2013 Jolly Fabulous Moments at Ellie Ellie

Our tin of fab moments and achievements has been filling up throughout 2013, and we couldn't wait to read all the exciting things that happened at the beginning of a fresh new 2014 and make this year even better. This is what we uncovered.... As well as many other wonderful moments!

Our new postal bags look brilliant filled with our customers Ellie Ellie goodies!

 

 

 

Our new packaging arrived at the beginning of November and we are in love with our new Ellie Ellie boxes and canvas bags!

Sending a pair of our best selling Personalised Map Cufflinks to David Cameron was a highlight of our Christmas at Ellie Ellie! 

We had a brilliant year at Ellie Ellie and want to make 2014 even better!

What great moments did you have in 2013? Why not start your own 'fab moments' jar to help you remember all the exciting things you are doing this year! 

The Ultimate Summer Treat- Frozen Berry Parfait

Perfect for that after dinner treat, or even with a glass of pink lemonade on a sunny afternoon; this great alternative ice cream is sure to be a winner! 

Ingredients-

• 400g raspberries
• 300ml double cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites
• 100g golden caster sugar

Start by lining a 900g loaf or terrine tin with clingfilm. Blend 300g of the raspberries to a purée then sieve, using a nylon sieve. Keep the rest of the raspberries whole then whip the cream and vanilla extract to very soft peaks.

Next pop the sugar in a pan with 11/2 tbsp water. Heat very gently until the sugar dissolves then turn up the heat and boil for 2 minutes. Whilst the sugar is boiling whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. You pan should now be filled with a syrup, start to pour in a thin stream onto the egg whites, whisking all the time! Keep whisking until the meringue has cooled completely.

Then fold the meringue into the cream bit by bit. Divide the mix between 2 bowls. Add the raspberry purée to one bowl and fold it in, then chill.

Pour the plain mixture into the bottom of the tin, then carefully push in the remaining berries. Freeze for 1.5 hours then take out and add the chilled raspberry flavoured mix. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until you want to serve. Take out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving.

The recipe serves eight people so perfect for summer dinner parties, or of course to keep in the freezer to indulge in when you fancy! 

Check out the full recipe here.

101 Summer Activities

After all that inspiration if you're still stuck for ideas, you can't go wrong with Ellie Ellie's Pick Up Sticks Game! Hours of fun for all the family and can be played come rain or shine (we know what the British weather can be like!)

A great game for all the family, find it here!

Camping for beginners!

There really is no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of general life than escaping to the countryside for a camping trip. Whether you're looking for something to do with the kids, or a woodland party with some friends, a camping trip is a great option!

 

We've gathered together some great tips for first time campers! If you're new to camping, these handy tips should set you well on your way.

 
Tents-

Always go for a tent that's a bit bigger than what you think you need. 9 times out of 10 you'll need extra space, plus when it comes to sleeping it'll give you a bit more comfort than being sandwiched like sardines.

Bedding-

Sleeping bags are a handy tool, but if you're like us and you like your creature comforts ..take your duvet! Nothing spells a good nights sleep then your own duvet and pillows. We'd go for extra blankets to make a lining for the bottom of the tent too! If you can get your mits on some vacuum pack storage bags to make the bed stuff more easy to transport that would be a bonus!

Clothing-

Always be prepared for what ever the British weather can throw at you. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you pack to give you a rough (emphasis on rough) idea of what you are likely to be dealt.You'll need everything from wellies, to sun cream.

Light-

Make sure you've invested in some good torches, as it gets pretty dark out in the sticks no matter the season. If you decide to take a late night stroll to explore, you'll need a torch to find your way back! It's essential, so don't over look it!

Food-

Most likely you'll be cooking off a BBQ or open fire, so keep it simple. Think about taking things that don't need too much preparation (unless of course you can prepare it before you set off!) Remember anything that needs to be kept cool needs to be kept in a cool bag!

Ellie Ellie's Recycled Picnic Bags are a great piece of equipment for outdoor adventures - thermal lined to keep your food or drinks cool, it's a great size too so big enough for picnic nibbles!

May Bank Holiday Family Activity Ideas!

Well the bank holiday weekend is just around the corner, and we're all hoping the sunshine stays for some fun and games! We've put together a little inspiration, packed with ideas to keep all the family entertained with Ellie Ellie's traditional games! 

Ellie Ellie has just launched a fabulous range of nostalgic games, including our favourite Pin the Tail on the Donkey game kit! It's a family classic- good old fashioned fun for all ages! The game is definitely an investment and make the best of it, you can either play it outside on a sunny afternoon or take it inside and play in the living room! What ever the weather throws at you, you have hours worth of entertainment.

Ellie Ellie's Pin the Tail on the Donkey game! Complete with adhesive tails, vintage style blindfold, donkey poster and simply game instructions! Perfect afternoon family activity!

Ellie Ellie also offers the traditional Snakes and Ladders game which makes a great birthday present as well as a weekend or school holiday activity! Great fun and easy to play makes it suitable for a wide audience. The set contains simple instructions and rules of the game, colourful playing board, 6 wooden playing pieces, one die and a handy keep sake bag.

Vintage style Snakes and Ladders game - great fun come rain or shine!

If we are lucky enough to get a sunny bank holiday weekend, there really is nothing better to do than fly a kite! Whether you're off for a walk in the countryside, camping, taking the kids down the park or off down the beach! We LOVE these Traditional Diamond Kites - the very best of fun on a bright and breezy day with your best friends or family!

Ellie Ellie's gorgeous kites, complete with ribbon tail! Easy to assemble too!

If you are still stuck for ideas, how about a game of Pick Up Sticks? A great game of nimbleness and skill. Can be played inside or outside on the patio in the sunshine! Why not up the stakes and play for prizes? How about an ice cream to the winner?

Make your way over to www.ellieellie.co.uk for more information!

Ellie Ellie Wears

Today is the anniversary of the creation of the Union Jack flag, so we thought we’d go heavy on the patriotism. Fallen quite hard for these adorable brogues from Russell and Bromley, a brand long famed for their incredible designs, quality and style. A pair of R&B are near on impossible to wear out- family heirloom material.

John Zacks ultra cute pinafore dress is a perfect little Springtime move, with a mix of pale denim and a fine off-white polka dot shirt. Red is a strong theme for this outfit so we’ve partnered up Ellie Ellie’sUpcycled Stamp necklace with a trusty Ollie and Nic leather shoulder bag t’boot making it a great opportunity to colour block.

Want to take it further? Cobalt blue nail polish. You know it makes sense. 

Dress – John Zack (available from ASOS)

JEEVES Brogues - Russell and Bromley

Bag- Ollie and Nic

Upcycled StampPendant –Ellie Ellie

Crafty Coasters

We found a great crafty present idea on Apartmenttherapy.com to add a unique and quirky look to your table! Just take a couple of slices of birch from a craft or flower shop, and trace your design through some carbon paper onto the wood. Paint or colour in however you fancy, and you have the perfect personal coaster for guests at a party, or something lovely for the home to make for the coming of Mother’s Day!

To keep your decorations looking perfect for longer, simply paint over or spray with some varnish.

Not quite as crafty but you still want something personal and from the heart? Ellie Ellie has just launched their NEW Personalised Map Paperweight, which you can personalise with any town or city from around the world. Handmade in Ellie Ellie's Sussex based HQ, each one is totally unique for the individual. Gorgeously nostalgic and useful! What more could you want? 

 If however, you're one step ahead of the game and have already got Mother's Day on the brain, why not try one of these..

A gorgeous chunk of silver plated, memory hinting awesomeness! A timeless piece to be treasured. Personalisation is up to you, world is your oyster! How about the location of a fantastic family holiday, or where her children were born? Go for it, she'll love it. Check it out, here. 

Sink your (Dog) teeth into this!

Hot off the press, from the Tommy Hilfiger fall 2013 ready to wear show last night, great news! Dogtooth is back in!  Originating in Scotland, but now used all over the world, Dogtooth oozes sophistication and class.

Used throughout Hilfiger’s show, the pattern was cut into structured coat and preppy jumper dresses, giving a thoroughly ‘private school’ look to the overall collection, especially when styled with knee high socks and doctor bags.

                   

Mixing in leather and furs, the contrast of the fabric palettes added a rich feel to the collection echoing Hilfiger’s brand essence of ‘Classic American Cool and providing a refreshing twist to the preppy fashion genre’.

After winning the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, Hilfiger has gone from strength to strength, with collection advertisements showcasing the ‘family’ on various outings and situations. Check out this years yachting season collection for a nautical treat too!

And finally…Couldn’t resist showing you guys this little fella looking chic in his very own dogtooth jacket! Note to self- the perfect way to accessorise any outfit is with a matching puppy!