OOTD: Smart casual

Outfit:
Burgundy silky blazer: Topshop (similar)
Black tunic: ASOS (similar)
Black skinny jeans: New Look
Grey suede court shoes: H&M (similar)

So we've now hit Autumn eh? How the hell has that rolled around - wasn't it Christmas like a few weeks ago?! Gone are the bare legs and sleeveless dresses. I always find this time of year so difficult to dress for. I don't want to get into wearing tights too early yet I don't want to freeze to death either as the temperature has definitely been dropping. So skinny jeans and a blazer will be my go-to outfit to suck it up! Despite my boyfriend commenting I looked liked a middle aged woman off to a christening, I actually really liked this outfit. I felt well put together and maybe a little bit trendy too. It's been a while since I've felt like that!

This weekend will be consisting of a monster viewing of houses - it's finally time to take the plunge and become an adult. I've got a night out in north London tonight for a friends birthday with tomorrow consisting of being lazy and attempting something from my old friend Mary Berry. Who said I don't live a rock and roll lifestyle?!

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Restaurant review: The Happenstance, St Paul's, London

I love wandering around the city but it's very rare that I actually go out in the city. I always seem to stick to the outskirts - namely east London. But when The Happenstance got in touch to see if I fancied sampling their cocktail and lunch menu, I decided to break the habit. The restaurant is located a stone throw away from St Paul's Cathedral and once you're inside it doesn't feel like you're in the city at all. If I'm perfectly honest, the reason I stay away from the city is because of the certain types of people who tend to venture in those places. But on a Sunday afternoon, it was a pleasure to be in the centre of London. My mum and I had such a wonderful afternoon at The Happenstance and got on the tube home with big smiles on our faces. We're still talking about how insanely good the cocktails were.

To get things started we both decided to pursue the cocktail menu. I opted for a Goldfish in a Bag as I'm a sucker for a novelty cocktail. On the rocks, the cocktail consisted of Tanqueray Gin, Hanger One Vodka, tonic and rosemary - delicious. Just the right strength, it was refreshing and seriously addictive. My mum, after much deliberation, decided on the London Spritz. Served in a wine glass, this fruity drink consisted of Tanqueray Gin, cucumber, elderflower, apple, mint and soda. Once again, a good solid choice. So far so good!

When it came to ordering my food, I decided in a second that I definitely had to try the chorizo scotch egg with a smoked paprika mayonnaise. They arrived warm with a perfectly runny yolk and a subtle kick thanks to the spicy sausage. My mum opted for the crispy squid which I definitely stole! It felt light but with a good crunch - no chewy squid rings here! By the time the starters were scoffed it was time for another cocktail to sample! As a massive gingerbread fan, I decided to order the Gingerbread Man. Served in a martini glass with a sugared rim, it consisted of vodka, gingerbread syrup, lime and apricot. Pure Christmas in a glass - so sweet but with a hint of spice. The Tiki Punch was on the cards for my mum. She's a massive fan of sugary sweet coconut cocktails so it was right up her street. Coconut-washed Barcardi rum, banana liquor, pineapple, lime and stout. If mine was Christmas, this one was 30 degrees on a Caribbean beach without a care in the world. Delicious!

Then it was on to the mains! Butternut squash and cheese are pretty much my two favourite things so I just had to have this creamy risotto. Topped with chunks of pillow soft butternut squash, flavoursome bay leaves and creamy mascarpone, it hit the spot. Filling, comforting and addictive. The roast beef got very high praise indeed from my mum who claimed it was the best beef she had tasted. We certainly can't cook beef like that in the Warner household!

Taking one for the team we pushed ourselves to order dessert. Creme Brûlée and pecan pie were the finishing touches. Good solid choices that complimented the meal well. We waddled back to the tube very happy women indeed.

Thanks for making our Sunday The Happenstance!

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The must-see attractions in Prague

Petrin Hill

I'm a sucker for a good view point and had read Petrin Hill offered the best view in the city. Take the funicular to the top like we did or have a leisurely stroll. Keep in mind - it's pretty steep! Once you get to the top make sure you pay a trip to the observation tower. Modelled on the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was built in 1861. You'll have to suffer 299 steps before you reach the top but the view is absolutely stunning. Miles and miles of pretty terracotta roofs and every recognisable landmark will be in your sights. Make sure you have a wander around once you make your way down - it's a great place to bring a picnic.

City art

One of my favourite things to do in Prague was to wander around. There so many things on every corner so one of the best things is to just keep an eye out. Head to John Lennon Wall to see some street art. People have left so many messages and it's a really cool place. The giant metal babies are quite famous in the city. They crawl up the TV tower but you'll also find some in Kampa Park. They are meant to represent the communist era, unable to reach adulthood, stifled by totalitarian rule. The Memorial to the Victims of Communism is very moving and worth seeking out. Located on the edge of Petrin Hill, it was unveiled 12 years after the fall of communism.

Charles Bridge
My best tip would be to cross the Charles Bridge early in the morning so that you beat the huge crowds. Crossing the Vltava River, construction of the bridge was started in 1357 and was finished in the beginning of the 15th Century. Decorated with numerous black statues on either side, most of them in Baroque-style. It's also lovely to cross when the sun sets to see the city sparkling in the darkness.

Old Town
Again the old town is full of tourists so it's best to start your exploring as early as possible. The early bird catches the world. Its here that the atmospheric clock lives. This is a little underwhelming but it's worth seeing it as it's such a famous part of the city. It chimes on the hour and people start crowding round about 15 minutes before. The old town square is such a hub of activity and a great place to people watch.

Castle district
The castle district consists of Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and St George's Basilica. We paid to get in and see all these buildings but if I'm perfectly honest, I'm not sure it was worth the dosh. It's much nicer to just wander around the outside of the complex. As a Brit, I think we're pretty spoilt with castles in this country and Prague just didn't live up to the expectations. But definitely trek up to the hill and marvel at the architecture.

Pedalos on the River
Due to peer pressure from my friends, we decided to do this on the whim and it was one of my favourite afternoons. We hired a pedalo for an hour and laughed non-stop. It was pretty scary when we got a little too close to the weir but we made it back in one piece. It's a really fun way to spend an hour.

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Entertaining with LSA International

One of my favourite things to do is eat and entertain so when LSA International got in touch and kindly offered to send me a few things from their collection at Amara, my eyes lit up. They're currently celebrating their 50th birthday. Working in interiors I often come across their products and they always seem so classic and of high quality. I certainly wasn't disappointed when they arrived. They definitely helped me become the hostess with the mostess! I decided to host a little wine and cheese night to give them their first outing.

One of the first things needed were some champagne glasses. What is a gathering without some bubbles? Reminding me of The Great Gatsby, the handmade glasses are gorgeous. They're the perfect party centrepiece. With wine you always need some cheese right? Which makes this cheeseboard an essential! This quaint little cheeseboard has a hand-blown dome on an oak paddle base, making it perfect for an intimate dinner party. Finally I was gifted the water and wine carafe set. Once again the glass mouth-blown and nestled on a wooden base.  It's the little finishing touches like these pieces that really make a gathering. I adore glassware at the moment, it just seems so timeless which is what you really want when you buy investment pieces. The collection isn't cheap but you really do get what you pay for. I don't mind splashing out on pieces that I know are going to stand the test of time.

Thanks so much to LSA International for helping me put my hostess skills to the test. They got the thumbs up!

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Join in with the Great British Bake Off

GBBO seems to have gripped the nation again and taken over my Wednesday night. Again. It's given me the baking bug and I've been back in the kitchen after a bit of time away. Whenever I put aside the time to rustle something up, I always wish I make more of an effort. I love looking on the internet and seeing what type of recipes are out there. As well as my 50+ cookbooks... But sometimes I just go back to some of my favourites.

The Apple cider cake above is always a crowd pleaser. It has a great sweet taste and the added cider makes it so light and fluffy which is what you're always looking out for in a cake. If you fancy something a little bit more fruity then this coconut and lime loaf will be a winner. Taken from one of my favourite cookbook author Levi Roots,  the extra lime glaze helps to give it a bit more of a zing - which is always a good thing!

Not all baking treats are for those who have a sweet tooth. These savoury breakfast bars are great to make on a sunday and have throughout the week - much healthier than grabbing a bacon butty at the train station. They're substantial and really filling so won't make you reach for the biscuit barrel before lunchtime.

Finally if you want to make a showstopper then this ultimate chocolate cake is the one to attempt. The lashings of white and chocolate milk buttons paired with creamy milk chocolate fingers, makes it a chocoholic's dream. Set aside a good few hours over a lazy weekend for this one as it's no mean feat. But when the outcome is the below, you really don't mind putting the hard graft in!

Let me know some of your favourite bakes to make as I'm always on the look out for some new ideas! And some new blogs to drool over! If you run out of time to make your own creations, head to the Biscuiteer's discount page to to enter a completion - it ends on 23rd September.

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The top 5 places to eat in Prague

Nase Maso
This was somewhere that was recommended to us by the guide on our beer tour and we were taken here to sample the hotdog joint next door. It has a couple of tables to eat at indoors but we got a takeaway. Make sure you book a table if you want to eat in. You can pick any piece of meat from the butchers and they will cook it for you there and then, or you can choose something from the menu. We opted for a meat loaf rather than the burger as it was a traditional dish. The chunky meat loaf came with a spicy homemade mustard and juicy pickles inside homemade ciabatta style bread. It travelled really well back to our hotel and despite the fact it was a little lukewarm by the time we got home, it was delicious! I'd definitely recommend paying them a trip if you fancy a quick lunch. GET THE HOTDOGS!

Cafe Savoy
Designed to be reminiscent of the First Czechoslovakian Republic, this ornate, lavish restaurant is certainly a sight to behold. With a beautiful Neo-Renaissance ceiling dating back to 1893, it really does feel like you've taken a step back into yesteryear. I'd read that they were famous for their breakfasts and the desserts so I managed to persuade my friends that we should swing by one morning. My best friend picked a winner with an incredible french toast topped with lashings of syrup and a generous scattering of fresh fruit. It was a sight for sore eyes. Then she got greedy and ordered an indulgent hot chocolate that was pure melted hot chocolate. We defiantly all stared at her green with envy as she tucked in! The warm, homemade bread was absolutely delicious and really helps to kick the continental breakfast up a gear. It's well worth visiting just for the atmosphere and the French toast. It's not expensive but it's not cheap for Prague. Still it's cheaper than London!

Cafe Imperial
Another suggestion from our beer tour, this restaurant was actually located about 200 yards from our hotel. What a find! Owned by the Czech version of Gordon Ramsey, it's located below a hotel. Decked out in the style of an old Czechoslovakian cafe, it was absolutely stunning so it's definitely one to dress up for. Deciding to sample as much of the local cuisine I could, I opted for the tender rabbit drenched in a tangy mustard sauce and served alongside traditional dumplings. The meat melted in your mouth and the unusual dumplings were a joy to eat. My friend got the veal schnitzel which I'd recommend too.

Cestr
Knowing that the boys were steak fans, I decided to book in a trip to a decent steak restaurant. Cestr is well known for numerous cuts of beef so it's definitely one for hardcore meat eaters. But you will also find fish on the menu too. I pumped for the steak tarter as I had read that it was extremely highly regarded as one of the best to try in the city. I'm glad I went for it but I think it might be an aquired taste so not sure I would eat it again. We all went for the set menu which included a starter, second course with a side and a main course with a side. It was incredibly good value but far too much food! The portions are huge and I would suggest just to have a main and a side because it can get painful! Steak eaters will be in their element here. Just make sure you book a table as it gets very busy.

Cukrkavalimonada 
A bit of mouthful but this cute little cafe near the John Lennon Wall is a great place to stop for a quick lunchtime bite to eat. The homemade pasta with lashings of pesto was fantastic.The prices were very reasonable and the portions were generous which is what you need when you have a long day of walking ahead of you! I've heard they have a good breakfast offering too.

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Exploring Europe: Prague, Czech Republic

Back to my travel posts! The first place we visited on our Eastern Europe two week trip was Prague. Ten years ago (?!?!) my boyfriend and I had decided on Prague for our first ever holiday. But due to our student lifestyle it was half the price to spend a week all-inclusive on the Costa Brava. God bless those package holidays when you earn £30 a week in retail... So obviously we never made it. When we started planning this trip, it was top of our list and we scheduled in three nights and began the research.

We chose three nights so that we could spend one day mooching around and take things easy. The rest of the holiday was going to be so jam-packed. On the first day we hit the sight seeing a little too hard and ended up clocking up about 20km which obviously did lots for our poor feet! On first impressions, Prague was stunning. As the holiday went on and we explored more areas, it only ever got prettier. I would say it is probably one of the prettiest places I've visited ever, not just on the holiday. I adored the beautiful pastel buildings, the history seeping from the pores of the architecture and beautiful terracotta roofs.

Three nights was the perfect amount of time to spend in the city and I feel now that I've done it all. I would go back but I don't feel the NEED to go back. But for a girls holiday, it would be the perfect break away. There's so many quaint streets to get lost down, incredible food to enjoy, great beer to sip and lots of sights to take in.

Although I loved Prague, the insane amount of tourists completely threw me. It was quite overwhelming at times, especially trying to navigate through Prague Castle and across Charles Bridge. But we did go during high season so it was kinda to be expected. My top tip is to start your sightseeing early to try and beat the crowds and spend the later part of the day enjoying the endless beer.

Keep an eye out for my guides on what to do and where to eat in the city coming soon!

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Recipe: milk chocolate and pistachio fudge

Sometimes you fancy a sweet treat but you don't always want to slave over a hot oven. This is where Nigella's chocolate and pistachio fudge comes into play. It's probably not what you would call a traditional fudge but it hits the spot and is so simple to make. Wing Yip got in touch and sent me over some of their condensed coconut milk to sample so what better way to give it a whirl!

Ingredients
300g of good quality milk chocolate, chopped
30g unsalted butter
1 can of Wing Yip condensed coconut milk*
200g pistachio nuts, shelled

Method
1.  Put the chopped chocolate, butter and condensed milk in a large saucepan and milk into a smooth mixture.

2. I prefer to put my nuts in whole. But you can put the pistachio nuts in a plastic sandwich bag and smash into little pieces using a rolling pin.

3. Put the nuts in the chocolate mixture and stir well.

4. Pour into a dish of your choosing, leave to cool and then pop in a fridge to set.

5. Once it has set, cut into little pieces and tuck in! Keep in mind, it's very addictive! You might be a little bit better at making them more uniformed than me...

As always do tweet me to let me know if you make it - and send me some in the post please! Happy baking!

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