How To Make A Spiderweb Cake

With Halloween just days away I thought I would show you how I make a Spiderweb Halloween Cake. I first made this cake last year and was very impressed in how easy it is to make. Honestly I have had to wait a year to share with you how to do it. 
All your going to need is a chocolate cake or cake kit, chocolate icing, giant marshmallows, and black ready to roll fondant.

1. To make the cake we used the Betty Crocker Devils Food Cake Mix, however if you prefer you can make the cake yourself. We added 3 eggs and 8 tablespoons of olive oil into the mixture and mixed until combined.
2. Next line a cake tin or two, I used one and then cut the cake in half later. 
3. Pour your mixture into the cake tin and level it. Pop your cake in the oven on Gas mark 4 or 180'C for around 30mins. 
4. Once your cake is cooled cut it in half, if you haven't baked it in separate tins. Also don't forget to level the cake as you want a nice flat top.
5. Sandwich the two halves together using some chocolate icing, we used Betty Crocker Chocolate Icing. 
6. Feel free to ice the outside of the cake too.  We decided not to in fear it was going to rip the cake. 
7. Pop 2 giant marshmellows in a microwave bowl and melt them for around 10-20 seconds.  They should come out looking nearly melted, almost like marshmallow fluff. 
8. With your hands grab some of the melted marshmallow in your hand (be careful it may be hot) and start to pull it until it becomes quite stringy and elasticated. Pull your hands apart and drape the marshmallow over the cake creating a spiderweb effect. 
9. Once you have finished stringing the marshmallow over the cake you can use some black ready to roll fondant to create spiders.

To make things a lot easier I have also uploaded a Youtube video to show you exactly how to make it. If you make this cake then feel free to tweet me pictures @KayleighmPlatt or tag me on Instagram @kayleighmplatt.

Enjoy

Kayleigh

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Victoria Gate Leeds

As a Leeds based lifestyle blogger I always like to keep up to date with whats going on around my city. This week the highly anticipated opening of the new Victoria Gate Shopping Centre and John Lewis Store finally happened. 
I am such an eager beaver when new things open within the city, especially anything to do with fashion. 

The new centre is set up as a twin arcade just like the older Victoria Quarter. Leeds has many shopping arcades so its nice to see the designers decided to reflect the other buildings from around the city. The modern design and architecture is absolutely stunning and I had to pick up my jaw from the floor, when I first walked in. The shop fronts are designed as flowing curves which I have never seen before. The whole of the centre is finished to a high standard and screams luxury like the brands that are offered inside. The polished marble floor and copper lights are eye catching and will have you thinking about interior design for days. 

Within the new centre theres a lot new brands that have set up shop within Leeds. They include Anthropologie, Calvin Klein, Cath Kidston, Hackett and Aspinal of London, just to name a few. There is a store to suit everyone within the new centre. There is also places to eat and drink on offer, if you are feeling a little peckish during your shopping trip. Le Pain Quotidien is a bakery in the heart of the centre that serves traditional dishes and quality fresh breads. There is also a John Lewis Cafe and Pret A Manger in the centre. 
The centre is soon set to open it's super casino, which will be the third-largest casino in the UK. It is 50,000 sq ft and has the capacity of 1,400 people. Not only does the casino have gaming, but it also has two bars, a restaurant and a function space. The casino is set to rival some of the top casinos in the betting capital of the world, Las Vegas. The casino is set to open at the end of the year. 

The new John Lewis store fits perfectly within the centre. It's design is truly unique and I like it's triangle abstract design. John Lewis is a fantastic department store as it offers a lot of popular brands. As you first walk in you are greeted by the cosmetic brands. This is a dangerous territory for me and it could do serious damage to my bank account. Within the first floor you can find brands such as Benefit, MAC, and Charlotte Tilbury. The new John Lewis store has floor to suit everyone and fulfil everybody needs. Its even got a Christmas section which really made me feel all cozy and excited for the festive season. I am really excited to start my christmas shopping and making use of the new John Lewis store as they offer an amazing range of christmas goodies. 

If you live within the West Yorkshire area I highly recommend coming and checking out the new Victoria Gate Centre and John Lewis Store. If you enjoyed this post then please follow my blog for future content.

Enjoy

Kayleigh

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High Protein Snacks

If there is one thing I struggle with when trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, its eating healthy snacks. I have a sweet tooth and love chocolate, cake and sweets, but they really aren't helping me to achieve my goals.  I have done quit a bit of research lately into healthier snacks and I wanted to share my favourites with you. Of course fruit and nuts are the best healthy choices, but with winter on its way a lot of my favourite fruit is unavailable, due it been out of season. 

As a busy uni student I can often get distracted by the the unhealthy food that surrounds my university campus. I wanted to find snacks that I could easily pop in my bag and eat between lectures or munch on before or after the gym. 

Trek Bars are one of my favourites on the list. They are Protein Flapjacks without the nasty protein texture or taste. The bars come in a range of different flavours to suit everyone's tastes buds.  The majority of the different flavoured bars have 10g grams of protein packed into them, which will keep you fuelled for longer.  I was also shocked to learn that Trek bars are vegan friendly and contain no wheat or gluten. They retail for around 99p-£1.50.

I will admit I am not huge fan of the taste of Nakd products but I do like the idea of them. I feel the majority of the products taste the same and its usually because the ingredients are practically identical. I like how they do a range of products from nibbles to bars and how easy it is just to pop them in your bag. Nakd products are also vegan friendly and contain no wheat or gluten. I hope in the future they improve on the flavouring. Nakd products retail between £1-£3.  

Bounce is a new company that I have recently come across and I can tell you so far that I am extremely impressed with there protein balls. Unlike most protein products they don't have that protein/powder taste however they do have that chewy texture. They aren't as chewy as other protein bars I have tasted, but it could still be improved. I give the flavouring of the energy balls a 10/10 they taste exactly like what is said on the packet. My favourite Bounce Ball flavours are Cocoa Mint, and Peanut Protein Blast. All the Bounce Balls are high in protein, gluten free and suitable for Vegetarians.

If you are looking for healthier snack choices that are high in Protein then I highly recommend checking these companies out. All opinions are my own and this post is not sponsored by any of the mentioned companies. 

Kayleigh

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