A Royal Affair - Victoria Sponge

The whole of the UK, (and most of the world) especially London is preparing for the much anticipated Royal Wedding of William and Kate (this Friday) and in spirit of the upcoming event I decided to show you my Victoria Sponge Cake recipe!
So if your planning any parties, get-togethers or celebrations of any kind this coming weekend, try presenting your guests with one of these - an all time traditional British favourite!

Ingredients:

• 200g self raising flour
• 200g caster sugar
• 200g butter/marg
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Double cream (whipped)
• Philadelphia or any soft cream cheese
• Jam
• Icing sugar (for on top)

Method:

• Set oven to Gas Mark 4 (or equivalent)
• Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
• Slowly alternate with adding the beaten eggs and flour
• Fold the ingredients together - getting plenty of air into the mixture
• Add the vanilla extract
• Separate into two cake tins and bake on Gas Mark 4 for 25-30mins
• Keep your eye on the sponge to make sure it doesn't burn!
• It will be ready when golden and springy to the touch

*Tip - if your cake tins are on different shelves in the oven, one will be ready at least 5 mins before the other

• Whip the double cream until the same texture as the cream cheese. 
• You need two-parts cream to one-part Philadelphia (measure on your liking of cream!)
• When sponges are completely cool, spread over a layer of jam on one sponge
• Keep the jam away from the edges, it will spread out when you pop the top cake on (as you can see, mine leaked out all over the sides!)
• Gently blob (ahem) the cream on top of the jam, this too will spread so be careful
• Place the top sponge on to the other and gently press down a little
• Dust over some icing sugar to finish.

 c'est fini!

Mine turned out so lovely and springy I was very proud! I used my Mum's home-made jam and I find Philadelphia gives the cream filling that summer fresh appeal, and makes it not too heavy on the stomach.

Let me know if you decide to give this a go!

x

Happy Easter, Happy Eating!

It's Easter Sunday! And that calls for Easter buns!

This recipe is the same as my Vanilla Chocolate Cupcakes apart from I made them plain vanilla sponge and topped with drizzled dark chocolate and Mini Eggs...

I suggest popping them in the fridge for an hour so the chocolate can set.

They went down a treat with my family and I am now official cupcake maker of the household. (I'm rubbish at biscuits) but I might try a big cake soon!

Hope your all enjoying your Easter Sunday! I'm working later on and not looking forward to a mad rush, Sundays are usually the grave yard shift. 

Not long now until I'll be jetting off on my jollies! Stocking up on last minute needed items and still panicking about this and that. This is the first plane journey I will have taken without supervision from the parents or more responsible adults present. And me being me, I'm trying to do everything and be the most organized traveller possible. Luckily my older brother is with me, but half the time were both as useless as each other!

x

In a Week...

Reading in the Sun / Myself / Driving down country lanes / Pine cones / Reflections / Squirrel Bush Sculpture / Flamingos / Rooftop Duck / Baby Duck /  New Lace White Shoes

I'm posting my In A Week... early this week due to Easter Sunday's post being special in its own right....

Heavy picture based post this week, it seems like I've taken more photos in this one week than all year! 

On Tuesday me and the parents took a trip to Martin Meer Wild Fowl and Wetlands Trust and saw all sorts of water birds, baby ducklings and even a few otters munching fresh prawns. 

It was nice to go on a day trip with them, it reminded me of when I was little. And I always enjoy a car journey in the sun. I think road trips are my favourite form of transport over trains, buses, boats and even planes - any day. Probably because I link trains and buses with school/college/uni and car journeys with holidays and new places. 

Wednesday we took a trip into Manchester City Centre, I had a hospital appointment but afterwards we ate huge chocolate brownies in Whitworth Art Gallery and pondered over all the photography books in the gift shop for ages. I decided against buying any as I can get the same for cheaper on Amazon, but did request my mum buys me a Build Your Own Pinhole Camera and other bits and bobs for my birthday!

Speaking of which, my pop up flash diffuser arrived today! I've not given it a proper test run but so far it seems to make a big difference - and for so cheap too!

On Thursday evening a few friends and myself went walkies with Titan (6month old Chihuahua) to the lake. I've never had a dog so it was quite a novelty to walk him on his lead. He's still a baby so does crazy things like strutting off into oncoming traffic and (almost) falling down grass verges. 

Friday = Pub Fridays. Nothing new there. Wasn't a late one, just a quiet night at our local. 

Apart from all that I've just been chilling outside in the sun, reading, drinking tea, admiring my new white lace pumps (Primark £6.00)

I was a bit naughty yesterday and paid an awful lot of money for a new mineral foundation. More money than I have ever spent on make-up before so I hope its worth it! I'll let you know when it arrives!

x

Modifications Here and There

If you've been following me for a while you'll realise I've changed a few things on my blog....

First of all I have pages! Yey for pages! I need to desperately edit my Who Am I? page as its a bit pathetic at the moment and I also want to take some new photos of me - ones where I actually look half decent!

My 20 before 20 page is fairly new.... and is basically a set of 20 goals I'd like to achieve before my birthday, just silly things that I want to get out of my system or make sure I accomplish before dropping the 'teen' word from my age!

Finally a contact page... for the obvious.

My 'Currently' section is still around. And no I've not forgotten about it. I update it every so often, I am unfortunately still reading the same book and not succeeding very well with my book challenge.
I've been far too up-and-go recently and my 'quiet time' is spent on the internet until I fall asleep at my desk.

I've also added a few picture links to the side bar, where you can find a complete collection of all my 'In a Week...' posts! I think this will be fantastic to look back on in a few years time and see what I was doing week by week.
There's also a link to all the outfit posts I have ever done. I'll warn you, there's not many, but I do plan on posting more outfits and outfits-of-the-day/night for you all.
There's a new link to my photography website - and a Flickr Photostream gadget which I'm not sure on yet.
I only signed up to Flickr the other day and don't know how much use I will get out of it but we'll see.

I like to keep the layout of my blog fairly neat and not too busy. So hopefully I'm hitting the nail on the head here.
You've probably noticed I don't use AdSense and I don't put ads on my blog. I'm not sure if this is something I may consider in the future, but right now I like things the way they are.

Also a quick huge thank you so any new followers (...and the old ones for sticking around!) I'm really enjoying using my blog at the moment, and hopefully will keep coming up with new interesting posts.
But if you have any suggestions I'd loved to hear them....you can leave a comment or contact me through email.

x

Life as a Gap Year Student...

image from weheartit.com

I don't know how it is over the border but here in the UK - between College and University many 18 year olds choose to embark on a year 'out' before carrying on their education. Gap Years also occur during University years, or even after University before getting a 'real' job in the 'real world'.

Ok, so you could say I've not gone for the traditional Gap Year activities. I'm not travelling the world, saving pandas from extinction or walking with lions in Africa. I'm not building schools or mud huts for the less fortunate and I'm not riding elephants in India. My backpack is firmly in my wardrobe collecting dust.

I was in fact, not planning on having a Gap Year at all.

I love education and being in that environment. I hate the thought of having a 9-5 job and a mortgage. So when my Uni dreams came crashing down around me, and I found myself on a course I despised - the thought of no education terrified me. So I leaped on to my 2nd choice course (Photography) asap - which turns out is September 2011.
Leaving me with a good 10 months to do real world things!

I had no money saved up, no exciting plans and was lucky to have my part time job.

Instead I am trying my best to make this unexpected year really count....
I'm working 2 nights a week and saving as much as I can.
I'm gaining crucial work experience in a local photography studio.
I'm jetting off to the USA to see my sister and see a little more of the world.
I'm getting excited about starting fresh this September and I'm preparing myself for hard work.
I'm practising my photography skills as much as possible.
I'm blogging and enjoying having my own outlet to share thoughts/ideas/passions.

My Top Ten Tips for College Leavers:

• Choose your University wisely, think of location, reputation, course specifications.
• Choose your course wisely, do what you enjoy, do what's right for you not for your bank balance.
• Don't follow your friends, make your own way and your own decisions.
• Be prepared to make mistakes. Don't be afraid to admit to yourself/parents if you've made the wrong decision, moved too far from home, changed your mind.
• If your having second thoughts, act on them as soon as possible. Time is money. Really. 
• If you decide to take a Gap Year planning is important. Save money first - don't expect to arrange everything when everyone has started their degree, start planning while your still at college!
• If Uni is not for you and you want a 9-5 job earning money 5 days a week then go for it, Uni is not for everyone. 
• Don't let the fees/debt put you off if its something you really want. I know so many people who gave up on getting a degree because they were scared of the debt. 
• But on the other hand, don't be too liberal with your loan - its for your basic living not for your nights out! The more you save now the less you'll have to pay off in the end. 
• Be prepared to work harder than ever before!

Is anyone also having a Gap Year right now? Or planning one for the future? How are your University applications and plans going?

I'm going to be concentrating on doing my three years before I even think of taking another yearly break. I think if I save and scrimp throughout my degree I may choose to do that 'backpacking around Europe thing' that all the kids are raving about!

x

Ladies Night for Breast Cancer Research

Last night I headed down to my local, my workplace (and the best pub in town may I add) to support the Ladies Night in order of Breast Cancer Research. 

I work with these lovely ladies in the photos, I don't feature in any, I was selected paparazzi for the night!

The Body Shop, Ann Summers, TheBeespoke Jewellery, PartyLite Candles, Lucy's Cupcakes got in on the action to raise money. 

As well as all this we had manicures, pedicures, discounted beauty treatments, cocktails and free wine on entry! 

I bought  a cupcake, enjoyed my free glass of wine and pondered over all the stalls.... 

But I'm seriously low on cash at the moment and saving for an expensive holiday so apart from the cupcake I only bought a Breast Cancer Research Badge! (and my ticket of course)

The whole night seemed to be a huge hit and I've not heard the figure as of yet but I'm guessing we raised a lot of money for a great cause.... 

Well done girls!

x

In a Week...

Last night (Saturday) I was under the impression my Sunday morning to mid afternoon would be a lazy relaxing one. My parents had other ideas.
They're teachers and are currently on Easter Half Term, therefore trips out to do things such as walking and 'getting fresh air' are required. But it was a beautiful day and with prospect of photo-taking-opportunities on the horizon I donned my pumps and set off.

The pictures above were taken at Watergrove Reservoir, not far from where I live. We got quite close to a friendly sheep before I chickened out and left the poor thing alone before it took a sudden disliking to me.
I think I walked about 4 miles (hills and valleys!) and got home just in time for a 10 minute collapse before I had to get up and go to work.
Its safe to say I'm absolutely shattered now and only managing to blog whilst I watch The Only Way Is Essex.

Other goings on this week, 
1) Impromptu photo shoot in Alison's back garden on Tuesday see my blog post about it here
2) I saw Limitless on Wednesday - loved it, I like a good action/thriller film that's not all explosions and car chases.
3) Pub Fridays, see above with a Jacques Cider or is that Strongbow & Black?
4) Working at the Studio - editing and the likes. Very much enjoying it.

Think you can see I'm making the most of having my friend back before she disappears off to Leeds again! I'm also keeping up with my Water Challenge promises, today I drank two pints and yesterday I'd had three.
Right now I'm catching up on blogs, getting ready for bed and looking forward to another week...

x

The Water Challenge

Are you drinking enough?

Setting myself challenges or goals is something I do on a weekly basis. Succeeding is far less often. Every couple of months I think to myself - I must drink more water!

But I've seen for myself the benefits - my last 'water challenge' was to drink 2 large glasses everyday for one week (not including tea, fruit juice, etc) and in just one week I saw major improvements to my skin and energy levels.

My skin has been suffering again recently and with this in mind ...

I've decided to raise my game and drink 4 glasses (or 2 pints) of water everyday 

Most of us forget that we drink water in our tea or coffee everyday and seen as though I drink about 5 cups of tea a day - this brings my total up to 9 glasses of water (give or take)

But the results of drinking pure water - and staying hydrated with no added chemicals or caffeine getting in the way are quite different.

I've never had a problem with drinking water on its own. It's not the most exciting drink so when I get truly fed up I might swap for a mug of caffeine free Green Tea. With risking like sounding like a water snob, I do prefer bottled. It just tastes better! But I can make do with tap to save my bank balance.

So that's that. 

I'm going to keep you updated with how its going and perhaps keep a tally chart of each day to reveal in my In A Week... posts.
I dare anyone to join me and get skin healthy for the Summer! Wouldn't it be nice to leave the house wearing nothing but a little tinted moisturiser and mascara...?

x

My Top Ten Tanning Tips

Now the suns occasionally peeping from the clouds,
its time I gave my ghostly pale self a little colour.

I'm using St Moriz Dark at the moment and its perfect for creating a natural bronzed glow without being orange, or too dark. The pictures here show me applying one coat.
You can see the difference it makes! Two coats for me, would create that '2 weeks abroad' look.
But depending on your natural colouring depends on how dark the tan develops.

Also timing with St Moriz is important.
The bottle states leave for 4-6 hours.
Forget this.
Leave it on overnight, for at least 8 hours. Otherwise the shower will just wash away all of your hard work!

My Top Tips...

1. Exfoliate like mad the day before tanning.

2. Moisturise all over the day before.

3. Moisturise dry areas 30 minutes before.

4. Apply mousse tan with a tanning mitt but wear gloves underneath to avoid orange hands!

5. Deodorants or perfumes can have a strange effect on the tan, so can sweating - so keep still and cool whilst waiting for it to develop!

6. Use a make up sponge or powder puff to apply tan to toes and fingers.

7. Wipe palms of hands clean with a make up wipe and dry on a dark towel.

8. Use a small amount of tan on neck (bronzer can always be used to match neck to chest if needed)

9. Keep your tan looking lovely with a gradual tanning moisturiser everyday.

10. When washing hands in day-to-day life, wash further up past wrists to avoid tell tale 'tide marks'


I have to admit I'm rubbish at keeping on top of my tanning routine and will often just slap it on the night before a big day or important date and hope for the best. I'm also looking into finding a gradual facial tanner, so any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Does anyone have any useful tips of their own?

Local Girl

Yesterday evening the itch struck and I was determined to take portraits. Luckily I have a few willing friends who enjoy having their photo taken and my beautiful friend Alison (featured below) actually came up with the idea of a quick shoot in her back garden and bedroom. Yes, those are her orange and green walls! Aren't they amazing!

So I headed over there with my camera in tow and snapped away just before the sun disappeared. The outside shots are quite classic and a few maybe website worthy, but I had a bit of fun with the bright walls and geek glasses...
It's refreshing to edit things to a non-commercial standard and get a bit arty in Photoshop.

In other news you may have noticed a few new pages on my blog, the 20 things to do before 20 will be updated very soon so keep your eyes peeled! 

xx

In a Week...

Enjoy the weather everyone!? I've loved having a relaxed routine wardrobe and make-up wise...
I've been heading out in just high waist denim shorts, a white tee and sunglasses. Throwing a little more bronzer on than usual and having my hair in these natural waves! Even my nails are look very clean and fresh this week. I'm wearing Mac 'Hue' in the last image and I think it looks much better on a slightly tanned face than my usual ghostly self. Defo recommend it for the summer!

I spent Friday night out with friends at the pub, Saturday afternoon in the studio shooting and editing, Saturday night working and today working a Christening - kids galore! Absolutely shattered now, every muscle in my body aches...

...Going to relax with a large glass of Chardonnay and Mad Men tonight. Heaven!
Also having a listen to all the new music my bestie gave me on Friday night - Nicki Minaj, The Drums, Kanye West, Elbow, Robyn, Two Door Cinema Club and Ed Sheeran. Quite a mix!

How are you lovely readers spending your Sunday night?
x

Sweet April

Skirt - H&M £6.99

Shirt - Primark £10.00

Ring - Topshop £7.99

Belt - Primark £1.50

First of all, I apologise for the major creases in the skirt. I don't do ironing! And I'm only having a lazy day so it doesn't really matter.
I went shopping yesterday and managed to pick up this military style chiffon shirt from Primark in the colour 'Stone'. Perfect for the spring weather - lightweight and will go with anything.

I also spent ages looking for this skirt in H&M after seeing another customer walking around with one. I settled for a floral version made of a cheaper fabric but when queuing for the fitting rooms I spotted one in a size small on the 'discarded' rail and grabbed it! Glad I did as this one hangs much nicer than the floral one did. The colour in the store appeared very pinky but since bringing it home I'd say its more.. apricot, which makes me love it even more! Super comfy and can be worn with almost anything. Loving anything high waisted at the moment.
I wear this brown pleated waist belt with everything I know, it just adds something extra. Wearing this Topshop ring again but see my post on my Ring Box.

Really enjoyed shopping in sunny Manchester with one of my good friends yesterday. A trip to Nandos was undoubtedly necessary - had a huge craving for chips with Peri Peri salt!

Plans for the rest of the week include spending more time in this sunshine drinking Rose and spending time on the other side of the bar for once. Hoping to be in the studio this Saturday too helping out and of course I will be working - we have a Christening in the pub on Sunday and I get to work with two of my favourite girls so should be a nice shift.

Hope your all enjoying the weather, finally feel like I can whip out the spring/summer wardrobe and of course need to get into a tanning routine now... (See milk white legs above!)
xx

Muted Shades

These photos were taken of yesterdays outfit. It was my cousins 21st birthday so we had a bit of a family get together. I chose this Primark sleeveless blouse, Topshop Super Skinny Jeans and ASOS loafers. I also threw on a H&M camel blazer which I didn't photograph.
I tried out this polka dot style on my nails which is super easy and looks great with white dots on Models Own 'Nude Beige'.
My necklace is from Malaya Jewellery and I picked and customized it myself at The Clothes Show Live in Birmingham a few years ago. Its a tiny black and gold locket with a letter 'G' paired with a little cream rose and its one of my favourites.

My hair extensions are seeing the light of day once again. I've not worn them in a good 4 months so was nice to have slightly longer/thicker hair for the day. I'm aiming to get my own hair to this length!

Hope you all enjoyed the weekend and treating your Mum on Mother's Day. Us kids chipped in and bought Mum a mini selection hamper of Honeybuns cakes and cookies. My mum has a wheat intolerance and these are the best (and most expensive!) wheat-free cakes we have ever found. She can stock them up in the cupboard (or even freezer) and savour them for a few weeks until she runs out!

Other than that I've just been working this weekend and saving up lots. I've got a Manchester shopping trip planned for Wednesday and a list as long as my arm!

xx