Feature - Cynthia Stroud : Cakes by Cynthia

In a recent Post I  mentioned creative Cynthia Stroud who runs Cakes by Cynthia. She has shared some of her ideas with us...See details on the Features page. 

I enjoy featuring inspiring businesses and talking to the people who drive it. We can learn a lot from their experience and hopefully motivate ourselves to channel our creativity into something productive.

Thanks for doing this Cynthia and the very best to you and your team.

Kids Decor

From Next and IKEA....pretty :0)

Random Musings

I think I need one of those top Nikon camera gears to capture images. Just took a walk round my neighborhood and was admiring the lovely patios, gardens and side walks some people have. I live in a small community where everyone tends to mind their own business a lot (actually bordering on a bit over the top) However everyone sorts of tries to outdo the other, for example during christmas, who has got the most fanciful decorations etc etc.Don't get me wrong, I do like my neighbors (at least the handful I know) they are very pleasant when you get to know them (acquitances don't come easy around here) I got to know the ones I know through my grand aunt who came from my home country to help take care of my little princess when she was born. She assumed she was back home where it's a come one come all - open door celebration on "name the baby day". Needless to say, my neighbors must have been surprised when the old lady from across the street in her African attire covered with a huge coat, hat and socks in the middle of the summer, knocked on their door. Well they came round and we had a good laugh..one of the wives actually got so pissed, her hubby had to escort her home - they do have blood running in their veins afterall :0) not ice.......anyway I digress.

It's way past midnight now, and I wanted to upload some pics I took of some rose covered patios. The pics would have looked so much better on a pro camera, hence the reason I started talking about the Nikon and then my neighbors....before I start going off track again, here are the pics..I should get the dust of my patio and add some colours too. I do love roses :0)



Summer Drinkies

Now that the sun is making more of an appearance and the weather is getting hot, cocktails are a great way to entertain and get your creative juices flowing - Bloody Mary, Bahama Mama, Maiden's Prayer or whatever you decide to call it, here is an article to inspire your mix.

Here are five easy ones for the not so adventurous and while you sip do have a look at a recent spotlight feature on Maya Angelou

Pog Punch [credits: Marie Claire]

1 1/2 parts Pineapple Infusions, 1 1/2 parts fresh-squeezed orange juice  and 1 part guava puree

In an ice-filled shaker combine all ingredients, shake, and strain into ice-filled scorpion bowl. Garnish with a floating orchid and pineapple. Accessorize with straws...Bish,Bash,Bosh

Fruits of the Forest [credits: cocktailtimes.com]

Mix 1 Part Vox Vodka, Simple Syrup/Lime Juice, Fresh berries - strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and one Bunch of edible flowers (pansies,roses)

Muddle the berries in a mixing glass, add a dash of the the syrup and vodka and shake sharply. Double strain into a prechilled martini glass. To garnish, rim the glass with sugar syrup and dip into a plate of finely chopped flowers to match the cocktails color. ...enjoy Fresh and Fruity





 Long Island Iced Tea

1/2 part of  Gin, White Rum, Tequilla and Triple Sec, 1 part vodka, top up cola, dash of Lemon ,Lime and sugar syrup, 1 lemon Wedge and some Ice cubes.

Now shake all the ingredients except the cola with cracked ice. Strain and pour into a highball glass. Top up with cola. Enjoy

Bacardi Mix

This is one of my specials maybe because it is a completely effortless mix and tastes great.

Simply mix some sprite, 7up or Lemonade in a glass add two shots of Barcadi Mohito, throw in a lemon wedge and you're good to go.










Rainbow Cocktails

Coloured cocktails add zing to entertaining. Whatever colours you prefer, mix by starting with the heaviest liquid and keep adding with the lightest on top. A tip is to pour liquid over the back of a spoon to stop the lighter fluids from mixing together, you may also add some ice to separate. They will mix eventually but this should hold just long enough for you to admire the brilliance :0)






Enjoy :0)

Feature - Janell Beal: House of Fifty

I have been very privileged to get Janell's responses to the questions I sent regarding her views on interior decorating and the new online inspired living magazine that premiered it's first copy recently. See full details here. Thanks Janell :0)

I will be featuring another creative and inspiring lady shortly. I don't know about you lot, but I have had my fair share of disasters with baking. I keep promising to bake the next celebration cake in the family all by myself from scratch, needless to say that revelation hasn't surfaced :0(

With any luck the uber talented Cynthia Stroud will give me some handy tips which I will be sharing with you soon. Cynthia is the brain behind Cakes by Cynthia. Her cakes are simply beautiful and she does get very creative with her designs.



oreo cake by Cynthia Stroud

 Based in Hertford, she offers a free tasting consultation as part of her bridal service...I'm available if you would like an escort or a second opinion :0)

Her cakes have been featured in Vogue and several Wedding magazines.

I can definitely do with some cake making tips and ideas, and would also love to hear how she has managed to achieve success in her cake making business.

I will be posting her feature page shortly, so watch this space