64. My Thoughts on the Gaza Crisis

I'm not going to use this post to curse Israel for what they are doing to Palestinians, there's enough hate in this world and what good will it do? I'd rather use my energy to bring to your attention what really matters, the ones that the world seems to have forgotten about, the ones that are suffering. I don't know about you but this is the most upsetting thing I've seen in my life and ironically, it was the BBC that reported it during their biased coverage of the conflict. I cried my eyes out for a good half an hour after watching that report and all I want to do is hold the innocent angel in my arms and protect her until the day I die but I can't and it's frustrating beyond words. What use is it having something that can pay for your chai latte and FaceTime someone when children are being delivered from dead mothers in 2014? If the little angel survives, she'll grow up without parents and find out her mother died before she was even born due to an Israeli bomb. She'll understandably be angry and so will an entire generation of children who are managing to survive the fighting and torture. They will seek revenge and the conflict will continue. It's a vicious cycle. We're going backwards as a species and all during the centenary month of the First World War. Never have have the words of George Orwell been more apt:

800 Palestinians have apparently died. That figure must be significantly higher due to bodies that haven't been found in the wreckage yet. How many more need to be killed, orphaned and injured? How many more UN schools and homes are going to be blown up? How many more premature children are going to be delivered from dead, widowed mothers? Like I mentioned above, not being able to help those suffering at this horrific time is beyond frustrating but we've got to do something. Whether you say a prayer, attend a protest, boycott Israeli brands or donate some money to help, just do something. I wouldn't be surprised if we're in a similar position in our lifetimes after what's been happening in Ukraine and the rest of the Middle East too to mention a few of the many global pockets of violence. There's no humanity in humans anymore from what I've seen recently. Don't be a robot, don't let George predict the future.

63. Raspberry Ripple Cupcakes Recipe

Hello everyone! I just realised that I have not done a recipe post in ages so I have a cupcake recipe for you all! I baked these for my birthday and my friends really liked them so hopefully you will too. So without further ado, let's get baking!

Ingredients (to make ~24 small cupcakes):

For the cake mixture:

• 170 g unsalted butter, softened
• 170 g caster sugar
• 170 g self raising flour
• 3 free range eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150 g fresh raspberries

For the raspberry ripple icing:

• 100 g fresh raspberries
• 150 g icing sugar
• 150 g unsalted butter
• 150 g soft cream cheese

Method:
1) Pre-heat the oven to 180°C gas/160°C fan. Line two muffin trays with cupcake cases.
2) Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
3) Add the vanilla extract and mix further.
4) Add the eggs a little at a time mixing well after each addition. (A little tip: I beat the eggs into a mixing jug and then just pour them in).
5) Fold in the flour and raspberries.
6) Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases (A little tip: I use my measuring spoons and add a tablespoon to each case, here's a link to the measuring spoons I have).
7) Bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre of each cake (make sure you don't mistake the raspberry juice for it being undercooked).
8) Place the cupcakes on a wire rack. Whilst the cupcakes are cooling, you can make the frosting! Beat the icing sugar, butter and soft cream cheese (using an electric whisk will be a good idea here) until the ingredients are well combined.
9) Setting aside one raspberry for each cupcake to decorate, fold the remainder of the raspberries into the icing. 
10) Using a star shaped nozzle, pipe onto the cupcakes. (Another tip: I am not very good at piping especially with the disposable bags but my Lekue macaron kit piping device has made it easier). Finish by topping each cupcake with a raspberry. 

If you do give this recipe a go then let me know by commenting below what you thought of the cupcakes! Also, would you like more recipe posts? I need any excuse to bake! Until next time, take care.
Love,
Mancunian Sheep x 

62. My 20th Birthday

Hello everyone, in traditional Mancunian Sheep style, here's my birthday post! Unfortunately, the Mancunian Sheep is no longer a teenager and I now feel very old as ridiculous as it sounds. I think it's because like I said in my first post of this year, the twenties are the most life changing decade in my opinion and I just don't feel ready for it all. I don't want this post to get too philosophical so time for lots of photos of CAKE and other things, yay!

As it is Ramadhan, my party was quite a unique one in that nobody (except my Mum who can't fast due to her Parkinson's medication) ate. My two lovely best friends, Sammia and Misbah came over to mine and we just had a massive catch up, took lots of photos and then went to give the neighbours food. Although we couldn't eat or play games (it's hard enough whacking a pinata let alone when you've not ate/drank for over 18 hours), I had such fun! I've been spoilt rotten this year and I am so grateful and can't believe the effort my Mum and friends went to because 20 isn't even a big birthday and with it being Ramadhan, I honestly wasn't expecting anything because everyone's so busy and tired so a massive thank you to them all! Also, a huge thank you to the girls for managing to get the giant cupcake out of the most awkward packaging ever -_-

Raspberry Ripple cupcakes that I baked.

You can never have too much cake!

It's taken me 20 years but I finally blew out the candles in one go!

Feeding Mum some cake!

Sammia and Misbah <3

Misbah and I <3

Of course Peggy and Jenny were VIP guests.

Sammia et moi :)

So cute!

When I unwrapped this present I said "Aww nails inc" in a
 really high pitch with excitement and Sammia,
 Misbah and I could not stop laughing. I'm such an idiot!

I will be referring to this often during final year!

And so my love for daisy accessories continues!

Hello Type 2 diabetes!

This smells beautiful! It's my new favourite perfume and the
 smell doesn't fade! The bottle was a nightmare to open though
and it took us three about 10 minutes to figure it out :O
Love how you can see the camera's reflection.

Really excited to watch this!

This tin is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen!

This will come in handy for my Sehri smoothies!

Will this be the first house plant that doesn't die under my watch?
I also need to name it, please comment below with suggestions!

Oh boy!

I've wanted this for months! My Mum is the best!

Until next time, take care.

Love,

Mancunian Sheep x

61. My Favourite Summer Accessories

Hello everyone, I know I only put up my beastly Wimbledon post yesterday but as I start my 8 week summer internship 2 weeks today, I'm going to be posting as much as I can during the next fortnight.

I've been buying a lot of summer accessories lately to brighten up my wardrobe. We don't really get much of a summer in Manchester usually but the past month or so has been an exception with sunshine almost everyday! Here are my favourites and I've also provided a link for each item where possible or alternatives in case you want to purchase any of the featured products.

1. Cath Kidston Cotton Backpack (available here) - I've had my eye on this backpack for a few months but as it was £40, I personally didn't think that was worth the money for a cotton backpack but I managed to get it for £25 in the Cath Kidston sale and you can now purchase it for even less at £20! I wanted a bag that screamed summer but was also practical for trips out to Wimbledon and my forthcoming trip to the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. It is a neon pink colour with white polka dots and three spacious compartments with a clasp and drawstring fastening to keep your belongings safe. Also, it is machine washable.

 I really like this zipped compartment on the inside of the flap because you can keep essentials such as chewing gum, keys, tissues etc that you need to access quickly without rummaging in the large compartment.

2. H&M black suede pumps with gold chain detail which were £19.99 (unfortunately, I purchased these in early May so here are some alternatives for a similar price: ASOS alternative 1 , ASOS alternative 2). These shoes are so comfy and are my favourite pair this summer. They're smart enough for work but stylish enough for casual wear too as they go with just about anything! I wore them both to my internship interview and to Wimbledon.

My shoes!

ASOS Alternative 1- I love the tiger detail!

ASOS Alternative 2- these have silver detail if that's more your thing!

3. Daisy print accessories. I love daisies, when they're out, you just know it's summer. When I spotted two daisy print items, I just had to buy them as they're so cute!

a)  Accessorize Daisy Chain Bracelet at £8 (available here). I absolutely love making daisy chains but if you don't like picking flowers or want something that will last longer, this is perfect. Accessorize also do a matching necklace if you want to go daisy crazy! It is very versatile and is a great way to add a summery touch to any outfit. 

b) Daisy Scrunchie from Urban Outfitters for £4 (available here). I was wearing my denim shirt with this scrunchie the other day and felt like a true 90s kid, oh the nostalgia! 

4. Lightweight scarves from Accessorize. I needed some new headscarves for summer that would keep me cool but would also stay fixed on my head unlike silky ones. I love the scarves in Accessorize because they are so big so you can layer them up and they have really pretty patterns too. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the blue one on the Accessorize website but it may be in your local store. The butterfly print scarf (available here) was £19 and the blue one was £15.

I appear to have a penchant for bird and butterfly print scarves!

5. I know strictly speaking perfume isn't an accessory but it adds something to an outfit so in my opinion it is. My favourite summer perfume is Givenchy's Very Irresistible L'eau en Rose de Toilette (available here). My friend Alex and I went to our local Boots and they were handing out perfume testers at the door and I immediately fell in love with it so went back and bought some. It isn't a typical strong rose scent; it's very light, fruity and fresh so perfect for summer. I've had it for almost 3 months and have used a fair bit already because I've neglected my other perfumes and because my Mum has also been using some.

Leave a comment below sharing what your favourite piece of jewellery, pair of shoes and perfume is this summer. Until next time, take care.

Love,

Mancunian Sheep x

60. Second Thursday of Wimbledon 2014

Hello everyone, let me warn you now that this is going to be a very long post because not only did I go to Wimbledon but there is also some other Mancunian Sheep news this week. I'm putting this post up early on a Sunday because it's Ramadan so I'll be busy in the evening and also, the men's singles final at Wimbledon gets underway at 2pm. 

This week got off to a great start because my Mum came home from hospital on Monday! She went in almost two weeks ago and I'm just so glad and relieved to have her back where she belongs because when she last had a UTI (a common complication in Parkinson's patients during hot weather) in 2012, she was in for 6 weeks! 

After the most demanding academic year of my entire life in which I had 6 hour labs, a dissertation, a field course and 8 exams, I have somehow passed second year with a 2.1! I received my results on Friday and I hope everyone else who already have/ waiting for their results are/will be happy with them! It's scary to think that this time next year, I'll almost be graduating hopefully :O

Now for the bulk of this post, my trip to Wimbledon! My Wimbledon journey began last year when I applied for tickets in December for the Public Ballot and found out I had managed to get a pair of court 1 tickets in February! I couldn't believe my luck as the public ballot is ridiculously oversubscribed and I think there's 4 applicants for every ticket. 

I went to Wimbledon with my neighbour and very good friend, Ana who I've known for 14 years but have never actually been out with! We got the coach from Manchester to London at 5.45 am on Thursday but disaster struck when our coach arrived 40 minutes late at London Victoria due to a ridiculous traffic jam on Baker Street, Westminister. Thanks to my accurate planning, I had an almost minute by minute schedule so the rest of the day ran smoothly as we just got a later service from London Victoria to Clapham and then from Clapham to Wimbledon. Once we arrived at Wimbledon station, there was a superb taxi service running where you could share a cab and pay £2.50/person direct to the All England Club. There were also buses but they cost £3.50 and were slower so it made a lot more sense to take the cab.

Once we entered the park, I purchased a Rally for Bally wristband to raise money for the Royal Marsden in memory of the lovely and inspirational Elena Baltacha, may she rest in peace (you can donate here). When I saw the Centre Court sign and balcony, memories of Andy's win last summer came flooding back and my knees almost gave way. It was genuinely one of the happiest moments of my entire life, not to sound too poetic. 

The first match on court 1 was the men's doubles quarter finals, Radek Stepanek and Leander Paes were against Daniel Nestor and Neand Zimonjic. As Stepanek had defeated Andy at Queen's a few weeks ago, I wanted the others to win at the start but when a spectator collapsed due to the 26C heat and Paes spotted him and gave him a water bottle, I was rooting for Stepanek and Paes. They put on a good show by doing some keepy uppy and Stepanek tormented one of the ball boys by keeping the ball under his foot which was a bit mean but it was all light-hearted! Stepanek played very well and they deserved to win as they took the match in 4 sets.

But first, let us take a selfie!

Coin toss!

Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic and Leander Paes of India.

Daniel Nestor of Canada and Neand Zimonjic of Serbia.

At the start of the second set, we went for lunch because due to the coach being late, we had no time beforehand. Ana and I both bought a sandwich and I got us some strawberries and cream because you can't go to Wimbledon and not have the infamous treat!

We needed lots of this!

Ana enjoying the strawberries!

Such fun, yum yum!

Here's some more photos from the first match:

Stepanek serving

Zimonjic serving

Match point!

When Paes and Stepanek won!

Celebrate good times, come on!

This is one of the reasons why I adore tennis, despite playing gruelling matches, these guys sign autographs and souvenirs immediately after matches. It shows how much the fans mean to players. 

Between matches, Ana and I went to the Wimbledon shop and made some new friends!

A very cool but uncomfortable looking dress. I'm loving the green mohwak and strawberry shoes however.

I ended up going a bit crazy in the souvenir shop but oh well, it was the best day of my life after all! Here are some of the things I bought (some of them are presents for my friends so I'm not posting photos of them):

I've already framed this and it's sitting on my desk.

Sunburnt but worth it, also I won't be needing a red nose for Comic Relief :P

Fridge magnet.

The second match was the third round of the mixed doubles and it was our very own Naomi Broady from Stockport and Liverpool's Neal Skupski (come on the North!) who beat Florin Mergea of Romania and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in a thrilling 3 set match. The final set was edge of the seat tennis and at one point when Broady and Skupski were up for 4-2, it must have gone to 10th deuce and it felt like the last game of the Murray-Djokovic 2013 Wimbledon final. Naomi Broady played wonderfully and she will definitely go far in British women's tennis, I was astounded that this was only their first Wimbledon.

Naomi Broady serving.

Naomi Broady and Neal Skupski discussing tactics.

The players taking a much deserved break.

Florin Mergea and Elina Stivtolina.

Aww, the chair umpire looks lonely.

Hawk-Eye!

Victory is ours!

Naomi can't believe they've done it!

Neal throwing the ball into the crowd.

I hope you've enjoyed this long photo packed post, I'm off to watch the Wimbledon final now. Come on Djokovic! Until next time, take care.

Love,
Mancunian Sheep x