We all know the cliché new years resolutions that everyone keeps up for about a week then drops but I thought I'd share mine anyway. Thankfully some of mine have been made into blog challenges so that should have some motivation. 2011 has been an odd year with many ups and downs but I do not wish to look back with any regrets, only to look forward to the year ahead with an open heart and mind. So, here are my resolutions!
1 Accept myself for being me. If you read my Yule Magic gift it was to let people know that they deserve to give themselves a chance. I had a habit of letting people get to me with nasty remarks but it's not me that needs to change, it's them.
2 Be healthy. I don't want to lose loads of weight and be a size zero, I'm happy with my curves. For me health is about feeling good mentally, physically and spiritually. Since my chronic cough, my immune system has been shot to pieces and I pick up everything, but I try not to let that get in my way. After suffering with a back injury for 3 or 4 years I really want to devote myself to strengthening my core muscles which will not only help me tone up, but prevent further injury.
4 Focus more on school. The last point ties in with this one in that my not so great health has an impact on my school performance. I still try to go to school as much as I can but sometimes it's not possible and I fall behind. This is an important year for school work and can determine whether or not I get to do the course at university that I want to.
3 Explore my path as a Pagan. Although I've officially been practising for over a year, I often have so much other stuff preoccupying my mind that my spiritual practice gets pushed into the background. Poor health and school work seem to be the main things that diminish my practice, although I say a prayer everyday I want to do more than that and explore other practises and traditions.
4 Plant a veg patch and herb garden. I love gardening as it gets me closer to nature. We grew lots of food at our old house and I loved it so it's definitely something I want to do again.
5 Get more involved in the craft. As my knowledge of herblore increases I want to make my own incense, oils, tinctures and beauty products so that they are personal to me.
6 Exercise more. I guess this is associated to the being more healthy one but again time and injury are the main components as to why I don't exercise enough. As the strength of my back improves I want to go back to horse riding and start yoga again as I love doing it.
At the moment those are my main goals for the coming year, I may add to those or give myself goals for each month but those are the long term ones for the year. What are your resolutions for 2012? I'd love to know :)
Friday, 30 December 2011
Friday, 23 December 2011
A Year To Read
One of my resolution for the coming year is to make more time to read, so in light of this I've joined another reading challenge for 2012.
As fantasy books make up the majority of my collection I thought this was a suitable challenge to join as I need to get reading them! I'm opting for the Elf Level of 10 books but hopefully I'll get reading more than that. I hope you join in and challenge yourselves to read as much as you can next year :)
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Yule Magic 2011
Quite often the only person setting us back in life or not letting go off the past is ourselves, so every solstice I like to perform a little ritual to give myself a break. I write down all the things I want to let go of and the things I want to let happen in my life on little bits of paper. The things that I want rid of such as fears, regrets and bad habits, I put in fire and burn them to be cleansed and renewed. Those that I want to prosper such as good health, happiness and personal goals, I bury in the ground so that they can grow within the earth and grow on a energetical level on the physical plain.
We all deserve to give ourselves another chance, to wipe the slate clean, forgive ourselves for something we've done wrong so that we can grow and live our lives to the fullest. Have a blessed Winter Solstice! xx
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Amarya Beauty Box Dec 2011
Ahh the heating is broke, a classic sign that winter is well and truly here, (we've even had a little snow!) however this little box arrived in the post and brightened my day :)
The paper seemed to be lighter this time and there were no foam pieces which I found out for having such a heavy item in the box. (All my tissue was ripped underneath so I won't be able to use it for other people's presents :( )
Firstly I just have to say how much I love the packaging of the first product. REN have teamed up with de Gournay to create this gorgeous artwork on their 2011 Christmas Gift Sets!
REN Neroli Duo Gift Set - £28.00 full sized sample
"A zesty, invigorating, uplifting duo of Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash and Body Cream presented in a beautiful box with de Gourney design. Great for a morning pick me up!" Firstly this is almost triple the price of the box so immediately you are getting your moneys worth. I had a little smell and try of the moisturiser and I have to say I'm liking it. I can't wait to get using these to perk me up on these dark mornings.
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream - £14.95 full size 50ml, 10g sample.
"This gentle cleansing cream will offer a deep cleanse without upsetting the delicate acid mantle of the skin. Press this cream gently in to damp skin after removing make-up." As someone with skin that tends to be very dry I can't use make up remover or wipes as it sucks they are both extra drying so cleansing cream it is. I'm looking forward to trying this one out.
Acorelle Eau De Parfum - £29.99 full size 50ml, 1.5ml sample.
"The World's first certified organic perfumes made with essential oils and natural extracts based on the principles of aromatherapy. Nine Eau de Parfums to choose from." I got the Wheat Almond Eau de Parfum, "revitalizes your senses thanks to the combination of bitter almond essential oil, palmarosa essential oil and essence of orange." I had a little spritz and the fragrance isn't for me. Perfume is a really personal thing so you either like a scent or you don't. It's quite a similar in smell to Marks & Spencer's White Peach and Almond Hand & Nail Cream. Personally, I prefer the cream.
I was going to do a "star of last month" bit at the end of each Amarya Beauty Box but I had a really hard time choosing what I loved the most. Maybe I'll have one next time :)
Firstly I just have to say how much I love the packaging of the first product. REN have teamed up with de Gournay to create this gorgeous artwork on their 2011 Christmas Gift Sets!
REN Neroli Duo Gift Set - £28.00 full sized sample
"A zesty, invigorating, uplifting duo of Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash and Body Cream presented in a beautiful box with de Gourney design. Great for a morning pick me up!" Firstly this is almost triple the price of the box so immediately you are getting your moneys worth. I had a little smell and try of the moisturiser and I have to say I'm liking it. I can't wait to get using these to perk me up on these dark mornings.
"This gentle cleansing cream will offer a deep cleanse without upsetting the delicate acid mantle of the skin. Press this cream gently in to damp skin after removing make-up." As someone with skin that tends to be very dry I can't use make up remover or wipes as it sucks they are both extra drying so cleansing cream it is. I'm looking forward to trying this one out.
"The World's first certified organic perfumes made with essential oils and natural extracts based on the principles of aromatherapy. Nine Eau de Parfums to choose from." I got the Wheat Almond Eau de Parfum, "revitalizes your senses thanks to the combination of bitter almond essential oil, palmarosa essential oil and essence of orange." I had a little spritz and the fragrance isn't for me. Perfume is a really personal thing so you either like a scent or you don't. It's quite a similar in smell to Marks & Spencer's White Peach and Almond Hand & Nail Cream. Personally, I prefer the cream.
I was going to do a "star of last month" bit at the end of each Amarya Beauty Box but I had a really hard time choosing what I loved the most. Maybe I'll have one next time :)
Monday, 12 December 2011
Apologies
As you might have noticed I haven't put up my post for The Witches Yuletide Ball that was on Saturday. I haven't been very well for the past few weeks so haven't been in the mood to decorate or bake, (I couldn't eat all weekend) however it is my school Winter Ball on Wednesday so I will put some pictures up of it as my post.
Sorry if you were looking forward to the post, I will try and have the Yuletide Blessings post up on the correct date. Hannah xx
Sorry if you were looking forward to the post, I will try and have the Yuletide Blessings post up on the correct date. Hannah xx
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
2012 Pagan Reading Challenge & Get Off Your Broom Witchy Fitness Challenge
So, I've just signed up for two blog events over at The Domestic Pagan. Both start in January and last the whole year through so I will have many updates (hopefully) on both of these.
The first I have joined in the 2012 Pagan Reading Challenge. It is designed to get us all motivated to read more about the craft, nature and paganism in general. The challenge includes any fiction books also related to this topic, so anything about witches, magic and the paranormal counts.
I have decided to opt for the realistic Beginner Read of 11-15 books at present as next year is going to be pretty heavy on school work from January to June but I may advance on or reduce this number as the year goes on. There's so many books on this path that I want to read but don't have the time so I'm hoping this will motivate me to get reading! Hopefully I'll make a start on a Book of Shadows next year too.
My next motivational challenge is the 2012 Get Off Your Broom Witchy Fitness Challenge. I've wanted to get into shape so bad the past couple of years but illness and other obligations just haven't made it possible. I'm not really worried about losing lots of weight but I do want to tone up, eat better and feel as healthy as I can (despite the random illnesses I get.) When you feel good about yourself it really boosts your confidence and an event like this will hopefully give everyone the determination and focus to achieve their goals. Check ins will be every Sunday so expect some health related posts in the coming year!
I hope your December is getting off to a magical start! Hannah xx
The first I have joined in the 2012 Pagan Reading Challenge. It is designed to get us all motivated to read more about the craft, nature and paganism in general. The challenge includes any fiction books also related to this topic, so anything about witches, magic and the paranormal counts.
I have decided to opt for the realistic Beginner Read of 11-15 books at present as next year is going to be pretty heavy on school work from January to June but I may advance on or reduce this number as the year goes on. There's so many books on this path that I want to read but don't have the time so I'm hoping this will motivate me to get reading! Hopefully I'll make a start on a Book of Shadows next year too.
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I hope your December is getting off to a magical start! Hannah xx
Monday, 5 December 2011
Yuletide Cupcakery! 2011
Happy December! I've been in a Yuletide mood today, singing carols at choir, snow this morning and of course baking for this cupcakery! I decided to make gingerbread cupcakes, well, because I love gingerbread :) I was initially going to try my hand at eggnog cupcakes but couldn't find the recipe book :( hopefully I'll find it before Saturday's blog party. Anyway, here's the recipe!
Ingredients
- 150 g butter, room temperature
- 150 g soft brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tbsp milk
For the frosting
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 50 g soft brown sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 200 g icing sugar
- pinch ground cinnamon
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the flour together with the spices.
4. Gradually mix the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar alternating with the flour to stop the mix from curdling. Finally, stir through the milk.
5. Place 12 paper cupcake cases into a muffin tin and divide the mixture between them.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting: while the cupcakes are cooking place 50 grams of the butter in a pan with the brown sugar and cook over a low heat until melted. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk and stir to form a thick glossy toffee sauce. Leave to one side to cool to room temperature.
8. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter until smooth, then start to sift in the icing sugar, stirring regularly. Add the toffee sauce and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Add a splash more of milk if the mixture seems too thick - the frosting should be light and creamy.
9. Put the frosting in a piping bag and pipe onto the cupcakes. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the flour together with the spices.
4. Gradually mix the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar alternating with the flour to stop the mix from curdling. Finally, stir through the milk.
5. Place 12 paper cupcake cases into a muffin tin and divide the mixture between them.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting: while the cupcakes are cooking place 50 grams of the butter in a pan with the brown sugar and cook over a low heat until melted. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk and stir to form a thick glossy toffee sauce. Leave to one side to cool to room temperature.
8. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter until smooth, then start to sift in the icing sugar, stirring regularly. Add the toffee sauce and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Add a splash more of milk if the mixture seems too thick - the frosting should be light and creamy.
9. Put the frosting in a piping bag and pipe onto the cupcakes. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.
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| Enjoy! |
Sunday, 4 December 2011
MAC & Illmasqua Haul
My mother and I found ourselves in Debenhams yet again after picking up my formal dress so decided to treat ourselves during their Big Gift Event Sale, so here's what I got.
I've been really getting into MAC & Illamasqua lately, I'm loving the products I have so far and I've converted my mummy to MAC when before she didn't see what was so great about them... she was easily turned!
"Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage."
I've been looking a new liquid foundation for ages, but find it difficult to get one to match my skin tone exactly or one that is moisturising enough. I wanted to try this out because of the great hype and reviews surrounding it and I saw why it has gotten this attention when the lady at the counter put it on me; it's flawless skin in a bottle! The woman also informed me as to why my skin is so dry and it is because I exfoliate too much (any scrub that recommends using it every day don't do it! It takes around 8 days for healthy skin to surface so if you scrub all the top skin off everyday there's no moisture left in the deeper layers that are coming to the surface.) This shade is the lightest for colourings with yellow undertones.
"Illuminate, radiate, make your face come alive with the colour and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Colour-intense and highly pigmented, use it to shade, brighten, enhance and define the shape of your face. Be bold, be daring, be the centre of attention."
The lady at the counter also used this on me as both a blush and a contour which had amazing results for such a light and natural colour. Katie is described as a soft candy pink with a matt finish.
"Illuminate your alter ego. Use the Illamasqua Highlighter Brush to apply Illuminator to anywhere you’d like to draw attention. Wonderfully versatile, this brush can also be used to buff Illamasqua Light or Rich Liquid Foundation onto the face, to create a polished look."
Since the cover of my elf stipple brush melted into the bristles I've been on the lookout for a new buffing brush. I prefer using this kind of brush than a regular foundation brush as it provides a more natural and buildable coverage. It is particularly good with both the skin base foundation and for applying blush.
Another part of the Glitter & Ice collection. I fell in love with this shade but managed to miss it the other week when I was there. A beautiful pale green melange. Not more else I can say, frosty, glittery, like having snowflakes on your eyelids!
Two gorgeous shades I've had my eye on for a while, Patina is a taupe brown with golden pearl and Satin Taupe is a taupe with silver shimmer.
I forgot to include these in my last haul post as that is when I got them but had them straight into my pallet so forgot about them. Mystery is a muted plum-brown which is perfect alone for my eyebrows at night or mixed with Espresso for the day. Twinks is a gorgeous deep plum with pearl.
I was looking for a really moisturising lipstick that was quite natural but still had some colour and the lady at the counter came up with this beauty, a neutral pink with pearl. Is it just me or do these smell amazingggg! Better still, all funds from the Viva Glam range go towards Aids Awareness & by getting this, along with the next product, the money has given someone a home for two nights and eight meals.
I'm usually not a fan of lipgloss, (I'm a lipstick girl for life!) but I couldn't resist this warm plum with pearl after trying it on over the lipstick; they're a match made in lip combo heaven!
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| Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation - 03 |
I've been looking a new liquid foundation for ages, but find it difficult to get one to match my skin tone exactly or one that is moisturising enough. I wanted to try this out because of the great hype and reviews surrounding it and I saw why it has gotten this attention when the lady at the counter put it on me; it's flawless skin in a bottle! The woman also informed me as to why my skin is so dry and it is because I exfoliate too much (any scrub that recommends using it every day don't do it! It takes around 8 days for healthy skin to surface so if you scrub all the top skin off everyday there's no moisture left in the deeper layers that are coming to the surface.) This shade is the lightest for colourings with yellow undertones.
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| Illamasqua Powder Blush - Katie |
The lady at the counter also used this on me as both a blush and a contour which had amazing results for such a light and natural colour. Katie is described as a soft candy pink with a matt finish.
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| Illamasqua Highlighter Brush |
Since the cover of my elf stipple brush melted into the bristles I've been on the lookout for a new buffing brush. I prefer using this kind of brush than a regular foundation brush as it provides a more natural and buildable coverage. It is particularly good with both the skin base foundation and for applying blush.
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| MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow - Shimmermint |
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| MAC Eye Shadow in Patina & Satin Taupe |
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| MAC Eye Shadow in Mystery & Twinks |
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| My current MAC eyeshadow collection; Top Row L-R: Blanc Type, Vanilla, Dazzlelight, Girlie; Middle Row L-R: Wedge, Patina, Era, Folie; Bottom Row L-R: Espresso, Mystery, Woodwinked, Satin Taupe, Twinks |
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| MAC Lustre Lipstick - Viva Glam V |
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| MAC Lustre Lipstick - Viva Glam V |
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| MAC Lipglass - Viva Glam VI |
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| MAC Lipglass - Viva Glam VI |
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| MAC Lipglass - Viva Glam VI |
Friday, 2 December 2011
Current Loves
I've found myself day dreaming lately about lovely thing so thought I'd share. (All images from we heart it)
Have a wonderful weekend! xx
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| sparkly shoes! |
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| lovely liv |
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| cute kittens |
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| & again |
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| & again! |
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| jeffrey campbell lita boots |
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| winter jumpers |
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| warming drinks |
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| to die for nails |
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| norse mythology (I might be going to a camp in Norway in the summer!) |
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| what kind of Mjölnir pendant I want |
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| cute hairstyles |
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| big rings |
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| & again |
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| women of the past |
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| baking |
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| yoga |
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| & of course, snow! |
Monday, 28 November 2011
December Plans
The season of yuletide is almost upon us! (I've promised myself no decorating or seasonal themed music until December 1st! including not changing my blog background!) Before I inform you of my plans for the coming month I'd like to say thank you for subscribing, I've now reached 20 followers, which to me is is a lot as I didn't think I'd even get one let alone anyone finding my blog but thank you all :)
December is going to be a busy month for me, 3 blog parties which you can find more info about in the side bar and in the previous few posts. I've also got my school's Winter Ball on the 14th (and I'll put some photos up!) and my piano exam the day after :(
Winter is a time that I feel most connected to the earth and the elements. Everything about it is so magical. I'm particularly looking forward to the snow and working with Skaði as I'm being more and more drawn to the Norse pantheon. Hopefully I'll get some snow magic in there too, but I shall save that for one of my blog party posts. I hope you all have had a wonderful autumn and a magical Yule! Hannah xx
December is going to be a busy month for me, 3 blog parties which you can find more info about in the side bar and in the previous few posts. I've also got my school's Winter Ball on the 14th (and I'll put some photos up!) and my piano exam the day after :(
Winter is a time that I feel most connected to the earth and the elements. Everything about it is so magical. I'm particularly looking forward to the snow and working with Skaði as I'm being more and more drawn to the Norse pantheon. Hopefully I'll get some snow magic in there too, but I shall save that for one of my blog party posts. I hope you all have had a wonderful autumn and a magical Yule! Hannah xx
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Spiderweb Cheesecake Recipe
I made this cheesecake for Samhain & the Witches Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon blog party. It's safe to say it was the first thing everyone dived for and kept eating even though they felt sick, so it must have been really great. It is a very rich cheesecake and definitely not kind on the hips but we all deserve a treat every now and then :) This recipe is taken from The Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days book.
Serves 8-12
Ingredients
For the biscuit base
220g (8oz) digestive biscuits
100g (3 1/2 oz) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake topping
4 leaves of gelatine
600g (1lb 5oz) full-fat cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
100g (4oz) caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence ( I used extract, it has more real flavour)
1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
200ml (7fl oz) double cream
60g (2oz) dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
One 20cm (8in) diameter spring-form tin
Piping bag with a fine (no.2) writing nozzle (I just used a spoon and let it drip)
Method
1. Line the base of the cake tin with baking parchment, then, in a food processor, whiz the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using the blade attachment. Alternatively, place the biscuits in a plastic bag, seal it shut and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Tip the biscuit crumbs into a bowl, pour over the melted butter and mix together with a spoon. Pour the buttery crumbs into the lined cake tin, pressing them into the base of the tin, then place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to cool and set while you make the topping.
3. Place the gelatine leaves in a bowl of tepid water to soften. Using a hand-held electric whisk or freestanding electric mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla essence and lemon zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the double cream until it forms soft peaks.
4. In a small saucepan, on a very low heat, melt approximately 200g (7oz) of the cream cheese mixture. Allow it to warm slightly, then remove from the heat, add the softened gelatine and let it melt in the cream cheese.
5. Add the remaining cold cream cheese to the warm mixture in the pan, mixing it in 3 tablespoons at a time and stirring continuously,. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture and then pour on to the prepared base in the tin. Smooth down the top of the cheesecake using a palette knife.
6. Break the chocolate into a glass bowl and melt over a pan of simmering water, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Pour the chocolate into the piping bag and pipe on to the cheesecake in evenly spaced concentric circles. Using a toothpick or the point of a sharp knife, draw a fin line from the centre circle to the outer circle to create a spiderweb effect. Clean the toothpick or skewer after drawing each line.
7. Place the finished cheesecake in the fridge and allow it to set for a couple of hours, or preferably overnight.
Of course this cheesecake's design was ideal for any Halloween or Samhain celebrations, just changing the design will make it suitable for any occasion, although the more darker of us can make it feel like Samhain any day of the year with the spiderweb design :) Enjoy!
Serves 8-12
Ingredients
For the biscuit base
220g (8oz) digestive biscuits
100g (3 1/2 oz) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake topping
4 leaves of gelatine
600g (1lb 5oz) full-fat cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
100g (4oz) caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence ( I used extract, it has more real flavour)
1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
200ml (7fl oz) double cream
60g (2oz) dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
One 20cm (8in) diameter spring-form tin
Piping bag with a fine (no.2) writing nozzle (I just used a spoon and let it drip)
Method
1. Line the base of the cake tin with baking parchment, then, in a food processor, whiz the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using the blade attachment. Alternatively, place the biscuits in a plastic bag, seal it shut and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Tip the biscuit crumbs into a bowl, pour over the melted butter and mix together with a spoon. Pour the buttery crumbs into the lined cake tin, pressing them into the base of the tin, then place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to cool and set while you make the topping.
3. Place the gelatine leaves in a bowl of tepid water to soften. Using a hand-held electric whisk or freestanding electric mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla essence and lemon zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the double cream until it forms soft peaks.
4. In a small saucepan, on a very low heat, melt approximately 200g (7oz) of the cream cheese mixture. Allow it to warm slightly, then remove from the heat, add the softened gelatine and let it melt in the cream cheese.
5. Add the remaining cold cream cheese to the warm mixture in the pan, mixing it in 3 tablespoons at a time and stirring continuously,. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture and then pour on to the prepared base in the tin. Smooth down the top of the cheesecake using a palette knife.
6. Break the chocolate into a glass bowl and melt over a pan of simmering water, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Pour the chocolate into the piping bag and pipe on to the cheesecake in evenly spaced concentric circles. Using a toothpick or the point of a sharp knife, draw a fin line from the centre circle to the outer circle to create a spiderweb effect. Clean the toothpick or skewer after drawing each line.
7. Place the finished cheesecake in the fridge and allow it to set for a couple of hours, or preferably overnight.
Of course this cheesecake's design was ideal for any Halloween or Samhain celebrations, just changing the design will make it suitable for any occasion, although the more darker of us can make it feel like Samhain any day of the year with the spiderweb design :) Enjoy!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
I Knew It!
I was so sure I took a picture of the spiderweb cheesecake I made at Samhain & was confounded that I couldn't find it but I finally did, almost a month late but ah well it was my favourite out of everything I baked for the Witches Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon :)
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| Yum! |
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
So Many Blog Parties, So Little Time
I've joined yet another blog event! This time it's one dedicated to baking!
Here's the schedule for all the events I'm participating in as well as links to the hosts' blogs:
Yuletide Cupcakery! - December 5th
The Witches Yuletide Ball - December 10th
Yuletide Blessings - December 18th
Yule Magic - December 21st
Be sure to check these out on the day and support the other bloggers who enjoy the season!
Here's the schedule for all the events I'm participating in as well as links to the hosts' blogs:
Yuletide Cupcakery! - December 5th
The Witches Yuletide Ball - December 10th
Yuletide Blessings - December 18th
Yule Magic - December 21st
Be sure to check these out on the day and support the other bloggers who enjoy the season!
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Doing What's Right For You & Anti-Bullying Week
This week marked Anti-Bullying Week in the UK with the slogan 'Stop and think - words can hurt' which focuses on verbal bullying. As someone who has been a victim of verbal bullying for a very long time I thought it was right to share my experience to let people know how serious of an issue bullying is.
I was bullied for over 4 years from primary school right into secondary school. It started out as 'just joking' but it was clear to many people that all the jokes and snide remarks were aimed at me even if they could be applied to anyone. While people might think this is a bit of fun, me included at the beginning, it evolved into me believing what was being said. Usually I didn't care what people thought of me but hearing not so nice comments to my face everyday started to take hold and I was letting people tell me I was worthless and there was nothing good about me. I hid it pretty well, I've always been good under stress and at faking a smile so as not to drag other people into it, but what amazed me is how none of my "friends" stood up for me or said enough when they knew it was getting out of hand. I've never been one to want to ask for help as I don't like getting other people down because of how I am feeling and I never told the people saying the comments where to go because I didn't want to hurt their feelings even though they didn't care about mine.
Then one summer I just broke down. It came as a shock to many people, including my family who didn't even know what was going on. I couldn't handle feeling like that and pretending I was ok when I wasn't. As a result I became extremely ill, having to take a year off school due to a chronic cough which was affecting me whole body. Now I get sick any time I get too stressed and the cough comes back, but thankfully it goes away again. I didn't deserve to be treated like that but what made me angry is that the school did nothing about the bully because there was "no evidence" regardless of many witnesses every day. They might as well have said I was making it up and I should have wrote it down (how you couldn't just make that up I don't know) and why would I want to replay it in my head? I just didn't want to think about it. But, because of this the bully didn't get any punishment; they get to leave school at the right time, do their important exams and live on as if they never did anything wrong while I had to go back a year, into a year without knowing anyone, having to redo coursework and learn some of the teaching myself because the syllabus had changed whilst still being ill. How that is fair I do not know.
What annoyed me the most is that school goes on about preventing bullying and say that they take it very seriously but in my case they did nothing. The only way they could have had evidence is if it was cyber bullying or did they want me to record it?!
In the past few months however I've been regaining my confidence and getting back to the old me. I've stopped letting people walk all over me. Yes we all want to be nice to other people but if it is harming your happiness then what's the point. I told some of my "friends" that also didn't treat me correctly that I didn't think we should be friends, including my "best friend" from I was 2 years old. I pity people who treat other people that they supposedly care about or are friends with in a way that they would not want to be treated themselves. Anyone who makes other people feel worthless to make themselves feel better is only pointing out what they are insecure of themselves and they should learn that it will get them nowhere in life. Just know that if you are being bullied it is the bully that has a problem not you. You are worth something if it is you they decide to verbally attack and you're better than to listen to what they have to say. Stand up for yourself but don't become a bull yourself or you're just as bad as the other person.
If you are feeling down about yourself I highly recommend you check out these 50 Life Secrets and Tips that are sure to improve your sense of self, I know they helped me! (and of course so did my discovery of paganism!)
I was bullied for over 4 years from primary school right into secondary school. It started out as 'just joking' but it was clear to many people that all the jokes and snide remarks were aimed at me even if they could be applied to anyone. While people might think this is a bit of fun, me included at the beginning, it evolved into me believing what was being said. Usually I didn't care what people thought of me but hearing not so nice comments to my face everyday started to take hold and I was letting people tell me I was worthless and there was nothing good about me. I hid it pretty well, I've always been good under stress and at faking a smile so as not to drag other people into it, but what amazed me is how none of my "friends" stood up for me or said enough when they knew it was getting out of hand. I've never been one to want to ask for help as I don't like getting other people down because of how I am feeling and I never told the people saying the comments where to go because I didn't want to hurt their feelings even though they didn't care about mine.
Then one summer I just broke down. It came as a shock to many people, including my family who didn't even know what was going on. I couldn't handle feeling like that and pretending I was ok when I wasn't. As a result I became extremely ill, having to take a year off school due to a chronic cough which was affecting me whole body. Now I get sick any time I get too stressed and the cough comes back, but thankfully it goes away again. I didn't deserve to be treated like that but what made me angry is that the school did nothing about the bully because there was "no evidence" regardless of many witnesses every day. They might as well have said I was making it up and I should have wrote it down (how you couldn't just make that up I don't know) and why would I want to replay it in my head? I just didn't want to think about it. But, because of this the bully didn't get any punishment; they get to leave school at the right time, do their important exams and live on as if they never did anything wrong while I had to go back a year, into a year without knowing anyone, having to redo coursework and learn some of the teaching myself because the syllabus had changed whilst still being ill. How that is fair I do not know.
What annoyed me the most is that school goes on about preventing bullying and say that they take it very seriously but in my case they did nothing. The only way they could have had evidence is if it was cyber bullying or did they want me to record it?!
In the past few months however I've been regaining my confidence and getting back to the old me. I've stopped letting people walk all over me. Yes we all want to be nice to other people but if it is harming your happiness then what's the point. I told some of my "friends" that also didn't treat me correctly that I didn't think we should be friends, including my "best friend" from I was 2 years old. I pity people who treat other people that they supposedly care about or are friends with in a way that they would not want to be treated themselves. Anyone who makes other people feel worthless to make themselves feel better is only pointing out what they are insecure of themselves and they should learn that it will get them nowhere in life. Just know that if you are being bullied it is the bully that has a problem not you. You are worth something if it is you they decide to verbally attack and you're better than to listen to what they have to say. Stand up for yourself but don't become a bull yourself or you're just as bad as the other person.
If you are feeling down about yourself I highly recommend you check out these 50 Life Secrets and Tips that are sure to improve your sense of self, I know they helped me! (and of course so did my discovery of paganism!)
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Shopping Saturday
I went shopping for my formal dress today and found the perfect one more quickly that expected so was able to go for my annual holiday shopping with my mummy as this is usually when I buy new clothes and get part of my present, so I thought I'd share some of the stuff I got. These first few things are from Debenhams.
(Yes, I know I already have Illamasqua's Hemlock Nail Polish but my mummy is taking this one.)
"Freak is a concoction of dangerously exotic unconventional flowers which Illamasqua has unashamedly blended together to celebrate the night.
Celebrate the night with Freak, the first fragrance from Illamasqua. An expert blend of dangerously exotic midnight blooms, this intoxicating scent awakens forbidden floral tones that are unashamedly seductive, magical, timeless and unforgettable.
Top Notes: Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna bewitch the senses into uncontrollable lust and passion.
Heart Notes: Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen Of The Night blossom, caress and kiss.
Base Notes: Aromas of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh, addictively mesmerises and captures the senses.
The rich and daringly provocative opening notes of Black Davana cast a magical spell of desire across the senses to celebrate the night. This compelling Burnt Orange Bloom base is highly prized the world over for its ability to enhance the wearer's natural perfume. The subtle mustiness of Poison Hemlock haunts the background tone of Freak, adding alluring depths of mystery.
Datura, The Moonflower, and intoxicating scent that as long been used as a heady aphrodisiac. The exquisitely rare Queen Of The Night blooms fleetingly for a single night each year, and completes this daringly provocative concoction with its warm, soft floral scent touched with sweetness."
I tend to get a new perfume as part of my present every few years. I've been wearing Estee Lauder's Sensuous quite a lot these past few years so it's night to have a change. This perfume is definitely something different. Like most other perfumes it smells different on everyone but what makes this one unique is how much the scent changes as the time goes on; the scent when you first spray it and the scent when you have been wearing it for an hour are so different but the notes change so subtly, it just works! I love the little snail climbing up the bottle, hehe :)
"Bringing a gloriously rich shimmer to the night's darkest hour, this high-shine metallic powder was made to be played with. A blackened plum, use on its own, with Illamasqua Eye Shadow, or mix with Sealing Gel to create a colour-rich metallic eye liner."
"Kiss and tell in the moonlight with bruised, sensual neutral mauve lips - this super glossy, seer colour mirrors its namesake, the Moonflower, to enhance your lips and add sexiness to your smile. Use over Illamasqua Lipstick for added pout."
I've been looking a heavy duty concealer for quite a while now so who better to get one from than MAC. I tend to have big dark circles under my eyes and I have broken capillaries on my cheeks so because that and with my formal coming up I needed something with a bit more coverage.
These are from MAC's newest Glitter & Ice collection and the colours are beautiful; Let's Skate! is a pale pink with pearl and Morning Frost is a Shimmering Champagne Taupe. I've been looking to get a MAC paint pot for a while so now I have two :)
I also popped into the actual Lush shop for the first time too. (I used to think it was a cheese shop cause they had big wheels of soap in the window which I thought was cheese haha!)
I decided to go with a festive theme (bar Amandopondo) it all smells so great, I had a hard time choosing what to actually get.
"This bubble bar was invented for those times when you are getting ready for a big event. Soak in a bath and relax in mountains of bubbles and rise with a hint of sensual jasmine fragrance lingering on your body.
Irish moss powder in this bar ensures that your skin feels smooth and soft whilst the essential oils will relax you and leave your mind and body ready for great things.
Designed by some of our ( more party-animal ) shop managers, who wanted something to use after long days at work, when they had parties or nightclubs to go to. They wanted something to refresh, wake themselves up and also leave them smelling fantastic.
They put a night sky and moon on the bar, because to them that heralds the time to get going and get out!
For the less party prone amongst us – this bar is great for use at all times of the day or night, but always when you want to be left feeling fantastic."
"Ginger and spice and all things nice. That’s what our little bubble bar house is made of.
With its little snowy roof and cinnamon stick chimney, this bubble bar looks as good as its edible cousins. But, when you come to use this one, instead of a stale gingerbread biscuit, you get mountains of spicy, fruity foam and a jolly good wash.
With ginger powder and ginger essential oil, this is a warming little number. But we’ve also given it lemon oil and a fruity scent based around the blackcurrant notes of buchu oil. It’s a wonderful treat that you’ll want to lose yourself in.
If you’re feeling the winter blues a soak in this will help you find your way out of the woods."
"Our little snowman is about to shuffle off this mortal coil – but not before you get one last bath from him as he disappears for another year.
It is a short but glorious life that our Melting Snowman lives. He may not have long to go, but boy is he going to make a grand exit.
Exquisitely fragranced with a blend of oils containing vanilla absolute and sweet wild orange, giving him a deep marzipan fragrance with notes of rich fruit, reminiscent of Christmas cake and figgy puddings. Which means he smells exactly the same as our bestselling Snowcake soap.
But if it isn’t enough to smell of our most popular Christmas fragrance, he’s also got a body made of water-softening bicarb of soda, cocoa butter and shea butter. This means that when the heat gets to him and he finally melts away, he fizzes those wonderful butters through your bathwater, leaving you soft and moisturised. What a way to go !
His legacy is your great skin – which means he lives on in the memory of all who knew him."
"A gentle bath for times when the world owes you a favour. Let the rose wrap you in a comfort blanket and the lemon lift your mind and spirits.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best – a bath of uncomplicated bliss.
This bubble bar was inspired by the idea of forgiveness. For those times when life is unfair or people untrue. We all know a bouquet of roses is a good place to start putting things right – so we wanted to sum that up in a bath-time experience.
At Lush we love trading with family businesses. We buy the rose absolute that we put into this bubble bar from a family in Turkey who have been growing roses and distilling their oil for over three generations. We’ve learned so much from their passion and expertise in the years we’ve known them."
 |
| Illamasqua Freak Limited Edition Gift Set, MAC Studio Finish Concealer, MAC Paint Pot in Let's Skate! & Morning Frost |
 |
| Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum |
"Freak is a concoction of dangerously exotic unconventional flowers which Illamasqua has unashamedly blended together to celebrate the night.
Celebrate the night with Freak, the first fragrance from Illamasqua. An expert blend of dangerously exotic midnight blooms, this intoxicating scent awakens forbidden floral tones that are unashamedly seductive, magical, timeless and unforgettable.
Top Notes: Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna bewitch the senses into uncontrollable lust and passion.
Heart Notes: Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen Of The Night blossom, caress and kiss.
Base Notes: Aromas of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh, addictively mesmerises and captures the senses.
The rich and daringly provocative opening notes of Black Davana cast a magical spell of desire across the senses to celebrate the night. This compelling Burnt Orange Bloom base is highly prized the world over for its ability to enhance the wearer's natural perfume. The subtle mustiness of Poison Hemlock haunts the background tone of Freak, adding alluring depths of mystery.
Datura, The Moonflower, and intoxicating scent that as long been used as a heady aphrodisiac. The exquisitely rare Queen Of The Night blooms fleetingly for a single night each year, and completes this daringly provocative concoction with its warm, soft floral scent touched with sweetness."
I tend to get a new perfume as part of my present every few years. I've been wearing Estee Lauder's Sensuous quite a lot these past few years so it's night to have a change. This perfume is definitely something different. Like most other perfumes it smells different on everyone but what makes this one unique is how much the scent changes as the time goes on; the scent when you first spray it and the scent when you have been wearing it for an hour are so different but the notes change so subtly, it just works! I love the little snail climbing up the bottle, hehe :)
 |
| Illamasqua Limited Edition Pure Pigment in Queen Of The Night |
 |
| Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Queen Of The Night - Intense then blended |
 |
| Illamasqua Limited Edition Sheer Lipgloss in Datura |
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| Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Datura |
 |
| MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in NC 15 |
 |
| MAC Glitter & Ice Paint Pot in Let's Skate & Morning Frost |
 |
| MAC Paint Pot in Let's Skate! & Morning Frost |
I also popped into the actual Lush shop for the first time too. (I used to think it was a cheese shop cause they had big wheels of soap in the window which I thought was cheese haha!)
 |
| Christmas Eve, Gingerbread House, The Melting Snowman, Amandopondo |
 |
| Christmas Eve Bubble Bar |
Irish moss powder in this bar ensures that your skin feels smooth and soft whilst the essential oils will relax you and leave your mind and body ready for great things.
Designed by some of our ( more party-animal ) shop managers, who wanted something to use after long days at work, when they had parties or nightclubs to go to. They wanted something to refresh, wake themselves up and also leave them smelling fantastic.
They put a night sky and moon on the bar, because to them that heralds the time to get going and get out!
For the less party prone amongst us – this bar is great for use at all times of the day or night, but always when you want to be left feeling fantastic."
 |
| Gingerbread House Bubble Bar |
With its little snowy roof and cinnamon stick chimney, this bubble bar looks as good as its edible cousins. But, when you come to use this one, instead of a stale gingerbread biscuit, you get mountains of spicy, fruity foam and a jolly good wash.
With ginger powder and ginger essential oil, this is a warming little number. But we’ve also given it lemon oil and a fruity scent based around the blackcurrant notes of buchu oil. It’s a wonderful treat that you’ll want to lose yourself in.
If you’re feeling the winter blues a soak in this will help you find your way out of the woods."
 |
| The Melting Snowman Bath Melt |
It is a short but glorious life that our Melting Snowman lives. He may not have long to go, but boy is he going to make a grand exit.
Exquisitely fragranced with a blend of oils containing vanilla absolute and sweet wild orange, giving him a deep marzipan fragrance with notes of rich fruit, reminiscent of Christmas cake and figgy puddings. Which means he smells exactly the same as our bestselling Snowcake soap.
But if it isn’t enough to smell of our most popular Christmas fragrance, he’s also got a body made of water-softening bicarb of soda, cocoa butter and shea butter. This means that when the heat gets to him and he finally melts away, he fizzes those wonderful butters through your bathwater, leaving you soft and moisturised. What a way to go !
His legacy is your great skin – which means he lives on in the memory of all who knew him."
 |
| Amandopondo Bubble Bar |
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best – a bath of uncomplicated bliss.
This bubble bar was inspired by the idea of forgiveness. For those times when life is unfair or people untrue. We all know a bouquet of roses is a good place to start putting things right – so we wanted to sum that up in a bath-time experience.
At Lush we love trading with family businesses. We buy the rose absolute that we put into this bubble bar from a family in Turkey who have been growing roses and distilling their oil for over three generations. We’ve learned so much from their passion and expertise in the years we’ve known them."
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