Bakewell Baking Festival!

It's not your average summer festival, and it's guaranteed not to disappoint! The worlds first baking festival is now in its third year, taking huge vintage inspiration for its stalls and entertainment - including a custard pie fight and mad hatters tea party for the kids! 

Held in the picturesque town of Bakewell, Derbyshire which is known as the "Spiritual home of baking", the festival prides itself on providing "quintessential English fun" for all the family, and its pet friendly, so why not bring the dog along too? As well as the old British favourites, there's delicacies from all around the world to get stuck into.. but don't forget to head to the vintage marketplace too, offering beautiful cake stands and crockery!

To watch demonstrations from professional bakers, visit a doggy deli, decorate some gingerbread and more, head over to the website to get your tickets!

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Ellie Ellie Wears - Let's Hit The Beach

In the midst of the summer holidays, we're in the mood for a beachwear special this week! As always, we love to add a little retro inspiration, and this Chic Swimsuit in fifties-style polka dot print really does the trick! The seasons key kimono with subtle lace detailing will look great over the swimsuit, and we spotted this lovely hand fan from Monsoon to add a pop of colour and keep you nice and cool on the beach!

What about carrying your sun cream and towels around? A roomy beach bag is ideal for the job, with knotted rope handles for a real nautical effect! And when you're away from the water, a Reach For The Stars Mixed Metal Necklace will give you a shimmering glow! A winning coastal look for your holidays. 

Swimsuit - Boden

Beach bag - Animal

Hand fan - Monsoon

Flip Flops - Gandys

Necklace - Ellie Ellie

Kimono - Oasis

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Congratulations Smarty Pants!

It's exam results season, and we've rustled up a tasty recipe using our chocolate smart beans so you can give your friend, sibling, daughter, son or neighbour a big congratulations on their results, and congratulate them on being such a smarty pants.  

There are 8 ingredients in this simple recipe: 

- 345g plain flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

- 1 pinch of salt 

- 250g of softened butter

- 1 large beaten egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 300g smarties 

1. Start by sifting all the dry ingredients together in a bowl, and then set aside

2. Cream together the butter and sugar, until you have a light and fluffy mix

3.Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a stiff dough

5. Stir in half of your smarties

6. Roll the dough into little sized balls and place on a baking tray (we used baking sheet so they are easy to remove) 

7. Once you have placed your balls of dough onto the tray, push in 3 or 4 chocolate smart beans into each cookie. 

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, keeping a good eye on them to make sure they don't burn

9. Allow to cool and serve! 

We used this recipe from the Nigella community recipe page. 

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

It is believed that the Kite originated in  China over 2000 years ago - how wonderful to think that we still honour and enjoy the tradition of kite flying today! Festivals and events are held around the world  every year to celebrate it. 

                           

Whether you're an avid kite flyer or are wanting to give it a try for the first time, there are plenty of opportunities of for it across the UK this summer!

We found a great website, kitecalendar.co.uk, which is frequently updated with all the places and dates you can join in in the world of kits! Some events are focused on professional flyers that provide exciting entertainment with giant kites of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Other allow you to take your own kite along, get flying or meeting others to give you tips and tricks! 

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Family Fun Month - Museum of Childhood

August is known as Family Fun Month, so lets celebrate it! We'll supply some ideas of things to do that the whole family can get involved in, so no-one gets left behind or bored during the summer!

At the Museum of Childhood in London, there's endless drop-in activities, arts and crafts and tours every day of the week, but they're also holding Fun Fridays, where on each Friday during the holidays there are workshops, story-telling sessions for all ages, the opportunity to play some traditional board games and a range of toys for the little ones. 

So why not spend the day at the museum for some quality family time - the fun will never stop!

What fun activities are you going to be getting up to this month?

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Ellie Ellie turns 3!

It's Ellie Ellie's third birthday tomorrow, so we've been celebrating with lots of goodies!

With all the festivities, we thought we'd share our range of lovely party decorations and accessories. We've got everything you need to make any special occasion extra colourful and vibrant!

From Traditional Red And White Party Straws to Retro Vintage Party LED Battery Lights, you can add a fun retro feel to your celebrations with these simple touches!

Our Vintage Party Honeycomb decorations can also be used both indoors and out, over and over again!

Are you celebrating anything this weekend?

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Ellie Ellie wears - Summer Scoop!

In true summery style, this weeks Ellie Ellie Wears is inspired by one of our favorite things about the season - Ice Cream! With Mint and pinkish Strawberry shades, we have a lovely little satchel and t-bar sandal shoes to go with this super fun French Farm Print Cotton Sleeveless Shirt Dress  - the perfect balance of casual and classy for a garden party or BBQ! For some contrast of print, go for our Map Personalised Charm Pendant to wear it with. To make an even bolder, sixties-inspired statement, throw on a pair of coloured-frame sunglasses!

Dress - Lowie

Sunglasses - Topshop

Shoes - Orla Kiely

Satchel - Cambridge Satchel Company

Necklace - Ellie Ellie

Stud Earrings - Ellie Ellie