Microwave mug cake - a perfect summer treat without the oven heat

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Don't be sad. Just eat some cake."

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A few years ago, I experimented with making a cake using only the microwave. The mug cake recipe, which became my favorite, found its way also onto my blog and I made it a lot.

Then life changed and I didn't make it for a while, but today, when the craving for a sweet treat came together with the summer heat and it didn't seem like a good idea to turn on the oven, I remembered my trusty mug cake recipe.

In just a few minutes and with minimal effort, a delicious cake was ready and waiting to be enjoyed. The simplicity and flavor of this recipe make it a must-try.

As it is made with plant-based milk, this recipe is also suitable for people who cannot consume dairy products, and looking at the ingredients, it is also vegan.

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✨ 🎂 Chocolate-cinnamon cake in a mug 🎂 ✨

Ingredients:

💛 2 tablespoons flour

💛 1 tablespoon fine oat flakes (if you don't have any, use flour instead)

💛 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)

💛 a little cinnamon (to your taste)

💛 some baking soda or baking powder

💛 1 pinch of salt

💛 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

💛 3 tablespoons of plant milk (or water, juice, whatever you like)

💛 some chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation:

💙 Take a microwave-safe mug and put all the dry ingredients in it.

💙 Whisk them together with a spoon or fork.

💙 Add all the wet ingredients to the mug and mix well.

💙 Add some chocolate chips.

💙 Place the mug in the microwave and let it "bake" for 1.5 minutes (I microwaved mine on medium, but please note that all microwaves are different, so you may need to microwave yours for 2 minutes).

💙 Let it sit for a minute, then carefully remove or eat straight from the mug.

💙 Serve the cake with powdered sugar, ice cream or whatever you fancy.

If you decide to try this recipe, I hope you enjoy making this quick cake and bon appétit.  😊

Lots of love,

E

Breaking my silence on Blogger Day

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong."

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Today is Blogger Day, which is held every year on 5 August. This day celebrates one of the most popular platforms in the world: "Blogger", with its original subdomain blogspot.com. Blogger was founded in 1999, an incredible 25 years ago, and was acquired by Google in 2003.

I've been quiet here for a while, but today felt like the perfect occasion to break this silence. This time, however, it wasn't because of writer's block or because I didn't have enough time. In fact, I have many posts in my drafts, but since they were made for a specific day, which I always ended up being late for, they won't see the light anytime soon, maybe next year.

The reason for my absence this time is different. I have been spending my free time with the newest addition to my home, an adorable furry friend. She inspired my dog-inspired wishlist in this post. 🐶

Source: Fressnapf (Trixie)

Source: Fressnapf (Kong)

Source: H&M

Source: Fressnapf (TrendPet)

Source: H&M

On Blogger Day, I don't think there's a better way to celebrate than reading a few blog posts and leaving comments. So grab your tea or coffee and enjoy some content today too.

🠊 And the question regarding today's post: Are you a dog or a cat person, maybe even both? Let me know in the comments section below. Also feel free to share your favourites from the wishlist above. I look forward to reading your answers.  😊

Lots of love,

E

Earth Day 2024

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"The earth has music for those who listen."

(William Shakespeare)

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ENGLISH

On the occasion of Earth Day, I'm linking to one of my previous posts here with some green tips on saving energy, avoiding waste and upcycling ideas.

If you have any other tips or advice, perhaps a clever DIY upcycling project, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

GERMAN

Anlässlich des Tages der Erde verlinke ich hier einen meiner früheren Beiträge, in dem es einige grüne Tipps zum Energiesparen, zur Abfallvermeidung und zu Upcycling-Ideen gibt.

Wenn du weitere Tipps oder Ratschläge hast, vielleicht ein cleveres DIY-Upcycling-Projekt, kannst du diese gerne im Kommentarbereich unten hinterlassen.

🠊 Click on the image to read my post with the green tips 🠈

Lots of love,

E

The power of music

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Music can change the world."

(Ludwig van Beethoven)

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Music is considered a cultural universal, even though its definition can vary from culture to culture and its origins are still unclear.

For most people, music is part of everyday life. It not only serves as entertainment, but usually also plays an important role in activities such as celebrations, cultural activities and religious rituals. Music is also used in advertising to promote brand recognition and create positive associations with products. The music played in stores can also affect our buying habits, and because of this emotional connection, music is also used in movies and TV shows.

Music can do more than just confirm our current emotional state, it can also influence our emotional destination. However, music and emotions are personal, cultural and linked to past experiences. A song does not trigger the same feeling in everyone, and it may even be that a song awakens different feelings in us as we grow older.

It depends on our mood and feelings what kind of music we want to listen to. Sometimes it's something classical, sometimes an energetic rock song, other times a catchy pop song or some hip-hop. There's also an old saying: when you're happy, you listen to the music, when you're sad, you listen to the lyrics.

For many people, music is also a form of personal expression. The music we listen to can be a reflection of our personality and our values. It can therefore also be a way to connect with others who have the same taste in music.

👉 Share your favorite song released so far in 2024 in the comments below. Whether it's a hit from the charts or a local gem, I'd love to hear about it. 😊

I will also leave here one of my favorite songs from this year to date, which is "Dance Alone" by Sia and Kylie Minogue.

Have a lovely day,

E

Happy Easter

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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🐰 Happy Easter, enjoy the holidays. 😊

🐰 Frohe Ostern und schöne Feiertage. 😊

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With best wishes,

E

The secrets of the color green

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"In nature you don't get lost, you find yourself."

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Thinking of the color green probably brings to mind some natural elements, such as grass, trees or plants. This is no wonder, because according to color psychology, green stands for nature, growth, harmony, but also for wealth and health. It can as well symbolize life and renewal, and the color is seen as positive in most cultures. Green is also known for its calming effect.

Green is a color that is present throughout nature and is also often used in design and decoration, creating a sense of freshness and connection to the natural world.

Today is Saint Patrick's Day, which is closely associated with this color. This day is celebrated on March 17th every year and honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, many people there wear green clothing or use green shamrocks for decoration.

This occasion inspired today's post, and below you will find some inspiration with this color, featuring items from Sinsay.

 

Source of items: Sinsay

🠊 Do you like the color green? What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear this color?

With best wishes,

E

Super Mario, the mascot of Nintendo

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"I think that inside every adult is the heart of a child. We just gradually convince ourselves that we have to act more like adults."

(Shigeru Miyamoto)

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Yesterday, March 10, marked National Mario Day.

Super Mario is a beloved, timeless and iconic video game character and was created by Nintendo in 1985. He is a plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom, known for his iconic red cap, blue overalls and moustache. Mario is often accompanied by his brother Luigi, and together they go on various adventures to save Princess Peach from the villain Bowser.

The Super Mario series has evolved over the decades, setting the standard for 2D and 3D platform games and is one of the most successful and enduring franchises in video game history. These games have entertained generations of gamers worldwide.

Nintendo Entertainment System (Source: Lego)

Super Mario has also had a significant impact on fashion over the years. His iconic look has inspired countless clothing designs, accessories and even collaborations with high-end fashion brands. There was even a movie about him in 2023.

The following items are just a little inspiration on this occasion. 

Super Mario Graphic Hoodie (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Ankle Socks (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Board Shorts (Source: Primark)

🠊 Have you ever played the game, seen the movie or had any clothing or accessories with Super Mario on them?

Wishing you a great week,

E