Madame Squirrel

Sometimes

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Via Here but I think originally from Here

Sometimes it's fine to just eat ice-cream for dinner.

Sometimes it's fine to not actually be texting or talking on your phone when you're in a crowded place on your own.

Sometimes it's fine to pretend to know the words to an infamous song that you've never actually got round to listening to.

Sometimes it's fine to admit that you're struggling however lucky you think you should feel.

Sometimes it's ok to feel like Bridget Jones - unkempt, uncouth and underdressed yet completely and utterly well meaning.

Sometimes it's fine to tell a joke and no one laugh. Indulge in that awkward silence.

Sometimes it's ok to get irrationally angry at a stranger because they think that you're having a dance off with your friend and they want to watch. In fact you and your friend were dancing in unison as one. Stop watching us. This is not a competition. This is interpretive dance.

Sometimes it's ok to fall over when dressing yourself.

Sometimes it's ok to make ridiculous comments in interviews and forget any other vocabulary or adjectives than the word 'nice'.

Welcome to my life.

Love
Madame Squirrel

Currently...

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Dreaming Of: Thanksgiving Dinner. (GET IN MY BELLY).

From Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

Missing: New Orleans and all the people I'll be eating Thanksgiving Dinner with.

Listening To: Main Titles (Back to the Future III) by Alan Silvestri (I watched the trilogy back to back at the Prince Charles Cinema for Monsieur's birthday so that explains that one).

Watching: Monsieur dance around the room to The Lion King Soundtrack (musical and film).

Wishing For: Gainful employment and more Rococo Chocolates (those didn't last long).

Rococo's amazing Sea Salt Organic Milk Chocolate Bee Bar

Wearing: My Pyjamas. (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt and stripy bottoms for those of you who want to know. That's right I dress up for bedtime).

What are you currently musing over?

Love
Madame Squirrel

Cake Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:06:00 +0000

Yes cake painting. That's what I like to do now. Much more preferable to painting on canvas as you get to eat it afterwards.

A while back (June 23rd to be precise) I attended a Rose Cake painting class in Berkhamsted by the wonderful Natasha of Nevie Pie Cakes and the blog Amelie's House. Natasha is an incredible artist and baker who uses food colouring to paint masterpieces on her edible items. I hope I didn't come across as too much of a fan girl on the day as I truly admire all of Natasha's work; there is nothing quite like it out there in the world of cake decoration.

The class was incredible and if cake decorating is your thang then I highly recommend it. Natasha had printed out a step by step guide for the cookie toppers and big cake and repeated each step for us on her own fondant before letting us have a go on our fondant cookie toppers and dummy cake. While we all painted away Natasha walked round the room and helped out each classmate individually; if only all teachers were like that.

The class was a lot of fun but it was quite intensive as you are painting all day long and some artistc ability is necessary (not that I have much) to be able to actually paint the designs. Saying all that though I like to think that my efforts weren't too shabby. (I won't put pictures on here of Natasha's original rose cake as then you'll see just how pants my efforts actually are - you'll just have to visit Nevie Pie cakes to have a nose yourselves.)

Rose Cake Decoration

Cookie/ Cupcake Toppers

To find out more about Nevie Pie cake classes please visit the website and subscribe to the newsletter.

Currently Natasha is offering two basic cake painting classes, a ruffle cake class and the amazing eat your heart out class (where you learn to paint a blackened smokers lung cake; true story). Believe me Nevie Pie cake classes are well worth the money (especially for the tasty spread that Natasha puts on for your included lunch) and are a truly enjoyable day out.

Love

Madame Squirrel

New Favourite Thing: Dogshaming

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:41:00 +0000

I saw Dogshaming posted on Facebook today and I have never laughed out loud so much (well not since yesterday anyway).

Dogshaming you complete me; mainly because my dogs are just as guilty as all the cheeky little blighters that have been shamed already.

Here are a few that have made me laugh like a goon:

We've all been there.

So what would I shame my dogs for?
Hmm let's see....

Cassie has:
Eaten Cleo's sick with glee. (Noice).
Eaten a whole plate of mince pies.
Eaten a whole loaf of bread (+ plastic wrapper).
Eaten numerous pairs of socks and pants (washed or unwashed? Doesn't matter she ain't fussy).

'Yeah and?'

Just looking at this list I think we can safely say that my dog has issues with food.

Cleo has:
Gotten fish out of our old pond and run about like a mad thing, chucking them in the air before eating them and strewing their remains all over the garden. (Yum).
Eaten all of my Mum's beautiful roses (luckily she has learnt how to curb this habit).
Been known to wipe her mouth on all the furniture.

'And what?'

What would you shame your pets for?

Love
Madame Squirrel.

AA Sheer Nail Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Dear American Apparel

I just wanted to tell you that you make lovely nail varnishes. Your new fandangled sheer range and the images along side them are delightful. So delightful in fact that you are making me want to ignore my spending ban and quite frankly buy them all. YOU ARE NAUGHTY.

Here

For now I will have to simply ignore you. Sorry about that.

Love
Madame Squirrel.

P.S You will never ever get me into those bloody disco pants. So stop trying. My hips don't lie and they know they won't fit. The trussed up sausage look is not a good look on anyone!

Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies With Sea Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:27:00 +0000

Ages ago I made the best chocolate chip cookies that I have literally ever made and eaten (possibly blowing my own trumpet a bit here). I have been craving them ever since and I may have to just give in and make more this week. In fact I don't know why I don't make cookies more often/everyday, they are just so easy to make and always ever so satisfying. Much, much easier than that cake making lark.

I found the recipe for these perfect cookies (that is what they're called I'm not just blowing my own trumpet again) from one of my favourite foodie blogs The Baker Chick. And after just visiting her blog again to find this recipe, I now have my sights on so many more cookie recipes. Coconut thumbprint cookies with salted caramel anyone? Wowza.

Now I did alter the recipe a little bit by mixing some sea salt into the dough and cutting up my own dark chocolate chips (opposed to using milk chocolate chips). Yeah thats right, I cut up my own chocolate chips. I am a baking mastermind. If you don't like dark chocolate or find it a bit too rich; use milk chocolate or just add less chips, simple as that.

I'll be honest with you. Not all of this chocolate made it into the mix.

So without further ado here is the recipe for:

Dark Chocolate and Sea-Salt Cookies.

Makes around 24: unless you do what I did and make 6 huge cookies (I may have placed too much cookie dough on the baking sheet but it doesn't matter because I had giant cookies) and 8 normal sized ones.

Evidence that giant cookies exist.

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 tbsp. of plain flour
Half tsp. baking powder
Half tsp. normal salt
Half tsp. sea salt
12 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm.
1 cup brown sugar
Half cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 and half cups dark chocolate chips
Sea salt for sprinkling.

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C, Gas Mark 3). Line two baking sheets with non-stick parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside. With an electric mixer or by hand, mix the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat at a slow speed until just combined (don't over mix!!) Stir in the chocolate chips and eat masses of cookie dough (if you're salmonella proof or just a bit of a daredevil that is).

Bake for approx. 11-14 minutes. Turn baking sheets round halfway through baking. I always get this bit wrong with cookies; when the cookies are light golden brown and the edges are crispy they are ready to come out of the oven. DON'T wait for the whole cookie to be crispy; the middle should still be soft and puffy when they're ready.

Once the cookies are out of the oven leave them to cool for a little while on the baking trays - if you try to move them to the cooling rack straight away, they will break and you will cry.

I sprinkled the cookies with a little more sea salt at this point as I like my cookies salty. All that's left to do after that is EAT THEM ALL (or share them with others if you're that way inclined.)

Love

Madame Squirrel

The Cat's Whiskers

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hi! Remember me?

I know, I know, sorry I disappeared again for a wee bit but life put blogging on the back burner.

But here I am again, this time with a post about cats. Yes cats. The other night I found myself searching all my favourite websites for cat print/cat items (as you do). I think I have the gumption to become a crazy cat lady; I just need more cats.

Anyway if you don't like cats look away now, because here is the cat's meow of what I found!

ASOS turned out to be a bit of a cat lady's dream:

Lulu Guinness Lily Cat Shopper £50

A| Wear Cat Print Dress: £32.00

Roksanda Illincic For Lulu & Co Cat Print Silk Skirt: £280

Well I didn't say that being a cat lady was going to be cheap.

Wildfox Cat Print One Piece Suit: £127

Paul & Joe Cat Collection Blusher Sticks: £21

How could you ever bear to use it? It has a top hat for Pete's sake!

I am also a huge fan of the illustrator Gemma Correll because she also loves cats. Ok, that's not the main reason she's also an amazing artist:

Iconemesis Iphone Case by Gemma Correll: £19.99

(20% off at the mo!)

'Have You Hugged Your Cat? Print' by Gemma Correll: $30

15% goes to the Pablove Foundation for fighting childhood cancer.

Now onto Etsy. Etsy has so many wonderful cat inspired things it was difficult to know just what to select.

Real Men Love Cats T-shirt by RC Tees: $24.00

I completely endorse this statement.

Black Cat Leather Case by La Lisette: $44

And finally the ultimate cat lady attire so everyone knows just what you are:

Crazy Cat Lady Hoodie by The Bold Bannana: $28

I have become so obsessed by cat related stuffs that I have even dedicated a Pinterest board to the cause.

Will you be showing your love for cats for all the world to see anytime soon?

Love

Madame Squirrel

P.S I'm selling some stuffs on Ebay (click the link to see them) as my phone decided to jump from my arms and smash its little face in. So why not have a look; I must warn you though none of the items have a cat in any shape or form on them.

Spending Ban

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:28:00 +0000

So following my spectacular Stateside holiday and with moving in day with the Monsieur imminent, I am now on a strict, enforced spending ban.

I will most definitely, almost certainly NOT be buying any of these *strokes computer screen and sits on debit card*:

* Navy Button Front Midi Dress by Topshop.

* Premium Silk Devore Cami Top by Topshop.

* Ideas Notebook by Sparrow Nest Script on Etsy.

* Cream Knitted Stitch Panel Cardi by Topshop.

* January Vintage Peep Shoes by Topshop.

Yes it's going to be tough but I have to do this. I need to make the most of the things I already own and stop lusting after the things I don't.

I'm quite looking forward to not endlessly trailing the new in sections of my bookmarked online stores and instead spending my time doing things that actually need doing, like sorting out my bursting wardrobe for one.

It's time for me to start appreciating the little (and free) things in life more and stop being so materialistic...I say this but you will probably find me a week from now standing in H&M stroking dresses while staring wistfully into space.

If any of you have any tips to help me achieve this spending ban (and prevent dress stroking) then please do comment below... I'm going to need all the help I can get!

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Versatile Blogger Award.

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 27 May 2012 20:03:00 +0000

Cheeky Jo of Life In The Wendy House; a blog I feel very much at home at, nominated me for a versatile blogger award.

Now I know this isn't an actual award but I am ever so thankful and happy that Jo liked my blog enough to tag me!

If I could nominate you back Jo believe me I would. Please go and have a gander at Jo's blog instead of reading the ramblings of mine, it'll be a much nicer experience for you I promise.

Anyway here are 7 random facts about me:

1) I can wiggle my eyebrows in time to music.

Unfortunately not as amazingly as in this Cadbury's advert:

2) I have a dream to work or at least volunteer with Kakapo's (they look like Victorian gentlemen).

Meet Sirocco the spokes bird, if you have some time you can read about him and other Kakapo's here.

To help preserve Kakapo's in the wild you can make a donation here.

3) Don't touch my toenails unless you want to be kicked in the face.

Here

4) I know all the words to 'Wild, Wild West', 'Miami', 'Gettin' Jiggy With it', 'Will 2K', 'Men In Black', 'Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)', 'Just The Two Of Us' and of course 'Summertime' and 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (extended version)'. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I'm a Will Smith/Fresh Prince fan, but then who isn't?

Here
I am ridiculously excited for MIB3

5) My cat is called Spice. I used to tell people he was named after the food stuff. Now on this day, I admit to you that he is named after the Spice Girls. I feel no shame anymore.

6) I know the latin names of a lot of common British birds. *insert sexist classist joke here*

Here
I actually own this t-shirt by Tee & Cake

7) I could do with a Wall's Calippo right about now.

Right here are the 5 blogs I nominate:

1) Bacon Tastes Nice
2) Chestnuts and Cedars
3) Electric Sunrise
4) Sleep Wake Hope
5) The Pampered Sparrow

I'm sure that the above blogs have already received this award numerous times over; but this is my way of saying that I really love your blogs and keep blogging what you're blogging!

Love
Madame Squirrel

And The Rest: Nashville + Raleigh

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:34:00 +0000

Hola!

I'm back...bet you didn't even notice I was gone (I don't blame you). Jet lag has not been kind to me. She is a cruel mistress.

Anyway here are a few more snaps of my trip; with only three pictures of food! *please note that I consumed a lot more food than is shown in the aforementioned three pictures.

Nashville was:

Fruity...

Peaches at the Nashville Farmers' Market.

Fruity Cocktails.

Blackberry Pie at Merridee's Breadbasket (I also had the best club sandwich I have ever eaten).

Atmospheric...

We were so lucky to watch The Artist at this beautiful, community-run, historic cinema; The Franklin Theatre.

Smugness Inducing...

Most of our time spent in Nashville was on a wedding vendor hunt. Fingers crossed it looks like everything is coming together for our rustic, relaxed and non-traditional wedding.

And A Lil' Bit Fishy...

Sushi at Wild Ginger ... if there was one restaurant that I could eat at for the rest of my days it would be here.

Raleigh was:

Joyful (With Added Goats)...

Monsieur's cousin's goat farm wedding was quite simply, a perfect day. I felt really privileged to attend; it was wonderful to see two lovely people get married surrounded by so much love and support. There were big grins (and a few happy tears) all day long.

So there you have it. Glimpses of my American memories. Normal (I use the term 'normal' very loosely) blogging commences...now!

Also stay tuned for a little Americana giveaway just to show y'all some love!

Love

Madame Squirrel.

Austin & Round Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:40:00 +0000

Austin has been...

Edible (and artery restrictive)...

Salt Lick BBQ (in Round Rock)

Fry Baby's deep fried mac and cheese bites (worth it).

Whataburger's Patty Melt (Monsieur Squirrel's food of choice)

Tasty...

Denny's pancakes with bacon pieces (also worth it)

Magnolia Cafe's gingerbread pancakes.

Hot...

This kind of heat demanded snowcones from The Frigid Frog.

Botanical...

Beautiful blooms in the very first Whole Foods Market

Cacti in the peaceful Zilker Botanical Garden

Vintage...

Admired uncommon OBJECTS colour co-ordinated vintage store.

Love Inducing...

Can't quite believe I'm about to put these pictures up on the internet...

We shared (I promise I didn't eat the whole thing) the Texas sized donut from Round Rock Donuts (had to be done).

Stormy...

We also: * wandered down 6th street on Cinco de Mayo and soaked up the atmosphere (including visiting a store purely dedicated to hot sauce) * admired the love that Austinites' have for their pooches * shopped on S. Congress and had iced tea from Jo's and bought candy from Big Top * ate fish tacos and shrimp enchiladas at Guero's * watched the '5 Year Engagement' at Barton Creek Square.

We wish we'd had time to: * have a burger at Fran's * watch a movie at the Alamo drafthouse cinema * eat ice-cream at Amy's. But hopefully we'll be back again one day.

So yes. The holiday so far. I am only eating fruit & veg from now on (I really don't know who I'm trying to kid with that sentence).

I hope everyone enjoyed the bank holiday back in Blighty and that everyone else not from Blighty also had a wonderful weekend. More photos to follow soon (hopefully with less fried food)...

Love
Madame Squirrel.

I Want To Be In America

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:42:00 +0000

Today I go to the States. YES!

Things I'm looking forward to: Austin, Burgers, Lovely People, The Goat Farm Wedding, Twins (Monsieur has THE cutest twin cousins), BBQ (Salt Lick I'm coming for you), Sunshine, Wedding Planning, Mac & Cheese, Sephora, Everything Being Cheaper, Massive King Size Beds, Good Customer Service, Boating In Zinger Park, Nashville, Crab Dip & Chex Mix, Loveless Cafe Biscuits.

Things I'm not looking forward to: Possible Tornadoes, Thunder Storms, Doubling in Size.

I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Anyway as I packed last night I took some photos of outfits I will be wearing to eat things in (doing this really helped me pack so I didn't bring clothes I don't need):

Travelling Outfit: Grey hoodie: massively old, originally from Target, Mustard tunic: Primark, Leggings: New Look, Black Pumps: Primark.

Day time outfit: Navy T-shirt: H&M, Polka Dot Shorts: H&M, Tan Cut-Out Pumps: New Look (the comfiest shoes in the world)

Day time outfit: Daisy Dress: H&M, Black Pumps: Primark

Day time outfit: Grey T-shirt: H&M, Black Polka Dot Skirt: H&M, Black Sandals: River Island - almost worn to death as they're so comfy.

Day Time Outfit (I may need leggings with this one): Polka Dot Dress: H&M, Tan Cut-Out Pumps: New Look

Evening Outfit: Black Camisole: H&M, Gold Lace Skirt: Rare via Topshop, Black Sandals: Primark

Evening Outfit: Grey Shirt: H&M, Body: New Look, Aztec Shorts: Forever 21, Comfiest Sandals Ever: River Island.

Rehersal Dinner Outfit: Lace Dress: H&M, Cream Scarf: Ralph Lauren Via TK Maxx, Mint Belt: Primark, Tan Wedges: H&M

Wedding Guest Outfit: Floral Jumpsuit: BHS, Scarf: Ralph Lauren Via TK Maxx, Tan Wedges: H&M

Do you know what really doesn't help when your floor looks like this?...

A spaniel who insists on getting involved....

*Smush*

Right I better go and run around like a mad thing whilst throwing things I really don't need into my suitcase (I hope Monsieur remembers the bag scales!)

While I'm away I'll be posting a visual diary of my trip so see you on the other side!

Love

Madame Squirrel.

Madame Squirrel's Weekly Report 8

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Last week I:

wore my lucky cat t-shirt...

had my hair cut and coloured...

*this picture has been instagrammed like crazy

My hair, believe it or not, is actually meant to be blonder *sigh*. Even though the colour is not what I wanted, I've got used to it and I don't really mind it now. My hair is also shorter which hurt *first world problems* but I did need a lot of dried straw cut off...I was starting to look a lot like Worzel Gummidge with dreadlocks.

saw 'We Are The In Crowd' at the O2 Academy Islington ...

Lovely gig. Check. Lovely band. Check. Lovely music. Check.

*The fact that I'm calling all these things lovely means I was probably far too old to be at this gig in the first place.*

As you can see it's been a bit of a slow week mainly due to the fact that I'm going on holiday THIS friday and I gotta save me some pennies (or just spend them on expensive hairdressers that don't listen to me; either/or!)

What have you all been up to? Tell all!

Love
Madame Squirrel.

P.S Big fat smoochies and hugs to my lovely new followers...I really don't deserve you!

Wedding Season

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:51:00 +0000

It's that time of year again. The invites are fluttering through the door, the save the dates are appearing in my facebook events and the panic of what to wear is setting in. Yep, wedding season is arriving. I'm going to a wedding in just over two weeks time in America - in humid North Carolina. Lovely! I cannot wait. My wardrobe on the other hand can. Why? I'll tell you why:

One. Whatever I wear (most likely a dress) can't be too short, I'm not going to be known as some hussy who flashes her knickers.

Two. I cannot wear white, cream or ivory (obvs.). Knowing this, every single dress I see and like is of course white, cream or ivory. Stop it brain, just stop it.

Three. Whatever garment I choose has to either keep me cool or stop anyone from noticing I'm a sweaty betty i.e it can't change colour as I perspire like a leaking paddling pool.

Four. The dress I choose has to be nice but not too nice; no one wants to show up the bride or her bridesmaids!

Five. The wedding is on a goat farm, this means that the dress-code is smart casual (and probably goat proof). Every dress I see is smart or casual; there are very few in-betweens and nothing is goat proof as far as I'm concerned!

I've noticed that some other bloggers are trying to deal with the female wedding guest clothing dilemma. Fritha Louise of Fish Tank Fashion is also going to a spring wedding and is thinking of wearing this dress (which is bootiful), Amy of Chestnuts and Cedars is helping her sister choose a suitable wedding appropriate maxi dress, and The Sweetest Occasion is just sorting the dilemma of what to wear to a garden wedding for you. But where does that leave me?

Firstly, I really need to check what I have lurking at the back of my wardrobe. Maybe I've miraculously hidden the perfect smart/casual dress, which has been discarded due to weight gain. Maybe another miracle has occurred and I've lost enough weight to squeeze myself into it (I'm sure the art of squeezing will feel exceptionally cool in the N.C humidity!)

Then there is a jumpsuit. A really pretty jumpsuit I own from BHS (yep, you heard). By wearing this jumpsuit I will rule out any knicker flashing, sweat patches and showing up the bride in one fell swoop*. My traditional brain on the other hand is sarcastically raising one eyebrow and saying ' A jumpsuit, to a wedding? Really?'

Here

Here it is in all it's glory. Trust me this picture really doesn't do it justice.

Can I get away with a jumpsuit? What are your thoughts lovely readers? Would you dare to wear a jumpsuit to a wedding?

Love
Madame Squirrel.

*I am well aware that there is no way that this jumpsuit is goat proof; I swear goats could eat barbed wire and be absolutely fine. Not that I would ever feed goats barbed wire! I love goats...in fact I take myspace-esque pictures with goats as soon as I'm near one. I find it hilarious and awesome. The goats don't care - they're usually chewing away on my cardigan.

Stylin'

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:26:00 +0000

Recently, I have been looking at my (bursting) wardrobe and wondering just how many 'classic' pieces do I actually have in there?

I'm a sale (and Primark) magpie...in the way that magpies pick up silver trash, I pick up sale trash. I almost always buy patterned (or ugly) items, which tend to date quite quickly and lots and lots of tops and dresses (I seem to forget that I actually have a bottom half, which is a miracle considering how rotund my stomach is getting). I don't shop well, I'm a grab and try everything on kind of gal and I really need to change this habit of a lifetime.

Don't get me wrong I still want to look like me (tramp chic remember?) but I want to buy more 'investment pieces' rather than items that I will wear once and then sell on eBay two years later.

Here are some items that I view as the beginnings of a capsule wardrobe. Part of me wants to buy them all and put my existing wardrobe out of its misery (unfortunately I'm not that flush with the monies, so not gonna happen). As I can only (barely) afford the highstreet, I've mostly used items from the UK high street and I was genuinely surprised at the chic loveliness there is out there, probably because I just haven't looked before...

Clothes

L-R Top Row: Silk Crepe Boxy Shirt £45 Topshop, Moto Vintage Skinny Baxter £40 Topshop, Tall Piped Trench Coat £68 Topshop, Moto Oversized Denim Shirt £34 Topshop, Cherry Red Knit Ruffus Dress $195 (ok not quite high street) Sandro via stylebop.com

L-R Middle Row: Polka Dot Peplum Shell Top £35 A|wear, Traditional Leather Jacket £165 Topshop, Jody Dress £39 Coast

L-R Bottom Row: Cotton Breton Top £22 Oasis, Black Super Skinny Jeans £38 Miss Selfridge, Khaki Safari Jacket £35 Dorothy Perkins, Basic Neppy Tee £14 Topshop, Black High Waisted Skater Skirt £12 Desire Clothing

Accessories

L-R Top Row: Brown Leopard Print Bow Ballet Pumps (Sold Out: £15) Red Herring at Debenhams, Leather Satchel, $75 Golden Ponies on Etsy, Powder Ballet Pumps £7.99 H&M

L-R Middle Row: Black Ambush Boots (Sold Out: £75) Topshop, black metal bar detail envelope clutch £18 ASOS , Black Banana Heel Platforms £35 Jane Norman

Bottom Row: Brown Sandals £12.99 H&M

I personally feel that all these items are pretty timeless; they just won't date. To me style is a very personal thing, usually mixed with a big dose of confidence, but there are certain items (a uniform if you will) that are associated with classic dressing; polka dots, the breton stripe, the classic trench etc etc. They are the perfect basics to add touches of seasonal trends to; a pair of neon shoes, an aztec print scarf or a paisley t-shirt for example.

I haven't included any jewellery as I feel that timeless jewellery is made up of the more personal items that people acquire; the gold and silver chains that people wear everyday, the rings and bracelets that have been gifted for a special occasion or passed down from generation to generation.

The items I've used are spring items (I couldn't find any jumpers or coats anywhere...it's not like we need them now or anything is it England dwellers!?) so I may look again around mid summer(!) for winter items that would be wonderful additions to a capsule wardrobe - I'm thinking oversized cable knit jumpers, tailored camel coats and classic navy duffle coats; it makes me feel cozy just thinking about it.

Before I go here are some stylish ladies showing me just how classic stylin' is done:

Here

What are your must haves for a classic wardrobe? Do you agree with my choices?

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Madame Squirrel's Weekly Report 7

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Wow, this is a bit late. Yes, sorry about that. I haven't been feeling like myself recently, but I know it will pass. Self- pitying aside though I did have a lovely week!

Last week I...

watched my cat do this...

I thought cats weren't meant to eat dairy. But then again my cat doesn't realise that he is a cat, so I think that's fine...

was quite happy my cat wasn't around to see this...

Yes that is a blue tit in my living room! My friend suggested that he was a sign from God telling me to stop making a tit of myself; she is quite the stand up comedienne.

accessorised to the max

I have developed an obsession with mint coloured everything (I'm still looking for the perfect mint jeans). I tried to do space inspired nails...this was the good hand. I also think that everyone will agree that dotty socks are awesome.

received a lovely goody bag from Kleenex which showcases all of their new beauty range.

Yep that is my tweet in the Kleenex advert in Now Magazine. Quick fact: most of my embarrassing stories do involve pants.

ate food and drank tea (shocker)

How on earth did that picture of sangria get in here?!...I would never drink that during the day while walking round Camden Market (actually I would and did). I also had a lovely lunch with the mothership at The Cape, delicious char sui pork buns at Ping Pong and drank rose tea and ate cherries in the sunshine.

took a cupcake decorating class with The Cocoa Box

I was very lucky to receive a two hour cupcake lesson for me and one other person as a christmas present last year. The class was really fun, I learnt lots of tips for making the perfect cupcake and I really enjoyed working with sugar paste, something I hadn't really used before. All in all I would definitely recommend cocoa box cupcake classes for any cupcake lovers out there. The Cocoa box also teaches cookie decorating and chocolate making classes just in case cupcakes aren't your thing.

What did you all get up to last week? Anything exciting?

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Every Little Helps

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:58:00 +0000

Aren't these court shoes from F&F at Tescos just delightful? And whats more they're only £22! I just love their shape; even I might manage to not fall bum over boob in them.

Personally I have my eye on the mint green ones; in my mind the colour mint goes with absolutely everything, which technically (shoppers logic) would make them an investment. I can't think of a single outfit they wouldn't go with. Ok, maybe, possibly, sort of...they wouldn't go with lime green lycra body suits like the one's that the legend Mr Motivator wears. Luckily for the general public I'm not in the habit of wearing lime green lycra bodysuits (thank god) so I suppose I can live with that.

Here

What do you think of Florence & Fred at Tescos? Have you bought any items from them that you love?

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:15:00 +0000

I just love The Oatmeal...

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Madame Squirrel's Weekly Report 6

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:03:00 +0000

This week I...

Have been looking after Robo Cat:

The mothership is currently on a cruise with my aunt and nan so I'm looking after the house and all of our animals. As you can see my pets are perfectly normal.

Took pictures of my own face:

(Well hello massive forehead, someone should really get you a fringe)

After my blog wisdom post I've decided to show y'all my attempts at the tutorials I mentioned. Here's a glimpse at my (poor) version of the smokey eye...post to follow.

Took my dad to the theatre:

My dad had a big birthday recently (I won't say what birthday it was as I don't want to risk my life) and to celebrate I took him to see Noises Off at the Novello Theatre. For anyone who hasn't seen Noises Off it's a play within a play (playception?) and it is belly shaking funny. I felt a bit sad that the actors in the play that I recognised, I only knew from television or film, yet looking at the programme they had performed in double the amount of plays. I think it's a shame that most actors or actresses are only 'known' from new media opposed to their acting accomplishments within the theatre.

Ate too much food (again):

After seeing Becky's picture of her pancake breakfast on her twitter @lifestyleflash_ the monsieur and I made and ate 6 pancakes...each. I will blame Becky for any obesity which may occur from following her twitter and reading her (very lovely) blog lifestyleflash.

Following the eating of 6 pancakes (I did insist I only ate four but Monsieur Squirrel kindly corrected me) I decided to be really healthy and make dark chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with sea salt (recipe to be posted later this week!).

So in one day I had eaten pancakes, made chocolate chip cookies and then I went to consume my weight in sushi. Hi! Sushi at the Camden Lock have a secret menu (it isn't that much of a secret, you just ask for it) where you can eat 'all you can eat' sushi for £16.

Now the 'all you can eat' sushi concept is common in the United States but I have never seen it here; let's just say I made the most of it as did the Monsieur.

The only problem with the restaurant was that we were immediately kicked out after we'd paid the bill! I usually wouldn't mind but the people we went with we hardly ever get to see and they are some of our favourite people in the whole world, we were quite affronted to say the least. Still sushi = gooood:

So today I'm not feeling too clever...turns out that eating that much food in one day isn't a good idea.

If you want to make me feel better (cheeky I know) why not check out my eBay items that end today in under 4 hours (eek)!

I hope you've all had a wonderful week and are having an even better weekend!

Love

Madame Squirrel.

March Madness: What I Bought.

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:24:00 +0000

I may have made a few purchases in March. Oops.

Accessories

When Claire (@c_sittingpretty) tweeted that there was a 25% dicount code up for grabs for her Sitting Pretty Shop I tweeted her demanding it immediately (ok I didn't demand it, I was very polite actually). I had been looking at these rings with lust in my eyes for a long time and with 25% off I knew I should finally take the plunge and purchase them.

And here they are in all their glory.

L-R: No.5 Red Alloy Stone Ring, No. 2 Blue Alloy Stone Ring, No. 12 Green Alloy Stone Ring. All £4.

I love the colours; the green ring really isn't being done much justice in this photo (stupid camera). It's a really lovely dark emerald green not a dull greeny black as it appears here (chucks camera across the room). I really love them and even without the discount they are a really reasonable price (I'm just a cheapskate).

Claire has lots of other lovely jewellery pieces to share so have a nose at her shop and why not her gorgeous blog while you're at it.

Yes it's an item from Toppers.

When I ordered this online I thought it would only be suitable for evening but hurrah it's not!

Topshop Black Folded Leather Clutch- £48 (sold out online)

I love the leather and suede stripes and it is so big inside, I can fit all my crap in it (not an easy feat for most bags I own) and carry it as a clutch or over my shoulder (I think that's value for money). At £48 it weren't cheap guvnah but I don't care as I'm in love and love ain't cheap.

Clothing

Not really very spring time are they; no pastels here, no sir.

I haven't worn the tunic yet as I've read reviews on the Topshop website that it washes really badly and all the beads fall off (great!); therefore it's going to sit in my wardrobe until the right occasion and then I will tenderly wash it like it's a new-born baby.

L-R Topshop Studded Cross Tunic £32, H&M Collared T-shirt (sold out online),

Warehouse Ikat Pocket Skirt £25

Chestnuts And Cedars and I both bought the H&M collared t-shirt at the same time (yes that is a shiny beaded collar...we were like magpies) so there is a chance we may turn up wearing the same thing. Awkward.

Another aztec pattern to add to my wardrobe (stay tuned for a post on all my aztec print clothing). I don't need this skirt as I already have this skirt, but it is so comfy and soft, therefore I bought it and own it.

Make-up

I took advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 Mix + Match on cosmetics when I was in Milton Keyenes.

L-R: Collection 2000 Big Fake Mascara in Ultra Black £4.99, L'oreal Paris Infalliable Brush Foundation in Porcelain £12.29, 17 Eye Shadow Trio in Barely There £5.49.

I saw the L'oreal Infallible foundation (in the colour Porcelain) on the gorgeous Katie's Beauty Blog when she did this 60's inspired look. It looked so lovely on her skin I decided to try it.

I have always had trouble with highstreet make-up brands 'paler' items, they always look too orange or yellow on me, which is always a good look for being out in public.

This is the best cheaper liquid foundation I have ever bought for my skin tone. It blends perfectly due to the attached brush and you don't need to waste any precious foundation as you rotate the brush head to produce as much product as you need. Score!

Big Fake is a standard in my make-up bag, I always use waterproof mascara due to my leaky eye syndrome (*not a real syndrome) and this does not budge or flake, also it makes my lashes look almost fluttersome instead of short, stubby and broken.

The 17 eye palette was my 'I didn't realise it was 3 for 2, rush around Boots like a mad woman' buy. I have used the shell coloured shade every single day since I bought it as it's prefect for day time.

I also had a little E.L.F splurge.

L-R Top Row: Contouring Blush And Bronze Compact £3.50, Studio Golden Bronzer £3.50
L-R Bottom Row: Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium, Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder £3.50

I highly recommend the contouring blush, bronzing powder and the eyebrow kit.

I have almost see-through skin; I'm that pale, and the contouring blush and bronzing set should be too dark on me but it's not (whoop!)...I do have to blend, blend, blend though.

The golden bronze kit is also perfect for my skin tone; I tend to brush it over my cheeks, forehead and down my nose after foundation and concealer and before I use the contour kit.

The last item I bought from E.L.F was the High Definition Undereye Setting Powder. Maybe it's my bathroom lighting or maybe it's just my face but I didn't notice any difference to my eyes at all with this and I don't think my under-eye concealer lasted any longer; it's a good idea but it just didn't work for me.

Wow that was a lot of words to describe the results of my shopping addiction. Sorry.

However if you would like to sponsor my addiction; please check out my eBay stuff ;)

What cheeky purchases have you bought recently? Show me your stash!

Love

Madame Squirrel.

Vanilla and Raspberry Jam Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:03:00 +0000

One day, one glorious beautiful fine day I will bake the perfect cupcake...again. 2 years ago I managed it. The most perfect, moist, light and fluffy cupcakes and not just one but 40 of them! I baked them for Monsieur Squirrel's brother's wedding. I used the infamous Hummingbird Bakery vanilla cupcake recipe and the bad boys that came out of the oven were perfect. They were perfect in height, perfectly cooked and the taste, oh the taste. Light, fluffy, moist and vanillary (yeah that is a word).

Check out my measuring matroyshka nesting
doll cups. They are my best friends when I'm baking.

We moved out of that house a couple of months later. I wish I'd baked so many more cupcakes in that oven because since then I haven't baked one perfect cupcake. NOT ONE. And it hurts. Oh it hurts. It haunts my dreams. I feel like every cupcake I see mocks me; and boy are they cruel.

Just out of the oven...before they sunk.

Why does my favourite hummingbird recipe not work anymore? (I have whined this to Monsieur Squirrel a lot; it is not a pleasant sound). So far I've tried the hummingbird recipe 4 bluming times using our current oven. Each time they shrink and are chewy. When they failed the first time, I thought it was because the ingredients hadn't been at room temperature. The second time; because I used the oven fan. The third; I hadn't filled the liners properly. The forth; I just blamed the oven and searched for a new recipe.

Filled with raspberry jam.

The next vanilla cupcake recipe I used worked ok; they were too dense but at least they rose.

Icing! Monsieur said my icing looked like MRM (mechanically recovered meat?!). Always the charmer!

On Saturday I decided to try the ultimate vanilla cupcake recipe. This recipe has been tested by 50 bakers (and I'm sure a lot more have tested it by now too).

Not looking too shabby (but a little bit, dare I say it,like lady parts?)

The recipe: Taken from the cupcake project.com

Makes around 12 - 16 cupcakes

1 cup (225 grams) granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean
1 3/4 cups (175 grams) plain flour, not self-rising
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup (75 grams) full-fat sour cream
1/4 cup canola oil or vegetable oil (60 ml)
1 tablespoon pure (not imitation) vanilla extract
2/3 cup (160 ml) whole milk

Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
In a small bowl, combine sugar and seeds from the vanilla bean.
Using the back of a spoon, move around the bowl and apply pressure to break up any clumps of seeds and to better infuse the vanilla flavor into the sugar. Set aside.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the vanilla bean sugar and mix until well combined.
Add butter and mix on medium-low speed for three minutes. You should end up with a very fine crumb texture.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined.
Slowly add milk and mix on a low speed until just combined. The batter will be quite liquidy.
Fill cupcake liners just over 1/2 full.
Bake for 14 minutes and then test to see if they are done. These cupcakes shouldn't turn a golden brown. If they aren't done, test again in two minutes. If they still aren't done, test again in another two minutes.
When the cupcakes are done, remove them immediately from the tins and leave them on a cooling rack to cool.

Note: I didn't use a vanilla bean in mine; if you can't afford it, just use a tiny bit more vanilla essence

So this is when I did my own recipe thang and added raspberry jam:

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled make a cavity in the middle of the cupcake using a teaspoon. Try to do this in one movement, so you have a whole tiny piece of cake that you have removed (set aside).
2. Insert half a tea-spoons worth of raspberry jam into the cavity.
3. Take the cake you've removed and place it back into the cupcake, covering the raspberry jam.

(Another way to do this is using a fine nozzle; place the raspberry jam into a decorating bag and insert the nozzle into the centre of the cupcake and squeeze gently)

Icing:

I used the Hummingbird Bakery's vanilla buttercream icing recipe and added 4 drops of pink food colouring. I then used the Wilton 2D icing nozzle and a disposable decorating bag to make the rose detail. Squeeze the icing from the centre of the cupcake outwards (angling the nozzle tip inwards)in a spiral pattern.

I will discuss icing techniques a bit more in my next cupcake inspired post!

Pink Vanilla Buttercream Icing Recipe:

500g icing sugar
160g unsalted butter softened
50ml whole milk
Half tsp of vanilla essence
4 drops of pink food colouring

The verdict: Not quite ultimate but alright.

These taste amazing, and I thought they looked great but they are too moist and dense. Also they didn't rise; if anyone has a solution for non-rising cupcakes (a cupcake viagra so to speak) I am all ears. I'm just going to blame my oven again and purchase an oven thermometer!! The hunt continues for the perfect cupcake....

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Madame Squirrel's Weekly Report 5

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:39:00 +0000

This Week I...

Ate my weight in food:

Check out that grilled cheese sandwich; it was too good. As always, I burnt my lip as I refused to let it cool and ketchup is lethal when it is the temperature of the sun.

Tips for the best grilled cheese sandwich:

-use a non-stick frying pan.

-butter the outside of the bread.

-cook it low and slow for 8-10 minutes each side.

It will damage your arteries but it is so worth it.

I managed to cancel out my artery damage by eating a lovely salad (as you can see from the photographic evidence) that my friend made (manages to omit that the aforementioned salad contained cut up chicken kiev). I then redid the artery damage with a fried egg and bacon sandwich (I think the fact it was made with gluten free bread makes it healthy though right?). Note: I did not eat all these items on the same day but I would if I could.

I am also completely and utterly addicted to chilli rice crackers...I need to find a supplier that can provide my fix for a lot less (Waitrose Y U so expensive?).

Had to include a standard photo of the easter eggs I received (they are mostly destroyed now).

Enjoyed making some easter treats:

Classic Chocolate Cornflake Nests:

Recipe:

Mini eggs (obvs)

Cornflakes 75g

Dark Chocolate 100g

Golden Syrup 4 Tbsp

Butter 50g

*Melt butter, golden syrup and dark chocolate in a non-stick pan.

*Eat at least 6 mini-eggs while waiting for the melting to occur.

*Stir in cornflakes.

*Add mixture to cupcake cases (will fill about 12).

*Eat most of the mixture off of a large wooden spoon.

*Make a nest shape and plonk in mini eggs.

*Leave to cool and set for 30 mins to an hour in the fridge.

*Nom them all.

Admired my beautiful new clutch from warehouse; come to mama!

Got my bake on cupcake style:

Stay tuned for a post on these raspberry jam vanilla rose cupcakes (that's a mouthful) next week.

I hope you have all had a choctastic Easter weekend :)

Love

Madame Squirrel.

Pleased to meet you.

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:37:00 +0000

I may have started this blog without a proper introduction; how very rude of me:

So hi!

I really don't know why I'm writing this or why anyone would be interested (hello low self-esteem, I thought you'd raise your ugly head) but here's a little bit about me:

I'm a BSc Zoology graduate; I graduated last year. Not very surprisingly I like animals. A lot.

I'm 24. I don't know how this happened or why someone didn't try to keep me at the age of 21.

I've started worrying about sun damage and wrinkles. I have been told that I look 16 so I don't think I have too much to worry about but I like to plan ahead.

Apparently I look 16.

I'm engaged to Monsieur Squirrel. He proposed to me on the Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans, which was very nice of him. I swore a lot. I'm still not sure if I actually said yes, we're planning a wedding though, so I'm guessing I must have (after all the swearing).

Me and the Monsieur

My dream job would be in communications, marketing or PR for a conservation charity. Failing that I'll settle for cuddling baby animals all day.

I consider my pets to be part of the family. They are Cleo and Cassie; a red setter who farts a lot and a black cocker spaniel who eats a lot and Mr Spice; a cat who thinks he's a dog.

I collect moustache related merchandise (no joke). I may show this collection to you one day; you lucky lucky people.

If you leave your stationery near me I will draw a willy on it.

I am very mature for my age (see above).

If in doubt, I'm probably joking.

I'm a feminist; I respect gender differences but I believe in equality. Do with that one what you will.

My wardrobe is bursting. I like to shop and play dress-up. However when I do dress up I like to add a touch of scruff. Maybe a baggy cardigan or some messed up boots. I call it tramp chic.

My blog is called Madame Squirrel because I'm female and I can't say squirrel ( I sound like a slurring drunk when I attempt to say it, much to the amusement of everyone in the vicinity).

Likes:
Lady Grey Tea
Rose Bud Tea
Jasmine Tea
*Aside: I like tea
Seattle
Sloth Bears
The British countryside (when the sun is out)
Moustaches
Monsieur Squirrel's face
Austin, Texas
Kakapos
Mexican food
Thai food
Japanese Food
*Aside: I like food
Pretty dresses
Paul Rudd
Cats
Ben
Jerry
Sour Mango

Dislikes:
Pillow face (when you get the lines of the pillow on your face)
Waking up
Rain
Wind (I will shout at it like a mad woman)
Hiccups
Spiders
Dinosaurs
Pedestrians in London when I'm driving
Drivers in London when I'm walking
Tights slowly ending up around my knees in a public place meaning I can't yoink them back up (impossible to do subtly)
Pins and needles

So yeah, that's me; please be gentle.

Tell me about you! :)

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Midweek Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:47:00 +0000

The Blog:

Here

Zsa Zsa posts the most beautiful images! As much as I try to make this post inspirational; it will never as be as inspirational as her blog.

The Image:

Here

I found this chap on ZsaZsa Bellagio; if anyone knows who he belongs to, please let me know!

The Place:

Here

I've visited Dubrovnik three times and every single time I fell deeply in love with the Croatian city. I must go back asap!

Love
Madame Squirrel.

Blog Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Madame Squirrel) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:15:00 +0000

I have been reading blogs for years; it's only recently I felt that I too had something to say and share (you poor, poor people). Anyway to share the love for some of my favourite blogs, I thought I'd take a look back and see just what they've taught me:

First up: Beauty

I've always looked at other girls (and sometimes boys) and wondered how did they get their hair like that? Or how did they do their make-up that way? Make-up and hair styling seemed to be an innate ability that I'd been born without. However, thanks to the blogosphere I have learnt the ability to:

1. Do the smokey eye: Shirley from Meek~N~Mild does the most amazing make-up tutorials (and fashion posts!) thanks to her I accomplished the smokey eye.

2. Do the cat eye flick: Keiko Lynn's tutorial allowed me to master this one!

Here

3. Contour my face: I had no idea about face contouring until I read/watched these amazing posts from The Beauty Department and Essie Button.

4. Wave my hair: For some reason I could never wave my hair without it looking awful. Turns out I was curling it the wrong way and pointing the tongs in the wrong direction! Thanks to See Creatures and Gembear I like to think my wavy hair ain't too shabby nowadays (don't even get me started on what it's like the rest of the time; stupid and temperamental should cover it).

Here

5. Fishtail braid: I always thought that the fishtail braid must be really time consuming and complicated. Not so! Check out The Beauty Department's tutorial

Why I couldn't ever get the gist of doing these things on my own I will never know, the main point is that I can now contour my face, do my eye-make-up and wave my hair to my hearts content (not all at the same time though...I'd love to see a blog teach me that!).

Tutorials I still need to try:

The sock bun which I saw on The Skinny Blonde Girl

Here

The hair turban which I saw on Mammal And Lamb

Here

Bloggers tutorials and reviews are second to none (in my opinion...I'll try not to get on my high horse too much) when it comes to new products and what women like me really want to know about in the world of beauty. Their reviews have lead me to some of my favourite beauty products (Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser anyone?). Even if a bloggers post is sponsored; the blogger tends to still give their honest opinion. This means that I as a reader trust them and so I'm much more likely to purchase the product they're reviewing opposed to if I'd seen that product being reviewed in a magazine.

What beauty tips and techniques have you learnt from your favourite bloggers? Do you trust blog reviews more than magazine reviews?

Love
Madame Squirrel.