Films Similar to Black Mirror

So you’ve binged watched all of the Black Mirror episodes. Sad it’s over? Or are you sad because the latest season wasn’t as good as the first Channel 4 production ones? OK, the latter is just me.

Black Mirror TV series is one of my favourites. It’s original, frightening and thought-provoking. The scenarios are gripping and tense. Watching the series on your tablet or laptop is not enough. You have to watch it on a high dynamic range television that is beautifully bright and has a high colourful display. It’ll truly make you really feel like you’re in their reality.

Each episode is a conversation starter; questioning if technology would ever destroy our lives similar to what Charlie Brooker creates. But to me, Black Mirror isn't about the future. It feels like everything is happening already. 

How many Instagram users confess they have major self-esteem issues? How many of us are addicted to our phones? How many CCTV footage films us on a 20-minute walk? And what the hell would we do without digital storage? Surely our memories couldn’t hold all of that information!

Black Mirror’s hidden messages are reflections of our reality. We shouldn't rely on technology so heavily and never question its effects.

But it’s not just the hidden messages that I adore. It’s the twists. Oooooh the feeling when a plot turns upside makes me shiver with excitement. That’s what makes Black Mirror so popular!

Writing this is making me want to re-re-watch my favourite episodes. Or even watch some films that I find similar to it.

If you also can’t get enough of Black Mirror I highly recommend these films! They either contain the best plot twists or they highlight damaging issues of technology. Let me know in the comments if you’ve seen any! There are so many films to choose from but these are my favourite!

Her

Definitely in my top ten of favourite films. My friends are probably sick of me mentioning this once again. It’s Wes Anderson meets Sophia Coppola meets J.J Abrams. The beautiful and vibrant imagery, alongside the melancholy romance, alongside the futuristic environment, is everything I love. The story presents a guy falling in love with his OS (operating system). Yep, it's like having a major crush on Siri. It’s so Black Mirror, but also reminds me of MTV Catfish! Think about it, falling in love with someone via the internet when you’ve never met them in person! So Catfishy.

Watch this if you liked: Be Right Back, Nosedive.

The Island

I think this film is pretty underrated. It’s so gripping! One of the films I wish I could have imagined for my creative writing dissertation. I find it very similar to Black Mirror. Brilliant twists and highlights the danger of technology.

Watch this if you liked: Hang the DJ, USS Callister, Fifteen Million Credits, White Bear, San Junipero.

Looper

Correction. THIS is soooo underrated and I WISH I could come up with something mesmerising and thrilling as this. I sympathised with the characters. It’s dark and beautiful at the same time. However, the time-travelling can be a bit confusing for some. I find it much more interesting than other action/sci-fi films out now.

Watch this if you liked: Men Against Fire, Crocodile.

The Prestige

This one is more fantasy than sci-fi. But the themes and plot lines (as well as the incredible ending!) are quite similar to Black Mirror. If Charlie Brooker came up with an episode set in the 19th century maybe he’d think of something similar to this! The ending of The Prestige is one of those creepy ones that you will always remember. I would love to rewatch this like how I did for the first time; unsure on what was happening, but just sat there enchanted.

Watch this if you liked: Black Museum, Play Test, White Christmas, The National Anthem

Gone Girl

Ooooo. Another creepy one. Not scary, but twisted. Twists in the plot and twisted characters. A true thriller. I was obsessed with this film and novel. You will love and hate (at the same time) certain characters. They are so dynamic and original. If you haven’t seen this, I honestly don’t know where you’ve been!

Watch this if you liked: Shut Up and Dance, Hated in the Nation, White Christmas, The Entire History of You.

Memento

It’s confusing from the start. That’s because the start isn’t really the beginning. You’ve just watched the end. Yep! You’ve watched how the story ends but you have no clue how or why it ended that way. Well, you think you may know... but you don’t. Don’t you just love a good ole plot twist!

Watch this if you liked: Crocodile, White Bear.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

And now something a bit more light-hearted and romantic. However, this is a blog post about films similar to Black Mirror so obviously it has dark elements to it. I’m so in the mood to watch this tonight. It’s so lovely. Makes you have hope in love, although, in a very unconventional way. This is also my favourite performance of Jim Carey.

Watch this if you liked: Hang the DJ, San Junipero, White Christmas, Be Right Back, The Entire History of You.

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So... this film list similar to Black Mirror should keep you entertained until you find a new series to binge!

Let me know which one of these films is your favourite too!

And also, what’s your favourite Black Mirror episode?

Mine is The Entire History of You. 

Strong contenders are White Bear, White Christmas, Hang the DJ, USS Callister, Shut Up and Dance, Nosedive and Metalhead.



*This post has been sponsored by Panasonic

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5 Things I Didn't Know About Puppies

I have a new baby. She's currently watching my fingers type very quickly. Fascinated, she's always wondering what I get up to. Oh, now she's trying to chew the edge of the screen. Is there anything you won't chew?

Ivy, the 14-week old French Bulldog cross Pug.

She was given to me on Boxing Day from my boyfriend. Yep! No other presents can beat a doggy!! He outperformed #BoyDoneWell

She was born on 29 October 2017, a fellow October baby like me, but unfortunately not a Libra. Do dogs' personalities also follow star signs? That's another 'dog question' to add to my list.

The one and only other pet I've had were fish. So this has been a massssssive step up.

She's the most adorable thing I've seen. Even though she has a big obsession with my slippers, paper, my dressing gown, wooden furniture, and anything I pick up to drink - she has been so much fun.

But there are many things I didn't know about puppies. But I guess I didn't get to do my research as I wasn't expecting to have one anytime soon.

Aside from the obvious hyper and sometimes disobedient behaviour. They are things puppies do, or things that are unique about Ivy, that may surprise you.

1. They will chew on everything and anything.

From toes to toilet paper. The world is just so fascinating! They explore the world by their mouth and they are also teething. Ivy would stroll up to my shoe rack, lie down and have a lil knaw on the edges. It's so difficult to get them off it, but I've found a few tricks online. You have to be stocked up with a variety of chew toys. There are so many materials and textures they haven't seen before so it's vital to keep them entertained.

2. They are not as cuddly as you think.

Stroking them isn't easy. When you draw your hand close to them, they just want to bite it off. In a playful manner, not aggressive at all. We want to stroke them as affection, and they think nibbling your fingers is friendly. When visitors come round to see Ivy, I warn them, she will try to dart for your hand, ears or bite your hair. Leo and I nickname her Piranha. Trying to get her to stop nibbling will take weeks or even months. I read after their new set of teeth are fully through she'll calm down.

3. AM pee appointments.

If you hear me around the house at 3am - 4am, I'm not sleepwalking. I'm letting Ivy out to do her business. Because she's so teeny her bladder can only last a few hours. Instead of waking up at 6am by her, howling for the toilet, I get up a bit earlier so I can have more sleep in the morning. She usually wakes up at 8am - 9am, then has another nap after breakfast!

4. How clingy they are.

Partly because I spend a lot of time at home, but puppies have been taken away from their family so they have an attachment to their new owners. She will grow out of it, and Frenchie's are apparently OK with being on their own. To get her used to solo time, I spend from 30mins to 3 hours outside so she can understand I'm going to come back. She's still so young, you wouldn't leave a baby away from their mother for hours!

5. Eat, sleep, play, repeat!

Puppies get around 15-20 hours of sleep a day! And when they're not sleeping they are looking for meals; dog food, treats, crumbs and dust! Quite a few things look tasty in a pup's eyes. And when they are not being greedy they play with anything they can get their paws on. Running around until they lose their breath! After gulps of water, they pass out. She sleeps from 30mins - 3 whole hours! And then the whole cycle begins again.

If you're thinking about getting a puppy, make sure you read and watch videos about it. You may have been brought up around dogs, but owning your own is a whole different game. Most likely it was your parents doing the hard work. I started going to Puppy School (yes, it's adorable) and I'm learning a lot about dogs' behaviour and mannerisms. I really want her to be a well-behaved and clever dog, so that's probably why I take my role as a dog owner so seriously.

Ivy is my new best friend and I can't wait for all the fun we'll have together.

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Is it Still Fashionable to Follow Fashion Trends?

Second blog post of the year, not bad Kara, not too bad. Sorry, I promise I won't start of every post stating how many I've done so far.

It's been a while since my last fashion blog post. I love doing them a lot, I need to continue it! Hooowever, the photographs were shot in September. I've been too lazy busy and frankly a bit nervous to show the interweb this post! As it was shot in autumn, I must reiterate I don't wear dresses in winter (even thick tights can't stop the breeze) and my jackets are 100x bigger and puffer than this denim one!

So, let's have a chat about the title of this post!

Your immediate answer will be, yes. Fashionable obviously means to keep up to date with trends.

However, I've been thinking differently lately.

I wore the most-loved hat for the winter. Alongside the undoubtedly stylish (and flattering) straight neckline. As well as the U.K's most Instagrammed fashion item - the metallic shoes.

I was pretty chuffed with my assembled outfit. But I still felt like, this has been done before. This doesn't feel authentic.

I've seen a few too many celebrities wear 90s denim jackets and a little black dress. How many fashion bloggers style every outfit with a beret? And ankle boots, when will freaking ankle boots ever go out of style? (Well, hopefully never because that's all I own!)

Every item I wore in this post is in style. Take a look at all the magazines and blogs. Other girls will be dressed like me. I love this outfit, it's cute, and I'll wear it again. But is it fashionable?

Is it something I'd wear to meet up with friends for Friday night drinks? Yes.

Is it something I'd wear to attend an Alexander Wang show at New York Fashion Week (if I had the chance)? Probably not. It's not groundbreaking. It may catch a few glances at but it's not trend-setting.

To me, when I say someone is fashionable, I generally mean they compile clothing in a creative and original way. I used to believe fashionable means following current styles. But the style icons I follow experiment instead of replicate. They stop reading the "must-haves" and the "got-to-buys" lust list.

If fashion is a form of artistic expression, then surely it's more fashionable to create something that deviates from the norm?

For instance, remember when Rihanna started wearing those furry sliders? Our first impressions were “they are disgustingly cool”. It was unique and daring - so fashion darling. But now, they are pretty normal to see. They are still in style, but it’s ‘done before’.

So following fashion trends isn’t really fashionable anymore?

Don't get me wrong. I haven't just done this blog post to criticise myself! I love this outfit, and I hope you do too. But maybe I'd say this is more trendy than fashionable. Yes - that's probably it, trendy because it follows trends.

But alsoooo, don't get me wrong again. I will still wear items that are overused. I love my beret and can't leave the house without it! I'm on the hunt for a pair of red suede or black leather ankle boots, I have found a few pairs on River Island. And this dress won't be my only straight neckline item because Urban Outfitters always smash that 90s casual style.

To answer my own question, because I love to talk to myself, I think it's not really fashionable to follow current styles and imitate what everyone else is wearing. I think a real fashion icon would create something new, or take an alternative twist on a popular trend.

What're everyone else's ideas?


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Photography by the brilliant Yossy (blogger & photographer)

Beret, Earrings - Forever 21

Denim Jacket - Gap (from the 90s, gotta it from my mama)

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Boots - Mango

Rings - & Other Stories

Cross Necklace - From The Vatican gift shop, yes, the actual Vatican.

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My Favourite TV Series of 2017

Hello hello! My first blog post of 2018. 

But this post won't be about my hopes and wishes for the new year. I'm sure you've read a few of those this month. Frankly, I don't have any resolutions this year. My aspirations and goals remain the same as the year before.

In 2017 I watched great TV. The writers, producers, directors and actors are really putting their all into TV series. As much as I love going to the cinema, there's something comforting about watching your favourite show back-to-back at home.

This is a pretty hefty post because I spent a lot of time sitting on my arse this year. Quite a few shows on this list are Netflix originals. And there’s a reason why. Yes, it's satisfying to binge-watch but I find their original series compelling, daring and authentic.

In this post, I'll be reviewing my likes, dislikes and if I can be bothered to watch the next season. I must warn you, this is a long post! But if you're interested in any of these series then scroll down to find them.

Ozark

Narcos

Game of Thrones

Walking Dead

Big Little Lies

Sneaky Pete

American Vandal

Rick & Morty

Big Mouth

Stranger Things

Motherland

 Insecure

The Handmaid's Tale

Ozark

Why I liked it: My dad recommended it to me and said it’s similar to Breaking Bad. I found it was way tenser. A nuclear family including nice-dad (Jason Bateman) are in dilemma with a drug lord and money laundering. My habit of biting my nails resurfaced. Every ending of each episode left you fearful of what may happen next. The large reservoir of Ozark, Missouri, is a dramatic backdrop in the dark crime thriller.

Things I didn’t like: yet another moody, rude but very attractive teenage daughter. Let’s get more positive and dynamic young girl characters and divert away from stereotypes, yeah?

Will I watch the next season? : Yes, absolutely. I’d love to see what happens in season 2. They left it on a massive cliffhanger.


Narcos

Why I liked it: Purely for the unbelievable true events. To me, it shows Pablo Escobar from two points of view. A menacing terrorist, as well as a Robin Hood figure. I also love watching it because I get to reminisce about my trip to Medellin. Best city ever. I’m only on season 2, and I haven’t seen the latest season yet. I love witnessing how his men, workers and allies turn against him. How his family tell him to stop as they already have millions and millions of money. But his drive for power was unstoppable. He was the living proof of the deadly sin - greed.

Things I didn’t like: It’s all my fault. Sometimes I would daydream and forget to pay attention to the subtitles. Apart from my lack of paying attention, there’s nothing else.

Will I watch the next season? I heard it focuses more on the Cali cartel. Which sounds entertaining and informative. But I’m more interested in Pablo Escobar at this moment. So I might watch season 3.


Game of Thrones

Why I liked it: Now, this will turn into a bit of an essay on why I like it. But I don’t just like it. I’m fascinated by it. When season 7 came out I was addicted. I would watch 3-4 breakdowns, theories and analysis of each episode on YouTube. I know some scenes fly right past my head and there are references that I have forgotten about, so it’s vital for me to understand every detail. It’s complex, it’s unpredictable and it’s intoxicating. Just talking about it gives me the shivers (I’m in total geek mode right now).

Things I didn’t like: It can get confusing. Characters look the same and there have been so many episodes that I have forgotten some plot lines. Again, that’s my lack of paying attention. But hey, I'm not the only one who finds it confusing!

Will I watch the next season? Well, I’m already watching videos about season 8 predictions and I nearly punched a wall when I found out it’ll come out in 2019.


Walking Dead

Why I liked it: This section should be 'why I used to like it'. It used to have startling scenes and elaborative characters. Now it’s just a worn-out crime drama. I was obsessed watching them survive a post-apocalyptic world. It had elements of horror that made me only watch it in the daytime. The latest seasons have been lacklustre. Focusing too much on the Disney-esque baddy Negan. He's no way near as interesting as the Governor, or even the walkers. The only thing I love is Rick and Michonne’s relationship. That’s about it.

Things I didn’t like: I won’t repeat myself again haha.

Will I watch the next season? I’m gonna have to because I have come so far. I must find out how the writers want to end this world. I will watch it, but forcefully.


Big Little Lies

Why I liked it: Probably the Best TV Series of 2017 for me. It was so gripping, beautiful and the best 'whodunit' plot line. Whilst watching it I was writing essays and my dissertation. Maybe it brought me so much excitement because it was the one thing I looked forward to each day. It’s a dark drama but set in the always sunny and always blue Californian Big Sur. The star-studded, and predominantly female, cast acted exceptionally. It would be a crime to say which actress was the best. What makes it stand out from the rest was the soundtrack. The soundtrack had me playing Alabama Shakes and Janis Joplin for weeks. This would be my most recommended series for this year. It’s so good I might even read the novel it was adapted from.

Things I didn't like: Absolutely nothing, but I do have a recommendation that will make it slightly even better for next season!

Will I watch the next season? YES! The biggest yes of them all! I just hope they don't drag on the murder plotline. It's done with, and it happened. I think that's where The Affair went wrong; they tried to make it into a crime drama when it was actually just a drama. I find the lives of Big Little Lies women more interesting than anything else. There were some good subplots that could be developed a bit more for season 2.

Sneaky Pete

Why I liked it: I love Giovanni Ribisi’s face. You know, the guy that also plays Phoebe's brother in Friends? Don’t know why, but his facial expressions are mesmerising. Anyho, the concept of Sneaky Pete is brill. Faking an identity is always a must-watch. I also really like the family he’s pretending to be a part of. The show is witty, easy to watch and it can get quite tense.

Things I didn’t like: I don’t know how long of the “they can’t know who I really am” storyline I can take. Every nail-biting moment was just about his identity nearly being revealed. The same-old stressful scenario is replayed. Plus, the side storylines aren’t really enthralling.

Will I watch the next season? Probably not, a few episodes were good enough. I forgot what happened in the one I just watched. 


American Vandal

Why I liked it: It’s a spoof of crime dramas and another whodunnit series. It’s really damn funny. Quite refreshing to watch after you’ve seen a few too many serious series. It’s basically a mockumentary on who spray-painted dicks on teachers cars. Yep. A whole series just about that. So stupid yet so interesting. I thought it was all a joke, but I found myself calling Leo saying who I think did it and what their true motive was.

Things I didn’t like: Nothing. It’s a pretty fun comedy with a crime drama twist. However the ending was a bit disappointing, but I won’t spoil it!

Will I watch the next season? Hell yeah. Just for the lols.



Rick & Morty

Why I liked it: Because it’s the best adult cartoon show out there. It’s crude, vulgar and puts Family Guy to shame. The space travelling and abnormal characters make it quite nostalgic. Reminds me of Futurama and Adventure Time. Each episode is pretty ingenious. The writers must have been high on bath salts to create those worlds and scenarios. My favourite episodes are when we see snippets of different storylines, like when Rick shows Morty his memories that were deleted because they were too messed up. 

Things I didn’t like: Not enough episodes! I need more!

Will I watch the next season? Yes yes yes yes yes yes YES!


Big Mouth

Why I liked it: When I finished watching Rick & Morty I needed some more adult cartoons in my life. Luckily Big Mouth was released. It showcases the first-hand experiences in teenage-hood. I forgot how awkward and unclear puberty was. Sex-ed, parents or textbooks didn’t really explain everything we needed to know. But I’m not sure Big Mouth is aimed at pubescent girls and boys. It was a fantastic lighthearted comedy, with cringe-worthy moments. And you will absolutely love the Hormone Monsters.

Things I didn’t like: I got a bit bored of it towards the end of the series. Not sure if I even finished it? Some characters were quite annoying and it does get a bit childish, but it’s a great show altogether.

Will I watch the next season? Definitely.

Stranger Things

Why I liked it: This is a pretty much well-loved show so I won't bore you on why it's so good. I love the retro setting, the music, cars and clothes. Even though it isn’t much of a horror, it made me realise that I do like the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. I think season 2 was more of a thriller and spookier than the first. I loved it.

Things I didn’t like: I love Elle, but sometimes I find her character frustrating. I know she’s a special character, but there are other characters I would like to see more of.

Will I watch the next season? Oooooh yes!

Motherland

Why I liked it: it’s the only British show on the list. How awful. It can’t be. I’m sure there are others. I do watch many British documentaries and lifestyle shows. Motherland was on BBC 2, and when my mum told me to watch it, I was hesitant. A comedy about mums didn’t really catch my interest, but I gave it a chance. This was one of the best comedies I’ve ever watched. Honestly. It was so silly and cringey. It made you want to help certain characters out, but it was so entertaining to watch them mess up. And the main character; her facial expressions had me in hysterics. Such a brilliant actress. I really recommend it if you missed out watching it.

Things I didn’t like: Sometimes it got really silly, but I still loved each episode.

Will I watch the next season? Of course! I will make sure all my friends watch it too.

Insecure

Why I liked it: I’m sure my reason for this will be similar to others. I love the authentic personality of Issa. And you can tell it was written by a black women because the characters divert from stereotypes. Issa is so loveable and a bit twisted. I could really relate to her. It's the first show in years where I can relate to another black female. I eventually warmed to Molly, because I didn’t really 'get' her in the beginning. Nevertheless, the storyline throughout is believable and intriguing. Oh, this is another show where the soundtrack is killer. Just be warned to have your Shazam on standby.

Things I didn’t like: I just thought season 2 was better than the first.

Will I watch the next season: Yes!!!!

The Handmaids Tale

Why I liked it: By the amount of awards it has been nominated for and won, you know this is a badass show. It’s one of a kind. It’s strange but familiar. The abandonment of women’s rights is shocking, but everything Margaret Atwood wrote in this did actually happen in history. I read the novel years ago, but I still question why women are captured like that and can’t escape? It's so unbelievable, but believable at the same time. Certain scenes reflect issues of sexism at this current time. It’s dramatic and emotional. I know film students will analyse this show in years time. It's already a classic.

Things I didn’t like: The first few episodes were a bit slow but apart from that, it’s incredible.

Will I watch the next season: Of course! It’s a must.

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Getting into the Xmas Spirit (Forcefully)

Two months since my last post. Shambles. Utter shambles. My bad excuses are that I’ve been on holiday for two weeks, I’ve graduated from university, been working in temp jobs but honestly my lack of creativity has reached an all time low. I was just getting into the swing of creating more content. My notebook was packed with ideas. But having the motivation to craft was at a zero.

However, apart from my amazing trip to Colombia (still drafting that blog post), I haven’t been up to much. All my hobbies came to a halt when I started working. Dreadful, isn’t it? I don’t want that 9-5 life (more like 9-6) to consume me. I will never be that kind of gal. 

So I’m back with a blog post. Related to the current festive season. Call me a Grinch, but this will be the only Christmas post I will do. There will be no posts on gift guides because frankly I’m a last-minute and unorganised shopper. I do love Christmas. But it takes up to Christmas Eve-Eve for me to get excited. The month long celebration is draining. 

On a more merry note, I have been up to things that are fairly festive and it’s slightly getting me into the jolly mood. 

Kiehl’s Gives Back

My lovely great friend Salman brought me along to the Kiehl’s Christmas event. It was buzzing with bloggers in a gorgeous venue. I think the interiors were giving me more tingles than the prosecco.

We were so fortunate to be gifted some products too. I’m a lover of Kiehl’s. It’s the only skincare brand I use at the moment. And now that they have a limited edition 'holiday collection' designed by Kate Moross, this is the perfect chance to hop onto the Kiehl’s train. Their products are simple and truly work. A little bit of product goes a long way. I’d advise you to go in and talk to their skin care advisors. They begin every converstation with “Tell me a bit about your skin” and you can ramble and rant all you want because they are like skin therapists. They’re there to help. 

Oxford Street and Covent Garden

It’s a must-go for every Londoner. You can’t miss out on seeing the West End Christmas lights. Every year it gets prettier and sparklier. Even for a Scrooge like me, when I look up, I get a fuzzy feeling and say “aw, it’s Christmas,” then all the troubles drift away whilst I sip a hot chocolate and treat myself to an early Christmas present. 

I won’t be doing my Christmas shopping here though. Nahhhh. The amount of shoppers is mental. Everyone is walking slowly. Or stopping promptly in front of you to take a picture of a store front. “Excuse me, you’re blocking the door, because I actually want to go in... and erm... shop!” The busiest makes my armpits sweaty and turns my skin green... Grinch Kara comes back. 

I’d suggest, what my mum and I do every year, is to come down here for dinner. Don’t do any shopping because that’ll give you anxiety. Head down here only to enjoy some comfort food.

Paxton & Whitfield 

On the talk of comfort food. What’s more homely and wintery than cheese and wine? I was so lucky to have been invited to Paxton & Whitfield on Jeremyn Street, Mayfair. I’ve always wanted to pay a visit, but I was hesitant to shop there as I’m nowhere near to call myself cheese conisseuer, “what cheese could I get that tastes like a good slice of cheddar but is more adventurous than cheddar?” I'd imagine the staff rolling their eyes and saying "who's next?!"

At the bloggers evening, I realised that it’s not that kind of place. The staff were so friendly and super helpful. If you have an idea of a taste that you fancy or a meal you’d like the cheese to accompany, they have a extensive list of delightful choices.

When I arrived I was greeted with a large glass of red wine (my glass was never empty) and two pots of fondue slowly melting in the corner of the store. I’ve tried fondue before, but it was definitely not as rich and smooth as this one. I’m super tempted to do this for Christmas this year. Maybe on Christmas Eve? Instead of waiting for Santa to come, I could dip chucks of crusty bread bits in a gorgeous creamy cheesy fondue. Is your stomach rumbling now? Mine is.

Below the photographs I have attached the ingredients and method to Paxton & Whitfield’s ideal fondue. I loved the texture of the first one, but was obsessed with the taste of the second.

After the fondue we had the chance of tasting 8 different types of cheese, a selection of a British and European artisan cheeses. I tasted flavours I never thought of such as a blue cheese with crushed cacao pieces. FYI cheese and chocolate, very weird but definitely worth a try! I had better versions of the cheeses I’m used to, the cheddar Montgomery was drier and more flavoursome than your normal supermarket cheddar. That had to be my favourite one!

It was such a fun evening and I thought trying out different types of cheeses would be a fun present to give for Christmas. Paxton & Whitfield have an array of sets with cheese, crackers and alcoholic treats.

 OK, I’m not doing a gift guide this year, but this is a pretty straightforward one. Scroll down to have a look at the gift sets they offer and head straight to the their online store! It’s one of those gifts you could give to your boyfriend/girlfriend’s family to show off that you're a classy and thoughtful one!

But if you’ve already given your loved one a cheese making kit last year, how about gifting them an opportunity to get a Level 1 in Cheese Training with The Academy of Cheese! This is a unique gift for someone who wants to try something new for 2018. Imagine writing on your CV you're in the process of becoming a cheese expert!

I haven’t been up to much lately. The Christmas shopping will begin tomorrow! It’s pretty delayed because I wanted to spend more of my weekends with my family. It's my first time in 4 years spending the whole of December at home. Normally I'm up in Coventry, dealing with deadlines and the stress of uni work masks the festive feeling. So this year, I just want it to be as relaxed as possible.

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 Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe

serves 4

Ingredients

600g                 Rindless Cheese – grated

                        (Gruyere Reserve, Comte Jeune and Allgau Emmental)

1                      Garlic Clove – cut in half

300ml                Dry White Wine

1 tbsp               Lemon Juice

1½ tbsp            Cornflour

Ground Pepper to taste

Method

• Rub the inside of a saucepan with the garlic clove and discard.
• Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer over a medium heat.
• Place the cheese into a bowl and toss in the cornflour.
• Add the cheese to the saucepan a handful at a time, stirring continuously until smooth. Continue adding the cheese until it is all melted.
• A few bubbles are fine but never let it boil.
• Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and keep warm with the burner.
• Serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

• Crusty bread, Raw vegetables, Sausage, Grilled chicken, Cured meats, Cornichons, Pickles.

Etiquette and Terminology

• Allowing ones tongue to touch the dipping fork is thought of as rude.
• Refrain from using any fork other than your own.
• No “double dipping” - After a dipped morsel has been tasted, it should never be returned to the pot. In Swiss tradition, if a nugget of bread is lost in the cheese by a man, he buys a bottle of wine for the host, and if such a thing happens to befall a woman, she kisses the man on her left.
• The fondue bowl is called a Caquelon.
• The thin crust of cheese at the bottom of the Caquelon is called la religieuse and is shared by those who succeed in the etiquette. 

 

Modern British Fondue Recipe

serves 4

Ingredients

600g                 Rindless Cheese – grated

                        (Lincolnshire Poacher, Mayfield, Ogleshield)

1                      Garlic Clove – cut in half

300ml                Dry English Cider

1 tbsp               Lemon Juice

1½ tbsp            Cornflour

Ground Pepper to taste

Method

• Rub the inside of a saucepan with the garlic clove and discard.
• Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer over a medium heat.
• Place the cheese into a bowl and toss in the cornflour.
• Add the cheese to the saucepan a handful at a time, stirring continuously until smooth. Continue adding the cheese until it is all melted.
• A few bubbles are fine but never let it boil.
• Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and keep warm with the burner.
• Serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

• Crusty bread, Raw vegetables, Sausage, Grilled chicken, Cured meats, Cornichons, Pickles.

Etiquette and Terminology

• Allowing ones tongue to touch the dipping fork is thought of as rude.
• Refrain from using any fork other than your own.
• No “double dipping” - After a dipped morsel has been tasted, it should never be returned to the pot. In Swiss tradition, if a nugget of bread is lost in the cheese by a man, he buys a bottle of wine for the host, and if such a thing happens to befall a woman, she kisses the man on her left.
• The fondue bowl is called a Caquelon.
• The thin crust of cheese at the bottom of the Caquelon is called la religieuse and is shared by those who succeed in the etiquette.  

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