March Round-Up: Beware the Ide's of March

March has been one crazy month. I went home to America for nearly all of it. It was my mom’s diagnosis of a rare form of lung cancer that made me take such an impromptu trip. I wasn’t even sure I was going to mention it here on my site, as it’s a very personal thing.  I am not 100% sure I’m ready to talk about it in too much depth on such a public forum. However, I didn’t want to not say anything. If that makes any sense…

Anyway, while I was away I managed to read 4 of the books listed on my Spring Reading List … recently I won a stack of new books from a twitter giveaway so my list just got a lot longer! I can highly recommend the Lunar Series by Marissa Meyer’s. Also Life after Life by Kate Atkinson is definitely interesting…

Before I went away I managed to get several posts up. I reviewed two books: thehummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet & Love, Tanya!

I made a Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake from the first and themost expensive brownies I have ever made from the latter.

There was a giveaway in association with OXO Good Grips, now closed, a winner was chosen! They won three silicone spatulas in different colors.

With a new Five on Friday every Friday except last Friday, it looks like it might last longer then it did the last time I tried to get it going. The first one I wrote Tips on Traveling Abroad with Children, it was fitting as I would have just flown with my two to America. Then it was Five Things My Mother Taught Me, also fitting for mother's day and all the stuff going on with my mom. And lastly my Five Favorite Baking Ingredients; we all have tastes that are superior to others.

Before the month closed I managed to get these Nectarine & Almond Tarts made to enter into the new blogger challenge called The Pastry Challenge. Hosted by my good friend Jen over on Jen’s Food and myself! To see all the other lovely entries we had in March visit Jen's Food!

Happenings and Going-ons in April:

Continuing from above I will be hosting this month’s Pasty Challenge! I will be your host this month and the theme is chocolate! 

There will be a new #storybookbakes this month and a few posts associated with one of my favorite cake mix brands.

Talking of books April 23^rd is World Book Night and this will be my fourth year as a giver! Watch this space for more information! In the meantime check out my past World Book Night experiences: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - Judge Dredd (first ever graphic novel to be included) - The Recruit by Robert Muchamore 

Besides that it will be more of the same with some new Five on Fridays, pastries, and other tasty bakes!

Nectarine & Almond Tarts {#thepastrychallenge}

If you were to ask me to bake you a cake I’d reply “Of course, no problem.” However, when it comes to pastry’s I couldn't reply that confidentially. It’s one of the reason’s I am super excited to be a co-host with Jen from Jen’s Food on the new monthly Pastry Challenge!

Jen is hosting this month and as it’s the first month the theme is anything goes! Typical me leaving it literally until the last minute to get my post written and linked up! Which is very like these tarts. Super easy and perfect for a last minute dessert or breakfast or just because!

We had them as an afternoon snack and what a good snack it was! These would a great picnic addition too. I have spring and summer on the brain ... already talking about picnics! I am ready for warmer weather, but while I wait I will munch on one of these! 

Nectarine & Almond Tarts

500g all-butter puff pastry

flour for dusting

120g unsalted butter, soft

75g sugar

100g ground almonds

1 egg, room temperature

dash of almond extract

3 ripe nectarines, sliced thinly

Heat the oven to 220C and line 2 baking sheets with grease proof baking paper. Roll out the pastry to 4-5 mm thick. I used a cereal bowl that had a 14cm diameter to cut out six rounds. Place on the prepared baking sheets and set aside.

Whisk the butter, sugar, almonds, egg, and extract together until well combined. Place a heaped tablespoon of the mixture in the middle of each pastry round. With the back of the spoon gently press it down. Circle the sliced peaches around the pastry circles. Gently pressing down as you go along with spread the almond mixture out perfectly. If you want thicker slices of nectarine, you might need an extra one.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool only slightly before tucking in or adding a scoop of ice cream on top!

Check out the other entries on Jen’s site and if you didn't get an opportunity to join in this month I’ll be posting the theme for April on the 1^st!

notes: for more information on the pastry challenge click on the tab above! Recipe adapted from the Jamie Magazine recipe yearbook 2014/15. 

Five on Friday: My Five Favorite Baking Ingredients

As a blogger I start a lot of my posts out with I love love love this or that. Apparently that's annoying. There was a person on twitter saying so. Ever since then I try really hard not to gush about my favorite types or flavors of bakes too much or in that way. I try to be a bit more natural about it.

However I do have a handful of favorite baking ingredients. If I had to choose between these five things I would have to walk away as I couldn't decide I love all of them!!

Apples:

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! It counts if they are baked in pastry or cake or cookies!! 

Check out my apple bakes!

Cinnamon: 

Works so well in bakes!! It's got a bit of heat and always makes me think of fall/winter! 

Things I've made with cinnamon!

Peanut Butter:

Reminds me of my childhood and tastes great paired with chocolate or on it's own!! 

Look no further for my favorite recipes using peanut butter!

Coconut:

You either love it or you hate it!! 

If you love it find recipes here!

Coffee: 

I not only love drinking coffee, but I love coffee flavored cakes, frosting, ice cream, and so on!

See how I use coffee to enhance my baking!

What are your favorite things to bake with? 

Most Expensive Brownies Ever {aka Amazing Brownies}

With a title like that you may be thinking that these brownies are made with gold or silver. Close, but no they are made with raw coconut oil, coconut sugar, ground almonds, and avocado.

All those ingredients are a little on the pricey side. Now before I made these I had a few questions.

First, do I spend the extra money on trying them out? Second, will they be as good as promised therefore making them worth the effort and the money? And third, what the heck is coconut oil?

The answers? Clearly I decided that I would dish out the cash to try them out and yes they are as good as promised and worth the effort and money. And coconut oil is a substance that has many uses. You can eat it, but it’s also a great way to keep your hair and skin healthy. Apparently. Who knew, right?

The brownies are expensive to make therefore I wouldn't be making these everyday however for a special almost healthy treat I would totally make these again. They are also a great way for those who gluten intolerant. To make it dairy free use dairy free dark chocolate!

Expensive Brownies:

100g coconut oil

300g dark chocolate

290g coconut sugar/nectar

100g ground almonds

1 tsp baking powder

1 avocado, smooshed

pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 eggs

Heat the oven to 180C and line an 8 in/20 cm square pan with greaseproof paper. Melt the coconut oil and chocolate together in a large saucepan. Take it off the heat and allow to cool slightly before adding in the rest of the ingredients. It does make it easier if you gently beat the eggs and vanilla together before adding in. Fold it all together until just combined. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 26-30 minutes. The less you cook them the gooeier they are and the more you cook them the more cake like they are. These need to be cooked for a minimum of 26 minutes. The top should have a nice shine, but it will be a bit wobbly if shook. If you cook it for a little longer then it won’t be noticeably wobbly. Cool for at least 20 minutes before serving up! You could top with yogurt, fruit, ice cream, crème fraiche, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce?

notes: recipe adapted from Love, Tanya by Tanya Burr. Please see previous post for the book review! I am complaining about the cost, it's just not every day I fork out 6 GBP for 1 ingredient (coconut oil) and the other ingredients aren't necessarily cheap either. Therefore these are the most expensive brownies I have every made! 

Love, Tanya by Tanya Burr {book review}

This isn't a baking book or a cookbook per-say, but it’s a book written by Tanya Burr who made a name for herself on YouTube. As a person trying to make a name for myself in the food blogger world, I admire people like Tanya who have succeeded in her topic and medium!

She starts out with giving us a background of how she grew up and how from a young age she had a love of dressing up and being in charge! A typical characteristic of an older sister! I know I have one.

After finishing school she found a job at a make-up counter and with help from friends started a YouTube channel giving tutorials on how to achieve different looks.

When she started it wasn't to become a big YouTube star, but as it started to take off and her views and subscribers started going up she was smart about it and made so good business deals. Today she not only has a successful YouTube channel but her own make-up line and now her own book!

The rest of the book is focused on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle tips and recommendations. There is also a section on baking/cooking, self-confidence and YouTube!

At the end of the chapters’s she has sections where she suggests you write down your favorite things and memories.  I think it’s a great idea; it’s an interactive book!

The book is just like her YouTube channel full of many different things! It’s amazing how popular YouTubers are, the other day I saw a magazine full of UK YouTubers! It’s a great way for people to showcase what they know and gain confidence in who they are.

I do have a YouTube channel, but I have yet to really dive into. Just wetting my toes so to speak. Perhaps one day I will get around to making something of it.

Overall I enjoyed reading Tanya’s book. It’s nice to learn more about the person in front of the camera and she really knows her stuff when it comes to makeup and hair and life!

notes: I bought this book, all opinions are my own, for further information please see my contact/policy page! Check back tomorrow as I tried one of her recipes from her baking section! The video below is a video of her Lemon Drizzle cake which is also in her book! 

Five on Friday: 5 Things My Mother Taught Me

In the states Mother's Day isn't until May. However this Sunday is Mother's Day here in the UK and with all the Mother's Day cards and ad's telling us how to treat our mother's this Sunday I can't help but think of my mother so far away in the USA!

So, this Five on Friday I am sharing 5 things my mother taught me. Things that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

How to be a good friend: My mom has the biggest heart. She taught me that everyone needs a friend: someone who listens and gives them time. Putting someone else's needs before yours and helping them when they need it - no matter if it's just to listen or help them move house that's what being a good friend is all about!

Acceptance & Tolerance: she taught me to accept everyone for who they not only for the good in them, but also the bad. Because no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. People come from all sorts of backgrounds and even though we may not understand doesn't mean we shouldn't be nice to them. A smile is all it takes sometimes.

Choices - making my own: I have never been told I couldn't I do something. When I started looking at colleges I applied and was accepted at Washington University in Seattle. My mom sent my non-refundable deposit as I was going to go. Then when I thought about out of state tuition and how much I'd owe when I got out I changed my mind. When I moved to the UK I know she wasn't over the moon about it, but she never once told me or asked me not to go. She has always let me live my own life. She taught me to make my own decisions because she understands that it's my life.

Nothing is better then a good book: Growing up I saw my mom constantly with a book. Children see, children do. My sisters and I are all big readers. She taught me that reading is a great way to expand your mind without having to go anywhere. 

How to Love unconditionally: No one loves me like my mom does. It's not a love that can be replicated. I know that no matter what choices I make my mom will always be there for me. It's something that I hope to pass along to my girls, I hope they know that no matter what their future choices are I will always back them up.

Happy Mother's Day!!

notes: It's important to let your mom know how important she is every day not just on the day we're told to by the card companies! She may already know, but it's nice to hear it! All images are my own, first seen here on unitedcakedom.com

OXO Good Grips Spatula Givaway!!!

Back in the day everyone baked with a wooden spoon. Today even if a recipe tells or suggests a wooden spoon I automatically grab a spatula.

No matter if you are baking by hand or with a stand mixer you will at some point need a spatula. They are perfect for scrapping down bowls and folding in egg whites! They are great to get every last bit of batter out of the bowl and they are even great for smoothing out batter in tins!

Spatulas are taken for granted, but all bakers and cooks need a good spatula. It’s even better when you have a trio of spatulas at your disposal!

OXO have given me the opportunity to giveaway 3 different sizes of there great spatulas!

Jar Spatula

– this is the spatula you need to get in the bottom of jars and scrapping off the last little bits on the mixers beaters!

Medium Silicone Spatula

– all around great tool! This is the one that will get the most use! It will be your best friend!

Medium Silicone Spoon Spatula

– this one is best used when spooning batter or food out of bowls when baking and cooking to make sure you get everything out and basically cleaning the bowl or pan!!

How to enter: Just follow the instructions below! You must be a UK resident with a valid UK address! Giveaway starts today 9^th of March 2015 and ends 23^rd of March 2015.

OXO Good Grips Spatula Giveaway

notes: In association with OXO, all opinions are my own for further information please see my contact/policy page in the above bar. 

Five on Friday: 20 Tips on Traveling Abroad with Children under 10.

This was going to be 5 top tips on traveling with kids abroad, but it turned out I had a few more then that so even though it’s a Five on Friday it’s a 20 on Friday.

As a parent you know your child best you know what keeps them entertained and what sets them off. It’s this time to indulge them, with in reason of course. If they want to run around the plane clearly not a great idea but getting them out of their seat and walking around is a good idea.

Before flying: Things to check with your airline

Check with your airline for general information on suggested times to be at the airport. Currently it’s 3 hours ahead of time for flights abroad. I would suggest this anyway as it is one less thing to stress about.

Be aware of liquid limits. It is in my opinion to just not pack any liquid or lotions in your carry on. That includes make up things like mascara. If you can’t fly without lotion or hand sanitizers consider buying them once you get through security.  I’d rather spend a little extra then have to surrender the item just to have re-buy them later. If you do take them in your carry on make sure they are with in the limits, which is only about 100 ml’s and they are already in clear plastic bags.

Check to see what you can take as a carry-on. Make sure your bags are the right sizes. Sometimes you are aloud to take one bag and one purse/bag/coat/laptop bag/diaper bag. This all depends on your airline. Double check if a buggy/stroller is considered a carry-on or extra luggage as well.

Traveling with under 5’s:

1. Make sure you pack spare clothes and have a few plastic bags packed in your carry on for said dirty clothes.

2. Don’t forget about you!! Make sure you pack a spare shirt or two in your carry on, for the unexpected “accidents.”

3. Take an extra diaper/nappy or two; you know to be on the safe side.

4. Wipes are also a must! They not only clean up bottoms but sticky fingers too! 

5. Toys are a tricky one, because no matter what you bring they will want that one toy you left behind. Try choosing their favorite 1 or 2 toys and a couple of activity things. Pinterest is a great place to find ideas for your child’s age. A lot of airplanes show kids movies these days if you are lucky enough to have a child who sits for cartoons!

6. When going through security if there is a family line, use it. It’s just more forgiving when going through with children and buggies and numerous carry-ons.

7. Make sure they have easy on and off shoes. They may be asked to take them off.

8. Before boarding if your children have energy to spare let them let it out. With in reason and with regards to safety of course. It will be expected that they sit nicely for numerous hours depending on how long your flight, let them get it out.
   

Traveling with 5-10’s

9. Similar to above pack a spare outfit and pajamas in their bags along with extra socks and underwear. If your bags go missing you at least don’t have to rush out to buy new things right away. I also suggest doing this for you as well.

10. If your children read, pack a book that can be left behind if need be; same with coloring books and other activities.

11. With this age group pack less then you think you’ll need. Once they get to their new location they won’t want to play with that bag of toys they thought they couldn't go with out.

12. At this age you need to prep them for going through customs and make sure they know it isn't something to joke about.

General Tips: 

13. Dress them in comfy, but easy to change outfits. Socks are a must!

14. Bring chewy sweets or gum for older kids and bottles for babies (or breast feed on take-off and landings) to help with ears popping. My girls are fine on take off, but really terrible on landings.

15. Plane food isn't great - bring snacks and lunch type foods for your child. Avoid peanut butter for allergy reasons and any fruit brought on the plane must be consumed or left on plane. They will not allow you to bring fruit through customs.

16. Cups with lids are a must, but pack them empty same with bottles. Even for your older child get them a sports water bottle or something.

17. Embrace technology. Handheld gaming consoles and tablets are your friends.

18. Get them a comfy pair of headphones for above technology and for in air movies.

19. Encourage them to sleep, bring favorite blankets and/or stuffed animals if they need them to sleep and you have room in your carry on.

20. Don’t let anyone else get to you. You are allowed to fly with your children. Children are people too and they can’t be locked away until adulthood.

If you have flown abroad with your children what are things you wish you knew ahead of time? What did you learn worked and didn't work? I would love to hear your tips and tricks!

notes: These tips are based on my experience traveling with my daughters. We have flown when they were 2 and 8 months, again when they were 6 and 4. Both times we had some up’s and down’s, but mostly it went smoothly because I prepared ahead of time. Please check with your airline for any further help!  

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake {the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet}

Yesterday I shared my thoughts with you on the new beautiful Hummingbird Bakery: Life is Sweet cookbook. So, today I am sharing with you the first thing I decided to bake from it. Which just had to be the Peanut Butter and Jelly layer cake!

I grew up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and even though I pretty much had them every day for lunch (back when you could take peanut butter to school) I still love them!

The combination of peanut butter and jelly is one that automatically makes brings “America” to mind. Therefore fitting right into everything that the Hummingbird Bakery stands for.

As usual the cake turned out great. Everything I have ever baked from the Hummingbird Bakery books has turned out lovely and exactly has expected.

There was a second attempt with the cake because the first time I didn't follow the instructions and used only 2 tins. The batter was dripping over the sides and all over the oven. Then it wasn't cooking right so, in the end I just dumped it and started again. It may have been okay, but my mood dictated that I start again. Sometimes starting from the beginning is the best way to clear your head and get what you want.

I am glad I did because it turned out lovely. The only teeny tiny gripe was the amount of frosting, but I think if I had used a bit more in between the layers it might have been okay.

It has been consistent with all the hummingbird bakery book that the frosting recipes tend to produce more then needed, but if you half the frosting it just isn't enough. In this situation I would prefer to have more then less.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

110g unsalted butter, softened

380g caster sugar

320g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

255ml buttermilk

3 large eggs

3 ½ tablespoons of jam, flavor optional

Heat the oven to 170C and line three 8 inch/20 cm round cake pans with baking paper. Beat using a stand or hand mixer the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate together until you get a sandy constancy.

In a jug or bowl mix the buttermilk, eggs, and jam (flavor of your choice) together. Then gradually add half of this mixture to the butter mixture and beat on medium until combined. Scraping the sides of the bowl down as you go. Once it’s smooth and has no lumps add the rest and beat until incorporated.

Divide between the tins. If like me, you only have 2 round cake tins, bake 2 then bake the 3^rd one. It just takes more time, as you have to bake again and then wait for it to cool. Bake for 20-30 minutes, as ovens vary I would check on yours at 20 minutes then check again in 5 minute increments. It should have a nice golden brown color and spring back when touched. When in doubt use the skewer test. Leave to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan and leaving to cool completely before adding the frosting!!

peanut butter frosting:

190g smooth peanut butter

455g full-fat cream cheese, cold

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

450g icing sugar, sifted

1-3 tablespoons milk

jam, same flavor as chosen above

Beat the peanut butter until lighter in color before adding the cream cheese, vanilla, and salt. Mix for only a minute until combined. I over mixed just a little and it was softer then I would have liked. Add the icing sugar a little at a time, until completely incorporated. Then add one tablespoon of milk one at a time only use if needed.

to finish: Spread a good layer of jam on the first layer and then gently spread 4-5 tablespoons of the frosting on top of that. You don’t have to go to the edges because the next layer will smoosh it out. Then add the second layer and repeat, top with the final layer and cover the whole cake in frosting then enjoy!

notes: Previous post is a review of the newly release hummingbird bakery book Life is Sweet! I love peanut butter. Just wanted to have a note on the bottom like all my other posts.... :0) Also these pictures are just okay, it's a really hard cake to photography. I need to take a photography class! Just another random thought to put here in the "note" section! 

the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet {book review}

The Hummingbird Bakery has done it again! Life is Sweet is the fourth book published by the infamous bakery and it’s out today!

 The book itself is gorgeous in the familiar pink color and packed with stunning photographs! It caters to a large range of baking skill. It is noted if more experience is recommended or not. However, I don’t think that should ever put someone off trying, if that’s what you want. It’s how we learn!

Life is Sweet has 100 new recipes that showcase exactly what American baking is! Tarek Malouf noticed a lack of American Style baking in the UK and in 2004 he opened The Hummingbird Bakery. There are now five locations throughout London and now a total of 4 books packed with American style bakes.

This new one does not disappoint! It has cakes and of course cupcakes along with a variety of pies, cookies and candies, pancakes, ice cream, puddings and even bread and other savory bakes.

I can’t wait to try:

Upside Down Pear Cake

Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes

Toasted Marshmallow Cupcakes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake… oh wait already tried that one (up on the blog tomorrow)

German Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

Soft Molasses Cookies

Vanilla-filled Chocolate Cookies

Birthday Cake Cookies

Turtle Cookies

Coconut Dream Bars

Red Velvet Brownies

Blackberry Limeade Bars

Cinnamon Pancake Cake

Grasshopper Pie Ice Cream

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Graham Crackers

The graham crackers really appeal to me. It’s because S’more’s really cannot be made without graham crackers and S’more’s are really really good!! All the recipes I have found previously have graham flour, not to be mistaken with gram flour, and graham flour is hard to find over here.

Everything I have ever baked from The Hummingbird Bakery books has turned out perfect. I have given Cake Days as a gift many times over to those who were looking to start out baking. It was the book that taught me a lot about baking. As an American in England it also gave me familiar and nostalgic bakes that I grew up with using UK measurements and ingredients. Which I was grateful for! It was the book that gave me the confidence to start my blog and share my baking experience online.

I guess you could say I owe a lot to them! Life is Sweet will make a great addition to my baking book collection and I am sure it will get used as much as my other Hummingbird Bakery books have!! 

Spring Reading List

Okay so it's not exactly spring and I completely missed a winter reading list, but since this going to into spring I thought I would title it as a "spring" reading list.

That was a bit of a run on sentence.... anyway as I said in my round-up post this month is going to have a few more posts about books. Some novels and a cook book or two! Don't worry there will still be bakes!

Also Jen from Jen's Food and I are starting a pastry challenge! To be honest I'm not all that great at pastry which is why I wanted to be apart of this monthly challenge! Click on the button in the side bar, it links to Jen's blog where she tells you all about it! I will be getting more information up on here soon.

My Spring Reading List:

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline

synopsis: It's the year 2044, and the real world has become an ugly place. We're out of oil. We've wrecked the climate. Famine, poverty, and disease are widespread. Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes this depressing reality by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia where you can be anything you want to be, where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets. And like most of humanity, Wade is obsessed by the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this alternate reality: OASIS founder James Halliday, who dies with no heir, has promised that control of the OASIS - and his massive fortune - will go to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout his creation.

The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder, Scarlet, & Cress

By Marissa Meyer

I am excited to start this series!! 

synopsis: Is a series of five young adult fantasy novels Each book entails a new take on an old fairy tale, including Cinderella, Litter Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. The story takes place in a futuristic world where humans, cyborgs, and androids all coexist. 

The Hundred-Food Journey

By Richard C. Morais

synopsis: The Hundred-foot Journey is the story of Hassan Haji, a boy from Mumbai who embarks, along with his boisterous family, on a picaresque journey first to London and then across Europe, before they ultimately open a restaurant opposite a famous chef, Madame Mallory, in the remote French village of Lumiere. A culinary war ensues, pitting Hassan's Mumbai-toughened father against the imperious Michelin-starred cordon bleu, until Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan is a cook with natural talents far superior to her own. Full of eccentric characters, hilarious cultural mishaps, vivid settings and delicious meals described in rich, sensuous detail, Hassan's charming account lays bare the inner workings of the elite world of French haute cuisine, and provides a life-affirming and poignant coming-of-age tale.

Prudence

By Gail Carriger
I have this pre-ordered so will be reading later when it comes out in a week or two! 
synopsis: When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Crumpet and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea.
But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

Love Tanya 
by Tanya Burr 
synopsis: Hi everyone and welcome to Love, Tanya! This book is really close to my heart, because it's inspired by my journey to becoming confident and feeling happy about who I am. I wanted to write a book to share the things I've learnt with you - to reveal my top tips on fashion, beauty, love, friendship, YouTube... and loads more! Plus, there is room for you to list your own hopes and dreams alongside mine - so get creative and get involved! I'd love it if this book became a keepsake you can turn to whenever you need some guidance or a little pick me up. I hope you enjoy it! Love, Tanya

the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet 
by Tarek Malouf and the hummingbird bakers
synopsis: The brilliant new book from Britain’s favourite bakery – packed with recipes for extra-special treats and surprises. My review will be up tomorrow!! 

Chocolate at Home 
by Will Torrent
synopsis: Covering the history and provenance of chocolate, the varieties available, and the techniques needed to turn it into beautiful and mouthwatering creations, this book will inspire you to try all sorts of chocolate recipes. You will discover how to make a host of delicious ganaches, caramels and pralines. There are also chapters on Cookies, Biscuits & Bakes, and Desserts & Puddings, so that you can put your new knowledge and love of chocolate making to the best use in recipes!

From Season to Season 
by Sophie Dahl 
synopsis: Bursting with moreish yet nutritious recipes for budding foodies and seasoned gourmets alike, stunning photography and Sophie’s delightfully quirky illustrations, this latest offering promises pleasure, indulgence and of course, simple, good food.

Books I still have to read from my Summer Reading List:
Life after Life by Kate Atkinson
Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo by Matthew Amster-Burton 

Books I read in the winter: 
The Shining by Stephan King
Red Glove & Black Heart by Holly Black
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Deliciously Decorated by Charlotte White 

notes: images and synopsis's have been taken from various online sources mostly amazon I have bought all of these books except for Deliciously Decorated and Life is Sweet were given to me to review in exchange for the book and I won a copy of Chocolate at Home through a twitter competition.