April – you’ve been lovely! Here’s my list of favourite things in the April 2013 Miss Sweet Loves.
1. Miss Sweet’s Birthday
Happy birthday to me! The only way to celebrate is with cake – lots of it. I enjoyed many cakes over the birthday week and these were my favourites.
On the left, my first birthday “cake” at Queenies. I like to call it a caribbean sundae (mainly because I can’t remember what it was actually called!). It came complete with singing and blushing smiles. Thank you lovely blogging ladies for organising such a sweet surprise at our dinner. In the middle, a birthday cupcake for breakfast, naturally. On the right, the epic sundae from Hartsyard. Oh my goodness it was amazing! Including pretzel crumbs, banana donuts, salted fudge and so much awesome that Mr Sticky and I licked the bowl clean.
2. Australia’s Blogger Morning Tea
I was invited to celebrate Cancer Council’s 20th Anniversary of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea with a very special event – the first Australia’s Blogger Morning Tea. A group of 20 fabulous bloggers came together to share a cuppa and talk about cancer how we can make a difference to Aussies living with cancer.
We were treated to lots of yummy treats from famous chefs and celebrities – including Gary Mehigan, Sarah Wilson and Matt Moran. I loved the simple bacon and egg pastry-free tarts by Sarah Wilson and little porridge pots with stewed fruits (not pictured).
The tea leaf readings and tastings were also a lot of fun. I don’t drink tea regularly. I think it taste’s like hot wet plants. I did enjoy some of the cold teas, so maybe fortune and good health awaits us all?
I was really touched to hear Barry Du Bois’ cancer story. Barry from The Living Room was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer a few years ago. He’s had surgery and other cancer treatment and is still living with his cancer. I was inspired by the rejuvenation he expressed for life across all aspects of his life, including his little family. After many unsuccessful attempts at IVF, Barry and his wife welcomed beautiful twins born in India from surrogacy.
Living with cancer is not an easy journey. Emotional and practical support from Cancer Council has made a real difference to Barry’s life, and others who have cancer.
Want to help people like Barry living with cancer? Host a Biggest Morning Tea anytime during May and raise money for Cancer Council. Register today: http://biggestmorningtea.com.au/
3. The Chocolate Club
Are you part of a Book Club? Man. Book Clubs are so 2012…You need to join a Chocolate Club!
It started as an email chain about the exciting new chocolate ranges from Lindt – the Peanut Butter and the Caramel Lindor Balls. We had to have them! Welcome to the first edition of the Chocolate Club – Peanut Butter Lindor Balls. We were obsessed. Next, we tried new slabs from Whittakers the Berry & Biscuit and the Hokey Pokey. Some members loved the Berry & Biscuit and others the Hokey Pokey. Maybe we should taste test again just to double-check? Purely for research purposes.
I was also sent some Pana Chocolate to try. Can you believe I’ve never tried Pana Chocolate before? Crazyness.
What I like about the range is that they are all raw, organic, handmade in Australia with natural ingredients. I think it’s a good choice for those with allergies, like gluten or dairy, or those who are just conscious of eating chocolate that’s a little bit kinder to the environment. It doesn’t taste like “normal” chocolate – it has a significantly different texture and without the same hard snap as some brands on the supermarket shelves. That said, I really enjoyed the difference. Mr Sticky wasn’t a fan – he’s a white chocolate kind of man, so it was simply too dark for him. The flavours are really quirky – I mean blue-green algae is pretty out there. No need for alarm, this isn’t like the algae you get in a pond! It’s safe to eat, albeit an unusual combination. I found it had an earthy, rich taste. I enjoyed the mint and coconut & goji flavours more, but you should absolutely try this one for yourself.
4. Eddie the Sea Otter
I discovered Eddie the Sea Otter earlier this year but I am still OBSESSED with him.
I mean, it’s a Sea Otter that plays basketball. What’s not to love?! He even dunks! And he gets cranky at himself when he doesn’t make the basket! Adorable.
What was your highlight of April 2013?
