What I've Been Baking & Recipe for Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Wow wasn't that a mouthful of a title! The last few months I have been trying a few different new recipes. Nothing I can take credit for but I wanted to share in case you're lacking some inspiration! I also thought I would share what I've been doing along with a recipe for some really cute mini cupcakes with a decadent chocolate ganache frosting. I made these for a baby shower recently and they went down an absolute treat!

Work in Progress: Felt Christmas Stocking Part 2

Since the last update I've really been getting into the groove with this stocking. I really think that the lettering/name was the hardest part! I'm  now up to step 33, whereas last time I was only up to step 4! And that was 10 days ago! The numbers actually correlate to the piece that you're working on. At the moment I'm working on Santa's arm, which uses pieces 31-33. I've really enjoyed seeing Santa's face take shape, going from just the face to the whole puffy beard and moustache!

I'm enjoying learning and using all the different kinds of embroidery stitches. It's also a good lesson for me in following instructions, as I usually like to deviate from a pattern. But in this particular craft, you have to be quite careful and more of a perfectionist. 

DIY: Easy Name Canvases

I love it when you are just going about your day to day life, and suddenly you're struck by amazing inspiration! The other day I was in Pete's Emporium, trying to find some sequins for my Christmas Stocking, and I came across these wooden letters. Instantly I loved them and knew they would look cute as names on something. I got letters for my son's name and also for my nephew. I have a thing about named stuff! My Lucas has lots of things with his name on: a cup, a bowl, a train, a mini numberplate, an artwork and quite a few initials. I have no idea why I like having so many things with his name on but I think it's really cute! 

Recipe: Jamie Oliver Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

I used to always make this cheesecake for special occasions or if I was asked to make a dessert for a pot luck (bring a plate) dinner. As I had a pretty significant birthday (30!) in the weekend, I thought why not! I haven't made it in a while as it's very decadent, and makes a really large cake! If you haven't tried a baked cheesecake before, you're really missing out! It has a lovely smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. 

What I've been reading... September 2014

Ok so it's been a loooooong time since my last reading post, but it's not because I haven't been reading. It's more likely I've read so many books I haven't had time to do an update! One book in particular that I read really got to me (in a good way) and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, some of the others were easy reads and trying out something new. You might also be pleased to see I've got to the trouble of sourcing images for all the books I've read! So you can have some lovely colour pictures instead of black and white Kindle screen shots! Also, do you like my new bedside table set up? My snazzy giraffe, toddler-made monkey and assorted reading material?!