Baking and Inventions
It's Happy Friday with Planet Penny time again and I'm thinking about what's made me happy this week. First of all, I was very pleased to see that Dame Edna Everage had come out of retirement especially to take part in The Great Comic Relief Bake Off. So I was inspired to get baking, and made some blueberry muffins as part of my plan to clear out food that has been sitting in the freezer for ages. Not sure how long blueberries are intended to last in the freezer but it was a good excuse to use them up. I win no prizes for consistency but who cares, they tasted good anyway!
I don't normally blog about technology and gadgets but have to mention this week I was very happy to come across this nifty little invention. With the days slowly starting to lengthen its time for me to start thinking about cycling to work again a few days a week in an attempt to become more active and enjoy the fresh air.
But I needed a new bike pump and not wanting to carry any more weight on the bike than necessary, I came across this "Mini Rocket" bike pump. It only weighs 67g (2.36 oz) and is about 8 inches long. But wait, that's not all, because it also doubles up as a bike light.
Its not that easy to demonstrate a flashing light in a still photo, but when clipped onto the bike frame next to the water carrier, this pump has an optional red light that can be switched on with the choice of still or flashing mode. It means that my bike can be lit up from all directions now, which is reassuring. It was great coming across a new bike pump which was not only designed to be small and lightweight, but which also doubles up as a bike light. I love it when technology makes gadgets multifunctional like that.
And talking about multifunctional ...
I decided to make an air freshener for the car that was based on the use of essential oils as I find the shop bought ones smell too artificial or only seem to last about a week and then the fragrance is gone. So I made a heart pouch out of cotton and filled it with toy stuffing and added a ribbon loop. I then used Absolute Aroma's Travel blend specifically put together with travel in mind and containing such lovely essential oils as spearmint, rosemary, ginger, orange, lavender, geranium, caraway, grapefruit and eucalyptus. I dabbed a few drops of this onto the back of the heart and once the fragrance fades, it can easily be revived with a few more drops. I can even vary the essential oils for the seasons - maybe something fresh and citrussy for the spring and summer and something a little spicier for the autumn and winter such as cloves or cinnamon.
And this is the clever, multifunctional part, because the heart has a pouch in it
which means it will hold my ipod shuffle so that I can listen to my playlist in the car.
And finally, on the subject of hearts - here's a Valentine card from me to all my blog readers - thanks for reading
I'm joining in with Planet Penny's Happy Friday
Oh I love blueberry muffins. I think I may have some lurking in my freezer. Thanks for the heads up about the bike pump/light. My OH is a keen cyclist and this would be perfect for him. Where did you get it? I really like the idea of a more natural air freshener for the car. I bought one last week and it was far too strong. Happy valentines.
ReplyDeleteAli xx
Hi Ali - the bike pump is by Topeak and is called a Mini Rocket - I got mine at Halfords but lots of bike shops have them I believe x
DeleteThose muffins look delicious - I thought Dame Edna should have won the Comic Relief Bake Off for the meringue Sydney Opera House! Love the multi-functional bike pump - my husband cycles to work, so I may try to hunt one out for him. I love the car heart idea too - I don't like the shop bought ones either, so definitely one to make. Happy Valentine's Day. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Veggie Mummy! Happy Valentine's Day to you too x
DeleteI laughed so much at Dame Edna, especially cutting the giant biscuit out with metal cutters! Thanks for joining in with Happy Friday once again! x
ReplyDeleteyes Penny, I think the metal cutters was the best bit!!
ReplyDeleteMmm nice looking bluberry buns. That's a great looking bycle pump not seen one like that before and your heart is brilliant
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I keep forgetting about the heart and then when I open the car door I get a blast of aromatherapy and its lovely - wish I'd thought about it before now!
ReplyDeleteI love to keep my car smelling nice, your heart is a much better idea than the usual cardboard trees or smiley faces that I usually get, I must give it a go. loving the bike light too, it's always a good idea to be seen ;)
ReplyDeleteJan x
Yes, a spotty heart is definitely a lot prettier than a cardboard tree!
DeleteWasn't Dame Edna wonderful! I am so glad you didn't make the cookie with the serrated edges! I love your heart with its multifunctions and will look out for the aromatherapy - anything to calm me down when driving! Have a wonderful week x
ReplyDeleteChel - the aromatherapy blend had so many different oils in it I think I got all of the necessary driving emotions covered - calm, happy, confident, alert!!
DeleteI was inspired to get baking too by Dame Edna! Just a lemon drizzle but double yummy as we hadn't had one for ages. Love the heart car freshener, that's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteOoh, lemon drizzle - one of my favourites!
DeleteYour muffins look sooo good. I bet they smelt wonderful when they were cooking. I do so like your idea of the little heart hanging in the car. Why have I never thought of that?
ReplyDeleteTrue - there's nothing like the smell of home baking, especially comforting in the colder weather!
ReplyDeleteLovely post full of good things :) I laughed my socks of at Dame Edna in the kitchen!
ReplyDelete