The final post

For the last few months I have been taking part in different experiences/events in order to earn my DofE award. In order to complete the criteria I needed to take part in something physical, do some form of volunteering and learn a skill as well as completing a lengthy journey (in which I have given great detail about in my previous blogposts). Each of these things have given me different but nonetheless rewarding experiences. 

Firstly I took part in 3 months of physical. For this I chose to take part in a badminton after school club every Friday for 3 months. I am not very sporty so this part of the award was quiet a stretch for me. Volunteering to go and do sports in my free time! I persevered and did it though.  Overall I actually enjoyed it, I had a great time with my friends every Friday. It turns out we are all very competitive. I also managed to make new friends, not only playing with people I knew but others too. This was especially fun as I beat some of them! I also noticed a difference in myself too. Every Friday I would leave school quiet sweaty, red and hot. However I didn't feel bad. I actually felt rather good, energised even. It made be feel better inside and I'm very glad of that. So this section actually exceeded my expectations. 

Secondly I had to take part in 3 months of volunteering. I did this at a local library in which every week I volunteered one day after school. Whilst there I learnt a lot, firstly I was taught about how to organise the library and the different protocols. Also how to use the library computers as well as the main system, this enabled me to help out people by: extending book deadlines, loaning out books and teaching them how to use the library computers. I believe I was very helpful to the people there and I had a positive impact on many members of the community. For example on one occasion a little boy asked me to help with his homework, on another I assisted a women in using a scanner in order to send off paperwork. I learnt so much during my volunteering and I think it has not only helped others around me but myself. I now understand what's it's like to sort of have a job, how to conduct myself and the tasks I would be carrying out. It was really sad after I completed my 3 months as I made great friends with many of the staff working there. However I was told I could come back whenever I wanted! 

Finally I had to learn a skill for 6 months. A very long time indeed in which I ran this blog. Every week I uploaded a new blogpost using a different style of writing or discussing the writing of others through an essay or a book review. Overall I began this blog believing it wouldn't be difficult to upload one post a week but I was so wrong. It has actually been the hardest part of the 3 sections. Finding the time to upload a piece of writing in my free time and balance everything else was difficult. Especially because of how long it took to write just one blogpost. Despite this I managed to do it. I did enjoy having a way to express myself and improve my writing not only on here but in school as well. All that I have done will definitely help me with my upcoming exams. I have enjoyed writing so much, coming up with ideas. Looking for different words or trying to add in hidden messages. Whilst it's been hard it's been so very rewarding. Having all this work to look back on. 

To conclude my DofE experience has been such a very big challenge however I have never enjoyed something so much. It's brought me closer to my friends, allowed me to learn and grow personally and intellectually. I am so proud of everything I have achieved and will look back on the whole experience with nothing but fondness. 

We may never know.

The sky was grey, murky and depressing. The mid February weather caused a great demand of winter clothes for the London people. All wrapped warm in thick, woollen scarves, chunky socks with big boots. Cuddled in long, worn coats in dark colours. Wind blew heavily around the buildings. Compressing the insides into small, safe havens of comfort. People huddled across zebra crossings, waddling on their feet waiting for the light to go red and the air polluting cars to stop. Their chatter echoing through the streets bouncing off of the crooks of alleyways. As they walked they cradled their vivaciously patterned coffee holders, warming their hands wrapped in cream mittens. Strands of hair blowing forcefully around sharp chins and square foreheads, blinding lazy eyes momentarily. 

In the midst of it all was a women, not a conforming women yet still an unnoticed  one. Her hair tied up high in a knot unlike the countless other girls who kept it stuck to their head with a hat, to protect their ears and necks from the cold. Her arms mostly bare in a boxy t-shirt, a thin silky scarf loosely hanging from her neck. Thick black tights clung to her legs, her thighs covered by a tight tartan skirt. Confidently she strutted down the curb, her height meaning she towered over most of the people around her. Still they barely glanced at her for a second. What made her so immune to people's judgey looks ? 

Perhaps it was the way she owned it. We may never know. 

Along with this girl another intriguing character followed closely behind her. A short round man, a beard that almost reached his chest decorated like a christmas tree with silver hairs. A jolly smile spread across his mouth not moving. It seemed he could be hit by a car and that smile wouldn't budge. His smile seemed to be the only thing that made him different from the rest of the people walking down the street. Other then that he was dressed almost the same as the rest of them: mucky brown work boots, a bright red hat dangling of his head with a little cotton ball attached, a thick plaid scarf strangling him and a black knee length coat hugging him tightly. Why was he so happy on a day so dreary? We may never know.

Ahead of our two characters was a young women dragging behind her a rambunctious toddler. Clearly making quite a scene. His red face streamed with tears as he screamed in words that didn't seem English. His mother clearly struggling to control him as she dragged him weakly. Her arms almost giving way. Her eyes dragged about a mile behind her, the bags dark and heavy. Her blueness of them dulled by the sky, streaky blonde hair just peaking through a beanie. A snug red coat wrapped around her but unbuttoned. Her son almost near identical to her. His blonde hair tucked in a small blue hat, a puffy red coat sticking to him uncomfortably with sweat. Although it did bring out his piercing blue eyes. Onlookers stared at the two with dismay. Obviously annoyed that the mum couldn't control her child. She felt the stares but bravely kept her head up high despite the embarrassment she felt. Why she did this? We may never know. 

At the very back of all of them walked a man. Thick black curly hair protruding from his head. His dark complexation contrasting the grey/white sky. His brown eyes darker then his very own brown mittens he was wearing. They were warm like him, they emitted a blazing heat on such an icy day. Headphones tried to flatten his curls and just about did in order to stay on his head. He bounced down the street. His head jiggling from side to side as his massive clown like feet took huge steps. His attitude separated from everyone else who could barely utter a sentence so early in the morning let alone half dance down the street to a poppy beat. He didn't care that he looked a fool in a silver puffy jacket as he sauntered through the crowd. He embodied everything a person wasn't in the morning. Peppy, happy and energised. Why did he act like this? We may never know. 

We can gain a lot from simply looking at someone but not everything. 

A speech for equality

Why we need feminism!

Feminism - the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. 

Feminism has always been a word with a stigma behind it. It causes a lot of controversy. However I believe that it is in fact a basic human right for this word to exist. It stands for the equality of the sexes and nothing else. Throughout history it's a word that many men and women have been afraid to use yet still they found a way to incorporate it into their lives/work. Take Jane Austen, she wrote pride and prejudice in the 1800's a time in which women were married off to husbands to keep the family name going. However in the book she portrays a strong but feminine protagonist, Elizabeth. Many would say she is a feminist as she doesn't let men rule her. She says no. She picks the life she wants. Many from the time wouldn't have understood this message yet still Jane Austen was brave enough to put it out there even if it was hidden. Another example being Jane Eyre, a book about no ordinary women. She is seen as both strong and compassionate in a time where stepping out of the gender norms was forbidden. Furthermore not only did Charlotte Bronte take a risk in creating a character so different to other females in literature at the time. She also had to do it under a male pen name, Currer Bell. Simply because it was unacceptable for females to publish books. To be that educated, she did it in order to beat prejudice. Show men she was capable.

This women faced the wrath of society all to display one important message. Feminism. 

Feminism gets a lot of stigma simply because of the root of the word. Feminism- feminine- female. Such a silly reason not to support a cause. Yes I understand it can seem biased and that its cause is only for the rights of women but it's for the equality of sexes. For men's rights too. The word shouldn't matter, you don't have to call yourself a feminist. Call yourself whatever you want as long as you support and believe in the cause. That both men and women should have the same rights. Should be treated equally.   To be able to act however they want with out judgment or even wear what they want. A word is a word, it has no significance. The meaning is the only important thing. How you pronounce it isn't. 

On the other hand I do understand how some men and women alike can be against feminism, as in the past it has been portrayed as a group of angry women greedy for power. It's been said to neglect men's rights, so I can understand why some don't want to be associated with it. However I believe these people are extremely ignorant and uneducated as they have not taken the time to actually research the cause before dismissing it. The movement does have some negative sides, it has people within that support the cause in controversial ways. But don't all movements and causes? For example we have "black lives matter" in which many protest peacefully against the abuse of the police. Then you have the people who give the cause a negative name as they go around shooting innocent police officers who probably don't share the same views as other racist cops. There are ugly sides to every movement yet it's up to the individual to educate themselves on the topic before forming an opinion. 

Moreover we need feminism now note then ever, there are still over 20 nations which refuse to give women the right to a good education. Countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt and Nepal. They refuse to give women a basic human right, to move forward with the time. That's why we need feminism to get women and girls out there learning. In some counties like Dubai where women (men too although it is less strict) are told what to wear when entering the country. It's laws like this that are preventing women from being treated equal to men. We need feminism because in countries like Ireland it's illegal to have an abortion unless the mothers life is at risk. Women can't even control their own bodies, they are not even allowed to  abort the child if they have been raped or molested. This is why we need feminism. How is it fair that women are not allowed to choose what they do with their bodies? It's complete unfair and illogical. 

Men also need feminism because for thousands of years men have been persecuted for acting feminine and not masculine. Still men aren't taken seriously and are afraid to go to the police when they are raped, abused by a partner or molested. They are seen as weak for letting these things happen to them. Yet women can potentially ruin a mans life with a false allegation of rape. Furthermore men aren't encouraged to show their more emotional sides, they have to be emotionless and calm about everything. It's seen as embarrassing to cry. To show a  tender side of yourself. This is a contributing factor as to why the rate of men suffering from a mental illness such as depression is increasing. Men are scared to talk about their feelings. Plus in custody battles women are more likely to gain custody of the child instead of the men simply because of stereotypical and traditional views of mothers looking after the child, men aren't seen as capable. 

To conclude I don't believe feminism is a negative idea. It is a movement that will hopefully have a positive outcome. Yes there is some unwanted negativity surrounding it but still all movements face criticism or bad supporters. People need to focus more on the meaning for the world instead of the actually word. It means equality of the sexes not the take over of the females. I personally think everyone should be a feminist or at least support the quality of the sexes. Yes the genders differ but we are both capable of the same thing. Men and women can be feminists. 

Writing from the past

I jutted back in pain as my lady pulled my corset tightly. My hand pressed softly against my abdomen, sucking in I panted calmly. The cool air leaving my mouth in short breaths. The crisp morn leaving a ghostly wisp behind with each breathe I took. 

"Lady Ford your uncle wishes to speak with you" announced Gregson.

"Send him forward, tell him I am not yet properly clothed. He shall have to speak to me through my screen. Thank you Gregson" I ordered.

"Yes, My Lady. As you wish" he replied.

"Mildred your suffocating me. Steady with the fastenings. I don't want to faint in front of Lord Hasting today. Oh the humiliation would sure to cause my death" I uttered worriedly. 

With a voice as dull as a haystack, Mildred replied "Yes mam, sorry mam" 

A hard yet comforting voice interrupted us as my uncle entered "Lydia, my dearest niece. Where are you?" 

"I'll be with you in a moment uncle. I'm being fitted for the ball tonight. At Duke Howard's country house in Wall-Creake." I whistled giddily.

"Yes I'm Familiar with, Duke Howard. I stayed with him and his sons whilst I was in London. A kind man, his eldest son however frolics about with whom ever he pleases. A real embarrassment to the family name" disgraced my uncle. 

"What a foul boy!" I retched.

I waltzed out from behind my screen and there before me stood my uncle. I twirled my lilac dress swaying behind me, the lace falling softly at my collarbones. The satin trim grazing the oak floors. 

"Dearest, Lydia! Oh how sweet you do look. All the boys in Wall-Creake shall fall before you tonight. None worthy of you though may I add" he smiled.

"Thank you, uncle. May I inquire as to why you have visited at such an ungodly hour? We don't normally concur until at least the mid afternoon, just before your parliament meetings" I queried.

"Can an uncle not visit his favourite niece just because he feels like it? After all you are staying in my house. I have free reign" he questioned back.  

"Please sweet uncle take no offence, it is just not the usual comings that is all." I hastened out. 

"Child do not be so concerned I was merely coming to tell you I am going on a trip. I'll be staying up at Granette house by the coast for a few weeks. I'm unsure as to my return as the business is rather unforeseeable and I have no idea of when it shall be over. Things are to stay as normal whilst I'm gone, your personal allowance shall stay the same. I wish for you to write me letters if there are any necessary update to me made"  barked my uncle. 

"Of course, Uncle Hall. No gallivanting whilst your away. I shall be on my best behaviour" I promised, making eye contact in the mirror as I examined my dress.  

"Very good,I leave the day after tomorrow.  

Now I must bid you good day. A lot of work to attend to at present" said Uncle in a more relaxed tone. 

"Yes dear uncle of course. You must be terrible busy" I replied in haste, wishing him away so I could admire my dress more privately.

After a brief scan of me he turned in a sharp twist and left the room in a march. Skipping childishly to the mirror I watched myself. The stay brown hairs framing my delicate bone structure. The purse of my pale lips as dry as a bone. The deep green of my eyes, darker then a murky lake.  I spun ever so slightly to the side. Gazing at the creases in my dress as it glided gorgeously around my figure. The glimmering bodice laying flat against my stomach and chest. The lace nibbling at my collarbone, jutting out at a sharp angle. In a few hours I would have to leave. The carriage was booked and I had never so anticipated the eventide before. Most of my life I had pondered on how fast a day went by. Now I wished it would move faster. Letting out a string breathe I hurried to my dressing table in small, willed steps. Sitting down I called for Mildred. I must look exquisite tonight. 

A few hours had past. Now late afternoon the sun had begun to sunk. The orange tones fading with the soft pink of the sky, the blue appearing in sharp flicks through out.  

"Lady Ford, I have had word that your carriage is waiting for you" announced Gregson.

"Thank you, Gregson. I shall be out in just a moment" I called. 

Staring at my reflection I couldn't help but obsess at the minor flaws of my look. My hair had fallen slightly flat, the curls laying loosely around the crown of my head. The dress had loss some spark that it had first had. Perhaps wearing it all day allowed me to get too comfortable. A heavy sigh left my chest as I made my way to the doors. 

It took and hour and a half to reach Wall-Creake and another 15 minutes to find Lord Howard's house. Upon arriving I existed the coach in haste. Already late I felt uneasy. A sticky feeling rising in my chest. I hooped up the steps entering through the front door. Greeting me was a small women, a ladies maid perhaps. Behind her was a rather official man in a uniform. I heard the chatter of guests and the clang of glass as I walked through the door. The ball was in full swing the music blaring. 

"Madam, may I take your shall." Squeaked the small women politely. 

With out an answer I began to remove my shall handing it into her old, worn hands. 

A small gesture from her told me to continue on behind her. The man stopped me and spoke. 

"Name please" 

"Lady Louise Ford of Rothen House" I answered.

"Thank you, my lady" he smiled. 

In a booming voice he shouted. "Lady Louise Ford of Rothen House" 

The music slowed down to a hum, the rusting of long coats and voluptuous gowns could be heard as many turned to look at me. I gave a brief smile before entering the room, heading straight for a table full of beverages. 

As I took a sip of the drink, the sweetness overwhelming my senses in a foul way. I pursued my lips. Gazing around the room I saw many dancing or chatting mindlessly. I searched for my friend, Lord Hasting. Yet it seemed he was not here or hadn't arrived yet. 

"Your the niece of that Snollygoster, Lord Hall." Inquired the nasal voice of young man behind me. 

A fierce look welled in my eyes. "He is not a Snollygoster. How dare you cause such offensive when you have not even yet introduced yourself, Sir" I fired. 

"I am James Howard, nephew of Duke Howard who's house you are currently in. I meant no offensive but please do answer my question" he said with such disdain and vileness. 

"I beg your pardon, Sir. I have no reason to answer such an outrageous question. I wish you a well evening" I turned on my heel moving away with haste. I went straight out of the closest door which happened to lead to a garden. I took a deep breath. Such a villain he was. James Howard. Never again would I trust such a name. I steamed. Taking breathes I stared into the dark night. The glittering stars shining down on the small pond amidst the over grown grass. 

I heard a small cough behind me. I whirled my head around. Before me stood a man of tall stature. He had broad shoulder and long, dark hair.  A sharp point for a chin, a thick crease in his forehead and eyes that shone even in the dark. 

"Sorry I was just taking in some air, I'll return inside now" I rushed.

"No, no don't leave of my account. I just overheard what that fellow in there, James Howard was saying to you. I thought you should know it's utter mullock. He's a blithering idiot and knows nothing of politics believe me" his smooth voice made the words whilst informal sound so soothing. 

Stuttering I spoke. 

"Well thank you. I know my uncle is not a bad man. He has morales and principles. I don't listen to fools. This James Howard knows nothing of my uncles politics, or of any of the bills and laws he has tried to have passed. Very uneducated for the nephew of a duke."I glanced at him before turning back to the garden. He wandered closer. 

"Your very well spoken and educated for a women you know" he laughed. 

"Being a women doesn't mean I can't be taught the same as a man" I replied. 

"Very much a thought for the future." He said. 

Curiosity seeped through my voice. 

" I hope you don't mind me asking but you know who I am because of my uncle. I have no idea who you are" I looked into his eyes. 

"I'm Duke William Moore, mam. Best friend of the so called fool." He laughed. 

I turned red. 

Tired

Ella tapped her pen against her mouth, her face squished by the pressure of her hand as she leaned against it. She knew she didn't look too gorgeous at this very moment but all she could think about was how tired she was. Her eyelids were heavy and they begged to be shut. All she wanted was this maths lesson to end, to go home. Twisting her neck towards the clock at the back of the room she saw she still had 20 minutes left. Her eyes floated past the equations on the bored. Not bothering to even try to answer them. For the rest of the lesson she listened to the sound of her teacher droning on and on about the making A the subject. When he finally called to pack up Ella lazily packed away her things. Boredom was still evident in her eyes but a small patch of relief was there too. The bell rang. She drifted out of the room, down the steps and towards the gate gleaming in the sickly yellow sunlight. 

 

"Ella wait for me" shouted Tam from way behind her. Tam was hobbling her way towards Ella at an exaggerated pace. Tam and Ella had been friends since year 7, when they were put in the same English set and form. However lately Ella had been feeling distant from Tam who had suddenly become more interested in her new friends from drama. They just weren't the same together anymore, Tam's life was more exciting whilst Ella was always tired and liked her small friendship group. She didn't want new friends, she didn't want the ones she had now to leave to go to new sixth forms either. She wanted them all to stay together till uni at least. However all Ella wanted right now was for Tam to leave her alone. She wanted to get home. Go to sleep. 

"Ella, how was maths" squeaked Tam in her pitchy voice. 

"Fine I guess" Ella dragged out with false enthusiasm. (She should of picked drama with how good she had become at faking things lately.)

"That's good, well English was great. You'll never guess who Miss sat me next to. Only Marcus. Flipping Marcus. You know I've had the biggest crush on him since like. I don't know year 8?" Shrilled Tam 

"Maybe your get your chance with him this year" Ella smiled. 

"I hope so, well best be off I'm meeting Natalie at the park. She says we need to start looking for prom dresses so we get the best ones. I'll see you later El's" Tam called out behind her as she skipped away from the gates. 

Prom. Ella hadn't even thought about it yet, it was the first day back. Tam was way too excited for something that hadn't even been announced yet. She walked out of the gates and crossed the road. Her journey wasn't too long she lived like 10 minutes from the school, didn't stop her from being late most days though. 

Turning her key in the lock, Ella slammed the front door open hitting the wall and adding more depth to the dent already there. Swinging the door shut behind her Ella rushed up to her room, she dropped her bag on the floor. Collapsing on her bed. Within 10 minutes she was tucked up in her covers (still in her uniform) drifting off to sleep. That was until her phone started screeching from her blazer pocket. 

"Ugh" she groaned. 

Pulling the phone from her pocket, lazily eyeing the blurred name on the screen. It was Tam. They had literally spoken 20 minutes ago what did she want now thought Ella. 

"Hey" muttered Ella answering the phone her eyes slowly starting to close again. 

"Ella I need your help" whispered Tam her voice thick with anxiety. 

"What is it Tam, I'm really busy with all this coursework" lied Ella as she pulled her duvet tighter around her.

"Well it's just Natalie isn't here and ..." 

"Is this really important Tam, if you just want to gossip because your bored and Natalie's left you then ring someone else. I've got to go." Interrupted Ella. 

"No Ella seriously, just stay on the ..." Tam's words were rushed and full of panic. 

"Bye Tam" uttered Ella before she hit the end button, falling asleep almost instantly. 

Almost 4 hours later Ella woke up to her mums soft, sensitive voice. Something was wrong. 

"Ella, babe. We need to talk can you sit up please" soothed Ella's mum. 

"What mum! I'm so tired can't it wait till later" moaned Ella 

"No it can't, it's important. Please Ella" urged her mum. 

"Fine but if it's something stupid I honestly am going to be so angry" stropped Ella, pulling herself into a sitting position her head leaning uncomfortably against her headboard. 

"I need to you to keep calm, Ella. Okay? " Ella knew something was up, her usual fun and `not bothered about anything’ mum was acting strange. Concerned? Anxious even. 

"Your freaking me out mum, just tell me" Ella sat up straight, her fingers twitching nervously in her lap. 

"It's Tam, she didn't come home earlier. She missed her dance club and hasn't rung her mum or dad. No one can get hold of her. Have you heard anything" 

Suddenly a lump grew in Ella's throat, she could feel herself choking on the lie she had told Tam earlier. 

"Um I mean she rang me earlier but she seemed fine. I mean a little bit nervous but she's just shy and anyway I might be wrong we didn't talk for long I was knackered" guilt dripped off of Ella's words. 

"Okay well, I don't want you to panic. Just if you hear anything else from her then tell me. Her mums been ringing the house phone for ages trying to get through and see if she was here. Everyone's really worried" said Ella mums who was carefully stroking Ella's now shaking hands. 

"Yeah I'll let you know, um I've got coursework to do soo yeah." Ushered Ella 

"Alright, just shout if you hear anything at all. Your dinners in the microwave you were asleep when I dished it up" said Ella's mum as she got to her feet, heading for the door. 

"Uh hm, I'll have it later" muttered Ella wanting her mum to leave. 

As soon as she was gone Ella rummaged around her bed on all fours looking for her phone. 

Clunk. It had fallen on the floor. Almost throwing herself down with it, Ella grasped the phone unlocking it immediately. 6 missed calls from Tam's mum, 3 from from Tam, 10 unanswered text messages from her and 1 voicemail too. Along with the usual notifications from Twitter and Facebook. Rushing with her shaky hands Ella quickly opened the texts. Her eyes bulged with panic as she read each one. 

 

Ella please pick up 

ELLA! 

Please I need help. I don't want to gossip.

El's there's a man. He's following me.

He won't go Ella.

He just pulled up and followed me to the park. 

I don't know where Natalie is. 

I'm so scared he keeps getting closer. 

Please pick up 

Ella please. 

Almost dropping her phone from her shaking hands, Ella opened up the voicemail Tam had left. 

"Hey Ella, your not answering right now but I was just wondering where you are. You said you would be here 5 minutes ago and my mums coming really soon to get me. Anyway yeah so umm.." Ella could tell this was all a rouse, Tam was trying to scare whoever this guy was away. 

"Umm yeah so please hurry up. Like please hurry up or pick up. Or something. ELLA PLEASE!"Her voice slowly got quieter and quieter. 

"Ella he's getting closer. I don't know what to do. I can't run. Nobody's here. Ella I'm so scared." Whispered Tam 

Within an instant though her voice changed from almost silent to shrieking. 

"ELLA PLEASE PICK UP! NO NO LET GO OF ME! STOP! PLEASE! DON'T DO THIS! LET GO OF ME, ELLA!" Tam was screaming. Ella could hear as the man grabbed Tam's black puffy coat. She heard it crinkle under his finger tips. She heard his rough, foreign accent furiously trying to shut Tam up. She heard every thwack as Tam was hit. Every crunch of his heavy boots as they hit a bone whilst he kicked her. His grunts of anger, of desperation, of hate. The final thing she heard was an ear piercing screech from Tam. That was the final thing before the message ended. Possible the last sound she would ever hear come from her best friends mouth. 

Ella's mouth went dry. Her eyes started to well with tears, reliving every moment of that message. Why hadn't she stayed on the phone. She was so stupid and selfish. Why did she have to lie. It's her fault she thought. Tam could be dead because she was tired and didn't want to stay on the phone. A sob erupted through her body as she screeched "MUM!"  

Whilst sitting with her phone in her hand. Her eyes locked on the black screen. 

Staring blankly. 

Within seconds she heard her mums heavy, panicked footsteps running up the stairs. 

A yummy recipe

Chocolate Cupcakes 

(This recipe makes 32 singular cupcakes; however if you follow the decorating steps you will be left with 16 cupcakes)

Ingredients: 

Flour - 280g

Caster sugar - 400g 

Cocoa powder - 80g 

Baking powder - 2 teaspoons 

Salt - 1 teaspoon 

2 eggs 

Milk - 225ml 

Lemon 

Oil -225ml

Vanilla extract 

Boiling water - 225ml 

Butter - 340g 

Icing sugar - 560g

Glacier cherries 

Equipment: 

Measuring jug 

Large mixing bowl 

Scales 

Wooden spoon 

3x Metal spoons 

Cupcake cases 

Baking tray

Measuring spoons 

Knife 

Sieve 

Kettle 

Large glass 

Piping bag 

1. Firstly measure out 225ml of milk with a measuring jug and pour it into a glass. 

2. Secondly cut your lemon in half and add one squeeze to your milk. Making sure not to drop in any pips. Leave it to sit for half an hour. 

3. Whilst your milk is waiting you can measure out your other ingredients with your scales and measuring spoons. 

4. After half an hour preheat your oven to 140 degrees celsius. 

5. Then add your flour, sugar and cocoa powder to a bowl (making sure to sieve both the flour and cocoa powder) and mix together using your wooden spoon. 

6. Next add in your baking powder and salt, stir again. 

7. Once your dry ingredients have been incorporated add 2 eggs to the mixture along with the milk and oil. Plus add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. 

8. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to create a thick mixture. 

9. After all the ingredients have been incorporated boil the kettle and add   225ml of hot water to the rest of the      mixture. Make sure to stir quickly so                      the eggs do not cook. 

10. Place your cupcake cases on your baking tray (this recipe should make 32 singular cupcakes). 

11. Using one metal spoon to scoop some of the mixture and the another to catch any falling mixture place 2 large spoonfuls of mixture into each case. 

12. Once all of your cases are full place the tray in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You will know the cakes are done if when you poke a knife inside, it comes out clean. 

13. Whilst the cakes are baking you can make a start on your icing. First measure out your butter and icing sugar. 

14. Add your butter to a large bowl and mix vigorously to soften it. 

15. Once your butter is soft begin to add in the icing sugar in small quantities. Mixing throughly before adding the next load. 

16. After your icing fully incorporated it should be light and airy. To finish add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and stir again. 

17. Put all of your icing into a piping bag and place this in the fridge until your cakes are baked and cool. 

18. Remove the cakes from the oven, leaving them too cool down for at least 1 hour. 

19. Take one of your cakes and pipe a layer of icing on top of it. 

20. Next remove another cake from its case and place this on top of the other cake. 

21. Pipe a small dot of icing to the top of the cake in order to secure your 2 cherries.  

22. Finally use a sieve to lightly dust some icing sugar over the top of the cake. 

Acrostic poetry

I am ...

Intent on being happy 

Amazingly talented at making my friends laugh 

Madly in love with period dramas 

Seriously devoted to my education 

Procrastinations number one fan despite this

Exasperating at times 

Cautious when it comes to making decisions 

Inspiring apparently 

Accepting of anyone and everyone 

Living my life in fast forward currently 

Immensely proud of all my achievements 

Notorious for speaking too much 

Mega obsessed with the royal family 

Young yet mature... mostly 

Open to trying new things 

Warmhearted 

Nervous a lot of the time  

Weird but wonderful 

A good secret keeper 

Yearning to learn everything I can 

Appalling at maths 

Not one to give up 

Determined to make positive changes  

Imaginative 

Likely to be found reading a book 

Impulsive when it comes to changing my hair style 

Kind of sleep deprived

Extra, as the kids would say 

Worried about the future 

Half, that's literally what my name means 

Observant of my surroundings 

Interested in all of history 

Actually quite good at pulling off pranks 

Mindful of others