Dotty About...

Dotty About...Musical instruments

2013-01-31T21:38:00.003+00:00

Well, what can I say other than, I believe this might be my best masterpiece yet!

A 70th Birthday all chocolate cake.

The recipient of the cake, a keen pianist, was, I am pleased to boast, very happy with this surprise.

Dotty About...Winnie the Pooh

2013-01-09T20:08:00.000+00:00

Well, not me personally, but my 2 year old niece is, so for her birthday I made her a Honey Pot Winnie the Pooh cake. She LOVED it! Phew, because 2 year old children are quite hard to please, and they have learned the word "No!"

Yes! The cake was a surprise Rainbow Cake!!

(oh, and it was the Twins 33rd Birthday, so they also enjoyed sharing the Winnie-the-Pooh cake with Beth!)

Dotty About...Doughnuts

2012-10-21T22:52:00.001+01:00

Firstly, let me say, I have been having a bit of a "rankle" with myself about whether it's a Doughnut or a Donut (any ideas??) I think Donut must be the American way, but I can't be sure.

Doughnuts happen to be one of my favourite treat and comfort foods, and I was flicking through this fantastic book: Gifts from the Kitchen; 100 Irresistible Homemade Presents for Every Occasion by Annie Rig, bought by my lovely Mum for me last Christmas and I just happened to come across an extremely simple recipe for plain old doughnuts!

Interestingly I didn't realise that doughnuts are a Hanukkah treat; when it is custom to eat fried foods baked in olive oil to commemorate the miracle of the flask of oil found in the temple in Jerusalem, that kept burning for eight days.

Well, I was so excited, and seeing as it was also National Baking Week last week, I thought it was about time I did something fantastic in my little kitchen, and here are the results!

Perfect Christmas Hamper Idea - if made fresh maybe

Great dinner party offering - definitely!

I used a little cinnamon in my sugar coating, and then filled the little round doughnuts with some slow-cooker homemade apple butter. Amazing!

Best eaten fresh according to Annie, so ... see you later ;-)

Dotty About...Being Famous!

2012-08-01T22:09:00.000+01:00

How excited am I right now?!?! VERY is the answer.

Here is why: 100 Layer Cake have featured both myself (as bridesmaid) and my cake on their blog post about Susie and Moss' wedding.

Here are just a few sneaky pics to tantalise you to go and have a look at the post on 100 Layer Cake's blog:

The Gorgeous Couple

Their amazing invitations

The Girls!

The boys!

The Marriage

Thank you so much 100 Layer Cake for featuring me and my cake on your blog I am chuffed to bits!

And Thank you Ed Peers for your beautiful photographs.

Dotty About...Daisy's

2012-06-07T15:59:00.001+01:00

Well my little floral high notes, it seems that my bezzie Susie was "bang on trend" to quote my friend Katie, when she decided to have a few daisy's and other wild flowers at her wedding.

Daisy-style flowers have been popular for a long time - in the form of the honest, brightly coloured Gerbera which will, of course always remain a big favourite, but now it's time for the little bobbing headed daisy to feel our love.

Some examples of daisy style below. Seriously you have to LOVE these wild, often fairy kissed, little white flowers with the jolly yellow middle. Who as a child doesn't remember sitting on a sunny patch of grass lacing a chain of daisy's together to crown their Grandma "Queen of the garden"? (or is that just me?!)

Note- some of the below images may be of chamomile, very similar to daisy

Source: Susie & Moss's wedding

Source: savoirweddings.com via Pinterest

Source: Weddingchicks.com via Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Stylemepretty.com via Pinterest

Dotty About...Naked Cakes Again!

2012-05-23T20:33:00.000+01:00

So, as promised a couple of weeks ago, here are my very own naked cakes. (apologies for the poor image on the first one, it was a phone camera picture.)

Congratulations to Sally & Phil

Congratulations to Susie & Moss

Dotty About...Naked Wedding Cakes

2012-05-05T10:43:00.000+01:00

I have been asked by a lovely Bride and Groom to provide them with a "naked" cake! After doing a bit of internet research on what exactly is a "naked" cake (and can I also add, skimming through some very dodgy pictures - thanks Google image search!) I am now fully furnished with the knowledge that a naked cake is ... well like Ronseal actually ("Exactly what it says on the Tin")

In order to save your precious eyes Dotty-lovers, here is the lo-down.

P.S. Pics of my own "Naked" Cake to follow xx

Source: bowtiesandbliss.com

Source: aweddingcakeblog.com

Source: the20somethingsociety.com

Source: cassandradyane.blogspot.co.uk

Source: www.eventlucky.com

Dotty About...Pretty Pastels

2012-04-18T19:04:00.000+01:00

Is it the arrival of Spring which has turned on the pastel loving fiend in me?

I don't know what has become of me lately, but I used to wince at the sight of a subdued, muted pastel colour, and now, put enough of them together, and I just can't get enough. Subdued! Pah! Delightfully lively I would now say, with expressions used such as:

Candy Floss

Sorbet

Sugary

Icing

I was reading an article in Country Homes & Interiors magazine about ceramics designer, Julie Pettitt who likes to incorporate all these things into her ceramics to make them look good enough to eat! They sure do!

Here are some pastel inspirations to whet your appetite for all things peach, lemon and teal:

Images from my Pinterest board "All About Peach and Pastels" for links to original items

Dotty About...Eurovision

2012-04-10T20:33:00.002+01:00

I don't know about you, but secretly I really enjoy watching Eurovision (although I have to make sure that Mr K is nestled cosy in the pub in order to actually be allowed to watch it!!).

So on the 26th May I will be poised here on my sofa with Dixie-Dog and Chat-McBain, supporting this year's UK entry...Engelbert Humperdinck who has been dug out of retirement specially for this challenge! (And, let's admit, he will probably get further than many of the artists in recent years!). Here is his entry "Love Will Set You Free"....a first dance song in the making...hmmm it's not amazingly catchy, but Good Luck to him!

Dotty About...Pastel Colours

2012-03-28T19:53:00.001+01:00

Wow, I had to share this amazing wedding with you. The colours of the cake match the colours of the bridesmaids waistbands.
I am a new found fan of multi coloured weddings. Why have one colour when you can have five?

Dotty About...Jammy dodgers

2012-03-12T18:15:00.001+00:00

Spending time with my sister and niece, today we made some shortbread jammy dodgers.

unfortunately we now have to eat them all...that's if Mr D doesn't get there first! Not sure it's the best idea for us ladies to go to the cinema and leave Mr D to temptation!

Dotty About...Selina and Mike's Wedding

2012-02-25T20:59:00.001+00:00

Well, I had the most fantastic wedding on Thursday at work, so I just HAD to share it with you.

My bride and groom, Selina and Mike, were amazing clients from start to finish, so much so that I almost felt I was one of their wedding guests!! Selina insisted on having twinkly lights everywhere throughout the venue, which really appealed to my romantic side, and they chose a brightly decorated Slattery's Giant Chocolate Cupcake as their main cake topper, appealing to my fun side!

But best of all, they chose Jonny Draper Photography. I have never worked with Jonny before, but I so enjoyed his relaxed approach to his work, that I am really looking forward to working with him again...especially when he comes out with pics like this!

For a peek at the pre-wedding shoot which Jonny did with Selina and Mike, visit his blog here

To Selina and Mike: You guys are amazing. Wishing you love, health, wealth and happiness for your future together. xx

Dotty About...Best of British

2012-02-21T16:28:00.001+00:00

A little insight into the Charity Ball at Heaton House Farm.

A little fun had by all, and a grand total of approx £9600 raised for Cancer Research.

Well done everyone.

Best Of British Ball 18/02/2012 from Daniel Hough on Vimeo.

Source: Daniel Hough

Dotty About...Best of British

2012-02-19T23:10:00.000+00:00

This week I ran event for charity - Cancer Research - organised every year at our venue by a fantastic lady who lost her best friend to cancer six years ago.

The ball was beautifully themed with the tables being named after olympic champions and several very British accessories such as a Land Rover and a traditional telephone box for photo opps.

But of course, my favourite bit of styling was the traditional English tea party table with cakes, sandwiches and...um pork pie(?!?!) and some of my very own vintage crockery donated for the night

Dotty About...Pie

2012-02-15T14:25:00.002+00:00

Having watched a very odd but amusing film yesterday called "waitress", about a woman famous for her pies!, I felt it was about time to get the ol' baking skills out.

Now, my Husband is a MASSIVE fan of the of the old Egg Custard Tart, personally I couldn't think of anything worse, but I guess I love the guy, so wanted to have a little go at it...well imagine my happiness when flicking through one of my Mum's cast-off Olive Magazines to find a Lemon Custard Tart recipe!

Let's just say...I am DOTTY ABOUT Egg Custard too now!

Anyone for Pie?

Dotty About...Vintage

2012-02-13T21:19:00.001+00:00

Specifically The Vintage Village held at Stockport's Historic Market Hall, which is vintage in itself, on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

What can I say other than...What a smasher of a fayre.

With loads of little stalls selling a variety of vintage items to interest all and sundry from jewellery made from buttons to 50's radio's which have been wired up so they can play an iPod (no joke, that was SOOoo cool!), from original vintage clothing to vintage patterns and fabrics to make your own!

I met a lovely lady who had a stall called Vintage Bell, with loads of gorgeous gloves! What she didn't know about gloves, wasn't worth knowing, and it made my purchase even more worth while when I was rewarded with a scrummy homemade macaroon!

And, then we came across this gem!

I really hope it goes to a great home and is spotted at a fabulous vintage style wedding

Dotty About...Valentine's Day

2012-02-04T21:57:00.001+00:00

I don't know about you, but I have started getting emails from a variety of companies, trying to entice me to buy something commercial and expensive for my loved one for Valentine's Day.

Unfortunately, my husband's feelings about Valentine's Day is one of well, I can't describe it as anything other than hatred actually..."commercial clap-trap" is a phrase that get's regularly pulled out at this time of the year!

As a lover, however, of all things romantic (it's true! opposites attract!) I am always on the look out for a nice gesture. In my opinion, Valentine's day was invented for men like my husband. Men who aren't always very good at saying things they feel, and who require an "love amnesty day".

Anyway, I have been seeking out some wonderful home-made gifts to avoid the "commercial clap-trap", but to treat your partner on Valentine's day to something special and personal.

Source: morganandkari.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: thehybridchick.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: wanelo.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: mysisterssuitcase.blogspot.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: athoughtfulplaceblog.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Now there is no excuse not to do something for your loved one on Valentine's.

Dotty About...Manchester United (well, someone has to be!)

2012-02-04T16:57:00.002+00:00

I am very excited today about the cake I have made for a 30th Birthday. I hope you like it too :D

Feel free to contact me for any orders. You can message me on my Dotty For Cakes facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DottyforCakes

Dotty About...Wedding Cakes

2012-01-25T16:53:00.000+00:00

Wow, take a look at some of these masterpieces for some inspiration! Amazing.

AMS Design Blog: Love/Hate: Cake or sculpture?: Today's post is officially our 100th post, so I thought we'd celebrate with some cake. When I was younger, my mum used to make the most am...

Source: foodista.com via Catherine on Pinterest

I hope I can create something as fabulous one day :D

Dotty About...a Tennis Cake

2012-01-22T15:26:00.000+00:00

My latest creation...

Dotty About...Cake Stands

2012-01-20T21:20:00.001+00:00

As we are all well aware (unless, of course, you have been living in a cave somewhere in the Atlas mountains for the best part of your life!) January is the second "most wonderful time of the year"!

Why? you cry. Well for several reasons actually:

1) Well, it's a new year for a start, you get the chance to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch. It's funny how many people (including myself!) have said..."2012 is going to be a good year for me"

2) We, at least enter the time of the year where they feel that you should be granted a break in your council tax and water to mention just a few things, which really helps to set you up financially for the year,

3) JANUARY SALES!

Now, I don't know about you, but I think it's a little bit silly for the most exciting shopping period: the January sales, to be right after Christmas; the time where you have to spend your entire savings to adhere to lists, or make people smile. Thank goodness, therefore, I say, for the Council!

Anyway, of course, if you have got the odd spare fiver, this is a great time to pick up a bargain, and here are some I think worth spending on...

The Cake Stand.

My best friend from Uni is getting married in May this year (yey, cannot wait!), and she is going to be having a cake table...not just a cake but a whole table of cake...she is my kind of girl that one! For anyone following in these footsteps, of course, it is pretty obvious that you are going to require a fair few cake stands of different heights and sizes, therefore I have been scanning the internet to find some gorgeous ones for you...in the sales of course!

Cool, vintage cream wire cake stand from Debenhams £7.50 in the sale!

A funky striped cake stand available for £10.99 from good old Amazon

The cutest little individual mini cake stands (come in 2's) available in several colours from Wayfair for £16.40

A classic cake stand with a glass dome top available from Laura Ashley. No you can't expect it to be cheap, but it is reduced...

The cutest dotty double tier cake stand from Bombay Duck again, not so cheap at £35.00, but too cute! (a favourite of mine!!)

Dotty About..."Chats"worth House

2012-01-15T22:37:00.002+00:00

Dear avid fans of my blog...hmmm

I have to show you this. Obviously we took our dog with us on our travels over Christmas, but we couldn't take our cat, known in these parts as Lotty / Lotty-Lou-Lou / Lou-Lou / Chat McBain (by my hubby who says she is the bain of his life!) / Fatty McBain (because she is not only the bain of his life but a year ago she was very fat too!) and many other names!

Well my gorgeous hubby has a big soft spot for our (not-so-little) Lotty-Lou-Lou despite himself and he was worried about leaving her at home while we were away - especially with the threat of cold weather.

Short Interlude

The reason for this is because the naughty dog or cat - we don't know which - broke the cat flap this summer. It certainly has aided Lotty to finally loose some weight though so it's a bonus!

So, Lotty was unable to come in and out of the house whenever she wanted. (Don't call the RSPCA! we have very close friends who came in to feed her twice a day, let her out in the morning and back in, in the evening).

Anyway, the point is that on the back of all of this, here is what my big softy of a husband did for Lotty: he built her a house.

Double reflective insulation on all sides (and floor)

Hubby looking all official and manly with a pen tucked behind his ear!

Check out that insulation! snug as a bug in a rug!

Taa daa, in situ in the garden - we are waiting to find some freecycle roof felt for it, so bin liners had to do for now.

Well done Hubby! and, best of all, Lotty is actually using Chats-worth house, so I also have a happy Hubby :D

Dotty About...Bridal Fitness

2012-01-09T21:57:00.000+00:00

I have a lovely new friend to tell you all about.

Dominique has just gone bananas on my Facebook page in an attempt to make me write something on this blog, so I have decided to make her my focus for this particular post.

Why? I hear you cry

Because she is the BEST Personal Fitness Trainer in the world (well in the Macclesfield area at least!).

If you are a bride struggling for a way to look amaze-balls (my new fave word!) on your wedding day and are local to the Macclesfield area, I very much advise you get in touch with DS Lifestyle & Fitness.

Dotty About...Wedding Hair Accessories

2011-11-20T21:15:00.001+00:00

For my wedding, being on a budget (like most of us, I am sure!) I decided I wanted my girls to have something gorgeous for their hair (but something that didn't cost me too much) so I made them some hair pieces.

Don't worry, I gave them the option to wear them or not: my sister sadly declined, but my other two lovely bridesmaids met the challenge head on (pardon the pun ;-) )

As well as enabling me to personalise and bring in my colour themes to my bridesmaids outfits, it also gave me great pleasure to be able to give them something so personal.

My friend and I have been discussing what to do for her bridesmaids (of which I am very privileged to be one!) so I have been seeking inspiration from Etsy. So far I am loving:

Vintage Romance

Gorgeous Lacy Headband

Colourful Display

Crochet Love

For more inspiration and ideas visit my Pinterest board

Dotty About...Rock'n'Roll Wedding Blog

2011-11-16T19:27:00.001+00:00

Dear friends and followers,

I am so excited because my beautiful bride & groom: Katie and Chris have just had their wedding posted on one of the most highly aclaimed UK wedding blogs: Rock'n'Roll Bride.

Their wedding, which took place this Summer at Heaton House Farm, was so much fun, and I agree, it was tres Rock'n'Roll!

Here are some of my favourite piccies, taken by Ten Eight photography which feature in the article: