love those cupcakes

Happy weekend

Thought for the day:

                     There aren't enough days in the weekend

                                                                         (Roy Schmidt)

Or in other words, so much to do, so little time.  I mean, it's Saturday afternoon already.  There is the bonus of an extra hour when the clocks go back, so I must make sure I don't waste that!  There will be no time for cupcake making this weekend.  And even if there was I couldn't bake as we are currently sans oven.  Well, sans everything really as the kitchen is in the process of being completely remodelled. But more of that another time.  So I'll leave you with some of the 150 cupcakes I made a few weeks ago to celebrate a christening.  Yes, you did read that right.  ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY!

 

   

Every picture tells a story

These are a few photographs taken during a recent holiday staying at our house in Spain.

  

Those abandoned sandals were a bit worrying but I think/hope they'd just been left behind rather than being a vital clue in a more sinister story.

   

If at first you don't succeed.....This poor beetle was trying desperately to get his haul up the wall.  Didn't like to point out it would have been quicker to go round it.

 

You see, it's all a bit droopy/heading south and I can't afford a facelift (and yes, if I had the money I'd elbow my way to the front of the queue) so I thought I'd give Eva's workout regime a try.  I did the  exercises for improving "the facial contour" (not recommended for public places, by the way, unless you enjoy being stared at and possibly punched) every day and followed the instructions to improve the  circulation to my face (involves a fair bit of slapping, tapping and stroking) to the letter.  I can honestly say that, at the end of the 10 day holiday, I looked not one jot better/younger/tauter.  Oh well, maybe my expectations were a tad unrealistic. After all, would an ordinary workout have given me a significantly younger looking body in 10 days?  I think not.  So, I'll keep at it and let you know what happens in the longer term.  Fingers crossed. But sitting up straight. Eva says so.

Giveaway winner

This is just a quick post to say thanks to everyone who took part in the draw for my blog birthday giveaway.  As the Gorgeous Girlie was home this weekend, I asked her to select the winner. She randomly chose number 7 and so the goodie bag goes to:

   jellybelly*jellybrain

 

New books

I love buyng cook books (actually, books generally) and these are my two latest purchases.  I guess it was only a matter of time before Nigella brought out a Christmas book and, even though it isn't specifically aimed at vegetarians (my all-time favourite Christmas cook book is this one), there are enough meat free  recipes in here to tempt me.

I haven't properly read through it yet but I am partial to a good syllabub and this is one of the recipes which caught my eye.

 

The other book is one I'm sure I'll need after trying Nigella's calorie laden festive fare.

           

If not before!

Belated birthday and giveaway

Love Those Cupcakes is a year old. (Cue the birthday song).  Well, over a year old now. I missed the actual birthday with all that's been going on recentlly so this is a belated celebration. 

I've had a great time learning the bloggers' ropes (still am) as I set out 12 months ago to share, well, stuff.  Along the way I've connected with so many people and found myself irresistably drawn into the ups and, for some, downs of their lives.    It's been a fascinating experience with some unexpected impacts (I mean, apart from spending hours on end at the computer).  For instance, I bought a camera which now accompanies me everywhere (more or less).  I read more widely, based on the recommendations of people whose opinions I've come to value.   I find myself trying to knit and sew instead of just slumping in front of the TV after work.  I've tried new recipes which have now become family favourites.  I've discovered  new places where I can buy from very talented people.   I've found myself  laughing out loud whilst reading hilarious posts and at other times have been reduced to tears by emotional outpourings.  I've been entertained.  I've been inspired.  I've been welcomed.  And blogging is now part of what I do. 

But a birthday wouldn't be a birthday without presents so, to celebrate in the way bloggers do, I'm giving away a goody bag.

I've included a gorgeous cupcake themed handmade apron from here, a cupcake book and cake cases, paper napkins, doilies, a Cath Kidston tea towel, a little bag of cake decorations,  a set of note cards (made by yours truly), a Laura Ashley "home sweet home" embroidered sign and a Cath Kidston shopping bag from Tesco.   

So, all you need to do now is leave me a comment on this post.  As I'm going to be away in Spain for a little while, I'll leave it open until Sunday, October 19th when I'll randomly choose the recipient.

In the pink

I was reminded when reading Liesl's recent post how much I admire the work of Jeff Koons. 

 

A particular favourite is this magnificent metal balloon dog which I was fortunate to get up close and personal with during a stay in Venice in the depths of February last year.  I love it!

All ears

                                    

I've spent the last three days focused on using my ears.  Listening.  To a lot of people with a lot to say.  At the end of the three days I was exhausted, even though I'd been mostly just sitting, trying to concentrate on what people wanted me to hear and understand.  And I realised that listening, really listening, isn't easy. 

We're so adept at doing several things at once that it's become second nature to only half-listen. How often do you find yourself occupied in a task - maybe in the kitchen, at the computer, in the office - or you're engrossed in a TV programme or book and someone - a child, a spouse, a parent -  starts talking to you?  You don't give them your full attention and only half hear what's being said.  How many times do you mutter agreement, only to have to ask "What did you just say?"  Have you continued doing something whilst someone talks to you on the phone?  And do you ever half listen because you're actually thinking about what you're going to say once the other person eventually shuts up?   I 'm guilty of all of these.  Yet we all have a need to be heard.  And be properly listened to. 

So, I'm aiming to get better at using my ears and really listening.  Because....

 "The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen.Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.  (Rachel Naomi Remen)

And, after all,

"Your ears will never get you in trouble".  (Frank Tyger)