The Nica Holiday Shop: Riviera Style

Nautical stripes and Breton brights are always a massive story when it comes to summer, and especially when the Cannes Film Festival hits town! There's no denying that we've certainly been inspired at Nica HQ when choosing our daily everyday outfits.  

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So, if like us, you’re ready to embrace that Riviera trend once again, then you have to check out our holiday shop to discover our latest summer trends and must haves.

Nautical Stripes

It’s difficult to channel that true Riviera vibe without adopting a stripe or two, and our Lukatote does just that. Finished with a pair or robust rope handles and a cheeky lemon hang-tag, it’s got holiday essential written all over it.

Our printed canvas tote is really well made with St Tropez good looks. There’s even plenty of room for all of your summer essentials from your beach towel right down to your sun lotion. 

Beach Ready Raffia

Nothing quite says summer like raffia so our Nikki tote makes the ultimate holiday companion. Perfect for strolling around the shops and dabbling in a spot of sightseeing during the day, or switch to the mini version as you hit the bars or enjoy some evening al fresco dining. 

Floral Prints 

We know that florals for summer aren’t exactly ground breaking but there’s really no better of a season to embrace a bit of print. All of our prints are of course uniquely designed by our head designer Nica Kim, and our Isla tote is amongst our favourites from the current collection.

Available in beautiful snakeskin soft berrie or directional monochrome mix, it’s ideal for the beach, the terrace and everywhere in between! 

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Now all’s that’s left to do is grab an ice cream and hit the beach with your chosen new arm candy. Which trends will you be opting for this summer? Tweet us @Nica_Handbags as we’d love to know. 

Plan your Bank Holiday Weekend with Nica

Thanks to all of the cheeky long bank holiday weekends, May is fast becoming one of our favourite months! For those of you who are still yet to make some fun plans, then check out our tips that are perfect for all budgets. 

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Shoe String

Weather permitting, grab your friends and hit the park for a picnic! Nothing meets sharing your favourite snacks with good company, and if you’re looking for something more memorable opt for a themed picnic. Here at Nica HQ, we’re obsessed with clean eating, so we’ll be hitting the park whilst giving our friends strict instructions to bring along their favourite Vegan dishes. It’s a fun way to add a little healthy eating into your diets whilst discovering a new recipe or two! 

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Treat Yourself

If for you a bank holiday calls for packing up your oven mitts whilst somebody else does the hard work, then why not hit a food festival? It’s more of an experience than simply dining at another restaurant and there are plenty to choose from nationwide. If like us you’re London based, then the ultimate FoodiesFestival is taking place at Alexander Park from Saturday 23^rd until Monday 25^th May. There’ll be masterclasses, talks and tastings galore featuring chefs such as Aldo Zilli!  

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Lavish

For those of you who don’t mind tapping into your savings and evoking upon a cheeky Euro getaway over the long Bank Holiday Weekends, then there’s no better of a time to hit the French Riviera then when the Cannes film festival hits town.

Sample some iconic French cuisine, indulge in the luxurious boutiques and do a bit of star spotting… You never know who you’ll see at this time of the year!

Where are you taking your #NicaHandbags this weekend? Tweet us @Nica_Handbags as we’d love to hear! 

#NicaBakes: Natural Cacao Nutty Brownies

We love donning our baking mitts at Nica HQ and testing out a new recipe, and all the more so when we’re creating a sweet treat that’s healthier than a slab of Death by Chocolate yet just as delicious!

So, armed with some of our favourite ingredients we hit the kitchen to test out some yummy cacao nutty brownies, and of course we wanted to share our delicious recipe with you.

Dry Ingredients

3/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup cacao powder
1 level tsp baking powder

 

Wet Ingredients

4 eggs
3 tbsp (depending upon your taste) agave nectar /or/ raw honey /or/ pure golden syrup
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 melted bar 85% dark chocolate (we love @greenandblacks)
1/2 cup crushed nuts – Opt for mixed nuts or cashews which are a great substitute for  'white choc chip’ chunks.

*250 ml water

Ingredients for the Frosting
1 very ripe whipped Banana 

1/2 cup coconut cream
1/4 melted bar dark chocolate 

Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with fresh blackberries and crushed nuts

Directions:

- Pre-heat oven to gas mark 5 and pop the cake tin into oven.

- Mix together all of the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

- Separately mix wet ingredients *except water.

- Judge the consistency, it should be fairly thick so mix in a little bit of water at a time  

  until the mixture is able to run without being too watery.

- Combine wet and dry ingredients, making sure all are folded in together.

- Spoon into a cake tin (If you use a rubber one, there’s no need for greasing but a 

  traditional tin will probably need some grease proof paper).

- Make sure the cake mix is evenly spread and pop into the oven for 20 mins at gas 

  mark 5. (Check to see if it’s ready by pricking the middle with a knife, if the knife  

  comes out smooth without any mixture then set aside and leave to cool).

- Prepare frosting by whipping the ripe banana and mixing with half a cup of coconut
  cream and 1/4 of the melted bar of dark chocolate.

- Once cool, frost the brownie with frosting mix, and then top with blackberries and
  crushed nuts.

- Cut into brownie sized pieces and tuck in!

Et Voilà! A sweet treat that’s not even naughty as they’re created from natural ingredients. Why not try them out for yourselves? Or share your own great clean baking pics with us @nicahandbags on Instagram. 

Weekend Must Visits

It’s been a busy week in the UK, not only have we welcomed a new member of the royal family but we’re now also caught up in the furore of the general elections. It seems like you just can’t turn anywhere without being asked who you’re going to vote for.

We’re all now in need of some non-election centric fun, so why not embrace the post-political comedown this weekend by checking out our pick of the most fun upcoming events?

Rumble in the Jumble

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Organised by Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney and other leading women in the music industry, this London based event is back for its fourth year. Head over to The Oval Space on  Saturday 9^th May from 12 to 6pm where your favourite style icons such as Alexa Chung, Laura Bailey and Daisy Lowe have all donated some of their old stylish cast-offs! 

That’s right, they’re offering you the chance to rummage through celebrities’ unwanted clothing with proceeds being donated to a worthy cause. We’ll see you there!

London Pet Show

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For those of you who love our furry friends, then the London Pet Show at the Excel Centre is an absolute must! Running from 9 – 10^th May, the fair is a perfect chance to fulfil your live rabbit show jumping dreams or check out the doggy dancing competition. Plus, if you’re thinking about buying a pet of your very own, there will be several experts on hand to ask all of your questions to.

Camden Street Art Tour 

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If you’re into your street art, then there’s not many better locations to hit than Camden, and you can be sure to find the very best of the local graffiti by booking yourself onto a tour. Meeting right outside of the underground station, tickets cost £15 and last around two hours. It’s the alternative way to go for a summer stroll.

Are you heading to any alternative events soon? Why not share your tips with us by tagging us @nica_handbags on Twitter!