Pottermore AGAIN! And other mindless points.

Hi all!

Yesterday was my first day back at work and it made me realise... how much I hate it there. But, you know, I've pretty much been saying that for the past 5 years. So.... yeah! I'll just have to stick with it for now, and stop thinking I'll ever find a job which will fulfil me... right now. Because, you know. I'm working on getting into my dream career of becoming a writer, so I shouldn't really sweat it, right? Please say yes!

I had a really good 2 weeks off, and have now booked another 2 weeks off in the first 2 weeks of November, because I basically forgot to take any holidays this year and was left with 5 weeks to take before the end of the year! I now have 3 weeks left, so I will be using them for Christmas (got the whole festive period off) and maybe some days in between it all! Woop woop! :P

I finally got my pottermore email - which to those NOT in the know, is the new official Harry Potter website, where you can basically go through all the different scenes in the book on the Internet and find out little tidbits on characters etc. and things that never made it into the story but JK Rowling wrote anyway - for the fans it's a pretty nice perk, and they let 1 million people have early access for Beta testing before the official open date of the 1st of October. In my case, there wasn't any point in doing it because I only just got in and it's October on Saturday (more on that in a second) so, bah! it was fun trying to get in early never the less, so who cares? Only problem is I have hit one of the errors on the site and now I'm stuck in Diagon alley with no money so I can't buy the things I need to move onto the next stages! Humph!

So, yes, it's October the 1st on Saturday. Now, I'm sure you ALL know that I love October. I love it so much it's untrue. It's just MY season. And Halloween! What's not to love? But on Saturday I'm officially starting my 2nd year of Open Uni, and will be studying 'Reading and Studying Literature' and 'Creative Writing'. I'm excited and scared that I may have taken on too much, but not to be outdone by myself I'm pushing myself even further.

My boyfriend and I have set up a website... I can't tell you what it's about at the moment, it's a working progress and just meant to be fun. So we are working on that this month and going 'live' on Halloween... and no, it's not a Halloween themed site, even though that is what I should be doing! I was also going to try to partake in NaNoWriMo this year. Which is National Novel Writing Month, and it takes place over the month of November. I figured it might slot in with my creative writing course... we will see. I have already thought of what I'm going to be writing about so I just need to keep that in my head for the next month and come November I have 1 month to write 50,000 words! Not too much, right?

Whoever said I start too many tasks and never finished them will soon be proven wrong (but more than likely right!).

Anyway, I'll be off, this was just a wordy blog before more pictures of ooey gooey cakes. Which will follow later this week/ weekend!

Take care!

Sam

Shhh, don't tell my hairdresser!

I had a keratin hair treatment yesterday - can't wash my hair for 36 hours or get it wet at all... so of course it's rain central here.

My hairdresser said to me 'You're not doing anything this weekend are you? Because you can't get your hair wet, AT ALL'.

Of course, being a woman - true to my word and sweet as candy, replied 'Nope, nothing planned'.

BUT I LIED! Haha. I know, there was no reason TO lie, I mean, what does she care? She gets my money, I get my nice smooth hair, and I didn't get it wet! I might have slightly sweated on the dance floor of a club and gotten it a little... damp, shall we say? But I made sure it didn't get wet at all! But I feel so guilty, like I've been a bad girl! Oh well.

I hit up the Karaoke booth in Manchester last night, singing an array of songs, from Dolly Parton's 'Joelene' (Which I sing like a pro!) to Will Smith's 'Wild, Wild West'. Oh, and lets not forget a little bit of 'river deep, mountain high'. That's always a winner! It was fun. There's nothing better than singing karaoke in a booth with only your friends to watch and listen, because I don't think I could do it in front of a crowd of people... eekers!

This was literally just a random blog about randomness... but if you stop by feel free to tell me if you've been keratin-ised, and what you thought, and also, what is your go to karaoke song? :)

Sam

Boston Cream Cupcakes!

Yes, that's right. True to my word I actually took pictures of something I baked. And what a treat I made.

I got another Hummingbird bakery book a month or so ago and have been dying to try one of the new recipes. I decided the (almost) first thing I wanted to make were the Boston Cream Cupcakes. I won't bore you with all the details of how I ended up covered in icing sugar and cocoa powder... or how I managed to make about 25 cupcakes with a recipe that stated it made 12-16... What I will do is tell you what the recipe is for these delish vanilla cupcakes, which have a custard filling and chocolate frosting... try not to drool!

Cupcakes:

240g plain flour

280g caster sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

a pinch of salt

80g unsalted butter, at room temperature

240ml milk

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method: Just do what I do. Whack it all in a bowl and mix it together with an electric mixer! :P

Custard:

250ml Milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 egg yolks

50g caster sugar

1 tbsp Plain flour

1 tbsp cornflour


Method: boil the milk in a pan with the vanilla. Whisk other ingedients together in a seperate bowl. When the milk has boiled remove from heat, pour a little bit into the mixture in the bowl so that it becomes all runny - then add that mixture into the pan of mix and boil again for about a minute. You'll be able to tell when it's done because it will turn thick, like custard! Next, put it in a bowl and cover with clingfilm, leaving it until its cooled.


Frosting:

400g Icing sugar

100g cocoa powder

160g Unsalted butter

80ml Milk

Method: mix the icing sugar, cocoa powder and butter in a bowl, when its all breadcrumby, and sandy texturised gradually add the milk. IMPORTANT NOTE: this made A LOT of mixture.


After you've done it all - and the cupcakes have totally cooled - you get to start the fun bit!


You cut some holes in the tops of the cakes, scoop some custard into them, trim the top which you cut out so it fits back on and squidge it down (see pictures below for help!) - then you whack some of the amazing chocolate icing on and voila! Boston cream cupcakes!


Perfect for any occassion - I found they went very well with a movie (scarface) an a cup of coffee!

Pictures for all below:



Keratin hair treatments, autumn and the blues

I got the blues. Because it's September. I always have the blues in September. Unfortunately, these blues don't leave me playing my harmonica in a smoky bar, drinking whisky. Oh my god, if they did I probably wouldn't mind! But no. Blues in September are rubbish. The only thing keeping me going is this beautiful autumn that's already started.

I have 2 weeks off work at the moment (which isn't long enough, but I have 5 more weeks of holidays to take this year, so I can't complain too much). So I decided not to let the September Blues get me down. No! I'm going to take this time to beat the funk... I mean the blues. I have set up meetings with friends, set up hair appointments (Getting a Keratin hair treatment on Friday and can't wait) and arranged to bake a lot of goodies with my boyfriend, whilst ticking off lots of films we missed this year. So all will be ok.

I feel bad because I have been so down about nothing in particular, and when I'm with my fella I feel like I'm putting it all on him, and he thinks it's him who's making me feel down and out, but it's not. I really can't wait for this month to be over! Gah! It's messing with my life!

On a better note, I am moving up in the world. My sister is moving into her own house with her boyfriend. How is this good for me, you ask? Well. ever since forever I have shared a room. I know. not only do I depressingly still live at home, but I share a room with one of my sisters. It's not so bad, we get on most of the time, but... well, I'm 26 and need my own space, you know? I have lots of belongings. And I don't mean, furniture, or clothes. Because that's just silly. No. I have a TON of books and DVD's. And I need somewhere to put them. I am almost at breaking point with my stuff because I don't want to throw things out, but I need more room, so this has all happened at rather the best time. She should be in her new place in about 8 weeks. So for 8 weeks I just have to live out of half a room and be ok with it. And then, when those 8 weeks are up, I can ask my dad to  help me pay to decorate my room - get a double bed. Paint the walls. Rip out my wardrobes and get a chest of drawers (I hate wardrobes. I just can't stand them). Set up new book shelves... all that jazz. I'm super excited! This will at least keep me going until me and my boyfriend find our own place and move out. Which we wanted to be this year, but finances are looking worse than we ever imagined, so hopefully next year. But who knows.

See, I'm in such a funk I can't even be optimistic about moving out. Gosh!

Well, I have to go get ready. I'm going to pump myself full of adrenaline and feel good endorphins by hitting my local Zumba class. I hope it is good. I've heard it's fun, but I want a work out, not a dance party! We will see!

Funny blogs up soon, I promise. I'll be baking tomorrow and I promise to take photos.

Also, blog to come about photography stuff.

Peace out!

Sam

Autumn - here again! AT LAST!

It's no secret that I love autumn. I love everything about it, even the chilly nights, the rain. What's not to like? The leaves all change colour and everything feels cosy!

It's funny how you associate certain things with certain times of the year. I always feel extra autumn-y when I listen to certain albums, or read certain books, watch certain films. It's hard to describe and it might sound cheesy, but I always feel like autumn feels like falling in love. Cheesy - ergh. I know, I can't help it. It was autumn time when my and my boyfriend said the 3 words we now repeat to each other a million times a day (because you should always say it, whenever you can!). When I read certain books it was autumn, and I fell in love with the character (which I often do). I don't know, call me a secret romantic, but the autumn months make me feel all warm inside. Just don't tell anyone because I like to pretend I'm a horrible grinch and if this got out my rep would be shattered!

I'm currently listening to an album, which made me want to write this blog. Vanessa Carlton, Heroes and Thieves. Something about the tinkling piano and strings and husky voice. Ahhh.

I was also running through some old photos from last Christmas and the cold looking days made me really crave wrapping up against the elements. Yes. I need to purchase some new scarves, jackets and gloves. I'm fine for hats because I got this cute hat the other day from Tesco's and I'm going to wear the life out of it;



Yes, the 'cat' pose was necessary - although I feel I look more like a mouse.


Speaking of photos - I finally updated my Flickr. It's taken me all year. Have a peak if you wish HERE

What reminds you of autumn... or makes you feel all wintry?

Sam

ps.

Autumn pictures to inspire you all! :D

"Insert catchy blog title here"

*sigh*

I'm always in a state of mid-inspiration (I won't tell you how long I just say here trying to remember the word 'inspiration'... no joke!) - I always feel like writing something but can't break through the inspiration barrier to do so. I always feel like learning a new song to play on my guitar, but to hell if I can think of what kind of song... I always feel like blogging but can't think of anything to blog about! Do you see how my life is slightly tragic? Not properly tragic, granted, but I am my own worst enemy, because I want to be creative but I just can't be.

I have such a craving to start up my photography again, but I know I'll take my camera out somewhere and take NO pictures. Alas, what does one do?!

I didn't have anything to blog about but seeing as I'm trying to push myself into doing things just to get things in motion... well. Here I am!

I am miffed I haven't received my Pottermore email yet. But I guess if it at least arrives before October 1st that will be OK...

I have been making some mean meals recently. A great veggie cottage pie, and fantastic vegetarian hot dog with pasta dish, and some amazing soups - which always end up on the really spicy side because I love chili power and I love black pepper, and I just can never decide which to use, so obviously I use both!

I am taking 2 weeks off work starting next week as I haven't had any time off this year and it's starting to get to me. I need some time to unwind - relax - spend some time alone (which rarely happens when you live with 5 other people) and bake/ cook like mad. I'll try to get some blog activity back by taking photos... yes... I feel inspiration coming on. Photography and time off work. This is it! These 2 weeks are going to save my soul. I can feel it!

I love it when everything fits together accidentally.

Well, that's all comrades.

Sam

ps. On a side note I got 2 new dresses. This is one:

the other I haven't worn yet, but when I do I'll throw it up here.

I'm almost at my target weight... so far I've lost over 2 stone, so I'm trying to get into wearing dresses.

And here are a couple of cute pictures for everyones enjoyment! :)

this is how I'm going to do my garden up when I have my own place!

I'm so getting these!

Sentimental Movies for ALL!

I set this blog post up ages ago and never posted it.

As I've not been in the blogging frame of mind I figured I shouldn't write anything about anything! But I have actually quite missed scattering my thoughts out onto the not so literal page, so I'll try to remember what I was going to say about sentimental movies.

I accidentally skipped onto the family movie channel the other day. I say accidentally because I don't normally watch the family channel, unless, you know, they're showing harry potter! But I saw Hachiko: A dogs story was on so I figured I'd watch a few minutes to see how cute the dog was...


as it turns out - he's stupidly cute!

 And then I got dragged into the story. It was adorable. I don't usually like sentimental stories because I find them a little bit pointless, besides, its not cool to tear up over a dog film... but this film was actually so sad I had to turn over before it even finished. I couldn't do it to myself... I have decided I need a dog like that in my life though! Honestly, so cute and cuddly, Sam must have now!

As for other animal films I have seen of late, I saw the Rise of the Planet of the Apes - which was amazing. I didn't really want to see it, as I don't like monkey movies, but I have since seen it twice. Because it was that good, oh, and my mum wanted to see it but didn't have anyone to go with - community service done for the month! Honestly, I couldn't recommend this film more - obviously it's totally science fiction, so people who go and say 'it was a bit far fetched'... well, they aren't really in 'the zone'. Would you go to see Star Wars and say 'it's a bit far fetched? Why would Yoda float?' - No... because Yoda isn't real... and neither are the monkeys in this movie... so...

What's more impressive is the motion capture and the tech they used to film the monkeys, which were mostly played by humans in those funny suits with dots all over them. When you see the 'making of' (available on Youtube for those interested) segments, you see how amazing it really is that they are able to do what they do! Movie magic!


I also saw the new Pedro Almodovar film, The Skin I Live In - which was... different. Spanish, obviously, and I really think Spanish humor, horror and suspense films are totally different to UK or US films. They have a different view on things. As an example - at certain parts of the movie I hear a few people in the cinema laugh out loud. And I knew they had to be Spanish... turns out I was right, at the end I hear them talking and they were of Spanish blood. However, it doesn't make the film bad, it just means those little jokes that have been slotted into the film which isn't funny just aren't gotten by us lowly brits. It's not a comedy though, not in the least. The first 30 mins were actually painful because it was so boring. I was in half a mind to walk out, but I decided not to and it was worth staying, because when the penny finally drops and you have that 'OH, I get it!' moment, the film becomes 100% better. In fact, I'd watch it again now if I could. It was well played.

TV wise, I've been submerging myself into a new fandom - the world of Fringe. It's like X Files, mixed with Dark Angel and kind of CSI like - and it's superb! It's really captured my imagination and I've blitzed season 1 and going to pick up season 2 today so I can find out what happened next! Also, welcome back Joshua Jackson - long missed on my TV screen!

Apart from not blogging, and watching movies, I've been reading LOTS - and fretting about how uni starts in 1 month and I still have to buy all my books for it. It's going to be another bad month for my bank account! Boo!

Well - sorry for no colours and editing of this. Got to head out. It looks set to rain and I have a mile to walk to my fella's house, and then another mile or so to get to the shops. Yes. I am without car today. My feet are in for some abuse!

Sam