2020... not sure about this year at all

I realised the other day that the only post from this year was one full of optimism and positive thoughts.

Hmmm... Seems that when 2020 happened none of us knew what the year had in stock.

Solent view from the Isle of Wight, April 2020

I have read many blogs and articles that have commented on the crazy events leading to this point, but no-one could have predicted the Coronavirus pandemic - truly an event I would have thought to read about in a fiction novel, or seen in a disaster movie.

Is anyone else suspended in disbelief, hoping that as Dallas did with Bobby Ewing many years ago, we will all wake up tomorrow and find that it was an extravagant dream? Wouldn't that be amazing?

I keep thinking that now is the time to get back to writing fiction; I have so many ideas swirling in my mind. But, it is actually a great chance to get ahead on my teaching - so as some of you may have realised my time is not spent doing maths not english! But, maybe, just maybe... I can use this time to put ideas together and plan.

The question is what will you do to make your time in lockdown something you can look back on positively?

Personally, I am trying to do the following things:

• Doing exercise every day - either a fitness class, walk or cleaning (this really does count)

• Try to achieve something in the house - clearing a cupboard, baking (and eating - exercise needed definitely), or cooking

• Spend time with family - talking, playing games or making a jigsaw puzzle

• Watch some news (really have to control how much I watch here since it was getting silly)

• Try to do some work... lots of maths just waiting!

Next week, I will be working from home again, so will have to get some lessons planned/ be there for students that need help.

I am also reading a series (on the last book)... so will try to post a review when I am done!

So for now, can I wish anyone that reads this good health and all the best during these troubling times.

Vanessa

OUCH! PAIN AND PLEASURE

For the last few weeks I have suffering from a tooth ache and knowing that I had a dental visit waited patiently until today! So, one filling later and after being made fun of by my husband (he was actually really funny) I now talk like a dummy... hopefully, it'll pass!

Anyway, last week I made some progress on my new novel and it is now approaching the 60,000 work mark. I still have no idea if any of it is any good. Major editing will be needed. Even so, it is great to keep going and the love-story part is finally coming together! It's really hard to visualise a wedding 150 years ago in Jamaica, but I tried!

Yesterday, it was my daughter's Birthday Party and it was brilliant - thank you to Pizza Hut for an amazing job.

My daughter made this cake herself - with a little of my "unwanted" help" HA!

If you don't know about it (I didn't) they do kids parties for excellent value - click on the LINK! The staff at the Newport branch on the Isle of Wight could not be praised more. They were amazing...

After this, I took my daughter to see Insurgent in Cineworld in 3D. It was a treat for her - honest! This is a great review of the film by ENTERTAIN THIS, which basically says it all.

I really liked the film and the way it was different from the book. Why do things the same? Kate Winslet pulled off her character, Jeanine (crazy cold-hearted Erudite) really well. I liked the way Tris is portrayed as so tough, but wonder what they are saying about the perfect human being? (for those who know what's coming)

Either way, I would LOVE to see Theo James as the main character, Steven, in my trilogy! Added bonus, he is English - PERFECT for the role! Contacts, anyone? :)

I know, I know... I AM allowed to dream!

I do wonder how successful this franchise will be in the long run. For the third day showing, there were about ten people in the theatre... I personally look forward to the next installment.

Have a great week everyone - let's keep trying to live the dream.

Al the best,
Vanessa

And we are back to CAKE...

My sister gave me a 3 in 1 SWEET SNACK MAKER for Christmas.

Now, as some of you know I like to bake for fun with my kids so this was a cool present!

So, I finally opened it up and had a look at what I could make...

First, we attempted doughnuts!

And then using a different mold we make "pops"

Here is my daughter looking pleased with herself!

I highly recommend this machine if you have kids or want to make something fun to share with friends!

Vanessa :) xx

What a day...

Okay, so first off I get into the shower to find my shampoo and conditioner have ran out (and I already had my hair wet). Then I realise I had forgotten to bring my towel in. THEN... I hear the garbage truck... yep, I had forgotten to put the rubbish out! Jeez...

So, clothes on quick, mad dash outside - job done (luckily the trucks were still on the main road).

I decide to empty the guinea pig cage since its rubbish collection day, then stick the wash load in the dryer...

Rush upstairs, get my daughter changed for school, get breakfast ready - do my eldest daughters hair (after she complained I had no time for her - go figure...) then get school bags ready... and off we go!

So, back at home and it's 9.10 am - now I can have breakfast...

So, here I am about to start writing/ editing for the day and I am already shattered... I have no idea how single working mums look after kids and get to work on time - what would we do without tea & coffee, right?

Anyway, yesterday I managed to update my short story cover picture to this...

It is now FREE via smashwords (77p via Amazon) ... so please download to any reading device, share with friends and leave me a review :)

SMASHWORDS LINK

AMAZON LINK US OR UK

If you like then please check out my Trilogy :) Thanks

Hope your day is less eventful than mine. Before I go, here is my daughters "signature bake" at the moment - Sticky Toffee Apple cake...

Enjoy



Vanessa :) xx

Warning pictures of CAKE... WARNING... LOL

It was my daughters Birthday this weekend and she decided she wanted a multicolour cake... soooo

This is what we did...

We made three layers - the outside ones slightly bigger... and used food colouring to make the cakes look different (you can also use cocoa powder - 25g)!

Recipe for outer layers:

3 eggs
125g caster sugar
125g margerine or butter
Vanilla essence & food colouring
175g flour

Recipe for inner layer:

2 eggs
100g caster sugar
100g margerine or butter
Vanilla essence & food colouring
125g flour

 Jam on the first layer...

Butter icing on the next layer...

Then covered it in Marzipan, buttercream & decorations!

The end result...

Enjoy,

Vanessa :) xx

Cakes and Carol (Hedges that is...)

I love Twitter (love is a strong word, I know) but seriously what a fantastic place! I have made many friends and I do have so many laughs... yes, it is terribly addictive - I could have written 3 novels by now (wishful thinking), but it's all worth it in the end!

Through Twitter I met Carol Hedges... and I was lucky enough to have her interview me on her blog. I snuggled up on her Pink Sofa and made myself comfortable. There were not too many crumbs either, which was impressive since we share an afinity for CAKE...

Anyway, before I share with you my latest invention - BANANA & CARROT MUFFINS - here is the link to the interview... The Pink Sofa Welcomes Vanessa Wester

My highlights:

"I had permission to write - I was not being silly if I wrote."

"The best thing about writing is the complete and utter escapism that comes with it."

"The worst thing about writing (since I am self-published) is the EDITING."

"Thanks Vanessa. And a special thank you for bringing a lovely selection of tempting home made cakes and mince pies with you."

Anyway, the CAKES... My own invention (I love being SCIENTIFIC!)

RECIPE

1. 3 eggs

2. 125g soft margarine or butter

3. 75g muscovado or brown sugar

4. 50g caster sugar

5. 175g Self raising wholemeal flour

6. Teaspoon of vanilla essence

7. 1 teaspoon baking powder

8. 25g mixed dried fruit

9. 1 carrot, grated

10. 2 ripe bananas, mashed

METHOD

Measure out 1 - 7 in a mixing bowl and whisk together (I could be bothered to do them separately).  Then add 8 -10 and mix well.  Place in 12 muffin cases (deep ones) and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for approx 20 minutes (check for a golden colour).

ENJOY! Let me know if any of you make these...

Vanessa :) xx

Chocolate Butterfly Muffins

I do love to bake ... not all the time, otherwise my waistband will expand again... but I had to share these with you.

They are delicious, easy to make and look impressive (but I'm sure you can make them even better...)

Ingredients

3 eggs

125g soft margarine (I use dairy free butter)

125g caster sugar

175g self raising flour

25g cocoa powder

Drizzle of milk

Around 50g of chocolate to melt and chocolate sprinkles for decoration.

Method:

Whisk up the eggs, sugar and butter

Add the SR flour, cocoa powder and milk.

Whisk again...

Prepare a muffin tray with 12 muffin cases.  Spread the mix evenly throughout the cases.

Bake at 180 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Cool, then carefully cut round circles in the middle and split them in half.

Melt chocolate, drizzle in each well, add the wings and sprinkles...JOB DONE...

EAT... and look like this...

Give it a go... hope you enjoyed!

Lotsa love
Vanessa :) xx