Cakes for the Boys!

Last week I made cupcakes for the boys at work.

I like to make for them as it gives me

the opportunity to do the baking I enjoy without the temptation of having loads of yummy cakes in the house.

It also means they are my guinea pigs and so get whatever I fancy making! (although they usually beg for carrot cake cupcakes or banana cupcakes!)
I wanted to try Peggy Porchen’s strawberry frosting recipe so that's what they got this time!

I made up some basic vanilla cupcakes and half a batch of the frosting (a whole recipe frosts 24 cupcakes).
It tasted good but came out a little runny despite adding more sugar (I think that might have something to do with me going a bit heavy on the jam though!)

If you want to make it (correctly!) the recipe is:

200g full fat soft cheese (room temperature)

100g soft unsalted butter

600g sieved icing sugar

tbsp strawberry jam

Put cream cheese, butter and icing sugar in a large bowl and slowly mix together until light and fluffy.

add a tablespoon of strawberry jam and a drop of pink food colouring.

I topped them off with mini marshmallows to complement the soft pink of the frosting and also because the thought of taking such feminine looking cakes into my, all male, colleagues made me chuckle!
The reports were good, but I'm going to try it with (the correct quantities of!) lemon curd next time!

I also relented and ordered a copy of 'Cake Chic' after having a flick through it in Waterstones. I can't wait for it to arrive, I sooooo want to make the french fancies!!!

I will of course share with my bloggy pals :)

Off now to plough on with the de clutter, the end is in sight!!!!!

Lots of Love

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Unexpected Gifts

As much as I love giving gifts, it's always lovely to receive an unexpected present, especially when the person who gives it to you has got it so very right!

Look at these lovely tins I received as a thank you present from my friend Jackie.

Aren't they great? I just love them! They have pride of place in my kitchen.

Jackie and Mum had been on a trip to Van Hague garden centre and brought them back for me. Mum bought me these brilliant matching magnets too!

What lovely gifts, and so very 'me'!

Just wondering how long I can resist before I just have to make a trip there myself!

Maybe with Christmas just around the corner I can use the old Christmas shopping cover to go ogle over all the pretties (and maybe, just maybe, treat myself!)

Lots of Love

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A Busy Weekend

I've been a busy girl this weekend, lots of sorting, clearing and many black sacks later I still have loads to do in what has become phase 2 of the massive declutter!

The house didn't even look bad but I have become more and more ruthless as I have gone on, nothing is safe!!!!!

I have not really had the time to post but have taken a bit of time out in the evenings to keep up to date with all your goings on!

Normal service should resume shortly!

Lots of Love

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Kiddie Swap Reveal

You may remember me telling you all about the Kiddie Halloween Swap that my Cousin Marcus and I took part in? This fun swap was hosted by the lovely Denise at Polka Dot Moon and what a fabulous job she did!

I must thank her for partnering Marcus and I with Mallory and her fab Mum Sherry.

Marcus was over the moon with the package he received ( I have used Sherry's picture because he put everything in the bag and wouldn't let go long enough for me to get a decent photo!)

Sherry and Mallory sent Marcus an absolutely brilliant WWE tote bag (perfect for a wrestling obsessed 8 year old!).

He was so impressed when I told him that Sherry had made it just for him.

The next sound I heard was 'WOW dead bodies!' as he pulled the funny skeletons out of their wrapping! The package also contained lots of sweets, crayons and Halloween toys, all of which he inspected and loved.

I had to prize the fake teeth out of his mouth so I could get him off to school in time!

Here is a picture of him and his beloved bag!

We sent Mallory a Halloween themed craft package as Sherry said she enjoyed all types of crafting. There was a kit to make a felt decoration, stickers, papers, gift bags, cards, ribbons, brads, pens, erasers and loads of other stuff to craft away to her hearts content! We also included an activity book with loads of ideas not just for Halloween but to keep her occupied all year round!

We also sent some clackers (some of you probably remember these from the first time round?) which Marcus brought back from Italy especially for Mallory. There was a pair of Halloween tights and lots of sweets (we put in plenty so Mallory could share with her brothers!)

We had such fun putting together this package. I just love a swap :)

PHEW!

Off now to read today's gossip :)

Lots of Love

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The Perfect Gift

Today is my friend Kaleigh's birthday!
She was very impressed when I took up knitting again and wanted some lessons straight away!
I was very impressed at what a diligent student she was, concentrating very hard, tongue poking out, she made a pretty flower! Well done Kaleigh!!!
Imagine how pleased I was to see this fantastic knitting set in Cath Kidston, of course I had to buy it for her birthday! The set includes 3 balls of double knit yarn, needles and instructions in a funky, retro, flower case. Its perfect for a beginner and little girls of all ages ha ha! Unfortunately this doesn't appear on the website so if you wanted one you would have to try in store (I got this one at Convent Garden)
I hope she likes it!

Maybe she will make something for 'The Big Knit'! Joe at Josie Mary has organised an virtual knitting group to take part in this event. It is for a really good cause (read all about it here) and there are patterns that will suit every knitting ability level so no excuses ladies!! If you would like to join in click here to link to Joe's post where you can get all the relevant information.
I'll certainly be joining in!

That's all from me tonight, I'm off to blog hop!

Lots of Love


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A New Toy

I bought myself a new toy last week!

This John Lewis mini sewing machine, what a great colour!

Today I got it out the box for the first time and I love it!

My Nan was a seamstress and taught me how to use a sewing machine as a child.
I Inherited her treasured vintage Singer, (complete with table and chair!) but really wanted to refresh myself with something a little more modern.
having not touched a machine in years, I thought this would be perfect to play with!

I've also been doing some secret crafting for my swap with Beki and Jess. I'm very pleased with myself but you will have to wait to see what I've been up to!

Lots of Love

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The Lace Lady

There's a new girl in blogland!

My friend Connie!

I've been telling her what lovely, friendly people you all are!

Pop over and meet her at her blog The Lace Lady

I'm sure you will all make her very welcome!

Lots of Love

And The Winner Is...........

LissyLou - LissyLou And The 2 Little Boys!

Congratulations!!!!

You have won your very own copy of ‘The Goddess Experience’ by Giselle Scanlan.

E mail me your address and I'll have it winging it's way to you in no time!

I really enjoyed doing this giveaway and have some more planned! Watch this space!

Lots of Love

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Lots to Celebrate!

Today I have lots of special wishes to send out. To my wonderful family
First I want to say Happy Anniversary to my Parents who have been married for 35 years today. (and been together 40 years! WOW!)

Congratulations Mum and Dad!

I also have to say Happy 29th Birthday to my ‘little’ Brother. We have always been close and I am lucky enough to call him friend as well as brother.

Happy birthday Lee!

One more! My lovely brother shares his birthday with his best friend and Victoria’s Brother Robert.

Happy birthday Rob!

With a couple of later entries for the 'goddess' givaway I have decided to give until midnight for anyone that wants to enter a final chance!

Winner revealed tomorrow :), Are you excited?

Lots of Love

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Cupcake Anyone?

I bought myself a copy of the Sainsbury’s Magazine today.
I was totally sucked in by the front cover, boasting a ‘cupcake masterclass’.
I’m so glad I did! I was greeted with 7 pages of beautiful images, recipes and tips for baking, frosting and decorating really professional looking cupcakes.

When I managed to drag myself away from the cakes I realised this mag is a brilliant read! There are heaps of recipes, beauty tips, DIY tips, and home and garden ideas inside. Well worth the £1.40 it cost!

The cake Article is written by Peggy Porschen, who I am ashamed to say I had never heard of.

A quick google search later I was left completely amazed by her gorgeous creations. Here are just a few that made me swoon!

CK style, don't you think?

Love the bright colours!

Aren’t they fabulous?

This talented lady has 3 cake decorating books on the market (the wish list grows!) I think this one is going to be my first purchase. (I am of course totally judging the book by it's cover,!)

If any of you lovely ladies has this book already I would be grateful to hear your opinions (as always!)

There is a special offer in the magazine to get 'Cake Chic' at a discount price too, so really I'd be saving money by buying it wouldn't I? :)
I have been neglecting the baking recently (mainly because I don’t want to be tempted!) but the article and fabulous images have inspired me to have a crack as soon as I get the time.

The boys at work will be pleased!

Same place tomorrow, when the winner of the giveaway Will be revealed. You still have a chance to enter just leave a comment here

Lots of Love

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Hummingbird Treats for Me!!!!

I had a very sweet surprise at work yesterday when my lovely Mum called to say she was standing outside the Hummingbird Bakery.

Not only was she there, she had bought some cupcakes for Me, Victoria and Victoria’s Mum too! And look what was waiting for me when I got home!

YUM!!!!

I’m so Lucky!!!

Don’t forget my giveaway, only 4 more days to go till someone wins a copy of ‘The Goddess Experience’ by Giselle Scanlan. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here!

Lot of Love

Halloween Swap

The deadline for the Halloween Kiddie swap is upon me! (well yesterday!)
Another great idea from Denise at Polka Dot Moon and with 24 participants she really had her work cut out partnering all of the children up!

She did well! Marcus and I are delighted to have been partnered with Sherry and Mallory (can you believe this talented little girl even has her own fantastic blog!)
We had great fun finding and making our package, we even had a sleepover on Sunday to finish it all off!

This little lot is on it's way to Mallory, we hope she likes it!

We are also preparing for another Halloween swap with the fabulous Beki and her lovely daughter Jess, who was disappointed she missed out on Denise's Kiddie swap.
We decided to do a mini swap between ourselves so Jess didn't miss out on the fun! (and saw an opportunity to do a cheeky adult Halloween swap at the same time!)
Looking forward to it Beki!

Lots of Love

I Love Apples!

Black ones of course! I know I'm behind the rest of you in acquiring one of Emily Martin's Little lovelies but I just love her so much I had to share her with you.

Isn't she pretty?

I chose the 'birdsnest girl' because of the beautiful pale colours (and she's a Blondie like me!)
I'm so pleased with her, she will look lovely in my craft room.
Emily's fantastic artwork is available in her Etsy shop check it out here.

Lots of Love

Calling All Goddesses!

Have you all seen the fabulous book 'The Goddess Guide' by Gisele Scanlon?
If not I recommend you get hold of a copy! It's brilliant, easy to read , has heavenly pictures and the hardback edition has a lovely touchy flock cover.
I have had it for many years after Victoria (always in the lead when it comes to finding lovelies!) lent me her copy.
It truly is a beautiful book, mine is always handy!
there are beautifully written pieces about what you should have in your make-up bag to tackle every problem; how to sell your clothes on eBay; the dos and don'ts of shoes according to Christian Louboutin; the best way to get value out of that little black dress; plucking the neatest eyebrows; getting extra legroom when booking a flight; planning a divine date; booking a hotel with the comfiest bed; entertaining with champagne; looking after cashmere; de-cluttering your home; buying jeans to lengthen your legs and finding gifts for the trickiest people.

I have just added the follow on book 'The Goddess Experience' to my collection which is more of the same fabulousness!

I picked up an extra copy just for one lucky, bloggy friend so leave a comment on this post by the 14th of September and it could be yours :)

Be lucky!

Lots of Love



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Brilliant BHS!

I'm loving the new Padstow range from BHS, the colours are great and who can resist a red heart?.
I really have no need for any more china or kitchen accessories, (unfortunately!) however, I did fall head over heels for the fabric 'HOME' letters (like the 'LOVE' pictured)

I couldn't get hold of them anywhere and was beginning to think they were just teasing me but I got lucky at Lakeside tonight and got the last set in the world (well it seemed like it!)
I'm sure I could have made some but it really became a matter of principle!
So now they are mine (yay!), not sure where to hang them now :)

Lots of Love

Thank You Michela x

Thank you to my lovely friend Michela for presenting me with my second award how kind and very exciting!

"This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I usually follow rules but I can't possibly choose just five of you to give this to as I find you all charming! So I'm going to rebel and present this to all of my bloggy friends, you are all very special xxx

Lots of Love