katie1997

Chick Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Here is a link to World Book Night 2013. I cant > say I find it very inspiring, Andy Mc Nab, it'll > be Dan Brown next. > > Having had a look there are about five books I > would consider and will make notes tomorrow. In > the meantime please have a look your self and we > can discuss on Wednesday. > > http://www.worldbooknight.org/books/2013 Hi ya Chick, I have to say I am absolutely DELIGHTED to see The Dark Judges on there. You should all be sent to the Cursed Earth if its not chosen (JOKE). Cannot be there Weds to discuss, boo hoo. If there's voting for the Christmas meal venue, the excellent Si Mangia gets my (long-distance) vote. Really enjoyed it when we all went there last year. Or pizza at the Gowlett is always a winner ;-) Am DEF going to check out Andy McNab books after PGC's endorsement. PS was lovely to catch up with you, Vicky and Sheila at the weekend xx

Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Regarding the use of BHO. Surely the only other > option is BO, and that's just rude. President Obama uses bo to sign off his tweets so hopefully its not seen as rude :)

the only time I caught some of her show was when she was in a cake-baking competition (despite never having made a cake before, OMG THE NAIL BITING SUSPENSE, how will it turn out...etc). well, surprise, she only WON with her crappy cake. couldn't be arsed watching again. reminds me of the nigella-format a bit, 'oh yes, actually seeing as you ask, I DO use a Kitchenaid but a 99p balloon whisk does the job just as well'. well, why not use the balloon whisk then...save yourself ?449.99.

PS I think *Bob* could give Kirstie Allsop a run for her money :))

rosie I used jam jar cellophane covers and elastic bands for keeping stuff for me but for gifts you can keep contents inside using same method just add ribbon/twine/string and other material like muslin or coloured cellophane wrap. I got lots of stuff like this from the lovely AJ Farmers shop on LL. also similar from amazon, lakeland etc. you could use gift wrap paper cut out into circles, secured with coloured bands instead of the patterned jam jar covers to make it less cath-kidston polka dot and flowery style. (PS - just thought of another, how about making up batch of spice mix/bbq rub to decant into jars with not-so-secret recipe on label and if you don't want to make flavoured sea salts, flavoured sugar is way cheaper -mint sugar, lavender sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon sugar)...I will stop now.

the hero worship/messiah thing was MUCH worse last time round,EVERYONE expected him to perform miracles and naturally, he couldn't (who could!) But... there's an overall sense of relief that he got in again that I share and am optimistic as a result. what shocks me is just how truly abysmal the alternative is, how can someone who clearly cannot think for himself get to become a Presidential candidate anyway. I don't think there was anyone in opposition that I would have trusted. To me, Romney looked like a fake whereas Obama seemed genuine, very happy he has a second chance. much thanks to londonmix and others on this thread who have greatly helped my understanding of US elections/politics.

you could make mini Christmas puddings with a little trinket inside or seasonal chutney/pickle to match cheeses and charcuterie, cover with cellophane and ribbons. - make your own flavoured sea salts, rosemary is lovely with it. - candied nuts/fruits/sugared almonds/jellies. - 'retro' sweets or jelly beans in Christmas colours. - make Christmas table decorations using flowers/leaves/cinnamon sticks/berries etc. - make scented bath crystals using essential oils. - buy individual beads/jewellery-making kits to go in each. - decorate them using coloured paints for glass, use wire so that they can be made into hanging decorations for tea lights. good luck.

nnnnnnnnn. unfuckingbelievable. I despair.

Blair & Brown.

the underlying theme to this thread isn't about cupcake-loathing, its really about Netts' concern over what jamface over the road is baking for Christmas, competitive an all that :))

oh, competitive baking is rife EVERYWHERE - schools, workplaces, you name it. I think the reason that cupcakes have been singled out FOR SO MUCH HATE is because, well...basically what rosie said, the bloody edible glitter, their sickly, tasteless, twee-ness. Whilst some of them may look scrumptious, they generally don't deliver. The ubiquity of cupcake businesses. Cupcakes for EVERY occasion etc. Cupcakes for Ladeeeez (ha!) Prosecco cupcake quids? Victoria Sponge AS A CUPCAKE anyone? Mini cupcakes. Cupcake-sized cupcakes. Giaaaaaaant Cupcakes. you get the picture. hear hear for a fairy cake and butterfly cake revival!

despite subsequent edit, its STILL tmi, shorty. but you already know that.

TMI shorty, really.

I vote for Sean.

all possible shades of the finest alpaca wool, hand-dyed naturally in organic beetroot juice will be stocked. of course. greggs sausage rolls...that's a new thread altogether!