Weird & Wonderful News Wednesday #25 Marvellous Mango Muffins.

You're thinking:
1) Those aren't muffins?
2) They've got decking blueberries in! They're not even mango!
3) This isn't news! You said last week that the news posts had returned?...Fucker.

I am guilty of all three charges! And there is a simple reason for all of this. I had too many eggs going out of date. True story. Don't worry people that I have been bounding around Cornwall gifting these to today, they haven't actually gone out of date. They're just pretty close. So I decided to make some blueberry muffins for work (I've been a bit stressified the last couple o'days-I'll explain tomorrow.) THEN, I got all a bit bakey and decided that I wanted to also make some cakes for myself and Harps and was feeling all a bit experimentos (making up a lot of words today aren't I?) that I 'dabbed a hand' (weird saying) at making some mango cupcakes! ( I called them muffins in the title to demonstrate a little alliteration-so shoot me)

Anywhooty, due to flummoxing around the county, I seem to have gifted most of my little blueberry gems, much to Harps's dismay, which means that my lovely colleagues had better like experimental mango cakes! If they don't, they're all mango hating fools. It also means that I just haven't had the time to accumulate all the strange things I've been reading about this week- sozages for that.

And I sang this over and over and OVER again whilst I baked. I urge you to do the same whilst you read the recipe below! 

WHO LIKE THE MANGO? 

And the most boring photo whilst baking award goes to...

Bake Time: 17 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: Some work colleagues and a greedy Harps. (12)

Mango Factor: Priceless.

Ingredients: 115g Self Raising Flour, 115g Caster Sugar, 115g Melted Butter/Marg, 1tsp Vanilla Essence, 2 Free Range Eggs, Mangoey Goodness ( I used mango juice but in hindsight it wasn't a great move).

Icing: Not as much Double Cream as I used (I'd say you need about 100ml?) P.s. Anyone want some mango cream icing? Mango juice (bad idea-my mango cakes are wavering already) and Icing Sugar.

1) Preheat the oven to 190c/ 375f/ Gas 5- Line a 12 hole cupcake pan with standard sized cases.

2) In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter/marg with the sugar until a pale and creamy, light texture forms.

3) Gradually whisk in the eggs and the mango juice (about 75ml), then sift the flour on top. Using a large metal spoon, carefully fold the flour into the batter.

4) Spoon evenly into the cases and bake for 16-18 minutes on the middle shelf, until lightly golden and firm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5) Pour the double cream into a bowl and sift in some icing sugar. Whip the mixture, adding a little mango juice at a time. Set aside in the fridge until your cakes have cooled fully. 

6) Ice those bad boys up and you're in mango heaven!

Love Sophie Xx

Weird and Wonderful News Wednesday #24 Amazing Dresses From Everyday Objects, GBBO Team Norman, Drunk Moose & The Daughter of an Alzheimers Sufferer.

Happy September to you all! Bring on the fallen leaves and wooly hats I say! Hurrah! Someone remind me of this in a few weeks when I'm bitching incessantly about how cold I am? Thanks. Anyway, as summer comes to an end (or has it officially ended now? Are we in Autumn?!) My usual Wednesday posts are back from their summer break and instead of spending evenings in my garden, marvelling at what a fabulous tomato grower I am, I'll be snuggled under a blanket, reading much more news and generally hibernating (one of the best things ever.) 

Lets check out a little selection of news that I've still been reading during my summer hiatus (most of which is quite possibly 'old news' now- but who cares!)

Woman Shares Touching Moment When Her Mother With Alzheimers Recognising Her. Via Youtube.com

I'll be honest with you. It is this video that brought my news posts back this week. I was planning on blabbing on about the end of summer a bit more and saving all of these other articles until next week. When I saw this I genuinely cried for about an hour. My Grandad (not to be confused with Grandpa) suffered with Alzheimers and sadly lost his life to the illness, amongst other health complications. I remember to vividly visiting him and the hope of him remembering who I was fading each time. He was a wonderful man, yet I can only imagine the surge of bittersweet love that this woman and her mother share in this video. Something that I'm sure will be cherished for a long while.

Drunk Moose Refuses to Leave Offices. Via Buzzfeed.com

Aaaahh I laughed at this for so long! Look at the moose in an office building! I read about this on loads of different news sources, one of which claimed that the moose had become intoxicated after eating fermented fruit nearby, that once he'd stumbled into the offices,  nobody could get him out! Brilliant. What a great excuse to have not done any work all day.."Oh sorry, I couldn't get to the copier, a drunk moose was in my way."....Brilliant! I wonder if I could adapt this to my work? Hmmm.."I'm sorry I didn't do that paperwork, a drunk cow came into my office and got in my way?"

Reasons Why Norman Is The Best GBBO Contestant HANDS DOWN. Via buzzfeed.com

I am typing this frantically because the official countdown to GBBO is on and I want need to get this posted before just incase my beloved NORMAN (best name) gets booted out by the horrific Paul Hollywood. Who definitely has a vendetta against our Norm! The whole buzz feed article beautifully describes exactly why I love Norman, and I sure will be rooting for him this evening!

This Amazing Artist is Creating the Most Beautiful Dresses Out of Everyday Objects. Via RobinBarcusSlonina.com

Just wow. The whole website is a little out of date but some of these dresses are just phenomenal! Robin's work is using everyday objects and turning them into amazing dresses. I've shared a few of my favourites below, but I'd recommend you go and check out her work. Inspiring.

Feather Duster Dress.

28 Second Hand Dresses. Red Dress.

Casino Chip Dress.

Pinecone Dress.

It's good to be back. How are we all? Any amusing news that I've missed this week? Who do you all want to win the GBBO title? Team Norm? 

Love Sophie Xx

Weird & Wonderful News Wednesday #23 Fringe Fever, Photo Albuming and Being Stalked By Batman.

Good morning Wednesday Wonderers! I hope that you've all been enjoying settling back into life since that lovely bank holiday that we were treated to! With summer drawing to a close, daunting on me every time I leave the house, now accompanied by a scarf and hood of some kind- I can feel the mornings getting darker and the eerie, giant spiders, knocking on my windows, eyeing my face up as an appropriate new place to live, I'm sure. I decided that it was time for the winter fringe to make a come back, what do we all think? Hand sawed by moi, without glasses may I add? (I'm not sure that I should be admitting to this? ) I always love having a fringe...for three days. By day four, I'm cursing in the mirror, half asleep, frantically trying to tame it. Still, I guess you've got to weigh it up with not having to pluck your eyebrows for a while...Silver linings and all that. Batman has taken quite the fancy to it, predominantly stalking me like a little creep, and I'm not convinced entirely that he wasn't eating my hair. Saying that, I probably won't notice until some kind stranger points out the bald patch in a few months time. 


Thanks to the ever perfection that is Liona, I have discovered a new favourite obsession pastime. Photo albuming! The brilliant new app- Free Prints, gives you 500 free YES FREE photos a year. All you have to pay for is the postage, which when I ordered 40+ prints last week, was around £2! I have to say, the app was really easy to use and I was amazed how quickly they all arrived. So quickly in fact that I hadn't even had the chance to buy a new album! Yesterday I popped to Wilko and found these traditional (they remind me of proper family albums) red self arranging ones for under a fiver! I have quite happily spent a number of hours now, fumbling with both old and new photos, sorting and grouping, reminiscing and chuckling and basically, what I'm getting at...Is that it's been really rather splendid.

What have you all been up to so far this week? What with autumn approaching, I can feel my normal news posts returning soon. Until then, enjoy the rest of the week lovely readers.

Love Sophie and Creepy Batman.

Xx

Weird and Wonderful News Wednesday #22 The Chocolate Cake To End All Chocolate Cakes.

Good Wednesday lovely world! I am now officially back at work, and the lovely little mini break, is just a distant memory already. Haha, I kid (sort of). Still on my news hiatus (my life is much more interesting), I thought I'd share with you the recipe for the four layer chocolate devils food cake (or I like to think of it as the cake from Matilda) that I made for Harp's birthday. Warning: It's not a quick one. Pretty damn delicious if I do say so myself though...

Serves 8-10 or two greedy people over a few days.
Ingredients: (I would recommend that all chocolate used in this be at least 50% cocoa solids.)

For Cake: 140g plain chocolate, 100ml milk, 2tbsp cocoa powder, 140g unsalted butter (extra for greasing), 140g light muscovado sugar, 3 eggs separated, 4tbsp of soured cream/creme fraiche, 200g plain flour, 1tsp bicarb soda.

For Icing: 140g plain chocolate, 40g cocoa powder, 4tbsp soured cream/creme fraiche, 1tbsp golden syrup, 40g unsalted butter, 4tbsp water, 200g icing sugar.

1) Preheat oven to 160c/325f/gasmark 3- Grease and line 2 20cm sandwich tins.

2) Break up the chocolate and place with the milk and cocoa powder in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of hot water. Heat gently, stirring, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

3) Meanwhile, in a large bowl- beat together the butter and muscovado sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, then add the sour cream/creme fraiche and melted chocolate mixture. Sift in the flour and bicarb, the fold slowly and evenly. 

4) In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff enough to hold firm peaks. Fold into the entire mixture lightly. 

5) Divide the mixture between the prepared cake tins and smooth the surfaces. Bake in the oven on the middle shelf for about 35 minutes- until risen and firm to the touch. 

6) Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn on a wire rack to cool completely. 

7) Whilst cooling, you can get the frosting ready (and start on that mountain of washing up) by placing the chocolate, cocoa powder, soured cream/creme fraiche, golden syrup, butter and water into a saucepan and heat gently until melted. 

8) Remove from the heat and sift in the icing sugar, stirring until smooth and glossy. Leave to cool, stirring occasionally until it thickens and holds its shape ala Great British Bake Off (seriously how exciting is it that it's back?! Totally the inspiration for this icing.)

9) Split the cakes in half horizontally with a sharp knife until you have 4 even layers (make sure your cake is completely cooled). Sandwich the layers together with about a third of the icing. Spread the remainder over the top of your fancy cake and if you like, around the sides. 

10) Pop on a pretty plate and voila! 

Love Sophie Xx

Weird & Wonderful News Wednesday #21 The Batman Diaries #4- My Weird Rabbit.

Hello there Wednesday Superstars! How are we all this fine week? I have been so super duper busy (more on that tomorrow) which just means that I haven't caught up on the news for like the third week in a row- sozages people. Everyone prefers a Batman post anyway...


When I first became Batman's owner soulmate best friend, I was surprised from early on what a personality he had. Over the last 18 months of being a bunny fanatic, I've watched my little guy grow and change as we become closer. Rabbits don't give up their love easily. After the early months of chasing him around, arms flailing, shouting "Just love me will you!?" I quickly (well, not so quickly) realised that it just wasn't going to happen. I worried, that Batman would never show me the love that I have devoted to him and I panicked that Harps would become the favourite (over my dead body!) Fast forward 18 months later and my little bun and I are smitten. I know when he's in the mood for strokes, when he wants to watch films with us on his own little screen, when he wants to play fetch and when he's up for a few bunny kisses (the best kisses in the world-fact.) I also know when he's grumpy because the hoover woke him up or when he doesn't want to play with me, and instead would rather pretend that he's a super-speed-machine. It's all about getting to know each other. So if you're thinking of getting a bunny and want a pet that will sit on your lap for ages and immediately love you- think again at getting one. If you want a best friend, who'll make you laugh CONSTANTLY and a pet to build a friendship with- go for it.

It is on that note that I wanted to share a few of Batman's weirdest and most wonderful little quirks. Happy Wednesday folks...

"Just rolling this toilet paper around..and then standing on it for authority."

"Just chilling out in your tea tray even though it's practically vertical and my claws are falling out, trying to hold on..."

"Just gonna climb over these shoes guys, to get to...Oh wait..."

"Just gonna look out the window with this curtain over me."

"Oh hey guys! Just here to supervise your toilet visits. Thinking of unrolling some of this toilet paper ok?"

"Hey guys! Just gonna sit with my face on this table leg and hold it still for you."

.."Hey guys! Just trying out my new tube. Got a bit panicked at the end there. Don't show people that bit will you?"

What is everyone's plans for the rest of the week? I cannot wait for Friday when I am on HOLIDAY for a few days and can catch up on sleep, on all of your lovely blog posts and partaaaayyy for Harp's birthday. Also we're hopefully going to look at a couple of wedding venues *squeals*. 

Until then, see you tomorrow.

Love Sophie & Batman Xx

Weird & Wonderful News Wednesday #20 Steven Speilberg 'Poaching', A 'New Black', 'How to Kill a Man With a Blowjob' and #FreeArturo

Good Wed-nes-day to you all. I still say Wednesday like that in my head, does anyone else? The weather on my last few days off has meant lots of time outside and therefore lots of freckles emerging. I sure do love summer. What are all of your summer plans? Are any of you going away? Arranging a party? Doing something special like moving house a'la Michelle? 

Now for a touch of news...

Steven Speilberg 'Poaching' a Dinosaur. Via Digg.com

Like seriously, what is wrong with the world? I first come across this picture when someone I know shared it on Facebook. It caught my attention for the ferocious amount of comments it had accrued, along with scathing remarks. When did people become such idiots? Poor Steven Speilberg is probably sitting on a yacht somewhere, PISSED THE HELL OFF at whoever took that picture when he made Jurassic Park. Poor bugger. 

The 'New Black'. Via Buzzfeed.com

Look how black this black is. It just looks like a never ending, deep space hole. Which is exactly how it's described. Read this fascinating article about this new material. Is it me? It definitely looks darker than 'old black'? Am I right? 

How to Kill a Man With a Blowjob. Via Huffingtonpost.com

This is actually the most hilarious video in forever. Watch Angel explain something called 'the grapefruit technique.' and how they can allegedly cause heart attacks in men. 

Free Arturo via Buzzfeed.com

You all would have seen about poor Arturo by now, and I don't want to make this Wednesday a sad end for you all. All I want to do is encourage you to, if you haven't yet already, sign the petition to move Arturo to a safer and healthier environment. 

Love Sophie Xx

Weird and Wonderful News Wednesday #19 Offering to Drive Drunk Strangers Home for Free, Bicycle Tricks From 1950's, Liquid Colour Sculptures & Embroidery Silhouettes.

Good Wednesday Wednesdayers, how are we all today? Waiting for the weekend I expect, if you're anything like me? Which of course you are, otherwise you wouldn't procrastinate so much reading my ramblings. Before the news of the week, which is once again a bit shit due to my love of sunshine and children's book reading to Harps, (he's 25 and LOVED it..I'm sure...Michelle liked it more I think) I just wanted to thank you all for your support following yesterdays post about grief. I got a message from a friend of a friend last night, who sadly is going through the initial heartbreak for her own dad, as we speak. She thanked me. Of course it made me cry, everything does this week. And I guess, I want to thank her too.  I know exactly how she feels. Exactly. And despite my rambling list of it being ok to be heartbroken right now, it gives comfort to know that someone else benefitted from reading it and not just me from writing it. ...And on that rather depressing note, let's check out some amusing and interesting stuff...

Driving Drunk Strangers Home For Free. Via Buzzfeed.com

Alex Sheen stood in front of a bar with this sign, founder of the Because I Said I Would Group, 'to better humanity through promises made and kept.' I just think if more people were like this, what a better world we would live in. In fact, others have followed suit and since this news going viral, there have been plenty of others that have done exactly the same. Hero of the week in my books. (P.s. I don't drive, otherwise I would be joining in!)

'In all the challenges that our society faces, remember that we all play a role. We can make a promise to care about the safety of others.

We can make the promise to never drink and drive. But do not hide behind ‘we’.

It is your sole responsibility. The only person in this world you can control is yourself.

Please share the memory of this innocent man.

Rest in Peace Vincent Canzani.'

Nastasja Duthois- Embroidery Artist.

Such a talent. Such an interesting craft! 

Liquid Art Sculptures. Via thisiscolossal.com

Floto and Warner Studio created these liquid art 'sculptures'. Images taken of colourful liquid and using stop motion photography, capturing them in these beautiful arrangements. 

Bicycle Tricks From the 1950's Via Wimp.com

Right let's crack on with the rest of this week.

Love Sophie Xx

Weird and Wonderful News Wednesday #18 Van Gogh 'Living Ear', Homeless Spikes In London, Rik Mayall Rest in Peace, Guinea Pig Fathers 400 & Some Brilliantly Hurrying Hedgehogs.

Good Wednesday readers and browsers! I hope that you're all having a great week? Has anyone been up to anything exciting? I'm back at work now and reaching a level of normality at getting up early again. Just. Still totally obsessed with my bird dress and wearing it even just around the house at every given opportunity. Here's a little glimpse of my home. Pretty crowded right? Yeah I don't like blank space much. Fancy dress everywhere and bunting next to pirate balloons is pretty much a decent summary of me I guess? 

Lets check out some news...

"Homeless Spikes" in London. Via buzzfeed.com.

Can somebody just remind me what century we live in? Am I right in thinking that in this day and age, to prevent people from sleeping in your doorway by putting spikes in the ground is pretty fucking sick? Like these people think that they have a better right to life than those who are less fortunate than them? It actually embarrasses me to live in a country where this behaviour is allowed to happen. Shame these senseless and selfish people didn't use the money to support the homeless eh? There is now an online petition to have these removed, please check it out and sign and stop this kind of barbaric behaviour in 2014, in what is deemed an advanced and civilised country. 

Vincent van Gogh 'live ear' on Display. Via bbcnews.com

Genetic material from the Dutch artist's relatives has been used in a live cells art piece of Van Gogh's ear, shaped using a 3D printer. It's being kept alive by a nutrient solution which in theory could last for years and can be seen at an exhibit at the Centre of Arts and Media Karlsruhe until July 6th. Artist, Diemut Strebe plans to tour New York with it early next year. Have a look at the full article for an interesting read.

Rest in Peace Rik Mayall via huffingtonpost.com

Such a legend. Such a loss.

Guinea Pig Fathers 400. Via itv.com

Randy (yes that's actually this saucy fellow's name) has made headlines this week for sneaking into the female enclosure in impregnating over 100 female guinea pigs before anybody noticed. He is now set to father over 400 as staff at Hatton Country Park work to extend the inclosure to accommodate exhausted Randy and his new brood. You go Randy! 

Hurrying Hedgehogs via buzzfeed.com.

Seriously, I sat giggling at this page for AT least five TEN minutes. Look at their little legs! They're in such a hurry! Hahaha! 

Love Sophie Xx

Weird and Wonderful News Wednesday#17 Every Scrubs Fan's Dream, The BEST Illustrations of Cartoons Grown Up, The Two Coolest Dads EVER- Metal Dad and Pancake Art Dad & Chilean Student Debts Go Up in Smoke.

Good afternoon little and large friends. I hope you're all happy to have me back! I've certainly missed everyone! If you missed it catch up on why I've been away, have a browse here. I'm off work and loving life. Look how happy no make up Sophie is >>>> I KNOW! 

I've got loads and loads and a bucket more load of stuff to share but this ain't the place nor the time cowboy. (I've become a bit cowboy-gangsteresque during my time off.)

Lets take a look at some news stories shall we? 

It's Guy Love. via Youtube.com

For any Scrubs fans, this is just awesome. Man I miss Scrubs. Everyone knows that Zach Braff and Donald Faison are BFF's since that beautiful bromance blossomed for millions to see. It seems that recently, at a screening of Zach's new film, Wish I Was Here, he brought along his best bud and they treated the audience to a tricking perfect rendition of our favourite man-love tune. You're welcome. 

90's Cartoons All Grown Up. Via Buzzfeed.com

THESE ARE AMAZING! AND WHAT BRILLIANT PROGRAMMES TO REMEMBER! Here's some of my faves! All of them are amazing though so definitely check them out! All by the very talented Isaiah Stephens, who you should spend all your afternoon looking at her work. It's all cartoon themed illustrations, and if you're between the ages of 20 and 30, chances are you'll blinking love it!

Recess. Spinelli looks AMAZING! 

The Rugrats. 

Rocket Power! I totally forgot about this show until I saw this! YEAH ROCKET POWER! 

Dexters Lab. This is the best. For sure.

Two of the Coolest Dads in The World. Via Buzzfeed.com

The first being Brian Reda, a photographer and stay at home dad to his cutie pie son Livingston. He documents their time together in a series 'Dad life is metal.' Check out all of his reddit posts here. 

Total awesome dudes.

The second awesome dad of the week has to be Nathan Shields, who makes incredible pancakes for his children! Man I wish I had someone to make me fancy shaped pancakes. Winner. check out his super duper blog here! 

Chile Students Debts go up in Smoke. Via Guardian.com

31 year old visual artist 'Fried Potatoes' claimed that he was researching for an art project, sneaked into a vault in a privately run, run-for-profit university and snatched the £297million worth tuition contracts. The university in question was closed last year, scamming many students from finishing their degrees and leaving them with the crippling debts that followed them

despite this. Interestingly, the university was rumoured to have been closed down due to money laundering claims. The documents were then burnt, the asked being transported around Chile in a specially adapted van, so as the public can see the evidence of these binding contracts/ art being destroyed. It doesn't necessarily mean that the debts have been wiped, however it makes it pretty damn hard to retrieve them. 

So there you have it.

It's good to be back. 

Love Sophie Xx