Life of Bridey

Summer Roadtrip

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:04:00 +0000

I took a long holiday after Xmas which involved nearly two weeks of road-tripping around the North Island with some of my oldest friends. The six of us bought an old van a couple of months ago especially for the trip, crossed our fingers that it wasn't going to break down, and worked out where we all wanted to go.

We spent a few nights camping in the Coromandel, went to Waihi Beach for New Year's to see Gin Whigmore & Dave Dobbyn perform, and ended up in Mount Maunganui for a couple of nights before heading back down south.

Highlights

Spending time with some of my favourite people
Lots of great summer weather
Chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone
Lounging on the beach for a whole day
Making elaborate meals with minimal cooking equipment (and discovering that French toast works well on the barbeque)
The van not breaking down at all!

Lowlights

Waking up to a minor ant infestation our first night camping
Thinking that the tent was going to blow away on a couple of windy nights (everything was fine though!)
Slow holiday traffic on the way home

Xmas Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:15:00 +0000

I've always preferred chocolate over cards, and I'm sure there's a lot of people around who share my sentiment! For this reason I attempted a batch of oreo truffles to share with friends and spread some holiday cheer.

Very good for a sugar hit (as if I don't eat enough chocolate over Christmas time already!) Here's the easy to follow recipe if you're so inclined.

What to Wear on an Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Shenanigans & High Jinks
My favourite type of adventure! This may involve playgrounds, guerilla art, getting outside your comfort zone, treehouses, food fights, exploring, elaborate practical jokes, scavenger hunts, road trips, dares...

Product Information

Long Sleeved Top to keep warm when the sun goes down
Tshirt or Singlet bonus points if it's themed for the adventure!
Comfortable Pants in a dark colour and durable fabric
Change of Clothes because going on an adventure can be a messy business
Sneakers are most practical for walking long distances, running, and/or climbing trees
Large Bag to hold all your supplies
Disguise to aid in an escape if necessary
Camera for recording all the fun!

Romanctic Rendezvous
An adventure with a touch of romance could involve a ride in a hot air balloon, a picnic at the beach, drive-in movies, photobooth escapades, dancing until dawn, a fireworks display, decadent dessert...

Product Information

Shrug because being cold is no fun at all
Dress of a style and length compatible with sitting on the ground
Shoes which you can walk in comfortably
Statement Jewllery
Handbag for all the essentials

Surprises!
If you're not quite sure what your next adventure will bring, then it pays to be prepared!

Product Information

Warm Coat in case of inclement weather
Light Jersey suitable for a variety of situations
Singlet as an extra layer (also suitable for swimming)
Comfortable Pants in case strenuous physical activity is involved
Sneakers for sneaking or walking long distances
Sunglasses for sun protection and an air of mystery
Mobile Phone for emergencies and/or recruiting friends
Large Bag with additional supplies

Engaged!

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Owen & I celebrated our ten year anniversary last Friday (we've been together since we were sixteen!) and he completely surprised me with a proposal!

Photo Credit

Since it was our anniversary we exchanged gifts (a pocket watch for him, a pair of diamond earrings for me), then Owen said he'd also bought me another present. I thought it would just be something little, and was stunned when he handed me an engagement ring!

We hadn't really talked about getting engaged, and I was sure that I would've known if Owen had been planning anything. But he managed to keep everything a secret, and I absolutely love the ring he chose!

We haven't set a date yet, but are thinking about this time next year so we can keep the same anniversary.

Exciting!

Amazing Cheese Fondue

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:27:00 +0000

On Wednesday night I went round to Sorrel's house for cheese fondue. She'd been promising to make me some for ages, so I was very excited!

The menu included:

Three kinds of cheeses (or maybe it was four?)
Bread lightly fried with garlic
Chicken cooked with herbs
Mini sausages
Chicken & basil raviolli
Perfect roast potatoes
Lightly cooked broccoli
Raw carrots
Corn chips
Crackers

Best. Meal. Ever.

A fondue set has now made it to the top of my wish list!

Roll On Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:18:00 +0000

Earlier this year I made an error in judgement. Actually I probably made a few, but the one that I've been regretting the most has resulted in a double winter.

I managed to time my travels between the hemispheres very badly, and have missed out on summer for the whole of the last year. I admit that winter does have its good points but summer has always been my favourite.

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Lately the combination of not enough sun/reverse culture shock/travel debt has left me feeling unsettled and uninspired. But now...

The days are getting longer
I've bought a new picnic basket
I have a regular job, which means regular income
Instead of spending time planning for the distant future I'm making an effort to enjoy what's happening right now

And things are definitely starting to get better!

Inspiration: Bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:28:00 +0000

The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets.
-Christopher Morley

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A bicycle does get you there and more.... And there is always the thin edge of danger to keep you alert and comfortably apprehensive. Dogs become dogs again and snap at your raincoat; potholes become personal. And getting there is all the fun.
-Bill Emerson

Really, what's not to love about bicycles? They're a great way to fit some more exercise into your day, stylish (especially vintage or retro bikes with baskets and bells), good for the environment, and so cheap to run. I absolutely love this bike and am seriously thinking about buying it, but it's about the same price as a return ticket from New Zealand to Europe so I'm trying to work out my priorities at the moment!

Links
The Cycle Chic Manifesto from Copenhagen Cycle Chic
The Slackers Guide to Bike Commuting from Commute by Bike
Choosing a Bike also from Copenhagen Cycle Chic
The CFS Guide to Looking Good on a Bike from Code For Something
Like Your Bike! from London Cycle Chic
What to Wear from Bike Belles
Bike Love from A Cup of Jo

How to Survive on Temporary Work

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:00:00 +0000

There have been a few periods in my life so far where I've survived on temporary work for months at a time (including right now). Here are a few things I've learned in the process:

Register with Different Agencies
Investigate all the different employment agencies in your area and register with the ones that best offer they type of work you're looking for. The more agencies you register with, the more jobs you are likely to be considered for, and the more likely you are to have regular work.

Make a Good First Impression
The impression that you give the recruitment consultant in the initial interview will have a huge effect on the types of jobs for which you will be considered. This interview should be treated just as professionally as an interview for a long term job, even if you're planning on doing temporary work for only a couple of months. Make sure you're early to the interview, wear a suit (in this type of situation it's much better to be overdressed), and be open about your employment history, types of roles you're interested in, and how long you're available.

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Don't Limit Yourself
Surviving on temporary work is a lot easier if you keep your options open. You may have a pretty fixed idea about the type of work and hourly rate that is acceptable in a long term job, but it doesn't hurt to expand this view and consider roles that don't meet this criteria. Besides, temporary roles can be a great opportunity to try something completely new and can help to develop a diverse range of skills.

Stay Professional
You never know where each temporary assignment could lead you, so it pays to remain professional no matter what the job involves.

Remember to Save Money
Because the availability of temporary work can vary week to week it's a good idea to put any extra money aside to tide you over for those times when there's just no work around. If you prepare for

Have you ever had to survive on temporary work? What are your tips and tricks?

Weekend Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:40:00 +0000

It had been a long time since I last went on a proper adventure, so I made up for it in the weekend. Owen convinced me to go along on a drive into the Southern Alps, even though there was a lot of other things I probably should have been doing. Sometimes I think it might have been better if I didn't tell everyone the secret way to persuade me into doing any activity...

One of my favourite things about New Zealand is that within a couple of hours you can drive from the coast to the mountains. The scenery was beautiful, although at one point our car did get stuck in the snow and some nice strangers had to help push it out. But of course that just made everything more of an adventure!

Recent Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Once again things have been very quiet around here, mainly becuase I just haven't been in the mood for posting! But I have a feeling that my current existential bind is drawing to a close and things are starting to look up:

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The days are getting longer! I feel like I've had too much winter so it's nice to know that there are only a few months to wait until summer rolls around.
I finally have a longer term job. By longer term I mean six months but it's certainly nice to have a regular income again.
I've finished the Graduate Certificate in Career Development (which is another thing crossed off my much neglected 101 in 1001 list)
I finally bought a typewriter, something that has been on my wishlist for ages!

I'm also enjoying being back in Christchurch despite my original misgivings. It's great to be living in the same city with a lot of friends again, and it's also nice to have the opportunity to meet some fellow bloggers!

And hopefully all of these changes will inspire some more content around here!

Life List Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:11:00 +0000

Recently I started constructing a list of things I want to do before I die. It's already up to 111 and counting, and here are a few of my favourites:

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Write novels and get them published
Learn to play the harp
Learn swing dancing
Become fluent in French
Become a sharpshooter
Learn how to longboard
Hold a sloth
Build a treehouse
Grow a herb garden
Ride in a hot air balloon
Learn to recognise the major constellations
Live in a house boat
Be an extra in a movie
Learn to have lucid dreams

And just so you know, I have a completely separate list for travelling!

This list is most definitely a work in progress with no size limit, and I would love any new ideas. So if you have a similar list or plans to start one let me know so I can ~~steal some of your ideas~~ get some inspiration!

What to Take on an Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:43:00 +0000

Here is a list of the essential supplies to take along on any future adventures on which you may embark!

Phone to recruit friends and allies
Camera for documenting all those memories
iPod because everything is better with a soundtrack
Sunglasses are always a good idea to have along
Disguise in case you want to stay incognito
Paper & Pens for note taking, list making and writing down directions
Water Bottle because adventures are thirsty work
Snack Food to keep your blood sugar levels up
Peppermints because fresh breath is good for every situation
Chapstick of course, how could you go anywhere without it?
First Aid Kit just to be prepared
Swiss Army Knife unless you're going through a security check point...
Magic Eight Ball for when you just can't make a decision
Cash always helps!

What are you sure to take along when you go on an adventure?

Beauty on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Life is worth living, and beauty is worth making.
-Beth Anderson

Here are some suggestions for saving money without sacrificing results when it comes to your beauty routine.

Photo Credit

Simplify Your Routine
Cleanser - Toner - Moisturiser - Beauty Serum - Sunscreen - Primer - Illuminator - Foundation - Concealer - Powder... Skincare routines can become very complex if you let them, and the more products you use the more time and money you will spend!

Consider the type of products that are essential for your skin, and identify the ones you can do without. Different skin types have different requirements, so figure out what's best for you and ditch any part of your routine that doesn't actually help to improve your skin.

Another option when simplifying your beauty routine is to use products that combine different properties such as tinted moisturisers, illuminating foundations, or products with SPF 30+ that can replace sunscreen.

Re-evaluate Your Products
The most expensive products are not necessarily the best, and paying extra just for branding is a sure way to waste your money if you are able to find a cheaper alternative.

Ignore the marketing hype and find reviews of products by real people. Makeup Alley is a good place to look, or just try a Google search.

If you can't bear to part with an expensive product that you love and really works for you, then don't feel that you have to! Instead try and save money on other products. If you have a perfect but pricey moisturiser then balance this by using a low cost cleanser, or if you can't live without your favourite expensive foundation then maybe you can save money by switching to a cheap but effective sunscreen.

Adapt What You Have
Instead of throwing away products that don't really work for you, think about alternative ways they could be used. Moisturiser can be used for your body instead of your face (especially if it's thick), and foundation that no longer matches your skin tone can be corrected with powder.

What tips do you have for saving money on beauty products and procedures?

Links
Top 20 Cheap Tips for Your Make-up Bag at Charade
Multi-Purpose Beauty Products by Miss Corrine
Essential Beauty Habits to Develop & Avoid Over Consumerism by Tres Lola

Inspiration: Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy.
-Anton Chekhov

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Winter has definitely arrived here, but instead of hibernating and wishing for summer like I'm always tempted to do, I've decided to focus on the best things about winter. And to help me in this endeavour I've tracked down a few suggestions via the world wide web.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.
-Edith Sitwell

Links
How to Beat the Winter Blues at Yes and Yes
10 Things To Do During the Winter by Penelope Bat
50 Things To Do Before Winter Ends by Gala Darling
Things To Do This Winter by the Glamourous Grad Student
At Least Stay Warm at Cupcakes and Mace
Surviving Winter... in Style by Doe Deere
Your Autumn/Winter Wardrobe on a Budget at Charade

Long Time Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:20:00 +0000

So what have I been doing for the past three weeks instead of posting travel stories, random articles, or photos of cupcakes?

Moving House
Despite having zero furniture for the first week, our move to a new house by the beach has gone very smoothly. It's definitely a nice change to plan on living somewhere for longer than a couple of months!

Editing My Novel
Remember when I wrote a 50,000 word novel in 30 days? And that I eventually want to get it published? At the moment I am in the first stage of editing: making sweeping changes to the structure, deleting huge sections which no longer fit in with the story, and moving closer towards the next rewrite.

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Assignments
I'm taking a couple of career development papers at the moment and working on crossing something else off my 101 in 1001 list. (Which by the way has hit a bit of a plateau, in case you were wondering.)

Looking for Work
After twelve months of temporary work interspersed with long periods of free time I am finally looking for a serious job! Apart from filling out applications and attending interviews, so far this has involved temporary work interspersed with long periods of free time...

Writing Lists
Some for the Secret Society of List Addicts, some in an attempt to be productive, and the rest to chronicle my riotous thoughts. This includes a life goals list (of things I want to do before I die), and I'm thinking about posting some of the highlights here at some stage.

One Year Later

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:00:00 +0000

It feels like a lot longer than one year ago that I was first heading off on my overseas adventure!

Here are some of my favourite photos from the last twelve months:

And here is an overview of my travels, if you would like to find out more!

Inspiration: Fairytales

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:21:00 +0000

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I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now.
-John Lennon

More Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I received an exciting package in the post yesterday:

Inside was a gorgeous necklace and ring from Cupcakes and Mace! I love them and haven't taken them off since. I especially love the cupcake necklace, which is the perfect size and colour, and is also incredibly cute!

Both the necklace and ring are available in a variety of colours, and there are also more necklaces, bracelets and earrings to choose from.

If you would like one (or more) of your own then check out the Cupcakes and Mace Etsy Shop.

Another Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:37:00 +0000

This morning I went on an adventure at sea with Owen. We took out the little boat which belongs to his parents and went fishing.

There were a couple of albatros keeping us company and eating all the undersized fish we threw back. I was quite glad that they were occupied with the fish because they have a two metre wing span, a bill nearly as long as my hand, and didn't look like they could be trusted.

On the way to new fishing grounds we came across a seal sunning itself on the surface. Shortly after that I was ready to head back to shore since the rolling waves were starting to get to me. But I still managed to catch the biggest fish!

Projects to Achieve Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:14:00 +0000

I love finding new concepts for setting and achieving goals! Here are some different projects which can help to accomplish those goals that never seem to be a priority, or the ones you just need a little push to start.

Photo Credit

101 in 1001
Michael from Triplux came up with the challenge to complete 101 tasks in 1001 days. There are hundreds of people around the world taking part (here's my list)! One year just isn't long enough to complete certain types of goals, so 1001 days (2.75 years) gives you a few seasons to achieve more long term ambitions. And 101 tasks means that it is certainly a challenge!

30 Day Trial
I first heard about the concept of the 30 Day Trial from Steve Pavlina. Instead of making a commitment to change your behaviour or adopt a new routine forever, which obviously can be very intimidating, decide to follow your goal for only 30 days instead.

By the end of 30 days you should have developed a habit, which is then easier to continue if that's what you decide to do. Or you might have realised that what had seemed like a great goal at the time is actually not!

52 Resolutions
If you find that setting really long term goals just doesn't work, then maybe making goals for each week would be a better plan. Andrea from A Cat of Impossible Colour came up with the idea of making 52 small resolutions and writing one on each card from a pack of standard playing cards. Every week just pick a card (without looking!) and complete the goal. At the end of the pack one very productive year will have passed!

Links
How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve by Steve Pavlina
The Art of Doing at Yes and Yes
A Simple Guide to Setting and Achieving Your Life Goals at Zen Habits
How to Achieve Anything at Think Simple Now
Making Your Dreams Come True: A Sure Fire Strategy at Charade

Living Out of a Suitcase

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:13:00 +0000

While spending most of the last year travelling, usually for weeks at a time, living out of a suitcase almost became second nature for me. Here are some of the tips which kept me sane!

Pack Wisely
Of course the number one tip when living out of a suitcase is to really think about what you need to take with you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you start packing:

How long are you going to be away?
What is the weather expected to be like?
Is it cheaper to buy any items at the location you're visiting?
What activities are you planning?
If you never use it at home will you really use it while you're on holiday?
What are the weight restrictions if you're travelling by plane?
What size bags are you willing to carry?

It's easy to get a bit carried away while packing, but the key is to make a plan and stick to it. Do your research: talk to people who've already been to your holiday destination, search the internet for packing tips, find travel guides detailing the climate, cultural considerations, and activities on offer.

Evaluate each item of clothing you're thinking about taking. How practical is it really? Do you really need two (or more)? Can it be worn multiple ways and/or in multiple situations? If you're clear on what you need before you start trying to fit everything into a suitcase, the whole process is so much easier!

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The Right Suitcase
Choosing the right type and size of bag is incredibly important! This is especially true if you will be spending a lot of time carrying it yourself, or if you're bringing bulky or oddly shaped items which need to fit into your bag.

A suitcase is much more practical if it has wheels, although if you're going to be traversing some rough terrain with your bag then a backpack may be better. Another option is a combination suitcase/backpack with wheels plus shoulder straps which can be zipped away. Each type of bag has advantages and disadvantages, so take your time when making a decision about which to take.

Practicalities
Being the travel nerd that I am, I always packed my clothes in large ziplock plastic bags. It protected them from getting wet (from rain or from leaking shampoo bottles), made it easier to find what I was looking for, and made it easier to retrieve things from the bottom of my bag.

Laundry
It is an excellent idea to do laundry whenever you get the chance, especially if it's not too expensive, and especially if you're in a humid climate which makes drying clothes quickly difficult.

One In, One Out
If you are planning on living out of a suitcase for weeks or even months it is likely that you will end up buying a few extra things on your travels. One strategy to keep the number of possessions manageable is to adopt the "one in, one out" rule and every time you buy something new you leave something old behind.

Donate your old clothes to a local charity, give away items you no longer need to other travellers, or take part in Book Crossing and you can significantly lighten your load!

Related Posts
What to Wear in Europe
What to Wear in Thailand

Inspiration: Journals

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.
- Christina Baldwin

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I'm a little bit obsessed with journals. Last time I checked I had five in progress, and with so much inspiration around I'm often tempted to start even more!

It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on the hop.
- Vita Sackville-West

Links
Tips on Keeping a Journal from Kahunna.net
100 Ideas by Keri Smith
Creative Inspiration :: Lesley's NYC Journals by Lesley Deneford
Journal Pages by Mae Jane
10 Ways to Pimp Your Journal from Traveler's Notebook
Journaling as a Problem Solving Tool by Steve Pavlina

Passionfruit Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:02:00 +0000

Continuing with my recently resumed Cupcake Odyssey I baked some passionfruit flavoured cupcakes. Voila!

Everyone seemed to like them, but I prefer cupcakes with a bit (or a lot) of chocolate.

My Dream Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:08:00 +0000

Ice Cream Parlour Owner in Italy
If I lived in Italy I would realise my childhood dream of working in an ice cream parlour. Then and now my secret agenda would be to eat ice cream rather than to serve it! I would start my day with a big bowl of chocolate and cherry gelato and in the evening would walk around the city taking photos of anything that caught my eye.

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Period Actor in Paris
When I wasn't drinking hot chocolate at my favourite cafe in the Latin Quarter, I would be dressed up in stunning Rococo costumes and working at the palace of Versailles as a period actor. Every morning I would cause a stir on the metro by travelling to work in full costume, accompanied by a pomeranian dog belonging to a friend.

Keeper of the Ravens in London
There is a legend that if the resident ravens ever leave the Tower of London then the tower, the monarchy and the kingdom will fall. For this reason there is a full-time raven keeper located in the tower, my dream job if I still lived in London. When I wasn't looking after ravens I would spend my time having adventures in my favourite city.

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Cupcake Baker in Amsterdam
Every morning before sunrise I would ride my bicycle to the bakery where I worked, ready for a day of creating elaborate cupcakes. On the way home I would stop at the floating flower market and buy myself a bouquet of bright red roses.

Flamenco Dancer in Spain
In between eating tapas and taking afternoon siestas I would find the time to practice my flamenco dancing. Every evening I would make my way to one of the dimly-lit bars located in the old town, ready to perform late into the night alongside other dancers and musicians.

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Music Teacher in Vienna
If I was living in the final resting place of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms I would be a piano teacher. During the week I would teach people the secrets of playing the piano, and on weekends I would listen to rock music and dance around my bedroom.

If you were going to live in different countries what would your dream jobs be?

More Cupcakes, Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:08:00 +0000

After nearly a year I have resumed my Cupcake Odyssey! I have now made a total of 15 different types of cupcakes, including the lemon cheesecake cupcakes and mochaccino cupcakes below:

Luckily this time there were a lot of people around to help me eat them!

Only 38 more recipes to go...