Gift idea...Candles

Pre-warning, this post is pretty picture heavy.

After seeing various pictures on Pinterest, I just hand to give candle making a go, and what better excuse than Christmas! I intended on it being a sweet little gift idea that saved me some money but unfortunately I decided on the idea to late and had to buy all the items from places like Hobbycraft (which we all know is an extortionate store). If i'd been more prepared, I definitely could have ordered it all online for much less.

You will need:

Glass jars

Thermometer

Wicks

Wax

2x pans (1 smaller than the other)

Pouring jug

Fragrance

Colouring (optional)

Decoration

I decided to use frosting spray over some stars to decorate my jars but you could do whatever you like, or you can even leave them plain if you are that brave!

I can't say that I weighed how much wax I melted, I just hacked away at the block for as long as I could manage before my arms felt like they'd fall off. Put a cookie cutter on the base of the bigger pan and add some water (don't go higher than the top of the cutter) and place the smaller pan on top. Boil the water and then turn the temperature down slightly. Add your wax to the small pan and place the thermometer in the wax. Slowly melt the wax but don't rush it by turning up the heat, the thermometer shouldn't read above 170 degrees Fahrenheit at any point.
I decided to add a bit of colour so I threw in a couple of coloured tea lights which worked perfectly.  

I brought the temperature down to about 150 and added some of my Christmas fragrance (I completely guessed the amount.) I should probably add that while your wax is melting you should put your wicks in your jars. I took the easy option and bought the pre-waxed wicks and clips and used a glue gun to stick them to the bottom (tee-hee) although I did give the normal wicks a go in my bigger jars and used a pencil and some tape to keep them straight. To be honest, it was a lot of effort, if you can, i'd go for the pre waxed ones! Pour straight from the pan, or like me, use a jug and fill the jars to about 3/4's full. I've been told that you should tip the containers as you're pouring to avoid air bubbles. I can't say it worked all that well, but I think the air bubbles just add to the rustic-ness. Once your candles have fully set you can cut your wick down a tad and finish any decorating.

I have to admit, the white and the light coloured wax candles don't really show off the frosted glass :( but I also did some dark purple ones that look really cool!

This is a perfect gift idea for Christmas, but they would also make perfect Birthday or Mothers Day presents. If you do give this a go, I would love to see a picture so please tweet me @strawbteacake

Have a very Merry Christmas and I will see soon!

xoxo

Holiday excitement - Ski edition

Long line long sleeve top - Topshop

Faux fur trim boots - Debenhams

Ski jacket - TK Maxx

Beanie hat - Jack Wills via ASOS

Tribal knitted leggings - Forever 21

Knitted headband - Sweaty Betty

Long thermal spot socks - M&S

Ok, so I know i'm getting a little ahead of myself for a holiday that is at the end of February but I thought i'd sneak this one in before christmas in case any family members feel like giving me a hand ;-).

To set the scene, I haven't been skiing since Christmas 2009, therefore I need a complete over-haul of ski gear because 1. Fashion has very much changed (goodbye hot pink all in one) and 2. I've grown a good half foot since then (and probably half a foot outwards as well).

I know I know, half of these are less ski-practical and more ski-fashionable but hey, you have to try and look reasonable right?

Seen as I have decided to go for a 2-piece this year I feel like what I wear underneath has to be slightly nicer that what i'd wear under an all in one. Am I crazy? Even if I am, I have decided that knitted leggings and long line long sleeves are the way to go, and I am particularly fond of the two in the picture above. Paired with warm boots and a big thick coat, it's the perfect outfit for an evening in town or paired with thermal socks and a wooly hat for a warm base layer under a ski suit.

What I do know for sure is that i'm after a 2-piece ski suit and I will more than likely go for black trousers and then maybe a slightly more colourful jacket so I can be found on the slopes. This purple ski jacket from TK Maxx is an absolute bargain and exactly what I am looking for, but i'm sure by the time I get around to purchasing, it will already be sold out. Damn Christmas and it's effect on my bank balance!

Am I bananas to be looking at things already?

xoxo

November catch up

Incredible fireworks at Alton Towers. The cheesiest Mac'n'Cheese. The Smiler may be the best ride ever.Tiny bottles of fizzy stuff with my sister. I made her dinner too, aren't I nice. How could I not go to the Breakfast club? My bunny is just too frigging cute. I'd like to think i'm improving at Pole. I just love to cook for people, can you tell. 

Look how big he is compared to that hen! Wild Friday watching Hercules. Why is my car so rubbish. Tiny cute little bunny, eeee-thanks Facebook. Celebrating my friends 21st. I've just noticed how often I eat pasta. Possibly the bravest squirrel in the world. Cute sunset. Winter Wonderland is rammed on a Saturday but it's just so festive.

Aren't we cute. So many sweets at the Wonderland. The gorgeous birthday girl.
Don't we look nice sober. Love these girls millions-had the best night. En route to Cirque Le Soir. Fast forward to the hangover the next day and we don't look so good. Not sure how I feel about there being a snake in the club. We didn't look so classy at the end of the night.

November was a brilliant month for me, it seemed so perfectly balanced. Two crazy busy weekends and two very chilled ones, I can't have a full on schedule all the time, it's far too exhausting. I had a brilliant weekend celebrating one of my closest friends 21st's - it's not often that I go on big nights out, it's just not really me but the whole weekend was good fun and I didn't stop laughing the whole time. I'm now so ready for Christmas, half my presents are done and dusted, more are on the way, and there are some to make. I always go a little crazy at christmas, I just love buying presents and spoiling people. Less than three weeks to go people!

xoxo

Christmas wishlist

1. Striped colour block jumper - Oliver Bonas

2. SensatioNail gel polish in Liquid metal steel a kiss - Boots

3. Burgundy coat - Newlook

4. My side/Your side double bed sheets - Amazon

5. Safah ring - Oliver Bonas

Hello hello, sorry this post didn't go up on Thursday- I had some technical issues and then I was in London all weekend for my friends 21st birthday and I was far too hungover last night to even think.

I hadn't heard of Oliver Bonas until about a month ago when my sister started raving about it, and since then I have been spotting the brand everywhere. I have noticed there is a store in Waterloo station which could be dangerous being 5 minutes from work! I spotted this jumper instantly in store a few weeks ago, it is unbelievably soft and comfortable and definitely wearable for at least 8 months a year. The ring is also an Oliver Bonas pick-it's just so sparkly and pretty and I can use it to try to hide my short stubby fingers.

Very basic eplanations for the next ones, I picked myself up the SensatioNail deluxe starter kit for £60 last month in a Boots offer and I only have 2 pinks and a gold so now i'm on the hunt to build up my collection, starting with this sparkly grey.

It's winter, it's cold, I need a coat pretty much everyday so this burgundy coat is necessary. Right? As much as I adore my Topshop parka to keep me snug, I just can't turn down a pretty looking coat and my collection has doubled in the last year.

Finally, these bed sheets are amazing-I was after the pillowcases last year (which I totally didn't get, boo). Annoyingly they are the wrong way round for the side I sleep so if anyone could find these (and buy them for me) with the print on the opposite sides then I would be very very grateful.

xoxo

The Breakfast Club

Well well well, The Breakfast Club have definitely won themselves another loving customer and I'm officially jealous of my sister and her boyfriend living 10 minutes from this wonderful place of all things yummy. They may possibly have earnt themselves a permanent weekend houseguest. I'm even willing to deal with sleeping on a sofa if it means I get to eat all sorts of brunch-y goodness the next day. 

After waking up a million times in the night (I wonder if my stomach knew what was coming.) I officially gave up on sleep at around 8:30am and awoke Lauren and Sean like it was Christmas morning, which well, it might as well have been. After a discussion about where my first London brunch experience should be, my mind was made up, The Breakfast Club it would be. Of course we got there at prime brunch eating time and Sean was not impressed at the prospect of queuing, so we sent him off to Borough Market in search of doughnuts, he failed! 25 minutes later we were in and taking note of all the items on the menu. After some serious deliberation we concluded that it was too difficult to choose between sweet and savoury, so we ordered a bit of both. A full English for me, which I have to say was incredible-the bacon was even perfectly crispy. A full american for Sean and Eggs Menadick for Lauren, yes it arrived shaped like a penis (It's a charity thing, honest.) 

Followed by a jaw droppingly delicious stack of pancakes and we were well and truly stuffed for the rest of the day. Thanks for having us breakfast club, we had a great time!

xoxo

P.S. We may have had a little look in an Oliver Bonas store on the way home and I officially want everything for Christmas HINT HINT

Chocolate oreo cupcakes

Hello hello. There is nothing I love more than baking and eating cakes and I adore my Hummingbird bakery cookbook more than any other recipe book I own. However, there are only so many icing combinations that you can pair with a plain sponge so I did the fairly standard twist-add oreos.

Make your chocolate cake mix by beating 100g plain flour (sieved), 20g cocoa powder (sieved), 140g caster sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt and 40g unsalted butter. Then mix in 120ml milk, 1 egg and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract ( I may have got my little brother to do all this).

Split equally into 12 cupcake cases and then push a whole oreo to the bottom of each case. Place them into your pre-heated oven (170 degrees) for around 20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin whilst you prepare your buttercream. I decided to go with cream cheese frosting but you could always make oreo buttercream by stirring crushed oreos into your standard buttercream mix.

Beat 300g icing sugar and 50g unsalted butter together until light and fluffy (around 3 minutes) and then mix in 125g cream cheese. Once your cakes are cool you can pipe/smother them in the frosting and top with whatever you fancy.

Don't forget-you aren't obligated to share these with anyone, we won't judge you if you eat all 12 because they really are delicious.

I think I might try to create Jaffa Cake cupcakes next time, stay tuned.

xoxo

October catch up

Wildwood burgers and a gossip. Followed by delicious sticky toffee pud. New cook shop opened in Bluewater & I love it. Birthday presents from the office. Birthday bacon. Isn't my bestie cute. Jake really enjoying my company. Lemonade served adorably. And erm maybe some more sticky toffee pudding.

Off to the zoo zoo zoo. This lemur wasn't letting the otters have the attention. Donkey selfie. Hiding from the seagulls under my hat. How freaking adorable. Vintage cupcakes. More cupcakes. Trying to be cute. Love a pub roast.

Sean and Lauren's first pet. Strawberry mojito. Chicken in a basket. Someone was sick on the train and it was gross. My attempt at Huevos Rancheros. Hey kittykat. Girly spa day. Eating all the scones. Fried risotto balls.

Do you think we look alike? One of very few nice photos. Dinner selfies. My besties. Mummy and me. Love a good hot choc. Halloween make up. Bats on hallows eve. The family pumpkins.

October was one busy month for me, my 21st birthday and halloween. Filled with food, family, friends and presents. I had the most amazing birthday surrounded by everyone I love and I was completely and utterly spoilt by everyone. A trip to the London zoo and a surprise party filled my birthday weekend and then celebrations continued on to the next with a day at the spa. It doesn't even stop there, I have a holiday in Italy to look forward to as well as other various activities that will come up throughout the year. November may be a little quieter but I still have lots of things planned so don't miss the next catch up post!

xoxo

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Growing up and stuff: OOTD edition

Blazer: Newlook

Top: Boohoo

Trousers: Newlook

Boots: Carvela via TK Maxx

Bag: Kate Spade

Ring: Kate Spade

Watch: Fossil

Well I guess I lied in my last post, seriously it's November what is with this freak weather we are having at the moment. Saturday was gloriously sunny and I didn't make the most of it in the slightest (apart from using it to take photos) I spent the day in Bluewater shopping centre with my mum. I may have come home with the Sensationail gel starter kit, but that's a post for another day.

If you have seen my OOTD's of late-you probably would have noticed that I am very much into my blazers at the moment. A plain cami and a bright blazer is my favourite combo for almost any occasion.

This particular blazer has made an appearance in a fair few posts now, I just love everything about it, but this post is all about my new beautiful items that haven't yet made their debut on strawberryteacake. First and foremost, the two stunning items from Kate Spade, both of which were birthday presents a couple of weeks. This bag makes me feel like an adult, how strange does that sound? What I mean is-this is the first real grown up costmorethan30pounds bag I have ever owned and it makes me feel mature (leave me alone it made sense in my head.)

Then comes these beautiful beautiful boots, that may or may not have been a little birthday present to myself (they were), but seriously how could I resist these babies. BONUS- they were only £80! Which I think is an amazing price for these boots THANKS TK Maxx for being the best shop ever.

Last but not least, these trousers are the most comfortable things in the entire world, stretchy like a legging but flattering like a pair of trousers, I think Cameo Rose/Newlook are on to a winning combination. Now if only the pattern matched on the seams, they would be 100% perfect. Damn working in fashion. 

Hope you had a fab weekend guys, sorry this is late, I got a little carried away carving pumpkins on Thursday and then the weekend flew by, whoops.

xoxo

Neon aztec

  

Blazer: New Look

Top: Wallis

Jeans: New Look

Shoes: Office

Necklace: Miss Selfridge

Say hello to the last summery outfit of the year - it's time to get out the burgundy's and the grey's and put all the neons away till next year. (Although the occasional bright nail and lip may still occur). It's officially getting cold and dark, and winter is well on it's way which is fine by me. I adore Autumn but I just haven't been able to pull out the warm coats and scarves yet which ruins it a little for me. Hopefully November will restore my love for Autumn - fires and chunky knits are much awaited!

I nabbed this blazer a month or so ago in the New Look sale at a stupidly cheap price. I know this print/colourway has been everywhere this summer but I just didn't really get into it at first. However, we all know I love a blazer and wear them at least 4 times a week so I couldn't really pass this by could I? 

I have a pretty chilled dress code at work so jeans and blazers are my go to outfit if I happen to snooze my alarm one too many times, which may happen more often than it should. Time to hunt down some more Autumny blazers now perhaps?

xoxo

Hang in there

T-shirt: Sample

Skirt: Instyle

Shoes: Office

Necklace: My sisters

Hello hello, I have to admit this outfit makes me feel like I look like my sister. Mostly because the necklace is hers, the skirt was hers and I had her in mind when I brought back this top from work, ha!

Seen as this 'hang in there' top is cropped and I don't have the bod for it, I paired it with this super high waisted PU skater skirt, and it was definitely more flattering than I thought it would be! I picked up these lovely suede shoes for £25 in the Office sale! What a bargain, however I have to say, they aren't the most comfortable so I am attempting to break them in before I wear them for whole days.

It's safe to say my next OOTD post will include more of my own clothes seen as Lauren has now moved out and taken all her clothes with her! How dare she-am I supposed to buy my own clothes now?!

See you all next week.

xoxo

September catch up

Mid week treats at work. Dippy eggs to share, for one? How graceful do I look. He's a big fan of this plant pot. Oreo cake with extra chocolates hiding inside. Dennis the bear who plays Adam and Eve in 'Our Zoo'. Selfies with lemurs. Lion tamer show was amazing. Some damage done in Bicester village.

Brilliant day at the zoo and Bicester village with these girls. Pancakes on a Sunday. Trying to be healthy at work. Baking with my little brother. More treats at the weekends. I adore this little tea light holder from Matalan. Squirrel eating a chip, adorable. This goat jumped a fence to snaffle an apple. A tossed salad after a weekend of carb heavy foods.

Hello everyone, how was your September? We are officially in my favourite month of the year and I'm so excited for the whole month. The start of Autumn, my 21st birthday, spa day with my closest friends and of course halloween. Then it will be November and so close to Christmas eeee. What's your favourite things about October?

xoxo

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4 years later...

The 27th September marked 4 years with this monster. How has he put up with me for so long. I think he's just an expert at zoning out when I talk too much and just nods along!

As you may have realised it's my 21st birthday in a couple of weeks and I think he is stressing out a little bless him so we decided to keep our anniversary this year fairly basic and I took it upon myself to decide that we were off to Groombridge Place. Ever since I was a little girl Groombridge has been one of my favourite places to visit and with the abnormally warm September weather we are having at the moment, I couldn't pass up the chance to share it with Jake. Pretty gardens, animals, playgrounds and a little canal boat make this the perfect place to spend a day - I love it as much as I did 10 years ago (although I have to say, the giant swing isn't so giant when you're over 3ft tall.) 

We finished the day with giant burgers at an American diner and a movie in bed. Perfect right! 

P.S. how pretty are my flowers?

P.P.S. Yes that is a bald eagle, yes that is a childs toy in her claws and yes she did steal it from a small child

xo