RECIPE: Lemon Drizzle Cake

This is such a delicious cake and it's so simple to make!

Ingredients:

• 225g unsalted butter 
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 225g self-raising flour 
• 1 lemon; zested

For the drizzle: 

• 85g caster sugar
• 1 1/2 juiced lemons

How to make the cake: 

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degress. (Fan - Oven) 
2. Mix together the sugar, butter and eggs (one at a time). 
3. Sift in the flour and the zested lemon until it's all well combined.
4. Line a loaf tin with greasproof paper and pour the mixture in.
5. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes.
6. Whilst the cake is cooling, mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar to make the drizzle. 
7.  Prick the warm cake with a skewer or fork and pour the drizzle over the cake.
8. Leave the cake in the tin until cool.
9. Eat and enjoy!! xo

I hope you have fun making the cake and eating the cake! 

Until next time, xo.

REAL LIFE: Assessment Centres

Looking for a graduate role when you graduate is not easy.
In my mind, I was a bit naive and thought that once I graduated I would have a job in a business field.
I did not realise how many graduates start their careers within recruitment or sales!!

So I searched for graduate roles that would allow me to get experience whilst working and in different departments of a business so I can find out what I do and do not like.
Once you apply for a role you cross your fingers and hope they like what they see on your CV.

The next stage is usually a telephone interview where they ask competency based questions and give you a little more information about the role. Thiss only lasts around 15-20 minutes; but it goes by so fast! It can be a daunting experience knowing that this is essentially the first impression you are giving to an employee of the prospective company.

If you pass that stage you get invited to take online tests. These online tests are not my favourite. You can spend so much time revising for these and still be thrown in the deep end! They take 1 hour to complete but the practice tests are there for you to take as many times as you want. I highly suggest practising the tests many times so that you are prepared. You can also use practice sites for before and/or inbetween different numerical & verbal tests.
 Practice Tests here!

Again, if you're lucky enough to pass these then you're on to a winner!
Next step is assessment centre.
The scariest part and also the final part!

I haven't had experience of many assessment centres but after each one I always learn more about what to expect and what is expected of me.
It does seem like a lot of hard work and a lot of time if you don't get a successful outcome. However, it is all about experience and learning about what you need to work on for the next one! As the saying goes. 'Practise makes perfect!'

If you have any questions then please ask and I shall answer them!

Until next time, xo.

FITNESS: Running for Beginners

I have never been a runner and if I was being chased I would probably surrender as I wouldn't get very far at all.
However, most recently I have decided that although I am not interested in running a marathon, I do want to start running to keep fit and healthy.

I did my second EVER run on a Friday evening along the seafront. As I don't feel very confident about running or having people look at me, I wanted to do it at a time when it's getting dark but not so dark that I can't see where I am going. The choice of location was on purpose. Not only is there a nice breeze to keep you cool, but it looks amazingly pretty when the sun has set and the skies are all colourful. It kept me going and motivated me!

I ran 2.5 miles which was an exceptional achievement considering I haven't run since 2008. Even back then it was a one off 'fun run'.
I only ran a distance I knew I could achieve and was realistic about my goal. I didn't want to push myself over the edge and wear myself out and put myself off from running. It made me so happy to complete that distance and actually enjoy running.

The 3 main points that kept me focussed and motivated were:
1) Having a running buddy. This is so important when you first start and don't feel 100% confident. You can motivate each other and you are both doing it so you don't feel alone!
2) Breathing properly. You need to ensure your breathing is controlled otherwise you will feel tired a lot quicker and you won't be able to pace yourself to go the distance that you want.
3) Thinking of your long term fitness goal. Mine is to tone up my body and lose a little weight. Just thinking about what my body may look like keeps me going and willing to put in all the effort.

What you wear on your feet is also equally important. You need a trainer that is going to support your feet and allow you to run comfortably. Running in your converse or dolly shoes isn't going to help; it may cause injuries and you won't be able to run very well.

I hope this helps all of you who want to try running!!

Until next time, xo.