A Very Peachy October Update!

Well, here we are!  September is drawing to a close and Life is Peachy HQ has been mad busy, as usual, with lots of planning, exciting partnerships and features and even a bit of press for the now-weekly #CraftBlogClub.  At the beginning of September, I wrote an update celebrating my 3 month Bloggiversary and I'm so pleased to tell you that October is looking like another really busy month!

So what have I been up to?? Well, aside from linking up with some fab new bloggers and meeting some amazing people; I posted some great recipes with a cosy, autumnal feel and a hint of the 'frugal' in mind.  I also celebrated my two year anniversary with Mr Peachy, by unveiling my First Applique Illustration; which I gave as a gift to him.

I talked a little about finding your own personal post-pregnancy style when I decided to Ditch The Jeans and linked up with the lovely Sophie Rosee for her spending ban.  I also reviewed my first recipe book as a Book Buddy for Parragon Books and introduced the stunning work of Rodology

I was lucky enough to feature on some amazing websites this month.  Check out my piece for Nurturing Mums about finding time for creativity and my piece for the wonderful Vintage Shopper, which is about vintage shopping with a post-pregnancy body.

Last month, I also decided to launch a Twitter chat hour for craft bloggers and lovers of craft.  #CraftBlogClub launched one Tuesday at the start of September and, I have to say, I remain completely overwhelmed with the amount of people who have joined in week by week.  I think we have created a really friendly, atmosphere with our Twitter chat and I'll be continuing to run it - with lots of plans for the future too! 

So what am I doing next?

Change Is Gonna Come...
This month, I've given my blog a little bit of an overhaul and, although I'll still be posting three times a week, my Friday posts will now become 'Creative Fridays'! I will be mixing up my weekly recipes with craft tutorials and craft WIPs.  Wednesday posts will continue to be #CraftBlogClub roundups and news and my Monday posts will be a mixture of fashion features, reviews and small business features.  

Stay Tuned for the Big Unveil! #CraftBlogClub

#CraftBlogClub Challenge Unveil 
This week I will be unveiling my notebook challenge result AND setting up a linky for everyone's challenges,  October's challenge will also be unveiled, which I'm really excited about, so keep your eyes peeled and your fingertips tapping away on Tuesday evening, between 7-8pm.  And check this amazing mention of #CraftBlogClub over on the lovely Hobzy Blog

The Frugally Fabulous Year 
Since I had such lovely feedback about my most recent outfit posts.  Not to mention the success of my spending ban; I've decided to try living 'Frugally Fabulous' for a year.  I want to try and refrain from buying clothes (for myself, Daisy not included) from high street stores for A WHOLE YEAR! Since I've become a bargain-hunting queen, I want to really promote the art of my 'trash and treasure' theory.  There is nothing I love more than finding real gems in charity shops and eBay and, aside from the essential undercrackers, I believe anything can be sought to look fabulous for less!  I'm hoping, over the next year, to develop my dress-making skills and continue to shop vintage and upcycle pre-loved items!  I'll be updating the blog with outfit posts and works in progress as I stay 'frugally fabulous' well into 2014!

Peach and Daisy
Last month, I took quite a few orders for my knitted Yuletide Gnomes, which was an amazing response and, rest assured, I'm beavering away with my knitting needles as often as I can.  I have 2 or 3 spots left for gnomes to be made before Christmas, so if you are thinking of ordering one - please do email me at missemmaberry@gmail.com and snap up a spot!  

I am still planning to launch Peach and Daisy as a craft store in the near future - but at the moment I've been lucky enough to be so busy with freelance writing projects, that crafting items for my new shop have had to take a backseat! I want to make sure I can fulfil all my gnome orders and other project work, before I launch this lovely idea! 

I've got lots of exciting posts, reviews and features coming up this month and am so proud of how far Life is Peachy has come in such a short time!  

So, for now, let me just say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who reads, comments and follows Life is Peachy - I really hope you continue to enjoy reading these musings from Peachy HQ and look forward to a very peachy future! E x

I am always looking for projects to take on as a freelance writer/copywriting - please email missemmaberry@gmail.com and make sure you check out my Freelance Writing section, for examples of my work!  I would love to hear from you!

Peachy Review: Parragon Books 'Make, Bake, Cupcake'

At the start of the month, I mentioned that I was going to be a Book Buddy for Parragon Publishing - mostly reviewing some of their fabulous cook books.  I was really excited to receive my first book a few weeks ago and, well, what a book it is! 

Make, Bake, Cupcake! is a fabulous baking book, featuring lots of novelty cupcake recipes; from cocktail inspirations through to cute animals and gruesome Halloween ideas.  As someone who used to bake cupcakes for a living; this book could not have been more perfect for me, in terms of injecting some much needed fun into cupcake baking again!

The book has a really great look about it, with fun clear images of the finished cupcakes themselves and a few 'process' shots to guide you along the way.  The book is divided into five chapters; 'Cocktails and Mocktails', 'Feisty Flavours', 'Fun and Frosted', 'Scary Cute' and 'Hidden Surprises'.  Each section is separated with a cute cupcake divider and the book itself is really fun to navigate, whilst you're getting your ideas together!  

Each recipe is fairly simple to follow and the cake baking itself is pretty straightforward.  Much of the cake decoration requires ingredients such as candy melts and food colourings, so planning in advance has to be a must.  Nevertheless, the decorations are so much fun - it's difficult to choose which to do.  

As part of the review, I thought I would try my hand at one of the recipes and decided to try the 'Belly-Up Bear' cupcakes, just in time for Mr Peachy's nephew's First Birthday!  This was one of the easier recipes to follow and only required some basics for decorating.  I found the recipe (and believe me, I've followed hundreds in my time) really simple to follow and the results, even though I was very pushed for time, the result wasn't too bad (not my usual uber-perfectionist standard) and I loved the fluffy effect of the dessicated coconut.

Overall, I love this book, it's a real welcome addition to my brimming recipe book shelf and has really introduced some exciting ways to decorate cupcakes.  The big question is, what do I do next?  I'm thinking some Squished Witches for Halloween, followed by some cute Dabbling Ducks!

Make Bake Cupcake by Love Food, Edited by Parragon Books is available to buy now! 

Disclaimer: I was sent this book by Parragon Books to review for this blog, all opinions in this review are my own.

One Hell of a Peachy Liebster Award Nomination!

Well...I returned from my little jaunt with the parents in Somerset last week, to find that I had been nominated for my very first LIEBSTER AWARD!  YES!  A wonderful surprise, which left me very happy, after I had looked up exactly what a Liebster Award was, of course!

The Liebster award, though information on its origins are fuzzy, is an award for bloggers with less than 200 followers who are nominated in light of deserving recognition and encouragement for their blogging work and talent.  Liebster, the sweetest German word you ever did hear!

I was nominated by the lovely Beauty Blogger Elinor over at Little Red - I urge you to give her blog a read HERE lots of interesting beauty reviews, general thoughts and giveaways!  So she asked several questions to the bloggers that she nominated for her Liebster nominations and here are my answers!

1. Cat, Dog or Other Pet?

I'm a real animal lover but I'd have to go with a cat.  My family cat, Duffle, pictured here,

passed away in January 2012 after nearly 14 years and I absolutely adored him.  Dogs are incredibly loyal but I love the independence that cats exert and my old boy had a really loving personality! 

2. If you had to choose would you rather be blind or deaf?

Tough one really, I think I would go with blind as I'm not sure I could cope without hearing music, as I see music as a sort of sense. 

3. What life motto do you live by?

I live by two.  The first is 'Live Joyfully, Without Apology', which I have tattooed on my back.  Strangely these were just words that jumped out of an old Glamour article I once read, but I feel they really resonate with how I want to live my life and inspire others.

I also live by 'Fear Is The Cork That Bottles The Body', which was a great motto I learnt whilst studying Dance at University.  I apply it to everyday life and feel it makes me braver to try new things! 

4. Do you prefer reading fiction or non-fiction?

I do read both, but I would go with fiction.  I've been obsessed with books and stories

ever since I was a little girl (Chronicles of Narnia was my first real foray into fiction aged 4)!  I am also a novelist and am writing my first novel, which I hope to be published one day.  It is a fiction piece set in 1930s Berlin and i'm about half way through my first draft.  I love being taken on fantastic journeys in books - I love reading horror, fantasy and contemporary fiction that really makes you think.  One book I always recommend is 'The Gargoyle' by Andrew Jordan, as it is nothing like I have ever read before.  It also deals with ideas of reincarnation - which I am really interested in.

5. What’s your go to skin care routine?

Hmmm interesting one.  I have always cleansed, toned and moisturised every night since I was at secondary school.  I tend to stick to simple and effective brands that don't cost the earth but really work for me.  I also love using Soap and Glory scrubs every so often and I have a wonderful Neal's Yard face mask that is worth every penny!

As a huge foodie, I am really influenced by the eating habits of the French and Italian who eat lots of 'naughty' foods yet stay slim and beautiful!  If you drink lots of water, exercise, eat well and live life to the full, I believe it will show on the outside.

6. Chocolate or Vanilla?

I love both, but I think Vanilla is probably the one.  I'm a huge fan of putting vanilla extract in almost everything I bake.  I recently made this Neapolitan cake for my Birthday, see blog post HERE it was full of vanilla-ry goodness!  But then it had a chocolate layer too, so I guess I got the best of both worlds! 

7. Describe your personality in 3 words?

Quirky, Driven and Kind

8. What’s your chinese zodiac sign and does it describe you well?

I was born in the year of the Rat and I think it sums me up in part.  I'm very tidy and organised and refuse to be influenced by others - I prefer to think and make decisions for myself.  I don't see myself as particularly materialistic and, whilst I'm driven, I don't think I only work for success.  I believe in a good work/life balance and am happy as long as my home life is!

9. Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate?

Tea, every time!  I am sat with a huge mug of it as I write this!  I love all types of tea, especially Chai and Moroccan Mint!  Though I am very partial to a hot chocolate and I love making my own Chai Tea Lattes! 

And now, as is Liebster tradition, it's my turn to nominate some bloggers who I really think are deserving of this award.  Some of my nominees may have already been nominated, but I've chosen a broad spectrum of newbie bloggers whose blogs I thoroughly enjoy reading!  To gain your award, all you need to do is answer my questions, link me in to your post, then choose between 5 and 11 other bloggers to pass this accolade onto, then create 10 questions for them to answer!  The lucky ones are....

Gillian - www.siltandbone.co.uk
Victoria - kickatthepantrydoor.blogspot.co.uk
Bethany - bethanyworrall.wordpress.com 
Jasmine - http://jasminesweetnothings.wordpress.com/
Gude - hodgepodgecraft.com 
Emily - www.tealadymumbles.co.uk
Kelly - tiasmum12.com
Sophie - soph-isticatedblog.blogspot.co.uk
Steph - funkymamma.co.uk 
Emma - itsemmamade.blogspot.co.uk
 
And here are your questions!

1. What inspired you to start blogging?
2. Stand out moment of 2013 so far?
3. What is your horoscope sign and do you think it relates to your character?
4. Do you have a geek-girl passion?  If so, what is it?
5. What has been your favourite blog post so far?
6. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?
7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
8. Baz Luhrmann - love him or hate him?
9. What is your life's motto?
10. What one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

That's it, let's get this Liebster show on the road!  A huge thank you to Elinor for my nomination and a big wave to my nominees!

Friday's Kitchen: The Neapolitan Birthday Cake

Anyone who knows my beau, Mr Peachy (not his real name, obv), will know that one of his favourite stories of 'us' is the tale of how he managed to convince me to make my own Birthday cake without me knowing, last year.

The scene was set, Mr P had arranged a surprise dinner party for me.  All I knew, was that we were heading out to dinner, after we had dropped off a carefully baked Victoria Sponge to his 'work colleague'.  10 minutes on the bus later, I walked into a room of 20 friends and family sat waiting patiently at Edin's restaurant, and it became clear that I had slaved over a hot oven for, well, me actually.

This year, I decided to cut out the middle man and pre-empted my other half's love of practical jokes, by claiming that I would make my own cake!  And what better way to celebrate in style, than with a beautiful, decadent Neapolitan Birthday Cake! 

The original idea was taken from a magazine, 'Making Cakes', but I adapted with my own cake recipe and buttercream icing.  I made the pink and white cakes at the same time for ease, but you can make all three cake mixes separately if you prefer, simply halve the ingredients for the pink and white cakes.

Ingredients:

                  For the Pink and White Cakes                      

                                     280g Caster Sugar                                        

                                240g Self Raising Flour                                   

                               80g Soft Salted Butter                                   

                                              2 Large Eggs                                                

                            240ml Semi Skimmed Milk                              

                                1tsp Vanilla Extract                                       

1 Pinch Salt

3-4 Drops of Natural Red Food Colouring

For the Chocolate Cake

140g Caster Sugar

100g Self Raising Flour 

40g Soft Salted Butter

30g Cocoa Powder

120ml Semi Skimmed Milk 

1 Pinch Salt

  

For the Buttercream (All three colours)

1 kg Icing Sugar

240g Soft Salted Butter

75ml Semi Skimmed Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

20g Cocoa Powder

3-4 Drops of Natural Red Food Colouring

Method:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 190 c (170 c for fan ovens, gas mark 5).  to make your pink and white cake mixes, put your caster sugar, flour, salt and butter into a bowl and mix (using either a mixer or hand whisk) until the mixture has a breadcrumb consistency. 

In a separate jug, mix the milk and vanilla extract and add the eggs.  Beat until smooth and add most of the milk mixture to the dry and whisk until combined.  Add the last little bit of milk mixture and continue to whisk until the batter is smooth and fully combined.  

Carefully, pour half of the mixture into a second mixing bowl and slowly add your drops of food colouring until the mixture is your desired colour of pink.  I find 3-4 small drops achieve a lovely pastel pink colour.

Keeping both your mixtures separate, pour into 8" prepared round tins and bake for approx. 25 mins, or until the cake is goldening in colour and a knife skewered completely through the middle is completely clean when removed.  Place cakes on a wire rack and leave to cool.

Next, follow exactly the same method to make the chocolate cake - adding the cocoa powder in at the beginning, with the dry ingredients.

Once you have baked all three cakes and they are all completely cool, you are ready to make your icing and decorate your cake!

To build your cake, start from the chocolate layer at the bottom.  Measure out 250g of icing sugar and 80g of butter and mix together until they have formed a soft, combined mixture, there shouldn't be any big lumps.  Slowly pour your cocoa powder in and continue to mix until the icing changes colour.  Finally, add 25ml of milk and mix until combined and firm - the icing cannot be runny.

Once you have the desired consistency, tip the icing mixture into a piping bag with a medium sized star nozzle.  Place your chocolate cake on a plate/cake decorating plate and, keeping a steady hand, start icing your rose designs on the side of the cake.  I find it easier to start from the inside of the rose and work out - I think the results are always neater.  Continue until the sides of the cake are completely covered.  

Using the rest of the icing, spread the top of the cake with a palette knife and place your pink cake on top.  Place in the fridge for 10 minutes, just to help the iced roses set.

Repeat the icing process with the pink cake - make the mixture in exactly the same way and add your drops of food colouring at the end of the process.  add vanilla extract to the milk for a touch of flavour.  Remove the cake from the fridge and ice your pink layer in the same way, spreading the remaining mixture with a palette knife on the top and place your white cake layer on top.  Place back in the fridge.

The vanilla icing mixture uses 500g of icing sugar, 160g butter and 50ml milk - you need to make more to ensure that the sides and top of the white layer are covered. Once this is made, remove the cake from the fridge and repeat the icing process.  To decorate the top, ice in exactly the same way, starting at the edges and working inwards.  If you have any gaps, pipe the remaining icing in short bursts to cover up the holes.  I would recommend leaving in the fridge for an hour or so until you are ready to serve!  Once cut, this cake will last for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

There you have it, my first attempt at a Neapolitan Cake was a success!  It was even retweeted on Twitter by the wonderful John Whaite, winner of last year's Great British Bake Off.  I've had some amazing feedback and comments - so a big thank you to everyone who tried it or who took the time to tweet me about it!

Why not give it a go yourself?  If you have an occasion coming up it makes the perfect centre piece!  And don't forget to upload your results to the Facebook page - www.facebook.com/lifeispeachytales

If you are local to the Nottingham area and would like one made for an occasion - please email me at missemmaberry@gmail.com, I would love to hear from you!  As ever, I love to hear from people who read the blog and would love your comments!!  Have a lovely weekend! E x

Friday's Kitchen: Peachy's Pay-Day Pizza

It has to be said, nobody appreciates a pay-day pizza more than me or my beau.  I love pizzas, trips to Pizza Express, a cheeky pre-gig Pizza Hut Buffet, even Sainsbury's own brand Vegetable Pizza is so far unsurpassed (in my opinion) on the frozen front.

But, with great pizza comes great cost, unfortunately.  So, with the help of my glamorous assistant, not to mention life-guru of oft, Amanda, we decided to try our hand at creating our own delicious pizzas from scratch.  The results were better than I could have imagined.

For the dough, I scoured the internet for something quick, simple and delicious and came across this recipe from bakingmad.com

http://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/dairyfree/pizza-dough 

The amount of ingredients and the time it took were the two factors that drew me in - just 4 ingredients and a bit of kneading later, I was ready to go.  

Ingredients: to make 3-4 medium bases
500g Strong White Bread Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Sachet Easy Bake Yeast
2 tsp Caster Sugar
325 ml warm water

Method: 

1. Put the flour and yeast and salt in a large bowl and mix together. Make a well in the centre of the mix.
2. Stir the sugar into the warm water then add to the well in the centre of the dry mix.
3. Work for the outer edge and mix all the dry ingredients into the water. When the mix has come together turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. At this stage the dough should be soft and spring back when lightly touched. 
4. Flour the dough and cover with cling and leave to rest for about 15 minutes.
5. If not baking immediately leave the dough wrapped in lightly oiled cling film and palce in the fridge until you are ready to shape and bake.
6. Divide the dough into 3 or 4 pieces depending on how many pizza bases you want to make.
7. Taking one pieces at a time and roll out on a very lightly floured surface. Ideally the base should be 5mm thick but you can be creative on the shape. Why not try, oval, or square for a change! Place on a baking tray and leave the rolled bases for 15 to 30 minutes to rest. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180 C/ gas mark 6.  When ready, add your desired topping and bake for 7-8 mins until golden brown.

Once the dough was ready, we loaded our pizzas with chopped veg and loaded mozzarella and baked.  We served with a pathetic amount of salad and enjoyed every single morsel!  The pizza bases were the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, oozing and doughy on the inside.  The strong white flour created an authentic Italian taste, a definite contender for Sainsbury's crown and a healthier choice for the family - on both the waistline and the wallet.

Suggested topping ingredients:
1/2 Red Onion
1/2 tube Tomato Puree mixed with small amount of Napolina's Pizza Topping
1/2 packet grated Mozzarella
Selection of chopped and roasted veg (Peppers, Mushrooms and Courgettes)
Sprinkle of Mixed Herbs
S+P to taste

I know how I'll be celebrating pay-day from now on!

 

Had a go at your own?  Why not pop over and upload your photos to Life is Peachy's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lifeispeachytales

Got a recipe idea for Life is Peachy to try or invent?  Email missemmaberry@gmail.com with your ideas!
 

Peachy's Top 5 Celebs We Wish We Were Friends With....

Just for fun!  Well, we can all dream can't we...here's this month's top 5!

5. Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor

Feisty model cum DJ Atlanta, not only gains hundreds of kudos points for her edgy style and grungy attitude, to rival the Riot Grrrl movement of the 90s; she's also the offspring of all-time bass GOD John Taylor, of Duran Duran! Potential conversations would be a little like this:
E: 'Hi Atlanta'
A: 'Hi'
E: 'How's the modelling?'
A: 'Good'
E: 'How's the DJ-ing?'
A: 'Yeah, good'
E: 'Cool...um...I love your Dad'. *'A' promptly hangs up phone*

4. Camilla 'Millie' Mackintosh

Millie did this, for all womankind

Poster girl for Bafta-winning guilty pleasure reality/unreality show Made in Chelsea.  Millie confirmed last week that she will be leaving the show to pursue her career, including her own YouTube make-up artistry channel.  The very picture of Chelsea sophistication, Millie is beautiful, has pins to die for and an immaculate sense of style.

But perhaps what we most love about her, is the unforgettable moment on MIC, in which, Millie finally took the reins and gave idiot posh-boy and world class David Brent lookalike, Spencer Matthews what-for with a massive slap around the chops.  In that moment alone, we all wished we had been her.  Millie, we want you on our side!

3. Deborah Ann Woll

The redhead, better known to most as Jessica (or 'Jeschka', as Stephen Moyer would say), the teenage vampiric tearaway from HBO's finest, True Blood, plays an unpredictable yet lovable and loyal character in TB. 

In real life, Deborah is even more of an inspiration, as she uses her celebrity status to raise awareness of a condition called Choroideremia, suffered by her boyfriend EJ Scott, which eventually results in blindness.  Fangs of steel, heart of gold, that's why Deborah belongs in the top 5.

2. Stacey Stewart

The beehive, the sixties dresses, the cakes.  Nobody says 'new best friend' more than Food Glorious Food's Stacey Stewart.  Much like myself, Stacey is self-styled in the wardrobe department as well as self-taught in the kitchen department; proof that a little self-discipline, and self-promotion can go a very long way.

Unique, talented and good for a chinwag over a steaming vintage teapot and a slice of Maple and Pecan cake!  Stacey and I could have mini bake-offs and hair-offs, plus I get the feeling she's a dab hand in the charity shop rummage department!  Enough said, Stacey Stewart joins the imaginery friend club!

1. Christina Hendricks 

Just when you thought the luscious Mad Men heroine couldn't get anymore inspiring - other than practically single-handedly bringing TV land to its knees with her curves, encouraging the re-evaluation of the fuller figured woman's representation in the media and being named 'The Body' - Hendricks KNITS!

Yes indeed, Hendricks forewards this wonderful

knitting book with tales of how she, along with her lucky friends, like nothing more than sitting around, knitting and gossiping.  Rumour has it, she takes her knitting bag on set at Mad Men HQ.  Could this woman be any more perfect?  Could we want to be her friend any more than we already do? No?  Thought not!  Well Christina, congratulations, your love of knitting awards you the top spot in the fickle world of imaginary celebrity friends!

Christina's Our Top Spot!

Agree or Disagree?  Who would you choose as your top 5 celebrities you wish you were friends with? www.facebook.com/lifeispeachytales

The Handmade Home: Papercut Writer

I've always admired the work of Rob Ryan and the likes.  The intricacies of Papercutting really interest me, I've seen such beautiful artwork in this form and have really wanted to give it a try.  I love the depths that Papercut artwork creates and, particularly with Rob Ryan's work, there is a certain 'life' to the flimsy and magical world he creates with his laser-cutting techniques.

The delicious and quirky world of Rob Ryan

Father's Day was in fear of coming and going this year.  I've been so busy writing, blogging, raising Daisy and planning ahead to post-Mat Leave work that trips to town are becoming scarcer by the week.  This year, to mark Mr Peachy's first Father's Day, not to mention avoid the Paperchase queues like the plaque, I decided I would try my hand at some simple Papercutting to make a card for Mr Peachy.

John Lewis stocked a very handy and inexpensive pack, which consisted of a self-healing craft mat and craft knife and I bought some black card and pastel paper to practice free hand writing on. It didn't take too long to get to grips with the amount of pressure the craft knife needed and the results, two hours and several feeds later, was quite accidentally a Kid Acne inspired piece of writing!
To help enhance the words, I placed some pastel peach paper on the inside of the cardand added Daisy's painted footprints (I had only had the stamina to do one set with her - the hands will have to wait); accompanied by the message 'thank you for helping me to find my feet'.

Overall, I was impressed with how quickly I felt confident in gliding that craft knife across the paper, there was a certain ease to it, though I now feel I want to try my hand at some more intricate images and challenging italics (never satisfied).  

I might not be quite up to scratch just yet, but this simple technique has definitely given me the bug for paper cutting.  Watch this space for more papercut 'masterpieces' to come!

Have you ever wanted to try a craft?  What was it and how did you get started?

Ashes To Ashes: A Review of James Herbert's 'Ash'

Fan? Much? My cluttered bookshelf

Earlier this year, one of my favourite author's James Herbert, one of the most well-renowned horror writers, passed away.  He was 69 years old, no cause of death was published and, in my opinion, he has left a gaping hole in the world of horror fiction.

'Ash' was Herbert's last, and potentially his most controversial, novel to date.  A mammoth paperback at nearly 700 pages long, Just this fact alone set it apart from his usual quick-scare paperbacks.  The artwork was a mark of Herbert's usual foreboding, ghoulish imagery, but the tone of the book immediately felt slower paced, easing you in with several character introductions.  All this from a man who, in 'The Dark' (my first descent into Herbert-madness), shocked his reader with a particularly nasty killing by a 4 year-old, just 5 pages in.

Herbert chose to re-visit one of his familiar characters, skeptical and moody psychic investigator David Ash,for this story.  Those familiar with his character, will no doubt remember the traumas he suffered in 'Ghosts of Sleath' and 'Haunted', yet his indifference and quest to find rational explanations for strange goings-on remains un-perturbed.  Ash is hired by a mysterious group of people who run the equally mysterious 'Comraich Castle', a secret home from home for the both very rich and very disturbed, when a terrible and seemingly supernatural murder occurs within the grounds.  Cue exposed secrets, reams of 'dead' celebrity psychopaths, some particularly nasty and bloodthirsty wildcats and the suggestion of a secret royal son residing in the grounds, as the reader is taken on a twisted journey with Ash and his sudden sidekick, psychologist Delphine.

All in all, Herbert's last masterpiece is everything you would both want and expect from a horror story.  Herbert manages to provide his usual mix of grisly murders and intrigue throughout even if, at times it felt as though some of the most important characters and plot points were glossed over in favour of love scenes.  There were still plenty of shocks, gore and scares to carry me through the pages, though I didn't stay as gripped as I had done his other books, The Magic Cottage still being an unbeaten favourite.

I don't know if I felt this because I read this book post Herbert's death, but there was something chillingly finite about this book.  The controversy of the inclusion of such characters as Lord Lucan and other notable murderers from history, alongside Herbert's own dig at his previous works such as The Rats, suggest to me that he may even have known his time on this earth was limited, hence giving himself the freedom to push even more boundaries.  Either way, the lagging pace at certain points didn't make this book any less than enjoyable than the others and if Herbert wanted you to ponder the blurred line between fact and fiction ever after, he succeeded in doing so, in his unique, horrific way. 

Coming soon: A review of Jeanette Winterson's 'Why Be Happy, When You Could Be Normal?' 

Do you have book you would like me to review?  email missemmaberry@gmail.com

Friday's Kitchen: Bake-Well Well Well

The truth be told, I have quite the juxtaposition problem when it comes to baking.  I have a fond love of pastry goods, namely the classic Bakewell tart, but an irrational fear of baking shortcrust pastry.  I've always promised myself I would get over this and, one day, when the nightmarish visions of a pregnant woman scorned by mince pies 'gone wrong' subside, I'm sure I will.

Fate, or Fay, as it happens, came to me in the form of one of Fay Ripley's recipes showcased on the 'Lorraine' programme; the 'Easy Bakewell Cake'.  Nothing could be more 'Ronseal' about that title.  I watched in amazement as Fay casually chucked a load of base ingredients into a mixer to form a sumptuous Bakewell inspired cake.

I've never been a 'chucker' when it comes to recipes, but I was compelled to discard my usual need to conform by the gram and give this one a go.

Here is the link to Fay's recipe, as featured on Lorraine, with ingredients and quick method:

http://www.itv.com/lorraine/food/faye-ripley-easy-bakewell-cake/ 
  
 Ingredients:
150g Self Raising Flour
150g Ground Almonds
150g Soft Butter (I always cube it to ease mixing)
150g Caster Sugar
2 Large Eggs
6 tsp Raspberry Jam
150g Fresh Raspberries
50g Flaked Almonds
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 160 (fan), 180 C or Gas Mark 4. Line a 22-24cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.

2. Use a food processor or electric whisk and whizz the butter, sugar, flour, ground almonds, eggs and vanilla extract. Put half of the mixture in the tin and smooth.

3. Dot the jam, 1/2 teaspoon at a time all over and scatter the raspberries. Drop the remainder mixture over the fruit and smooth over with your fingers.

4. Scatter the flaked almonds on top and bake for 45-50mins until golden. Cool and then serve with ice-cream, custard or just have it on its own!

 

I think what is so lovely about this recipe is that it is quick, light and bound to be a winner with any friends or family in need of a quick cake fix.  For anyone with a busy lifestyle, it's a perfect 'throw together and chuck in the oven' recipe  I am slowly starting to introduce myself back into the joy of baking, as opposed to the stress of icing 100 cupcakes in a shared kitchen with one mixing bowl, and this was the perfect recipe for that 'quick-win' baking feeling.

The sponge itself is really light and fluffy, the perfect accompaniment to a cheeky afternoon tea.  I would be tempted to try substituting the jam for different flavours and would maybe try using fresh cherries for a sour kick.  Drizzling fondant icing over the top might also work - a Peachy homage to the classic Cherry Bakewell!

Overall, fabulous recipe, perfect timings and Fay Ripley's 'What's for Dinner?' cookbook, has shot to the top of my wishlist!

 

Tried it? Love it?  As ever I would love to hear your thoughts.  If you have a go at your own, why not upload it to the Facebook page, it's so nice to see everyone's results!

The Handmade Home: Knitting in a Free World!

A few days ago, my beau's younger brother made an off-the-cuff comment about knitting.  I can't remember exactly how it was termed, but the particulars included something to do with knitting being for both the 'sad' and the 'old'.  I perked up at this, defending us young, hip knitters and I was temporarily excused for my knitting obsession as I was now a 'mum'.  I started knitting when I was at University.

 

I don't think a lot of us crafters, knitters etc would be able to pin point a moment in life that we decided to put our intrigued fingers to work, neither could we give a reason why we do it.  I've only ever answered this sort of question to one thing; writing.  I said I write because I can't not write.  I suppose I knit for the same reason; I can't not do it.

 

Earlier in the month, I published a short beginner's tutorial to knitting, in the lovely online magazine for Peta's Vintage Boutique.  It was difficult to put these actions into words, as it's been a long time since I completed my first few stitched under the watchful eye of my Nan, a keen and talented knitter for many years.  That was where I got the bug, fast forward to present day and now, I have even more reason to go 'handmade'; there is nothing quite like watching Daisy man-handling (baby-handling) the sensory blanket I made for her.

You can find the original knitting tutorial here ---> http://www.petasvintageboutique.com/issue-2.html

I chose this Val Pierce-inspired sensory patchwork blanket as my first baby-project.  The different knitted textures and the daisies are great for little grabbing fingers and will, hopefully, become something of a comfort blanket for Daisy when she is a little older.  I chose to work with pastel, light colours to fit the Beatrix Potter theme in Daisy's nursery.  I was really pleased with how the colours blended together - Peter Rabbit's Blue, Jemima's Pink and Lilac and a soft baby Cream.   It worked wonders for the first few weeks after Daisy's birth, as we were hit with such cold, snowy weather and now it's great as a sensory object that remains familiar to her.

As an intermediate knitter, I found this blanket quite easy, the bulk of the blanket is made with simple garter and stocking stitches; these make for a very classic patchwork look.  The challenge lay in creating the daisies but I'm always up for a crafting challenge!  It's a great pattern for sitting in front of the TV, especially when I needed my mind taking off impending childbirth.  I'm now looking at adapting this pattern with different sensory objects and colours.  Results to follow!


I've got the handmade bug!  More posts to follow on 'handmaking' your home and nursery on Life is Peachy!

Are you interested in commissioning a sensory baby blanket?  Email missemmaberry@gmail.com for further information, costs etc.  I would love to hear from you!

A Picture of Owlish Grey...

Every once in a while, I stumble across a truly unique crafter, who has taken an entirely different approach to their designs.  Since Father's Day was yesterday, I just had to share the gift I chose for my beau's first Father's Day, designed and made by the wonderful Owlish Grey.

CRAFT MEETS SCIENCE

I stumbled across Nottingham-based Owlish Grey quite by accident, when she gave a friendly 'like' to my other business' Facebook page.  Intrigued, I looked a little closer at Owlish's Etsy shop, and was so pleasantly surprised by what I found, I simply had to order one of her unique 'Soundwave Prints' ready for the Big Day!  

Owlish Grey's products stem from an interest in crafting accessories, whilst taking inspiration from science and nature.  Some of her latest products include cards and prints with famous scientist's quotes and also cards featuring symbols from the periodic table.  A truly different design approach, which make for some lovely keepsake pieces.

A first Father's Day is always going to be very special, so I decided to opt for a unique 'Soundwave Print'.  Should you decide to purchase one (which I thoroughly recommend you do); they come in two different sizes and, once you have placed your order, you are required to send a short recording of a message you would like to give to the receiver of your gift.  There are several options you can choose from in terms of colour, a borderline etc and you are asked to clearly state your options when sending your order across.  What is then posted to you, 48 hours from completing the order, is a unique soundwave print of your voice and your message. 

 

I chose a red soundwave to match the red theme running through our abode,  I also chose a grey background to add depth to the piece and recorded myself saying 'Daisy Loves Daddy'.  A simple, but perfect and very personal gift for Mr Peachy to treasure.

Aside from the originality in Owlish Grey's designs, her attention to detail in each step of the process really inspires me.  Her packaging is personal, even her envelope stamp is named and she provides you with a barcode so that you can scan and hear your message!

Needless to say, the OH was chuffed with his gift, a lovely memoir of his first Father's Day celebrations and something so personal to him.  I would like to thank Gemma, of Owlish Grey, for her wonderful product, incredible service and for her part in making Mr Peachy's day so very special!  Owlish Grey gets the official 'Peachy Seal of Approval'!

Check out Owlish Grey's wonderful designs on her Facebook page and Etsy shop: https://www.facebook.com/owlishgrey/app_259525164100619

Coming soon...my first foray into the world of Paper Cutting