Baking

I have a reputation when it comes to baking. A bad one. Even following the recipe precisely my cakes come out flat, my cookies hard, and my puddings too dry. So today I'm going to try baking shortbread. Only three ingredients and you're not supposed to touch it too much. They can't be that difficult, right?

Right?

To inspire me, I found some pretty cake pictures on weheartit

From:

1. http://cupcakelovers.tumblr.com/page/6

2. http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/jnafromtheblock

3. http://ohbabyitsnatalie.tumblr.com/

4. http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard

5. http://www.tumblr.com/likes 

International Women's Day

Yesterday was International Women's Day. The Million Women Rise, a march to end male violence against women, was held on Saturday the 6th. Lots of events were being held through Nottingham City, and it's amazing to see what people have being doing across the world to highlight women's issues.

Disappointingly, people still manage to show their ignorance. There was an article today on Guardian Online entitled 'Recommit to Women's Liberation'. I may not completly agree with everything said in the article, or perhaps the way it is phrased, it does raise the issue that there are many attitudes and elements of today's society show gender bias, and outright sexism. The comments made about the article from men and women simply show how far we have to go to educate people and make people aware. I would welcome greater discussion and education on this for myself. For example, the fact that young children see 'Playboy' Bunny' merchandise as something that is completely acceptable with no true understanding of what it stands for, is incredibly worrying.

Many people's complaints to the article was that it ignores the plight of women around the globe where opression is rife. This is indeed a serious issue and needs to be understood and addressed by the public, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still fight for women's rights in this country too.

Ok rant over, but it is an important issue and these are my feelings (in brief) on it.

I welcome people's thoughts on this issue.

I am not a robot

Embracing my girly side today by spending the day lunching with Alwi, having my eyebrows waxed (ouch!!) and generally shopping.

Having been recommended the blog fatgirlslikeniceclothestoo, and feeling inspired by the confident woman who writes it, I have invested in straight legged jeans and this lovely nautical inspired dress from New Look:I feel excited to be wearing a dress and showing off some of my curves!

Am currently being very British, drinking tea from a pink spotty tea pot and listening to the debut album from Marina and the Diamonds, 'Family Jewels'. It's a strange mix of songs with a sort of impressive vocals of Regina Spektor, the catchiness of Katy Perry, but lyrical stylings of Kate Bush. I'm very excited. Favourite track so far is Mowgli's Road. Listen to clips on her website here.

As promised, here is a pretty picture of the ring gifted to me by Tinkerbella. It's a 1970s decoration set on a brass ring:

I could get used to being a lady of leisure. Sadly it's back to work Monday. However until then, Funmonkey will be joining us here in Nottingham for a visit, which means even more shopping (a small fortune will no doubt be spent in MAC, a tradition for us now. I have my eye on the prep + prime finishing powder), and lots of drinks and general fabulousness. We have a friendship based on shared geekdom tendencies, and will probably spend far too much time waxing lyrical about Joss Whedon whilst trying on sunglasses. Here is what we plan on doing:

1. Drinking at the Ropewalk
2. Shopping for far too long
3. Gossiping at Lee Rosy's tea rooms
4. Eating wonderful Thai food at Tarn Thai
5. Dancing the night away at the Rescue Rooms, or possibly spending time at the Maltcross listening to the Wholesome Fish

Can't wait!

Sherwood

Went to visit a friend (one part of Tinkerbella and the Tailor) last night who lives in Sherwood. Got quite excited when I saw the house and imagined myself moving to a place that large (and cheap. It means that I get to buy more shoes, after all). All in all a good night, we:

1. Sorted out lighting for some stock shots of her vintage jewellery,
2. I was gifted a piece of that lovely jewellery, a pretty 1970's flower ring (picture to come, but I am on my lunch break at work, so probably considered inappropriate!)
3.Was introduced to the best (subjective, I realise) vintage shop from the outside, which I must come back to see when it is actually open, and
4. Saw someone smash in somebody's window on the street, complete with shady black outfit and crowbar.

Maybe moving to Sherwood will be put on hold for a while.

Cold, cold, cold

It's started to snow here again., so all I can think of is this:


and this...
(found on weheartit.com)

Pitfalls of social networking

When did Facebook become some people's primary method of communication? Finally agreed to meet Akido man for a coffee today. Twenty minutes later I concluded that he wasn't going to turn up. It was bad enough that I had been stood up, but when I got home and checked my emails (the only way I know what is happening on facebook is through the notifications that go into my junk box), I find that he had left me a message saying that he had a crazy night out last night and couldn't make it.

Firstly it's a flimsy excuse, but secondly it's really sad that when you have my number, you think a facebook message is enough to cancel a meeting?

Needless to say that I won't be accepting any more 'messages' from him.

So to tame my anger, I promptly went out and bought some cute biker boots and these fab earrings from my favourite jewellery shop, 23 George Street:

Boots and earrings will look ace teamed with leggings, a floaty floral print dress and a see through jumper cinched in with a belt. Talk about dichotomy.

Some more pictures with fashioney themes to cheer me up found through weheartit.com:

More fun than a barrel of monkeys

Met up with K and our parents today, and randomly on the way I spotted this right in the middle of all the square stones in Trinity Square, a large paved area in Nottingham:
And people say you should walk with your head up...

Spent the afternoon in the craft part of our living room with a pile of brightly coloured felt whilst singing my heart out to Lily Allen and Marina and the Diamonds (I have to buy the debut album when it comes out in a few days). Not sure if they are the right feel for the shuffle, but I shall run them past my partner in crime, Alwi, to see if I can do anything with them. I kind of want the heart one as a necklace.Still debating if I should meet Akido Man for coffee tomorrow. After months of radio silence (we met once so I really didn't expect a call), he suddenly out of the blue, decided to get in contact. I suppose coffee won't hurt, but seems a little bit odd to wait all that time... Well I guess there is only one way to find out.