Weekend Cookbook: Claire's Rainbow Party!

Last weekend, we celebrated my middle girl's 2nd Birthday. I had been debating whether I have a party for Claire as I had been pretty busy with life since baby Alicia arrived three months ago. Six days out from the date of the party, I decided that we should do something. Really, who plans a kids party six days before the event?? Me, obviously! So I sent out the text messages and I was committed to a party. Or what I called a small morning tea :)

I decided on a rainbow party as I was keen to make a rainbow cake. You know the one, the cake that is pinned and re-pinned on pinterest.  It was actually pretty easy and I have included the recipe that I used below.

After looking at various printables for decorations I decided that it would take too much work. Instead I found this tutorial for a Balloon Banner. It looked so pretty that a week later it is still up.

Our Balloon Banner.

Continuing in the rainbow theme, I made cupcakes with little rainbows on them, rainbow jelly, fairy bread, mars bar slice with sprinkles, cookies with  m&m rainbows, and a fruit rainbow.

I also made sausage rolls from the Frost Bite cookbook and my egg and bacon tarts from last weekend's brunch post. 

And now what you have been waiting for.........

Rainbow Cake

 

Ingredients:

2x packet butter cakes (or make your own). I used this butter cake recipe 

Blue, Green, Yellow and Red food colouring

Coloured sprinkles, to decorate

Meringue Icing

 2 cups caster sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

6 egg whites

 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to required temperature and grease and line three round cake tins (I only had two so I cooked the first two then made a third later).

2. Make one butter cake and divide into three parts (I weighed mine to ensure it was equal). Colour the first three blue, green and yellow and bake for 20 mins. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins and then transfer to a wire rack. Wash and dry your tins and repeat for the remaining colours.

3. I froze the first three cakes and thawed then the night before the party to save time. On the morning of the party I made the icing and assembled the cake.

 

4. To make the icing, place the sugar, water and cream of tartar into a saucepan over high heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 mins. Place egg whites into the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. With the motor running gradually add the sugar mixture and beat until thick and glossy (keep beating until it is thick enough to hold to the cake.

5. To assemble the cake, place the blue cake on the bottom and spread 1/2 cup of icing on top. You may need to slice the tops of your cake or it will be giant! Place green cake on top and continue layering with icing and cake. To ensure your cake doesn't fall over insert a skewer into the middle of your cake then smooth icing over the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle the sprinkles to decorate.

Honestly, this cake is really easy and yummy! 

This little cutie loved it

What have you been cooking this week?

Guest Post: Winter Fashions for a Growing Bump

When I was asked whether I would like a guest post for on maternity wear from ASOS  I was excited as I had heard great things about their maternity range. Sadly for me,  I didn't know about them while I was pregnant. If you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby it is worth checking out. They have free delivery! {Lisa}

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to hide away in baggy jumpers and forget all about your stylish pre-pregnancy self. Also for most of your pregnancy many of you will still have to hold down job and work usual hours, so you can’t become lazy with dressing.

So sit back and take a look at some great maternity wear from ASOS for some style inspiration for work, rest and play pregnancy outfits. 

For time spent in the office, important meetings and greetings it is important to still look smart and sophisticated so a simple yet effective pencil skirt is a great option. A high waisted skirt in stretch jersey will grow with your bump keeping you comfortable and stylish in one. This look can be easily completed with a cute blouse, tights and heels or flat loafers depending on how comfortable you are in them.

For a perfect rest outfit you need something that is comfortable above anything else. Jeggings are a great solution for this as they are smart enough for a spot of shopping, taking the rest of the brood on the school run and rare days of kicking back and relaxing. An oversized top in a cute print and trainers will finish the look effortlessly. 

Chances are you won’t get much of a chance to “play” whilst pregnant so may only lash out on one going out frock so make sure it will suit any occasion that may arise in the next nine months. This midi length coral dress with lace detailing will be well suited for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, a wedding, pretty much anything!

So next time you are in need of some maternity wear, don’t be tempted to throw all style rules out the window, there are some great options to choose from to make your pregnancy a totally stylish experience.

Did you try to stay stylish when you were pregnant? What is your best pregnancy style tip?