Review: Dinner with Mr Darcy

I have to say I was quite excited about receiving this particular cookery book, put together by the editor of Penguin's Great Food series. The title alone sounds amazing, after all, who wouldn't want to dine with Mr Darcy?

Jane Austen's novels and letters are lightly sauced with dishes, dinners and picnics... [that] let us put together a wonderful idea of what life tasted like at the time...
                                                                     

Pen Vogler's expedition through Georgian dining is an intimate culinary investigation that seeks to recreate the classic dishes that defined this era and revive those that are now estranged from the modern-day British menu. White soup, venison in white wine and strawberry tartlets all sound quite lovely but would you be up for trying braised beef cheek, or say, calf foot jelly? Though Vogler saves us from the hassle of extracting our own gelatin from a real calf foot and tells us to use gelatin leaves instead, unless you can stomach it, in which case, boil away. Another great thing about the book, or perhaps the Georgians, is the enthusiasm that surrounds cooking game and the creativity that goes into cooking such meats as we begin to make it more fashionable today. 

However Vogler provides more than just your usual recipe book that is page after page of confusing instructions and measurements. Readers are treated to a dining experience with some of Jane's most loved characters, like breakfast with General Tilney and Christmas with the Musgroves. And the feast doesn't draw there as we are given recipes for a selection of Jane's own family favourites, discovered from her letters to her sisters and friend Martha Lloyd, who later released her Household Book which recorded some of the many dishes that Jane ate with family and friends. 

Visually the book is beautiful, retaining a touch of grandeur and delicacy that simulates the extravagance of the Georgian dining table, that which is "exceedingly handsome" and set to impress. For the Georgian banquet was an elaborate kind of affair, intricately prepared in order to avoid any 'promiscuous seating' (yes, that really was a thing) and filled up with so much food that any rash movement would send a platter of savoury roasts flying across the room and onto the brand new oriental rug bought just last week for this very occasion. Yes, eating dinner was serious business and was crucial if one was to assert their social prominence. In Pride Prejudice, for example, upon inviting Mr. Bingley to dinner, 'already had Mrs Bennet planned the courses that were to do credit to her housekeeping'. 

In a line, Georgian eating was all one big massive showoff and Vogler details this wonderfully with pages dedicated to explaining table arrangements, kitchens, the role of the servants and the function of the pantry. 

Each dish is conveniently contextualised for our pleasure, (like who knew French toast was once known as the 'Poor Knights of Windsor'?) and for the sake of authenticity she alludes to recipes from a range of key Georgian cookery writers - the Nigella and Jamie of the day -with excerpts from the likes of John Nott's, who famously wrote The Cook's and Confectioner's Dictionary, and Eliza Acton's Modern Cookery for Private Families- the first domestic cookery book in British history.   

And so here we are with what is a thoroughly enjoyable and insightful read and a delectable compilation of time-honoured and sophisticated recipes made accessible.   

Dinner with Mr Darcy is available for purchase from www.rylandpeters.com for £16.99

A Pug's Guide To Dating by Gemma Correll.

"Wrinkly of face and fragrant of backside, the pug is one of nature's most romantic creations..."

Following on from A Pug's Guide To Etiquette, self-proclaimed pug guru Gemma Correll is back with her latest installment of doggy self-help, this time in matters of the heart, for the lovable "twenty pound, wheezing, farting lothario".

As always with Correll's nifty little guides it is filled with cute and funny illustrations of wary and silly looking pugs- undoubtedly inspired by her two muses, Mr. Pickles and Bella. The book is a hilarious parody of modern dating and a great look-book into her signature drawing of the funny little canine.

And so for the pug in love, or indeed for the pug who is devoid of a mate, A Pug's Guide to Dating is the ultimate love-bible, covering the basics of the dating game from charming chat-up lines; "did you just roll in fox poop or is that your natural aroma", to how to perfect first impressions and chance encounters.

We are introduced to the philosophy of love- it holds no boundaries over size, colour or breed as Correll offers pugs in want of love everywhere tips on grooming and what to wear on that all important first date: "an enlightened pug knows how to make the best of whatever he has to work with".

And for those looking to inject some romance into their current relationships, Correll suggests some rather fanciful activities like stargazing, serenades or sharing the love over pan-fried tissues in an organic peanut butter jus and a "Yellow Snow" margarita.

Suitable pet names for your amour.. 

And then, as is life, the book delves onto the more fragile topics of relationships and how to come out successfully on the other side because "there are more plenty more dogs in the park".

All in all, this works as a great gift for any Gemma Corell fan and is also great as a little coffee table book as we are guided through the world of canine love. Go on human! Pick up your copy of A Pug's Guide To Dating from Ryland Peters & Small for £9.99

Book Review: The Really Hungry Student Cookbook

The infamous student diet is most typically associated with carb-concentrated frozen dinners, alcohol and greasy takeaways. Oh and let's not forget the comfort foods during exam time! Let's be honest, living on a student budget can leave us feeling uninspired when it comes to cooking. Sometimes it's just a lack of know-how when it comes to basic kitchen skills but more often than not, it can be down to a lack of time, what with deadlines and socials, and a serious lack of money, meaning that we often stack up on cheap eats and fast-foods to get us through our days at university.

However, if you're looking for some culinary inspiration and to cook up something besides your usual frozen chips and pizza, The Really Hungry Student Cookbook is any student's go-to guide for getting up to speed on delicious, quick and easy recipes that aren't so harsh on your pocket.

The cookbook is packed with 'stress-free' and easy to follow recipes designed for healthier eating and home-made dishes on a budget. Recipes range from indulgent breakfasts and desserts to home-made comfort foods and light lunches. It also offers an array of delightful vegetarian options and goes on to cover party snacks and foods that'll show your mates that you actually care about your palate with a section of 'posh nosh foods'.

Some of us have tried (unsuccessfully) to whip up an impressive meal for our hall mates to envy only to conjure up something that actually appears inedible due to an admirable amount of guesswork and some questionable substitutes. Well, not to worry as the book offers an entire section dedicated to kitchen wisdom (removing odours from your Tupperware?), kitchen safety (how not to use a microwave) and a list of handy ingredients to store in your cupboard so you can master the realms of your student kitchen and the art of cooking well.

So if you're a hungry student wishing to change your eating habits, dodge your Goodfella's pizza and make yourself some mini 'pizzettes' or add some variety to your usual pasta dish with a puttanesca sauce (my personal favourite).

The Really Hungry Student Cookbook can be found at Ryland Peters and Small for £9.99

The Painted Lady: The Art of the Female Body.

The archaic opinion of the tattooed woman as a freak or a misfit is on its way out. In the twenty-first century, the tattooed woman is a successful business owner, a fashion icon, an actress, a lawyer, a musician, an artist... 

Written by Dominique Holmes, this beautifully illustrated little book traces the origins of feminine tattooing from the days when the painted lady was nothing more than a character in a freak show, to her evolution in today's modern world as a valid and prosperous counterpart.

As a tattoo artist herself, Holmes provides expert knowledge on the art of contemporary, feminine tattooing with back stories on such vintage greats as the pin-up girl, hearts, roses, butterflies and nautical imagery. She goes on to explore styles that have been particularly popular amongst women, like the intricate designs embedded within Mendhi tattoos, floral motifs and the vibrant glory of Japanese compositions.

The book also showcases the tattoos of women who explain their personal 'story' and give an interesting and enlightening perspective on the meaning of their body art.
As someone who is actually considering getting her first tattoo I can say that Holmes book has definitely given me some insight in to the world of tattooing and makes the idea of getting a tattoo all the more appealing.

Today we are inundated with strong, successful and brilliant tattooed women who grace our screens, our stereos, our bookshelves, and our minds; their body a part of who they are. 

With such graceful imagery throughout, this book would a beautiful edition to any bookshelf and is perfect for those searching for tattoo inspiration. Dominique Holmes extensive knowledge and experience in the industry also makes this book great for those who want to get up to speed on the meanings that lie behind some of the most popular designs in contemporary feminine tattooing.

Pick up your copy today from Ryland Peters and Small from £9.99. 

Book Review: Vintage Beauty Parlor by Hannah Wing

Are you longing to wear your hair like Brigitte Bardot? Flutter your eyelashes like the doe-eyed actresses of yesteryear, Anna Karina and Marilyn Monroe? Or perhaps you're wanting to strut the glamorous allure of Marlene Dietrich... 

Well great because Hannah Wing will show you how with her practical little manual with step by step guidance on how to master such beautiful and iconic vintage styles of the 20th century.  

As a professional make-up artist and stylist who runs her own business, Bellus Femina, and just so happens to write beauty and style blogs for The Vintage Festival, Wing is certainly the expert when it comes to vintage fashion and beauty.

Her book is an essential go-to-guide with tutorials which cover basic make-up and hair styling tips alongside several chapters dedicated to recreating looks from every decade, from the classy, sultry look of the 1920s and the 1930s debutante, down to the disco divas of the 1970s and the bold punk looks of the '80s. Every decade comes with its own colour palette (how useful is that?!) and suggestions on how to complete your look with suitable fashion pieces, accessories and even fragrances!

Wing goes on to provide readers with expert knowledge about each era and how the prevailing trends came about, like the stylish, yet practical victory rolls of the 1940s, inspired by the desire to stay feminine in the workplace as women took over the British workforce during WW11.

This book is great if you're wanting to spruce up your every-day look and add some glamour to your wardrobe and equally as good if you're in need of some advice for a fancy-dress do.

Treat yourself and order Vintage Beauty Parlor from Ryland Peters & Small for a modest £14.99.
I would especially recommend this book for any vintage fashion enthusiasts and fashionistas!

Review: So You Think You're A Hipster?

What happened to your local area? Where did all these twenty-somethings in beanies and ripped skinny jeans come from? Why does the air hang thick with the foul stench of soya milk lattes and organic cupcakes?

In her delightfully satiric manual, Kara Simsek provides the low-down on the modern-day phenomenon, the so-called elite of today's young urbanites: The Hipster.

If you're gunna be a Hipster you need to be a flap-back wearing, non-prescription wayfarer owner with a set of seriously sweet garms and a moustache. 

Brilliantly illustrated by Paul Parker, her guide leads us through all the Hipster sub-categories (if there ever was such a thing) with 50 witty and insightful observations of the self-proclaimed, "cooler than cooler" ghetto embracing youth of today.

Simsek covers the basics for any aspiring Hipster like how one should tend to their facial hair (I personally dig "the hulkamaniac"),  on how to cater to their diet (all fresh and locally sourced organic foods, obviously), haircuts, glasses, tattoos and even dogs.

Flicking through the pages you'll also find the detailed explanations of such Hipsters like, The Urban Hunter: "the all action city woodsman", the Goth Lolita, the Cupcake Baker, and the Aspiring novelist...

She's so accurate that I can't help but recognize some of them, especially that blogger one...

All in all, this colourful little book works great as a gift (heck, give it to a Hipster friend!) and is just generally a really quick and funny read. Published by Dog 'n' Bone, you can pick up your copy here for the not-so Hipsterish price of £9.99.

A Pug's Guide to Etiquette by Gemma Correll.

Introducing probably THE only Pug's guide to etiquette by Gemma Correll... 

Having discovered the wonderful illustrations of Correll on Tumblr (naturally) I've been quite the enthusiast, keeping up with her stuff around the internet and seeing her works flourish. Now her designs can be found on the shirts of Urban Outfitters -  you know the ones 'Pugs Not Drugs' and 'Pug Life' - and on the jewellery of Chocolate and Steel. Her website provides a lovely insight into her daily blog and her portfolio as well as all the other marvelous creations she has for sale. So anyway, my point being is that I just LOVE her drawings and was eager to grab my copy of A Pug's Guide to Etiquette.


"The pug is a creature that plays by his own rules. When you want him to sit, he stands; when you want him to stay, he goes; and when you want him to stop eating unidentified substances off the floor, well..." 

As an owner of two Pugs herself, Correll demonstrates her expert knowledge on the etiquette of these cute little creatures. And of course what's so great about this little book is that you don't even need to own a Pug to enjoy it. I mean, I haven't got one anyway...

Filled with brilliantly humorous illustrations and a witty intelligence on the ways of the "proud, handsome, and fragrant" Pug, Correll supplies a fun, educational compendium on the grounding rules for how to be a Pug in Polite Society. From the rules surrounding how one should look in Personal Appearance & Grooming which covers the distribution of Pug hair (a generous gift left by any well-bred pug) right down to the gritty details of how one should toilet in the most elegant of manners, this nifty little manual prescribes the best solution to all Pug woes.

Correll ensures to mention other such important topics like table manners and how a Pug is to entertain their owner, which she states, is obviously through the passing of wind after dinner or the stealing of things from the washing basket...

A dutiful Pug should always perform parlor tricks for their human.

The guide continues to offer advice on how to pass time with sports and recreation. Correll warns against the farce that is fetch- no Pug should EVER reduce their standard to those "creatures of the lower social standing" (such as Labradors and humans).

Finally, of course, Correll offers readers the strict Etiquette of the Street and how any self-respecting Pug should carry themselves alongside their peers. Or indeed, with how to deal with the ignoramuses of society that simply do not understand their nature as sophisticated dogs: to drop and roll in anything that appears to be dead or rotting. Classy.

All in all, this lovely little guide is an excellent assemble on all the essentials for any Pug doggy and it certainly makes a great gift for any Pug-loving human or, in fact, ANY human who enjoys Correll's style.
The guide is available to purchase at a modest £9.99 from all good book retailers.