News and a New Video!

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on the blog. I've been busy working on something big.... I've started a new business with my friend! Its a cake business that specialises in different pastries and sweets. Its named The Pastry Girls. We're still working the website and the logo but will keep you posted as we go. But for more up to date news on events etc, you can check our facebook, twitter, Youtube or instagram. 

In other news, I have uploaded a new video to Cupcakes, Cake and Passion Youtube channel. Its video of me building my large sakura tree project I needed to go for college. It took ages to build, but the video is less than 4 minutes long. So give it a watch if you fancy it.

Happy Baking!

Monday Catch Up: So I Forgot How To Relax (What?!)

Its the start of the working week for some people, most people

in fact. Its odd because my weekend has suddenly got shifted and I've got a couple of days off. Which for me never happens. Ever. I never have a moment to relax. 

I'm not going to lie and announce I'm superwoman (because that would be epic). Its more about finding a moment to sit down and relax. But always (seriously, always) I'm on the move and busy, I've sort of forgotten how to relax....Work, classes, housework, or life in general, it can get on top of me. It happens to everyone of course and they say: "Right it's time for me now."

Even when attempting to relax I'm always up to something. Either, I'm doing a quick spruce up of the coffee table or making a to do list. This has always been overlooked by most people. Except a couple of nights ago when my boyfriend (who is the king of chilling out) noticed I when I was stressed out about the housework (the housework that didn't really need to be done... until the next day...). He said that I'm so wrapped up in my stress that its no wonder I find it hard to relax or sleep. Take a break, even if its 10 minutes.
I was very defensive about it, but reflecting on it. He has a point, so thats what I've decided to do. Everyday I'm taking 10 minutes to do something for myself. He made me realise that's if your not recharged mentally, how can you balance all the other aspects of life? Thats sort of the reason why this post is short this week.
How do you relax? Do you have trouble winding down? 

Monday Catch Up: New Beginnings (it sounds epic right?)

Its been a little over a week since I've moved in my flat with my boyfriend. We've been getting on pretty well. I mean its going really well. Its a little surreal that we've finally moved in, like a proper couple. Like a couple of grown-ups (heh... not really Penny...). I'm not sure what to really write here because, and I know its cliché, but its going perfectly. I'm almost expecting someone to come in and burst the coupley bubble. I'm so happy and I think Robs pretty happy too. Well, he should be, hes living with a pastry chef in training!

Speaking of cheffing, I've just started my pastry course. On the first day my stomach was a concoction of excited and very intimidated. The other trainee's are really qualified and are so creative,talented and they are so friendly. Like amazingly lovely. I think its sort of jittery nerves and the fear of I'm not good enough. Is that normal? Do any of you readers get like that? I think nerves are normal. I don't think I would be human if I didn't worry. 
After that first day, I've walked away with my head held high with more friends,the talk of going to cook in a restaurant, trips to Paris and learning alot of gastro-delights. I'm thrilled and really excited. Its going to a great ride, will you join me in it?

That's it for this weeks Catch-up Monday. Stay tuned for next weeks instalment.

Monday Catch-Up:Back to Reality

Sorry about missing last weeks Monday Catch-Up. There was a good reason for it. I was sunning myself up in Tenerife with my boyfriend and he (and I) both wanted a tech break for the week. I was lucky that I had pre-written some of the blog posts in the week before 1,2,3 so all I needed to do was hit publish. 

The holiday was great by the way, thanks for asking. We packed lots in for a short space of time including Loro Parque, Siam Park, Royal Delphin Cruise and lots of walks by the beach. I came back lightly tanned and a bit burnt. I guess that's the price you pay when you have an 'English rose' complexion.

Getting back from holiday is very exciting too. Not because I have fun getting questioned by customs or anything like that, but because I've got 2 more adventures to look forward too. Firstly, I've moved in with my boyfriend of 3 and 1/2 years, which is exciting and scary at the same time. What strange habits does he have? Does he get freaked out by the many, many, many sauces I have? Who's going to do the washing up?! I'm sure its going to be hard but also fun, for both of us. I'll have to keep you posted on how we get on. 


The second adventure is that I'm starting a new pastry course at college. As most of you know I've graduated uni now so, for me, going BACK to college, is kind of a step backwards. I should be going into a graduate job or full time job like many other of my uni peers, but I decided to take the chance, improve my patisserie skills further and follow my dream. Even if its kind of scary, meeting new people and starting from fresh in a new area. 

I always like to think everything happens for a reason and it all works out in the end. Hopefully our oven works so I can still bake and post some tasty treats on here.

Are you going on any adventures?