as the first time, I just love the quirkiness, lots of design inspiration! La Pedrera is an extraordinary apartment block with beautifully ornate iron balconeys and a stunning rooftop adorned with giant chimney pots. The next stop Sagrada Familia, is a must see for everyone visiting Barcelona. Gaudi’s masterpiece, yet to be completed, the stunning cathedral will take your breath away with it’s ornate facade and stunning internal roof. Finally we visited Park Guell, enchanting gardens where you can relax and unwind while taking in the best views of the city, the perfect spot for an evening picnic.

Unfortunately we didn’t make it the full way around the blue bus line, we were so taken by Gaudi’s designs, let alone make it around the red and green lines which will take you to equally interesting and exciting sites. That’s the great thing about Barcelona, you will never get bored, there is so much to see and do. And now we have a great excuse to return again!

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our Travels

Tuesday, 6th July 2010

BOOTCAMP IRELAND

So I took the plunge and signed myself up for a Bootcamp Ireland course. It’s a year to our wedding and I’ll be 30th this year so I have made a decision to get fit and healthy for both. I decided to start googling some options, I really didn’t want to join a gym, my criteria was to exercise outdoors, with a friendly group of people and for it to be something that would really push me but that I would enjoy.

And… I found Bootcamp Ireland, they seemed to fit my criteria perfectly, I did a search on WOL for some reviews and I have to say the feedback from other brides was what decided it for me in the end. I rang James, from Bootcamp in Meath and signed up that Monday.

I was so nervous my first night, but there was no need, I absolutely loved it, I had a big red face and was puffing and panting but I loved it! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, I joined three weeks into the eight week run and was definitely the most unfit persona there. Don’t be put off, you can take it at your own pace and the instructors are very nice but really do push you. Each session is an hour long and includes a warm up, circuit training and a warm down and stretching.

“Bootcamp Ireland has been putting men and women of all fitness levels through their paces, using Military Style Fitness Techniques and REAL MILITARY Instructors since 2004! We love training outdoors and our Instructors are great at motivating you and encouraging you to reach your limits! With a little bit of ‘get down ‘n gimme 20‘ mixed with interactive, motivating circuits, all over body exercises, running and motivational games; Bootcamp Ireland is a fantastic way to get fit, stay fit and most importantly: to have fun at the same time! ”

So after 5 weeks, I have just finished my first run of sessions and have signed up for the next. I have seen a huge improvement in my fitness, have really toned up, have more energy and have lost a couple of pounds! I’ve been going three days a week, and after a two week holiday break I will be straight back to training.

So my short term goal is to look and feel great for my 30th birthday in September and or course my long term goal is to look amazing for my wedding day next summer.

I’ll keep you up to date on my progress.

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Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Health + Fitness

Thursday, 1st July 2010

AUDREY HEPBURN

Audrey Hepburn has been voted the most beautiful woman of the 20th century, and I couldn’t agree more.

I loved My Fair Lady as a child and the scenes of her at the ball in her stunning white dress thrilled me. She is most famed for her classic pose in the black Givenchy dress, pearls and gloves in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany’s, an image which captivates me every time I see it, truly stunning.

Her striking features and sense of style are simply iconic, so who better to look to for some style inspiration…

… beautiful!

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Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty

Monday, 14th June 2010

SWEET & SAUCY

I stumbled across Sweet & Saucy looking through the Green Wedding Shoes Blog, a great blog for beautiful wedding inspiration, and fell in love. Sweet & Saucy, I love the name, based in the US specialise in custom desserts, wedding cakes and much more yummy treats that really look beautiful. Their wedding cake designs are stunning, I love the elegant understated look…

I have been looking for cake inspiration as I am planning on decorating my own wedding cake. A family friend has a bakery and their cakes are so delicious that we never even considered going anywhere else to have our wedding cakes baked but I really love the idea of decorating the cakes myself. I have always been interested in cake decoration so this is my chance to really embrace it. I have been looking for something different in decoration and think I’ve hit the jackpot in inspiration with Sweet & Saucy, their cakes really are beautiful. I also love the images of the cake tables, three beautiful cakes on lovely cake stands with flowers and candles decorating the table…

Watch this space for some of my practice cakes.

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Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Food + Drink, Our Wedding, Wedding Style + Trends

Tuesday, 8th June 2010

ELLIE BALFE MAKEUP ARTIST

I met Ellie Balfe at The D4 Berkeley Wedding Fair a few weeks ago. She is a very talented make up artist and was making up the models for the show. I was chatting to her about makeup, the show and how amazing the weather was, the beautiful weather we were missing out on! She mentioned that she had a blog so the week after the show out of curiosity and a love of blogs I had a little read through her posts, it has quickly become a weekley must read for me.

Ellie gives amazing make up tips on her blog, tries out new products for her readers and of course posts about all of her favourite things including her beautiful little girl Lulu. I have to say I have loved reading her makeup tips and have picked her brain over makeup for my wedding next year. As you know I’m getting married in Rome next summer so I have been looking for a nice makeup that has no SPF (for photography reasons), that looks natural, isn’t drying on my skin and will last all day, demanding you say? Well yes I am.

She recommended MAC Face & Body, so I went into Mac and asked for a sample, which I tried out at my friends hen party last weekend. And… I am a total convert, I love love love it. I have quite dry sensitive skin so allot of makeups dry out my skin and look patchy but my skin is very clear so I only need a light to medium coverage. This foundation was perfect. You can layer it to your liking, it looks so natural and it really did last all night.

“It is a professional product so is only sold in their pro stores as opposed to smaller counters or airports, but do try to get your hand on it at some stage on your makeup odyssey!”

Ellie did recommend setting it with a MAC Select Sheer Powder in warmer weather which I will try out in Barcelona this July when we are at a friends wedding. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Among her other recommenations are Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow, which I use daily.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara, this is on my shopping list, I tried it out and it’s great, no eye irritation and it wears well with no smudging.

Lancome Effercernes Long Lasting Concealer, I have bought this already, it’s brilliant for dark circles!

And who knew I have been wearing MAC’s best selling eye shadow shade Satin Taupe for the past few years, as recommended by Ellie.

Ellie specialises in Bridal Make Up and also runs makeup classes at Boylan Balfe.

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Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty, Wedding, Wedding Suppliers

Tuesday, 8th June 2010

I HAVE MY WEDDING DRESS!!!

I am very excited to tell you all that I have chosen and have in my house my wedding dress! I know it’s just over a year to our wedding but it was the one and I couldn’t not buy it.

I bought my dress from a supplier I met at The D4 Berkeley Wedding Fair. It is a stunning dress that I had been looking at on the designers website, my mother called it, when she saw it she instantly knew it would be the one. It isn’t exactly what I had in my head, it’s so much nicer, but it does have the vintage hollywood glamour feel to it that I have been so drawn to.

It was the first dress I tried on, such a cliche. I tried on a few more to make sure, the silk gowns I loved so much on the bridal websites were terrible on me, I’m far to curvy for them. I also tried on a mermaid shape dress which made my figure look amazing, but I couldn’t walk or sit down in it, I know wedding dresses shouldn’t be practical but this was a whole other level. I also tried on a beautiful flowing chiffon gown which I did really like but it was very similar to a dress I already have. Compared to any other dress I tried on, the first, the one, was just wow. I got that feeling that I never thought I would get, butterflies in my tummy, I really didn’t want to take it off! It is perfect on me too, no alterations needed.

I did try it on a couple of times with my mother when I got it home but it’s packed away now, but it might have to come out again for one last look and to show my bridesmaids.

I’ll let you all in on a little secret, it is a Jenny Packham gown, but I will reveal no more. Alan has said he wants it to be a total surprise when I’m walking up the isle.

I can’t wait to wear it. Roll on July 15th 2011!

Author: pamela | 3 Comments »

Labels: Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty, Our Wedding, Wedding