Vanilla White Cake.

Yesterday, I decided to try a completely different type of cake.  This one needs no butter..... but an inordinate amount of cream.  In fact, my daughter said it was diabetes overload, with the quantity of cream needed.  I must admit, the amount was pretty staggering, but this is what gives the cake a beautiful light and fluffy texture.

You will need 3 x 8 inch cake tins.  Pre-set the oven to 350F (170C).

Ingredients:

700ml (3 cups) heavy whipping cream.

6 x large eggs.

395g (1&3/4 cups) granulated sugar.

1tsp vanilla extract.

450g (4 cups) self-raising flour, sifted.

1tbsp & 1tsp baking powder.

1tsp salt.

Method:

Pour all of the cream into a bowl and whisk by hand.  I know this can be a bit of a pain, as it takes a while to thicken, but what you don't want is for it to be claggy thick, which is what will happen with an electric whisk.... trust me (wink, wink).

Once the cream has thickened slightly, crack three of the eggs in the bowl and whisk ever so gently.  Maybe only 15 seconds or so.  Then add the other three eggs and repeat the same process.  What you are trying to do is to not deflate the cream.

Then, a spoonful at a time, add the sugar.  Again being careful not to over mix.  Add the vanilla next.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour/baking powder and salt together.  Repeat this process twice.  This makes it easier for the mixture to incorporate the flour, as it is nice and fine.

Slowly, with a spatula, fold the flour a bit at a time into the mixture, until you cannot see any traces of flour.

Once you are happy with the cake mix, divide into three and spoon into the three lined baking tins.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-35 mins.  

Check that the cakes are fully baked by inserting a cake tester and ensuring that it comes out clean, with no bits of cake on it.

Frosting:

500ml (2 & 1/4 cups) heavy cream.

180g  Philadelphia cheese.

200g icing sugar.

2 tsp vanilla extract.

Place all ingredients into a bowl and with an electric whisk, mix together until thickened and combined.

That simple ;-)

To assemble the cake, allow to cool in the tin for 10 mins and then turn out onto a flat surface.  Layer the cakes with the frosting, reserving some for decoration.  

I used a Wilton 1M tip to achieve the piped edging.  

Decorate the three layered Vanilla White Cake, however you choose.  Sprinkles, flowers or candles, if it's a birthday or special occasion.  

Happy baking, everyone.  Enjoy the long holiday weekend.  Love, Sarah Xxx 

Review ~ Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist® could be considered as a future cult classic.  It is the ultimate skincare multitasker: hydrating, moisturising and refreshing.

 

As a lover of skin products, especially moisturisers, I was excited to see if this product lived up to it's Eight Hour® name.  I was not disappointed.  This super fine facial mist is gorgeous. You need to hold it 6-8 inches from your face, close your eyes and spray.  You will be transported to foreign lands with it's delicate, fragrant scent of Lemon Water, Rose and Bergamot.  It adds a natural, healthy glow to the skin.  I was a little reluctant to try it at first as I don't like greasy products on my skin, but this was ultra-fine and refreshing and soaked into the skin, leaving it feeling soothed and healthy looking.

This Miracle Hydrating Mist is an extention to the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® franchise.  It purports to last up to eight hours and it most certainly does.  

It has a superblend of: acai, goji, mangosteen, pomegranate and coffee seed extracts.  The incorporation of aloe juice also provides moisturising and soothing benefits, as it helps to soothe irritated skin.  

The size available is very portable, allowing for use any time of the day.  The product is also sized to meet TSA requirements, which means you can take it with you on your travels. Ideal for hydration during long haul flights.

 

The size is 100ml and costs £21. I can totally see this becoming a future classic. Refresh, set, go......

Love Sarah X

 

Patisserie Valerie ~ A pleasant encounter.

  

The last few weeks have been a little bit overwhelming; feeling out of sorts and full of cold.  Fed up of feeling sorry for myself, I ventured to the new Patisserie Valerie, to pick up a little treat to cheer myself up.

 

 

 

As you can imagine, the biggest problem I had was choice.  I knew that I wanted something to take away, rather than sit in the cafe, which looked very pretty.

 

Upon entering Patisserie Valerie I walked to the counter to peruse their delicious looking cakes.  Whilst pondering my choices, a lady behind the counter approached me asking what I would like.  I explained my dilemma and she very pleasantly talked me through the delights of each cake and tart to me.  I decided on the Tarte au fraises.  It looked delicious.  The lovely lady asked if I would like it boxed with a pretty ribbon,  of course I said yes, with a big smile.  She then asked if I had every tried the tarte before, to which I replied, 'No' and she suggested that upon my return I should let her know what my thoughts were.  Truthfully, just the mere look of it was enough.  

 

On a day when I wasn't feeling too great, the lady in Patisserie Valerie helped me to feel much better.  I will return to let her know how it was.... delicious by the way....  and maybe sample another cake or gateaux.  For now, I am just grateful for the unexpected, pleasant encounter that I experienced that day.  It cheered me up no end..... and so did the tarte.

 

 

 

I would highly recommend that if you were in the area, you should check it out. I hope to return soon with my girlfriends for a little afternoon tea and sample some more delights.

Love Sarah XOXO 

A Lush~cious Valentines Treat.

Treating yourself or a loved one to a relaxing night in?  Valentines Day is just around the corner and whether you are enjoying it solo or with a loved one, you deserve to be pampered.  This year for the first time ever I bought some Lush products. 

The first gorgeous product I bought was the limited addition, lip scrub.... The Kiss.  This was specifically made for Valentines Day.  It is beautiful, bright and pink, very Valentines.  I'm not sure about you, but during the winter months my lips become very dry and rough.  In other words, not very kissable; which is not a good thing, especially on Valentines Day.  

Yesterday, I scrubbed my lips with The Kiss and let me tell you they instantly became soft and smooth.  Some of the ingredients in this scrub contain: Sea Salt, Organic Cocoa Butter and Caster Sugar.  You pop a little on your finger and rub your lips.  It's ok to lick the excess off too, as it tastes good, like edible sugar candy.  It polishes your lips to perfection and I'm sure mine looked more plump afterwards.  The sequinned red hearts give the scrub a lovely whimsical feel.  

Whilst in Lush I also treat myself to a Cupid Bath Bomb.  'Cupid draw back your bow and let your arrow flow....' This incredible smelling heart will have you and your loved one basking in a relaxing bath in no time.  The bath bomb is beautiful to look at and as it dissolves it leaves a shimmering frothy shade of pink.

It's very moisturising and the fragrance of rose petals, raspberry juice and bergamot oil is very subtle.  It will leave your skin super soft and ready for any cuddles you might receive later.

Believe in yourself.

Five ways to live your life with no regrets.

1.  Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road.

Too many people live their lives based on what other people think.  They disregard pursuing their hopes and dreams for fear of ridicule and judgement.  Don't let that be you!!  Enjoy your individuality, choose to be strong, don't listen to the naysayers.... dance proudly down the Yellow Brick Road to find your Emerald City.  Step into your dream and create the life you want.

2.  Always Be A First-Rate Version Of Yourself.

In the whole history of what ever was or what ever will be, there will never be another you....Ever!!  Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, think positively.  Put your best foot forward, refuse to compromise who you are and what you believe in.  Act with the utmost integrity, walk tall knowing you are doing the best you can in all circumstances.  Look after your health, your wealth and your loved ones.  Raise your personal standards, if needs be, to be someone who you trust implicitly, spread your wings and Fly.

3.  Appreciate The People You Love.

There is no escaping the fact that loved ones are not going to be here forever.  It's an unfortunate fact of life. Realise that no matter how much time, or how much you appreciate someone, or how much closeness you feel, it will never seem like you managed to spend enough time together.  Don't shy away from the people you love.  Open your heart honestly, tell them what you need to tell them, say the words, have the conversations, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable.  They will appreciate your honesty.  Leave a footprint on their heart.

4.  Live The Life You Love.

Before you know it you will be asking yourself the question, "Where did the time go?".  Life is over in a flash.  It is made up of a collection of moments that express happiness and sadness, each lived one second at a time.  Take the opportunity to figure yourself out, realise what you want out of life, take calculated risks, hold on tight to what you love.  What makes you, YOU!!  Work hard to make your dreams come true, grasp opportunities that come your way.  Look for signposts on your journey to show you, you are living a life that you love.  Life is shorter than you think.

5.  Step Up To The Plate.

When life get tough, the tough get going!!  If life doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.  As an individual, in order to live, we need to grow.  Putting one foot in front of the other, allows you to push through life's greatest challenges.  Trust that you are going to succeed, reach for your full potential and stay positive.  Forget the mistakes of the past and embrace the future.  Today is a new day, the first day of the rest of your life.  Spend today with no regrets.....live your truth!!

Happy New Years Day!!!

"We will open the book.  Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day"....... Edith Lovejoy Pierce.

It is the 1st of January 2017.  Doesn't that seem strange to you?  Hasn't the last twelve months passed quickly? I believe they have.  Frighteningly so! As someone once said, time will pass whether you are busy or not, so best get on with creating and designing the life that you want!

Looking back over the last year I have enjoyed numerous highlights, for which I will be for ever grateful and as I stride purposely forward into the unknown of 2017, I know for sure that whatever awaits I will face with grace, compassion and wonderment.

Resolutions?  Have you made any?  This year, I brushed aside the idea of resolutions in favour of aspirations.

as.pi.ra.tion

A hope or ambition of achieving something, a will to succeed, an ardent wish or desire, hopes and dreams for the future.

I love the feeling of the amazing opportunity of another year stretched in front of me to improve, grow, develop, mature and strive for the very best.  It is the start of a New Year, with no mistakes in it. I am looking forward to it with great expectation, delight and hope. 

 Ohhhhhhh, think of the possibilities!

My aspirations this year:

To cultivate more Self-Reliance, meaning I alone am responsible for my life and I alone am able to create it.

I don't want to rely on external approval or look outside of myself for reassurance and guidance.  I want to trust myself enough to respect and honor my feelings and integrity.  I want to cultivate the kind of confidence needed to accept and appreciate myself, whilst staying true to the core of who I am .......

Another principle I wish to adopt is learning what it is to be a Lady.  I have always been fascinated with this quality.  

Everything, from Style.

To Poise and Manners.

Before I embark on this new and exciting journey, I am going to celebrate: the woman I already am, the wonderful family and friends I have, the interesting opportunities that lie ahead in the next magical 365 days.

So, lets raise a glass together whilst I wish each of you a fabulous 2017.

Keep well, happy and enjoy every glorious moment.

I'm going to make a start on some lists and plan a few lifetime goals to ensure 2017 is a fabulous year for me and my family Xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE  Xx