Chocolate Brownies and Bunny Bark - Using left over Easter chocolate🍫

Seeing as Easter is here I thought I would show you some ways I will be using  my Easter chocolate (other than eating it straight as it comes!). I saw these brownies on BBC Good Food so I thought I would give them a go, as well as some Bunny Bark inspired by Pinterest and Chunkydunkchocs. 

Ingredients

•     185g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
•     185g dark chocolate
•     3 large eggs
•     275g golden caster sugar
•     85g plain flour
•     40g cocoa power
•      5 foundant filled eggs (Cadbury’s Creme Eggs)
•     150g mini eggs

Method

      1. Put the butter and the chocolate in a medium-sized heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Alternatively, cover the bowl loosely with cling film and microwave at 30 sec intervals until melted. Leave the melted chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.

      2. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease a 20cm square tin with butter and line with 2 long strips of folded baking paper or foil – one running top to bottom, the other left to right then line the base with a piece of baking paper. The strips will help you lift it out later.

      3. Break the eggs into a large bowl and tip in the caster sugar. With an electric mixer on maximum speed, whisk the eggs and sugar for around 5-8 mins or until they look thick and creamy and have doubled in size.

     4. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the egg mixture, then gently fold together.

     5.  Sieve the flour and cocoa into the wet ingredients then continue to fold the mixture gently with a spatula just until everything is fully combined, try not to over-mix.

     6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and carefully level the mixture with the spatula. Put in the middle of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

     7. Meanwhile, cut the fondant filled eggs in half and set aside then place the mini eggs into a bag. Crush a few of the mini eggs with a rolling pin but leave some whole. After 20 mins take the brownie out of the oven and press in the fondant eggs, cut side up. Scatter over half of the mini eggs too then put it back in the oven for a further 5 mins.

     8. Once baked, top with the remaining mini eggs, leave to cool completely then place in the fridge for about 1hr to firm up. Lift it out of the tin using the strips of baking paper and cut into squares to serve.

For the Bunny bark I don't have an exact recipe as its just based on me chucking a load of seasonal goodies together for Easter. I used 400g of milk chocolate as the base for my slab, as well as a little white chocolate to marble with the milk. I then topped it with crushed Cadbury's Mini eggs, Galaxy Golden Eggs, edible glitter, Waitrose sprinkles and Milky Bar buttons to create bunny faces and ears. I finished the faces off with pink sprinkles for noses and gel colouring for eyes. This is perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself 😉🐰🍫

Hoppy Easter!🐰🐣

Easter Home Decor

I am very much one for seasonal home décor, so I thought I would share my favourites things. One of my go to places to pick decorative pieces up is HomeSense and TK Maxx. With the pieces being seasonal I don't like to spend loads of money for stuff that's only up for a few weeks a year so those places are perfect to pick stuff up.

The first thing I picked up this year was a two tier bunny stand from TK Maxx for £14.99. My thinking behind this purchase was I can use it for a Easter inspired afternoon tea or for displaying little chocolate eggs. For demonstration purposes I put together a quick supermarket dash version of a Easter afternoon tea; hot cross buns, French foundant fancies with gummy carrots on top, Cadbury nest cakes and a chocolate bunny Oreo from Chunkydunkchocs. Chunkydunkchocs is a company set up by my lovely friend Tiff and she makes chocolate slabs and trays, perfect for personalised gifts for you chocolate lovers (IG @chunkydunkchocs).

My next purchases were from TK Maxx and HomeSense, a bunny holding an egg vase and a speckled egg wreath. I mainly got the vase to go with my stand and the white ceramic vibe but also for the fact it looks so adorable with spring flowers coming out the top of the cracked egg. The one downside to this vase it that I think it isn't sealed properly and I've had to sit it in a tray as water is leaking but for £3.99 I think its adorable. The floral speckled egg wreath was a steal at £6.99 as I had seen similar ones for £20+ I had to pick it up. It hasn't got a good way of hanging so its currently propped up on my mantle piece.



Then I have my Easter tree, I use curly willow from my garden and pop it in an Oliver Bonas vase I bought a while ago. I picked up some pastel coloured speckled eggs from tiger for £1, the little plain coloured eggs from Gisella Graham I got for 99p in a charity shop and the little pink chicken from the Parsley Pot in Bury St Edmunds.  I wish I could have the Easter tree up all year because their really pretty and pastel.

How do you like so celebrate Easter or decorate for spring? If you're a Easter tree fan show me yours on Instagram @mycopperhaven 

Lush Easter 2018🐣

New season new Lush Cosmetics range. Apart from Christmas I think Lush Easter collection is my favourite time to shop there. I picked up the Free Ranger, Cream Egg, Poisson D'Avril , Bunch of Carrots and Which Came First?.




The Free Ranger bath bomb is one of the products I most look forward to lush bringing out every Easter because I like how I can get two uses out of it as well as its scent. The scent of this one reminds me of the old sweetie pie shower jelly they used to do which I loved the sweet blackcurrant smell. The Cyprus oil and Bergamot oil help feeling cleansed and fresh so not only will you smell good after this bath bomb you'll feel it to!



Cream Egg is a bubbleroon that is mint-chocolate scented, double layered with shea butter and cocoa butter centre.  I crumbled this under running water to create lots of bubbles while the  Fair Trade organic cocoa and Fair Trade shea butters melt, turning the water into an irresistibly softening and colourful bath. I would definitely say this is a more wake me up bath because the spearmint scent is strong and zingy for you to be able to sleep after. 



This little guy is the Poisson D'Avril and he has warming cinnamon leaf and spicy black pepper oils sweep away any lingering chills. Although not directly related to Easter, April Fools’ Day traditions are followed by all French children on 1 April. Paper fish are used to play an April Fools trick, involving sticking a paper fish onto the back of as many adults as possible, then running away yelling “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish!). Simply crumble this bubble bar fool of neroli oil into running water to feel bright and uplifted. Woody oakmoss absolute gently cleanses skin and grounds scattered minds amongst bright orange bubbles and a sparkly vivid water.




This Bunch of Carrots are full of citrusy goodness are a bunch of bubble-makers for a mood-brightening soak full of Sicilian lemon, bergamot and buchu oils perfect for boosting your sense of wellbeing and cleansing your skin alongside. You can get quite a few uses out of these guys just leave them somewhere to dry out in between uses. 



Which Came First? the chicken or the egg? You can decide with this bath bomb as when you crack it open inside lies a chicky surprise. I like to crack it in half to reveal the chick and I used the two halves of the egg separately in two baths and then use the chick for a third bath.  Although this bath bomb has Vanilla Absolute, Grapefruit Oil and Sicilian Lemon Oil the scent is a well rounded fresh smell which is good for gifting if you aren't sure what scents they like.

These Lush goodies are perfect for any non-chocolate lovers at Easter so they can smell sweet. What are your favourite Easter Lush bits? Have I missed any of your favourite ones?

Origins In Bloom Event 🌸

Last Saturday I attended Sally's Origins In Bloom event at the flagship store in Cambridge and met so many lovely people. You may have already seen on my Instagram stories (@mycopperhaven) when I was there but I thought I would do a round up of my evening on here.

When I arrived I was in awe if the flower wall that the Flower Walls of Cambridge had custom made for the event and lead to the perfect picture backdrop; Of course the bloggers in the room gathered around it naturally to make the best new pictures for the gram. (Kat and I getting our flower wall shot!)



My eyes were then greeted by the beautiful cupcakes that Lloyd had made specially for the event which were almost too good to eat. There was also some lemon and cranberry biscuits made by the team from Le Creuset and tea and biscuits from Whittards to showcase their Alice in Wonderland collection.

Keila Calver who is a Independent Stampin Up© UK Demonstrator was also there showing off her crafts and giving us the chance to make one of the cards from the sets that she sells. Kat and I (@shesagentry) both made one of the birthday cards of which I was super impressed with how simple it was to make a card look very expensive and professional in a matter of minutes with the kits. I would recommend you check out her stuff because it is nice to make personal touches to cards and gift wrapping and the sets make it really easy to do it.

I was used as the demo facial so Origins could showcase their new Original Skin Collection additions to everyone; I have to say I have used sample of a few of the products before the events and I'm obsessed so of course I wouldn't turn down getting to try them all out properly in part of a routine. The new additions are Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly*, Original Skin Pore Perfecting Cooling Primer* and Original Skin Matte Moisturiser with Willowherb. The Original Skin collection smells so amazing and is so smoothing and hydrating even though it is a bit mattifying it works for my normal/combo skin, I just pair it with the Original Skin Renewal Serum* to give me the hydration my skin needs.        



It was also great to chat to so many other lovely local bloggers many from the Camb Meet Up group including Kat (@shesagentry), Kelly (@kellyannerist), Pippa (@clashingtime_) and Abbey (@abbeylouisarose). Go follow all these fab ladies on Instagram and show them some love.

Copenhagen Adventure Day 3 & 4🇩🇰

Here is my next part of my Copenhagen Adventure; day 1 & 2 is available here. I started off day three by visiting the Skt. Peders Bageri which was a really short walk from our hotel. We went on a Wednesday which they have deals on the cinnamon buns so you have to get their early to get them because they're super popular.

We then headed to the University of Copenhagen Botanical Gardens as it wasn't a very long walk from our hotel we thought we'd check it out. It is free to enter and very pleasant to walk round and admire the scenery both inside the greenhouses and around the grounds.





When we were there the lakes were frozen over so it was rather nice to go inside the warm greenhouses and check out more exotic foliage and even creatures as I found some tiny frogs and fish in the ponds. We sat by the lakes and had a hot chocolate and took in the views before heading across the road to the Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle is a royal hermitage set in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen, features 400 years of splendor, royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. I did go all out with the KiraKira+ app on all the sparkly crown jewels. 



We then headed on a bus out to the Copenhagen Zoo. I was quite impressed how close you got to animals in this zoo compared to British zoos. I think my favourite part was the reindeer feeding and seeing the lion cubs. We had gone later in the day so it wasn't too busy as it was closing not long after we left so we didn't have to queue long to get in. They were constructing a rather impressive looking enclosure to hold some pandas they were getting from China so I'd imagine it'll be a place I would revisit when I go back again.



After the zoo we headed back to central Copenhagen to look round a few more shops, and then we headed to Tivolli. We went to Vapiano in the Tivoli food court, I liked watching them cook my pasta in front of me. To keep me warm on the walk back I popped into one of the Expresso Houses to get a hot chocolate, which I have to say was so good for a chain coffee shop.

 

The next morning we were up early as we were flying out in the afternoon, and wanted to fit in a quick trip to Den Blå Planet. We (sadly) checked out of Hotel Skt Petri and headed to grab a quick cinnamon bun for the road from Skt. Peders Bageri and headed for the metro. The aquarium had a left luggage so we could leave our cases there while we explored the three zones. I fell in love with Agnes and Mojo the sea otters who I was really impressed with how trained they were for being checked for their health while watching their training session.



I would really recommend a trip to the aquarium as it was certainly one of the best ones I have been to. Especially as its really easy to get to or even if you don't have a long time to visit I would definitely suggest it. After this we headed back on the metro to the airport.

I absolutely will be returning to Copenhagen in the not too distant future and exploring more of this beautiful city. I will certainly book back into Hotel Skt Petri, it couldn't have been a nicer hotel and the staff were amazing. Have you been to Copenhagen? If so let me know where I should check out next time I go!

Copenhagen Adventure Day 1 & 2🇩🇰

I spent four days travelling around Copenhagen with my Mum last week and I had such an amazing time I thought I would share what we got up to there. It was bitterly cold so I wrapped up in my big Levi's down coat, John Lewis thermal tops and Whistle's Annie Sparkle Knit jumpers to keep me toasty warm but still a bit stylish. 

The hotel we stayed in was the Hotel Skt. Petri* which was in the Latin quarter by the university; it was a perfect location to walk to attractions and for transport from/to the airport. We were greeted by the lovely Elina at reception who was super helpful while checking in and out, she gave us a room upgrade so we could have twin beds which was really nice. The hotel is simply stunning, the décor is darker but it in combination with such high ceilings it feels airy and chic, you can't tell it used to be a department store!       



The room had everything you need: from really nice exclusive toiletries, to a hairdryer and minibar. The widescreen TV has Bluetooth so you could play your own music too. The beds were definitely the most comfortable I have ever slept in and coming back to my own bed was quite sad! I would so happily live in this hotel and I shall certainly be returning!

The first place we went after checking in was the Rundetaarn. The Round Tower was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in a single building. It was super photogenic - both the tower and the view from the top, so I would recommend a visit if you go to Copenhagen. 

After the Round Tower we had a little wander round the shops and popped by Sephora. We then decided to grab dinner at Rossopomodoro which is a Neapolitan style restaurant in the heart of the food section on the rooftop of Illum which is a really chic premium department store. The food was very good as was the location, so I would suggest popping there for lunch or dinner. The department store was so beautiful and if I had had the budget, I could have done some serious shopping. 

After looking around Illum we then decided to head for the Tivolli Gardens. Again it was super easy to walk to and went past some more shops and pretty architecture in the city. It was the Winter Illuminations during our visit so we went both on the Monday we arrived and on Valentines Day. It was illuminated with loads of dainty fairy lights which made it feel really magical and during the build up to Valentine's, the bridge over to the Oriental area was covered in little love messages on hearts tied to the bridge which was really sweet. We also managed to catch a light show over the lake  telling a Nordic story which we didn't really get but it was impressive to watch anyway.



On the second day we headed to Nyhavn to go on a canal tour round the harbour and through the canals. On the tour you pass by some of the best sights in Copenhagen: The opera house, Amalienborg Palace, The Old Stock Exchange, Christianshavn, Our Saviours Church, The Sixtus Battery, The Black Diamond, ‘BLOX’, the Little Mermaid and much, much more. I would really recommend the tour because it was a good way to see different bits of the city by boat rather than walking between them all.

After the tour, I of course had to try some Danish pancakes at Hyttefadet Nyhavn as it was Shrove Tuesday. We then walked to Amalienborg Palace (where the Danish Royal family live in 4 palaces) and caught the end of the changing of the guard. 

We then walked further down the street to the Design Museum where they had the 'I am Black Velvet' Erik Mortensen - Haute Couture exhibition on. Seeing the haute couture dresses was super impressive and well laid out; showing projections of the models wearing the clothes was good as you could see the clothes flow/move on the catwalk.

Next we took the train to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which was definitely worth the trip out of the city along the coast. With pieces from internationally acclaimed artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney, it's certainly impressive to get so close to the pieces in person.



For our second dinner we ate at the hotel's Petri Restaurant. I went for the burger with a side of mac and cheese and my mum had the fish of the day with potatoes. This was just what I needed after getting so cold wandering the streets of Copenhagen all day to warm us up.



To stop this post being super long I shall continue my Copenhagen adventure on another post next week, so keep an eye out for part 2. See day 3 & 4 here!

*Affiliate link