Baking special edition: Free cakes for kids - Spongebob

I have recently become involved with an organisation called Free cakes for kids; an idea which came over from the states, there are now a number of groups in the UK, including in Oxford. As it says on the website:

"Free cakes for kids is a community service to families who find it difficult to provide a birthday cake for their child. The cakes are baked by volunteers from your community – with your kid’s favourite theme or style. The service is free, friendly and confidential"

They also organise community baking sessions, which I am hoping to be involved with.

But I got asked to make my first cake for this weekend (bakers donate time and the ingredients); I was told that the birthday child was a four year old girl and had visions of making something pink and sparkly. When I rang up her Mum to ask what she would like, I was told that her favourite thing were the Zingzillas. Not having heard of them (though I have subsequently found that they are quite cute, although possibly difficult to make out of cake), I asked what else she liked, and her Mum said Spongebob. "Well", I thought to myself "at least Spongebob is square (for those of you who don't know - and I didn't - until K enlightened me, Spongebob is a sponge who lives at the bottom of the sea and goes on adventures with his friend the starfish). I spent most of the week agonising about how to do it, looking for pictures on the internet, and then in my cake decorating magazine I saw a picture of a Spongebob that someone else had made. And here is my version!

I am seriously proud of this as have never made anything like it before! I gave it to the little girl's Dad and he was impressed that anyone would make a cake, and I really hope that the little girl likes it.

I still managed to bake from the cupboards - I used drinking chocolate from our Christmas hamper to make the chocolate cake and the buttercream, I used writing icing and blue food colouring from my cupboards, and the only thing I bought was a packet of yellow sugarpaste for £1.95.

Cross stitch birthday card

I wondered last year what I could do with the cross-stitches I seemed to be churning out at a rate of knots, and found the solution - make them into very special cards! This design was obviously meant to celebrate a birthday, so I took it along to Paperchase and chose a card and envelope to go with it. All I needed to do then was fray the edges and glue it on and I was able to save K from having to go out and choose a card for his Mum. I hope she liked it.

Rotating bookcase

The latest weapon in my armoury for bookstorage is shown above: my rather lovely new Rotating Bookcase. Part of my problem if you recall, was that I had run out of wall space against which to locate bookcases (and as we rent, it is not an option for me to build any shelves up by the ceiling!). However, I did identify that we had plenty of carpet space left. Sadly, the bibliochaise which I mentioned before turned out to be well out of my price range (£4.5k?!), but I found an alternative - rotating bookcases. A quick search on ebay found that although they are normally about £400, it is possible to pick one up for considerably less. A few days later, I was the proud owner of the above for £58, including delivery by the owner to K's work.

Of course, that makes it sound a little more straightforward than it actually was. After making arrangements for the delivery, K asked "how big is it?". I had rather forgotten to take note of its dimensions and we were both slightly horrified that it was 26" square and 31" tall. We wondered whether it would fit in the car. Fortunately it did, and K managed to get it up to the flat. It then sat in the centre of our sitting room, rather overwhelming everything. As you can see, I have now managed to find room for it. Sadly, it doesn't have room to rotate and I did have to send a small bookcase out to K's storage unit, but you can't have everything!

The shelves are a substantial size and I should probably reorganise my books in due course to make use of the fact that it can accommodate bigger books (probably non fiction), but I am also happy to have found a place for my cross-stitching basket.

Baking from the cupboards 6

Quite a lot of baking has been going on in the last week in the Cardigan Girl kitchen. I made cake for two other people besides K this week.

I started with a Farmhouse fruit cake; I thought that K should perhaps have something slightly more nutritious after eating his way through the sachertorte (and actually I think he was quite pleased too!). This used up half my bag of mixed fruit and the last apple in the fridge. I made a big 18cm sized cake and gave half of it to my father. Sadly, most of it disappeared before the light was good enough for a photo, so this sad slice was all that remained on Sunday morning:
I also made sparkley lemon drizzle cupcakes for my colleague who is going to print my wedding invitations; I'd taken a larger version of them to his housewarming party back in September but it had disappeared before he and his partner got any of it! No photo of those, sadly.

I made some cheese and thyme biscuits with a recipe from my Baking Magic book - these made a wonderful pre-dinner nibble and also were a perfect accompaniment to green detox soup (and look - there is SUN shining across them in the picture that I took)



The big bake of this week however, was Benedict Bars. I've never come across them before until I read about them on another blog, and then found the original recipe here. I am not sure what the origin of the name is, but they are essentially a layer of shortbread covered with a layer of jam and then a flaked almond, butter and sugar topping, all baked together. I've been wondering what to do with the two packets of flaked almonds that have been languishing in my cupboards for ages - here was the answer...



K is away skiing next week so I may experiment with a gluten free bake. Or I may have a bit of a break to work on my most enermous cross stitch (more about that another time)

Persephone Reading Weekend: The Persephone Oscars

Persephone Reading Weekend is sadly over, but we still have our very own Persephone Oscars left to go.

But before I announce them, I would like to extend some thank yous in a couple of directions.

Firstly, to my wonderful co-host Claire, who has worked extremely hard on the event, and who managed to get round and comment on so many blogs while I was resting my fingers. Claire's enthusiasm makes this event such a pleasure to co-host :)

Secondly, to Nicola Beauman at Persephone books who was incredibly generous with supplying prizes for our competitions, and who continues to support our event.

And thirdly, to all of you - the wonderful readers and participators without whom the event would not have been so much fun. Thank you particularly to those who ran their own generous giveaways.

There have been two comments which particularly stood out among all of those which we have recieved over the past weekend and to which we would like to give honourable mention. This one from Bellezza, onClaire's blog, sums up so well the fantastic sense of community that this event seems to foster:

What I love most about the Persephone Reading Weekend which you cohost is the sense of community it affords as we visit one another and share our love of such outstanding literature. I had not heard of Persephone books until I connected with you, and I can't tell you the joy they have brought me from the Persephone Secret Santa, to adding to my own collection, to finding new books to order from this lovely shop I hope someday to visit in real life.

We were also in fits over Darlene's comment on Claire's Temporarily Missing Competition. In response to the first line:
‘I heard today that Cynthia died, last Friday afternoon at the Ipswich County Hospital, just after a cup of tea.’
Darlene said:
Dying after a cup of tea sounds just about perfect. Imagine the disappointment of dying just as the kettle came to a boil! I’ve given myself the giggles now….

Anyway, what you're all waiting for is the list of winners of our giveaways!

1. The copy of William, randomly drawn from everyone who left links on our blogs is:
2. The first copy of Family Roundabout, randomly drawn from everyone commenting on my welcome post is: Helen from She Reads Novels
3. The second copy of Family Roundabout, randomly drawn from everyone commenting on Claire's welcome post is: Simon T from Stuck in a book
4. The two copies of Still Missing for the winners of Claire's Temporarily Missing competition are: Heather (from library thing) and Cristina from Rochester Reader.
5. The copy of Mariana for the winner of my photo competition is: Clare Wiggins
6. The winner of The classic edition of Miss Pettigrew lives for a day drawn from anyone who as yet does not own a Persephone book is: Christine
7. The winner of the classic edition of Little Boy lost drawn from anyone who was reading their first Persephone book this weekend is: Jo from Jo's Book Journey.

And...the winner of the best post of the weekend, recieving copies of Winds of heaven and There were no windows is...Rebecca, from Rebecca Reads, for her incredibly thoughtful post about Round About A Pound A Week.

To claim your prizes, please make contact with the lovely Claire (claireDOTboyleATgmailDOTcom) as she has all of them at home and has kindly agreed to post them.

Persephone Reading Weekend: Final Roundup

Despite Persephone weekend ending yesterday, a number of people have posted, so there's time for a final roundup - although brief on my part. Stand by for the announcement of the competition winners tonight in our very own Persephone Oscars!

Lifetime reader has read her first Persephone book this weekend - Miss Pettigrew.

Darlene tells us more about the Dorothy Whipple short stories.

Tracey at Book Sanctuary reads Daddy Goes A-Hunting.

Susan from Pages turned talks about Emma Smith and Mrs Oliphant and their books.

Kristin at Bookmarks and Teacups shows us her Persephone collection and also writes about Dimanche and other stories.

Emily writes impressively about Manja

Nat at In Spring it is dawn has been reading her Persephone Secret Santa, Every eye.

Pamela's first Persephone was also Miss Pettigrew.

Under Melbourne Skies posts about Katherine Mansfield's Journal.

Allie at Literary Oddysey read her first Persephone this weekend, and it was Mariana.

Hayley's best laid plans to cook something from one of the Persephone cookery books sadly didn't come to fruition but she talks about a couple of the titles.

Thomas joined in by reading the latest Mrs Oliphant book.

Simon from Savidge Reads read the book that he won last time around, Miss Pettigrew.

Liana at Bookgirl updates us on her progress with Someone at a Distance.

Dolce Belleza features a lovely picture of her reading Fidelity with her cat and hopes to have a review up later in the week.

Fig and thistle joined us by reading Someone at a distance.

The little bookroom has her very own take on my photo competition which I loved!

Virginia, A literary wayfarer, was disappointed ultimately by Lady Rose and Mrs Memmary.

Kate at Make do and Read has been making her way through the wartime diaries Few eggs and no oranges.

Jane at Fleur Fisher reads managed to combine Persephone Reading Weekend with her crime fiction alphabet to read The blank wall.

Michelle who doesn't have a blog shares some of her thoughts on A London Child in the comments on my newcomers post here, and in the same place Susan E writes about Saplings.

Cristina at Rochester Reader shares her initial thoughts on High wages.

Buried in Print read Every eye.

Colleen from Col Reads has been reading Good evening Mrs Craven.

Sasha writes extensively about one of the newest Persephones, The winds of heaven.

Katherine reveals the results of her very generous giveaway.

...as does Frances at Nonsuch book here.

And Donna at Rambling Fancy writes a very kind thank you post, that also mentions one of my very favourite books - Jane Brocket's The gentle art of domesticity...

...as does Audrey at Books as food.

Phew! Thank you everyone for such wonderful enthusiasm! And do check back later - we will be announcing the winners at 8pm GMT...

Persephone Reading Weekend: Photo competition answers

I had a HUGE number of entries for my photo competition which seems to have been very much enjoyed (I shall definitely do this again next time!)...but before I reveal the winners on Monday evening I thought you might like to see the answers :)





1. Saplings
2. Tea with Mr Rochester
3. Few Eggs and No Oranges
4. The Blank Wall
5. To bed with Grand Music

Persephone Reading Weekend: Sunday roundup

Claire and I are bowled over by the enthusiasm for this year's Persephone fest, and both also hugely touched by the huge numbers of very kind comments on our blogs. The event really does foster a fabulous sense of community worldwide.

After resting my fingers yesterday (but reading the posts on my ipod) I am back with the next roundup for you!

Rebecca Reads provides us with a wonderfully complete review of one of my favourite's; Round About A Pound A week which gives a real insight into early twentieth century British social history. Rebecca didn't have access to any Persephones herself but managed to download this onto her e-reader! Fantastic!

Joan Hunter Dunn's quotes for the day also come from this book which she is really enjoying reading too.

Vivienne at Serendipity shares with us which Persephone books she is currently coveting. and also announces the winner of her very generous giveaway.

Cristina at Rochester Reader talks about the aesthetics of Persephone books; I think she speaks for almost all Persephone fans in finding that a "beautiful Persephone boosts the reading experience".

Sarah read Whipple's Someone at a distance and concluded "The writing is really something out of the ordinary. I feel almost compelled to thank Whipple for stabbing me in the heart…!" - you'll have to read the rest of her review to find out why.

Harriet writes about They knew Mr Knight, describing it as "witty, perceptive, and brilliant in its depiction of people and their complex relationships"

The capricious reader is incredibly enthusiastic about her first Persephone experience (Miss Pettigrew): "And the story! The story! It’s utterly charming! Can I say delightful one more time? Because it IS! It IS delightful! I love it!"

The missing needle found that PRW was happening just as she had concidentally started reading Good evening Mrs Craven. I love those sorts of coincidences!

Karen at Books and Chocolate has read an amazing THREE Persephone books over the weekend; her third was Flush.

Rose joined in by reading Consequences which she describes as "profoundly sad".

Jo at The Book Jotter read The home-maker for the weekend, and today she tells us a bit more about Dorothy Canfield Fisher, the author behind the book which was fascinating!

Poor Nymeth has been struck down with fever and really wanted to review her book; she promises one in due course, but says of The making of marchioness in the meantime: "“Book…good…you…should…read”. Hope you feel better soon!

The Boston Bibliophile mentions that she is reading Reuben Sachs as part of her participation.

Don't forget to catch up with Jodie's live blogging post as she reads her way through Dimanche and other stories.

Please see the comment from Geraldine at the bottom of my "IS this your first time" post yesterday here; Geraldine doesn't have a blog but she joined in by rereading Tell it to a stranger this weekend.

And finally, it must have been known more widely that it was PRW this weekend - The Guardian/Observer chose today to post a list of the 10 best neglected classics. And not just one but TWO Persephone books feature in the list: The blank wall and The Victorian chaise-longue.

I hope I haven't missed anyone out...

There's still time for you to enter the competitions which close at midnight tonight (GMT); shortly after this I'll post the answers to my VERY popular photo competition which so many people have had fun entering. Winners will be announced on Monday evening.

Persephone Reading Weekend: Is it your first time?

If you've missed out on previous Persephone Reading Week excitement then you might be interested in reading some of my posts from before:

A pile of Persephones (May 2009 - the first unofficial Persephone reading week!)
My Persephone Life (August 2009)
My Persephone Reading Life (May 2010)

And here are some Persephone Books reviews from my blog over the last few years to whet your appetite for more...

Fidelity (Glaspell)
Bricks and Mortar (Ashton)
Making conversation (Langford)
They can't ration these/How to run your home without help/Kitchen Essays
Every eye (English)
Marjory Fleming (Malet)
Alas poor lady (Ferguson)
House in the country (Playfair)
Operation Heartbreak (Cooper)
A very great profession (Beaumann)
World that was ours (Bernstein)
Short story collections
Good food on the aga (Heath)
Still missing (Gutcheon)
An interrupted life (Hillesum)
The expendable man (Hughes)
Julian Grenfell (Mosley)
Hopkins Manuscript (Sheriff)

Don't forget, that if you're a Persephone newcomer and reading your first Persephone Book this weekend, you're eligible for a special prize draw - just mention it when you post your review and we'll choose a winner at random!

Persephone Reading Weekend: Roundup #1

Persephone Reading Weekend has got off to an absolutely fantastic start - there have been a huge number of posts already, and so without further ado, it's time for me to share them with you so that you can go round and see what everyone else has been reading and perhaps get some inspiration as to which Persephone Book you want to read next. Don't forget to enter our competitions (my photo competition and Claire's Temporarily Missing competition)


Darlene got a head start with The closed door and other stories and I look forward to seeing her review, and Books as food couldn't resist dipping into The Carlyle's at home.

Inspiration is likely to come from Rachel's post at Book Snob where she provides us with A Persephone for every occasion - a wonderful list of some Persephone books and when you might want to read them.

Joan from Flowers and Stripes gives us some quotes from Miss Buncle's book (which is one of my favourites), which she recieved as part of her Persephone secret santa.

JoAnn has taken her participation to the extreme - she is flying into London tomorrow and will be visiting the Persephone shop!

Sophie from An Embarassment of Frivolities talks about her plans to read the Nemirovsky short stories, and hopes they will provide relief from her wisdom tooth pain. Simon from Savidge Reads has a Persephone ready, and kindly mentions the weekend, as does Thomas from My Porch.

There is a generous giveaway:
Karen from Books and Chocolate is giving away a copy of Fidelity by Susan Glaspell - you need to identify some of the Persephone endpapers.

And there have been lots of reviews (everyone has obviously got ahead with their reading!):
Claire at Captive Reader has read House-bound which she describes as "paint[ing] a fascinating picture of mid-war life, both in terms of daily domestic life and social conventions"
Paperback Reader Claire, my co-host, reprises her review of Still Missing.
Teresa at Shelf-love finds the ideas in the Home-maker still relevant today even though it was written in 1924 but found that it left her feeling rather sad; I recently re-read this one and would certainly agree with her.
Vivienne at Serendipity has read Saplings and finds that Streatfeild's adult novels live up to her memories of Streatfeild's children's books, albeit somewhat darker.
Motheretc has read her very first Persephone book, and it was Making of a marchioness which she "picked up by chance" and thoroughly enjoyed.
Karen at Books and Chocolate knew that she had to read another Whipple for the weekend and read Someone at a distance; although she thinks that endings are not Whipple's strongest point she greatly enjoyed the characterisation and will be forcing this on her mother so that they can discuss it together!

As I said this morning, my fingers are quite sore, so I'm sadly not going to be able to do comments but I am reading and enjoying everyone's posts :)

Claire will have round-ups for you on Saturday, while I rest my fingers, and I will be back on Sunday...Please don't forget to leave links to our welcome posts to ensure that your posts make it into our roundups!