Hi Everyone,
This weeks blog is a mixture of things I hope you will enjoy reading about.
Shall we start with Chocolate?
This weeks blog is a mixture of things I hope you will enjoy reading about.
Shall we start with Chocolate?
COOKING
I bought the new magazine ‘Something Sweet’ first issue
price is 99p but will normally be £2.99.
It is published weekly and claims “to make you learn how to create delicious confectionery. Each week, the
inspiring new collection brings you step-by-step guides, tempting recipes and
expert tips for creating professional-looking chocolates, impressive mini cakes
and delicious sweet treats to share with your family and friends.”
If you subscribe, you get lots of great gifts, and access to your ‘Something Sweet’ editions online!
Issue 1 comes with a heart mould, gold foils and FREE
gift box. All I had to do was buy the
chocolate and hoped it all worked out fine.
Full instructions on how to make them are in the magazine
but here are some of my photos.
I had lots of melted chocolate left over, so decided to make
‘chocolate bark’ which was also featured in the magazine. I poured the chocolate over some baking
parchment in a shallow dish and then crushed up a Crunchie bar and sprinkled it
over the top with some piped caramel.
You can use white chocolate too or do a layer of each. Toppings can include marshmallows, smarties,
freeze dried strawberries and nuts.
Issue 2 has a free sugar mice mould, truffle gift box and
gold mini cupcake cases. It’s good to do
with your kids or just fun for yourself.
The magazine isn’t too expensive either so why not pick up a copy and
start creating now.
READING
I am reading the book 'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green. This has also been made into a film which will be released in June 2014. Link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582846/
The is a book about a
young teenage girl called Hazel, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and attends a cancer
support group.
Hazel is 16 and is reluctant to go to the support
group, but she soon realises that it was a good idea. She meets a young boy
named Augustus Waters, whom she finds charming and witty. Augustus has had osteosarcoma. which is a rare form of bone cancer, but has recently had the all clear.
Hazel and Augustus embark on a roller coaster ride
of emotions, including love, sadness and romance, while searching for the
author of their favourite book.
They travel to Amsterdam in search of Peter Van
Houten the author of An Imperial Affliction. While on their trip Augustus
breaks some heartbreaking news to Hazel and both of their worlds fall apart
around them.
I am half way through and really enjoying it.
TV
Has anyone been watching the US drama series, 'HOSTAGES', shown on Channel 4, Saturdays at 9pm.
If you haven't catch up on 4od http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hostages/4od
Starring Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding) and Dylan McDermott (Miracle on 34th Street). It's about a family caught up in the middle of a political conspiracy that will change their lives forever.
Dr.
Ellen Sanders, a premiere surgeon, is thrust into a chilling political
conspiracy when her family is taken hostage by rogue FBI Agent Duncan Carlisle.
Ellen and her family are held captive in their home by Carlisle, a desperate
man doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, who orders her to assassinate
the President when she operates on him. His highly skilled accomplices include
his brother-in-law Kramer, whose loyalty to Carlisle will be tested;
quick-tempered and intimidating Archer, an ex-military man with a razor-sharp
tongue; and the only woman involved, Sandrine, a mysterious last-minute
replacement to the team. With her family's life in peril, Ellen faces an
incomprehensible moral dilemma in order to save her overbearing husband Brian,
her secretive daughter Morgan and her not-so-innocent son Jake. In this
high-stakes standoff between Ellen and Carlisle, fraught with tremendous
national and personal consequences, the choices between right and wrong become
even more blurred.
The 3rd episode just aired and I am addicted, there are 15 episodes in total.
CANDLE
This week I have been burning the 'Camomile Tea' Yankee Candle. Its description on buying was:
"The wonderfully soothing aroma of camomile and honey steeped with tea leaves and a touch of citrus zest.
Kisses
Jane ♡
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song
- Chinese Proverb
CANDLE
This week I have been burning the 'Camomile Tea' Yankee Candle. Its description on buying was:
"The wonderfully soothing aroma of camomile and honey steeped with tea leaves and a touch of citrus zest.
The traditional design of our signature classic jar candle reflects a warm, relaxed sense of style that's always at home. Convenient and easy to use, our medium jar candle provides 65 to 90 hours of true fragrance enjoyment."
Hate to say it but I was disappointed. The first Yankee Candle I have not liked. While in my living room, snuggled on the sofa with blanket, glass of wine and anticipating a relaxing aroma which alas never came. It did however, smell like I was sitting with my nose in a cup of black tea! Just the aroma of tea is all I could smell. Not one I would recommend.
WINE
This week in Sainsbury's I found a yummy white wine, Torres Vina Sol, which is also on offer at the moment 2 bottles for £10.00, usually priced at £6.69 a bottle.
It has a fresh fruity aroma with hints of apple & pineapple with zingy lemony notes.
Viña Sol was first made in 1962 when the Torres family set out to make a more refreshing, vibrant and aromatic white wine, which I think they have achieved. Very more-ish!
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Friday 31st January 2014 is the Year of the Horse according to Chinese zodiac.
Horse: Born in 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918
The year of the horse means there is leadership associated with this sign this year, so your authority may increase, according to Ng. However, the impulsive behaviour of the horse can lead to recklessness, so stay away from gambling and speculations.
Work: Those in positions of authority will do well, but chancy businesses, like the stock market, are a bad idea.
Wealth: Don't expect to make a lot money, and value the income you have.
Relationships: There won't be a lot of excitement in your love life, and if you are engaged, you might want to delay your marriage until next year.
Health: Watch your health this year — you'll get tired and can catch bugs easily. Make exercise and rest a priority.
The year of the horse means there is leadership associated with this sign this year, so your authority may increase, according to Ng. However, the impulsive behaviour of the horse can lead to recklessness, so stay away from gambling and speculations.
Work: Those in positions of authority will do well, but chancy businesses, like the stock market, are a bad idea.
Wealth: Don't expect to make a lot money, and value the income you have.
Relationships: There won't be a lot of excitement in your love life, and if you are engaged, you might want to delay your marriage until next year.
Health: Watch your health this year — you'll get tired and can catch bugs easily. Make exercise and rest a priority.
EVENT
Some Chinese New Year festivities take place on Sunday 2 February in
central London, taking in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury
Avenue.
The event will start with a parade along Charing Cross Road and
Shaftesbury Avenue starting at around 10am. The main stage in Trafalgar Square
will feature visiting artists from China. There will also be lion teams
circulating around Chinatown, local artists performing on a stage at the end of
Dean Street and traditional food and craft stalls.
For more information, please click on the following Link:
Have a lovely weekend, don't drink too much Saki or over do the Chinese food, (who am I kidding, I know I will be).
See you next week and remember to check out Ellie's blog on Sunday.
Jane ♡
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