The Kitchenaid Mixer

Growing up in a household with a baking fanatic Nan who was also a trained Domestic Science teacher (a big deal for a woman of her generation) we always had a Kenwood mixer. My Nan was an impromptu baker who could and often would, rustle up a cake at the drop of a hat for no reason in particular.  Out of nowhere you would hear the whirring of the mixer from the other end of the house and know she had taken one of her baking notions.  When you're wee, you just accept that these things are part of every day life and I always thought a mixer was something every household needed to have.  

Despite the iconic Kitchenaid mixer being developed in the 1930's, I didn't become aware of them until several years ago when I saw Nigella using one on her TV series.  At first I didn't know anything about them but a bit of internet digging soon sorted that and I was desperate to own one.  When I finally got my first home six years ago, a Kitchenaid mixer was on the list of essentials but I really had to save for one.  It took me two years to finally get one, partly because I had to save and partly because I couldn't decide which colour to buy.  I wanted a classic colour that I wouldn't get tired of so I eventually went for Majestic Yellow which a more of a mustard, retro yellow.  I absolutely love my Kitchenaid mixer and wouldn't be without it now.  I think the fact that I saved so hard for it made it all the better.  

My beloved Kitchenaid the week it arrived

When I was in New York recently, I chanced upon the Kitchenaid display in Macy's.  They looked beautiful all lined up on the shelves in different colours. I looked at them longingly for a few minutes but wouldn't cheat on my Majestic Yellow for anything.

Kitchenaid porn in Macy's

Simple pleasures

The beginning of my week was fraught with sugar cravings. I haven't baked for ages but was delighted to discover that I had all the ingredients to whip up a batch of vanilla cupcakes. It really doesn't take long to make cupcakes and of course the fun part is deciding what colour of icing and sprinkles to have. I went for pink and blue. There's nothing better than that first bite crunchy sprinkle/soft sweet buttercream combination. And, let's be honest, a buttercream moustache would put a smile on even the grumpiest face.

I've also been trying to get out and about, experimenting with my camera a bit more.  The weather was a bit up and down last week and I had nothing exciting planned so I was kind of at a loss finding something different to photograph. Then I noticed how lovely the pink wildflowers growing on the hedge at the back of our car park looked.  I hadn't really noticed them before but decided to take some pictures and see how they turned out.  I was delighted with the result and on the days following, I kind of went on a wildflower shooting spree (with a camera not a gun, that is). No matter where you live, it's amazing how you can find beautiful things on your doorstep if you just have a look out for them. What simple things have given you pleasure this week?