13 Apr 2011

If you like the classics (e.g. Jane Austen, Emily Bronte etc) you will really enjoy reading and using "Modern Cookery for private families" by Eliza Acton. It was originally published in 1845 and has now been brought back to life by Quadrille Publishing Ltd and Jill Norman.



When I first heard about this book I was intrigued by the title and you know straight away the kind of voice and tone to expect. From what I understand, this was one of the first cookery books of its kind and a pre-cursor to the (perhaps better known) Mrs Beeton books. Before then, familes and cooks had their own recipe books detailing family favourites with their own signature twists. Cooks took them household to household to provide wholesome meals for the families they worked for and the families themselves used these suggestions to inform the cook's offerings to them each day.

The recipes in the book are a reflection of popular recipes of the time ranging from basic pastry methods right through to cooking fish and meat and then on to desserts. The style in which they are written is not only very charming but very unusual. Depending on the recipe, she bases the amounts of ingredients on the weight of the other ingredients required. For example, in the sponge cake recipe, a lot of the quantities are largely reliant on the weight of the eggs used. Acton does of course use proper quantities too but after some thought I decided I quite liked this way of doing things. I'm going to give that way of cooking a try but whilst it would be potentially more time consuming, I think the results would be far more accurate in the long run.

All in all, this book is the most unusual recipe book I've had the pleasure of reading. I think it's worth a read if you're into something that bit different and if you fancy a glimpse into a more gentile time.

8 Apr 2011

My news...

Today, my fiance and I got the keys to our first house together. It's in the area where I've spent all my life up to now and its a great little family house. It's a project for sure (needs a re-wire, plastering etc etc) so it's going to be ages before we can decorate, let alone move in but I'm ECSTATIC.

The renovation part is the expensive, confusing and boring part (for me anyways) but I'm so excited for the decorating. I have always wanted to fill my home with handmade, homemade and recycled oddities and great finds. If anyone wants to donate a something in the vein of retro/kitsch style stuff to Chez Randomchatter get in touch :) I'll be only too happy to blog/tweet etc in return about your fabulous wares and general kindness.

7 Apr 2011

One more sleep!

One more sleep and I can reveal what my good news is. Have you guessed yet?

CLUE: I'm not cheggers.

6 Apr 2011

Style Crush

I saw "500 Days Of Summer" for the first time last week and I absolutely loved it! On face value it looks to be a bit of a 'chick-flick' (as deemed by the fiance) but on closer inspection it's a funny, charming and heart-achingly true reflection of at least one relationship many of us have had in our lives. I need this DVD and the soundtrack. Seriously, I'm sure they tapped into my mind; picked all the clothing, hairstyles and music I love and then included them in a really brilliant film.

If you haven't seen it, and you're still not sure let me explain a little bit more. Basically if you liked Little Miss Sunshine or Amelie or anything that is that mesmerising and peverse mix of beauty and humour you will really like this. I won't explain the plot, apart from to say what the narrator says at the beginning...this is not a love story.

Back to business. The real reason I wanted to write this post is because of the fab Zooey Deschanel. Not only is she a beautiful and talented actress, I'm loving everything about her hair and clothing in this film. Hence the title of this blog post.


I suggest you watch the film, love everything about it and then get back to me with nothing but praise :)

5 Apr 2011

Hugely exciting news...

...but you'll have to wait until Friday to hear about it! Can you guess what it is? Keep posted for updates all this week chatterettes!

2 Apr 2011

Most lusted after item....Week 1

I NEEEEED a Mac 217 make-up brush. I've been watching a lot of Lisa Eldridge make up tutorials (if you  haven't seen them then follow my link now) and a lot of the looks she demonstrates require a  Mac 217 blending brush.

COURTESY OF http://www.mac.co.uk/

This brush doesn't look very 'amazing', it just looks like any other blending brush but the quality of Mac products is continued from their cosmentics through into their make up tools. This brush retails at £15 but it'll be a staple in your make up bag and when you work it out on a cost per use basis it'll be pennies! Get yours here.

The point I'm (eventually) getting to is that make up brushes are so important to your beauty regime. Every time I watch one of Lisa's videos I am so very jealous of her make up and brush collection. Her advice includes items for all price ranges, showing that great looks don't always have to come at a huge price but sometimes you do get what you pay for.

So if I win the lottery I'll be getting a vast selection of brushes and painting my face all day. Thats the inital plan anyways...