This will happen when they are supposed to-

That's not a free pass on sitting back and waiting for the money to start rolling in, it's the realisation that if you are committed and work hard towards something it will happen if and when it's meant to.

Don't try and plan everything-

Having a plan is who I am, it's an essential part of me feeling (somewhat) in control of my life. That being said, having a plan can open you up to the dampening of spontaneity, the avoidance of opportunities, and disappointment. Plan, but be ready to adjust your course.

Success doesn't always look like you thought it would-

I will publicly thank HGTV for this life lesson. One of the commercials for their tiny homes show includes the soundbite: 'we're redefining the meaning of success'.
Success isn't a one size fits all kind of deal, it is entirely dependent on what you want out of life, define your own success.

Be nice to yourself-

We are most often our biggest critics. Self reflection and evaluation is incredibly important in all aspects of life, but so is kindness. You know when you need it most.

There's no shame in loving processed American cheese-

On toast with butter and Bovril, you're welcome (thanks for introducing me to this deliciousness mum)

Help isn't a dirty word-

Being strong an independent is admirable but so is know when it's time to ask for a bit of extra help from those who want to give it- I'm still working on truly learning this one.

You are a grown up-

It happened, you might not feel like it but it did. Yes, it means more responsibility but it also means it's totally ok to speak up when you know the car salesman is talking bollocks, you think that contract doesn't quite look right even if the lawyer says 'it's fine', or you ask to be paid what you're worth. No-one is going to shout you down as a precocious child if you know what you're talking about, and if they do then they're the child.

If you think your hair needs a wash, it does-

You can't* stretch it for another day.

Being real is much nicer than being perfect-

Flaws, imperfections and mistakes make up a very important part of who you are. Admit to them, laugh at them and learn from them.

There's a difference between something being cheap and something being good value-

I love bargains but I'm learning to spend money when I should. Some stuff you shouldn't skimp on: meat, jeans, plumbing & electrical work, cars (the milage and mechanics matter, not the cosmetics), cooking pans, and bedding.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should-

Sometimes its best to take a backseat, it could save your sanity.

Your parents are people-

I've always loved, respected and looked up to my parents. As I grow up my love for them changes as I share more experiences with them, experiences we've gone through at different times in our lives but that I can now relate to: making big financial decisions, committing to a wholly to another person,  becoming a parent. It's like a peek behind the curtains of life, it makes my respect and love for them deeper knowing what has made them them.

Pretty much everyone is winging it-

Life isn't a rehearsal, no one has been there, seen it and done it. We're all giving it our best shot, some might look like they've got it figured out (see: You are a grown up) but really it's all just a series of the best decision you can make in the moment.

Always have a pizza in the freezer-

Pizza makes most things better, always be prepared.


Donut ingredients:
Makes about 24 donut cakes

1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup margarine/butter spread
2 cup sugar
2 cup flour, sifted
5 egg whites
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Icing ingredients:

1 teaspoon whole milk
1/2 - 1 cup icing/confectioners sugar

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350F

Milk together the sugar and margarine, really beat it together until it's pale and creamy. In a separate bowl whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks.

Mix the vanilla into the milk.

Fold a third of the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture followed by a third of the flour and a third of the milk. Repeat until the eggs, flour and milk are completely mixed in.

Fold the sprinkles into the batter, mix them in with as few folds of the batter as possible so that the colour doesn't bleed too much.

Using a piping bag, or a larger freezer bag with the corner sliced off, pipe the mixture into a donut pan. Don't over fill the indents, you want the batter to rise to form a nice round donut ring. Overfilling will give your donuts 'muffin tops' and spoil the smooth ring shape... they'll still taste good though!

Bake for 15-28 minutes, until the cake springs back to a light touch but is still pale in colour- the absence of yolks in a white cake makes for a much paler finished cake, which looks really pretty against the rainbow sprinkles.

Lay the donuts out to cool on a rack- the cakes will be very soft so the rack may dent them a little, you can cover these dents up with the icing so don't fret.

To make the icing mix together the milk and icing sugar until it is a thick and smooth, the consistency of melted white chocolate.

When the douts have completely cooled, spread the icing over the donuts and top with more sprinkles- serve with ice cold milk, or if you're a grown up, a White Russian!


*post children this lesson goes out the window.