Thursday, 20 December 2012

Christmas tree cutting

So, today we cut our Christmas tree. Cameron climbed up and took the top out of what was once a Christmas tree itself, which has grown to be about a 40 footer! Cam took the top 15 feet off the top, and I stood as supervision. It is so rainy and gross outside. POO.


Some Jammy dodgers I made a few days ago

Tree before...
....Now with a hefty gap.

Our poor neglected play set. 



Monday, 17 December 2012

New Years Resolution

I know it's a tad early, but I've made my resolution; Bake once a week.
Back in 2011, my resolution was similar but more vague; Bake More. I loved this, and so did my lucky friends. A few examples....






So now, for 2013, I've made a list of 52 recipes. I've tried to challenge myself with things and techniques I've never done before. I hope that this will allow me to establish some good recipes to play around with and adapt.

The list includes Chocolate and Raspberry brûlée, Lemon Meringue Pie, Ginger Florentines... beautiful things. I'm just going to have to run more!

And all this is in aid of..... My future career. Yes, I am training to be an architect right now, but I have been thinking about a little bakery for a LONG time. I would love nothing more than to live doing something I love. So I've half made the decision to set up a bakery after I finish my degree, instead of pursuing architecture forever.

I am encouraged by my friend Lilly, who set up a brilliant launderette with her sisters. They seemed to have fun doing it too!


Sunday, 9 December 2012

Stockholm Photos

I got my film back from the processors!!! YES!!! I think I used a 400??  B&W film. Never been so nervous to pick up a developed film!

Took photos of the prints on another camera - I apologise for this; the prints are better in real life! Also - sorry for the bad White Balance on a few!









Mum's prezzies!

Money is a little tight, so I made my mum some pretty things this year.

A crocheted twisted headband

A little bit of fun...

and a pic of her flowers on the front of a card.

Friday, 30 November 2012

Cakes and Models

So, I've got back into baking this last week, and here are some things I made earlier (excuse crap phone camera skills!)
Victoria Sponge with beautiful Farm Shop
 'Plum and Mulled Wine' jam.

Little model

Cupcake mould working a treat on a birthday cake

The top all iced ' with a cherry on top'

She was very happy with her surprise birthday!


It's been a fun week. For architectural fun times see architectureandi.blogspot.co.uk and for my recent running and fitness adventures check out Every Day is a Good Day when you Run

Ciao Belle!!

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Creativity


This was emailed to me from my mum - I have no idea of the source!

The Six Enemies of Greatness (and Happiness)These six factors can erode the grandest of plans and the noblest of intentions. They can turn visionaries into paper-pushers and wide-eyed dreamers into shivering, weeping balls of regret. Beware!

 1) Availability
We often settle for what’s available, and what’s available isn’t always great. “Because it was there,” is an okay reason to climb a mountain, but not a very good reason to take a job or a free sample at the supermarket.
And sadly, we'll never know everything.
 2) Ignorance
If we don’t know how to make something great, we simply won’t. If we don’t know that greatness is possible, we won’t bother attempting it. All too often, we literally do not know any better than good enough.
 3) Committees
Nothing destroys a good idea faster than a mandatory consensus. The lowest common denominator is never a high standard.
 4Comfort
Why pursue greatness when you’ve already got 324 channels and a recliner? Pass the dip and forget about your grand designs.
5) Momentum
If you’ve been doing what you’re doing for years and it’s not-so-great, you are in a rut. Many people refer to these ruts as careers.
6) Passivity
There’s a difference between being agreeable and agreeing to everything. Trust the little internal voice that tells you, “this is a bad idea.”

Monday, 5 November 2012

Feathers and Bleach

I got back from Stockholm Saturday night, and have spent a couple of days at my home with my family. 
It's been great. We had a mustache dinner last night and I painted some feathers on my wall this morning instead of doing the work for my deadline tomorrow... ooops! 





Cannot remember if I uploaded this before?
Bleached fabric and recon.