July 18th, 2010

What’s been going down lately.

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(ps: no pics this time! Maybe I’ll add one when I get a chance…)
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I’m currently writing this sitting on my green couch, laptop on my lap, still rather merry from sipping red wine all afternoon/ evening.
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Right this moment my Mr.D & our son ‘I’ are at his school, camping on the school field for the night (!), & so I’m at home, a very quiet home, & loving it. – Although having said that, & having spent the most wicked time this afternoon/ evening with them at the school camping site, sitting on the grass in the sun, white puffy clouds passing by the bright blue sky, the children happily playing with their friends, us adults boozing & munching, I kind of regret not signing up myself for the whole over-night experience too – but our toddler S we think is too young to sleep outdoors yet, she is also currently potty-training, so here I am at home with her instead. But hang on, then again this brings great opportune for me to blog doesn’t it? So with firm warning from me to you that it’s all probably gonna sound disjointed & that I’m probably going to make grammatical mistakes, here’s my write-up on what’s been happening recently
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Craftacular:
Last week I took part at the Craftacular event I told you about in earlier posts! I made three special things for the event;
– homemade lemonade (honey + vanilla extract + lemon juice, topped with sparkling water) + ice cubes,
– banana & strawberry frozen yogurt smoothie,
– croissant sandwiches (with Bavaian ham, Jarlsberg cheese, Lamb lettuce, Japanese Cupie mayonnaise (the one & only!), & Dijon mustard).
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The lemonade was the greatest hit of all, Mrs A (my trusty helper for the day) & I were pouring it out to cups non-stop for the good first half of the fair. Many many visitors were gagging for something cold to drink – it was over 30 degrees that day, sooo hot – & as soon as the doors opened, the visitors who’d been queueing out in the sun decided to form a queue for the icy lemonade straight away. We ran out on it so quick that we made a second batch afterwards, which also sold out. – So yes, I’m very very happy about this one. ;)
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On the other hand, the frozen yogurt smoothie was a bad mistake. Oh…, never-again I say… Despite nice comments from customers, it soon proved to be a nightmare, as A: it was messy, B: the frozen yogurt took ages to slush in the Waring bar blender, C: because of the lengthy time to make it, there was a back order & customers waiting, which is not good is it?
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Croissant sandwiches, was tasty, I was proud of it, & was good value at three quid, but didn’t sell all 50 as I’d hoped. Again, not good is it?
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Lemon was definitely the choice flavour of the day it seems as both lemon drizzle cake slices & lemon cream tarts sold out very quickly. Actually, the chocolate cake & cheese cake slices also did very well, but y’know what, I have to admit that I totally misjudged on how many fruit tarts & plum cupcakes to make…!! I had quite a lot left, so at the end of the day I decided to go around the craft vendors to give them out for free…!
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Despite the misjudgment on quantity, it still was a good day, the first 2-3 hours was pure crazily busy! The organizers & other food vendors were so sweet to be around with, aswell as the crafters who were all so talented & inspirational. I just adore the type of craft that they were selling – when I walked around the hall later on in the day, I wanted sooo many things! I did buy two items in the end: a brooch that says “Super!” (because I jolly-well am!!! well, I like to tell myself…) & a emilythepemily raindrop t-shirt.
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Anyway, I don’t know if any regular customers have noticed that I was not at the market this Saturday? Sorry if you were looking for me…! A collection of little reasons (excuses) made me decide not to go… (like potty-training & camping.) But y’know, it felt really good having the one-week-rest. Physically, the recent 30 degree hot weather has been hell to work in – in the kitchen with the oven on all the time & then under the tarpaulin at the market. Mentally I was drained of energy too as sales figures are dramatically down when it is this hot (people generally don’t buy cakes in hot weather but instead buy salads or ice-cream), it’s rather depressing!
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And furthermore, it struck me even more than before that my one-week-rest also means that it is a one-week-rest for D & my parents too, who look after the children when I can’t, dealing with a kitchen that is out-of-bounds, D driving me to & fro. It may seem like a one-woman business, but if looked at like this, it so isn’t. Also, this Saturday morning, I was able to take my son to the Japanese Saturday School for once. Really, the boy was so happy. So happy. Holding my hand, showing me the ropes. I felt happy & awful. I feel bad.

58 Comments »

  1. glad the lemonade was a hit! it’s hard to gauge how much people will buy on sweltering days, i would think. having a week off now & again sounds like it might be a good thing to ink in your schedule. especially during the summer– i can’t imagine trying to bake in this heat!

    Comment by petoskystone - July 18, 2010 1:14 pm

  2. I had a slice of the cheesecake at Carftacular and it was delicious! In fact, I heard about the event in the first place through your blog. I didn’t say hi, because at the time you seemed pretty stressed with making the smoothies. Glad you got a week off too!

    Comment by Kat - July 18, 2010 3:28 pm

  3. Very nice article, thanks! I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed. Please keep up posting.

    Comment by The Blogs Rocket - July 18, 2010 5:02 pm

  4. Petoskystone – it really is so exhausting baking & selling in the heat – I also forget to drink enough water. D gets very cross about that…
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    Kat! Ohhhh noooo! I’m so sorry that I didn’t seem approachable… You’re right, I was in a bit of stress at one point! I sometimes don’t know how to take things cool – fretting way too easily – a trait that I hate about myself…
    Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the cheesecake! :)
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    The blogs rocket, thank you for subscribing!!

    Comment by tamami - July 18, 2010 5:03 pm

  5. I am glad to hear about your successful day at the Craftacular..you worked so hard to make it happen. Also glad to hear you figured out the drinks, ice, etc. And how nice that you were able to take a week off and spend extra time with your family. Thanks for the update..!

    Comment by heidy - July 18, 2010 11:36 pm

  6. Good morning Heidy! :) :)
    Yes! I had cooler-box full of ice-cubes & the cubes didn’t melt much atall & lasted all day! I also did a test-run with the lemonade at the market for 2 weeks prior the event to figure out the logistics! It’s been popular there also, so I’m now going to be making lemonade for the Summer now! Thank you Heidy for your valuable input the other week!

    Comment by tamami - July 19, 2010 8:15 am

  7. I also visited you at Craftacular! I was so excited to meet you finally after reading your blog for so long! Good luck in this recent heat! Take care of yourself and drink regularly. x

    Comment by louise - July 19, 2010 6:05 pm

  8. Wowwww! Thank you Louise for visiting me there! It means a lot to me as that event was quite an important one. – I’ll remember to drink water more regularly…, promise! xx

    Comment by tamami - July 19, 2010 7:03 pm

  9. Hi!

    I tried one of your smoothies at Craftacular! And I thought it was delicious! also you coped pretty well considering the sweltering heat in there! I first read about you on This is Naive’s blog, and was pleasantly surprised to see you at Craftacular. Hope to try some of your cakes soon. You’re a very talented lady!
    px

    Comment by Pui - July 19, 2010 9:46 pm

  10. Thank you Pui! I’m so happy & relieved that you liked the smoothie!! and thank you for visiting my blog & hope to see you down at the market soon! I know that you’ll love it there! – Also, congrats on opening your new online shop! cuuute stuff! x

    Comment by tamami - July 19, 2010 10:06 pm

  11. Thank you Pui! I’m so happy & relieved that you liked the smoothie!! and thank you for visiting my blog & hope to see you down at the market soon! I know that you’ll love it there! – Also, congrats on opening your new online shop! cuuute stuff! x

    Comment by tamami - July 19, 2010 10:06 pm

  12. Thanks for the update! Working under stress in a new and hot condition would get at anybody. So, good job! Wish I was there!

    Comment by Rita - July 19, 2010 11:54 pm

  13. Rita,
    thank you! It makes me feel better about it when you say that! Your continued support & comments mean a lot to me, so a special thank you to you!! xx

    Comment by tamami - July 20, 2010 11:12 am

  14. Well done for Craftacular – wish I could have come (despite the heat). I don’t think you should feel guilty at all for taking a week off. You deserve it! xx

    Comment by Rachel - July 21, 2010 2:37 am

  15. Hello Rachel! Thank you!!! How is it going? Working hard? Is it hot where you are too? xx

    Comment by tamami - July 21, 2010 8:32 am

  16. Hi Tamami, have only just found your blog – it’s really great, many congrats! Coco&Me food looks amazing and your hints and tips are really welcome. I’m just starting up TartHouse to make savoury and sweet continental style tarts (no competition tho’, I live in Warwickshire!!) , and would really, really appreciate a chat with you. Maybe you could email when you have a minute? All the best x

    Comment by Isabel - July 21, 2010 9:16 am

  17. I’ll email you in a second!! x

    Comment by tamami - July 21, 2010 10:04 am

  18. i should think would get exceedingly cross about your not drinking water! heat stroke is on my S3 list (seriously scary s***)–nothing to play with! also, it’s embarassing to faint in public ;)

    Comment by petoskystone - July 21, 2010 1:14 pm

  19. Petoskystone, yes…. ma’am… (school-girl sulk!)
    – Joking aside, you’re right, heat stroke’s not to be messed with – I’ll promise you now that I’ll drink my water regularly from now on (& smile as I think of our conversation!) x

    Comment by tamami - July 21, 2010 2:03 pm

  20. Wow! You have been so busy.. I can not wait to try the lemonade! I have most everything I’d need, and I think one is in my future this afternoon!
    Melissa :-)

    Comment by The Frugal Style - July 22, 2010 3:18 pm

  21. Thank you The Frugal Style! The lemonade is just limited for the Summer! Hope to see you down there soon! ;)

    Comment by tamami - July 23, 2010 12:08 am

  22. Hi,

    I’m doing some food blogger outreach and would love to get in touch with you via email. We have just started working with a group of restaurants and were wondering if you would like to come along to a private bloggers launch event.

    Thanks,

    James

    Comment by James - July 23, 2010 2:27 pm

  23. Hi James, I just emailed you!

    Comment by tamami - July 23, 2010 2:37 pm

  24. Hi there!

    I have fallen in love with your website and can’t believe how lucky I am to stumble across it! It’s brilliant.

    I’m currently am in the process of dreaming of setting up a cupcake stall in a market somewhere, but have no clue where to go, could you give me any pointers or tips?? I’m sorry I have asked over a post, I just couldn’t find any other form of contact.

    Thanks so much xxx

    Comment by Charlotte - July 25, 2010 4:30 pm

  25. Hello Charlotte! do you mean which market to apply to? I’d love to help, but could you give me more precise questions so that I can answer them? There’s so much to even begin with, if you know what I mean? ;)

    Comment by tamami - July 26, 2010 12:41 am

  26. I have been visiting your blog once in a while, I really love everything here! I wish i could bake more, our oven is broken and i’m waiting it to be fixed (since beginning of this year…) If i would be living near, I would stop buy some sweet looking baked goodies every week :D

    Comment by sini - July 27, 2010 1:02 pm

  27. Hi Tamami, just found your blog when I was browsing recipes. I recently started a blog myself and would love to share some recipes too. Your cakes look so good, I really wanna try out your chocolate tart recipe. In fact, I should visit your stall when I visit London next month!

    Comment by Jessie - July 27, 2010 4:12 pm

  28. Thank you very much Sini! Your comment is much appreciated especially today, as I have had one heck of a frustrating day dealing with idiotics trying to renew something…

    Comment by tamami - July 27, 2010 4:12 pm

  29. Thank you Jessie! Your blog’s looking like a promising start! I’ll check in now & again!

    Comment by tamami - July 27, 2010 11:10 pm

  30. So nice to get an update about what’s going on. It’s probably hard, but don’t feel too bad about I. He’ll soon understand why you have to work so hard for the market stall on Saturday.

    Comment by tommy - July 31, 2010 8:05 am

  31. Hiya!

    I haven’t had the pleasure of visting your stall as I’m not in London very often (mores the shame!) however, I was wondering if you would mind emailing me about a question I have for you please? Thank you! Danielle

    Comment by Danielle - July 31, 2010 8:52 am

  32. Hello Tommy ^^!! Good to hear from you & thank you for your encouragement – I do hope he understands – at the moment I’ve been telling him that I make cakes so that we can put together enough money to go to Japan for a visit! (it’s his ultimate destination – he wants to go on the shinkansen!)
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    Hello Danielle, I have just sent you email!

    Comment by tamami - July 31, 2010 6:33 pm

  33. Hi Tanami, I totally empathise with you regarding cake sales in hot weather. I’ve been trading too in the recent heat and have sometimes been in tears – it’s definitely ice-cream, smoothie time but those traders don’t do so well in colder weather so it’s swings & roundabouts. Lemon, lime and other exotic or summer fruits is the way to go, tho chocolate is always a winner. Can’t wait for the slightly cooler months to do some cakes with chestnut, ginger, nuts nd autumnal fruits. Keep your spirits up :-)

    Comment by Caroline - August 3, 2010 2:14 pm

  34. Hello Caroline! I guess it’s bad for everyone, esp. now that it’s summer holiday & people go away… I cna’t wait til late September when I start making truffles again! – One day I’ll try to visit your stall!

    Comment by tamami - August 4, 2010 10:53 am

  35. Thank you very much for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed. Please keep up the good work.

    Comment by the Success Ladder - August 11, 2010 7:44 am

  36. Thank you the Success Ladder.

    Comment by tamami - August 11, 2010 8:04 am

  37. Hi there, hope you’re doing well! Was just wondering if you’ll be trading the coming two Saturdays, cuz I’m going to be in London with a few friends and would love to make time for Broadway Market! :)

    Comment by Jessie - August 19, 2010 6:50 pm

  38. Hello Jessie!! Oh cooool!! Yess, I will be there trading the next two weeks!! I very much hope to see you there! :)

    Comment by tamami - August 19, 2010 9:03 pm

  39. I found your blog quite recently and read every entry because I found it so interesting. However, since then you seem to have stopped writing, I know you must be busy with baking AND looking after two young ones but please don’t give up, I click on most days hoping to find a new entry.

    Comment by Jeannette - August 20, 2010 7:37 am

  40. Awww…! So sweet of you. Thank you. Don’t worry, I will never give up blogging! It’s something I am passionate about! :) It’s just that this Summer holiday has been so much for me, looking after the children 24/7, that I end up sleeping before 9pm every night… Also, I am currently conjuring up another recipe, which takes a long time to do (lots of test bakes)! So keep tuned!! Many many thanks, T xx

    Comment by tamami - August 20, 2010 8:26 am

  41. Hello there, I was at the Market today, and was looking out for you, but didn’t manage to see you there :S but may make another visit sometime in winter instead!

    Comment by Kang - August 21, 2010 6:31 pm

  42. ..also forgot to say that I heard about your excellent cakes through Charmaine at TO :)

    Comment by Kang - August 21, 2010 6:32 pm

  43. Kang,
    OH NO…!!!! I was there!! My stall is in the middle-ish of the market street, opposite no.49… Ohhh, it’s such a shame I missed my chance to see you…! – Well, I hope you do make it to the market again this winter – If it’s any comfort, it’s miles better in the winter anyways, as I would have chocolate truffles & hot chocolate drink on the menu!
    – Awww, Charmaine! I haven’t seen her in like ages! Please pass on my big “Hello-!” from me!

    Comment by tamami - August 21, 2010 10:41 pm

  44. Hi Tanami! I’m the girl from Singapore who came up to the market a few weeks ago – not sure if you remember me. I actually blogged about my visit to Broadway! Here it is — http://cherrylipstain.blogspot.com/2010/08/snippets-of-london.html

    P.S. Loved the tarts I bought! (:

    Comment by Nikki - August 30, 2010 1:57 pm

  45. Hello Nikki!!!! Wooowww, THANK YOU for writing such a lovely comment about my stall on your blog! Seems like you really enjoyed Ldn – ditto about Koya! I also loved the place! xx

    Comment by tamami - August 30, 2010 9:03 pm

  46. Hi Tamami, this sounds very stupid… but my friends and I lost our way when we tried to make our way to the market on foot… we should’ve taken the bus instead! It’s such a pity I couldn’t try your yummyliscious looking chocolate tarts. I’m back home in HK now, but I still look forward to visiting you another time! Best wishes!

    Comment by Jessie - September 3, 2010 3:51 am

  47. Jessie,
    ohhhh nooooo…!!!!
    I’m very sorry to hear this…!
    This made me realize that I should have a ‘directions/ map’ page for how to get to broadway market… It’s gonna be on my to-do-list now! I very much look forward to seeing you one day… t xx

    Comment by tamami - September 4, 2010 1:16 am

  48. sorry to have you expecting… we got off at bethnel green and walked for ages, only to discover that all the shops and stalls were closed. we asked many people on the way and they all pointed to different directions, so we gave up finally. oh well, there’s always next time. keep up with the great work! xx

    Comment by Jessie - September 4, 2010 7:11 am

  49. Jessie,
    that must’ve been so annoying to walk around for ages like that. I am very sorry… I’m wondering – what time did you go? It was a Saturday right? The shops & stalls should’ve been open…? I’m usually there from 9:00 to 16:00…
    – Anyway, if there is ever another chance for you to come to the UK, there’ll be a complimentary slice of cake waiting for you!! All the best,
    Tamami xx

    Comment by tamami - September 4, 2010 5:53 pm

  50. Oh yes it was Saturday for sure, but rather strangely, the shops from Bethnel Green to Whitechapel (and another station which name I’ve already forgotten) were all closed. Even the Chinese takeaway shops and cafes were closed, so we had nobody to ask when we lost our way! Anyway, i’ll have Broadway Market on my itinerary next time. Thank you in advance ;)

    Comment by Jessie - September 5, 2010 5:03 am

  51. I see… The market is difficult to get to for first-timers. This morning, I had a lovely visitor from America who said she had to stop & check the internet for a map to get to the market…
    – C u soon!! xx

    Comment by tamami - September 5, 2010 6:10 am

  52. come back, tamami!! blog more, updates are so lovely to read :3

    Comment by kim - September 11, 2010 9:28 am

  53. Awwww… Kim…, thank you…!
    I will! I will! It’s just that it’s been a bit mad (& stressful) over the Summer holidays. And I’ve been sleeping at 9pm pretty much every night with the children – so I never get time to explore recipes or sit down to write…
    .
    Kim, thank you for writing in a lovely comment though. It means a lot to me…

    Comment by tamami - September 12, 2010 8:30 am

  54. Hi Tamami,
    Hope my name rings a bell! I am planning a trip to London and visiting your stall is definitely on the list, so is meeting up with you!!
    Do get in touch if you have time at hand…
    PS.You know I love your blog and your bakes :)

    Comment by bindiya - September 13, 2010 12:25 pm

  55. Ooooh! Hi Bindiya! Yes, I remember you & the trellis! How wonderful that you might come to the market! I’ll look forward to it – If for some reason I decide not to be there one Saturday, I always have a ‘notice’ displayed on the left side column of my blog – so please double-check here before your journey to E.London!
    :)

    Comment by tamami - September 13, 2010 8:36 pm

  56. Hi Tamami
    I run the Bethnal Green Affordable Vintage fair but am currently working on another event at York Hall which I would like to talk to you about in regards to providing the catering. My number is xxx xxxx xxxx, look forward to hearing from you.
    Best
    Hazel

    Comment by Hazel Holtham - September 14, 2010 12:59 pm

  57. Hello! I hope you are fine, i am waiting new blog entries here :) Specially if you have some sweet fall recipes, it would be so great so see these!

    Have a happy rest of the week and get rest enough!

    Comment by sini - September 14, 2010 3:56 pm

  58. Hi Hazel! I have sent you an email!
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    Oh Sini! Thank you!!! So kind of you to leave such a sweet message…! It’s been a bit tiring lately… I go to sleep at 9pm almost every night… I just don’t know where my energy has gone recently… Or… maybe I’m just resigning to going to sleep upstairs so that I don’t need to deal with certain things… Not good is it, but I’ll try to get out of this pattern…!! Sini, you have a wonderful week too! All the best, T xx

    Comment by tamami - September 15, 2010 2:29 am

 

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