Is it easier to be nice in blogland?


On Friday night an exchange occurred that made me realise that it's easier to be a nice person in blogland.

We were at the school 'Icebreaker' function, where the grown-ups hang out without their cling-ons and have an uninterrupted conversation for longer than 30 seconds. It was fun. I mean, it was held under the covered area in the school playground with a couple of candles for 'atmosphere' and there was a lot of standing up involved and I couldn't shake the P+C President who insisted on being her own version of a cling-on, but, hey, a night out is a night out, right?

But I was complimenting a woman on how beautifully she was dressed and half-way through realised: Too Much. She was staring at me like I was a perverted stalker (and I wasn't even looking at her boobs!). This is what I said:

"You look so gorgeous tonight. I love how you've put that necklace with that dress... such a stylish touch. Really unique and special."

Weird IRL, huh? But a comment like that on, say, Kymmie's 'Fancy Pants' link would be just the warm-up, right? We'd go on to discuss the cute shoe, the hair, the studied pose. IRL, a casual 'you look nice tonight' is about the maximum expected or appreciated.

How often do you randomly go around complimenting people? Noticing the details? How often do you go out of your way to let someone know that they've made your day? That they're unique and special and talented and kind? That they are insightful, clever and fun? 

No wonder we are all addicted to this special blogging community. It's probably not that we're all more caring and thoughtful - just that blogging allows us to be!

[Image via weheartit... I gotta get off weheartit because I hate not being able to find the correct source! Those darn tumblrs...]

shadow shot

   join in over @ Hey Harriet

my girl loves to run!

Sweet treats to make, decorate, and give by Laura Tabor

Sweet Treats to make, decorate and give by Laura Tabor
This month I'm reviewing sweet treats to make, decorate and give by Laura Tabor from illustrated lifestyle publishers, Ryland Peters & Small and CICO Books. Laura Tabor is a successful British jewellery designer. After an acclaimed and successful graduate show from Central St Martins Laura launched her eponymous label, which adorns boutiques and department stores in and around London as well as internationally. After moving to a new home with a fabulous kitchen, and having just completed a collection called Sweet, Laura decided to turn her hand to one of her childhood passions, baking! I chose to review this book as it sounded a great fun baking book full of magical ideas!

In my opinion this is a wonderful hardbound book full of whimsical sweet treats. It combines beautifully styled photography with great recipes and ideas.

Sweet treats to make, decorate and give contains over 35 delicious decorating ideas for cakes, cookies and candies. Laura Tabor has combined her passions for jewellery and baking, producing a range of beautifully decorated edible gifts; from shimmery marshmallow pearls, Fabergè-inspired Easter eggs to a pretty fondant Valentine's rose locket.

Each culinary treat is styled beautifully and photographed by Stuart West. Not only is it a delight to look at, but as you leaf through the pages it is full of practical instructions that are clear and easy to follow, with lots of photos, hints and tips to help you get it right first time.

The first chapter, covers the equipment you will need, basic cupcake and cookie recipes, how to's on icings and butter creams and pretty gift wrapping ideas. The second chapter, entitled 'Beautiful Treats for Girls', has jelly gems that catch the light, intricate art nouveau dragonfly and butterfly cookies and beautiful chocolate cameos. 'Gentlemen Adorned' has recipes for eccentric peppermint monocle cookies, cute button bites and peanut butter filled moustache lollipops. 'Celebration Gifts' is packed with ideas for all occasions, like the stained glass and rosette cookies, teeny baby cakes adorned with milk chocolate golden safety pins, mini wedding cakes and romantic juicy jelly hearts set with real gold leaf. The final chapter, 'Fun for Children' has easy-to-make bright candy necklaces and bracelets; from the gobstopper ribbon necklace, cookie charm necklace to the rice paper blossom jewels.

At a recommended price of £14.99, I think this book is good value for money as it offers inspiring ideas with very clear step-by-step instructions for the novice baker, while more experienced cooks will be inspired to create uniquely different sweet treats.

Some of the sweet treats that really caught me eye are:
Sweet Treats to make, decorate, and give by Laura Tabor
Gobstopper ribbon necklaces, so pretty and cute, perfect as a gift for the little people in my life!



Sweet Treats to make, decorate, and give by Laura Tabor
Art nouveau dragonfly and butterfly cookies. I have some pink and blue edible pearls that would look fab on these!



Sweet Treats to make, decorate, and give by Laura Tabor
So need to have a go at these, so many options, so much fun!



Sweet Treats to make, decorate, and give by Laura Tabor
Faberge-style Easter cookies, to go on this year's Easter Table!


To summarize, sweet treats to make, decorate and give is a wonderful book full of recipes and ideas for uniquely different sweets, all with clear, informative instructions.

Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!).

Have a sweet day!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)