Have been making a lot of trifle recently. I love it in winter, and I have established if you pour the jelly onto frozen fruit it sets like a firm compote. I do the custard in a microwave. Add all the ingredients and then keep mixing with a fork, for a few minutes until the custard binds. The topping is good old traditional Dream Topping and then sprinkles with chocolate bits and coco.

Because I pour the jelly onto the frozen fruit it cools almost immediately, so you can then drizzle on the custard. So, to make an entire trifle takes me just half an hour and serves around 8 people. The packs of Birds Trifle are only £1.00 from Iceland! Plus the frozen or tinned fruit. But if you add tinned, the syrup makes up the volume of fluid needed, other wise it won’t set if you add too much fluid. And of course you can go without the fruit or stew your own. But the fruit adds the healthy factors of this delicious trifle. We can all get involved and there’s nothing nicer than the scent of this traditional dessert setting firm in the kitchen. It reminds of my days with my Nan, when we baked together.

You can do a vegan version with veggie gelatin, coconut milk and alternative custard/cream. Whatever floats your boat. I also make mini trifles and love the Askey range of sauces and embellishments. You can create a sundae for about 30p a portion, using some tinned fruit, ice cream or yoghurt and squirty cream on top. Kids love to make puddings too!, So it’s an affordable past time.

Also with my wax melts, I have been cooling the wax fast in a glass Pyrex jug, sat in a bowl of ice water and the melts are scenting for up to 4 days as opposed to 1 or 2. Therefore, crafting and cooking with frozen food and ice is definitely less time consuming and more sustainable. It’s fun exploring this. I love ice!

Tiff. X

Throughout my entire life I have put myself into many different situations. I love to learn. To push my boundaries and explore the unknown. I could not bear to sit stagnant and thrive on the activity of others for a life purpose. It’s not natural. Social Media provides a virtual existence but not one that gains ‘real life’ lessons. It’s good for news and hysteria – seldom factual. The more we read the better we write. However there is a big difference between a ‘good story ‘and just a well written one. As you can probably see for yourself … that is if you have a good level of emotional intelligence.

Landing at Belleva was a massive block of turmoil. I had this huge house that needed plumbing, a full rewire and complete reconstruction. Since my former work in hospitality, was to cater for families. I decided to this time offer a Guest House for mainly ‘couples. Something new and different. You never quite know what is going to happen. And it would have been good if (a few of) my neighbours also realised that. Especially since they too are in a similar industry. We are all free to cater for our chosen niche. A house that is open to guests is not a uniform task. It is an opportunity to do something of your own creation. Each to their own.

I love what I do. I wish everyone well. Be kind for 2022. Accept who you are and what you have and mind your own business. Because if you put all that small talk into something of purpose for yourself, you will find happiness and your eyes will dance with peace and sincerity. Life is short. And if you can afford a roof over your head, you should feel privileged. That’s all we fundamentality need (essentially). Rooms make dust so why be greedy? Sharing a home makes complete sense.

I have had good guests so far. There’s been about three bad situations, but I put it down to experience. All from older people who expected the vanilla traditional bed and breakfast experience. But that’s not for me. I don’t want to sit around all day entertaining boring fuckers who have nothing interesting to say. Who cannot take their drink? Who, the more you offer the more the want? They eat breakfast then complain you are not at the bar at night.

Room only at Belleva = that’s it. If you want more, go somewhere else. I am done with being a busy fool. I am not a part of ‘street conformity.’ This is another stage of my adventure.

I have tried to maintain a balance but sometimes, being civil is taken for stupidity and I am no fool. I am a student of life, leaving my tracks and I am awesome. Jog on.

Tiffany. X