Category: Life

Halloween Bat cupcakes 🦇

I hope you enjoyed Halloween on Thursday 🎃

What did you do?

If, like us, you are celebrating Halloween this weekend then this little recipe will be right up your street.

These bat cupcakes are super cute, chocolatey and my ultimate favourite flavour combo, chocolate orange.

They are perfect for the spooky season, a Halloween party, to make with the kids or to just to help you indulge with a cuppa this weekend.

So, enjoy!

What you’ll need…

  • A chocolate cupcake packet mix (12 cupcakes)
  • 1 egg
  • 1.5 tbsp oil
  • Water
  • Chocolate buttercream icing
  • Orange extract
  • Jaffa cakes
  • Jaffa cake nibbles
  • White choc drops (for eyes)
  • Icing tubes (to draw on the fangs)

What you’ll need to do…

  • Make the packet mix as instructed
  • This usually entails adding your egg, oil and water to the packet mix and stirring.
  • Separate into your cupcake cases evenly.
  • Cook in the oven (See individual packets for times/temps.
  • Whilst the cupcakes are cooking, mix some orange extract into your chocolate buttercream.
  • Leave your cakes to cool before decorating.

Decorating…

  • 12 Jaffa cakes
  • A pack of Jaffa nibbles
  • Chocolate orange Buttercream
  • Icing
  • White choc drops

  • Top each cupcake with a generous helping of chocolate orange buttercream.
  • Cut each Jaffa cake in two, to create wing shapes.
  • Pop the wings either side in the icing.
  • Pop two nibbles in between the wings for the eyes.
  • To add detail to the eyes, use a little leftover buttercream to stick a white chocolate drop onto the nibbles.

Eat & enjoy!

I hope you like this little recipe idea, they taste heavenly or should I say devilishly good 👹

🎃🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃🎃

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My half term diary!

October Half term 2019

… because it’s been a busy but fun one!

#stillgotloadsofchorestodo

#whocareswehadfun

Saturday

Me & my mum went out for afternoon tea to start off the half term! We both work in schools so we thought it would be a nice treat at the beginning of the holidays.

We went to a little cafe along the waterfront, in our hometown and it was lovely.

The interior of the cafe was really cool and quirky and the view (with sunshine!!) was amazing.

There were three tiers to the afternoon tea. On the bottom tier were finger sandwiches: Smoked salmon & cream cheese, Ham & mustard, Cheese & red onion chutney and cucumber.

The second tier was cakes, we had a piece of Victoria sponge to share, a piece of coffe cake to share syns a lemon curd that each.

The final, top tier was the fruit scones with clotted cream and jam.

You also got a pot of tea or coffee to accompany your food.

Sunday

I spent Sunday relaxing at a local day spa with my friend.

It was a great way to wind down after a busy first half term.

Relaxing in the jacuzzi, sizzling in the sauna & having a spot of lunch too.

We both decided to treat ourselves to a treatment on this occasion. I went for a back, neck and shoulder massage (Which was amazing) & my friend went for a facial.

A perfect Sunday 🧖🏼‍♀️💧

Monday

Before heading to work in the afternoon I caught up with my friend Livy and her little bundle of joy (SO CUTE!!) Finley.

We met at a local cafe, that I love! & is just around the corner, for what is possibly one of my favourite meals, Brunch!

So good!

But not as good as the catch up and Finley cuddles/giggles ❤

Wednesday

Another day, another brunch!

& this time with my lovely work friends from school.

It can be really tricky organising getting us altogether so it was lovely to be able to finally coordinate our calendars during a school holiday! We see each other every day but it’s good to just be able to chat properly.

Brunch is one of my favourite meals! Breakfast food is the best food for sure.

Thursday

On thursday evening I had both of my nephews and my niece over for a sleepover! (Call me crazy, but it was really fun)

I’ve never had them all at once seeing as they are 5, 3 & 2 but it was triple the fun.

We did lots of fun colouring together as I bought them a little colouring pad and pencil set each for the occasion.

We had tomato and cheesey pasta followed by a bit of Peppa Pig and a story.

And to make things even better they all went straight off to sleep 😴

Friday

On Friday morning I took the boys to the cinema before they headed home.

It was Casey’s pick this time and we watched Shaun the Sheep Farmaggedon.

With lots of snacks of course!

In the afternoon I headed to the station as me and my Auntie had a weekend in London planned together and I was meeting her on the train.

Once we had got to the hotel we headed out for a spot of dinner at a local Bella Italia. It was delicious!

We both had Calamari to start followed by a ‘Create your own’ pizza for me and creamy pasta for my Auntie.

I’ve never known a chain Italian restaurant to have a create your own option so this was great. I went for mozzerella, garlic mushrooms & salami.

Once we had eaten we headed back to the hotel to change then made our way to the theatre.

The show was amazing and such a cool and modern way to tell history.

If you dont know, Six is a musical concert telling the story of Henty the 8ths Six wives. They perform songs as if they are in a girl band and each take it in turns to tell their story.

The songs were really good and the singing was incredible.

Saturday

We started off the day as any day that proceeds a night stay away should… with an unlimited breakfast buffet, YES.

After that we packed up our things and headed to our first stop of the day, our London Bus tour.

I know that its so touristy but I’ve always wanted to do one so that’s something to tick off the bucket list.

We really enjoyed seeing all the different London sights.

We were definatly ready for some lunch, after our two hour trip, so we headed to a nearby restaurant/bakery for what turned out to be an incredibly delicious meal.

This avocado on toast was to die for and the chocolate bomb cake that I had afterwards was pure indulgence!

All that was left to do after this was make our way back to Covent Garden and grab our bags.

We stopped off for a cheeky soft drink at the hotel before making our way to London Liverpool street, homeward bound.

It was such a fun weekend 😁

I had a great time xx

Sunday

Today was the last day of half term 😭

But, it still counts so we made the most of it by spending the day together, having fun!

We started off by gaming, ‘caus we’re cool 😏

& we took sed gaming to that lovely local cafe I mentioned in Mondays entry, (because as I said, its awesome)

So we spent the late morning/early afternoon playing in there and having some yummy lunch together.

The perfect end to half term with my favourite 💗

How was your half term??

🍁

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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Autumn 🍁🍂🎃

Autumn, or fall as some as you may know it, is one of my favourite seasons!

& heres why…

A chance to cosy up with a good book.

U unlimited crunchy, colourful leaves.

T ime to warm up with a hot choc/Coffee or two.

U umbrellas & cosy coats.

M assive jumpers.

N ights in!

I love this breezy, crisp lead up to Christmas. Cosy, contented & colourful.

🐿🦔🦡🍂🍃🍁☕🎃🌾🍂🍃🍁

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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Autumn OOTD 🍁🍂

I love clothes & shopping, its definatly one of my favourite past times.

I also absolutely love the Autumn. The crisp mornings, crunchy leaves and cosy evenings.

Its my favourite fashion season too, I’m so into comfy jumpers, jeans, cardigans, woolly hats & cosy coats!

I havn’t done an outfit of the day blog post in ages and I loved this autumnal outfit so, I thought I’d share it.

🍂 Autumnal OOTD 🍁

Cream Pom Pom jumper, Asda £12.50

Black high waisted skinny jeans Primark £10

Leopard print Comverse style trainers, Primark £8

I love a pom pom knitted jumper, skinny Jean’s & converse

Literally my go to outfit 😊

Any Autumn faves?

🍁🍂☕

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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My reading challenge: October 🎃🍁🍂

We are fully into Autumn now and this is definatly the perfect season for snuggling up, all cosy, with a good book.

What did I read in September…

If you have followed my blog previously, you will know that my reading challenge consists of reading at least two books each month.

Unfortunately, due to an Eye Op in September I wasn’t able to read as much as I would have liked.

However, I did listen to an Audio book instead, in order to complete my two book quota!

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

&

Harry Potter and the Philosphers Stone (Audio book)

I enjoyed this Jodi Picoult book, I havnt read one of hers in a while, although I would say it isnt one of my faves compared to some of her others.

I wasnt 100% sure how it was going to end unil I read it which was good for keeping you going and it was a subject matter that made you think.

Harry potter of course was a winner in my eyes and is an absolute classic. That was my first time listening to the audio book in full and it really helped curb the boredom when I was recovering from my op.

This month I will be reading…

The big little festival by Kellie Hailes

(See previous post for synopsis – September reading challenge) this is the other book that I was supposed to read last month.

The Husbands secret by Liane Moriarty

‘Mother of three and wife of John-Paul, Cecilia discovers an old envelope in the attic. Written in her husband’s hand, it says: to be opened only in the event of my death.

Curious, she opens it – and time stops.

John-Paul’s letter confesses to a terrible mistake which, if revealed, would wreck their family as well as the lives of others.

Cecilia wants to do the right thing, but right for who?

If she protects her family by staying silent, the truth will worm through her heart. But if she reveals her husband’s secret, she will hurt those she loves most . . .’

As always recommendations are welcome!

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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My Reading Challenge: September 📚

I’m a bit late with my update this month, we can blame ‘back to school’ fever. It’s a busy time when you work in a school!!

What did I read in August:

All that she can see by Carrie Hope Fletcher

The Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

Give me the child by Mel McGrath

&

Two short reads…

The beach wedding by Dorothy Koomson

Full house by Maeve Binchy

I loved Carrie’s book, I wasnt sure to begin with, I dont know why but it took m a while to pick this up off my shelf, one I had though, I couldnt put it down!

It was a very interesting concept and a very different story to one I’ve read befoe. It really made you think about you own emotions and how much control you have over them and they hav over you. I loved the making element to the story, it was very easy reading.

The Unwanted Guest was brilliant, it had a real Agatha Christie feel to it and I was gripped, trying to work out who it could be, what would happen next, how it was all linked. Very good, very well written and definatly a great book for murder mystery fans.

I enjoyed ‘Give me the Child’ and it you wanted to find out what was going to happen, however I do think that it went on for a little bit, then right near the end it all of a sudden got very dramatic and then it just ended. It was a bit too much right at the end when it had dragged on a lot before that.

I really enjoyed the short reads, especially the one by Dorothy Koomson, it may have been shorter but it was just as good as her others and it had great twists and turns.

This months books are…

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

‘A compelling emotional drama of love and guilt that grips from the very first moments.’

‘Luke Warren would sleep in the dirt if it meant he could be under the stars.

He lived by the laws of nature. And would surely want to die that way.

But Luke is in a coma and his family mus make an unbearable decision

As tensions and secrets rise to the surface, the tragic accident which brougt them back together against the odds could well tear Luke’s family apart forever.

They know Luke would not want to live like this . But how can they choose to let him die?’

The big little festival by Kellie Hailes

‘Love happens when you least expect it…

Jody is panicking. Its only weeks until her little village in Devon hosts its first ever festival and everything is falling apart.

Desperate to avoid disaster, she brings in notorious party planner Christian to save the day. Although she wasn’t prepared for just how gorgeous he would be!

Men are off the cards for Jody and surely Christian is the last man she would wlever date? But with tensions risng- along with the bunting and homemade scones- shes about to find out… ‘

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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You started school today 🍎

5 years ago I was working in my first ever reception class, eagerly awaiting your arrival, proud as punch when you finally arrived and I knew from then onwards that my life was going to be brighter, more fun and full of even more love.

Now you are ready to start your own reception journey and Im just as proud today, if not more, of the little boy you’ve become! Go show them what you’re made of Noahy, be the superstar that you are. Auntie Ro Ro cant wait to hear all about it XXXX

First day at School, Tuesday 3rd September 2019

💙

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🔟 years!🎉

So, last weekend me and my Uni friends met up, but this time it wasn’t any old meet up, it was our 10 year friendaversary meet up!

Let’s take it back to the start

…

In 2009 I did my first year of university at the University of East London (UEL).

Whilst studying for my degree in Early Chiodhood studies (ECS) at the Stratford Campus I was introduced, at the beginning of a morning lecture, to Kirsty & Tarana and as they say, the rest is history!

And we’ve been friends ever since!

I only studied at UEL for a year before returning to my hometown to complete my studies, but we always stayed in contact and have met up at least every few of months, in London.

So, that’s the background, let’s see how we celebrate 10 years of friendship.

As I said, I went down to London last weekend to meet the girls and we had a fun day planned.

Meeting at Stratford, we headed to Leciester Square for lunch.

We always had a tradition of getting the pizza hut buffet after some of our lectures during the Uni year and so we thought this was the perfect tradition to start the day with.

It was really good!!

I havn’t had the buffet in ages 🍕

Once we had eaten and had a catch up we headed to the main event, Matilda The Musical!!!

We wanted to do something we had done together before, as it’s a special occasion, and we all love musicals so we chose this one as it’s a brilliant story (A children’s one, very apt for ECS graduates) and none of us have seen it before either.

The musical is AMAZING!! The actors were fantastic, really talented and very funny. How those children get up on that stage and perform like that is beyond me but it is aweosme to watch.

The music ans songs by Tim Minchin are brilliant too. You’ll be singing them for days, trust me!

If you are a fan of the book or the classic film (as I am) then I would 100% recommend this to you!! It won’t disappoint.

It was getting late once we had made it out of the theatre so we said our goodbyes and headed home.

It was a really fun day out and a great way to celebrate two of the loveliest people I know.

Even though I only went to UEL for a year I will always be glad that I did. It was a great experience in halls and I met some lovely people, including these two, so I will always be grateful for that.

I hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of the Summer holidays!

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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A new home decor lookbook

Greenery & plants

Flowers, Aldi

Plants, Tesco

Faux Succulents pot, The Range £10.99

Book Nook

Bookcase, IKEA

Chair, Wayfair £54.99

Throw, Wilko

Cushion, Selfridges

Rug, Wayfair £10.99

The Kitchen

Kitchen coffee menu sign, The Range £3.95

The Lounge

Pink Pom Pom cushions, Next £12

‘Love’ bird/leaf metal sign, The Range £8.09

Our Bedroom

Harry Potter Sign, Primark £3

Set of 5 Botanical prints (See the ‘Middle Room’ section for the other 3) The Range, £9.99

Bathroom

Bathroom Lino, fit to measure & installed by Carpet Right.

The Middle Room

Set of 5 Botanical prints (See the ‘Our Bedroom’ section for the last 2) The Range £9.99

I hope you enjoyed this little look at some of the pieces I’ve been collecting for our home.

The next part of the home decor is to finish lots of painting, including a fresh coat of paint on the blue bathroom wall, finish up the red tile painting in the kitchen and re glossing the lounge double doors onto the Juliette balcony.

I’d better stock up on the paintbrushes!

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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Holiblog: The Rome Edition

For my husband Tim’s 28th birthday I bought us a trip to Rome. As you may know from previous blogs, Italy is our favourite country and Tim’s favourite Italian city that we’ve visited is Rome, it’s been 7 years since our first visit.

Read on to see what we got up to!

Day One

It was a early start for us to begin our Rome adventure, from Gatwick!

This meant we had a whole day to start exploring.

But, first lunch! And an ice cream stop at the highest rated ice cream place in Rome, it didn’t disappoint!

Trip Advisor: Best Gelato in Rome

We stumbled upon the National Museum of Rome and this was a great find. The architecture was amazing and we had a audio guide which was really interesting.

After all our exploring and walking around we had a chilled evening back at our room. We grabbed some take away pizza slices and a couple of ice cold cans of coke zero and enjoyed a them in our cosy room.

Day Two

Today we headed out early to have a look at the Colosseum. We went inside it on our last trip to Rome so this time we just went to have a look at it again from the outside, as well as the area around it.

We enjoyed a nice lunch and some ice cream before heading back for a siesta and our evening activity.

That evening we enjoyed our Italian cooking class, the first of our three planned activities for the trip.

It was originally going to be a pizza class (my husband is obsessed with pizza and this trip was planned by me for his birthday) but they changed the menu to pasta, as a summer alternative. Even so we had a great time!

We made pasta, a similar one to tagliatelle, Gnocci and then for dessert we made an amazing summer berries and white chocolate tiramisu. It was so good and it was so fun to cook proper pasta. You can really tell the difference.

Day Three

I think this was my favourite day of the holiday.

We had a nice early start to have a look round Palentine hill and the Roman Forum. We missed out on seeing these last time as we didn’t get there early enough and it is horrendous in the heat!

So, we made our way there nice and early and spent the morning having a look at the amazing Roman Ruins.

For lunch we headed over to the highest rated pizza place in Rome and it was delicious. This was my favourite meal and the man who owned the shop was so helpful and friendly. It’s a small little shop but so worth it.

Trip Advisor: Best Pizza in Rome

In the evening we headed to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori to have our second planned activity, a ‘By night walking tour of Rome’ Our guide was absolutely brilliant, born and raised in Rome so very knowledgable.

We saw so many different sights that we hadn’t seen before, such as the Pantheon and my favourite, the Trevi fountain (Which is SO beautiful) and much bigger than I expected. I’m so glad we got to see it this time.

Day Four

On day four our planned activity was an evening walking food tour, unfortunately it was cancelled so we had another think about what to do.

In the end we booked a morning trip, including a guided tour of the Vatican city. The tour included access to the Vatican museum, the Cistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basillca.

These places were all amazing and the artwork, tapestrys and architecture were amazing, as well as the history.

After a delicious lunch of Caprese salad, Pizza and the most amazing tiramisu we headed home for another afternoon siesta!

In the evening we took a stroll down to the Colosseum, after dinner, to have a look at it all lit up at night. It looked beautiful!

Day Five

On our final day we didnt fly out until the evening so, we wanted to make the most of our last day.

At breakfast we had a look on Viator to see what we could do.

As we didn’t make pizza at the previous cooking class we booked onto a pizza class for midday.

We stumbled across the Spanish Steps whilst we were looking for the cooking class location which was cool! Another landmark to tick off.

The cooking class was brilliant, with a lovely group of Americans & a Canadian lady. I really enjoyed making an authentic pizza in Rome and I loved seeing Tim make his favourite cuisine too.

They were really tasty!! A great lunch for our last day.

One of the other members of the cooking class mentioned a 5D experience that they were visiting later that day and as we had no other plans we thought we would check it out too!

We went for the full package 5D experience watching the history of Rome, the evolution of life and we looked around Roman landmarks with a VR headset on.

Once we had done all this it was a good time to slowly amble back to Termini to grab our bags and get the coach to the airport.

A great end to the holiday.

We had a brilliant time in Rome and I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting Italy, especially if you are a first timer as there is so much to see and do.

& of course the food is amazing.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little post about our trip!

I wonder what next years Holiblogs will be about!? Time to start thinking for 2020.

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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