tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39229443997931530202024-02-07T23:22:16.043+00:00CrayonMaisonNichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-2683303504530772482013-01-15T23:00:00.000+00:002013-01-15T23:12:33.001+00:00LIKE, RECENTLY<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Via <a href="http://cubiclerefugee.tumblr.com/post/40125275264" target="_blank">Cubicle Refugee</a></td></tr>
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If it's halfway through January and I'm only just doing my first post of the year, it's fair to say that Crayon Maison isn't exactly the most loved blog on the internet. I can't honestly say I'll make any promises to change this (unlike <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/drynuary.html">last year</a>), but I will promise that I'll try to make the posts I do write about quality rather than quantity.</div>
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This year looks set to be a busy one - already I've started a new job with more than enough new and terrifying responsibilities to match. We're also looking at possibly moving house in the spring, and my new-found disposable income will hopefully bring with it some nice holidays and weekends (I get those off now!) away later in the year.</div>
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But, despite all the promise of the year ahead, January is always a pretty drab month for anything. After inevitably spending too much at Christmas, my next pay day seems an inordinately long time away and I am <i>broke!</i> I am also very <i>cold!</i></div>
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Despite this, if all it takes to cheer me up is a chirpy playlist and a biscuit, things can't actually be that bad. Hope this does the same for you.</div>
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Laterz!</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-80181580335115270152012-11-26T16:34:00.002+00:002012-12-03T16:48:40.280+00:00ALL THE SINGER LADIES<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello! Hope you're happy and dry, and didn't suffer too much in the <a href="http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/month-s-worth-rain-fell-weekend/story-17425203-detail/story.html">biblical rainfall</a> we've had over the past few days. I've got two days off work and, with the last proper pay day before Christmas already here, I've <a href="http://pinterest.com/nicrodge/making-crimbo/">started thinking ahead</a> to what I could get/make everyone. I've also finally started getting the hang of crochet (not the names of the stitches though. Very confusing.) and, naturally, have pretty grand visions of the many wonderful things I'll create.</div>
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But to the music. I've been planning to do a list like this for ages, but I never end up writing very much and the bands inevitably end up changing, so it never actually came to fruition. This is probably for the best though - I'd like to think that the music below represents a tasty distillation of all the music I've been listening to lately.</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/track=2405041544/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" style="display: block; height: 100px; position: relative; width: 400px;" width="400"><a href="http://houndstooth.bandcamp.com/track/hidden-hollers">Hidden Hollers by Houndstooth</a></iframe>
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<b>Houndstooth </b>are ace. Their Bandcamp page says they have an upcoming full-length. I'm excited.<br />
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<b>PINS</b> are four ladies from Manchester. Their first EP (I think) LUVU4LYF came out on Bella Union last month. It's pretty epic.<br />
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I love <b>This is the Kit</b>. I like to think they sound like my band. (They don't)<br />
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Animal band names seem to be quite in at the moment, but I don't think <b>She Keeps Bees </b>are the faddy type. This song is probably my favourite off their 2011 album <i>Dig On.</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HQiuMqfXnQo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I only found out about <b>This Frontier Needs Heroes </b>recently, but I'm hooked. Not predominantly a 'singer lady' band but definitely enough to shoehorn into this list. It's funny how certain albums will always remind you of what you were doing when you first listened to them; thanks to an afternoon spent in the kitchen a couple of weeks back, their album <i>The Future</i> will now always make me think of decorating my sister's birthday cake. This cake:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6B0fntAusnm2-Xsjex0ifLiq5RXO2NIAfxAVenPmthFIIBOhtbo-6iwv7ne5CbxzLTqQdT8vUQ6s2nJe96nq2wFy0771XYvo6YMnmG3qdt7NYt47TGs8oVWwgvx60-xkUusNIf_AZ1o/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6B0fntAusnm2-Xsjex0ifLiq5RXO2NIAfxAVenPmthFIIBOhtbo-6iwv7ne5CbxzLTqQdT8vUQ6s2nJe96nq2wFy0771XYvo6YMnmG3qdt7NYt47TGs8oVWwgvx60-xkUusNIf_AZ1o/s320/IMG_0361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Any singer ladies you'd recommend?</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-66614518469736554362012-11-14T22:31:00.002+00:002012-11-19T15:21:23.779+00:00BAGEL PIZZA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was saving this for a time when I hadn't previously posted about food, but I haven't finished the thing I was planning about five lady singers (maybe next time) and I haven't posted in about a month <i>and also</i> I changed the blog layout slightly so I thought I'd celebrate and bring you BAGEL PIZZA!</div>
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But is it a bagel? Is it a pizza?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSJSyK9qoaySg1LY8_K9-TDNe9Qdb1g52C2RA6UHoblt9Y3wguzD4K2B56DUdyaeGNLv9Jg7K9xF5NE6wk8rdxwsUTPu_GIlzLs5v0SM637o1ZDHPkcpPu9boxGtGXHjHV6EnKk131Rg/s1600/IMG_0271_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSJSyK9qoaySg1LY8_K9-TDNe9Qdb1g52C2RA6UHoblt9Y3wguzD4K2B56DUdyaeGNLv9Jg7K9xF5NE6wk8rdxwsUTPu_GIlzLs5v0SM637o1ZDHPkcpPu9boxGtGXHjHV6EnKk131Rg/s400/IMG_0271_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's both. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH78K1gAe6pPwa69rYayZ2AC0El537CBXYL-LC7yZ9_igf3QA-vapIOLE8PxzW_azkZhvD4cz3G2m6EM2UrLN7kZSKsk_UtzswIaKFEgr7raWC2TMag45Fib0g-yoNIrK7Au3RYQox2Vg/s1600/IMG_0272_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH78K1gAe6pPwa69rYayZ2AC0El537CBXYL-LC7yZ9_igf3QA-vapIOLE8PxzW_azkZhvD4cz3G2m6EM2UrLN7kZSKsk_UtzswIaKFEgr7raWC2TMag45Fib0g-yoNIrK7Au3RYQox2Vg/s400/IMG_0272_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are my favourite snacky tea/exciting lunch. They're dead simple to make, so I almost feel a bit silly posting them, but they're so tasty that I couldn't resist.</div>
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They also take hardly any time to make and <i>did I mention</i> they're delicious. The first time I made these I spent the next three days telling everyone about how amazing they were. Bagels work really well as a base because they're doughy but also chewy but still toasty. Buying buffalo mozzarella makes the whole thing feel a little bit more fancy.</div>
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MAKE THEM IMMEDIATELY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8T6BGtq1ZBOKx1o-vhlS7dmnqGHZUD2VrxfiEC60oKJnPpBPO7BNpgmxp5f9TFsu0xQ-q9nnlHmdqdqJxvkzQKKhKgrValFxvCR77sDYdtzvNO3XcQtH_Z2ai6vQWcPeFD4Mkx1zdBY/s1600/IMG_0273_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8T6BGtq1ZBOKx1o-vhlS7dmnqGHZUD2VrxfiEC60oKJnPpBPO7BNpgmxp5f9TFsu0xQ-q9nnlHmdqdqJxvkzQKKhKgrValFxvCR77sDYdtzvNO3XcQtH_Z2ai6vQWcPeFD4Mkx1zdBY/s400/IMG_0273_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No pressure.</div>
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<b>Bagel Pizzas</b></div>
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<i>(aka Pizza Bagels)</i></div>
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Bagels</div>
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Mozzarella, shredded</div>
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Garlic</div>
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Tomato purée</div>
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Oregano</div>
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Salt & Pepper</div>
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☞ Slice and toast the bagels (in a toaster)</div>
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☞ Peel a garlic clove or two and rub onto the sliced side of the now toasted bagels</div>
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☞ Spread with tomato purée and top with the mozzarella, à la picture number 2</div>
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☞ Season with salt and pepper and scatter with oregano</div>
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☞ Place under the grill until the cheese has melted. Be careful not to burn them like I did. </div>
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☞ Remove from the grill. Eat!</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-33862647833382718902012-10-18T22:41:00.000+01:002012-10-18T22:46:46.198+01:00A SCARF AND TWO CAKES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I turned twenty four on Saturday (twenty four!). I've not been back to my Mum and Dad's since April so it was great to go home and celebrate. I also took some pictures of the scarf I made for my Mum's birthday earlier in the year, partly because I forgot to do it at the time, and also because everyone knows that if something's not on the internet, it never existed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbLKH4ogVsRbnV__mhs0NDB3wOSu8EN4YZNCVft5j4ynQ0tCVje-zlXZV0rKPmCypDyrP1z2_1c9khGYah8kuW9M6eMTGrq3q1XuzUufmoQYo399aT9Vfl46nXW-E6UDZiUIbGog-D00/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbLKH4ogVsRbnV__mhs0NDB3wOSu8EN4YZNCVft5j4ynQ0tCVje-zlXZV0rKPmCypDyrP1z2_1c9khGYah8kuW9M6eMTGrq3q1XuzUufmoQYo399aT9Vfl46nXW-E6UDZiUIbGog-D00/s400/IMG_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a great little pattern, based around an eight row repeat. The one I made isn't quite as beautiful as the original on the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/april-showers-scarf/">Purl Bee</a> (I used acrylic) but, until my earnings match my knitted yearnings, I can't really complain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqUZ2EHQ0VRdbtoqtX208MZ-bhpTVoAW_K3JIsT_Y0exRKqX1FYS-arGAtQ5MYnqLOS8E2OoUnbt0ekpSYr7ZBIkF0MkfO3savXVPL0D4XomIH-K1BsOx59HajjUiRqS7rp2xvNnsbNU/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqUZ2EHQ0VRdbtoqtX208MZ-bhpTVoAW_K3JIsT_Y0exRKqX1FYS-arGAtQ5MYnqLOS8E2OoUnbt0ekpSYr7ZBIkF0MkfO3savXVPL0D4XomIH-K1BsOx59HajjUiRqS7rp2xvNnsbNU/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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The rest of the weekend was spent eating (mostly pub lunches, trifle and birthday cake - <i>below, not sure why there was a pig on it</i>), drinking and pottering about Manchester.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6k0H7N-4kwFE2H2zSDpQCHHE2TOoHekwJXL9gQh6MHMkU8_y23jKIBzTho-Ewgs3cfzUF9-tLM0y4AmLTFHTSUHBv7Ip_TBBSAeM6zJ2p9n-lOBMhl3tpRIOsaFeBP0jTeLq2zMUEeo/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6k0H7N-4kwFE2H2zSDpQCHHE2TOoHekwJXL9gQh6MHMkU8_y23jKIBzTho-Ewgs3cfzUF9-tLM0y4AmLTFHTSUHBv7Ip_TBBSAeM6zJ2p9n-lOBMhl3tpRIOsaFeBP0jTeLq2zMUEeo/s400/IMG_0350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also went to the <a href="http://www.vintagevillagestockportmarket.co.uk/">vintage fair on Stockport Market</a> on the Sunday, and bought an old Robert's radio for £25. It's gorgeous, sounds amazing and, obviously, I'm now planning how to furnish the lounge around it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvgwjs5T58mVp06XpO1CtbEvYgDj56xjnmWHtU0hrkU7sS6ykjW3lIhwFYRCZeU_d9_6N89miwdIdygCGAm1QUEhq35H0hyphenhyphenfh3DmhT3WA5KHe2CkAC8W-LTOIqYsFYXx05FcgDNKqJx8/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvgwjs5T58mVp06XpO1CtbEvYgDj56xjnmWHtU0hrkU7sS6ykjW3lIhwFYRCZeU_d9_6N89miwdIdygCGAm1QUEhq35H0hyphenhyphenfh3DmhT3WA5KHe2CkAC8W-LTOIqYsFYXx05FcgDNKqJx8/s400/IMG_0352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But enough birthday talk; you can't always have a pig and ganache adorned cake. You could always have an oaty ginger cake though. So, <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/5-days-by-sea.html">as promised</a>, here is the recipe for my Mum's ginger cake. </div>
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It's just the thing to perk up an unhappy child on a family walking holiday in the Yorkshire Dales (not that I'd know anything about that) or scoff with a cup of tea. And it always tastes best after a couple of days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN9Ludd9TcrLVh03fWjF-BiHHT5vL9NSShkZjrZuMtVycBrr5mRn7oeuV9tJRFxVFPyV0EjWKujLzqnB4NwR4qYGEYy3g4OvU_Y2rxQkNqStxE7ACGEMQ6eqShnHO1fyNpfuASjCfrNo/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN9Ludd9TcrLVh03fWjF-BiHHT5vL9NSShkZjrZuMtVycBrr5mRn7oeuV9tJRFxVFPyV0EjWKujLzqnB4NwR4qYGEYy3g4OvU_Y2rxQkNqStxE7ACGEMQ6eqShnHO1fyNpfuASjCfrNo/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Some cake-related advice:</i></div>
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I'm not sure how old the recipe is - my mum got it off my auntie, who wrote it on the back of a Christmas card. The uncertain origins of the recipe are also reflected in the slightly vague measurements... I'm not really sure what would constitute a 'large cup' (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGdcIO-xxqs">this, perhaps?</a>) but I just use heaped measurements of a regular American measuring cup.</div>
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The method itself is bit unorthodox too - it's probably something to do with the lack of eggs. You soak oats in milk for a couple hours and, in a separate bowl, rub the butter into the flour as if you were making a crumble. Then, you add the rest of the dry ingredients and heated golden syrup. Finally, you stir bicarbonate of soda into the milky oats (I guess this is what makes the cake rise) and stir the whole lot together. I tend to bake mine in a loaf tin lined with foil as the mixture inevitably explodes a little in the oven, so making a lip with the foil around the edge of the tin helps to keep it in check. It also makes it dead easy to wrap up afterwards.</div>
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Finally, it's egg-free, so perfect for little sickly allergy-prone children such as myself. It'd be easy to switch to a vegan recipe too - try soya milk or water instead of regular milk and use Trex or a similar hard vegetable fat to replace the butter.</div>
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<i>Some unrelated advice:</i></div>
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Don't drink bleach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF4dD7HODWvN0W7GLo0Csv0bcd_2hl4xH3TJocRaPrKgFm1hT485p1NfOzHKlfsapK3kLYKNjCrP4pt6ORgxyaqU4ggR-EriCYSWn5PSKEws8yl-LkeETAE_TrBZUeWJe6288S_U4EaY/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF4dD7HODWvN0W7GLo0Csv0bcd_2hl4xH3TJocRaPrKgFm1hT485p1NfOzHKlfsapK3kLYKNjCrP4pt6ORgxyaqU4ggR-EriCYSWn5PSKEws8yl-LkeETAE_TrBZUeWJe6288S_U4EaY/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Ginger Cake</b></div>
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1 large cup porridge oats</div>
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½ pint milk</div>
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2 large cups self raising flour</div>
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¼ lb butter (cubed and straight from the fridge)</div>
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2 tsp ground ginger</div>
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½ cup golden syrup</div>
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½ tsp bicarbonate of soda</div>
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☞ Soak oats in milk for 2 hours (or more if you have time)</div>
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☞ Rub butter and flour together and mix in sugar and ginger</div>
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☞ Melt golden syrup in a pan, add to dry mix and stir together</div>
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☞ Stir bicarb into oats and milk, and add to other ingredients</div>
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☞ Mix! Spread into chosen baking receptacle</div>
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☞ Bake for around 1½ hours, until golden on top and cooked through</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-83990376965167941732012-10-08T20:54:00.005+01:002012-10-11T21:10:26.487+01:005 DAYS BY THE SEAI went to work every day in September. I say 'went to work', because there was one occasion where I arrived but left shortly afterwards in an ambulance, after recklessly eating a brownie without first checking what was in it. It was definitely time for a holiday.<br />
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Fortunately, earlier in the year, we'd had the foresight to book out a little cabin in Cornwall for a few days. We got back on Friday and I had an ace time.<br />
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The cabin was on the edge of a cliff, overlooking Whitsand Bay in the east of the county. This was the view we were met with when we arrived:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfJ82IqIAOHIEw2pVZkHiPedBqKzvSyWprT2iBcDdkxKd807kerwt4Jaa2lVMOm_7KbZ03K1qZGLePKfNe4rIdTN6auZkFTQryJnu0pxWlm2szJl3pPNaF8u3Vz1kdjtOgEqZJI8Lt0Q/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfJ82IqIAOHIEw2pVZkHiPedBqKzvSyWprT2iBcDdkxKd807kerwt4Jaa2lVMOm_7KbZ03K1qZGLePKfNe4rIdTN6auZkFTQryJnu0pxWlm2szJl3pPNaF8u3Vz1kdjtOgEqZJI8Lt0Q/s400/IMG_0286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Admittedly, the sun didn't last long, but at least the view wasn't going anywhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iqsBk50Mej1dRddzuictqNxSiDvXyZYfBcDkWMYkjrzOhYFUdu3aUaG4uLJVpS-jNnWZeKPkHbeh0u3kqsW0ijlSmSwgSc_2Yh26cQxebKpYhgpaV6aOF4xTnbsYTA0EHDWSgIM7quA/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iqsBk50Mej1dRddzuictqNxSiDvXyZYfBcDkWMYkjrzOhYFUdu3aUaG4uLJVpS-jNnWZeKPkHbeh0u3kqsW0ijlSmSwgSc_2Yh26cQxebKpYhgpaV6aOF4xTnbsYTA0EHDWSgIM7quA/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoNRE_bQ3ZGEy-l6TFEGPnSYkVsLapDcuy_pYl8SZoBljAEbMC9LKsypTeCFgBG1Kdxmkz6KB8OuCf1mlhip8-51ae9Z65bCMmiuph00DRZE4AhBDvBkmS9gBYK6iqK0Ja9VvRxlrBE/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoNRE_bQ3ZGEy-l6TFEGPnSYkVsLapDcuy_pYl8SZoBljAEbMC9LKsypTeCFgBG1Kdxmkz6KB8OuCf1mlhip8-51ae9Z65bCMmiuph00DRZE4AhBDvBkmS9gBYK6iqK0Ja9VvRxlrBE/s400/IMG_0287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Inside was gorgeous too - a little fireplace to keep us warm in the evenings, the deepest bath I've ever been in and a bed that I'm fairly sure was made of marshmallow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyLJm9cVXpQ-9hxi1xP5rGIdgWJI7iHTSBwDvp8_jDIN0-Gvwun05H6_-JzDRgVZ2tLbwzVrT3s8krJZ4WPMDr-bsmR01EhzyW-BbWx6teUWHbUECiecblYF-J1mV_dIGVfM6MLI0qtM/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyLJm9cVXpQ-9hxi1xP5rGIdgWJI7iHTSBwDvp8_jDIN0-Gvwun05H6_-JzDRgVZ2tLbwzVrT3s8krJZ4WPMDr-bsmR01EhzyW-BbWx6teUWHbUECiecblYF-J1mV_dIGVfM6MLI0qtM/s400/IMG_0288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Actually, day two started bright enough - we went for a walk west along the coast to see Rame Head, a small peninsula with a tiny Medieval chapel perched on top (visible in the distance in the first picture).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu9xEAAWD_LpJo_FLyNvn7XGSuCtj2KAz3lGhl6z-OoQZNN0Tnqbxn9ubH3PI1E2shsse08TIR0iAUlLKA4jT7IZBv4UfWpSWQz_nJV5WVz3au5MVfz3PRJ_tCWaLOC1WA76wUKH_82g/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu9xEAAWD_LpJo_FLyNvn7XGSuCtj2KAz3lGhl6z-OoQZNN0Tnqbxn9ubH3PI1E2shsse08TIR0iAUlLKA4jT7IZBv4UfWpSWQz_nJV5WVz3au5MVfz3PRJ_tCWaLOC1WA76wUKH_82g/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dartmoor Ponies have been introduced to the landscape here; we turned a corner and there were three colts pottering about on the footpath. They seemed quite happy trotting along in front of us, but as soon as the path opened up onto the moor, they were off again. Dave pretended to herd them about for a bit...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UQWYR0LoIEhFHVeZKu5QGL4qFs6CoyHU5aBHfzYBiBIXKLwVIageTC_2a7U5-Net1P8F9MGOLOqILlvTphRrxNeOcbPP5CILQ7Unt0LbnRFoT5UOzkPV7QJtfT_tBaO63QGVNjt5t-8/s1600/Dave+herding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UQWYR0LoIEhFHVeZKu5QGL4qFs6CoyHU5aBHfzYBiBIXKLwVIageTC_2a7U5-Net1P8F9MGOLOqILlvTphRrxNeOcbPP5CILQ7Unt0LbnRFoT5UOzkPV7QJtfT_tBaO63QGVNjt5t-8/s640/Dave+herding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The chapel on top was first consecrated in the 14th Century and is dedicated to St Michael who, according to one website, is the patron saint of grocers, mariners, sickness, police and (of course) paratroopers. Although it's completely bare inside, the structure itself is still in pretty good condition. The area is only a few miles down the coast from Plymouth, so there's a lot of navy ships floating about (whey!). Wikipedia suggests the chapel is the last bit of English coastline many mariners see when leaving the country, and the first bit to come into view when they return. How nice for them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeVce7RWwM6GkujZwQdA5cNAtqFc1gaCbDfPkcYvsva2lgkkOHIgKxisEkEsIQApLDboNT6GNnQEGbbe7ehRWoHbsPbXk2CPStPaL0xJXz8fgI0GneUz1htBuAdusb6mW6t3VepDH7ws/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeVce7RWwM6GkujZwQdA5cNAtqFc1gaCbDfPkcYvsva2lgkkOHIgKxisEkEsIQApLDboNT6GNnQEGbbe7ehRWoHbsPbXk2CPStPaL0xJXz8fgI0GneUz1htBuAdusb6mW6t3VepDH7ws/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the Sunday night before we went away, I made a great big brick of ginger cake. It's the same one my mum always makes when we go away, because it's one of those cakes that keeps really well and seems to taste nicer when it's a bit squashed. We had a slice halfway round to perk us up. I'll give you the recipe soon, I will.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVt6_VLtnhq5KPsUIFbhWBH0-bSSOqoGnaq6pfai_v8qv-6Mq2u9PVheeJqYeh0kaoEUdkTWD-7M5idK0__ImnnS8YIjATlyHNG5AlYCLFVkA9YiMH0JIz03Q6HIQaJAw50IQ2MBsGUc/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVt6_VLtnhq5KPsUIFbhWBH0-bSSOqoGnaq6pfai_v8qv-6Mq2u9PVheeJqYeh0kaoEUdkTWD-7M5idK0__ImnnS8YIjATlyHNG5AlYCLFVkA9YiMH0JIz03Q6HIQaJAw50IQ2MBsGUc/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Rame Head, we followed the coast round to the twin villages, Kingsand and Cawsand. After threatening to rain for most of the morning, the clouds finally opened so, to avoid getting too soggy with several miles still to go, we holed ourselves up in a pub for hour or two.</div>
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Unfortunately, this meant we didn't have much of a wander round the villages themselves, but I did notice a couple of charming little bus shelters:</div>
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Day three was more of the same, but we walked east along the beach this time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeoismxo_gcITkU8TFQ10nsX-QFmbW4-ikBlaaBfMVNa7kbCkZmaS7c60fT8QmoZiHtVvJmcsWXo2KBdf4m6IgboA8XX41vuf2UUVyA3VLxJsGZj_pxyrKe9gsW38oy3GyhrXKUGRpTg/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeoismxo_gcITkU8TFQ10nsX-QFmbW4-ikBlaaBfMVNa7kbCkZmaS7c60fT8QmoZiHtVvJmcsWXo2KBdf4m6IgboA8XX41vuf2UUVyA3VLxJsGZj_pxyrKe9gsW38oy3GyhrXKUGRpTg/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I read about a hermit in the 19th Century who lived in a cave in the cliffs here. Apparently, to relieve his boredom, he carved poetry into the walls and roof. It's called Lugger's Cave (presumably after the inhabitant) and is looked after by the National Trust now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfJ82IqIAOHIEw2pVZkHiPedBqKzvSyWprT2iBcDdkxKd807kerwt4Jaa2lVMOm_7KbZ03K1qZGLePKfNe4rIdTN6auZkFTQryJnu0pxWlm2szJl3pPNaF8u3Vz1kdjtOgEqZJI8Lt0Q/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrA8fUDk3JhzeHXgnAlroGoEuxs-uu0DHbRUj5OrO-ZkEx7F5CH0rotjZ0ASj1ebw2O89RASBbBQOn8IziVrJDOPSVQRMDC1ofgyKjO4YgGeqAY8rk40stcOeYp7ilNaSajWzJppOjCM/s1600/2012-10-03_1349263550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrA8fUDk3JhzeHXgnAlroGoEuxs-uu0DHbRUj5OrO-ZkEx7F5CH0rotjZ0ASj1ebw2O89RASBbBQOn8IziVrJDOPSVQRMDC1ofgyKjO4YgGeqAY8rk40stcOeYp7ilNaSajWzJppOjCM/s400/2012-10-03_1349263550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The tide along this stretch of coast is quite notorious as the cliffs are so steep and there aren't many entry points down onto the beach. It's easy to get stranded if you're not careful; even though we went at low tide, the way the rocks jut out into the sea meant we basically ended up scrambling up the cliff to get off the beach because the routes off are so far between.</div>
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As I mentioned earlier, there's a big military presence in the area - we had to walk through an MOD firing range at one point. We also came across this rather interesting sign:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwZBY6xDEaYmA1xo-kf4ba278tzxfdtpjW-0RzLfDHBrkNfQrf4FpXBlxneHnMxWA_GKDqPCDxgioYQJJ6xnx5HAr12MBb3u7BngBuqfSLqBP2H38BvV2nBJmTODkr1IAX5jhG04RA9Y/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwZBY6xDEaYmA1xo-kf4ba278tzxfdtpjW-0RzLfDHBrkNfQrf4FpXBlxneHnMxWA_GKDqPCDxgioYQJJ6xnx5HAr12MBb3u7BngBuqfSLqBP2H38BvV2nBJmTODkr1IAX5jhG04RA9Y/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ridiculous signs seemed to be a recurring theme of the holiday. The next day, some friends came to visit and we went for a wander round Looe (as my cousin clarified in a postcard when we were kids, 'The town, not the toilet'). In one of the pubs, there was a fire extinguisher with a sign above saying 'Fire Extinguisher'. With a picture of a fire extinguisher. Just in case.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW1VwvXgTrwmEMqMQzd22ARPm4hWJSyB2dj6KeRiSA7xCt0bmbU5zbf1x7K9PMJtbHOLoH0u4CJYz8l6xvRrP06jNcG2Z4mRASQySN_34Iq1MYsue9dURR1v88a6eWIpZnxA01jcdGKw/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW1VwvXgTrwmEMqMQzd22ARPm4hWJSyB2dj6KeRiSA7xCt0bmbU5zbf1x7K9PMJtbHOLoH0u4CJYz8l6xvRrP06jNcG2Z4mRASQySN_34Iq1MYsue9dURR1v88a6eWIpZnxA01jcdGKw/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sun reappeared and we spent a rather nice afternoon on the beach eating chips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPad7wpoYqI8CeJpnkmq4fGlqAjojBn80mlM8WdlTFi9AJRMe7Ovpz9Nji5oBUQksawTN1SuQMI3qpe8JsFhgF4mZ9ix-Qck2x9P7qpz_7r_7VVPm7P6UlXFQH4Qb8Uc8av_WvxFpwIwQ/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPad7wpoYqI8CeJpnkmq4fGlqAjojBn80mlM8WdlTFi9AJRMe7Ovpz9Nji5oBUQksawTN1SuQMI3qpe8JsFhgF4mZ9ix-Qck2x9P7qpz_7r_7VVPm7P6UlXFQH4Qb8Uc8av_WvxFpwIwQ/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMCfjTCa5C1mXarOpDI3zB4CNfdCDbI_bduWkkE4jlfij-mQ15H1v5nKwtYgv05FU6shyphenhyphen7h5E1_GvyQpM4zgBv9_Z7tDJIK26gtzdJyBxGPWVTVFbWzI5l2mPMETmuz3tx6Q8lq3br1U/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMCfjTCa5C1mXarOpDI3zB4CNfdCDbI_bduWkkE4jlfij-mQ15H1v5nKwtYgv05FU6shyphenhyphen7h5E1_GvyQpM4zgBv9_Z7tDJIK26gtzdJyBxGPWVTVFbWzI5l2mPMETmuz3tx6Q8lq3br1U/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was also another slightly alarming sign.</div>
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And the guilty party:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-_48KgikDx-yXAme0kI2EKQlY-Jfrg9j1j1YOCz7Kk0O0VHHAmY8jQy67CkqYmq6p5OkcCd90UdciGlTJFeqFOW73bzu3lS_vVpOA6AyW-Sl0n0rikHVxjRe886cWskKLC2EyC3MB6U/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-_48KgikDx-yXAme0kI2EKQlY-Jfrg9j1j1YOCz7Kk0O0VHHAmY8jQy67CkqYmq6p5OkcCd90UdciGlTJFeqFOW73bzu3lS_vVpOA6AyW-Sl0n0rikHVxjRe886cWskKLC2EyC3MB6U/s400/IMG_0324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, all in all, a pretty fun holiday. Lots of tea, lots of cake, lots of pints and lots of walking. Very nice.</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-71097378017332925672012-07-09T22:05:00.001+01:002012-08-16T10:42:24.170+01:00PUBBINS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Because I'm so entirely dedicated to this blog, I've decided to start another.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's called <a href="http://pubbins.blogspot.co.uk/">Pubbins</a> and we'll be half-heartedly reviewing bars, pubs and the like. Its a collaboration between the great analytical brains of Dave and myself and will no doubt be riveting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, Christmas arrived early in the Little House today when we did online food shopping for the first time! We excitingly have more things in our fridge than at any other point in the past 35379 months, but that's partly because I bought a number of frozen foods by mistake and our freezer is the size of a child's shoe box. </span>On the recommendation of <a href="http://www.facegoop.com/2010/10/06/good-things-stay-clear-cleanser-review/">Face Goop</a>, I also bought a new face wash that smells like wine gums. If you haven't come across this site before, I highly recommend it; they post pretty sporadically but when they do, its comedy gold.<br />
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I'll leave you with another sort-of-band-of-the-week in Connan Mockasin. The music's ace; the song titles are even better.<br />
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Above: Megumi the Milky Way</div>
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Below: Forever Dolphin Love</div>
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(Featuring an intriguing cameo from the love child of Grayson Perry and David Bowie)</div>
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Laters!</div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-23245765506681031712012-07-01T18:09:00.002+01:002012-08-16T10:48:30.392+01:00BIRTHDAY CARDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week, I got my paints out for a special occasion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5RW6TtLqGFlQ1WVeCIA9Ms1ifDC6fjhPetuinD0F4uTRdzClcPNR5LFGfBacVyPLqy4k-g6tkYHyewTRGJciq5xWMlhSR0u1AdBHtbNReJ0gF0v8bDZNcnPnrAIQ8N0QK-thyphenhyphenQPfhNA/s1600/making+the+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5RW6TtLqGFlQ1WVeCIA9Ms1ifDC6fjhPetuinD0F4uTRdzClcPNR5LFGfBacVyPLqy4k-g6tkYHyewTRGJciq5xWMlhSR0u1AdBHtbNReJ0gF0v8bDZNcnPnrAIQ8N0QK-thyphenhyphenQPfhNA/s400/making+the+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was Dave's birthday! I made him a card:</div>
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With a little French mole</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5MK99AfxgrG-2wKnsG-YOAnPrwZ6j_B120Rmy6cgwp428TYSxuSv7NWX2lST4-bnlAGIvxXpKvz68xbQJ9t79CLyCZNW9WGfLFOmhU87WWnZgpobCTnTbho7KWSkkuDn1ZWqqo3I5fE/s1600/close+up+mole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5MK99AfxgrG-2wKnsG-YOAnPrwZ6j_B120Rmy6cgwp428TYSxuSv7NWX2lST4-bnlAGIvxXpKvz68xbQJ9t79CLyCZNW9WGfLFOmhU87WWnZgpobCTnTbho7KWSkkuDn1ZWqqo3I5fE/s400/close+up+mole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dave has a twin, Luke. He also got a card.</div>
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This badger has a pipe and a cravat. He is quite the modern gentleman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_t7KYp03d-29sWKW_4u34IpZW1Urz6QjMY8VFcRrQgOiYu-yY-cvlrw-HYiQvFAdx_Pit9s3kw70eH-W7bNQ8XfZz_JzAoZBCTKFumYb_csjsAlmfaN5Kjw3rhuQ5vrsrM51a9wX6GQ/s1600/both+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_t7KYp03d-29sWKW_4u34IpZW1Urz6QjMY8VFcRrQgOiYu-yY-cvlrw-HYiQvFAdx_Pit9s3kw70eH-W7bNQ8XfZz_JzAoZBCTKFumYb_csjsAlmfaN5Kjw3rhuQ5vrsrM51a9wX6GQ/s400/both+cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The writing wasn't quite as neat as I would've liked but I think they're quite charming.<br />
After this twee-fest we went for a meal at the Thali Café and had a bonfire. Pretty good.<br />
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And that big shell in the background?</div>
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Why it's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF9-sEbqDvU">Marcel!</a></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-29718653397144380502012-06-24T22:30:00.000+01:002012-08-16T10:49:03.176+01:00RECENTLY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sooo it's been about two months since I last posted. Sorry about that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've been writing this while watching the England-Italy match. I think a lot of people could probably do with some light entertainment about now, so, in the name of diversions, I've basically filled the post with photos.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A disclaimer: I realise what this looks like. Contrary to popular belief, I don't spend all my time making cakes.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Eating:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPW4C0jP2NNihXCOEhvZY46u2S-OJaRVBmlENJjYQLG_-3N_p-pBSKWoerp0Ps2ywOroqV6aDns_8W3teBdf6OcV8_MtOqxeg2CguS0q2qMaqxm11D41xcHL3x4STtFe4m1CL3ziiOH0/s1600/Cakes+2.png"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPW4C0jP2NNihXCOEhvZY46u2S-OJaRVBmlENJjYQLG_-3N_p-pBSKWoerp0Ps2ywOroqV6aDns_8W3teBdf6OcV8_MtOqxeg2CguS0q2qMaqxm11D41xcHL3x4STtFe4m1CL3ziiOH0/s640/Cakes+2.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pecan_toffee_cheesecake_22876">Pecan toffee cheesecake</a> (left), ready to be smothered in cream and shards of toffee for a friend's birthday house party. Awesome recipe. Also mini jammy sponges (right). With a parasol! Dave was in Barcelona last week with work (I know) so I made some little cakes for his return using tiny pie tins.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uYxHo8gN7GcnMdUNHyz4bJJzU1SnUcg2q4VMNXyQZ22egqLIgkZMZWfhf7wiGKmVmrhK1LZZon7_QgmgL_NWUaqFRPU6Br8_e-vooNFZkGBbQ5QhOEs3JjjyBroRDlsk5YMrQ1Qbar0/s1600/Cakes+1.png"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uYxHo8gN7GcnMdUNHyz4bJJzU1SnUcg2q4VMNXyQZ22egqLIgkZMZWfhf7wiGKmVmrhK1LZZon7_QgmgL_NWUaqFRPU6Br8_e-vooNFZkGBbQ5QhOEs3JjjyBroRDlsk5YMrQ1Qbar0/s640/Cakes+1.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cheesecake brownies (left) and a carrot cake with cream cheese icing (right). Technically, the brownies were a bit of a disaster - the cheesecake layer made it difficult to tell if they were cooked (they weren't) but they still tasted nice. I made the carrot cake (another <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Short-Sweet-Dan-Lepard/dp/0007391439/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340561799&sr=8-1">Dan Lepard recipe</a>) when Dave's parents came to stay a few weeks ago. Trying to do the icing in a heat wave wasn't easy, but I think I managed alright.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq_nPptEGIBjROe8aNgkiA6ZWnrUMyAtMLTdQ5J9mY-iaS6q6Y9APhAc4R9ZnjTUuRsEJM6Z1mjxCWIFCwvhFoRmZKfaBzqTVXaj_BVFOv8D1HTS6LH3eUQRG2YxZ2fiKuD0VzBYoUJs/s1600/Cakes+3.png"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq_nPptEGIBjROe8aNgkiA6ZWnrUMyAtMLTdQ5J9mY-iaS6q6Y9APhAc4R9ZnjTUuRsEJM6Z1mjxCWIFCwvhFoRmZKfaBzqTVXaj_BVFOv8D1HTS6LH3eUQRG2YxZ2fiKuD0VzBYoUJs/s640/Cakes+3.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For the diamond jubilee, we embraced the clichés and went to a garden party, complete with bunting, cucumber sandwiches, summer dresses and linen suits. Surprise, surprise, I made another cake. Victoria sponge again, this time filled with strawberries and blueberries which were also arranged into (something resembling) a Union Jack on top. The lads that were throwing the party recently took some ex-battery hens under their, er, wing and they let them have a little wander round the garden while we were sat outside. A piece of cake was left unattended and the chickens went mad for it, although you can't help feeling that there is something morally dubious about hens feasting on eggs...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Listening to:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Some tunes I've recently been enjoying through my cake-induced stupor...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tQAmDTcEBAA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1982 by Scraps</i> - I heard this on Lauren Laverne's show on 6Music last week and I think it's rather jaunty. I couldn't really find much about the band, but there's an EP available on what looks like their record label's page. I dunno. <a href="http://disembraining.bandcamp.com/album/secret-paradise">Have a gander.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Origins by Tennis</i> - I love this song. Tennis were one of those bands that I'd been aware of for a while but, for whatever reason, never got round to listening to. This track's off their second album 'Young and Old', which came out earlier this year. If you remember the old Windows 95 layout, their <a href="http://www.tennis-music.com/">website's</a> worth a look too.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Knitting:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/files/patterns/Wonky%20Sweater.pdf">This Rowan 'Wonky' jumper</a>. So far, I've finished the back and have just made a start on the front. The back is looking a bit small. Cropped jumper? We'll see.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZOQkaXIRZzan7RRns721DIihfEw3dJTdcUmrmqgjD94Wvu7K6M3x8zWb65cuhBM2fhjRE6VVR4tnV-eGmPn9pP4JaGk9nku4jCHhclHdaPTPYdaY8Grg7XhL3k_YcgvncSWCm0zb0kQ/s1600/IMG_0214.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZOQkaXIRZzan7RRns721DIihfEw3dJTdcUmrmqgjD94Wvu7K6M3x8zWb65cuhBM2fhjRE6VVR4tnV-eGmPn9pP4JaGk9nku4jCHhclHdaPTPYdaY8Grg7XhL3k_YcgvncSWCm0zb0kQ/s400/IMG_0214.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The wool is some I've had lying around for a while - I bought a big pack of the stuff in a John Lewis sale a couple of years back with the intention of making a cardigan. Suffice to say the cardigan was never finished and I've been chipping away at the wool ever since for projects like <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/project-snood.html">this snood</a>, so it was quite nice to find a pattern which only required a limited amount.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTs90XSA2TxIyZH2zb7_gfN4XXjtoeiDs5fZzehd4hm1YoHOhOxkdzASiDTt0OzbKgOSOQDArnvo1RH6aBKLLCmsB2MR2cOJwaiNgSIFhVDF_GkUF0wR_w5AVRRJlDv-L37H2mFhihm0/s1600/Jumper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTs90XSA2TxIyZH2zb7_gfN4XXjtoeiDs5fZzehd4hm1YoHOhOxkdzASiDTt0OzbKgOSOQDArnvo1RH6aBKLLCmsB2MR2cOJwaiNgSIFhVDF_GkUF0wR_w5AVRRJlDv-L37H2mFhihm0/s400/Jumper+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So that's pretty much it, really. See you in another two months, I expect...</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PS In other news, I finally finished my <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/meow-for-now.html">course pack</a>!</span></i><br />
<a href="http://zigzageducation.co.uk/teaching-resources-for-english.asp?userid=English"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOlv2ZKObKvexWhkTtxFRDYJSlnY8H1pqTLCUcyj-2zTt90mRuZhtTl8iM-IIb4uqsXOgd_ZEe_mA1A4LRlQ01115J43GxID7URaHsiY307NsM1xX1EVakREXG3sF_kRMpZyTPNne9fc/s640/Picture+1.png" /></span></a><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PPS You can now <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3823868/crayon-maison?claim=f5byree3ppt">follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>! Yep.</span></i></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-78656994330111285042012-04-30T09:26:00.003+01:002012-08-16T10:43:12.524+01:00CHERRY POLENTA CUPBOARD CAKE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKbET1ktIQ6Pc_O7XJcLCC3aAReGb305qDt9NR3imAl3c7eKksozIIas_VLet_GwtDkFrWtoEle2rmycy4-nc0XUIJR4-dPH3SiWAJKFb3GlPhutRkaenQI4HWpu21Fr8ZVzOqHVCybQ/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKbET1ktIQ6Pc_O7XJcLCC3aAReGb305qDt9NR3imAl3c7eKksozIIas_VLet_GwtDkFrWtoEle2rmycy4-nc0XUIJR4-dPH3SiWAJKFb3GlPhutRkaenQI4HWpu21Fr8ZVzOqHVCybQ/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Back in December for the Little House Christmas Party, I made a cherry crumble cheesecake. Being Christmas, the shops were bare, and I ended up using a tinned cherry-flavoured pie filling in place of the cherry and jam layer which should have gone between the cheese and cake bits of the dessert. It turned out just as tasty, but because I had a weeee panic in Co-Op at the time, I ended up buying two tins of the stuff on account of not really being sure of how much I would need. As you might expect, until about seven o'clock yesterday evening I still had a tin left over, and was fairly dubious as to whether or not I would ever end up actually using it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But then the rainy Sunday night-induced cake yearn came in. I had a quick browse through <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1377372102">Dan Lepard's </a><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Short-Sweet-Dan-Lepard/dp/0007391439/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335733408&sr=8-1">Short & Sweet</a> </i>and settled on making his Cherry Polenta Pudding, on the basis that I could probably cobble together most of the ingredients, and actually use up that tin of pie filling in the process. As the cooking process commenced, it began to dawn on me that I was lacking rather more of the ingredients than I had initially anticipated. First, there was the issue of butter which, fortunately, was happily alleviated by the addition of Lurpak Spreadable. Then, it became apparent that I had neither milk nor ground almonds, so up went the polenta content and, in case it ended up being too dry, I added an extra egg. By this point my cooking had basically descended into chaos, the egg being a rather last minute edition, the kitchen drawers refusing to open/close and the fact that I somehow managed to burn myself whilst attempting to wash up part way through. When, after half an hour or so, the cake not only baked all the way through but actually tasted fucking delicious, I was extremely relieved. I would almost go as far as to say that this recipe is actually worth buying tinned pie filling for. Seriously.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">100g butter (as stated above, I used Lurpak Spreadable. I don't know whether this is actually butter.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">200g sugar (I used an amalgamation of 2 parts caster sugar, to 1 part demerara and 1 part light muscavado, since I didn't have enough of any of them to make up the full amount.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 eggs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">150g polenta (incidentally, <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/rainy-day-food-almond-and-orange-flower.html">left over from this</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">75g flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 tin of cherry flavour pie filling</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat your (fan) oven to 180ºC (non-fan 160ºC)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grease and line a tin. Springform, maybe? 23cm maybe?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Whisk more.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mix in polenta, flour (sifted) and baking powder, then fold in pie filling until you get a ripple effect</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Eat as quickly as heat permits, maybe with cream, custard or ice cream; although if you've already resorted to this recipe, chances are you won't have any of it!</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-15583401929162223372012-04-18T22:55:00.002+01:002012-08-16T10:43:30.726+01:00RECORD STORE DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hello friends! I'm back! I hope you've been keeping busy. It's been relatively quiet in the Little House of late, largely due to the fact that I didn't have a day off for the best part of a month. But my internship's finished, the days are getting longer and I'm no longer a hermit. We even went to London last Saturday to see the David Shrigley <a href="http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/other-art-on-site/tickets/david-shrigley-brain-activity-61752">exhibition</a> at the Southbank! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As anyone who has ever met me - even fleetingly - can vouch, one of my favourite pastimes is forcefully imposing my music taste on others. With it being <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/">Record Store Day</a> this Saturday, I thought I'd bring the two together in the name of celebrating my favourite shop, which has had a massive influence on my interest in music. If you're after a proper list, check out <a href="http://www.recordshopcity.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/MAP.pdf">this brilliant map</a> for stores around Greater Manchester, and <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venues?country=United%20Kingdom">this nationwide one</a> on the Record Store Day website.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Before we were old enough to wander round Manchester, Stockport precinct was the stuff that dreams were made of. When the History Cafe opened on Prince's Street, I remember sitting by the upstairs window next to the battered drum kit and records they used to 'decorate' the walls with, drinking a mocha and thinking I was the absolute shit. These jaunts around coffee shops were also coupled with tentative rummages through the CDs on offer at such Stopfordian institutions as Woolworths, WH Smith's and HMV which, admittedly, usually turned up pretty miserable results (Travis, anyone?); the only exception being the now-defunct and sorely missed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_Zone">Music Zone</a>. By the age of about 14, it became patently clear to me that, if I was going to get hold of the music I really wanted, I'd have to go the extra seven miles north.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Me, in my younger days. <br />
I'm excited for the future of music.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Manchester is still the biggest city I've ever lived in - it's second in size only to London and Birmingham - so you can imagine how intimidating it was when we first ventured out. We soon got to know its mean streets though - learning to <a href="http://newsmanc.co.uk/2012/02/08/news-market-street-gauntlet-finally-completed/">avoid</a> Market Street and making a new home for ourselves in the café on the top floor of <a href="http://www.afflecks.com/">Afflecks Palace</a>, before later migrating to the more mature charms of <a href="http://www.nightnday.org/">Night & Day</a> (as immortalised in the I Am Kloot <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbbdjX5uCM4">song</a>). When I eventually moved to Sheffield five years later, the thing I missed the most were the record shops; in particular, <a href="http://www.vinylexchange.co.uk/">Vinyl Exchange</a>. Based on Oldham St. (RIP Bridge St. branch!), they sell vinyl (duh), CDs, DVDs etc, but they don't have the cases out on the floor - just small plastic envelopes with the title of the record on a piece of card. It's brilliant, because you can literally grab a stack and flick through - no awkward leaning over/shifting around/having to pull out every single case because you can't tell what it's supposed to be or who it's by. And because a lot of the stuff they sell are promo copies and/or second-hand, it's all really cheap too. My CD collection is still at my parent's house (s'all been copied onto the computer innit), but I'd estimate that roughly half of them were bought at Vinyl Exchange.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Independents work because they know exactly what their customers want to buy. It's so much easier to pick up music you've never heard of but can't wait to play when the whole store is filled with artists that you love. It's also weirdly satisfying to have something to show for your music collection - a bit like a photo album I suppose. Whilst being able to download mp3s straight onto my phone is undoubtedly incredibly convenient, it's not really the same as spending a whole afternoon pottering round a few shops and arguing about which record you'll play first when you get home.</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-41577799823099785232012-03-15T23:24:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:43:47.471+01:00MEOW FOR NOW<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was going to save this playlist for another day, but I'm not going to have time to post anything on here for a while, so I'll use it as a sort of stop-gap instead. Things have been preetty busy recently - I'm just finishing my first week of work experience with an academic publishing company (progress! careers! etc.) but it's unpaid, so in order to earn money and keep my old job open for when I finish I'm working weekends as well. I've also just found out I've got a freelance job writing educational materials for A Level English Lit students - which is ace - but I had a look at the amount of work I've got to do for it and I'm feeling pretty intimidated. The example pack is eighty pages long. IT'S GOING TO BE LIKE MY DISSERTATION ALL OVER AGAIN. Except better, because I'll be getting paid.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So enjoy this playlist, all the songs of which are of the noise-pop-lo-fi variety. Some old(ish), some new, all good. I always find this kind of music very reminiscent of summer and, let's face it, we could probably do with a bit of sunshine. Enjoy! I'll see you soon!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://8tracks.com/nicrodge/meow-for-now">Meow for Now!</a> from <a href="http://8tracks.com/nicrodge">nicrodge</a> on <a href="http://8tracks.com/">8tracks</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Think of You - Bleached</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Hey Cool Kid - Cloud Nothings</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Seance on a Wet Afternoon - Girls' Names</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. Please Be My Third Eye - La Sera</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Beachy Head - Veronica Falls</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8. Love Fade - Tamaryn</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. Tea Lights - Lower Dens</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. Summer of Hate - Crocodiles</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-24766779020894191672012-03-10T09:00:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:49:15.459+01:00LACK HACKING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've been signed up to <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> for a while, but I'm only just figuring out how it actually works. I particularly like how straightforward it makes sharing images, so I don't find myself worrying about the best way cite them (although I guess you don't exactly have to follow <a href="http://www.mhra.org.uk/Publications/Books/StyleGuide/download.shtml">MHRA guidelines</a> on this one).<br /><br />I thought I'd used my new-found Pinterest skillz to share some of the hacks on Ikea's 'Lack' range. Like the items themselves, these customisations are everywhere. There's even a <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/">website</a> dedicated to sharing the innovative ways in which people have altered theirs. We've got the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40198396/">coffee table</a> version, although we use it as more of a 'media centre'/sideboard. I'm not trying to push this as the world's worst hack, I'm just letting you know what we do with ours. So.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The table definitely serves its purpose, but it's so beige! So vanilla! So pale it almost disappears into the wall! I'd really love to paint it red so it stands out a bit more and I reckon it would go well with the dark wood furniture we've got. Apparently, other people have been far more imaginative with theirs though.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/search/label/Lack?updated-max=2011-09-18T09:29:00-04:00&max-results=20&start=74&by-date=false">ikeahackers.net</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> via </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/nicrodge/">Nicola</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />This one uses printed textiles and castors. Wheely imaginative!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/search/label/Lack?updated-max=2011-05-28T13:08:00-04:00&max-results=20&start=100&by-date=false">ikeahackers.net</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nicrodge/">Nicola</a> on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This little Lack was covered in an old shower curtain! The copper colours look ace. Water brilliant idea!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.ladycroissant.com/2011/05/how-to-turn-white-table-into-rainbow.html">ladycroissant.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nicrodge/">Nicola</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think this one's my favourite - they've created loads of multicoloured, horizontal lines using washi tape. It certainly s-tickles my fancy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Enough puns. For a few more, <a href="http://pinterest.com/nicrodge/lack-hacks/">clicky</a>!</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-81651781050695134772012-03-07T09:00:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:44:24.294+01:00MUSIC: POLIÇA<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">More new music! <a href="http://thisispolica.com/">Poliça</a> are the brainchild of Gayngs founder, Ryan Olson and combine swarming beats with a really distinct vocal sound. Their debut album 'Give You the Ghost' came out in the US just before Christmas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> and is scheduled for UK release on the 23rd April.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of similar artists, they're reminiscent of a bigger-sounding, more atmospheric Glasser or White Hinterland but, whilst they're definitely of the same chillwave/post-dubstep leanings, the decision to have two drummers makes for a more engaging sound and, as you might expect, a more absorbing live presence (I saw White Hinterland play not long after 'Kairos' came out and was hugely disappointed, partly because the songs lacked this theatre live).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bon Iver's Justin Vernon recently described Poliça as<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> 'the best band I've ever heard' and there is certainly a lot of hype surrounding their music (Jay-Z has also said how much he admires their sound); however, s</span>inger <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Channy Leneagh’s vocals</span> appear to be splitting opinion on YouTube for their heavy use of auto-tune. Personally, I think the conspicuousness of this effect works powerfully to implicate a drama and disjointedness to their sound, particularly on the single 'Lay Your Cards Out' (shown top). Despite this, I'm not sure whether a whole album of it would be as effective - whether it becomes more of a gimmick than a dynamic part of the music. Admittedly, it's pretty hard for me to know for sure until I've listened the entire album, but, based on the strength of what I've heard so far, I look forward to finding out.</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-75040675274610186002012-03-03T09:30:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:44:38.122+01:00RED, RED WINE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I was at uni, the shop round the corner from our house sold two bottles of wine for £3.50 (we called the shop 'Peanut & Die', but that's a story for another time). These very reasonably priced beverages fuelled excellent nights both in and out but, as you might expect, they tasted fucking dreadful. The rosé, in particular, was somewhat comparable in flavour to engine oil. If only, I would think, there was a way to make it taste nice, whilst still allowing us to get pissed for a pittance! If only I had known about this cake!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That's right - a cake! With wine! And chocolate! Even better, the more layers you create, the more wine you can put in. This cake is ace - it's really dense and sticky, and the taste of the wine remains only as a slightly boozy perfume, nothing more. It also looks like a giant Oreo, which can't be a bad thing. The recipe can be found <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/09/red-wine-chocolate-cake/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+smittenkitchen+%28smitten+kitchen%29">here</a> on Smitten Kitchen and, judging by the 650 comments, I'm not the only one that thinks it's a sweet combination.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I made this as a birthday cake for Dave's granddad (also a wine fan) and, because it's not one of those cakes that rises a lot, I managed to jam it very neatly into a biscuit tin. So, in addition to my existing litany of brilliant things about this cake, I'd also like to add that it's very portable.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There's also a rather nice mascarpone cream that goes with it which I used to sandwich the layers together. I would, however, completely condone eating it by itself. Or maybe you could dip some fancy biscuits in it. Or just rub it all over your face. Your call.</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-12286666134483378472012-02-29T10:00:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:44:57.167+01:00PUT A BIRD ON IT<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This post is just an excuse for another playlist and to talk about one of my favourite jewellery designers for a bit. However, if you haven't seen serial superlative-surpasser Carrie Brownstein's show, here's a taster:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Someone else who makes a living from putting birds on things (but in a less deranged way) is designer <a href="http://www.sheredesign.co.uk/">Helen Shere</a>. She works almost entirely in silver, and cuts and stamps designs into small but perfectly formed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75967120/coffee-pot-necklace">pendants</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75968866/bird-silhouette-silver-ring">rings</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62524129/tiny-spotty-bird-earrings?ref=v1_other_1">earrings</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51270396/silver-bird-bangle">bangles</a>. I love the simplicity of her jewellery and clever Dave bought me one of her necklaces for Christmas a couple of years back.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Although her work predominantly takes its inspiration from nature - think plants, foxes, trees etc. - I also love these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81428350/tiny-house-earrings">these</a> tiny house earrings and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76029750/leave-room-for-cake-silver-ring">this</a> 'leave room for cake' ring. I'd buy the lot if I had the money, but I don't, so I'll sit here looking wistful instead and listen to this playlist:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://8tracks.com/crayonmaison/put-a-bird-on-it">PUT A BIRD ON IT</a> from <a href="http://8tracks.com/nicrodge">nicrodge</a> on <a href="http://8tracks.com/">8tracks</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. I Like Birds - Eels</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Black Swan - Thom Yorke</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Pigeon - Maps & Atlases</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Crane Your Neck - Lady Lamb the Beekeeper</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. Take the Box - Amy Winehouse </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. Two Doves - Dirty Projectors</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Easy to Be Around - Diane Cluck</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8. Steak for Chicken - The Moldy Peaches</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. Vulture - Micachu & The Shapes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. Bird - The Knife</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-29027512778755616932012-02-25T10:00:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:49:28.647+01:00PROJECT SOCK<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier in the month, I wrote about my small-scale <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.com/2012/02/drynuary.html">ambitions</a> for the year, one of which was knitting socks. I am pleased to announce that I am now the proud creator of my first pair!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, I found it surprisingly straight forward. I'd read so many things online saying how turning the heel is feared by those new to sock-knitting and, whilst in the same breath they'd insist it was nothing to worry about, the idea became a self-fulfilling prophecy in so much as I thought there must be some foundation to this anxiety. Because I am young and a bit impressionable, I instinctively became a little terrified. Fortunately, turning the heel really isn't the part to worry about. No, it's the bit immediately afterwards when you have to join it all back together again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fortunately, there's plenty of <a href="http://knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/070719_a.asp">instructions</a> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATsocks101.html">and</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3LVbaiqTAw&feature=relmfu">videos</a> around to set you back on track when your confidence wanes. I also found it really helpful to keep notes of what I was doing to ensure the two socks were as identical as I could make them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After having a gander round online, I settled on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTcrusoe.html">this</a> 'Crusoe' stranded stitch pattern on Knitty. The resulting socks are more-or-less a size 4, which is perfect for me/my sister, but could be a little tricky if your feet are of the size of any normal adult. Admittedly I didn't test my gauge, but I still used the larger pattern and there does seem to be a <a href="http://asintime.blogspot.com/2006/11/crusoe-from-knittycom.html">bit</a> of a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=72524.0">consensus</a> online that it comes up rather small. But as I said, with our child-feet that wasn't really a problem, and it's an easy enough pattern to increase (you just need to work in multiples of four).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I used <a href="http://www.kingcole.co.uk/knitting-yarns/4ply-3ply/zig-zag-4ply.html">King Cole's ZigZag 4ply</a> (shade 745, apparently) which cost me £6 for 100g/493 yards/448 metres. I was slightly surprised by the price (probably because I'm a bit of a stinge) but it's worth bearing in mind that I've not even used half of this, so plenty left to make another pair. The more I knit, the more I realise that you don't always do it to make something that costs less (especially if you're partial to soft, fancy wool) but to create something that's more than just the sum of its parts. This is a case in point - I don't think I'd ever buy a £3 pair of socks as an impromptu gift (bit weird on several levels), but making a pair for the same price seems like a smart thing to do. It's not too ostentatious, but just big enough that you know there's been some real effort put into them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, verdict on making socks: good. They're really satisfying to knit and exactly the right size project to keep your interest piqued throughout (I finished these in a week without too much effort). I could also feel myself improving as they progressed, which is always nice. So don't be afraid, try socks today! A-thank you.</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-19132882318607805752012-02-23T14:03:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:45:16.268+01:00MUSIC: WIDOWSPEAK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've got some more substantial posts on the way, but I thought I'd just share this first:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The band are called <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bandwidowspeak">Widowspeak</a> and the song above is the opening track on their self-titled debut album, which was released last year. I bought a copy a couple of weeks ago and it's ace. They build up songs brilliantly and this track in particular makes me feel like such a don when I'm marching around town.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One article I read drew comparisons to Mazzy Star and Cat Power, which is mega kudos in my book. They're clearly very influenced by the sound of the 90s, no more apparent than in singer Molly Hamilton's too-cool-for-school vocals, which are layered beautifully with heavy reverb and busy, trebly guitars. They actually really remind me of the Howling Bells or, rather, what the Howling Bells might've sounded like if they'd been trendy Brooklyn hipsters (in a good way).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The one criticism I could make of the album is that, whilst Widowspeak clearly know how to layer and build songs, the shoegazey style of the vocals sometimes comes across a little too impassive, which occasionally causes the build-ups to fall a bit flat. As a listener, I got slightly frustrated at times because the band seemed almost too cool and detached; in tracks like 'Harsh Realm', for instance, i just wished Hamilton could've sounded a bit more... pained?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">These are pretty minor grumbles though - the whole album is very smart and I'd love to see it live. I also really like the Rennie Macintosh-influenced cover art, which definitely fits well with the sense of nostalgia Widowspeak's sound evokes.</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-70831228793972905872012-02-21T09:00:00.000+00:002012-08-16T10:45:48.860+01:00PANCAKE PANCAKE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Eggs! Flour! Milk!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Make lovely <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/mar/03/how-to-cook-perfect-pancakes">pancakes</a> today!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ironically for a cake fiend as myself, growing up, I couldn't actually eat pancakes because I was allergic to eggs. Not to be deterred, my Mum would make <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chapatis_77146">chapatis</a> instead which, while not quite as pliable as the real thing, made a really good substitute, especially when dredged with the usual sugar and lemon combo.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I rarely cook pancakes outside of Shrove Tuesday (I am rubbish at not burning them), but I remember having them quite a lot when I was in Russia a few years ago. Whilst in Irkutsk, the girl we were staying with made some for breakfast one day. This prompted us to explain that, in the UK, we usually eat them drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with sugar. She nodded, and proceeded to roll full slices of lemon, rind and all, into her pancake. Obviously not convinced that this was a pleasant way to enjoy them, she managed a polite smile, while at the same time clearly making a mental note to ignore all future culinary suggestions from her English guests.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever. Here's to a flippin' good pancake day!</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-82507038753357091982012-02-08T20:19:00.001+00:002012-08-16T10:46:09.830+01:00WHEN LOVE IS LITERALLY IN THE AIR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You're probably sick of Valentine's Day themed posts already. I definitely am. But I'd like to think that the focus of this will be something a little more absorbing than <a href="http://www.coolhunting.com/giftguide2011/gifts/valentines-day-balloons.php">giant balloons</a> and washi tape love hearts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This post is inspired by some graffiti that's become a bit of a monument in Sheffield. I first saw it whilst having a nosey round one of the city's most famous constructions - Park Hill - as part of a module I was studying at the time. Today, it's a Grade II listed building - supposedly the largest in Europe - being partially redeveloped by über-trendy <a href="http://www.urbansplash.co.uk/">Urban Splash</a>, but the estate has gained a bit of a reputation over the years. Built between 1957 and 1961, it replaced the neglected tenements common in pre-war Britain, rife with crime and poverty, with 'streets in the sky' - aspirational, modern living spaces with front terraces wide enough to drive a milk float down.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofPbyX_gaATb-fxAQ4biJY_ot7FUIbCsyj_RyixCm8czrBbXXSPJSBq7OtNb-IY8W-tMzf9JCcfD36VPFlmjiDmRwIoKqBd_OmOqE41KPJrBtgmZHejh-JX_xCdveFHzaKqLGY3Xw4L8/s1600/DSCF0863-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofPbyX_gaATb-fxAQ4biJY_ot7FUIbCsyj_RyixCm8czrBbXXSPJSBq7OtNb-IY8W-tMzf9JCcfD36VPFlmjiDmRwIoKqBd_OmOqE41KPJrBtgmZHejh-JX_xCdveFHzaKqLGY3Xw4L8/s400/DSCF0863-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The area went into serious decline with the financial recession and dwindling industry of the 80s and 90s, and once again became notorious for its high levels of crime. Although council housing, the local authority had real problems tenanting the flats and it wasn't until 1998 when the Grade II listing was awarded that the area began to see its fortunes reverse.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I visited the partially-derelict site in early 2010, one of the things that struck me was the sheer number and density of empty flats and how, most poignantly, all of these had once been homes. Not to get all sentimental, but seeing curtains still hanging from some of the windows and television aerials and satellite dishes still strapped onto balconies was really disquieting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yq_A1UIN9SKBIeArdmnToV5JWe7UevhmZTuaNWhyxvLXktHjabU5tFxyzIxzXNEFPJbswNHwaEkYcYJaS6i_okK88Tu8L6CeEh3EBdVcszXoAn-uAm16BvqybSSi63wNPxhJp0hA3x8/s1600/DSCF0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yq_A1UIN9SKBIeArdmnToV5JWe7UevhmZTuaNWhyxvLXktHjabU5tFxyzIxzXNEFPJbswNHwaEkYcYJaS6i_okK88Tu8L6CeEh3EBdVcszXoAn-uAm16BvqybSSi63wNPxhJp0hA3x8/s400/DSCF0868.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from the distant hum of the renovation works, the area was totally silent and, on such a sunny day, the peace of the whole place felt weirdly out of sync when you consider the number of people that have lived here over the last fifty years.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But it wasn't a history lesson that I wanted to give you! Well, a little one. But whilst this is all essential knowledge, the focus of this post is not the buildings but something which was written on them. Look closely at the photo below! Do you see the two walkways stretching between the buildings? Good. Can you make out the graffiti on the top one? No?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldm87wi2XCkpLyOmWm36vxbMqgAoHUWUQxiVVjwBGxMXNnVCA12-ICesyDOMBUlTqOZzlRp0gwlL2wu2Uv_CdD7tJlz0iS15WrB86t9dUEZdmIwoALWUd3YZhDiAE2s1sFVlpRucW90/s1600/DSCF0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldm87wi2XCkpLyOmWm36vxbMqgAoHUWUQxiVVjwBGxMXNnVCA12-ICesyDOMBUlTqOZzlRp0gwlL2wu2Uv_CdD7tJlz0iS15WrB86t9dUEZdmIwoALWUd3YZhDiAE2s1sFVlpRucW90/s400/DSCF0877.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, don't worry, because I took a closer one for you:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCG7lN8IWZQ7DxbD2AOgcjAHX6Kkj8Mw5HtMejBtEmP43JUcPfLILIz1RR4OMh7BwnyXBvJ3NyiDq29fLVIE6MXiYeseHKTEBj_gQmX5Zvo0vqcaK3LSRNWIh44SVcHje4F6yyPFnQ7Q/s1600/DSCF0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCG7lN8IWZQ7DxbD2AOgcjAHX6Kkj8Mw5HtMejBtEmP43JUcPfLILIz1RR4OMh7BwnyXBvJ3NyiDq29fLVIE6MXiYeseHKTEBj_gQmX5Zvo0vqcaK3LSRNWIh44SVcHje4F6yyPFnQ7Q/s400/DSCF0870.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CLARE MIDDLETON </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I LOVE YOU</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">WILL U MARRY ME</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'd forgotten all about it until I heard a documentary on Radio 4 over the summer; it's still available to listen to online <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01302s4">here</a>. They try to find the couple behind the graffiti and the story it reveals is incredibly poignant (even if the presenter's enthusiasm verges on fetishism at times).</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbansplash.co.uk/blog/urban-splash/celebrating-sheffields-50-year-love-affair-with-park-hill/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkknV53geTiKafkey_rTLfaPTxodt35s8D0q_CQiMynr2wl9RjRvahTmQ6oZodhbGt_fSFYUix3HRQtz4k9Rn6TUh2t3iKmC9Rk0xV6OJ3nBYUTEK2TY9LefYcj_8GqGiFMeJ1rZfqUvk/s400/270611_1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Urban Splash have immortalised the graffiti in neon, but they've missed off 'Clare Middleton' and, as you can hear from the programme, the people who knew her have mixed views. Hearing the tale behind the graffiti and the tragedy that befell the couple, lighting it up feels a little tawdry; on the other hand, being unknown for so long, people have naturally come to identify it in their own way. It's a tricky one - do we recognise it by the story that made it or the emotion it represents? The presenter also suggests it's become an artwork, but the narrative behind it is so flawed and human that I think viewing it in this was risks stylising beyond all reality. To me, the permanence of the writing seems to serve as a way of holding on to a particular moment - bringing people to reflect on the stories that the places around us hold, romantic or otherwise.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">***</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, now, a playlist to acknowledge that, while love is undoubtedly brilliant, it doesn't always work out. There'll always be something to remind us of the good times, though - just like the graffiti at Park Hill. And this playlist (sort of).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" height="250" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://8tracks.com/mixes/580469/player_v3">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://8tracks.com/crayonmaison/the-desperate-kingdom-of-love">The Desperate Kingdom of Love</a> from <a href="http://8tracks.com/crayonmaison">crayonmaison</a> on <a href="http://8tracks.com/">8tracks</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Piazza, New York Catcher - Belle & Sebastian</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. An Anniversary Away - Reverie Sound Revue</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Put a Penny in the Slot - Fionn Regan</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Baby Birch - Joanna Newsom</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. Rose Gives a Lily - Yuck</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. It's Okay - Land of Talk</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Hold On - Angus & Julia Stone</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8. Dance to the Morning Light - Slow Club</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. Last Broadcast - Doves</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. The Desperate Kingdom of Love - PJ Harvey</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Image via Painted Sparrow</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-79471728620450937252012-02-06T19:40:00.003+00:002012-08-16T10:49:43.144+01:00PROJECT SNOOD<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A topical knit if ever I saw one. Using <a href="http://papersensei.blogspot.com/2011/04/cowl-for-japan.html">this pattern</a> from Paper Sensei, I created this rather cosy little snood (cowl?) for my lucky, lucky boyfriend. It's the first time I've properly used intarsia for an entire piece and, whilst the tension was a bit tighter than I would like, it worked pretty well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I concede that it does look a little 'handmade', but I'd like to think it's more Cath Kidston than <a href="http://www.film4.com/reviews/2002/about-a-boy" style="font-style: italic;">About A Boy</a>... right? Right.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6vpH3_Z8B4fBMfNZCHGiHF2wvKQTW817LTDCnRaEHNqfMBaU-BOkMRztODnPqtXpnCcoqv9K-dmfvZDSo2SktUH2POPaboPUDRZph0eKKXfocToh69dqr-VbfoptPBBHViLWhbhVSzg/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6vpH3_Z8B4fBMfNZCHGiHF2wvKQTW817LTDCnRaEHNqfMBaU-BOkMRztODnPqtXpnCcoqv9K-dmfvZDSo2SktUH2POPaboPUDRZph0eKKXfocToh69dqr-VbfoptPBBHViLWhbhVSzg/s400/IMG_0100.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'll get some more pictures up soon... yes, that is an Instagram photo. Find me @nicrodge !</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-75660214076257718782012-02-03T17:36:00.001+00:002012-08-16T10:46:31.632+01:00IT'S FESTIVAL TIME<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We usually go to a couple of festivals rather than a beach holiday, and tickets are already going on sale so there's finally a weak, summery light shining at the end of this icy wind tunnel!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatXAi_edWkH0SRcGWzkPXeIfkbRlg0_UN0RRIAXn2_Qyu32NPFxTaT8LvqHkBCzlCQYOn93yJUqFk-8VRE-g3Imx_RmZNYigVKjcoO12kqIwbVUxvupCZVXFuZidyqJFDXRxm30nJEHI/s1600/Image019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatXAi_edWkH0SRcGWzkPXeIfkbRlg0_UN0RRIAXn2_Qyu32NPFxTaT8LvqHkBCzlCQYOn93yJUqFk-8VRE-g3Imx_RmZNYigVKjcoO12kqIwbVUxvupCZVXFuZidyqJFDXRxm30nJEHI/s400/Image019.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.greenman.net/">Green Man</a> tickets are available now and, having been the year before last, I can say with confidence that it's a cracking weekend. Being a relatively small festival, they're pretty lax about bringing booze into the arena, and there's not the same scramble for tent space that you get at Glastonbury; it's also family-friendly without leaving you feeling like you're at a kid's club. The whole site is really well thought out, with lots of cool little areas and tiny make-shift stages. And obviously, they burn a giant wicker man on the Sunday night, which is definitely worth watching. Also, the toilets were really well looked after! Whilst the year we went was a little marred by the (torrential) rain, the scenery is incredible and, to be fair, there was some sunshine on the Sunday afternoon... before the heavens opened all over main stage headliner Joanna Newsom and her glittery harp.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Things to consider: aside from the weather implications of a festival in Wales, if you live any further north than Birmingham take a train! Living in Sheffield at the time, we made the terrible mistake of travelling to my Mum and Dad's in Manchester and catching a coach from there. Never again! It took us nine hours (NINE HOURS!) to get there, apparently visiting every small town and city along the route. Fortunately, living in the South West now means that it only takes an hour to get to Abergavenny, and they run shuttle buses from there. Hooray!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1305603/Green-Man-Festival-Charlotte-Church-watches-Jonathan-Powell-performing.html">Charlotte Church is a fan</a> too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This year's line up (confirmed so far) includes Feist, The Walkmen, Yann Tierson and others, including Alt-J. I heard the song below on Steve Lamaq's show on 6Music a few months ago and it's good. So good that I almost forgot about it until just now. I don't like to make comparisons but, just to give you an idea, the harmonies sound like Bombay Bicycle Club, the driving drums and jerky bass sound like Interpol and there's just enough of the quirkiness of tUnEyArDs to keep it interesting. Just like the hair on those ever-ubiquitous VO5 adverts, it's simultaneously textured and messy and slick and I like it. I'd definitely go and see them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And a bit of Feist for good measure. She is headlining. She is good also. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This year's festival runs from the 17th - 19th August with adult <a href="http://www.greenman.net/tickets">tickets</a> selling at £145 and students' at £125. There's also teen and child concessions available or, if you don't really want to pay anything, they're currently <a href="http://www.greenman.net/info/volunteering">recruiting</a> for volunteers and stewards to help out. Plus, if you want to make a proper week of it, they sell camping tickets beginning on Monday 13th for an extra £40.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With the sad absence of Glastonbury this year, another festival I hope will be filling the void is <a href="http://www.endoftheroadfestival.com/">End Of The Road</a>. Held in North Dorset, not far from Salisbury, it's taking place between 31st August and 2nd September and confirmed bands include Grizzly Bear, Beach House and The Antlers, so it's already looking like an ace line-up with 8 months still to go. I've never been, but I've been hoping to for the last couple of years (the list of bands playing last year was <a href="http://www.endoftheroadfestival.com/line-up-2011/">incredible</a>) and it looks like a brilliant little festival, all at the fairly standard price of £150 per ticket.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Another I've always fancied the look of is <a href="http://www.secretgardenparty.com/">The Secret Garden Party</a> and also the gloriously indie and delightfully twee (it's the kind of festival that could only succeed in the north) <a href="http://indietracksblog.blogspot.com/">Indie Tracks</a>. Now all I need is a bit of cash!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And if spending a long weekend in a tent isn't sounding very appealing, here's always a ton of free, inner-city festivals to look forward to. More on that later...</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-41760558370654257412012-02-02T18:21:00.001+00:002012-08-16T10:49:53.787+01:00DRYNUARY<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(See also <a href="http://thehairpin.com/2012/01/janopause-vs-drynuary">'The Janopause'</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This post has nothing to do with drinking. It is referring instead to the definite lack of anything on Crayon Maison recently, and more tellingly, my inability to think of a better heading. But this is a new year! And these are all things we (I) can work on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">EVERYONE makes resolutions, and blogs seem to be covered in posts outlining what it is they intend to improve and include over the coming year. Since this blog is quite apparently still at the dummies and nappies stage, any projection of what I intend to improve this year would be of little merit; perhaps the best thing would be if I could actually post with some kind of regularity. But let's not be hasty.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Given that today is the 2nd of February, we are now past January entirely, so many well intentioned resolutions will already have fallen by the wayside. Call me a coward but, now I've got past the first month, I can actually state my intentions for self-improvement this year with some certainty (see, I tricked you! It is a resolutions post after all!)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Learn to crochet</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I consider myself a fairly competent knitter, but I have no idea whatsoever how to crochet. My attempts so far have been... mixed. I understand the stitches, but since I'm not really familiar with how a crocheted piece should look, it's proving a little tricky. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As we speak, a copy of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0761139850/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE">Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker</a> </i>by the very clever Debbie Stoller is finding its way to my little Bristol home, care of Amazon, my bank account and Royal Mail (possibly).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I already own the original <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stitch-Bitch-Handbook-Instructions-Generation/dp/0761128182/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">Stitch 'N' Bitch</a></i> and, whilst some of the patterns aren't exactly fashion-forward, the instructions and techniques are so clear and comprehensive that it's a little knitting bible. No doubt my crochet skills will come on leaps and bounds! We can only hope.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Knit socks</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Let's be honest, this isn't a million miles away from the first resolution. But I've got it into my head that socks are the thing to make this year, and that I'll have completed a pair to send to my sister in Germany before she moves back to Manchester in the spring. This is furthered by the fact that, after a fairly mild winter, it has suddenly become FREEZING round here, so I can only imagine what the temperature will be like in Bonn (I checked, it's currently -5ºC, with a low for the week of -14ºC). She definitely deserves socks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There's an abundance of excellent (free!) patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=knitting&availability=free&sort=popularity&pc=socks&view=captioned_thumbs">Ravelry.com</a> (4,720 on my last check), and I am brilliantly supplied by two great shops - <a href="http://www.stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk/covered-market?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=6&sobi2Id=41">Sew 'N' Sew</a> in St Nick's, and <a href="http://gloucester-rd.co.uk/shopping-listing/katze/">Katze</a>, 2 minutes away on Gloucester Road - to pander to all my wool and needle needs. I initially tried making a pair on circular needles, but realised almost immediately that the length I was using was only going to work for someone with calves the size of a cow. Fetch the double pointed needles!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pretty self-explanatory. I used to draw a lot, now I don't. Maybe I'll join a life drawing club?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What?! This is a general resolution; today is my day off.</span></div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-44065897828906778412011-12-07T21:56:00.001+00:002012-08-16T10:46:55.580+01:00RAINY DAY PLAYLIST<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For your aural enjoyment, a collection of ten songs to dance around the kitchen to, perhaps whilst making the very special <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.com/2011/12/rainy-day-food-almond-and-orange-flower.html">Almond and Orange Flower Cake</a>. Scroll down for the track listing...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Once Around the Block - Badly Drawn Boy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Everything Goes My Way - Metronomy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. When the Sun Don't Shine - Best Coast</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Australia - The Shins</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. Heavy Metal Drummer - Wilco</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Pin - Yeah Yeah Yeahs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. That Very Night - Hollie Cook</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. Giddy Stratospheres - The Long Blondes</span></div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-16228106964993824292011-12-06T21:54:00.000+00:002012-07-01T18:13:51.894+01:00RAINY DAY FOOD: ALMOND & ORANGE FLOWER CAKE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And now, from <a href="http://crayonmaison.blogspot.com/2011/11/one.html">testicular apparitions</a> to cake. This recipe is sweet, citrusy (yes, really) and very quick. It’s definitely one to make on a wet day as chances are you’ve already got the ingredients, so no reason to go flapping through a downpour just to get to the shops. It’s also a pretty impressive shade of yellow, thanks to the polenta, almonds and citrus fruit making for a very cheery dessert/treat/lunch.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">... then give it a final stir and spread into the tin. Whichever tin you like - this one is a 20cm springform, but Weinberg suggests using a loaf tin. And into the oven!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-re25hvLELAQ71vrpU4VmLzDwqqel4Pbq5lbkYgv_XF6AZZjVzdhPHr-xvY2iUunwMuHqFvEHjSYGjQhBmw3La-eWS4-mwYf2oI4APOJcGidiEiQJ_CrIxwuRd7f-12lbtvF4rN_ZXs4/s1600/DSCF2135-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-re25hvLELAQ71vrpU4VmLzDwqqel4Pbq5lbkYgv_XF6AZZjVzdhPHr-xvY2iUunwMuHqFvEHjSYGjQhBmw3La-eWS4-mwYf2oI4APOJcGidiEiQJ_CrIxwuRd7f-12lbtvF4rN_ZXs4/s400/DSCF2135-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It gets so dark early now that, by the time the cake had cooled and I'd faffed about arranging it on the plate, there was no natural light left... hence the less than dreamy photograph. Still, what matters is that this cake is sweet, dense, sticky and zesty, with an ever so slight crunch on the outside. Close your eyes and imagine lying under a fragrant orange grove in the Mediterranean!* Open them just in time to watch Hollyoaks/Come Dine With Me/Frozen Planet/Snog Marry Avoid and to enable you to see where your next slice is coming from.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, this is one of those cakes that - if you can wait - tastes even better the next day. I definitely won't judge if you can't. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Almond and Orange Flower Cake</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">adapted from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Feed-Your-Friends-Relish/dp/074759788X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323209652&sr=8-2">Feed Your Friends With Relish</a></i> by Joanna Weinberg</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan) or gas 3. Grease and line your tin and set aside.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Using an electric whisk or wooden spoon, beat together until the butter has been worked through and the dough is beginning to come together; it should look a bit like marzipan.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each. Next, add the zest and juice of the orange and lemon and, finally, the orange flower water. Give it a final stir before spreading into the tin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a skewer dipped into the centre comes out clean and the cake is golden on top. Leave to cool before dusting with icing sugar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">*There's oranges in the Mediterranean, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR53qbKwfsYBVFTL5ZxFOygGU5VdFPHciTSEYWNbUxKxsH5cvyc-Zj3JbFKrKRP476eMrDsjd-6o0Qszi558xkLpfB-_tPq8vqWX6Y6Xwqhjo76gyowwnT8YdFLjulR_1ZzXTOJV90kiw/s1600/DSCF2136.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR53qbKwfsYBVFTL5ZxFOygGU5VdFPHciTSEYWNbUxKxsH5cvyc-Zj3JbFKrKRP476eMrDsjd-6o0Qszi558xkLpfB-_tPq8vqWX6Y6Xwqhjo76gyowwnT8YdFLjulR_1ZzXTOJV90kiw/s1600/DSCF2136.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922944399793153020.post-81449300057586826052011-11-13T19:00:00.001+00:002012-07-01T18:14:01.957+01:00ONE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just to set the tone:</span><br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/awffa"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpkS-ZMlaAG38C2_sQeVKJbhlw3OAzzJTLi4p33vOM1xcXAZLCqOzyicGeRToeiXosb2xG273JC7C0kAtoOxelanz-lfEHaAOcU1rN41IKx7AKoFZewR_SkAYmscU_qUIpAW22ROiQGo/s400/testicle.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stay tuned for more things worth reading! (Probably)</span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02028530042268587729noreply@blogger.com0