I'm back!

Hi everyone, hope you are all well.

I'm back to the land of the internet and ready to finally sort out my poor little blog,  how neglected does it look?  I've not only been very busy,  I'm at college now studying Early Years and Childcare  fulltime.  Then my laptop died on me when I tried to take it back to factory settings, it was running really slow and I felt taking it back to how I received  it was my only option. Big mistake, it totally fried.  Ironically it was  exactly one year to the date of having a new mother board installed, weird or what?????  So twenty-one  days, new hard drive, DVD drive and strip cover (don't know what the third item is) later,  I'm back to the land of the internet.  Still trying to iron out a few niggles ,  sound card, downloading programmes and re-installing stuff from disc,  I can see where my October holiday is going to go, *sigh*.

Not too bothered about my October holiday being taken up with this though.  A spot of baking from my new book, *bliss*.

The Great British Bake Off

 I subtly hinted to Paul that I wanted this book for Christmas after seeing it for £10 in Tesco and lo and behold I was packing my rucksack for college one day and saw the top of a book that looked too thick and  I didn't recognize.  Thinking I had accidentally packed one of my knitting books to take to college,  I yanked it out and burst into tears when I recognized the cover.  Paul had only bought the book secretly and stashed it in my college bag as a surprise, how thoughtful is that?

Sorry I'm going off on a tangent:  I'm including a picture of the yummy Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry (just for you Ozzy =D ).

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry

So now I'm on holiday he's pressurizing me to make 'Paul's Iced Fingers' and  'Paul's Pork Pies'. 

Paul Hollywood's Iced Fingers

Told him if he mentions these again for the fortieth time I'm going to "hit him in the face with the book" , his reply in kind, "good job I bought you the book then, eh? "........ cheeky monkey.

What a week!

Thank Crunchy it's not just Friday but it's finally the weekend, what a week it's been.  I can't go into too much detail yet but let's just say it involved a trip to the Citizens Advice Bureau.  Never had to use their services before but I can tell you I will definitely be using them again in the future.  I left their offices full of confidence, I felt reassured and the biggest plus I have a contact who is more than willing to help me sort out my problems (yes plural).  I'm now able to sleep properly at night and eat a full meal without feeling I'm going to vomit everywhere.  More information to follow.

Baking

The Great British Bake off started..... ohhhh! A couple of weeks ago, I think.  Love this series,  the only drawback,  I want to bake  and bake.  Fine if you have a large family to feed but there's only Paul and the dog.  Does this stop me from messing up the kitchen with flour, eggs, sugar and what ever else I can fit in a bowl?  Not a chance, queue photos-

yummy cupcakes

Flower Cupcakes

Flower Cupcakes

Vanilla cupcakes decorated with green icing and sugar paste flowers.  I placed these into clear presentation bags and shared them with my family.  I couldn't have possibly eaten them all by myself.  Unlike the little treats below.

Strawberry Velvet Truffles

 These guys are so moreish and to be honest I didn't give very much away.  Yes I did eat more than my fair share and I'm not scared to admit it.  Lol!  Plus their a secret recipe, so I'm not going to share. Sorry!

Banana Loaf Mixture

Banana and Sultana Loaf

Brilliant recipe for using ripened bananas, easy and quick to make, very moist.  I have also substituted the raisins for sultanas (juicier) and I have also used chocolate buttons before too.  Loaf is very much a comfort food recipe, you know the type, shut the world out, put feet up with a tea/coffee in one hand and a huge slice/wedge in the other, bliss.

Chocolate Chip Muffins

And finally Chocolate Chip Muffins.  Sugar is added to the top of these before baking to give then a crunchier, crispier top.

Some Sewing

Margaret Sherry Cross Stitch

The Robin and the Mouse outline

A kiss

Christmas Card

 I don't know what has happened to my knitting mojo I haven't picked up the pins for weeks.  It seems to have flown straight out of the window, however cross stitch has appeared in it's place.  In the form of a freebie sewing kit by Margaret Sherry.  I was so obsessed with it that I managed to finish it in one day.  I only stopped for food  and toilet breaks and nothing much else.  Doesn't it look cute?  I've advised Paul if he wants to perhaps  buy me a small gift at anytime, then I would love another Margaret Sherry kit.  Don't think he was listening as I haven't received anything yet. Sigh!

Pyramid Bag Update


In my previous post I announced that I would be adding some new stock to my Folksy account.  After losing the battery to my camera and then the lead, I have now found both and stashed them in a safe place,  the update will now take place on Thursday evening (15/09/11) at 8pm GMT.