Monday, February 14, 2011

A SALTED CARAMEL KIND OF LOVE

But it's salty (...not at all my usual choice...)


Was your partner the one you had in mind?

I don't want to try one (...these are what I'm after...)


Did you have a check-list of what you wanted your partner to be?

Oh alright one bite wouldn't hurt (...I'm not sure what to expect but if I don't give it a go, I guess I'll never know...)


Did you nearly not have that first date?

Hmmm (...it's different & wasn't as bad as I'd first thought...)


Was the date what you had imagined it to be?

Ok I'll have another bite (...to be sure, to be sure...)


And were there many more dates after that?

The salty with the sweet (...not a case of opposites attracting but perhaps a mere balance of extremes & compensating for what the other is not......)


How different or similar are you & your partner?

Can I have another bite?? (...a canvas of sweetness with joyous elements of salty surprise & the journey of experiencing a heightened depth of flavour that is unattainable without the other.....)


Can you now imagine your life without them?

And another bite??? (...leaves me wanting for more & wonder what I would have missed out on if I hadn't taken that first bite...)   

Velvet Caramel Macarons: cocoa flavoured macaron shells filled with salted caramel

Happy Valentine's Day! (...13 years & counting...)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

喜恭發財! DOUBLE THE SUGAR FOR DOUBLE THE FUN IN THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT!


 
Sugar paste figurine cupcake toppers of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs
(double the figurines for double the fun!)

Want to know what fortune is in store for you in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit? Just locate your year of birth to find out which Chinese zodiac sign you are to discover what lies ahead....


The Rat
Those born  in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
You are  imaginative, charming, truly generous to the people you love & is somewhat of an opportunist, with a tendency to be quick-tempered & overly critical

Forecast for 2011: Last year there were a lot of changes & the pace was fast - not something the Rat is entirely comfortable with. The Year of the Rabbit is the opposite – its tempo will be slow & steady. You must try to be patient & remain content with steady progress throughout 2011. Work will again be highlighted but this time the Rat’s experience & knowledge will be called upon, helping you to advance quite nicely in your career. An important aspect of 2011 for the Rat is time for personal growth, hobbies & developing skills that bring happiness. 


The Ox
Those born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
You are sturdy, quiet, studious, conservative, methodical & no-nonsense, a born leader who inspires confidence to those around you, with a fierce temper when agitated

Forecast for 2011: The Ox will have grown quite a bit during 2010. Its whirlwind moments & sudden challenges meant the Ox had to adjust their thinking & change direction on a dime! Some may feel a bit low about the way things went & it’s important to look forward to 2011 & put 2010 firmly behind you. The Year of the Rabbit will be encouraging for the Ox. Romance is highlighted in a very special way this year, with unattached Oxen finding themselves in exactly the right place at the right time to meet someone very special, &  for those in a relationship, this will strengthen & grow. Whether the Ox is looking for new friends or drawing on friendships they already have,  it is important that you stay socially active. Rest & relaxation will be vital for all Oxen during the Year of the Rabbit.

 
The Tiger
Those born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
You are sensitive, emotional, magnetic, passionate & capable of great love , with a tendency to get carried away &  being stubborn about what you think is right

Forecast for 2011: Most Tigers will be feeling quite pleased & energized at the end of their own year in 2010. The Year of the Rabbit will be another positive year. Romantic matters are particularly to the forefront, with many born under this sign deciding to get married or to take the relationship to the next level. Financially, the Tiger will most likely see an increase in income, either due to a pay rise or an unexpected windfall. With careful planning & budgeting, you can enjoy this monetary increase whilst easing financial burdens. Hobbies & outdoor pursuits will also interest the Tiger this year & will provide relaxation & a social setting, both of which will suit you just fine!


The Rabbit
Those born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
You are mysterious, kind ,obliging, warm, affectionate & always pleasant, with a tendency to get too sentimental  & misunderstood to be superficial

Forecast for 2011: The Rabbit will have found the momentum during 2010 quite unsettling, little realizing that your accomplishments during the year will set you up beautifully for your own year in 2011. This will be a stunning & most favorable year, especially in work & career. Your ability to interact with others will put you in the lead for any promotions at work. In addition, if the Rabbit is considering a completely different career, this is the perfect time to explore your options. Finances during the Rabbit’s own year are buzzing, with your luck running high! Stress & worry over decisions may drain your vitality during 2011 so it’s very important to get enough rest & relaxation. 


The Dragon
Those born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
You are assertive, intelligent, gifted, energetic & a perfectionist, with a tendency to be condescending & tactless without realizing it

Forecast for 2011: The Year of the Rabbit will be a more balanced & secure year. Many of you will have had changes in your job & the steadier tempo of 2011 will help you to settle in & possibly even go for promotions. The opportunity to retrain or take night classes should be considered seriously. The foundations you now lay will greatly enhance your prospects in 2012 – your own year. Romance is beautifully starred with opportunities to meet new people all through the year. On the whole, this will be a positive & happy year for Dragons. The monetary situation will improve for most & your eye for a bargain will be particularly keen. Travel is also highlighted during the Rabbit year & time spent with friends & loved ones will be especially valued. Hobbies & talents should be pursued & enjoyed as they will provide great pleasure & relaxation during 2011 & could lead to other interesting opportunities.


The Snake
Those born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
You are intelligent, highly intuitive, rich in wisdom, charming & a romantic, with a tendency to procrastinate & have a stingy attitude towards money

Forecast for 2011: Snakes like to have plans & follow their itinerary in an orderly fashion – 2010 threw all this out the window! The Year of the Rabbit will be a much more appealing year to the Snake & you will feel back on track, albeit still busy & full of activity. The focus of 2011 for the Snake will be to make sure you do something that you like, something that allows you to express your creativity & talents & something that you excel at. Financially, things are looking much brighter for the Snake & with planning & saving, this will be an excellent year. Home decorating & refurbishments are highlighted this year & time at home with family & friends will be treasured. Romance & friendship will be superb in 2011. A word of warning for all Snakes – there is the possibility of a lapse in judgement or a piece of harmful gossip – this could lead to awkwardness so tread carefully! Healthwise, Snakes should take care to have a balanced lifestyle or your energy could suffer.


The Horse
Those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
You are fun, charming, attractive, intelligent, independent, friendly & have an amazing capacity for hard work, with a tendency of selfishness, egotistical, hotheadedness & impatience

Forecast for 2011: The spotlight will have been on the Horse for much of 2010 with you sparkling company & friendship being frequently in demand. In 2011, the focus for the Horse will be on their career, with unexpected developments & promotional opportunities on the cards. You should watch events carefully, for when an opening occurs you will need to act fast & be alert. Health & well-being will be on the minds of many Horses in the Year of the Rabbit & it’s a perfect time to re-think fitness routines & diet. Socially, as always, you will be busy. The Horse is an adventurous soul by nature & may do some travelling to far-flung places in the Year of Rabbit. Financially there is a definite chance for the Horse to increase their earnings over the year so make every effort to manage your money carefully. 


The Sheep
Those born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
You are elegant, talented, imaginative, artistic, optimistic, kind & easy going, with a tendency of petulance & discontentment

Forecast for 2011: The Year of the Rabbit starts off brilliantly for those seeking employment or wanting a career change. By networking & keeping your ear to the ground, some exciting possibilities will come up. The past couple of years have been challenging for the Sheep & 2011 will be much more upbeat, positive & happy. There will be many chances over the year to make new friends & attend social outings – just what the Sheep needs. The support & friendship of others will be very important to you this year & give you the encouragement & confidence you need. You must look after your own health this year, ensuring that you are getting enough rest & relaxation. It’s going to be a busy year, in the nicest possible way, but it could also be a bit draining on your vitality. Financially, things are looking much brighter than in previous years with many will have fun buying bits & pieces for their home or taking short trips. 


The Monkey
Those born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1952, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
You are playful, lively, fun, quick thinking, very intelligent & because of your extraordinary nature, wonderful sense of humour & magnetic personality you are always well-liked, with a tendency to be vain, offhand & bored very easily

Forecast for 2011: The Monkey will find 2011 very much to their liking with plans & goals moving ahead smoothly & as anticipated. For Monkeys involved in creative work such as writing or art, this will be a particularly inspirational year & their work will be highly regarded. The Rabbit Year will offer some brilliant promotion opportunities & by being proactive & alert, the Monkey will reap the benefits. For those seeking work, attention to detail when applying for jobs will open up significant windows of opportunity. Friends & family will provide many happy & memorable occasions during 2011 & there may be one or two special celebrations. The Year of the Rabbit would be an auspicious year for you to follow up on self improvement ideas you may have been considering for awhile. A fresh look at your fitness routine, diet & how you unwind, could do you the world of good. 2011 will be the year for the Monkey to move forward, leaving any disappointments & regrets behind. It can be a most satisfying & enjoyable year.


The Rooster
Those born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993,2005
You are hardworking, popular, loyal, extravagant & creative, with a tendency of being shrewd & to be boastful to others

Forecast for 2011: The Year of the Rabbit will be a much quieter year than 2010 for the Rooster. However, the Rooster will have to curb their natural exuberance & enthusiasm just a bit in 2011 & practice some patience & common sense. On the work front, it will be vital for the Rooster to work closely with their colleagues & practice their networking skills. All the work you do now on the career front will pay dividends in 2012, the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The Rooster should also consider any opportunities they may have to study or for training. On the social & romantic side of life, this will be a much more settled and quiet year, which will be to many a Rooster’s liking. A word of warning though – the Rooster must take care to temper their words with friends & not be too harsh as a quarrel or end of a close relationship could result. Financially, the Rooster may have a few home-related expenses this year with repairs, decorating & renovations. It would be wise to manage any project sensibly & shop around for the best deal. On the whole, 2011 looks like being a pleasurable & encouraging year for all Roosters.


The Dog
Those born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
You are honest, faithful, trustworthy, a perfectionist, intuitive & a fantastic listener , with a tendency of being anti-social, plagued by constant worry, pessimistic, stubborn, having a sharp tongue & being a fault finder

Forecast for 2011: The Year of the Rabbit has shining possibilities for all Dogs. The main emphasis will be on your personal life. If attached, the Dog will find their relationship grow & become much more meaningful on all levels. Single Dogs will be particularly lucky in finding someone very special. Career-wise, the Dog will see the jobs expanding or promotional opportunities arising unexpectedly. It is crucial you discuss any worries or ideas with friends & family. Increased confidence & self-respect will garner the respect of work colleagues. Seize the moment when it presents itself! Financially, the Dog can look forward to an improvement in their situation. This will allow you to indulge in hobbies & perhaps take a trip or two. In the Year of the Rabbit, the Dogs must guard against lost, delayed or incorrect documentation. Make doubly sure that everything is as it should be on all paperwork this year. The Dog will have a renewed interest in health, fitness & outdoor pursuits this year, which will greatly benefit their vitality & zest for life. If you can leave the past couple of challenging years behind you, 2011 will be a most gratifying & happy year. 


The Pig
Those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
You are innocent, sweet, highly intelligent, sincere, tolerant, honest & a splendid companion, with a tendency of being quite melancholy & over-sensitive

Forecast for 2011: The Pig loves to have fun & socialize with family & friends & on this front, the Year of the Rabbit will not disappoint you! In 2011 your social network will greatly increase. The Pig parties hard & works hard & in the Year of the Rabbit will be bringing in the rewards for all their hard work. For any Pigs who wish to change jobs or who want to climb up the promotional ladder, there will be quite a few opportunities this year to do either. But they must act quickly, ensuring they have made all the right enquiries & connections. The Pig will be feeling good in 2011 & would like all manner of wonderful things to happen – all at once! You must learn to pace yourself & go along with the more leisurely speed of the Rabbit year, otherwise you may burn yourself out. Overall, 2011 will be a progressive & enjoyable time for all Pigs.


From the Gang at Sweet.Petite.Treats
Wishing You All Great Health, Luck & Happiness in the Year of the Rabbit
喜恭! 喜恭!

(To discover more about Chinese Astrology & for a more in-depth forecast in the Year of the Rabbit you can click here).