French Toast Cupcakes.

The beauty of being cold is that dedicated people like myself, bake. There is something so appealing about a warm oven and the smell of vanilla, that no human being can resist it.
Last week I made French Toast Cupcakes. My flatmate got a promotion, so it had to be done. Any excuse to bake...
The recipe was taken from the 'EAT ME' book by Cookie Girl. I use it all the time, because it has so many recipes that it is almost guaranteed you'll find one suitable for Any occasion.
The recipe is simple, and fun. The end result is perfect, really. I am not an expert baker, so to try and bake 'french toast cupcakes' was quite a stretch from my usual culinary preferences, but it turned out very successful.

Ingredients: (Makes 12 cupcakes)

170g/6oz plain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp of salt
110g/4 oz unsalted butter
225g/8 oz granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp maple syrup
50ml/2 fl oz milk

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.  Line a 12 hole non-stick muffin tin with paper cases. If you don't have a muffin tin, use a normal baking tray and find thick cupcake cases made of silicone, or alternatively, use paper cases, but make sure they are strong enough to hold the mixture.

Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt into a bowl. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.

In a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs together, then add the melted butter. Mix the vanilla, maple syrup and milk in another separate bowl.

Now, it's all ready to come together so, Stir the flour mixture into the sugar, eggs and butter, followed by the milk mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.

Divide the mixture between the cases, each should be three quarters full, but that can vary depending on the size of the cases.
Bake in the centre of the preheated oven for 20 mins. Once they're done (check with a skewer and it should come out clean) place on a wire rack to cool. If you don't have one, improvise! I used a plate... how creative!

Meanwhile, as the cakes cool off, the icing process begins, for this you will need:

110g/4oz unsalted butter, room temperature
110g/4oz cream cheese, room temperature
450g/1lb icing sugar, sifted
1/4tsp cinnamon
colouring paste (optional)
sprinkles

Using a whisk, preferably electric, but a normal one will do. (Go toned arms!) Mix butter and cream cheese. Add icing sugar a third at a time, beating thoroughly after every addition.
Add cinnamon with the last of the sugar. Add food colouring.
Now, about the food colouring... The ones in the picture from the book are brown and pretty. I couldn't find brown so I chose a creamy yellow, it turned out OK. Be creative!

Use a piping bag, or a ziploc bag to pipe icing onto the cakes. Working from outside to inside. It doesn't matter if they're not perfect. Cupcakes are fun, not perfect.

Enjoy!!!!!

Yes, they're not perfect but I guarantee this recipe will blow your mind!
Xx Kudos!

Song of the Day. Alex.

It is sooo cold, sooooo cold outside! It's gotten to the point where I don't care anymore. 

This song is called 'Alex' and it is a very interesting song. He hates this 'Alex' person but he still writes her a song? Hmmm... who does he remind me of?

Let's listen and make S'mores..

Sporty Closets..

Living in London has turned out to be not-so-convenient. This whole Olympics chat has gotten to my head, and although I am not over the moon about it, I have ACCEPTED it. They are happening, it's taking place in a few months, and the city will be crowded. Very crowded. Transport goes to hell..

In order to distract myself from issues of olympic proportion, I decided to take the bull by the horns, and do something 'sport related'. My choices don't fall far from my usual standards; fashion and design, so here it is. Take that Olympics!




Let's begin this joyous ride with hoodies! This BAPE hoodie is everything a girl like me might want. It's the kind of item that can be worn after a night out, on my way to The Breakfast Club. This will keep me warm while I queue, with this hangover.. And one thing's for sure, I will be noticed..

This BAPE jacket makes me feel like 'Caroline' from the Outkast song, and video. She's the reason for the word b^tch..

It's a high-top life indeed. These Adidas high tops designed by Jeremy Scott are the perfect choice to be 'sporty' while keeping it funky. I know, they're crazy as hell, but we're only young once and they ALWAYS sell out, so high tops it is!

Let's break away from fashion for a minute. A big part of Sport is actual 'sport'. Yoga doesn't count I know, ha imagine how funny if there was a Yoga competition at the Olympics! Maybe Madonna would win.. Anyhow, this Jack Wills yoga mat is ultra cute! The navy/pink combo has always been a favourite, so the more I can have of it, the better!

In my eyes, American Apparel is the perfect example of Sport and Fashion.  There is always the pumped up music at their shops, and the amount of spandex surrounding you is out of this world!
So, here is my very 'Miami Vice' version of a gym t-shirt. Wear it, sweat it, work it.!

Fierce ladies, raise your hands! If you're into boxing, motorcycles, whisky or all of the above, this is the tshirt that YOU want. The panther at the front will only motivate you to be more hardcore! Boss ladies unite! Available in Topshop.

This Topshop sweat is the last stop in this 'sporty train'. lolz. It adds the musical touch to the whole article. This is the 'typical' thing you wear when you leave the gym, or yoga, or the swimming pool. Come on, you're with the band...

Xx.

Song of the Day. Under My Skin

New Zealand.. good job! She's cool..

Xx

Song of the Day. One More Chance

Because I am the kind of person that eats pancakes for dinner..

Montezuma's Chocolate Club

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Chocolate? I think about how much I love it, and how much I wish I could shower in it everyday if it was socially acceptable.
The second best option however would have to be Montezuma!

Montezuma's Chocolate club can be described as one of the BEST things the new year has given me access to.
Let's explain. I'm sure everyone has a 'wine-loving' friend who, once a month finds a huuuge box by his/her doorstep full of wine. Those people are clever, they are members of wine clubs from all over the world, which send once a month the best of organic, or 'indie' wines from vineyards all around. it's like the pick & mix of wines :P

The Chocolate Club is the same, but.. with chocolate..duh. So, if you're not big on the drink, this might be the right choice for you. All you have to do is sign up on their website, and for 19.99gbp  per month, you receive a monthly selection of the highest quality chocolate treats and other surprises. i.e. lemon meringue treats, etc..

Join drifters! Xx

Song of the Day. I Don't Feel It Anymore

This is what I feel..

i don't feel it anymoreeeeeeeeee

Song of the Day. I Hate You

Sunday cheese..
This song by Doe Eye is pretty dark. Someone is hating on somebody else. I have been there. We have all been there..
So, because it's a Lazy Sunday I felt it was necessary to go to the dark side a bit, and shed a tear..

Let's hate!

Xx

Song of the Day. Far Nearer

After a big par-tay for my flatmate last night, I am now in massive pain. In Mexico we say La Cruda, which translates to 'the raw'. I think Cruda is a better term than hangover, because right now I am feeling rough, so hangover doesn't cover it.
However, I managed to get out of bed and make a move to the sofa. That's where I am now...
While I am laying on the sofa, spilling my hangover thoughts on this blog, I am listening to Jamie xx.
You know I am a sucker for steel drums, so this song is definitely the perfect choice for a hangover transition from the bed to the sofa. Me in slow motion, strolling through my flat, looking like a zombie, finding the sofa. All of this with steel drums... comical!
It's as if repetitive noises were soothing for my head.. weird..

Xx

Chinese New Year in London Town

Chinese New Year comes to us once a year. An opportunity to get a well-deserved break from all that hard work. A chance to drink and have fun, take funny pictures on your phone and have your boss seeing you in them the next morning on a social network. FUN!

This year is very special, it's the year of the Dragon! I'm a dragon, so I'm all over it, like Johnny Bravo on a blondie.
On the 29th of January Trafalgar Square will be waiting at midday, for all Londoners, no matter if they are Chinese or not, to have a blast! Fire crackers, music, acrobats... DRAGONS!

Join the party spirit, make up a new set of New Year's resolution, or stick to the old ones and invite your friends.

Kudos China Town! Xx

Song of the Day. Voyager

Blah, it's Wednesday... it's sooo blah. There's nothing really to look forward to, except Thursday. How low.

Daft Punk is always the right choice of music for these kind of situations. What situations? you might ask. I am referring to Wednesdays, Awkward silences, hard workout at the gym, weird sex with a one night stand.
All those strange, unexplainable moments can be fixed by listening to some Daft Punk. It hypnotises you, takes you and those around you to a game of Pacman, and yes, you ARE Miss Pacman!
So, let lose, dance in your office, your disabled toilet or anywhere with enough room to bustamove!

Fangtasia London

True Blood fans in London... rejoyce!

The Resistance Gallery at Bethnal Green has started to host a night full of darkness and southern blues. They decided to call it Fangtasia, just like the popular bar from HBO's True Blood.

10pm until 2.30

Get ready to be amazed with out-of-this-world performances, good music and booze!
It makes me feel like LaFayette...

Kudos! Xx

Song of the Day. After Dark

Oh no! Totally forgot it was Friday today! What's wrong with meeeeeee

I think I need some beats..

Shake it baby!

Secret Cinema.

London, like any other big city is full of mystery. There are clubs and societies dedicated to anything, night tours seeking the unknown, and pubs telling history.
There are also secret things that are not that secret, like London's Secret Cinema. What is a secret though, is the movie. Members are kept clueless until the very last minute.
It works like this, they decorate a venue related to the specific movie. Then, they hire actors and make the place really cool. Guests receive a text message specifying a 'meeting point', and are encouraged to be dressed accordingly. Finally, you show up, see a lot of other 'film fans' dressed in a pretty similar outfit to yours, and there you go, you've found your crowd.

Did I forget to mention there is also live music and djs?
To be honest, it is always a fun night out. At least it gives a twist to most of our monotonous routines. Enjoy living in a big city, and explore!

The next secret cinema nights in Jan are: 13,14,15,19, 20.

Please check their website to find more information, photos and video so that you can see what I mean.

Xx

Feist @ Royal Albert Hall

Feist is coming to town!
I feel like 2012 is starting well. Specially since one of the most talented singer/songwriters is hosting an exclusive UK show.

The day is 25th of March, and what will take place at the Royal Albert Hall will be magic.
Feist will perform songs from her latest material 'Metals', which was released in 2011. The album is incredible, and no doubt her performance will be too.

Tickets are not cheap, but if you want to attend one of the hottest gigs of the year, I suggest you start saving!

Anybody wanna take me? Xx

Song of the Day. You see the trouble with me

Because we all love Barry White..

Jason Segel

This chick is awesome. I rarely post random youtube videos, but hey she rocks!
This takes balls!
Kudos girl... plus I'm so jealous she got to hang out with Segel himself! damnnnnn







Kudos Girl! Xx

Song of the Day. Bossa 96 (Demo)

Here we are again. Another Monday, another song.
Air has always been one of my top bands of all time. They were the masters of sexy beats before all this boom in 'electro pop'.
I remember with love songs like Kelly Watch the Stars and Cherry Blossom Girl.

I enjoy listening to the 1.50 mark of this song, where it seems as if all the pieces of a puzzle were coming together.. and then the beat kicks in and I'm in love.

Fancy songs need fancy drinks. Fancy a Cosmo?

New Year, New Handbag.

Consider it a women's philosophy.
Let's not deny it, women are always up for grabbing new handbags and shoes, even if they can't afford it. However, in these turbulent economic times one would think that we have become a bit more sensible with our spending. We haven't. I guarantee that a lot of women around spent their Christmas days browsing for new items, new collections, new bags. I'm no different, so I did my own digging, and as soon as I get my first paycheck I am going out shopping.



Fendi has this awesome bag. It represents sunny weather don't you think? With its air of sporty-chic I instantly fell for it. I saw it in blue, and I was just speechless. Specially now when bold colours are so in, this bag makes the perfect accessory to match your outfit, or perhaps it might give your whole persona a splash of colour.

So Bottega Veneta has all these beautiful leather bags. The material is beautiful, and they come in every shape, size and vibrant colour you could imagine. Perfect for a day out in what we hope will be a sunny London Spring.

YSL, I love you. I mean, is there anything else to say about this bag except that it's simple and impeccable?

Proenza Schouler has also decided that corals are definitely in. This satchel is perfect for all the working girls out there (I mean people with office jobs, not the other working ladies)...
Splash some colour into your routine!

Bags are the bomb!

Song of the Day. Novacane

At least you're working..

Yikes!.

Song of the Day. On the Radio

There is something about Regina Spektor that fascinates me. She is quirky, her lyrics are always so random, she is a great singer, AND she had a thing with Julian Casablancas a long time ago, so kudos for that.
Her videos always seem to use the same filming technique where stuff freezes and moves in slow-motion. I love it, it's so her! So here she is, cheering me up in this new year. There has to be something magical about watching a video where she portrays a music teacher!




We listened to it twice!!!!!

Ps. Doesn't she remind you sometimes of Mika from Warehouse 13?

San.Tan.Der.

Spain is full of surprises. Like an American diner where the staff is obliged to speak to the customers in English. Bad English.. Ohh Peggy Sue..















Dylan

A Jinx Affair..

Song of the Day. You're My Thrill

It's good to be back. I know it's very cliche of me to chose a very old song to bring in the new year. A coward attempt to try and let go of the past. People enjoy thinking that a new year is a fresh start, but truth is, energy transforms. This means, same shit as last year, just different delivery method.
However, it is good to remember all the things this past year gave us. Not many in my opinion, so here I leave you with Billie Holiday. Listen to this song by the window, while your head pumps rhythms of hangover...

Xx.