The Baking Experiment presents: Joe’s Cookie Monster Cupcakes

It has been a while since I posted anything baking related and that leaves me with contemplating two possible answers as to why that is the case: a) I have been too busy socialising or b) too lazy to bake. And while, in conclusion I will probably have to admit that it is most likely a combination of the two, I knew it was about time I slapped on an apron, turned on the oven and got out the glitter.

Overcoming my writer’s block: Or why it is a good idea to let people surprise you

I am sat at my big worktable in a place I like to call my little paradise: our house in the south of France. It’s been 4 days since I stepped of the plane from London and into the peace and serenity of a place I call home. Bikini top and shorts, skin glistening with sunscreen; it is 28 degrees and slightly cloudy today. Perfect weather for writing. Except that, as might have been obvious by the lack of posts, I have suffered from the worst writer’s block. Yes there have been times when I have felt uninspired but never has the draught lasted aslong as this.

I Now Declare You Hus.. I Mean Wife And Wife: Thoughts On Same-Sex Marriage

My friend got married in November. It was like many other weddings, big white dress, cake, lots of relatives and friends all gathered to celebrate two people in love making a commitment. Everyone dressed up, everyone bought presents. We danced, we ate, we had fun. 

It was the first (and so far only wedding) I had the pleasure of attending. My friend Ness looked beautiful and so did her bride. Her bride you may ask, yes, her bride. Not only was this my first wedding but also my first ‘gay’ (or shall we say same-sex?) wedding. 

Playing By The Rules: The Game of Life and Love

I love games. Big fan. Cannot begin to describe how much I love them. Board games that is. Monopoly, Yahtzee, Poker, Game of Life, you name it. I may not be good at them, I may never win, but I will still play. Every time.

Its easy to enjoy a game with friends because in the end its not about winning or losing. It is about spending time with people you love, about having a good time, sharing a laugh. Making memories in the process. Some of my fondest childhood and teenage years memories involve board games. The hours mum, my brother and I spending hours playing card and Yahtzee. A. teaching me poker. My Tassie friends and I playing Monopoly for 7 hours straight.  

On Hobson's Choice* Or Why Choices Are Hard to Make

Jean-Paul Satre famously once said: “We are our choices.” We all make them. Every day. Some are easy; some are hard. But without making choices we wouldn’t be able to live our lives. Should I wear the black dress or the blue one? The leopard print flats or red heels? Cereal or toast? Herbal or black tea? Wine or Cider? Chocolate or Crisps? All those are questions you can probably answer without giving them much thought. Sure, they may be answered differently depending on the day, the time, the mood you are in.

But what about those difficult decisions? Those that require thought and appear, not matter how we twist and turn things, to never quite lead to what we want? 

The LFW Diaries: Day 1 & 2

I am currently at London Fashion Week working for XO Magazine and love it. It is mental, it is manic and I am shattered after only 2 days but it has been worth it. You can read all my blogs and watch the shows on the site. Its been such a pleasure working with the team and doing LFW this season has just made me want to do more. 

Joining Bloglovin' Or Embracing My Inner Hipster

Because it seems like the right thing to do, a way to feel part of the gang, I am officially joining Bloglovin'!

I am embracing my inner hipster. Istagram and my parents will be so proud. Maybe this will one day lead me to actually wear my glasses when I need them (writing & blogging among other things), get me to buy vintage clothing and party in Shoredich (one of the few places in London to make me feel utterly, utterly uncool!).