Happy New Year!

Another year over and a new one to begin. 

This is the time people look back and reflect on the events over the year which to me has flown by.  Wonder if this is to do with my age as they are flying past mighty quick, only 2 more years and I reach a milestone birthday! There will be no resolutions from me but a challenge for 2012 and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. 

As my blog is relatively new I cannot do a post of looking back of what has happened over 2011 instead I will leave you with a mosaic of some memorable times for me.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Lynetta Xx

Bargain Hunt!

I don't really do 'The Sales' as such but I love to go into town after the mad manic sale rush just to see if I can grab myself a bargain.  In previous years I have managed to buy some boots for £50 reduced from £140 and last year my Kenwood Chef from £369 to £140.  So you can see I love a bargain.  This year though I wasn't in need of anything in particular so just popped in on Tuesday to do a little rummaging. It was surprisingly quiet so spent a little time in John Lewis and Lakeland.  I managed to pick all the above up for £11!  I'm secretly in love with my wooden spoon, it has a little Russian Doll on the end and is now dedicated to baking use only.  Wonder what it's going to mix up?

My friend Sarah and I went to Ikea in Southampton yesterday for a mammoth shop. Did you know they now sell Cinnamon rolls in the freezer section?  No, neither did I.  I resisted buying a bag though as I've promised Jack to bake some this weekend and a promise is a promise.  I had such a lovely day, I love shopping with Sarah as we both love a good look about.  As usual I came back with stuff I didn't really need but just had to have, why does Ikea make you do this? I can't wait for the store to open in Reading as this may curb my expenditure when I go there as I'm sure I will only buy what I really need then (famous last words).

So back to today, I'm sorting out the spare room, it's a bit of a mess at the moment and needs a good sort out. At least now I've got Jack's old bookcase from his bedroom which gives me a little more storage space which is something I need. 

TTFN.

Lynetta Xx

A very quiet Christmas....

He came, he went and he left us with a few delightful presents.  It seems as though year after year our Christmas's are getting more and more grown up and very quiet, oh I do miss the magic of Christmas when you have to pretend but not having a young 'un anymore the sparkle seems to have gone <sniff sniff>.  Jack was pleased as punch to get his own laptop plus alot of clothing from Hollisters and I just love his Primarni Jumper he bought himself to wear (Noel Edmonds eat your heart out!). 

I too was a lucky girl even though we decided not too spend more than £80 on each other this year I was given something that I have been coverting for a few months (how Ian knew I will never know).  So meet Barbie........

and why am I calling this little bit of gadgetry Barbie - because she likes to come out to play with Ken (my Kenwood Chef Premier), seems only right to give her this name.  I am looking forward to giving her a thorough workout soon.  And.... and.... and.... I got these.....

a girl can never have too many cookbooks, or baking books if you look at my window sill.  I spent Christmas afternoon flicking from one recipe to another and oohing and aahhing of the wonderful treats I can now attempt to bake.  I've got something special planned and will let you know about that in another post. Along with other little gifts of chocolate moulds, smellies, slippers and a naughty over the budget present - Tickets to see Mrs Brown's Boys in June - I think I done pretty well.

Our Christmas was relaxing, fun and everything that I hoped it to be in addition to it being very quiet, but I am not complaining after all the rush rush rush of present buying and food shopping I think it's what was secretly wanted.  Ian cooked a wonderful Christmas dinner as usual, we went to mum's and exchanged presents and spent the evening chillaxing watching Dowton Abbey. Perfect.

I'm off to hit the sales to see what bargains I can grab before we go on our traditional trip to London with friends.

See you soon.

Lynetta Xx

Merry Christmas.................

Sleigh Bells ring, are you listening, in the snow that is glistening.

I'm ready and waiting!!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Lots of Love and Best Wishes

Lynetta

 Xx

Baking mad and the demise of Herman!

Yes, I've gone baking mad this week, it's been great not working the week of the run up to Christmas.  I was lucky enough to receive an extra birthday gift from my friend Sarah, a Mary Berry Spiced Christmas Cupcake kit.  Ready made kits are something that I don't really buy and I was really really surprised to see Mary Berry endorse one. I always thought being the queen of cakes telling us to bake from scratch and then finding this on the shelves a little contradictory, but then if Deliha can do it so can Mary!  On opening the kit I was happy to find the actual recipe so at least I will be able to create my own next year. 

They actually turned out quite well however I will be adding a little more spice and only use raisins next year. They went down a treat for Ian's work collegues as not only did he take 12 of these beauties but also whooppie pies and

vanilla cupcakes. 

Whenever he takes them into work I giggle to think of truck drivers sitting down with a cup of tea and a delicate cupcake. It really does make me giggle.

And now I hear you say, "What happened to Herman"?  Oh Herman was looked after for 10 days don't you worry, and I baked him and photographed him.....

then.......

tasted him.....

Yuk yuk yukity yuk!!! 

5 seconds in the mouth and I just knew this cake was not for me and I would never give anyone a slice if I did not like it so poor Herman went to the rightful missive place.....I love the concept of sharing the mixture and am really sad I was not able to eat him.  I will have to think of something else to share and pass on to my friends.

So the last couple of days have been filled with baking.  I'm all ready for Christmas, all presents wrapped and food purchased.  Just 2 more sleeps :-)

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells rock.

Lynetta Xx

His wish was my command......

After Jack's cheeky post-it note the other day I thought it was only right to replace the fruit with sweets.  I found this lovely felt basket in Claus Olsen yesterday and immediatley went to the FabricLand to purchase the black felt and buckle to make it more festive.  The basket is just the right size I was looking for and I love it.  I think I may add some white fluffy stuff around the bottom for next year though.  Nothing like thinking ahead :-)

Off to stir Herman - I'm nearly at the point of where I divide into 4 and send to friends.  Good job I declared tomorrow as baking day as he is going in the oven.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow Let it Snow :-)

Lynetta Xx

Deck the halls....

I love Christmas decorations, I have so many that I really need to thin them out a little before I put the wanted ones back up in the loft this year.  This year in John Lewis the decorations are superb as always, I get a lot of inspiration for my decorations from this store.  It was great to see they also chose a Nordic theme as I too decided to do a red and white theme for my table this year. (Spooky, the decorators are obviously on the same wave length as me).

I am so disorganised this year, I need to go into Readng today to get the presents for Ian, Mum and Dad!  3 hours of looking around trying to find the perfect present is not my idea of fun, I would prefer to be at home baking.

and my parting shot today is of my all time favourite decoration on the tree.

Happy Monday's

Lynetta Xx

Spreading good cheer!

Can one really say they love their Council?  A pleasant surprise when I went into Woodley (which is relatively cheap to park anyway) but it's nice to know Wokingham Borough Council is spreading the love at Christmas.

Rock around the Christmas Tree :-)

Lynetta Xx

He makes my day happy.......

Waking up to see this in the fruit bowl from Jack has certainly put the smile on my face today.  Thanks Jack, love your personality, wit and charm.  I suppose I better open one of the tins of sweets now it's nearly Christmas.

Have a great day everyone and enjoy whatever you maybe doing.

Jingle all the way.   Lynetta Xx

Meet Herman........

So who's Herman I hear you ask?  He is a Friendship cake that I was lucky enough to be given from a work collegue the other day.  For those who do not know what a Herman cake is it's the culinary equivalent of a chain letter. Someone gives you a jar of yeasty mix and a set of instructions on when to add sugar, flour and more importantly when to stir it. Ten days on, you divide the mixture into four, pass three jars onto friends and, with the rest, bake yourself a very yeasty and sugary but surprisingly tasty cake (so I am led to believe).

The name Herman is taken from the Amish sweet, cinnamon-flavoured bread and the cakes have their origins in the sourdough products made by the early American pioneers. I have been informed my Herman is at least 20 years old! There is no sell by date and the current Herman revival comes at a time when we are being encourage to waste less and to share more.  It seems a little strange to pass a cake around but then we would do share cuttings from plants so I am looking at my Herman as a little adventure and hoping that he may come back and visit me again (but then I suppose I could always keep a portion for myself and keep him with me).

I am currently on day 4 so off to give him his feed and stir and no doubt will be updating you on his lifes progress.
And for your interest you cannot actually see Herman at the moment, he's hiding inside that beautiful Mason and Cash bowl I was given last Christmas from Ian waiting to be fed and I also get a chance to use the Russian cups as the recipe only comes in cup sizes.  Oh Happy Day's.

Enjoy your weekend.

Lynetta Xx

Bottom butter!!

At last a Thought on Thursday!  I was very interested to read about a face cream that supposedly had the same ingredients as one of the leading expensive brands.  I was reading about it HERE. (article was from 3 years ago but I read about it on a blog a few months back). So last saturday I trotted off to my local Waitrose and got a little tub. I have been using it for a week, I cannot report if it is working and making my wrinkles less visible but it sure smells nice and is the perfect cream for my dry skin and in today's current economical climate I think I may save myself a few pennies too. So do you fancy jumping on the band wagon? 

Have a good day.

Lynetta Xx

Best Laid Plans.....

Oh Dear, I'm not very good at keeping up with this bloggin milarky am I?  Am I full of empty promises? Am I trying to do too much in one day?  Am I just plain silly? Who is to say I should be updating this blog every day and who is to say that I should be doing what I say I am going to do - no one, it's my blog and I'll party when I want too :-)

So quick update from me (so not too let myself down) .  My December daily is now looking like a December monthly so without further delay I'll report the Christmas decorations went up this weekend.  We re-decorated the front room/lounge (I say this with tongue in cheek as the Lounge is for when I want to be posh and front room when it's a casual thing) and removed the out of date fake fireplace so I had plently of decorations to play with.  I made this lovely arrangement to go on one of the side tables, the other one will have the sweeties on and I am currenlty thinking of a Santa pot for them to go into, will have to go and hunt something down.

I am rather pleased with the way it turned out considering it is made up with left over bits and pieces.

I also love this years decoration for Jack. 

We buy one every year and when he leaves home he will take all of them with him for his own tree.

And lastly a little Keep Calm...............

Nothing like a tin of Quality Street to share at Christmas.

TTFN

Lynetta Xx

So what do you want from Santa this year?  Decisions Decisions!

Pretty Witty Cupcakes...

I am such a very lucky girl.  My friend Sarah bought me a cupcake baking class at Pretty Witty Cupcakes for my birthday present (one of many may I add - naughty Sarah).  We spent the day learning how to make decorations then onto baking and making buttercream and finally how to use a piping bag.  I know I've done all these things before however it was great to learn how to do it professionally and picked up some really useful tips.  If you are looking for a great (and I mean fantastic light fluffy and moist great) vanilla cupcake visit the website and bake as instructed, they are the best I have ever made.

I even got to wear my apron that I made a few weeks back.  Rather posh and I love it :-) I was really taken with the material when I saw it in the shop and it just screamed at me to make an apron. Only problem was I didn't want to make it dirty but then along came Sarah who was working beside me and when adding her icing sugar turned the dialled the wrong way and booommmmmm it flew everwhere, we did laugh as it is normally me that would do something so silly. It was a great day and loved every minute of it.  Thanks Sarah. Xx

Lynetta

We're gonna party - like it's my Birthday :

It's my birthday.......yyyeeeaahhhhhhhhhh

48 years young today.  Just a quick post as I'm off to celebrate.

Laters....

Lynetta Xx

December daily.......Would you?

In 2009 I took part in posting a photo every day throughout December on my facebook account and in 2010 I tried something different and posted a Keep Calm and ..........(insert a quote here), much to the amusement of my friends.  It's also a sort of trend throughout the scrapping world to make a Journal Your Christmas scrapbook, for me it's too much hard work trying to get the book created and organised ready to roll with it on December 1st so I've never really took part but if anyone is interested look HERE. This is Shimelle who created and runs this fantastic event, please take a look so you can see her wonderful creations.   

This year I have my blog so I've decided to mix a bit of both, posting some photo's from 2009, some quotes from 2010 and where possible post some different photo's from 2011. 

So in honour of December 1st the photo is of the advent calendar I made for Ian from the 1st Christmas we celebrated together (15 years ago).  Jack inherited this on his 1st Christmas and even though he's 13 1/2 he still looks forward to counting down the days, not to mention the chocolates.  I hope I can start to get excited about Christmas, the last 2 years I have had something happen to dampen my spirits.  Last year it was flights being cancelled because of snow so I did not get to the German Market in Dusseldorf with my friend Sarah and the year before my boiler breaking down, come to think of it I believe they both happened on December 18th (note to self must ensure nothing untowards happens this year on this date).

I hope I can upload something everyday (time permitting) as I think it will be great to look back on and see what I was doing this year.

And my Keep Calm for today is........................

Happy Day's

Lynetta Xx

Where's the cherries?

Never one to miss a cooking programme I have been catching up with the CBBC children's series of The Junior Bake Off, an exciting series where 32 bakers take on the greatest baking battle of challenges where they bake cakes, biscuits, bread and pastries all competing to be crowned ‘Junior Bake Off’ Champion.  It was an inspiring series to watch and I felt really proud to see these kids happy in the kitchen.  This also gave me the urge to make one of my tea time favourites, Yorkshire Tea Cake.  I just love this cake and it really goes down well with a nice cuppa on a sunday afternoon watching some TV. I soaked my fruit the night before, went to the cupboard for the rest of the supplies and realised I did not have any cherries.  Off I trot to the big supermarket, all sold out! 2 other shops too.  Then I realised, it's 6 weeks before christmas and everyone is baking their Christmas Cake but come on, how can 3 big shops be out of cherries?  Oh well never mind this time around I will have to do without.  You'll find the recipe from the link over there on the right titled Successful Recipes. 

Autumn is nearly over, it may of started late but it's finishing right on time ready for the colder weather to set in. We have been spoiled so far with glorious 17 degree days with plently of sunshine.  I think the only 2 things I do not like about the cold weather is the threat of my boiler breaking down again and having to get up early on Saturday mornings to watch Jack play football (like most people I would prefer to stay in bed for the extra hour snuggled up) but I enjoy watching him and very proud of his sporting career.

Tomorrow my friend Sarah is coming around to do a spot of 'Stich and Bitch', I am looking forward to starting my retro apron, trying to adapt the pattern above with a little bit of one ,and a little bit of the other, ready for my treat in a weeks time for my birthday.  I am a lucky girl as Sarah has bought me a class with Pretty Witty Cakes, I am so looking forward to this and will let you all know all about it.

TTFN

Lynetta Xx

Plant a tree for Jubilee

Oh my, you can imagine my excitement whilst I was watching The One Show recently about planting a tree for Jubillee.  To celebrate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth ll's historic 2012 Diamond Jubilee, the Woodland Trust is helping millions of people across the UK to come together to plant 6 million trees. So off I went to investigate a little more and spent a little time reading about The Royal Record .  It is an incredicble record detailing all the tree planting undertaken by thousands of schools, parishes, organisations and homeowners in 1936/37, in gardens, parks and public spaces.  The names were recorded  of who and where the trees were planted then a book was printed and presented to King George VI.  This book has now been digitilised so everyone can have the opportunity of reading.  You can see more HERE 

As this exciting project is happening again for our present Queen and I thought to myself 'I want to be part of this', so I have made a pledge to plant a tree (size and variety to be decided but I am looking for something small or even to go in a pot) and I will definitley be Planting a Tree for Jubillee. Will You? - go on you know you want to.

I'll let you know what I've planted next year and just think The Queen will be presented with a book with my name in it.  Makes me happy :-)

See you soon, have a great weekend.

Lynetta

Palindromic

A palindrome is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction. I love to learn a new word and did not know what a palindromic number was until today.  So to document the event on 11/11/11 at 11:11am I was at work listening to the last post being performed by a pupil in the school hall along with 317 pupils for remberance of all those who have lost their lives in the battle of duty for our Empire.

Lynetta Xx

for the record the next palindromic number will be 12/12/12 at 12:12  wonder what I will be doing then but no doubt I will let you know.

Savoury Treats

I thought I would try something different in the baking department this week, something savoury but still a treat.  My inspiration came from Lorraine Pascale's home baking programme recently shown on TV, I kind of fell in love with these pancetta, cheese and mustard twists.  Scrummmmyyyyyy if I say so myself.  I think next time I will make them half the size as these were 10 inches long and all puffed up, but the boys loved them and commented that they were mansize, ha ha ha.  They didn't last very long I can tell you and will be giving them another go at Christmas (but only half the size, sorry boys).

Looking forward to my Bingo and Bhuna night at school tomorrow, eyes down look in.

TTFN

Lynetta Xx

51 days......

That's all it is until Christmas.  Oh my oh my,  I seem to be more disorganised this year than ever before.  I need to get myself into 1st gear and start making the lists.  Back in September I was hoping to get everything bought and wrapped by 15th December, so that's my Thought on Thursday for this week - ORGANISE.  The Quality Street and Roses are on the shelves, decorations are starting to be hung in the shops and Oxford Streets lights were switched on yesterday, and it's not even December!

Off to find pen and paper :-)

Lynetta Xx

Little things that cheer me up

Why is it that the little things really cheer me up?  I was lucky enough to stumble across this little project on t'internt a while ago and thought it was really lovely.  As I am a skin flint (or thrifty not too sure what you would describe me as!) I downloaded a font called Cross Stitch so I could get the pattern to try my hand at this little piece of homemade goodness.  I think it has turned out really well and was chuffed to finish it within a couple of hours, good going for me!  I'm a little undecided where to hang it, perhaps in my tent? or how about making it into a medalion for my new addition to the house Dave...........

Isn't he the most cutest adorable door stop you have ever seen, he puts a smile on my face everytime I walk through the door.  Jack named him Dave the Doorman, it's a tradition in the family to name any nik naks or fun items around the house, I'll introduce you to a few more at some point.

Two more lie in's before I go back to work after the half term break, roll on Christmas.

Have a great weekend. 

Lynetta Xx

The Great Bake Off!

At last! I was determined this morning when I woke up that I was going to use today as a baking day. It felt just right, do you know what I mean?  When you do things and they just don't go your way you know to stop and wait for the right moment another day, well today was my day :-)  Perfect result for my Lemon Drizzle cake.  The recipe was from a Marks and Spencers Baking book I had given to me at the end of term.  I think it is more of an american recipe as it uses sour cream and sunflower oil instead of butter and milk, but the result was perfect, a light bouncy and moist sponge with a lovely sweet, not tart, lemon syrup. Yum yum yum in my tum with a nice cup of tea.

Not to leave the boys out and as the cake took an hour to bake I took the opportunity to make some whoopie pies from my favourite cook book :-)  I have made these a few times and have never been dissappointed, neither have the boys.

do you think I over loaded with the marshmallow butter cream? oh well never mind they are going down a treat.  I feel happy today my baking was a success, more so than I can say for last week, sheesh you should of heard the language!!!

Have a good day

Lynetta Xx

WIP

Finally, one of the WIP (Works in Progress) finally finished.  This is my first attempt at patchwork, not perfect by any standard but I am chuffed to bits with it.  If you recognise the fabric it's from when I bought too much for my bunting back in the summer.  I still have so much left over and I'm continually thinking of ways to use it up. So to date I have made bunting, a cushion, peg bag and now the quilt.  I backed the quilt with a lovely £4 Primarni throw so it's lovely and snuggly and I will be using it for a lap blanket when camping.  Ohh I'm going to look all glam.

I'm now thinking of making a tea cosy but I really cannot start another project without finishing some of the WIP first, I'm a one for doing that, not too sure if it's boredom or that I take on too large of tasks to finish quickly but I've always been like it since a child. Speaking of which I found this photo of me at 15 (circa 1978) , yikes I do look young and innocent, ha ha ha. and check out the eye liner, used to take me ages to get it just right!

Well I'm off to make the tea and bake a cake (I've still not baked since my disaster and as I've committed with my Thought on Thursday I think I better get a move on) see you soon.

Lynetta

Disaster!!!!

Oh dear, nobody said it was easy.....I've just had my first disaster at baking since I started this hobby back last year.  I know we can all have the odd cake that doesn't rise or is not as tasty as it should be but I was a little deflated when my cake was not a happy cake when it came out of the oven. I tried to make a lemon drizzle cake but it just didn't do what it said it would do in the book.  No need to name and shame but suffice to say the recipe is not from one of the books in the photo.  So never to be defeated I will be trying another recipe from another book and keep fingers crossed all will rise to perfection.

So hold that thursday thought.....Bake :-)

I'll be back.

Lynetta



Thoughts on Thursday.......

Just an idea that fleeted through my brain whilst at work the other day I thought about doing a Thought on Thursday. I am going to post a word which will hopefully motivate me over the following week or month, whether this will be something to do, or reflect on or even have a rant about but as I love a routine I will try and keep it up to date either on a weekly or monthly basis.  So with this in mind my Thought for Thursday is BAKE.  I've not baked for a month or two and watching my most favourtie programme, The Great British Bake, the last 8 weeks has given me some new ideas and motivation to do some this weekend.  So what shall it be?  I'm fancying a tray bake of some sorts as I purchased another book and as yet not tried any of the recipes.  Perhaps I should do a Julia and Julia and work myself through one of the books, now that's an idea!  and just so you know I do bake, here is my favourite cake of all time:

a Victoria Sandwich with fresh cream and strawberries.  I'm a simple homely girl at heart and prefer the all round goodness of this cake. 

Anyone for a slice?

Lynetta

Up the 'ol Smoke!

Oh Yes I do....!!! My sister was down with a group of friends to see a show in the West End and with them having a free day on Saturday they invited me up to show them the sights.  I wasn't going to say no to this, any opportunity to go and walk around London and I'm there.  To me it's not all about the shopping but just walking around the streets, looking at the architecture and noticing something new everytime.

First port of call was Harrods.  I personally don't really like this shop, totally over-rated, pricey and commercial, and I liken it to a posh persons Marks and Spencers but as some of the girls wanted to visit and buy some Harrod's merchandise who was I to complain, well I am their guide for the day :-).  We spent about an hour and a half in here and just to prove my point not liking the store when I was taking the picture of the Jimmy Choo's the assistant bluntley told me to 'stop' in a large voice which then caught peoples attention.  I wanted to say something back but thought better of it and she promptly told me not to take photo's again!  In fear of being escorted out the store by the burley secruity guards I politley said I would not take anymore.  She then kindly gave permission for me to take a picture from outside of the Jimmy Choo area , ha ha ha, little did she know I have a good zoom on my camera. I was a little taken aback by her outburst as I always thought they employed more refined assistants, mmmmm perhaps their policy has changed!

From Harrods we headed towards Buckingham Palace walking through Green Park.  Such a shame it was a dreary day as most of my pictures have that grey sky and when most buildings in London are of a grey stone it really don't stand out well.  We took a little pit stop having a cup of tea and cake in St.James Park as we walked towards Admiralty Arch.  Whilst sitting on the bench we watched the children feed the squirrels. The little tinkers came and took the nuts straight out of the children's hands without a glimmer of fear but the kid's loved it laughing and squealing, it was such a lovely thing to see. 

So onwards and upwards, through Admiralty Arch, along Whitehall passing Downing Street and into Westminster and then alongside The London Eye, I was so glad no-one wanted to go on as the wait must of been about 2 hours long, then over The Millenium Bridge and into The Strand.

All this walking really does make you thirsty :-)  Pit Stop number 2 outside The Sherlock Holmes Pub for a nice cool beer and people watch.

Back on our feet again, pass Trafelgar Square and into Piccadilly Circus, up Regent Street and along Oxford Street for a little shopping.  Phewwwyyyyy, what a walk (will have to work out the distance) but I know it was appreciated as everyone thanked me for showing them the sights. 

So what did I buy?  Yip, some more fluff from Selfridges Food Hall, now that's my kind of shop.

Hope you enjoyed reading about my day. See you soon.

Lynetta

Indian Summer.....

in·di·an sum·merNoun

1. A period of unusually dry, warm weather occurring in late autumn.

 

Seems as though everyone is talking about the unexpected weather here in the UK so it only seemed right to document it here too.  The Met Office has recorded the hottest October since records began going from a cool 15^Oc  to a sweltering 27^Oc  within two days.  We thought about going down to the coast for the last minute grab it while you can visit but that's what every man and his dog would be doing so we decided to stay at home and tidy up the garden, do a bit of guttering and window cleaning and get the outside of the house ready for winter. So that's a job jobbed as I say. Tick that one off the list because by the weekend it's going to be back to normal temperatures.

TTFN

Lynetta