Living in the city centre means that anytime you want to go shopping, you have to face the crowds. In Newcastle, though, we're lucky enough to have amazing places like Silverlink Shopping Park where you can shop without the hustle and bustle. With shops such as New Look, Outfit, Wilko, Boots, JD, River Island, H&M. a huuuge M&S Food Hall and more, there's everything you need to have a perfectly indulgent shopping spree.
This month, I was lucky enough to be invited down to Silverlink to treat myself to a few new wardrobe pieces but Jamie and I actually decided to make a day of it, also enjoying a little date night as an early celebration of his birthday. I went home feeling very full of Frankie & Benny's food, entertained by a film at the Cinema, and definitely excited about my new purchases. Here's what I tried and bought...
Firstly, these are the two items that I tried in New Look but didn't quite make the cut. This square neck, peplum blue top was so pretty on me and I really didn't want to leave it behind but I wanted to keep things budget friendly. I can't guarantee that I won't be going back to New Look for this though, it's just so perfect for summer.
I also decided to feed my midi-skirt obsession by trying some on; unfortunately, this black one didn't seem too flattering on me and didn't fit me as I would have wished, I did love the black and white polka dot pattern, though, and thought it would be so easy to style.
Also quietly featured in these pictures is a white t-shirt with frilled hems. This was a cute item that, again didn't make the shopping bag but something that I would still consider going back for. It was plain and simple but the frills added that finer detail.
These are the two pieces that I did end up taking home with me. First is the amazing black denim utility dress which I have already worn to a festival and adored. It's totally something that I wouldn't usually add to my wardrobe but I'm pleased to say that I'm patting myself on the back for taking the plunge. I can really see this as a perfect day-to-night dress and could even look cute with tights and boots in the colder months.
Lastly, from New Look, I kept my midi-fangirl at bay by purchasing this beautiful leopard print wrap skirt. It's a gorgeous combination of this season's print and midi trends and the femininity of this mid-length really helps soften the boldness of the leopard print. Again, this skirt has already been worn out and I can confirm that it's super easy to style, super comfy, and definitely makes me feel on trend.
One thing that isn't pictured here is the snake print belt that I took home with me too. I've been looking for a statement belt for a while and I love that New Look has great quality and stylish belts on offer. The belt will be being paired with my more simple, chic outfits as a statement and maybe even with the denim dress to switch things up.
After grabbing those pieces in New Look, I hopped a few doors down to Outfit where I managed to get a brilliant bargain in the Topshop sale. After looking around all the different stands in the store, from Miss Selfridge to Dorothy Perkins, I only actually tried on one item because I'd already pretty much fallen in love with it. It's this mixed floral print blouse with a double tie-up front and puffed sleeves. It's so girly but also totally different, with all of the unique patterns and styles. I can probably see myself pairing this with jeans and nude heels for a day out with my girlfriends.
Don't forget to check out my IGTV Video, vlogging of my day out!
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There's so much at Silverlink that you can actually make a bit of an afternoon of it, whether it's with family or on a little date. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to visit and grab some new summer pieces and I can't wait to spend my entire summer spinning around in my new midi-skirt.
Where's your go-to shopping park for an afternoon of indulgence?
It must not just be my bananas that seem to ripen at the speed of light. I often buy a pack of bananas to eat throughout the week and, after forgetting about them, I return to see some deep brown colours frowning at me in disappointment. This week, though, I decided to make use of them and rustle up this loaf cake for my parents visiting.
We happened to have dates kicking around the fridge, not really being eaten, so it was only necessary for me to use them (which turned out to be a great idea; well done previously resourceful, Alice!). Alternatively, these could have been switched up with sultanas or even a few cheeky chocolate chips. I decided to keep it healthy though with the added fruit and as well as add the crunch of a few nuts for a perfect finishing touch.
For me, this isn't typically the kind of thing I would bake, in fact, I'm not typically a fruit-and-nut kind of gal but, after tasting this loaf cake, I'm completely converted. Believe me, if you have guests popping over for the weekend, or just fancy a bit of guilt-free baking, this has to be the cake you choose.
Ingredients
- 4 Ripe small bananas
- A handful of dates
- 75g walnuts (or your favourite nut)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (and/or nutmeg)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 100g salted butter
- 7g baking powder (half a conventional sachet)
- 50ml semi-skimmed milk
- 225g gluten-free self-raising flour (or normal is you wish)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180/160 Fan/Gas Mark 4 and begin lining the loaf tin with greaseproof paper.
- Add the baking powder and flour into a bowl and combine.
- Mash the softened butter then add an egg, beating it together gentling.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients together. This may currently have a 'crumble' consistency.
- Mash four bananas and add them to the bowl along with the milk, folding it all in. A cake consistency will start to form.
- Add the vanilla, cinnamon, (nutmeg if you wish) and chopped, pitted dates into the mixture.
- Leaving a few whole walnuts aside for decoration, crush the rest in a bag then pour them into the mixture.
- Fold the whole contents together before carefully popping it into your baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean. About 40 minutes in, add the whole walnuts on top.
- Once baked, leave to cool, removing it from the baking dish and peeling off the greaseproof paper.
❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
And it's as easy as that!! This is a healthy alternative to a typical cake, using only natural sugars, gluten-free, and so it's versatile. It can be served dozens of ways, depending on your preference. Either with double cream, ice cream, custard, or even toasted with butter. Its bread-like consistency makes it ideal for any time of day with a cup of tea. I will definitely be baking this again!
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