Well the title is kind of a lie as I have definitely had a lot of treats in November however for the second month running (or not running more to the point there are no treats for my Feets.) With a mere 60k under my belt for the month there is no way I can hit the minimum of 100k before Sunday however I am gonna point out I have been an injured playa so have been taking a lot of rest days in between each run. I have just got back from a 6am Saturday 5k and feeling pretty tip top with no back pain what so ever which is such a relief as I have been having to cut longer runs down to 4-5k to stop it getting worse.
Also this weather is so disheartening for a running playa, its so cold and dark outside at 6am and I get a little bit scared running through alley ways and up the tracks, although this does spur me on to run a little faster so could be a good thing. In the summer I really enjoyed going to the gym after work maybe thats cos I would do something afterwards so would squeeze in the gym then head out to enjoy ciders in the sun where as now its all about getting home from work, cosy socks and hot chocolates. However this can not last, I have had my month of rest aka lounging in a variety of socks ( I looked at my instagram and thought..hmmm I used to take pictures of where I was running, now I take pictures of my feet in socks...Get back in the game) and also eating and testing different shops mince pies as Lizzie Brown and I currently have a review system going however I shall be handing in my notice to the mince pie committee and return to my running ways for December. Just to be kind to myself and all in the festive sprit, I am gonna set my target to 100K so ease me back in to game and also I need a treat for my feet yo.
So why not enjoy a few pictures of socks I have worn this month, though mind out for my kankles, they are really feeling it this month.
The winning sock...glitter bombs..currently owning in purple, silver, gold, turquoise and pink. Topshop treats though I have seen some in primark though I don't reckon the glitter will be long lasting y'know.
The love sock, a H&M purchase which was included in a 3 pack, the other two weren't worth a mention...didn't fancy having boys across my feet.
The floral...can never go wrong with a floral sock if you ask me, these beauties were from New Look actually in a double pack alongside a black pair. They of perfectly with my dusty pink Clarks.
The Happy Sock... everyones favourite value for money fashionable sock..I have loads of happy socks and gottta say they never disappoint on design or function.
The Rosie sock, an ultimate christmas treat with a little west highland terrier dressed in an elf costume, these were from Topshop and are gonna be my staple Christmas sock this year.
And I am currently lusting after these Pendleton sock treats and they are going straight on the christmas list, though to be honest I'm not sure my family are down with paying over £20 for one pair of socks however I think the sock game is almost as important as the shoe game...no one wants boring feets ever.
The track to accompany the internet sock browse, or the chillax in the sock avec le hot chocolate...
So today was my last day of my holiday before the manic christmas period and I decided to help my mama out and make some bits for her shop window. Her charity shop is entered into a window competition and we have been acquiring ladders, jars, christmas decorations, making gingerbread houses all ready to smash it. I had a browse of Pintrest last week and came up with the concept (literally taking this very seriously and if she doesn't win I doubt there will be a christmas in our house) so today I made these jars which I think turned out pretty good considering it was a collection of things in the cupboard and some kindly donated jars from Sarah and Pete.
It is as easy as it looks, simply make layers out of brown sugar, flour and hot chocolate and decorate accordingly. I spray some fir cones I had collected from the forest and also popped down to the sweet shop and brought the candy canes then kinda just rolled with reels of ribbon, brown paper, a trusty sharpie and some scissors.
My favourite one is the centre one which is kind of like a forest scene with accompanying flour as snow. They took me about an hour to make and I think they are a really great christmas decoration with a twist. Im all about a traditional feel but too much tinsel is not how playas roll, though note I have been wearing a velvet bow in my barnett all day and then did dabble with a tinsel belt for a while.
I feel so christmassy already and I 100% had the christmas bangers on, the lyrics to this one are off the chain. Santas trying to mack in his Cadillac...TLC you tha bomb!
I woke up Saturday morning pretty hyped after a lovely week catching up with friends and gallivanting around from Bristol to London, a week filled with playas, tea, cakes, a few runs and some christmas window decoration ending with an evening with my lovely friend Jen in Tunbridge Wells. I have previously mentioned Jen as my number one surviving cancer bad ass biatch and its been a couple months since we've seen each other so thought I had best whip up some treats to take along with me for the stay.
Now not technically hip hop baking, I slightly verged towards grime but hey who's judging so here I present ''The Rolo Deeps''.
Rolo Deeps
You will need:
For the Cupcakes:
8oz Butter
8oz Caster sugar
6oz Self raising flour
4 Eggs
2oz Cocoa Powder
a pack of Rolos
For the Icing:
3oz Butter
3 Tablespoons of milk
3 Tablespoons of Cocoa
12 oz Icing Sugar
Large Milky Buttons
Method:
Now these are simple and easy much like the KRS Sponge, its just an easy quick sponge recipe with a little surprise in the middle and treats on top. I am all about the exquisite kinda flavoured cakes but sometimes you can't go wrong with a chocolately delight. Simply mix the butter and caster sugar to a cream adding the eggs one by one, slowly sift the flour in and fold the mixture making sure it gets a fair bit of air so they rise nicely. There is nothing worse than a flat cupcake yo.
Add in the Cocoa, making sure the mixed is all combined and spoon into the cupcake cases. I'm lucky enough my good pal Lizzie Brown treated me to some Great British Bake Off cases for my birthday and this was their first test run...it might seem trivial but the correct case is essential. Cheap ones just collapse and leave you with a spongey messy with no room to decorate, not ideal, however the bake off ones are nice and sturdy as well as offering 4 different patterns for a playa...what a treat. This is the best bit and you could use a variety of different fillings depending on the hip hop bake but just pop a rolo into the middle of the cupcake case and cover with mixture else it will just sit at the top of the cake and burn. Now bake for 25 mins on 150c or until risen and the sponge is bouncy.
Whilst these are cooling you can make the icing heating the butter, milk and cocoa in a pan until melted. This will take a couple of minutes and you can then beat the icing sugar in and swirl on to the top of the cakes topping with a chocolate button or perhaps another roll..though I'm pretty sure they have been discontinued as I had great trouble finding more than 1 packet?!
Get your tunes on and oven heated as these bad boys only take around an hour to bake, make and decorate so shake a leg and get in the kitchen playas.. also I hope Wiley does another Christmas track, last years was hilarious.
I got a bit lazy lately with baking, I was making things but it was all half hearted, I didn't even blog about it cos it wasn't worth my time however no more. I felt tip tops after the gym yesterday and returned to have a bake off with the king KRS One, now I took things back to basics as I just needed to reassure myself I still had my sponge game on lock and damn straight it was the baddest sponge in the game. Here I present KRS Sponge...
So I borrowed (when I say this I mean I will probably try my hardest to keep it) Mary Berrys baking bible from my nan the other day, it was sat on the side and I just said ''Can I have it?'' I think she was taken aback so just said yes though I feel a little bad for just going ahead and stealing it however I was looking for some christmas recipes and then saw a recipe for the chocolate cake, it wasn't the one above but after looking at old Mary Bezzas, it used milk and I thought hey she's a certified G in the baking game I'm gon try it. I kind of just winged but with spectacular results.
Yesterday was actually the first day of my holiday off work and I literally did all my favourite things in one day, gymed it up, baked this bad boy killa, made some cards and saw some lovely ladies for wine and dancing, this is how I see my week proceeding to continue.
So back to the sponge, simply beat the butter and sugar together to the creamy light consistency. Beat in the eggs one by one as well as a few dashes of milk, I went for the free pour so I can't be sure of the exact amount. Once all mixed together sieve the flour and drinking chocolate into the mixture. Quick note, usually it says use cocoa but I didn't have any so thought hey cadburys has gotta do the trick and it worked fine. I then added a massive tablespoon of Nutella in the mix just for good measure and baked on 150C for 30 minutes. The icing recipe I acquired from a Woman and Home magazine, sometimes I don't know who I think I am sat in the kitchen rapping browsing the Ideal home and such magazines. The OG Playa housewife vibes. Anyway you can follow the link above to grab the recipe then a nice piping job on the top equipped with plenty of smarties and you can't go wrong.
The reviews have been great on this, in fact there is one slice left. Lizzie popped over and had a slice with her tea and gave me a strong ''light sponge, delicious'' comment which is a compliment coming from an exquisite playa who knows fine cuisine.
Simple yet effective and of course you need the beats for the bakes. Gonna be a playa pleaser here but gotta say I would get the Keep Right album on for this bake off...
So after the last post on my exquisite birthday I was ready to get back in the swing of all things full time playa, I'm talking running, gym, baking, making, painting everything. I was full ready to embrace novembers target and also get to work on some christmas presents/cards food ideas. However I went out Monday evening for a run another 6k completed however the last kilometre was just agony with my back, luckily it seems to be okay now but I'm gonna have to go back to treadmill running for a bit as I can't be dealing with any more injuries.
I have re-joined the gym this morning as I hadn't renewed my membership after a month of running outside and I am fully ready to go back in on healthy and fit vibes. Liz also gave me a little treat of a collection of runner magazines which Mrs Bega (Steves mama) had saved for me and I've been reading about half marathon training and tempo running. I'm feeling pretty hyped up for today after another pal Nav just linked me this website http://www.sweatthestyle.com/ which is Adrianne Ho's site and damn I wish I looked like that when I was running but hey something to aspire too. I've just downloaded Sweat the mix for the first november gym session and gonna see how the run goes to decide what target to set for November as we are already nearly half way through.
And then finally gonna get my bake off on this afternoon after over a week of no hip hop bakes its time to get back in the game yo!
My Mama finds this hilarious that she finds me in bed reading these thinking I'm some sort of pro or something but its really interesting to read about techniques and how to improve. Like I said before when I first started I was just running for fun but now I guess I do want to put my hard work towards goals and challenges.
With that said I have also got this bad boy on the playlist, need some motivation after time off, lets do this playasss
What a weekend...I am currently sat at my desk, with my birthday flowers spread next to me with a coffee in my pantone mug sat nicely on my birthday coasters. I couldn't actually believed all the treats I received, a pal said to me today '' did you have a nice birthday?'', I replied saying I felt although it was my 50th or something, all my friends and family made such a lovely effort. I woke up this morning about 5 stone heavier but very happy and surrounded my amazing gifts.
I hadn't really asked for anything as at this age i guess you are just grateful if anyone remembers however my mama brought me a selection of gifts including new Clarks Originals which every true playa needs especially in a dusty pink, Liberty Vans, a tartan dress and then some little bits including a book about fonts which I have already started reading and also made myself a bookmark, squeezed in some crafting this weekend. There was also a floral flask ready for my return to school so I am equipped with tea and won't have to go to Pret every hour, honestly I spend so much money on refreshments and once you're in Pret its hard to stop at just the drink. I'm all over their salad selection.
As you can see in the photograph below she also brought me ''The Great British Bake Off'' diary which also includes a recipe for each month, pretty suave. I was treated to a playa status breakfast and most definitely indulged in a croissant with Nutella as well as the granola, the run after this was pretty speedy with all the sugar in me!
I did actually run on my birthday mainly because all week I hadn't clocked any kilometres as my back was in so much pain. The guys at work were literally inhaling the sweet smell of deep heat for a good 5 days so when I woke up on friday with no ache I knew I had to get back in the game, after all its been a week and the kilometre reading stands at one birthday 6k.
Mama kindly also got me a Pantone mug which is the first of my collection, I wanted to start collecting a mug set so I could display them nicely in my playa pad (which I have been dreaming about all day) sometimes I think I have taken the wrong career route, I love house/interiors so much.
As you can see it wasn't just the one mug I received but my lovely other half of B.unit got me one, now to be fair I have been going on about these for a while so it is such a treat to have them in my paws. I let Bryony borrow one but quickly washed it after she used it and put it back on display! Also as an avid hot drink drinker you need a good quality mug else they stain really easily and there is no staining on my watch I can assure you. B's card was a 1st, she said she was going for the 3D effect with I think she defiantly achieved and we both agreed it was a 100% improvement on last years piece of a4 folded with a present drawn on quickly in her car with a biro. What is better than a homemade card though and I have a fair few from B with this one standing strong as the best contender for composition, colour scheme and date delivered!!
These weren't the only pantone wonders I received except I actually had these a few weeks earlier than my birthday as I was round my aunties who asked me to go upstairs and move something when my very beady eye spotted a pantone box to which I shouted ''Whatttt? you got pantone coasters..'' not realising they probably weren't hers as currently living under a pile of washing. My aunty was kind enough to let me have them early as I was so excited and wanted to use them, she also took a mental note never to leave any presents in the house. I'm like a hound, sniffing out playa items. As well as the coasters she also gave me some beautiful flowers which are currently sat on my desk brightening up the cold evenings.
In the above photograph you can actually see one of the presents from my best Mrs Bega. It was so weird not seeing her for 2 weeks whilst she honeymooned it up in Mexico so this week we had a massive catchup looking through photographs, watching videos of zip wiring through the jungle, discussing the mischief I had been up to whilst my number one oracle was away. Thats what my mama calls Liz.. The Oracle, in a good way as in if I ever have any problems I go to Liz and she pretty much points me in the right direction..sometimes shoves me there. Again much like all my other presents a lot of thought went in to my gifts which I guess is the nicest thing about presents, well thats what I think.
I haven't actually mentioned it but my favourite shop to visit is 'The Hambledon', whenever I feel a bit downbeat I will take a visit and literally leave feeling so happy, the basement is filled with exquisite menswear such as Woodwood, Norse Projects, Woolrich and loads more then the middle levels are sort of a lifestyle vibe. Including cards, wrapping paper, homeward, cake making tools, books, skincare but now I'm not talking any kind of books or previously mentioned these are the most exquisite items and every time I go there I want to re decorate, make a card or a cake. Upstairs they also have womenswear though I have never purchased anything, its a little out of my price range but maybe when I am a refined women in Laura Ashley/ Liberty/ Hip Hop crib I will be able to just kit my life out in that shop.
So Liz very kindly purchased me some gifts from my favourite place in the world, when I opened the card I said ''This is a very nice card....'' inquisityively and she replied with a smug look ''Hambledon''. And the presents were a real treat, you may have gathered I love being at home and have pretty much planned out my whole house including the colour of the tablecloths so when I opened '' A place called Home'' I was quick to browse the pages for inspiration and thats exactly what it for, it gives you loads of ideas of tidy clutter (one of my favourite things) colour schemes and also the vibes for each room. Alongside the book Liz also purchased me ''Home sweet home'' bunting to hang up above my desk and an updated classic...Basically wherever I go I have always had a photo of us out when we were 18 sat on my desk. Got to say we look pretty glam in it compared to the updated version which features us hungover the day after Liz's hen do still wearing our glasses and seeing how attractive we could look with no makeup! It was such a thoughtful present and my card read ''If you ever get sad when you're back in london look at us here'' and to be fair every time I think about that day I smile.
On the subject of my favourite shop, I received another treat from that kingdom of all things gangsta. Basically about 2 months ago I said to my friends Pete and Sarah ''I'm going to buy Liz and Steve a custard cream cushion from The Hambledon for their wedding, its the best thing I have ever seen, if someone brought it for me I would be so haps'' to which Pete replied '' Why? Who wants a cushion for a present, thats not really a wedding present''. I then retracted my cushion ideas and opted for something else for the Begas, however Sar and Pete surprised me with the cushion of dreams. Yes they had taken a trip to Winchester and brought me the Custard Cream cushion, I was literally so haps and as soon as I got home from our gingerbread latee outing I placed it perfectly on my bed. I am in love with it and it is the start to my Nikki McWilliams biscuit collection for sure. I have to say as well they won the award for the funniest card which ended ''Enjoy your birthday as tomorrow it will be scone''. I don't think I will ever mature out of my love for puns!
You might think it stopped there but your wrong, my birthday lasted all weekend with ciders at the pub friday, Starbucks afternoons, Vipizzas at prezzo and wine saturday evening and a Japanese affair sunday evening with my friend Amelia and Hayley. They kindly took me to ZEN which is one of my favourite places to eat AND had brought me some more treats including the holy grail of my life last week... a velvet hair scrunchie. I have been borrowing Amelias all week at work and when she tried to take it off me I exclaimed it was the only thing making me happy as I couldn't run! Guilt tripped her into letting me wear it for 2 days but now no need as I have my very own along side the much needed trainer wipes, Cath Kidson bits and as Amelia said ''A tin to put all your arty things in.'' I think it will actually fit some biscuits in for delivery! We had a lovely evening and stuffed our faces with wine and literally the whole menu, I have managed a handful of grapes today as I was still so stuffed from last night and thats not even exaggerating. Oh and the Milkway present too because thats my favourite cheat day scooby snack.
I have had other presents swell from various other family member including wine, chocolate, nail varnishes, baking books, socks, jewels, money and another pair of converse. I was absolutely spoilt rotten which makes me sound like I'm 5 but I really was. This whole blog post kind of seems like it was ''Look what I got'' but it was more ''Look how amazing and thoughtful my friends and family are''. I thought to myself this morning how much thought each of them had all gone too, there wasn't one present which wasn't thought about and I'm a very lucky playa to have such exquisite people in my life. Thats kind of getting soppy and I have definitely lost some playa points but I am so grateful to everyone who made my birthday amazing and to all my friends/ family for kitting out not only my playa palace but also my feets, hair and head.
So its back to normal life of a hustla now, working, baking (gonna have to make my pals some real treats to say thank you for all of this) and running. I am just going to go for an evening one now and see how we go on the back which will decide if I keep the target at 120 or take it down again, the thing is I don't want to hurt it again because not running for over a week made me sad so I don't want to push it.
I thought I had better post a track and it had to be done, I have this on my playlist for squatting, such a banger...
PS I love you pals and family! You're the best, I never wanted a big booty hoe you're presents were much more appreciated.
There are no treats for my feets this month, unfortunately I really hurt my back last week which means I haven't been able to run this week therefore didn't end up hitting the monthly target and finished October on 95 kilometres. I did try and go out a couple of times but it has been too painful and also the last 5k I did nearly had me in tears.
This week has been weird; I can't imagine my life without running now. On Sunday I could barely walk and it really made me realise how much I take for granted being able to walk let alone run. As you can imagine I have been a pretty grumpy playa all week and each evening has come and I have been more annoyed at myself I can't run, I invited Bryony over for dinner last night and barely spoke to her and then proceeded to have to walk around work today like I had something shoved up my arse because my back was hurting so much.
On my lunch I stumbled to Office to see that they finally have the fall drop of the Liberty X Vans but decided against purchasing any. Now this wasn't because I didn't want to or didn't have the cash monies but I picked them up, was about to ask for my size and then thought 'Whats the point in having a target if when you don't hit it you buy yourself the prize anyway?'. So I put the floral delight down and have decided to wait until I have racked up the kilometres, its also my birthday next week and my Mama said I had to be careful with what I purchased before hand so who knows they could be mine. I was also lucky enough that this week my good pal Kyle picked me up a Liberty Vintage shirt so its not all bad for a full time playa. How exquisite is this?!
I was going to try run this evening as I'm so dosed up on ibuprofen and deep heat I can't feel it but have decided to see how it feels in the morning and fingers crossed I can begin November running tings. I am setting the target at 120k as I didn't hit it this month and I am planning on starting to train for a half marathon which means I will probably be running for longer but less times a week rather than running 5-6 times a week.
So I don't have a running track but I think its only appropriate I post this track after Mr Blake won the Mercury Music award for his album 'Overgrown'. I am a massive James Blake fan and when I first heard this song I wasn't a very happy playa to say the least infact I wasn't even a playa..slight blip in my career as the OG FTP, it was last year and after a few listening I fell in love with it and actually text my friend Nav to say ''I think this album has changed my life'', not even exaggerating this track actually did...
