Sunday 31 August 2014

American Adventure... #1

The 14hr flight to LA was my first ever proper flight. I did get some pre-plane jitters, especially as I tend to get quite claustrophobic and the thought of sitting in an air tight piece of metal didn't sound like the most appealing way to spend 14 hours!  Fortunately once we were up in the air I actually really enjoyed myself! I mean whats not to love about watching as many free films or programmes as you like while you get served breakfast, lunch and dinner directly to your seat?!...

By the time we arrived at my aunts house in California everyone was absolutely exhausted from the day and a half of non stop travelling so we all went straight off to bed! Even though it was only 5pm American time...




Day one was my birthday and after an incredible breakfast of french toast with syrup and fresh fruit we went out on their boat to spot dolphins. After an hour or so a school of about 10 dolphins came along and swam up right beside the boat! Annoyingly they where very very difficult to photograph!

When we pulled into the harbour we got out the kayaks and took a little tour of the other boats in the harbour. Some of which where ridiculously massive with 6 or 7 levels and a huge front deck with swimming pools and Jacuzzis!


The next couple of days where very family orientated. At one point there were 20 of us all staying in the house together which proved to be very eventful. Lots of games of ping pong where played and I think we managed to lose about 50 of the Nerf gun bullets by shooting them off the balcony.... Accidentally, of course ;) ...



On day 5 we drove up to LA and visited The Getty Centre. Which I think architecturally is one of my favourite buildings to date. Its made out of the most amazing stone and the integration of the curves and strong lines makes for a really striking and quite futuristic looking structure. After we had looked around The Getty we went to Hollywood and did all the touristy things that have to be done when you in LA! If you want to see the pictures from then look out for my next "American Adventure" Post that's coming up in a couple of days...


As you can see the Sky's in California where Stunning. I've never seen any thing like it, most evenings the hole of sky would just be full of the most amazing coloured sunsets! I think its probably one of the things I miss most about America. The cloudy grey Sky's in London just don't seem to do it for me!

P.S- Sorry for the slightly excessive amount of pictures.
I'm trying to fit every thing in to just a couple of posts!

Lola
xx


Saturday 30 August 2014

Apologies!!

Sooo... About that "posting once or twice weekly during the summer holidays" thing... As you can see that didn't really go so well! Turns out its very difficult to upload when there is absolutely no Internet connection what so ever! Ok that might be a slight exaggeration. But I just didn't quite fancy the 40 minuet trek across the Scottish country side in the pouring rain to sit out side the RBS Bank and abuse their free wifi for an hour!.. And if I am completely honest I was having far to much fun sunning myself on the sandy beaches of California to start writing up a post about going back too school! But I do apologise and to make up for it I am going to be uploading all the posts that I should have uploaded before I go back to school next week...
In the mean time, here's a sneak peak of whats to come...
Lola
xx

Friday 1 August 2014

Super Simple - Banana Loaf!



I'm back with another "super simple" baking post this week! My last one was a super simple Carrot Cake and this time I thought I would show you another really easy and tasty recipe for this banana loaf.
I sold slices of this loaf along with a couple of other bakes for Cancer Research and got lots of lovely feed back from some happy eaters...

The Ingredients you will need are:
2 eggs
280g soft light brown sugar
270g plain flour
200g bananas (mashed and peeled, the riper the better!)
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoons of ground mixed spices.
                                                           140g unsalted melted butter

Instructions
First preheat the oven to 180 degrees/ gas 4/ 350F
Now line your loaf tin with tin foil
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. 
Finally pour the mix into the prepared loaf tin.
Now pop it in the oven for approximately 1hr until well risen and golden brown (or until a knife or metal skewer comes out clean when placed in to the loaf.) 
DONE!!! Even easier than the carrot cake!
Once its out of the oven leave to cool for about 10 minuets before taking the loaf out of the tin.
On a side note your house will now smell incredible and with in around 5 minuets I guarantee your whole family will be quickly gathered in the kitchen desperately awaiting a slice!...

Let me know if you try it out!
Lola 
xx