The Rachelle Lust List: 12th November 2012

1. Its all about being cosy, and while I hate wearing big thick pyjamas to bed - these cute River Island 'Dog Print' beauties make for perfect loungewear. At £30 for a set, they aren't Olivia Von Halle silk, but they are £265 cheaper.. 2. Candles are another cosy-night-in essential, Diptyque Roses is a classic (£38). 3. I love a glitter nail varnish with 'thick chunks' of glitter, Revlon do a rather good version but it appears Deborah Lippman is the genius in this field. If you've any idea where I can get my hands on a pair in the UK, please do tell! 4. I sort of fell on this Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff Nail Protector when my Mam left it lying around, I've used it as a base and top coat on my last two manicures and I swear I've had far less chipping and NO nails snap when wearing.. I've fallen in love and now realised I think its been discontinued. Really. If anyone can find any please tell me that too! 5. Coffee-table porn at its best, Vogue's new book, 'In Vogue' £45 at Net a Porter is a comprehensive history of the worlds most famous fashion magazine. 6. I'm basically re-living last night in the form of a lust list - another cosy-night-in essential are some amazing chocolates, nothing beats Charbonnel et Walker. Ever. 7. Practically drooling over these Valentino flats but not the £530 price tag.. I've seen some similar styles in Kurt Geiger, but could I be converted from a heel-worshiper for them? Unsure. 8.  I have no words for these Zara heels, but wow. These could be the new black heels I'm searching for - although I am feeling a little predictable drawn to anything sexy and sky-high with studs on... (£79.99). 9. A cute gift idea for a luxury-loving-lady (or to yourself) Jo Malone has released a lovely 'travel candle set' of three much-loved favourites; English Pear & Freesia, Roasted Chestnut & Pomegranate Noir (£60). rachelle xo

Hello: A Brand New Month | August

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."

~ Coco Chanel.

A new month, the peak of summer, August - is upon us. I cannot wait to spend the month soaking up the last of the British rays, getting rather overly excited at London 2012, and primarily buying too many clothes for a last minute September escape . . . 

Happy Weekend: Happy Birthday to Me

"Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me..." The day has finally arrived & I've been one million percent spoiled by my amazing friends, family and of course - the boy.

I'm off to drink too much champagne, shop til I quite literally drop & get dressed up for a night on the razz, a perfect start to what will hopefully be a perfect new decade.. I'm now officially a twenty-something, eeek!

Have a beautiful weekend whatever you have planned,

Rachel x

Table for Two: Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes

Few things sound more like perfection to me than chocolate or espresso. Combined - I am definitely going to be happy lady. Obviously, I was extatic to discover the Call me Cupcake recipe for what can only be described as utter perfection.

75g Butter

1/2tsp Vanilla Powder

1dl Cocoa Powder

1tsp Baking Soda

1tsp Baking Powder

2 & 1/2dl Sugar

1 Large Egg

1dl Hot Strong Coffee

1 & 1/2dl Buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 175 C. Line a cupcake tin with 12 cupcake liners. Melt the butter, add vanilla and let it cool. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder & sugar into a large bowl. Lightly whip the egg together with the buttermilk. Mix coffee with butter. Add all of the liquid ingredients to the dry ones and mix  until the batter is smooth but liquidy. Divide the batter between the 12 cupcake liners, filling them no more than 2/3 full. Bake for between 17-20 minutes.

200g Dark Chocolate (70%)

300g Softened Butter

3 1/2dl Powdered Sugar

1 1/2dl Cocoa Powder

2tbsp Espresso

1/2tsp Vanilla Powder

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and leave to cool. Whip the butter until its white and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar & cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Add the chocolate and whip. Add the espresso and vanilla powder and mix until the icing is smooth and fluffy. Pipe onto the cakes, sprinkle with some chocolate shavings & enjoy!

Rachel x