Archive for June, 2008

Lake Daniels

Posted by Simone on Jun 29 2008 | Adventures, Blogroll, Life in general, Photography

A friend and myself decided to attend (fairly last minute) a pirate party in Lake Daniels. I didn’t know the birthday boy for whom the party was for, but he didn’t seem to mind. We dashed off after faffing in town at about 1, we drove through drizzle and rain for twoish hours. Arrived at the hutt in the dark around 6ish. It rained the entire time we walked but never enough to get to upset about, as we were under the bush canopy and fairly well protected.

After fun frivolty and many “arrrrgggggg” with fists shaking… we all went to bed to wake up to this:

Lake Daniels in the morning

I happily ran around with my camera and and took ALOT of photos…

Lake Daniels in the morning

Lake Daniels in the morning

We dashed off because we had to get home quick like. There was no stopping but as we drove up the pass there was SNOW and I took even MORE photos out of the car window.

Lewis Pass

Lewis Pass

Lewis Pass Farm

All in all a lovely weekend really…

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Yummy Lemon Cupcakes

Posted by Simone on Jun 14 2008 | Blogroll, Food

lemon cupcakesI made these scrummy cupcakes awhile back. Thought I might share the recipe. I made them in different sizes, some muffin, some cupcake. But next time i’d keep them all cupcake size. They are sweet lemony morsels that way. A massive muffin takes a while to get through!

Lemon Cupcakes

Found at dianas desserts.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks/8 oz/226g) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs
2 (8-ounce) cartons dairy sour cream
2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel

Lemon Frosting:

3 tablespoons (1 1/2 oz/42g) butter, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
Milk (2 to 3 teaspoons if necessary)
1 teaspoon shredded lemon peel

Garnish (optional)
Grated lemon or orange zest Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F (180 C). Line thirty 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar and vanilla; beat until well mixed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. (The batter will be thick.) Stir in lemon peel.

3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter into each prepared muffin cup *(See Tip Below). Bake in preheated oven about 18 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frsoting and topping cupcakes with lemon or orange zest (optional).

Makes 30 cupcakes.

To Make Lemon Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat butter with 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in lemon juice and vanilla. Gradually beat in additional 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in enough additional milk (2 to 3 teaspoons) to make of spreading consistency. Stir in shredded lemon peel.

*Tip:
If all of the cupcakes do not fit in the oven at one time, refrigerate the remaining cupcakes while the first ones bake.

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Saturated colour and a sunday mood.

Posted by Simone on Jun 02 2008 | Arts and Culture, Blogroll, Life in general, Web Things

Its labour day in New Zealand. I am sitting on my sofa cuddled up in a knitted hooded jacket I found in a second hand shop, (made in Nepal and it is the warmest pinkest thing I own) with a cute cat on my lap.

Just about to put the laptop aside and start on the chores I have avoided this weekend so far. But I wanted to share what was found whilst surfing the net reading my usual blogs. They are called Spoonflower, you can print your own fabric through them (not yet.. soon, they are in beta). I have to say right now.. I LOVE the internet. People can print their own books, fabric, tea shirts and who knows what else.. Its all rather wonderful really.

And just cause, here is another autumn shot. Such beautiful views around Christchurch at the moment, the colours are making up for the colder temperatures.

tree in hagley park

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