Monica down at Enchanticals Perfumes loves all things Wonderland, and I must admit, I kind of share this passion. So, I am really excited to review another perfume from her ‘Go Ask Alice’ collection, and of course, it is none other than Alice’s Wandering Flamingos. Before I get started, I really want to talk about the label. I really love Enchanticals Perfume, and I think that presentation wise, the vials I have from Enchanticals are the best presented vials I have. I mean, she creates these labels herself, and they truly are awesome!

I am expecting a very fun fragrance, full of cheeky fruit. Obviously, the scent will have a pink way about it.

With a lively top notes of subtle ripe strawberries, juicy pears, and violets, followed by jasmine, vanilla, some woody low notes and some secret ingredients, this may transport you straight into the Queens garden.

I am so glad this is a fruity scent, because I have been knocked out by the flu, and I am only just getting my sense of smell back. Do you know how hard it has been, wearing perfume and not smelling it? It was horrible. In the vial, it is all fruit. As clear as day, I am getting the strawberry and pear notes, alongside the fresh floral note of violet. This is a spring / summer fragrance I think, because it is so fresh and lively! On my wrists, I get that same fruity punch of strawberries and pears followed by those sweet purple floral. But, there is another floral that surfaces alongside the violets, and that scent is sweet, sweet jasmine. I really love this so much. After I have let the scent mingle with my skin chemistry, the scent seems to take on a Vanilla custard like smell – which I was surprised by. I have had scents turn soapy or powdery, but custardy? Oh god, this scent is fantastic.

You know, I love this scent,  because it is so whimsical. Fruity, floral and custardy, this scent is so yummy that it is hard to refrain from licking my wrists. Try this scent, and try it now. Seriously.

My Father is a man of simple taste. When I make cookies, I like to load them with nuts and seeds; which drives him nuts!! So I recently made him a batch of cookies which were beautifully milky and buttery without the added ‘fancy-pants’ as my dad would say!

Incredible as it may seem… there’s are 4 ingredients. Butter, sugar, flour and the magic ingredient? Sweetened condensed milk! I will admit that I just can’t help myself when it comes to flair so I added white chocolate chips and shone vanilla bean

These would keep rather well In a tight container…. I don’t really know to be honest because they usually get devoured right off the cooling rack! I suppose I should explain the name… My Husband affectionately refers to my father as the Kingfisher… A sweet mix of family name and handsome, colourful bird…

I’ve decided to start a new segment (because who doesn’t like segments?) called ‘Sip Tricks’
It’s just little tips on how to spruce up your drinks.
I’ll probably start a food one called ‘Brilliant Bites’, oh yeah, digging that alliteration. =]

Anyway, today’s ‘Sip Trick’ focuses on hot chocolate, specifically the spicy kind.

Prepare your Hot Chocolate
Add a dash of Vanilla
Sprinkling of Cayenne Pepper
Chuck in some Cinnamon
Stir it up

Voila!  A spicy hot chocolate!

Optional (For adults):

Add half a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream and half a shot of Butterscotch Schnapps just for kicks (I promise, it’ll taste divine)

Enjoy!

I hope you liked this ‘Sip Trick’.  =]
A.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months as we both danced around the connection. “Can I get you anything to drink please Darius?” one moment and then quickly skirting out the room when alone with him the next. A teasing flirt followed by dropping my eyes to the floor and biting my lip I fought hard against allowing him inside me. I wanted him, badly, but then I didn’t. Darius came at a time I thought I would have found men intimidating. I was strong and determined, this man, he would not come close to me. I was determined until that moment when I could not fight the release.

The morning was a typical ritual. He came to see my friend, his neighbor like any other morning. “Can I get you the usual Darius coffee two creams?” He smiled his dazzling smile and answered his appreciation as I hurriedly dashed into the kitchen. Oh how I wanted to please this man, yet I fought so hard not too want too. Concentrating on clearing my mind I stirred the milk into the coffee staring down not really even seeing the cup. My hips jerked backwards and his arm snaked around my waist as he stepped into me suddenly throwing me off balance. Pinned between him and the counter, feeling his breath on my neck, the strength of his embrace, the hardness of his arousal against my backside, a gasp slipped from my lips as I felt my barriers soften. A low growly whisper “I want you and I know you want me.” A surprising “oh fuck please!” I responded as I felt my body go weak with desire and clenched with need. And that was all it took as I melted into him.

Darius was the only man who was ever able to completely capture me. I will always love him. I still see him once in a while and speak to him. He is a powerful yet gentle man. A man who is strong and silent but whose presence and intelligence still leaves even the strongest of women breathless. It is funny today as I think back I have dated several men when I was exploring my sexuality. Not one of those men did I express any type of behavior or emotion that most people would identify as submissive type behavior. In fact, those men would only make me angry and would quickly get the “get it your damn self” snarly reaction. Darius; however, well with Darius I was just different.

The rules of this award are: •    Thank the Super Sweet Blogger that nominated you. •    Answer five Super Sweet questions. •    Include the Super Sweet Blogging award image in your blog post. •    Nominate  other bloggers. •    Notify your nominees on their blog.

The 5 Super Sweet Questions: 1. Biscuits or Cake? Cake. 2.    Chocolate or Vanilla?   Vanilla. 3.    Favourite Sweet Treat? Ice Cream

4. When do you crave sweet things the most?  After Dinner. 5.Sweet Nick Name? Bubby

Now I present this award to the following bloggers:

1) http://zendictive.wordpress.com/

2)http://russtowne.com/

3)http://notsofancynancy.wordpress.com/

4)http://professionsforpeace.com/

5) http://waldotomosky. wordpress.com/

6) http://jointersjoint.wordpress.com/

7)http://russelrayphotos2.com/

8)http://countryliving4beginners.wordpress.com/

Absolute favorite lip product out there by far. It does come in a pot, which is a little more difficult for some than when it comes in the tube.

I use the vanilla and Macadamia kiss lip butter. My lips haven’t been chapped or dry since I started using this product in December.

They are relatively inexpensive at $3.99 per pot. 

Thanks for reading. Stay beautiful <3

Well technically, I went to the Church and stood in front of it.  I contemplated walking through the doors…really I did…but then I thought of how some of the people would stare at me with their judging glares.  I just couldn’t handle that today.  Besides I really don’t know how the Pastor’s wife thought she could help me.

Last night, she’d been hanging out in the Club’s parking lot, yet again, talking to the girls as they came in for their shifts.  She gave her usual spiel about helping us get out of our lifestyle.  I wanted to believe her, I really did, but I couldn’t see how she could do one darn thing about my screwed up life!

Yet, there I stood…despicable me…having a staring contest with the red doors of the Church.  Of course, my fear of judgment made me lose the contest.  I walked away from the Church looking back only once.  I headed to my safe haven, Vanilla CyberCafe.  (The name has been changed to protect my identity, of course.)

This was my one true home…the place where I felt cocooned from my semi-psychotic life.  The peace descended as soon as I signed into my computer.  I sat in my usual spot in the far right corner of the Café facing the door.  I always keep my back to the wall with my body facing the door.  Some would call me paranoid…I prefer the term “hypervigilant.”

I was typing at a breakneck pace when my phone began doing the vibrate dance across the table.  I wanted to growl when I saw the name of the caller: Thomas.  I was tempted for two seconds to ignore him, but the repercussions of that rebellion overrode my frustration.  I picked up my phone saying “Hello” in the most neutral voice I could muster.

Hanging up, I fought the tears as hard as I could.  He’d yelled at me the entire time barely allowing me to get a word in edgewise.  He was pissed that I’d gone off with Grimm the other night.  Not because I’d gone off with the “kid” as he called him, but because he’d had to hear about it from psychotic Lenny.  My punishment was that my Sunday night privileges with Lily had been revoked.  He wasn’t letting me see my daughter tonight…not even to tuck her in!

I sat in the back of Café silently crying my heart out.  I had no control of the tears or my heaving shoulders.  Only my voice remained silent.  I barely saw the extended napkin through the torrent of my sadness.  I accepted the offering with a shaky smile.  Standing before me was a kind faced woman with concern laced eyes.  Her hand lit on the back of the chair across from mine…a silent question.  All I could do was nod.  She pulled out the chair then sat down simply sitting with me as I desperately struggled to regain my composure.

I’m not sure how long we talked.  And frankly, I can’t really recall the actual conversation.  Thomas’ edict revoking my Sunday privilege with Lily had shaken me up terribly.  Sunday is the only day that I get Lily all to myself.  Well, except for the security guard standing outside the door. Needless to say I was mentally numb as I tried to cope with the pain of not being able to spend time with my sweet, Lily.

I have this horrific feeling that I spilled my guts to that kind faced stranger in the Café…

_____________________________________________

Who is Wall Grim and how does Vanilla know him?

2 cups sugar
Dash of salt
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
Waxed paper

In a large saucepan bring to a boil the sugar, salt, butter and milk.
Boil mixture over medium heat for 1 full minute.
Remove from heat immediately.

Add peanut butter and vanilla; stir well.
Add oatmeal and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls.
Drizzle with a mixture of cocoa, powdered sugar and water if desired.
Cool until set and firm

Unfortunately, most desserts made with cherries are cooked to death or with a ton of sugar or booze.  It totally kills the cherry and I don’t understand why you would do it.  Now, cherry pie… that’s different.  Don’t argue with me.  Remember McDonald’s cherry pies??  Oh man!!

I don’t want to sound like I just threw this together.  I really didn’t and a lot of trial and error went into this dessert, I promise.   I also wish I could tell you my rhyme and reason for everything that’s on the plate and I can’t.  This just happened to be one of those desserts that popped in my brain and I took off with it.   What I will tell you is that I wanted to make the cherry the star and to keep everything else simple yet complimenting without stealing cherries thunder.  Man, I hate attention whores!!  You’re good walnut pesto but it ain’t your show, know your place.

The walnut pesto was the biggest production actually and won’t be the last time we see it.  I originally made it as a filling for a tart that didn’t work out but enjoyed it too much to let it die.  I use it here and wouldn’t you know, it works perfect. The vanilla creme fraiche is just that, creme fraiche with vanilla sugar.  I did reduce the balsamic before folding it into my whole milk ice cream so you get a more rich intense flavor.   Everything is basic and clean and complimenting to the cherries.  Exactly how it should be.  Nothing steals from the other.  Just how life should be… but isn’t.

This is exactly what I strive for in a plated dessert.  Balance, simplicity, not heavy and one bite you’re hooked and going back for more.

I did the AIDS walk a couple years back and got lost from my friends.  I said “screw it” and headed over to the Upper West Side to grab an ice coffee and came across a flea market in some parking lot.  That is where I found this Balsamic vinegar that blew my mind.  I have used it here in the ice cream and have used it for many different dishes and it never disappoints.   What I’m trying to say is, quality of ingredients makes it or breaks it. 

Nominated by

Dear Kitty, Some Blog

Dear Kitty, Some Blog

http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com

Thank you Dear Kitty! 

Blogging on animals, peace and war, science, social justice, women’s issues, arts, and much more…

***

The rules of this award are:
•    Thank the Super Sweet Blogger that nominated you.
•    Answer five Super Sweet questions.
•    Include the Super Sweet Blogging award image in your blog post.
•    Nominate a baker’s dozen (12) other bloggers. These are my best three today!
•    Notify your nominees on their blog.

***

The 5 Super Sweet Questions: 
1.    Cookies or Cake? ‘COOKIES’, wish I had one now!
2.    Chocolate or Vanilla?   Chocolate
3.    Favourite Sweet Treat? Anything with lemon.
4.    When do you crave sweet things the most? When there is not a treat to be found.
5.    Sweet Nick Name? Sweet Heart

Best reads today:

Martin Lack: Lack of Environment http://lackofenvironment.wordpress.com/

Buffalohair Gazette International http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/

Stop Making Sense  http://stopmakingsense.org/ Stop Making Sense is a British based news gathering operation

Related articles

• A Nomination for the Interesting Blog Award! (jackiewriting.wordpress.com)
• Best Moment Award, with cordial thanks to DearKitty1 (jemmyfarmer.wordpress.com)
• The Thank You Award… A Million Thanks! (moonlightenedshelves.wordpress.com)
• The Sunshine Award (theobamacrat.com)
• Reblog-Dear Kitty. Some blog (dishingitoutwithclarissa.com)
• More Awards (judysp.wordpress.com)
• Super Sweet Blogger Award (sunshinefactor.wordpress.com)
• Nominated for The Super Sweet Blogger Award & Dragon Loyalty Award!!!!! (soadhachami.wordpress.com)
• Sweet! A Super Sweet Blogger Award! (barefairy.wordpress.com)
• Super Sweet Blogging Award – 3 Nominations (ajaytao2010.wordpress.com)

Another iconic design from Jacobs as the lovely looking bottle is gold, black and white with striped bee-like butterflies (similar to the Dot fragrance design). Marc Jacobs adds this fragrance to his collection alongside Lola, Daisy and Dot.

Top notes are pear, mandarin orange and punch; middle notes are honeysuckle, orange blossom and peach; base notes are honey, vanilla and woodsy notes. I can only imagine it’s summery and fresh.

Honey was created with the help of perfume house, Firmenich and will be available exclusively at Sephora in July and nationwide in August 2013,

What do you think of the design? I can’t wait to get my hands on this, really love the cute design and scents of it!

With it being World Baking Day on Sunday 19th May 2013, I wanted to make sure I baked something over the weekend. I wanted to bake something quick and simple, yet still really yummy. I decided to just bake some Everyday Muffins – great for a lunchtime treat or to eat with ice cream as a dessert. This recipe is also great for adapting – you can decorate them, or add a handful of fruit or choc chips to the mix.

Everyday Muffins

Makes 12

• 280g self raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 115g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 250ml semi skimmed milk
• 85g butter/margarine, melted and cooled
• 1-2 tsp vanilla essence

To make Everyday Chocolate Muffins:

• Substitute 80g flour for cocoa powder

Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.

Place paper cases into a 12 hole muffin tray. (If you’ve not got a muffin tray, double up the paper cases and place onto a standard baking tray.)

Sift the flour and baking powder (and cocoa, if making Everyday Chocolate Muffins) into a large bowl, then stir in the sugar.

Melt the butter/margarine in a pan over a low heat. Once the butter has fully melted, turn off the heat and allow to cool. Beat the eggs in a bowl or large jug. Then add in the milk, vanilla essence and cooled melted butter. Mix gently.

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, and pour in the mixed liquid ingredients. Beat the mixture until everything is combined and the consistency is like a batter.

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases and bake in the preheated oven for around 20 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.

Thanks to Steve at Around the World with Blade for picking me for the Versatile Blogger award. I really appreciate the nomination, although I’ve received this award before so I hope you don’t mind if I don’t do the whole thing again :) But check out Steve’s blog for amazing travel stories!

And many thanks to Jane at Talk Kindess To Me for nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award It means a lot! For thoughtful spiritual encouragement, Talk Kindness To Me is one of my favourite places to turn.

So here are the Super Sweet rules:

1. Thank your nominator – Thanks so much Jane!
2. Answer the 5 Super Sweet questions – See below
3. Include the Super Sweet logo in this post – Above and on my wall
4. Nominate other bloggers for this award – See below
5. Notify my nominees on their blogs – Will do

Super Sweet questions:

• Cookies or cake? – Cookies, I think. They keep for longer, they’re easier to bake, they come in more variations, and they look smaller so you can fool yourself into thinking you can safely have a few more
• Chocolate or vanilla? – Vanilla should be my middle name…
• Favourite sweet treat? – Warm pancakes (crepes) filled with crunchy sugar that cracks between my teeth, spicy cinnamon that teases my tongue and fresh lemon juice that turns the cinnamon sugar into a zesty, sticky syrup. Oh, wow. I could eat pancakes every day of my life!
• When do you crave sweets? – Wayyyyy too often. I think I eat something sweet every day, even if it’s a healthy sweet treat such as fresh or dried fruit. And I always crave unhealthy sweet treats in cold weather.
• Sweet nickname? – Ninja has called me his little sugarbird because of my sweet tooth :)

Super Sweet nominations:

I decided to go with blogs that are mainly foodie-related:

1. http://thehungryartist.wordpress.com/
2. http://feedingyourappetite.wordpress.com/
3. http://thehealthyflavor.com/
4. http://gercakes.wordpress.com/
5. http://hannahbakesit.wordpress.com/

Have a beautiful day!

Zest

Naâman – Skanking Shoes

Touch Sensitive – Pizza Guy

Daughter – Get Lucky (Daft Punk Cover)

Perséphone – Retro Funky (SUNDANCE remix)

FAUL – Changes ft. Wad ad

Tomharu – Last day (Bazz Remix)

Charlie Boulala – Sonnenkind

FKJ – So much to me

Miike Snow – The Wave (Vanilla Bootleg)

Awon - Strictly Underground (Melodiverse Remix)

Hendersin – The Great Escape

When you had a terrible week with some big shocking news, all you want is to bake something simple and delicious! Chocolate is always a good option of course, so I went for a marble cake. A Guglhupf to be precise; I guess that you are already familiar with it when you know my blog Actually this one is slightly bigger than the mini Gugls I baked but still not a full grown Guglhupf Some weeks ago my mother gave it to me as she stumbled upon it during her grocery shopping. And I am very thankful to her for that. Having a bad week, tons of chocolate and cake isn’t really solving anything. Although you might think so in the beginning, most of the times you think different about it afterwards So this cake tin was just perfect to enjoy 1 or 2 big pieces of heavenly marble cake, still having some cake left to share with your boyfriend. Because eating cake with someone else doesn’t make you feel all that alone and depressed,right?

I have actually baked this recipe before when I came home late from work and my boyfriend told me he would like to have something sweet to bring along to work for his colleagues the next day. Because I had nothing fancy in my pantry, but still had the usual flour, butter, egg and milk, I was able to whip up little marble cupcakes in no time. I found the recipe in the Hummingbirds Cake Days book which I got some time ago from my brother. For my small Gugl I have adapted the recipe slightly and gave it a finishing chocolate glaze instead of the frosting from the original cupcakes. Otherwise I din’t play around with the recipe too much, because in a situation where you need instant comfort you don’t mess up with things that have worked fine before. Maybe just a little I did go all experimental with the chocolate glaze though, but honestly just because I was too lazy to look up any recipes on the internet. It turned out completely different as I had intended… almost shouting at me that’s your own fault but anyhow, I found it creamy and easy to spread onto the cake and it tasted good. End of story.

Marble Guglhupf

Prepare the cake tin by buttering and flour it

For the chocolate part:

1. Mix together the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and cacao until crumbly
2. Whisk together the egg and milk and use half of the mixture for the chocolate cake
3. Add it slowly until you get a smooth batter

For the vanilla part:

1. Mix together the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt until crumbly
2. Add vanilla sugar and vanilla extract to the other half of the egg-milk mixture
3. Add it slowly until you get a smooth batter

Assembling the cake:

1. Add the chocolate cake first
2. On top of it add the vanilla cake
3. Using a spoon swirl the batter around until you can see a slight marbling of the chocolate and vanilla cake
4. Bake the cake for about 35 minutes at 190ºC (170ºC fan)
5. Let the cake cool down

Chocolate Glaze:

1. Melt the chocolate together with the butter
2. Add a little syrup or honey
3. Spread onto the cake and you are done
4. Optional: Sprinkle some white chocolate on top for the black-white marble effect

Ingredients:

Makes one Guglhupf (Ø 15cm, height: 7 cm)

For the chocolate part:

• 20g butter (soft)
• 70g sugar
• 60g flour
• ¼ Tsp baking powder
• a pinch of salt
• 10g dark good quality dutch cacao

Half of the egg-milk mixture:

• 1 egg
• 120ml milk

For the vanilla part:

• 20g butter (soft)
• 70g sugar
• 70g flour
• ¼ Tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt

Half of the egg-milk mixture and additional:

• 1 Tsp vanilla sugar
• 1 Tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate glaze:

• 60g dark chocolate
• 30g butter
• 1 Tsp syrup or honey
• Optional: white chocolate sprinkles

Butter for greasing pan
3 cups flour, plus more for dusting pan
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups peeled, cored, and thickly sliced tart apples like Honey crisp or Granny Smith
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Butter and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
Beat the oil and sugar together in a mixer (fitted with a paddle attachment) while assembling the remaining ingredients. After about 5 minutes, add the eggs and beat until the mixture is creamy.

2. Sift together 3 cups of flour, the salt, cinnamon and baking soda.
Stir into the batter.
Add the vanilla, apples, walnuts and raisins and stir until combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan before lifting out.
Serve at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

I am so hungry this morning and smelling this cake doesn’t make it any easier on my growling tummy. It’s heavily scented so I’m smelling it in my kitchen and living room. I’m also getting things ready for fellowship so that we can have some real food this afternoon. I’m sure it wouldn’t be appreciated if I leave this cake candle sitting on the table today- that or I’d better make a real one.

Either way, this tummy of mine doesn’t seem to want to stop rumbling so I think I’ll grab a bite to eat. THEN I’ll get the kids up. That way I can eat (if you know what I mean). Kids seem to eat their food and yours.

So until next time…

There’s something so undeniably spring about blueberries. Paired with vanilla their flavor takes on a tart decadence that’s the perfect compliment to soft, moist cake and a creamy frosting.

This cake was the perfect thing to celebrate spring. It was delicious served cold (it’s best to store in the fridge because of the Tofutti Cream Cheese in the frosting) with a hot cup of coffee as an indulgent breakfast on these warm springy days we’ve been having.

Vanilla Blueberry Cake with Dream Cheese Frosting

For the cake:

1 cup plain soy milk

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 and 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup canola oil

1/4 cup water

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1 and 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla

1 cup frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 F and grease and flour your baking dish(es). (I used my large casserole dish to make a long, somewhat thin cake that would be proportionate to the amount of frosting I wanted on top, while allowing enough room for the blueberries to really shine, but you could easily make a layer cake out of this recipe.) In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine soy milk and vinegar and set aside to curdle. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk oil, lemon juice, water, and vanilla into the soy milk mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well, until there are no lumps. Pour into the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle blueberries on top of the cake batter, so that the entire surface is covered in berries. Pop into the oven and bake until a tooth pick comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes.

Now, while your cake bakes, prepare the frosting!

Dream Cheese Frosting

1 tub Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese Spread

1/2 cup vegan butter, melted

1 and 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, depending on desired texture and consistency

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

I let my Tofutti sit out while I prepped the cake so it would soften slightly at room temperature. Scoop Tofutti out into a large mixing bowl, and whisk in melted butter. Add in lemon juice and vanilla, then slowly begin adding the powdered sugar. I used about a cup and a half because the Bear insisted on having the frosting really taste cream cheesy, but you can use up to 2 cups, depending on how sweet and/or thick you want your frosting. Remember, you’ll be storing your cake in the fridge, and this will help with texture.

Allow cake to cool for at least 1 hour before frosting. Frost away and enjoy! You can chill your cake before eating, or dig right in! Store in the fridge (covered) for up to one week.

This frosting was fantastic, and to add to the decadence I also whipped up a can of coconut cream!

Trader Joe’s has some fantastic coconut cream that I love to use for baking and whipping. I usually chill it in the fridge over night, then scoop it out of the can and let it sit for a minute to soften.

This is when my fabulous little whisk is so very helpful! I whip it up to frothy glory (arm workout for sure!) and add just a hint of vanilla.

I used the cream on the cake and plopped a dollop in my coffee until before I knew it, it was gone!

We ate our cake right away, but I decided I like it cold much better. It’s funny how temperature impacts things like this! I never think about cold versus hot or room temperature cake, but most of the cake slices/cupcakes I purchase at bakeries and the like are from cold cases as well! Our initial cake tasting samples were garnished with a bit of fresh lemon zest and a huge dollop of coconut whipped cream, but this one I photographed in the nude to give you a good sense of what the plain cake looks like! Perhaps next time (or for the Bear’s upcoming birthday) I’ll make this cake into a layer cake. I can just imagine it topped with fresh blueberries and lemon zest…

Trying a London Smoke for the first time; earl grey tea, coffee shot, vanilla syrup and soya milk. It’s weird, not sure if I like it or not.

You sorta go, “Hmm, no…ooh actually… Oh actually maybe not” haha

It sorta tastes nice but the Earl Grey infused coffee shot dries your mouth out, however I think it’d be nice cold….

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I caught up with Miss Jackpot (http://www.jackpoteats.com) today for some High Tea at the Tea Salon in Westfield. We decided to get the classic high tea as we couldn’t decide what to order. The classic high tea includes ribbon sandwiches, scones, assorted sweets and tea. I enjoyed the sandwiches and the scones the most and was so full afterwards.

The Tea Salon is in the middle of level 4 of Westfield in an open area. Everything is a nice pink! Hehe

The Menu

The Tea Selection List

I choose to have English Breakfast tea

The Classic High Tea

Scones: Date & Orange and White Chocolate & Cranberry

Assorted Sweeties: Dark chocolate cup with chocolate mousse & raspberries, seasonal fruit short-crust tartlet, classic backed lemon cheesecake and vanilla cupcake with fresh passionfruit topping.

Afternoon Tea Ribbon Sandwiches: Chicken & wild herbs, Smoked salmon, rocket, lemon & capers, Cucumber, crème fraiche & dill and Roast beef, horseradish cream & baby cress.

Their cute business card 

I had a nice afternoon with Miss Jackpot and am looking forward to our next high tea adventure

Hope you enjoyed all the photos!

Mrs Paparazzi

Tea Salon, the Victoria Room

Westfield Sydney Level 4, Cnr Pitt St Mall & Market St Sydney NSW 2000

My Husband LOVES cookies… These are a great cookie to make up and keep in the freezer. Perfect plain or Iced …

Very simple and moist vanilla cupcakes with a sweet coconut buttercream frosting.

Each cupcake was topped with a Raffello Chocolate