Let them eat cake

Posted on October 9, 2016 by myeye1

I went to a cake show in London this weekend with my sister and niece. I’m not much of a baker but I wanted to see all the creative designs that would be on show, and eat some delicious cake of course. And I can honestly say that I wasn’t disappointed! There were some amazing cakes, as well as other seriously delicious looking treats that were enough to make my mouth water.

On arrival we were greeted with the huge, happy face of Roald Dahl’s BFG made entirely of sugar, with great colour and detail.

There were cooking classes going on with famous tv chefs as well as general sessions to help create treats from well known brands, We didn’t join any of these sessions, preferring to take a look around the stalls. There was almost everything you could think of related to desserts on offer; from cake embellishments and tools, to edible buys like cupcakes, macaroons, meringues and pastries.

I thought some of the cakes on display were great and you could see a lot of time and effort went into making them. Available were kits and tips on how to make and decorate them as well as demonstrations. The biscuit Eiffel Tower was impressive as was the level of detail that seemed to go into some of the sugar craft pieces.

As we wandered we tried some samples and brought some tasty goodies, trying not to get carried away and buying one of everything. We also boarded a red double decker bus set out for afternoon tea.

There was also a cake and cupcake competition that the public could vote for so we walked the aisles wowed by the entries. The theme was myths, legends and fairy tales and there were some great creations. I think my favourites were the Frog Prince, the pretty peacock cupcakes and Disney cake.

After spending most of the afternoon and too much money we headed home with delicious goods, dead batteries and weary but happy smiles. It was a great show and there was something for everyone, avid bakers or not.

Hanging on

Posted on October 5, 2016 by myeye1

I find ivy fascinating, it seems to grow so fast and it latches onto every nook and cranny that it can find, spreading its decorative leaves and vines far and wide. It looks pretty and can add a natural touch to a home, until it starts to feel like its taking over that is.

Ramsgate, Kent

Posted on October 2, 2016 by myeye1

I’ve really wanted to go to the coast this Summer; I find that being by the sea relaxes and refreshes me and as we had a few hot days ahead I thought I’d take my chance. I decided on going to Ramsgate in Kent as it had a sandy beach instead of pebbly and I was curious as to what else was in the area as I’d never been before. On the day it turned out to be the hottest day of the year which made for an amazing, bright view.

On arrival I came across yachts and other boats in the harbour, sitting in the sparkling blue sea.

Nearby was the Maritime Museum, which housed lots of artifacts from the area as well as objects from World War Two. I wanted to go down into the well known Ramsgate war tunnels but unfortunately they were closed for the day.

I had some lunch (chips, and an ice slushi obviously) then headed to the beach. The view really was beautiful and calming, and blues like the sea, endless.

After paddling in the cold water and watching the waves for a while I brushed off the sand and headed back to the train station. On route I came across some colourful artwork.

I also passed a computer games museum which was closed, but walked around the courtyard of a church and a park which had these creative wood statues.

It was a really hot, sunny and relaxing day out and although there wasn’t loads to do, it was enough for a day trip. And the coast as always was soothing for my heart and soul as well as my eyes. It gave me time to think and to just switch off, and on the train home I visualised the beautiful sky and sea, hoping it isn’t too long before I see such a view again.

Hewitts Farm

Posted on September 21, 2016 by myeye1

As we head into late summer here in the UK my family and I went down to Hewitts ‘pick your own’ farm in Kent. I haven’t been for a number of years but its a trip we made every summer when my siblings and I were kids. There are rows and rows of apple and plum trees, and acres of various vegetables. Back then there was also a tractor with haybales to tow you around from one end of the farm to the other.

This time there were several vegetables and fruits ripe and ready to be picked.

A trip to the farm usually means lots of walking, bending and stretching which can be exhausting but taking in the view and clean air as you go is just what you need. Also what could be more rewarding than being able to sample what you picked yourself, which we did and really enjoyed.

Steampunk kaleidoscopes

Posted on September 8, 2016 by myeye1

On my recent wander around London I came across Piccadilly Market. I don’t normally go to this part of London, so I decided to have a look around. There were lots of unique things to look at and buy, from hand crafted pop up cards and precious gems to pocket watches and stamps. What really captured my attention though were the steampunk kaleidoscopes. I’ve always loved kaleidoscopes, the lovely colours and the endless patterns that emerge from so simple an idea using mirrors, reflections and beads.

As I loved them so much I couldn’t walk away without buying one. I decided on a keyring version as I felt it was a more sensible size, plus I could have a peek whenever I felt like.

And just to give you an idea here’s some (blurry, sorry) shots of what I can see through the tiny eye hole.

The kaleidoscopes keyring is a nice addition to my set of keys and I’m glad I came across it so unexpectedly.

London Olympic Anniversary Games 2016

Posted on July 30, 2016 by myeye1

The London Olympics in 2012 was fantastic, I didn’t get any tickets for events but I was lucky enough to go to the Opening Ceremony rehearsal which was held 2 days prior to the official opening ceremony of the Games and was a chance for organisers and performers to do a complete rehearsal in costumes and do full light shows and music. It was absolutely brilliant and definitely one the best events I have ever been to. As the Olympics have come around again this year, London held an Anniversary Games where top athletes were able to compete and a give you a taste for what they would have to offer before they head off to Rio, Brazil. I was able to get tickets for this and was really looking forward to it.

I was lucky to get great seats near the start and finish points of races as well as near the high jumpers, javelin throwers and long jumpers. We were also lucky enough to see sporting superstars Jessica Ennis and Usain Bolt among others, and they were fantastic.

Seeing exciting races combined with good weather created an electric atmosphere and I had a great evening which I thoroughly enjoyed with good friends.

Delicious Eid party

Posted on July 19, 2016 by myeye1

At the end of Ramadan we celebrate with a festival called Eid-al-Fitr with family, friends, good food and gifts. Evey year my sister, as an extension of this celebration, throws a Eid party for her friends. This year guests were asked to bring a dish with them for the party; whether it was a starter, main or dessert, my contribution being chocolate dipped strawberries.

Guests brought with them an array of foods from different cultures and tastes that we all shared and enjoyed. With the addition of pretty outfits and accessories I can say that we all had a great time.

Shades of blue

Posted on July 14, 2016 by myeye1

I find this flower really interesting, from it’s jagged edged, pale blue petals to the deep blue filaments in the centre. I haven’t seen this flower before and it’s unusual shape and colour really caught my eye.

Canterbury

Posted on July 9, 2016 by myeye1

I recently went to Canterbury in Kent for a short day out. I wasn’t able to see everything that makes Canterbury famous but I did see lots that make it a go to for literary fans.

The streams were picturesque with the long grasses growing on the beds, swaying along with the gentle movements of the water. They reminded me of paint strokes made on a canvas, using varying shades of green and yellow.

I also came across Westgate Gardens which is close to Westgate, a medieval gate (now a museum). This too had a beautiful stream which I enjoyed walking alongside to, whilst others enjoyed a gentle, relaxing boat ride on. There were lots of flowers to admire on the way on what was a nice, sunny afternoon.

I hope to go back one day and visit the famous cathedral and maybe have a boat ride but for now these pictures serve as a nice memory of a summer’s day out in a pretty town that really does have an ‘old English’ feel to it.

Check The Label

Posted on May 20, 2016 by myeye1

Ramadan is fast approaching and in preparation many muslims buy dates that are traditionally used to open fasts at sunrise. A campaign which starts today and that I have been aware of and have supported for some time now, is one run by Friends of Al-Aqsa who remind us that when buying dates we should check the label to see where the dates come from, to ensure that we are not buying dates grown in illegal settlements such as West Bank or Jordan Valley. To do so would further oppress the Palestinian people who’s land has been stolen.

So those that are buying dates in the coming weeks please remember to #Checkthelabel.

Nelson Mandela “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians”.

For more information see here

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