Ireland day 3: My home, cakes, beach and family

Had some carrot cake for dinner (that's lunch over here)..... I didn't finish it... Unfortunately a 2/10 :-(

Soooooo! (To make up for someone else's baking tragedy) I made some wee cupcakes for my family, namely my wee cousin.. Pirates and princesses! Lemon flavoured, tangy, sweet and delicious... Granny is a dedicated fan lol! 

We went for a walk in Newcastle... So peaceful by the sea. I really believe that no matter how much we try to elevate ourselves, build our own empires and prove our superiority, the earth will always be able to prove God's superiority over us...

Ireland: day 2 Politics, History, Cake and Custard

My Protestant family living in a Catholic area... My British family living in an area with unsettled republicans...

My grandad said the McCombs (family name) started with a man who came over, built his house on a hill which was attacked by Catholics. He went down to the priest and told him, if they come back he'll shoot them all. So I did some research.. Turns out that the first McComb came over in 1607 from Scotland for the Ulster Plantation. Another record says a Mr McComb led a mob attack against a Chapel and then later went mad. Perhaps part two to my grandaddy's tale....? 

Amazing chapel in my town...

My second cousin started a business with a chip van then opened a chip shop! After 15years of business he opened AJ's Diner, a successful diner is Crossgar which us in it's 10th year of successful business. I've never been there and it's had less than 60% of the tables full... An inspiration and a lesson for the future journey of my business and other endeavours. My 70-something yr old great aunt still works there (at her insistence) though she is well looked after and wants for nothing... Hard work, perseverance and family commitment seem to be the lesson for today.

If you ate with me you'd realise that it runs the family to serve more food than is necessary... You may also notice the Cake and Custard... My grandma taught my mum to bake and my mum taught me...

The food was incredible, generous and there are some clear reflections of this service in CakeGirl. It runs in the blood, seemingly...

Lent... CakeGirl down time!!

I've given up twitter and Facebook for lent this year.... I just needed a break.
The moaning.
Bragging.
Drama.
Attention seeking.
Status' like "in a meeting" ...... So what!! It doesn't make you a tycoon mate. #leaveityeah

So yes, as you can see, I needed to get away from it for a bit.. Take some time to re-evaluate, recuperate and get creative outside of social media....

DON'T BE SCARED TO TAKE BREAKS... WE'RE BUILT TO HAVE DOWN TIME IN ORDER TO RETURN BETTER AND STRONGER!

So I'm in IRELAND, seeing my grandparents.... Getting to know more about my history... Resting my mind from studying/CakeGirl/work.... And ummmmm yeah taking a well deserved break.... I'll blog some of my journey as Ireland is such a great place and my grandparents are epic.

Northern Ireland by the way ;-)

Truth be told.... I just didn't want to get so caught up in building my empire and forgetting to live... We're all at risk of becoming that 'in a meeting' person...

Prosperity will come with hard work, commitment and regular rest.... Remembering to live, cherish my family and reflect.

This is me when I was young....just thought an image would be helpful...

So. She wanted a home made messy rainbow cake..... That's exactly what she got!

So this was a birthday commission... I had so much fun making this cake, I'm a big supporter of the homemade look.... Sweets, sprinkles, icing and 8 layers of gorgeous sponge cake!! 

It's where it all began.... YUM!

CakePops!

Tried them out for the first time yesterday.... I know I'm late but if you read 'The blogger' page you'll know why!

Not bad ay!!

Recipe day!! Simple Victoria Sponge

So today I'll share a base recipe for all good sponges.
It's very simple, so maybe impress someone this valentines?

Victoria Sponge:

10oz stork
10oz caster sugar
5 eggs
10oz self raising flour
a few 'dashes' of vanilla essence

You can pretty much dash them all in and mix them at the same time. 

Dont bother with any baking powder.

Split the mixture into two 10" sandwich tins

Bake in the oven on gas mark 3 for 25 mins 

Fill it with butter icing and Jam

Butter Icing:

140g/5oz butter, softened
280g/10oz icing sugar
1-2 tbsp milk



Here's something I prepared earlier:

#cakepower

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Tuesday: Fashion Day. We're going dungaree style.

Hmm I'm not sure if this time round we can be rocking them with Timberlands... but HEY if that's your thing go for it! 

This S/S13 is about making it high fashion, chic.. not the dirty south, ride or die approach.

Heels

Handbags

Satchels

Neon colours

Shirts and Ties

Hats and Hoods

That statement accessory.. always wins. 

 I'm against Primark... I think it's vile BUT I cant knock someone else's grind. These are £17 in Primark.

This is ASOS's approach to the matter.. a Dungaree skirt. this would look great with trainers or heels! Currently £22.50 in the sale.. what you think?

If your lucky enough you might be able to join the lovely lady at ELLEUK who got some vintage LEVIS.. maybe you never threw yours away?

Or just get catwalk about it.. I will be....

OH YEAH GUYSSS......!!!!

TOPMAN £54 

#Cakepower

I know I shouldn't overload all on one day but... It's Pharell at the grammys.

I know you'll make room for him. 

Cake Cake Valentines Cake!

Some Valentines stuff I threw together quickly one afternoon...

Raspberry, Chocolate and Carrot cupcakes

Apple Caramel cupcakes make for some goood eatin'

Quote of the Week!

So we're gonna be starting Monday's off with a quote, start as you mean to go on...

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure." - Colin Powell

Colin Powell is an accomplished African American who achieved a lot of 'firsts' as an african american in his career, including Secretary of State and National Security advisor under George W. Bush.

That Monday after a busy few weeks!

What's been happening?

Not much. Working. STUDYING and re-evaluating..... It's such a gift.. always re evaluate you work, your sources and resources, your advisors, your approach and your plan. It's how we grow....

So to get me started I have breakfast. Because breakfast keep you slim and stimulated.

Granola.

Green Tea.

Grapes.

The I-Mean-Business Mug (my fav!)

I've made my list of things to do... and I will make it to the gym despite the weather... I haven't been for two weeks.... #wooiiii

STUDY LEAVE.

 Yes it's been a couple of weeks... my deadlines got the better of me.. whoever said to start a masters and business at the same time would be possible?

Well I'm working it so far (just about!)