Review: Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

We were sent a Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper for review purposes. All images and opinions are our own.

I’ve lately been looking at my bedroom and feeling like it needed a spring clean and a refresh. Though my bed was comfy, it wasn’t necessarily as cosy as could be and I just wanted to change up some of my furnishings, get new bedding and just make it feel like a space for myself.

A little over ten years ago I had a few back surgeries, so my bed not only needs to be comfy and cosy, but it also needs to be supportive, and not too hard or too soft. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to what I can sleep on, anything not quite perfect for me can increase my pain levels, worsen the numbness in my legs, or it can affect my mobility. I’d heard good things about the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, so I was excited to give it a try.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

I bought my current mattress a couple of years ago, and it was holding up well against my nightly tossings and turnings, as well as occasionally being used as a trampoline by the smallest member of the household, but a mattress topper can not only make your mattress more comfortable, but it can also extend its life. Buying a mattress can be a significant financial investment, so prolonging its life with a mattress topper seems like a worthwhile investment.

Mattress makers Simba have a range of products apart from mattresses to help you sleep easier at night, including temperature regulating pillows and duvets, and this next generation memory foam topper, which is breathable and doesn’t make you overheat in the same way that traditional memory foam mattresses and toppers can do.

Simba

The Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper uses Simbatex® memory foam to keep you cooler and more cushioned, as well as up to 2,500 Aerocoil® springs. It also includes a removable, washable cover. Nevertheless, I did cover it in a mattress protector, because you can never be too careful.

Simba

Putting the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper to the test

The mattress topper arrives in a large box, and I’m not going to lie, it’s heavy. Reassuringly heavy. The box has some cut out handles on the side, which makes it easier to carry up the stairs. If like me you’ve got a bad back, please don’t attempt this, please do recruit someone else to do the carrying. My 13 year old brought it upstairs for me and we unpacked it together.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

The mattress comes rolled up and vacuum sealed in a plastic bag. Once you cut open the bag it starts to puff up to the shape you want. It’s best to pull it into position on your bed while it inflates, for want of a better word.

Each corner of the topper has an elastic strap which you hook under your mattress to secure it in position. Once it’s in place, then it’s ready to use. As you can see, we got to testing it straight away.

Simba

The topper probably adds around two inches of height to my bed, so that’s worth noting and it does take a little getting used to that change in height. It is incredibly comfortable, it’s soft but still firm enough for me. It doesn’t make my hips ache, which a lot of not quite right beds do for me, so that’s an excellent sign. I have felt like I was having a better quality of sleep, and my Fitbit app is telling me that I’m waking up less in the night since we made up the bed a week ago.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

It comes with a 200 night trial and a 10 year guarantee, but within three nights I had very much made my mind up that this was a keeper and my son was also asking for one for his bed.

My double Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper currently costs £289 with free delivery on the Simba website. I’m already seeing the benefits in terms of sleep quality and comfort, and I think now I’ve tried it, I don’t think my bed, my back and I will ever be without it.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

At least 44 fabulous things to do in Stockport

Growing up in South Manchester, I spent a lot of time in Stockport. I suppose it was easier for my family to drive and park there to go shopping and such like. I’ve always felt at home there. It’s a small town, with a compact shopping centre and the more I visit and explore in my adulthood, the more I love it.

In more recent years, I’ve been excited by the food and drink scene, spending time up near the famous Victorian market, enjoying the hospitality of many of the bars and restaurants in the area. I could cheerfully list a whole heap of places where I’ve wined and dined well in recent years, but with half term approaching, I thought I’d put together a list of fine things to do in Stockport. As ever, if I’ve missed something important, please do comment below and I’ll add it in.

Things to do in Stockport

If you’re new to Stockport and fancy a bit of family fun on a dry day, one thing we did a couple of years ago was download a Treasure Trail map, which is a really excellent way of getting to know somewhere. We did it with a couple of other families, and despite visiting Stockport regularly for over 40 years, I discovered so much I’ve never seen before. So that’s well worth looking at.

Additionally, Stockport has its own heritage trail, which if you’re a fan of historical buildings and such like, it’s also worth looking at. Keep an eye out for the plaques on the buildings around Stockport, and I believe you can pick up a trail map at the Stockport Visitors Centre.

Things to do in Stockport

Here is my big list of things to do in Stockport. Some indoor fun and outdoor things to explore, some in the town centre and some a little further out. There’s lots to see, do and explore in Stockport!

Things to do in Stockport

Museums & Galleries

Bramall Hall and Gardens
Chadkirk Chapel Museum
Old Rectory House
Old Town Dungeon & Court House
Robinsons Brewery Visitors Centre
Staircase House Museum
Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Stockport Art Gallery
The Stockport Museum
Stockport Town Hall
Strawberry Studios
The Avro Heritage Museum
The Hat Museum – currently closed, but reopening in March 2024!
The Underbanks & Underbank Hall
Visit Crowther Street, which LS Lowry once painted

Days Out: Visiting Stockport Air Raid Shelters

The Great Outdoors

Abney Hall Country Park
Alexandra Park
Brabyns Park
Cale Green Park
Dragon Miniature Railway
Etherow Country Park
Marple Locks
Reddish Vale Country Park
Reddish Vale Farm
Stockport Viaduct – the UK’s largest brick build structure
The Garden House (farm)
The Roman Lakes, Marple
Vernon Park
Woodbank Memorial Park

Winter in Abney Hall. PLUS Save Abney Cafe!

Indoor fun

Awesome Walls Climbing Centre
Brooklyn Pottery
Jump Heaven trampoline centre
Kids Go Karting
Merseyway Shopping Centre
Ropes Race Climbing Centre
Savoy Cinema, Heaton Moor
Stockport Garrick Theatre
Stockport Victorian Market Hall
The Light Cinema
The Produce Hall
The Stockport Plaza – theatre and period style cafe
Tramp2Lean trampoline centre
X-GENVR – virtual reality experience

Things to do in Stockport

Other fun things…

Stockport Foodie Friday – once a month head up to the Victorian Market to enjoy an evening of good food, good music and good fun!

Review: Little Daisy Self Care – 100 Days of Menopause Affirmations

We were sent the 100 days of menopause affirmations jar for review purposes. All images and opinions are our own.

I’m a really big fan of the power of positive thinking in helping you on your way towards a happier outcome in life. Back in 2012, I had a bad accident and ended up needing two emergency surgeries on my back. At risk of permanent damage and paralysis, I spent nearly a year in excruciating pain and unable to function. The experience left me in permanent pain, with nerve damage and numbness throughout my lower body.

With a whole raft of physical problems to deal with, my mental health really suffered and I found myself in a very dark place. I was sent to rehab to help get me walking again, and slowly I began to recover myself physically and mentally. I would never be the person I once was, but I made a decision to not let my pain define me. I decided to focus not on the things I’d lost, such as being a more physically active mum, I lost my career and it damaged a number of important relationships. I chose instead to look at the good things which had come out of it all. Like being able to spend more time with my son, being able to be there every single day after school and during the holidays, plus it gave me my blog which took me to all kinds of places and it introduced me to so many new and amazing friends.

Little Daisy Self Care - 100 Days of Menopause Affirmations

Positive thinking really helped get me out of that hole, so when I find myself in a tight spot, or a dark place, I try and think of the lessons that situation is teaching me, or the people it is showing me who are there for me. I’m by no means Little Miss Sunshine, but being able to see the stars from the gutter is a gift I really appreciate.

Which, long story short, brings me to the 100 Days Of Menopause Affirmations jar from Little Daisy Self Care. I’m 47 now and like most of my mid-40s friendship group, I’m experiencing some menopause symptoms. I’m not quite knee-deep in night sweats and HRT, but there are changes happening which need managing.

As I said previously, I try and tackle all the bumps in my road with a positive, let’s try and see the bright side attitude, so that’s what I’m trying to do with my very impending menopause. I am reassured, just like Fleabag, that the menopause is usually pretty bloody awful, but once you get to the other side, life begins again and all kinds of good stuff is waiting for us. And that’s very good to know, but easy to forget when you’re in the thick of it.

Little Daisy Self Care has an Etsy shop which stocks, amongst other things, little jars full of affirmations for various times in our lives. There are journal prompts and mindfulness prompts, and many more. I’ve done daily affirmations for various things before, and whilst not every affirmation will be useful, I generally find it’s a good exercise to engage in, especially if you’re trying to be more reflective and positive in your approach to things.

Little Daisy Self Care - 100 Days of Menopause Affirmations

The Little Daisy Self Care jars have been created by Alison, an experienced councillor. She’s helped many ladies work through their menopause and through that work she was inspired to create the 100 days of menopause affirmations.

There are 100 affirmations printed on little colourful pieces of card in each jar. Each card has a different affirmation related to menopause symptoms and positive thinking. The jar also comes with a QR code, so you can access a breathing technique demonstrated by Alison to help you with your self care.

Some examples of the menopause affirmations include:

I will take the time and space I need to adapt
I love myself exactly as I am
Some days can be difficult and that’s okay
I listen to my body and give it what it needs
I am just hot stuff!

I have been enjoying dipping in and out of this jar. I’ve popped it on my desk at work, so when my mood drops, I can pick a card of positivity out of the jar and reflect on it for a few minutes. If a card doesn’t hit the spot for me at that moment, I’ll pick another one and put it back, because in a few weeks or months time, it might just be what I need at that point.

Whilst we will all approach the menopause differently; a good vitamin regime, HRT or other medical or alternative therapies will form the main thrust of your approach to dealing with the menopause. I do believe in the power of positive thinking, and if these little daily affirmations can help you over a bump in the road, or help you see a glimmer of sunshine through the clouds, then that can only be a good thing.

I really love the branding too, and that’s it’s presented neatly in a jar. Each little colourful card is a scrap of potential joy. It’s just nicely put together and I like that you can scan a QR code for some extra self care if you need it.

Little Daisy Self Care - 100 Days of Menopause Affirmations

Each jar costs £12 and would be a useful gift for someone experiencing the menopause, or a small treat for yourself, especially if you’re looking to approach menopause positivity.

Little Daisy Self Care jars are available from Etsy.

Setting Intentions for 2024

I’ve talked a little about my work before, I work for a charity who supports adults with learning disabilities, but the culture within the charity encourages a lot of self reflection and personal growth. At times that can be challenging, but within that challenge, good things can grow.

I was having one of my regular supervisions with my new boss a couple of weeks ago, and he asked me what my work intentions were for 2024 and I was stumped. It’s been a while since I had a job which asked that of me, and it occurred to me that I hadn’t set any professional goals for myself possibly ever, and in my personal life, apart from some vague New Year Resolutions, I had no goals either. So, with 2023 coming to a close, I’ve decided to set some intentions for 2024.

Setting intentions

What does it mean to set intentions?

Intentions are lived each day, and are about your relationship with yourself and others. They are not hard targets to aim for, KPIs or external achievements, they’re about bringing you more of the good things in life, the things which spark joy, or help make you a better person.

These things may sound daft if you’re used to a corporate world or hard targets, goals and KPIs, but they are, to my mind at least, vitally important for creating personal happiness, job satisfaction, a good balance between work and life, and striving to be a better parent and a better human.

My Five Work Intentions –

Say yes to opportunities to develop myself
Look at working towards a coaching or mentoring qualification
Streamline my work processes and bring our systems up to scratch
Learn to say no and to delegate where I can
Make reflection a daily practice

My Five Personal Intentions –

Move house and create a warm and loving home for my family
Focus on quality time with my son
Go on holidays with the people I love
Continue my gentle health kick and get fitter and healthier
Spend more time with friends and less of my own time working

There are other things I want to achieve and do. But if I can surround myself with the people who love and care for me, and make time to see them instead of working so much, then my heart will be fuller and my work/life balance will feel more comfortable.

So today I set these intentions and I commit to working towards achieving them. These are not resolutions, but achievable things which could change how my life feels. I know with the support of colleagues, friends and loved ones, I can take the steps towards making my work and my life balanced and fulfilling. They will also hopefully help to make me a more rounded person, a better mum, partner and friend.

What are your intentions for 2024?

Recipe: Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits

Shortbread is one of my favourite things to make. I love plain shortbread, but I also love slightly fancier shortbread, like my Cranachan shortbread. This month, after seeing some in a shop, I decided to try my hand at making a batch of Black Forest shortbread. Chocolate and cherries are a classic combination at any time of the year and I had a feeling they’d turn out pretty well.

Shortbread is a fairly simple thing to make, best made by hand rather than in a food mixer, and it’s softer and crumblier the less you handle it, so it’s great if you are short on time.

Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits

Ingredients:
225g butter
130g caster sugar
300g plain flour
25g cocoa powder
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
100g chopped glacé or cocktail cherries
100g milk chocolate chips or chunks

To decorate:
100g milk chocolate
Sprinkles, I used decorative shimmer sugar crystals

Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits

How to make Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits:
Pre-heat your oven to 180°. You’ll need to have a couple of baking trays covered with greaseproof paper ready.

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the butter and sugar together. Once fluffy, add the vanilla extract and your chopped cherries and chocolate chunks. Then, little by little add the plain flour and the cocoa powder. Mix with a wooden spoon as best you can. Try not to overwork it too much or the dough will go gluey.

I find the following method tidier and it stops you manhandling the dough too much. Once the shortbread dough is almost mixed, tip it out onto a large sheet of greaseproof paper; bring the dough together with your hands and then fold the paper in half with the mixture sandwiched in between.

With a rolling-pin, roll it out so it’s about 5mm thick and cut into rounds. I used a glass for this and carefully lifted each shortbread biscuit onto the baking tray. You should get around 18 shortbread biscuits out of the dough.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the shortbread, with the cocoa powder it’s harder to see when they’re done. If you can, lift one gently and check it’s cooked underneath. Once they’re baked, remove from the oven and leave to cool on a rack.

Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits

Whilst the shortbread biscuits are cooling, melt the chocolate. I usually ping it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s the right consistency, it takes less than two minutes, but go carefully! Once melted, dip each shortbread into the chocolate and half coat it, put your biscuit back on the greaseproof paper and sprinkle with your chosen sprinkles. I had some shimmer sugar crystals, so I used them. Try to resist eating your shortbread until the chocolate has set. Pop them in the fridge to set if you’re in a hurry.

These are a really delicious treat. They’re lovely even before they’re dipped in chocolate, but that really does take it to the next level.

Black Forest Shortbread Biscuits

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FREE Printable: Chinese New Year – Year of the Dragon

In 2024, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 10th February. Chinese New Year is a glorious, colourful celebration of the New Year, just when I feel the year is at its darkest and gloomiest. This year is the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which is excellent news for me, as I was born in the Year of the Dragon.

In Manchester the Chinese New Year celebrations are legendary. There is usually a big parade, Chinese crafts exhibition, a big celebration in Albert Square and a fantastic street food market.

2024 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals which make up the Chinese zodiac in the Chinese calendar. People born in the years 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012 will celebrate their Chinese Zodiac year in 2024. People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be lively, intelligent, enthusiastic, and excitable. They are often leaders who strive for perfection and they’re not easily discouraged.

Download this free Year of the Dragon printable colouring sheet here.

To celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon, I’ve created two different colouring sheets for children, or indeed adults. It’s a simple sheet which you can print out on A4 paper. All you need are some felt tips or colouring pencils and it should keep the kids entertained for a little while. If you want to extend the fun, you could also try making an egg-box dragon, a Chinese drum, or some traditional red envelopes for Chinese New Year.

Download this free Year of the Dragon printable colouring sheet here.

They’re pretty cute aren’t they? They’re both A4 sized, so just print off however many you need. Give the kids a million coloured pencils or felt tips and let them go wild with them. Adults who enjoy colouring in might also like to get in on the action too.

I’d love to know what you’ll be doing to celebrate Chinese New Year. Let me know in the comment box below. Gong hei fat choy!

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Chinese New Year Year of the Dragon

Ultimate List: 66 Christmas Movies on Netflix in 2023

We all love a Christmas movie. It’s a chance to snuggle down under a blanket with a hot chocolate and take a break from all the busyness of the festive period. If you fancy an afternoon on the sofa watching a movie, I’ve put together a list of the Christmas movies on Netflix this year…

63 Christmas Movies on Netflix in 2023

The 66 Christmas Movies on Netflix in 2023

A Brush with Christmas
A California Christmas
A Castle for Christmas
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy
A Christmas Prince
A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish
A Family Reunion Christmas
A Kindhearted Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Alien Xmas
Angel Falls Christmas
Angela’s Christmas
Angela’s Christmas 2
Bad Santa 2
Best. Christmas. Ever!
Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus
Christmas at the Drive-In
Christmas as Usual
Christmas at the Coopers
Christmas Chronicles 1
Christmas Chronicles 2
Christmas Inheritance
Christmas on Mistletoe Farm
Christmas Wedding Planner
Christmas with a View
Christmas with You
David and the Elves
Deck the Halls
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue
Falling for Christmas
Family Switch
Father Christmas is Back
Happy Holidays from Madagascar
Holidate
Holiday Rush
Home for Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I believe in Santa
I hate Christmas
I’m glad it’s Christmas
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Klaus
Let it Snow
Love at First Sight
Love Hard
Office Christmas Party
Operation Christmas Drop
Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday
Robin Robin
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas
Single all the way
Smart Christmas
The Claus Family
The Claus Family 2
The Claus Family 3
The Holiday Calendar
The Knight Before Christmas
The Noel Diary
The Princess Switch
The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Trolls Holiday
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas
Wonderland

Sadly no Elf, but we live in hope! I watched Robin Robin last Christmas with my son and we loved it! We’ve also really loved the Christmas Chronicles, which hit at just the right time when my son wasn’t quite sure if he still believed or not, and that got us through just one more Christmas!

What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Which of these 66 films can you recommend?

There’s a slight caveat to this list, which is they’re adding new films all the time, so there might be some films not listed here – if so, please let me know in the comments!

Ultimate List: 66 Christmas Movies on Netflix in 2023

Now you are 13. To my son on his 13th birthday

To my boy,

Last week we went to a Bonfire party and I went to take a selfie of us and realised you’d grown so much, your face wasn’t next to mine in the photo anymore. I’ve been doing a lot of that over the last year. I see you every day, but sometimes I look at you and you’ve suddenly got taller, or your shoes are too small, or your tops are now crop tops!

I look at photos of you as a baby and think that they must be from just a few years ago, but that time has gone in the blink of an eye. They said it would, when every new baby arrives people say, enjoy it, before you know it they’ll be grown and leaving home, and you’re making a good job of growing, though I hope you won’t leave home for a while yet!

To my son on his 13th birthday

In the last year we have been on some adventures. We’ve spent a lot of time on trams and trains, because you really enjoy getting out and about. We have argued countless times about homework and helping out a bit more around the house, or at the very least, not dumping your things wherever you fancy when you walk through the door.

I’ve watched you grow from a boy, to a handsome young man. You’re tall and muscular like your Dad and you’re learning to enjoy the things your new body will let you do, like pick your Dad up and jiggle him about, which is no small thing! I’ve made you sound a bit like The Hulk, but you’re not. You’re gentle and kind and really care about people and animals. You look after your friends at school and stop them being bullied by the less kind members of your year group. It takes a lot to stand up to people and say no, and I couldn’t be prouder of you for doing that.

To my son on his 13th birthday

You’re a teenager now, caught in that eternal struggle between wanting to avoid soap and hot water at all costs, and wanting your hair nice, your spots gone and for the smell of Lynx to follow you everywhere. You’re developing your own sense of style and have definite opinions about fashion. We are learning to enjoy going shopping together, something I never really imagined for myself, but it’s lovely to see you choosing your own clothes and putting together outfits, though you’ve always been very stylish when left to your own devices.

This letter could all just be about how much you’ve grown, which is indisputable. What I wanted to tell you, because although I say it often, I’m not sure you really hear it, is how proud I am of you. You have your struggles with your dyspraxia, but you’re learning ways to conquer that. It may take you a bit longer to master skills, or to get the confidence up to try new things, but you really are tremendous.

You’re a strong swimmer, a brilliant and naturally talented archer, you love going to the gym and lifting weights and smashing it on the cross trainer. You love all forms of transport and if I’m planning a journey, you’re the first person I talk to, because you’ll always find me the best route. You are kind and funny and clever. Most of your teachers are thrilled to have someone as enthusiastic as you in their class. You love geography, science and history, you’re less keen on French, but you’re still somehow really good at it.

To my son on his 13th birthday

Keep doing what you’re doing, because what you’re doing works. I love you so much and you make me proud to be your mum every day. What a privilege it is to be your parent.

Happy birthday my boy. You’re the very best!

Love always,

Mum xx

Board Game Review: Sheep Dip

We were sent Sheep Dip for review purposes. All images and opinions are our own.

A lifetime or more ago, I wanted to step out of the rat race and become a shepherd. I’ve always loved sheep and even now, some twenty odd years later, I can’t pass a field without admiring the flock. These days I get my sheep needs met by watching This Farming Life and now it seems, playing the Sheep Dip game.

Sheep dip game

Sheep Dip is aimed at players aged 7+ and is for three to six players. It takes around half an hour to play and the rules are thankfully simple.

It comes in a small box which contains a playing board, two decks of cards and four sets of easy to understand instructions. Firstly, I’m a big fan of having more than one set of instructions, with one set, you are never quite sure if the person explaining might be pulling a fast one, four means that most players can be in sight of a set of rules throughout.

Sheep dip game

How to play the Sheep Dip Game

You begin by shuffling both decks of cards – the Flock cards and the Ewe Do cards. There are 71 Flock cards, each has a cartoon sheep on it and a number. The Flock card deck also contains a few sheepdog cards, wild cards and one special rainbow sheep card, which is worth a potentially game winning 20 points! The deck contains four different sheep breeds, each with 15 unique characters; there’s Hardy Herdwicks, Leggy Leicesters, Sturdy Suffolks and Bonnie Blackfaces.

The Ewe Do cards are action cards, each with instructions for each player in each turn. There are 45 Ewe Do cards which allow you to protect, swap or steal to grow your flock.

Sheep dip game

You deal out five Flock cards to each player, and from them in take it in turns to pick up a Ewe Do card and compete the action. The aim of the game is to collect five cards of the same sheep breed and put them in a “fold”, or just to one side if you prefer. The more sheep folds you gather, the greater your points potential is. You keep playing until the last Ewe Do card has been drawn. The winner is the player with the highest score, it’s as simple as that.

Board Game Review: Sheep Dip

Our first game we took slowly, learning the rules of the game and trying to steal the sheep, and the points from each other! Once we knew what we were doing, the action hotted up and we started to get a bit more strategic about it all.

It was a fun game, and a strong competitor for our post Christmas dinner family game this year! It is such wholesome fun and the cartoon sheep, complete with their own individual descriptions are really quite funny. You don’t have to be a sheep farmer or an ovine enthusiast to appreciate this game, it’s for townies like me and you too!

Board Game Review: Sheep Dip

Sheep Dip is available online and at a selection of toy shops for around £23, and if you’re after some quick-fire sheep based fun, then this is the game for you!

For more board game reviews, click here.

Great Bakes: Coffee and Rum Bundt Cake

September is my birthday month, and while it’s nice to be a bit spoilt, I do usually end up baking my own cake, which is fine. I can never much be bothered to decorate a cake for myself, so I usually end up making something simple, and equally simple to decorate. This year I had some rum leftover from my visit to the Manchester Rum Festival, so I decided to make a coffee and rum bundt cake, drizzled with the best ever chocolate ganache, but more of that later.

It’s a pretty straightforward bake, and would be fine or even excellent baked in sandwich tins and turned into a standard looking cake, maybe filled with coffee buttercream. But I have a bundt tin and it makes anything I bake it it look super-fancy, so I used that. Here’s how I made my coffee and rum bundt birthday cake.

Coffee and Rum Bundt Cake

Ingredients

250g caster sugar
250g softened butter
4 eggs
250g self-raising flour
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 heaped teaspoons of instant coffee dissolved into 1 tablespoon of boiling water
2 tablespoons of your favourite rum, white, dark, spiced, it’s up to you

For the chocolate ganache –

200g chocolate, I used milk chocolate
300mls double cream
2 tablespoons of caster sugar
Splash of rum (optional)

Coffee and Rum Bundt Cake

How to make your Coffee and Rum Bundt:

Pre-heat the oven to 190° and liberally grease your bundt tin with melted butter.

Beat your butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, eggs, flour, baking powder, coffee and rum, and give them a really good mix.

Pour the mixture into your bundt tin. Smooth the top of the batter and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. Once baked through, remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for at least 15 minutes.

Once cool, turn out onto a suitable plate or cake stand and make up the ganache to drizzle over. Do not even attempt to drizzle the icing on until the cake is fully cooled.

To make your ganache, chop up the chocolate and put it in a large, heatproof bowl. Pour the cream into a saucepan with the sugar and bring to a simmer over a medium heat, stirring all the time until the sugar is melted. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil, then quickly remove from the heat. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until it is smooth and glossy. If you’re using rum, you can add a small splash at this point.

You will have lots of ganache, so drizzle it over your cake, be as generous as you want. You will likely have quite a lot left over, and that’s fine, because it is flipping fantastic over ice cream, or just spooned into your greedy face, my greedy face specifically!

It’s such a quick and easy bake, making the ganache was the trickiest part of it, and even that was straightforward. And everyone liked it so much, they all had two slices! Happy birthday me!

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Coffee and Rum Bundt Cake