Notes from Emily

Emily W. Photography

2012-01-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

I now have a website!!

www.emilywphotography.com

I am very excited about it, now I have one place to share all my work and projects.

Hello

2011-09-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone pops by my blog still, I now have another blog Emily W.

My new blog is really for my photography projects but you can see want we have been up to and say Hi.

xxx

Hey, Friends!

2011-05-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

If you fancy knowing more about me I have been interviewed by the lovely Stephaine Cadwell for a weekly feature on her blog called Hey, Mama.

I am very excited to be this week’s "Mama"

You can read the interview HERE.

The boys

2011-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hello little blog, wow it has been a long time.

Wanted to up-date my blog but to honest it has been soo long I am not sure where to start.

Easter? that was great,

Our family holiday? even better,

The Royal wedding party? lots of fun.

There is just too much good stuff to write about. Instead I will just give a little update on the boys, more for me so that it is written down somewhere and I can remember in years to come.

The boys are as gorgeous as ever and are really growing up fast. Harry constantly tells me he is a big boy and needs to eat lots of food and banana’s so he can grow bigger. Ollie is shooting up and really leaving babyhood at an alarming rate, but he still does have the cutest chubby hands and feet.

Harry is developing an amazing imagination, playing little made up games in the garden, talking to his cars or on the play mobile phone. I think his favourite game at the moment is pretending to be a dog (I think we will have to get him a pet soon!) when he is being a dog we have to call him Charlie. He tries to get Ollie to pretend to be dogs with him, but Ollie is not very good at being a dog yet and needs more practice.

Harry is questioning everything and wants to know everything, as you can guess this is both good and bad. Last night he would not stop talking when Luke was reading the bed time story showing us all the animals in the book asking questions about where they live etc. Then he said to us ‘do you know crocodiles lay eggs and their babies hatch out of them, like birds do’. Little things like that really fascinate him.

As I said Ollie is growing up so fast, I think that is to do with having an older brother to copy. He loves to follow Harry about and copy him and most of the time they play really well together. In fact I have often seen Ollie let his big brother have something they are fighting over with a little ‘here you go Harry’ and a smile. There is some definite hero worshipping going on. Ollie constantly surprises me with how much he knows and how quickly he learns new things he already knows all the numbers from 1 to 10 but gets them a bit mixed up, but knows 10 is the last number so always finishes on 10 and looks very pleased with himself. Ollie has always been our feisty son and although he is gentle and sweet 90% of the time he does have a temper and is prone to strongly react to something he doesn’t like/he wants. Getting into the car seat is normally the cause of the ‘melt downs’ in his life, he just hates being strapped in.Then he does give the best hugs, really squeezing you and lots of kisses. Ollie still likes to be held a lot especially when I am cooking, so he can see what is going on and often telling me what to do next.

I love both of them to bits and wouldn’t have them any other way.

Car Crazy

2011-03-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Harry loves cars, playing with them, watching them, drawing them, talking about them and quite often he will take a toy car to bed with him.

He knows all the makes of cars and which of our friends drive them, his favourite being a blue VW Touareg the same as his friend Will’s parents drive. There have been many evenings after bath time where we have had tears as we can’t find it and even occasions were Luke has had to go out with a torch to look on the back sit of my car for “Will’s car”.

So this morning I made this little boy very happy by taking him to Mercedes World.

We spent ages watching the test cars racing around on the track and wondering around looking at all the different models, Harry loved it all. Ollie also had a great time as everything his big brother does he does too, so cars feature allot in his life.

Happy Valentines!!

2011-02-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

We love Valentines!

Yesterday Luke and I went on our Valentines date night. Dinner and then the cinema, it was such a good night. Maybe it was soo good because we have not been out just the two of us for ages or maybe it was the great company (well, it is Valentines!) We watched The kings Speech, which is brilliant and yes I know I am a bit behind and am sure one of the last people to watch it but if you haven’t you must, you will love it too.

We have decorated the house a little bit this year, using Martha Stewarts wax paper hearts, they look really pretty when the sun shines in the windows.

I saw this great idea for a Valentines tree but ran out of time this year, we will have to make one next year.

The boys have made Luke cards this year, with a little help from me, some cool heart sunglasses and this awesome Photo booth app. We have made many different photo booth style strips and turned them into a big collage card, with lots of glitter and tiny hearts. This app is now my new favourite thing, I am thinking of printing photo strips on to card and using them as invitations to parties this year.

On Valentines day Luke will be going to work early so we will be exchanging cards and gifts in the evening together plus I am going to cook him a special dinner, with his favourite chocolate cherry brownies for dessert.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentines

xxx

Happy Birthday Woody

2011-01-31T02:08:00.000-08:00

It rained and we didn’t have much to do.

Harry announced that it was Woody's Birthday today and that was our afternoon filled.

We baked a sponge cake, decorated it, made cards and wrapped some of Harry's cars in used drawing paper as presents.

Woody was 3 today!

Hi!

2011-01-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

I know I have become a bit of a lazy blogger and I am not going to say I can change as I know I will not stick to it. But I will try to update this blog from time to time with little stories of what we have all been up to.
I have been really busy this January, partly because Harry is not sleeping in the day at all and Ollie is only having an hour and a half, and partly because I have started a few new projects. I have been using Oliver's precious little nap time to get all my jobs done, start preparing dinner and try and do something fun with Harry – he likes helping me in the kitchen but sometimes we do a craft activity or just play cars together (that is still the favourite). I have also been trying to get a few prjects done including finishing all the photo albums, sanding and painting a toolboy, perfecting bread making, learning to use my new sewing machine (I had a lesson today and have just finished my second cushion cover, very excited).

The reason I am writing a little post today (apart from the fact I have not posted at all this month!) is because I witnessed a very sweet moment between my boys and it reminded me of this post written a year and four months ago, when my boy were both babies.
After tea this evening when the boys were just sitting watching TV together, I quietly entered the room to see Ollie lean over, take his thumb out of his mouth and kiss Harry on the side of his head. My heart just burst, it was the sweetest thing and made me soo happy. It was a complete role reversal of the post mentioned above, like a little love pay back.

This is my current favourite picture of the boys, it was taken after Ollies naptime when they were both a bit sleepy and quite happy to snuggle up on the sofa together.

As always I have been using my camera most days so if you do feel like seeing what we are up to on a more regular basis (more regular than my blog) pop over to my flickr site which I update every few days. Unfortunately you can only leave comments if you have a flickr account, so I do miss the little ‘hello’s’ from my friends.

Just off now to make some dinner, I am cooking through Jamie Oliver’s new book Jamie’s 30 minute meals. I can really recommend this book, the food has been amazing, Luke has loved it so much so that he has been asking me on the phone during the day what is on the menu tonight?
It's Rogan Josh tonight.

Until next time.
xxx

Christmas Holidays (Part 2)

2010-12-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas this year felt really magical as Harry now properly understands the idea of Santa and so was really excited. We started Christmas off on Christmas Eve with our family tradition of reading The night before Christmas and then putting out a mince pie and a carrot for Santa and Rudolph. Harry asked us how Santa would get in to deliver his presents as we don’t have a chimney. We assured him that Santa would be able to come to us as he could come in the back door. Strangely Harry was not keen on the idea when it came to bedtime so we said that Daddy would wait up and let Santa in, which seemed to be ok.

In the morning both boys were really happy to see their stocking were full of presents and we opened them together in our bed. Harry was especially pleased he had got the things off his list, a blue cat, a magnifying glass, an umbrella... Then downstairs under the tree where the presents from us and family and friends we were not able to see over the holidays. We got Harry a childrens camera and a tool kit, which was a massive success and he spent most of the day ‘fixing’ things. Ollie got a peppa pig laptop but I think his favourite toy was Harry’s Woody figure.

After breakfast we packed up the car and headed over to my parents for the day, where all my family were eagerly waiting for the boys to arrive so they could start the next lot of present giving. The boys were quite spoilt but in a good way. Mum cooked us the most amazing roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings, it was delicious, and we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and playing with all the boys new things.

When the boys were tucked up in bed we had a quiz evening. One of my brothers, Andy and his girlfriend Rachael hosted a great quiz which Luke and I won!

Boxing Day saw more of the same fun but for those of us who where up to it there was a walk along the river.

It was a beautiful, cold, crisp morning and although it didn’t snow on the 25th or 26th there was so much snow still on the ground in my mind it was a white Christmas.

Christmas Holiday (Part 1)

2010-12-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve/My Birthday

Thank you to my wonderful boys for making it such a brilliant birthday, this is just a little run down of our day.

It really started on the 23rd when Luke came home from work with an enormous bunch of orange and pink roses. Which he made out that Harry had asked him to buy on his way back, it was very sweet.

On the morning of my birthday we all had croissants for breakfast, the boys gave me some presents and a homemade card, then we headed off to London for the day.

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square taken from our car window.

My present from Luke was for me to have time alone to shop in Anthropologie with his credit card while he watched the boys. It was fantastic; the Regent street shop is massive so it took me quite a long time. I choose some beautiful china, a new big squashy handbag and a pretty apron.

After spending time in Anthropologie we had a look about in a few more shops, a little trip to Hamleys, pizza for lunch and then birthday cake in the humming bird bakery.

Little (poorly) donkey

2010-12-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

The boys and I are currently ill with some kind of virus. We have not left the house for four days, the boys have been living in their pyjamas and in fact today was the first day I have got dressed in to normal clothes.

This morning Harry was meant to be the donkey in the nursery nativity but as we are sick he couldn’t go.

I am so disappointed! I was really looking forward to seeing him in his costume, singing all the songs he has been practicing at home over the last couple of weeks.

However he did put his costume on today and looked very sweet watching TV in it.

December photo project

2010-12-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

I love December and to celebrate it this year I am going to do a photo a day project over on my flickr site.

You can see and read a little bit about what we are up to here.

Happy December

2010-12-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

(my favourite junk shop find - a vintage Father Christmas jug which this year is holding a baby poinsettia)

We woke up on December 1 to a very Christmassy scene, it had snowed!! Then it snowed some more and some more and now we are snowed in. That is what happens when you live in a village at the bottom of an enormous hill with the only way in or out being a bendy road up said very steep hill.

We have been making the most of the snow as it doesn’t happen that often in the UK. Harry is now old enough to properly hold on to his sledge so we have been sledging down some great hills, which he squealed with delight at, wanting to go faster. Little Ollie on the other hand has not really enjoyed it so much, as the snow is too deep for him to walk in and he has had to be carried a lot, plus he has a nasty cough and cold.

When we have not been playing outside I have really enjoyed the slower pace of life the weather has brought with it. Lazy breakfasts, staying in our pj's, sitting about reading, watching DVD’s while eating masses of popcorn. . . I have used the time to do lots of cooking, baked some cakes and bread (which everyone has loved) and sorted out all the Christmas decorations.

We have also been busy making all our Christmas cards.

I had found some vintage Christmas books by Richard Scarry and Noddy stories in a charity shop and had been saving them for a project. With some glitter and sequins they were perfect for cards and gift tags.

Is it too early for decorations? I don’t think so and have put a few of my favourites out, Luke calls it Christmas corner.

There will definately be more going up this weekend.

Merry Christmas

2010-11-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas and so today when I found this amazing on-line Christmas magazine which is full of great craft ideas, it made me very happy.

Now I feel all Christmassy!

Pirates and Princesses

2010-11-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

The last of Harry’s 3rd birthday celebrations came at the weekend, when Harry and five of his best friends had a joint pirate and princess themed birthday party held in the village hall. We have been planning this for a while now as with 55 children invited it was quite an undertaking!

Setting up the hall took a few hours, blowing up all the balloons for the balloon drop we had at the end of the party, a craft table where the children decorated pirate hats and princess crowns, ride on toys, face painting, tattoos, lots of yummy party food and jelly.

The amazing cakes were made by Lisa at The Travelling Teashop.

Beware of the pirates!

The boys fantastic t-shirts were made by my lovely friend Celine at Applejuice.

A fantasic time was had by all, especially the birthday boys and girls!

I have really enjoyed Harry's birthday this year as it feels like it has been the first year that he has properly understood the event and been really excited about the build up to it. Although I am looking forward to many more birthdays to come I really want to wrap him up and preserve some or that 3 year old cuteness.

Family Photo's

2010-11-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

When our friend Annelie who is a fantastic wedding photographer offered to take our family portraits we jumped at the chance (well I did, the boys took a bit of persuading). So a couple of weeks ago on a very sunny Saturday morning we meet up in Windsor Great park for the session.

I am really pleased with the pictures, maybe I should make it an annual event?

Halloween run down

2010-11-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

This year Halloween was lots of fun, although I wasn’t too sure how it was going to work as Harry woke up telling us he wasn’t going to dress up!

After some pumpkin carving and watching this Halloween Charlie and Lola (and few reminders of all the sweets he would get) Harry decided he would dress up, but not have his picture taken?!

So we did have Sir Harry the Knight and Ollie the Little dragon.

We spent the evening at a friend’s Halloween tea party and took all the children that were there trick or treating together. Her poor neighbours got a bit of a surprise when a gang of 10 sugar crazed 3 year olds came knocking!

In the end it is all too much for one little dragon who had to take a rest.

Halloween is here

2010-10-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today Halloween arrived at our house

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Birthday Harry!

2010-10-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend Harry turned three! And we celebrated all weekend.

Harry in his favourite t-shirt which we turned in to the inspiration for his birthday tea decorations, more on that later.

We started his day at home with present opening and Harry's favourite pancakes with extra maple syrup.
All Harry has been asking for over the last few weeks is a bike with pedals, well he has actually just been asking for pedals as I think he thought that we just add pedals to his little balance bike. So you could imagine his excitment when he came downstairs to find a brand new blue 'big boys' bike. We even let him ride it a little bit in the house before breakfast.

After breafast we packed up all his new toys and his bike into the car and drove over to my parents house. Here he was greeted with two very excited Grandparents, three Uncles, Auntie Rachael, an equally excited Eddie dog and more presents. We spent most of the morning outside teaching Harry to ride his bike - all very funny as he seems to be able to get about quite fast by just bringing his right leg up and down and not making a full circle with the pedals, I am sure it will come together in time.

We decorated the dining room using Harry's favourite yellow car t-shirt as inspration, lots of yellow and white balloons, with each place setting having a matchbox yellow or silver car on thier napkin and of course a tradional victoria sandwich cake (made by Mum) decorated with white and yellow icing. Harry was very happy with the setting and even happier with the food, which was lasagna, salad and olive bread followed by cake and ice-cream.

At the end of the day when was going to bed he asked if he could keep his car t-shirt on to sleep in!

The next day we spent the day together just the four of us and at a much calmer pace. We woke up to a beautiful, sunny autumn morning so we took the boys to Winkworth Arboretum, which is absolutely beautiful this time of year. The morning was spent walking about, feeding the ducks, collecting sticks and leaves with a stop off for tea and cake.

The boys where both really tired so after afternoon naps we went to Pizza Express for pizza's and yummy chocolate cake, which finished off a wonderful weekend perfectly.

Happy Birthday my gorgeous Harry, we love you!!

xxx

Autumn Walk

2010-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I took the boys (and my camera) for a walk around our neighbourhood to look at the beautiful autumn.

Just because

2010-10-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Usually I make us a tea cake or a banana cake or muffins of some kind but today I felt like making something special just because it felt like that kind of a day. So I baked this Chocolate Cherry Cake and topped it with dark chocolate.

Cake in the autumn sunshine

I first tried this cake when Luke and I lived in Australia and we were visiting some wonderful Italian friends of ours at their parent’s house. This family home was a great place to visit as it seemed no matter what time of day we visited them we were always fed the most delicious food, pizza, cured meats, cakes or yummy little sweet biscuits. This particular cake was baked by our friends Nonna (Grandmother) who lived in the house too. Every time I make it I always think of that lovely, welcoming family.

This is the recipe:

1 jar or tin of morello cherries
200g butter
200g sugar
4 eggs
125g plain flour
100g chopped dark chocolate
125g almond meal or ground almonds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Drain the juice out of the cherries and tear them in to pieces.
Cream together butter and sugar then add eggs.
Fold in flour, baking powder, almond, cinnamon, chocolate and finally add cherries.
Pour mixture into a greased and floured baking tin and place in a moderate oven for approx 1 hour.
(Check centre before removing from oven)
When cooled cover in melted dark chocolate.

Enjoy x

Salt dough Dinosaurs

2010-10-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

We continued our dinosaur theme today and made salt dough dinosaurs using these cookie cutters. As Harry wanted to decorate them this afternoon I baked them in the oven wrapped in silver foil.

Before baking I used a tooth pick to make a little hole in some of the dinosaurs so we could use them as gift decorations.

Dinosaur Painting

2010-10-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today’s activity was creating a hand print stegosaurus dinosaur.

I sketched the outline of the dinosaur’s body (using a picture from one of our books as a reference) then Harry painted his body and together we printed his hand along the back to make plates.

Harry loved his picture and was very excited to show Daddy when he got home from work.

Dinosaurs

2010-10-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

All weekend Harry has been telling us about the exploding volcano in dinosaur land he has been making at nursery last week and he was very exciting about it. When I went to collect him from nursery today he was really proud to show me this amazing dinoland he had made, I was very impressed.

Dino-land complete with volcano and cress forest.

Now dinosaurs seem to have become a bit of a ‘thing’ for Harry, which makes a nice change as normally all he is interested in is cars and trains.

I am thinking as Harry has been asking to do some ‘making’ for a while now and I have not had much time to do crafts in the last few weeks, we will do some dinosaur type crafts/activities over the next week or so.
Maybe I should call it Dino-week!

Things I love

2010-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

My cute little man, Harry.

He is a sensitive little bear and demonstrated this tonight, when I was reading bedtime stories he asked me if he could sleep in my bed where Daddy goes (Luke is away with work at the mo). I said that he needed to sleep in his own bed next to Ollie, to which he replied ‘will you be ok mummy?’ patting his little hand on my arm and giving me a big bambi type look. He is too cute; I nearly gave in to those big baby blues but have tucked them up in their own room tonight.

The return of the roast dinner.
Now the weather is getting cooler I have got out the roasting trays and been cooking up massive dinners complete with Yorkshire pudding. There is nothing better on a Sunday than sitting down to a roast dinner with all my family.

Tights
I love wearing skirts but have the palest legs you have ever seen (really, they glow in the dark!!) Now I can wear all my skirts with thick tights and my biker boots or pretty ballet pumps, I am also loving plum coloured tights this year.

This hymn sang by the talented Mindy Gledhill.
I discovered it over at the wonderful Cjane. Have a look, it really is beautiful. I watched the video with Harry and Ollie and they both sat on my lap totally still watching it, at the end Harry said to me ‘I want a baby like that, please’.

Autumn leaves and long walks wearing wellingtons.
Every day I have been trying to take the boys outside to look at the changing leaves, collect acorns and best of all to kick and jump in all the dried leaves wearing wellingtons.

Preparing for Harry's birthday and Halloween.
I love all the party preparations, what kind of cake to make, whether to have a theme, decorations, buying surprise presents.... and next month I have Harrys 3rd birthday and then Halloween to prepare for.

Rue Magazine

This really cool new on-line magazine, it was introduced to me thanks to the very funny 3 stinky boys and me.

Brothers

2010-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Todays Problem:

Harry wants to play with his train set and Ollie wants to join in
(meaning Ollie pulls the track apart, knocks the train over... cue lots of shouting and shoving).

Solution:

Glue a second set of train tracks to a wooden board, both boys happy!

(well, for a little while untill they both wanted the yellow train).

All Change

2010-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Not posted for a week as to be honest I have nothing much blog worthy to write about. I seem to be really busy doing nothing in particular, so this post is a bit of a ramble, indulge me today and normal blogging will resume later.

Even the pictures in this post are random, I just liked this one.

As I was saying really I haven’t been up to that much, for example, high lights from the last week include:

A trip to Ikea (see what I mean?) but this trip was great as both boys where well behaved, Ikea had everything we needed in stock (plus a few things we didn’t) and Luke didn’t reach melt down point (he really hates Ikea).

I did attend a wonderful afternoon tea to celebrate that a lovely friend of mine that is having twins, due any day now, I am really excited.

In an attempt to get fit and I began one of those hard core outdoor circuit classes, the kind that you have to go to no matter what the weather? Seems like a good idea now, not sure I will think that in January?

I have been trying to finish off all the little jobs that moving house creates, reframing pictures, moving furniture, choosing new cushion covers, making curtains to cover the front of the new shoe storage and now I feel like my house is my home.

We also attended the christening of one of my best friend’s babies, George. George’s special day was lovely, he was happy throughout the ceremony and even smiled when the Reverend baptised him. The party afterwards was great fun, we meet some fab people and there was a hog roast.

But apart from that we have mainly been adjusting to not having Harry at home three mornings a week. Harry has taken it all in his stride and loves his new nursery, each morning he has been asking if it is nursery today. It is Ollie and me that are finding it a bit weird. Don’t get me wrong on the mornings when we have lots of errands to run it is sooo much easier to get things done with just one child. But when we are at home it feels strange and as Ollie doesn’t have his constant source of entertainment, he looks to me to entertain him. I think Ollie does enjoy being able to play with all the toys and touch whatever he likes without the ‘thats mine’, ‘no Ollie!’, accidental pushing over and snatching but it doesn’t take long before Ollie is by my side, following me about saying ‘mama up’.

Who could resist this little face? No wonder I am not getting anything done.

I am currently doing some work on the garden and changing over the summer pots of geraniums and lobelia to cyclamen and winter pansies. Well, I was trying to do this, but this morning as fast as I was potting the plants Ollie was busy un-potting them, I will finish it off when the boys are napping. So to keep us both busy I have decided on one of the mornings Harry is at nursery to take Ollie to a music with mummy class, we start tomorrow. I am sure in a couple of weeks we will have adjusted and got used to our new weekly arrangements and I will have found someway of getting things done around here?!

My big boy

2010-09-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today was Harry's first day at Pre-school.

He was very excited.

I was a little bit sad, he is growing up to fast.

Harry wanted to wear his favourite t-shirt with the yellow car on the front and he could not wait to use the new backpack he had chosen for himself last week. He was telling me to hurry up as he didn’t want to be late while I was trying to take these pictures.

I was the first mum waiting outside his nursery at pick up time. Harry was really happy to see me and Ollie but I think he was mainly happy as he wanted to tell me all what he had been up to....play-dough and playing with cars. I think he really enjoyed his first school experience.

Holiday Post No.2

2010-09-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

The sunshine returned! and I got to spend the day in my favourite place to visit in Cornwall, St Ives. I love wandering around all the little winding streets and browsing all of the galleries, cute little shops and of course stopping for a yummy cream tea overlooking the sea. I didn’t manage to buy any paintings as I have way too expensive taste but I did buy a big, rustic looking pottery dish which I am going to use as a nature bowl to show all Harry's autumn collections. Plus Luke brought me this really cute ceramic bird made by Hannah Turner. It was a perfect day, thanks to Luke who patiently stood outside most of the galleries with pushchair and the two boys, and thanks to my two boys for both napping in the pushchair and giving us a little break.

This is St Ives, isn’t it beautiful? I have not edited this picture in anyway the sky really is that blue.

The rest of the week we have spent playing on the beach and visiting the beautiful gardens of Trebah . Which has some enormous plants, the kind you could image dinosaurs walking through and when you walk to the end of the gardens you come out into a little cove, with a pebbly beach.

We spent a couple of hours having a picnic, collecting interesting shells and skimming stones across the flat sea, I love that my Dad still holds the skimming record.

It really has been an awesome holiday and I will miss seeing these guys everyday x

Holiday post No.1

2010-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

After one peaceful hour of driving and then 4 not so peaceful ones, we arrived at our holiday destination of Padstow, Cornwall.

My parents, brothers, brothers girlfriend Rachael, my family and Eddie the dog all chilling out in our new home for the week.

The weather on our first day was fantastic and we spent the whole day on the beach. The boys played at the edge of the sea, building sand castles and playing with the teapot Harry brought with him. Luke and two of my brothers braved the freezing sea and went for a swim, I watched. It was a perfect way to start off our family holiday.

what a difference a day makes, the weather has taken a turn and it has been raining, lots. But being true brits we still got out and made the most of the beautiful cornish coastline.

The plans for the rest of the week, include lots of ice-cream, a few cream teas, a trip the St Ives, lots of walks and a date night for just Luke and I. But before all that, tonight it was Luke and my night to cook for everyone so I better get on with that.

A few of my favourite things

2010-09-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

1. It is only two sleeps until we go on holiday and we are all very excited!

2. Autumn feels like it is really beginning now and I love autumn. Harry loves blackberry picking and I have made three blackberry and apple crumbles in the last two weeks.

3. Chocolate chip cookies! Yummy! These were made from the Hummingbird bakery book; it is my favourite cookie recipe at the moment.

4. Dahlias are defiantly my current favourite flowers; these beauties came from a friend’s garden.

Little boats

2010-08-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last month when the weather was hot and it felt like summer, I read a post on my friend at Applejuice’s blog. In which her children make wonderful paper boats (they are more like galleons) and float them in the paddling pool.

Well our paddling pool has not been out for a while now but last night there was a lot of rain and it filled up the boys red wagon.

So this morning we made simple little boats out of empty plastic containers and sailed them in the wagon. The boys loved it, although after a short while the boats ‘sank’ and the containers where used to empty the water all over the garden, but that was just as much fun.

Notes from today

2010-08-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

We chilled out with Nanny all day.

Played in the garden, went for a walk to the playground, feed the ducks and while both boys were napping (Harry has taken his sleep back up again?) we made lots of stewed fruit and a big blackberry and apple crumble.

It has been lovely day.

Thought I would just post a few pic's from today.

Crafting afternoon

2010-08-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day I had time to just ‘be’ at home in my new house. We have been so busy the last two weeks that I have not had time to just play and chill out with the boys, but today we did.

After a lovely lunch at friends, picnic style in her sitting room as it was raining, we came home and made a big mess!! Crafting made up most of the afternoon, well crafting at the moment for Harry is just cutting up paper as he loves using scissors. We did manage to make some jellyfish as we watched a childrens nature programme about the ocean this morning, and they seemed to really capture Harry's imagination.

Also today the only sunflower that survived the house move flowered. This a sunflower that we had grown from the seeds I won from the wonderful Nurture Store, so it was very exciting.

Nap time

2010-08-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is 1.30pm in my house today.

Normally I would have both boys in bed napping and I would have some time to myself to clean, cook dinner, get on with other little jobs and browse the internet while drinking tea, but not anymore! Harry at 2 years and 10 months old has started to drop his nap! I have been dreading this day for a while now and as he has been having trouble going to sleep at night I have been cutting his nap time down but today he really didn’t want to go to bed at all. Instead he laid on the sofa with his muzzy and new fire engine and watched Toy Story. So I did get a bit of time to do a few things and catch up on some blog reading, hopefully I will be able to keep Harry having quiet time when Ollie naps for a while longer?!

This weekend

2010-08-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

(My Mum and Dad taken in 1974)

After a very hectic week we are now all moved in and have managed to unpack most of our things (I will post pictures later in the week). We have even had a bit of time to do some fun things this weekend which included catching up with friends at a bbq and a date night. This is largely thanks to my parents who were not only kind enough to have the boys on the day and night of our move but then they came over the next day to do jobs for us. They worked really hard all day sorting the garden out, building an arbour, rebuilding the playhouse and doing lots of other things. Thank you so much Mum and Dad, you were an amazing help.

This weekend was my parents 34th wedding Anniversary. I hope they have had a lovely weekend together.

This week

2010-08-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have been crazy busy packing and sorting ready for our move tomorrow. I now just want to be in our new house so I can started on organising and doing all the fun things of making house.

In between all the packing I did get the chance to practice some photography by photographing two gorgeous little ones, both called George.

This is George M, I love his chubby little hands and even though at just 4 months he is cutting his first tooth he still tried to smile for me.

Then was the turn of George C, a very busy 9 month old who loves to be on the move flashing me his cheeky little grin before escaping. He has the most beautiful little curls and massive brown eyes.

Thank you to both of my Gorgeous George's for being such fun models, I am very grateful for letting me practice. I was also really excited as the second picture of George M is going to be used on his Christening invitations, what an honour.

I am going to be really busy over the next few days and without broadband so it may be a while till my next post.

Have a great week x

My big boy!!

2010-08-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

Ollie took his first steps today!

He has been cruising the furniture for a while and using his baby walker but today he took a few (unaided) steps from me to Luke. We are so excited but not as excited as he was!

Special day

2010-07-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today is Luke's birthday, the sun is shining and we are spending the day together, just the four of us.

Harry and I made this big happy birthday sign in the week and I photographed the boys holding it. We printed the photo out and used it as a birthday card, with the addition of lots of glitter and glue. We try to always give homemade cards.

The sign was then used to decorate the breakfast table this morning, where we started the day in Luke's favourite way... stacks of thick pancakes and maple syrup.

As Luke is not a fan of traditional cake, I made him a massive pile of cherry and hazelnut chocolate brownies instead.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY XXX

Cupcakes

2010-07-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was asked to photograph some cupcakes and try out some new cupcake creations, it was a very good day!! Two of my lovely friends, Lisa and Lisa have started a cupcake company, The Travelling Teashop. I really enjoyed taking the photo's for them and of their cakes and when they kindly gave me some cupcakes to take home I took even more pictures. Maybe one day I could become an inanimate object photographer?

The two Lisa's are best friends and you can really see how relaxed they are together, giggling away in between shots. Even though this picture will probably not be used on their blog I was really pleased that I captured this moment. I always have a great time when I am around them both.

Busy, busy, busy!

2010-07-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Things have been a bit hectic around here as we are moving in two weeks! We have found a slightly bigger place in a village only about 10 minutes away, it all seems to have happened really fast and now we are off. So I have been spending any spare moments sorting through all the stuff I have accumulated over the last few years, this is in fact a mammoth task as I am a massive hoarder, I love stuff.

I was really annoyed with myself this weekend as although in between sorting the loft and garage we did manage to get out and have some fun, I forgot my camera. Thank goodness for the iphone, although I find the delay in taking the picture really annoying. We took the boys to ‘mad about machines’ at Wisley, which if any of your children are mad about tractors I would defiantly recommend there must have about 30 tractors to look at and walk around and a few that you can climb on.

To cool off we took the boys to the paddling pool in our local park. This was lots of fun and a bit scary at the same time as Oliver is completely fearless so would just crawl through the water until he couldn’t go any further, but occasionally he would keep going?!

This week is going to be just as busy with the start of packing but there definately will be some crafting and baking involved as it is Luke’s birthday at the end of the week – so I can’t share any of the details until then.

Baking

2010-07-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ollie doing some cooking, I think he was making pancakes.

As the weather has taken a turn for the worse and we have been stuck in a bit more we did some baking. Banana sponge cakes were what we decided on. I used this recipe for a banana loaf but put the mixture into muffin and fairy cake cases instead of a loaf tin.

3 ripe bananas

3oz butter
7oz caster sugar
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla extract
7oz self raising flour
1tsp bicarbonate of soda

Mash the bananas together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl mix the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time adding flour and bicarbonate of soda with each.
Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract and mix together.
Put into cases and bake for about 20min, 180c (time will vary depending on the size of your cases, or you could put all the mixture in a loaf tin and bake for about 35mins).
Ice once they have cooled.

Harry couldnt wait for me to take a picture, they were just too tempting!!.

We also made brownies using this take on a Julia child’s recipe, they were yummy but the Nigella brownie recipe (from her domestic goddess book) is still our favourite. That did not stop us from eatting at least 5 brownies each this afternoon in front of Toy story.

The weather is meant to be better this weekend so we can get out a stop baking!

Happy weekend x

3 Reasons

2010-07-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello! from my boys at the beach last weekend

I really have been neglecting my blog of late and feel a bit bad about it. There have been a few reason why I have not updated it much:

1. I have been concentrating on my flickr site ‘the little leaf’ as since my photography course finished I have wanted to spend time practicing my new skills and learning more, I think I may have become a flickr addict?!

2. After a trip to my lovely hairdresser (who is a prolific reader) I have become hooked on the Twilight books so have been spending my spare moments reading them. I have just finished the 3rd book, Eclipse so this weekend Luke and I are going on a little date to the cinema to see it; I am really looking forward to that.

3. The last reason is that I heard on the ‘grapevine’ that a friend had made comments about my blog saying that they don’t read it as I make them feel bad? That I am some kind of Super Mummy? I think this is funny. I am no way a super mum, I just like to blog about the things that make me happy. Sure there are days when I get really cross with the boys, when Harry has been on the naughty step for the 10th time that day, when I am counting down to the boys bedtime, when I am sooo looking forward to yoga night as I get to leave Luke to finish bedtime routine, but I choose not to write about those things, well sometimes I do but only a little bit. I like to write about the good things as they are the things I like to read about on other blogs. I was a bit upset by this comment but I am not going to let it bother me as I enjoying blogging! It makes me happy.

I will update my blog a bit more this week, Harry has been really wanting to bake so I will have to think of something to make with him and I am looking for a new brownie recipe so no doubt there will be some baking related blogging going on.

Oliver's big day

2010-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Ollie's Christening Day. It was an absolutely fantastic day, could not have been more perfect. The church service was very relaxed and Ollie was really well behaved, only a few tears at the font as he does not like having his hair wet, but was back to his happy self immediately afterwards. We continued the celebrations in my parents beautiful garden which we had decorated beforehand (multi-coloured flowers, lanterns and vintage tablecolths), the weather turned out great, sunny but with a breeze, and everyone enjoyed bbq food, yummy cupcakes and lots of pimms. It was awesome to see our close friends and family together having such a lovely time and celebrating Ollies big day, it was really special.

Ollie's Godparents and cousin Lilia

Garden party

Happy Birthday Oliver!

2010-07-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

The week was Ollie’s first birthday. We had a wonderful day although I had mixed emotions about the day, I was very happy but also a little bit sad as my baby was turning one. No longer can I say he is 10 or 11 months old he is now one year old and is leaving the baby stage very fast. I was of course happy as it was lovely to celebrate his first year. We began the day in our normal family tradition of opening some smaller presents and a few cards all together in our bed before coming down stairs for main presents. This year we got Ollie a cozy coupe car (just like Harrys) and left it ribboned up outside on the patio, so when Ollie came downstairs we opened the curtain and there it was.

We spent the day at my parents house, playing in the garden and eating lots of cake. My family brought Ollie a radio flyer wagon, which was a massive hit with both boys.

My big boy Ollie, I think he really enjoyed his special day.

Hot!!

2010-06-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

For the last week or so the weather has been amazing here, sunny and hot every day. We have been spending most of our time playing in the garden and in the paddling pool.

I have not had much time to update my blog recently as so many things keep getting in the way of me sitting down at the computer. So here is a little family update:

I have been spending most of my time taking pictures and studying for my photography course, we had an exam last week and this week we have to present six photos we have taken in the last two weeks, eeek! You can see some of my photo’s on my flickr site, if you fancy taking a look. I have also been finalising all of the details for Ollie’s 1st birthday and Christening which happens later this week.

Harry potty trained himself over the last couple of weeks, we are very proud of him. He just said to me one day that he didn’t want to wear nappies anymore and that was that. He only used the potty for two days and then went on to use the toilet. I am so impressed, we have had no accidents and he is also dry in his nap time. I can’t take any credit, I was totally lead by him.

Ollie is really leaving the baby stage and becoming a toddler now. He can walk from chair to chair and is happiest when he is using his walker, bashing about the front room. I can’t believe he is going to be One this week?! Where has the last year gone? I will be sure to write all about his special day and of course take loads of pictures.

I love this.....

2010-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

I recently found an amazing new source of inspiration, The Yvestown blog and flickr site.

I want a house just like this......

Yvonne lives with her husband (who she affectionately calls 'The Bo') and thier cat Boo in a beautiful former brewers house from 1896 in Belgium, she tries to live each day like "freshly shaven legs under clean sheets."

I think I may have found someone that loves Cath Kidston just as much as me.

Isn’t it beautiful?

I was definitely inspired by Yvonne when I made my latest purchase, this fabulous oilcloth bag made by my lovely French friend at Applejuice.

Our Wedding Anniversary

2010-06-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today we have been married 5 years!

Last night we layed in bed together chatting and reminiscing about our wedding day. I think it was the most perfect day ever; we got married in a beautiful village church with just family and a few close friends, afterwards we went to a country hotel for dinner together. It was such a hot day that we sat in the garden and had the speeches outside, everyone was really relaxed. In the evening extra friends came along to the hotel and we had a big party which carried on outside until the early hours. I would not have changed a thing.

We then got talking about all the things we done together in the last 5 year and we realised how busy we have been. We have brought two houses, rented two houses, lived in Australia for a year, owned five cars, visited Thailand (twice), Dubai, Singapore and of course most importantly we have had two wonderful sons.

I wonder what the next 5 years will hold for us?

Fate at the Friary

2010-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things about living where we do is that in the summer, pretty much every weekend, there is some kind of fate, farmers market, open gardens, teddy bears picnic or craft fare to go to. This weekend was the turn of one of my most favourite afternoon events, a fate held in the beautiful grounds of a working Franciscan Friary.

There was music, a coconut shy, tea and cakes, all kinds of bric a brac for sale, a bouncy castle, a tombola and plenty of ice-cream.

Harry being entertained by one of the Monks. Luke helping Harry win a coconut.

Tea in a tree

2010-06-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days I have really been able to indulge my girlie side. Firstly, on Saturday I had afternoon tea with five girl friends in a tree house. Yep a tree house, there is a very sweet tea shop near us where you can hire a little tree house and be served yummy cream tea, it was a lovely afternoon.

Then on Sunday my sweet friend, and probably one of my girliest friends, Marissa come to visit us. We took the boys to the park and got to chat about recipes, baking and shopping. We were talking about making the perfect scone, so once the boys had gone to bed I made some for Luke and me, they were yummy but I am still trying to perfect them.
To finish off my girlie few days I saw the new Sex and the City film last night (with four girlfriends) and loved it! I have always been a big fan and thought this film was much better than the first one, the clothes were amazing, it was laugh out loud funny, I would definately recommend it.

My girlie-ness has really come to an end now as Harry has decided for himself that he no longer wants to wear nappies, so we have commenced potty training?!!

Hello June!

2010-06-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

I love June! It is my favourite month, the month that Luke and I got married in five years ago and this year it will be the month of my baby's first birthday.

One of my favourite Esty shops, June Craft which has the most beautiful prints and textiles made by the very talented Kayanna. I have currently got my eye on a couple of gorgeous prints and a very cute sausage dog. Kayanna also writes a lovely blog called June Craft too, where each month she gives away calendar wallpaper.

This months is my favourite one to date, you can download it here

Lazy, long weekend

2010-05-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

We have just had a lovely, long weekend catching up with friends, playing in the park, going for walks and having ice-cream. The highlight was definately a visit from the boys Godmother Emma-Louise. She arrived with presents for the boys, new books - Emma is an English teacher so is always keen to develop the boys taste for reading and brought two awesome books this time, Mog - The forgetful cat and Say Hello to the Dinosaurs, both of which were a massive hit with Harry who has been running around making the sound of a Pterydactyl since having the dinosaur book read to him. We spent the afternoon in the sunshine at our local playground and had ice creams. Then, after putting the boys to bed we decided to open a bottle of wine, get a take away curry and Emma stayed for the evening which was lovely, impromptue evenings like that are always the best.

Ever the teacher!

2010-05-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

'It makes people wonder what you are thinking'

Happy long weekend x

My current favourite thing...

2010-05-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am mad about the Hipstamatic photographic app for the iphone 'Digital photography never looked so analog'. You can change the lens, flash and film to create different looks all of them having an awesome retro feel, I love it!!

These are just a few pictures I have taken in the last couple of days to try the app out, there are so many combinations I still have to experiment with.

Sunshine and tummy bugs

2010-05-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

The last few days the weather has been absolutely perfect, warm, and sunny with a clear blue sky. On Saturday we spent the whole day outside and had a picnic lunch by the stream. It was beautiful, we paddled in the stream and sat in the sun. Luckily we really made the most of the day and spent every moment outside, as that evening one by one we all got a sickness bug (apart from Luke who never seems to get sick? I have not jinxed you by writing that Luke, its just the truth) so the last few days we have spent in and out of bed and in front the TV, mainly watching the BBC's The Graffalo (I would definately recommend). Now I am trying to catch up on the massive amount of washing and cleaning, yuk! We are all slowly on the mend and I am sure after a quiet few days we will be back out enjoying ourselves, let’s just hope the weather lasts that long.

Poor Ollie has been the most sick out of all of us, not only did he have the bug but his first tooth broke through as well, double ouch!

This week

2010-05-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

Ollie has been pulling himself to standing for a little while but he had not thought about doing it in bed, until now! I think he was watching me today while I was reading my blog friend Lindsay's post entittled Bedtime just got trickier and got the idea...

This is how I found him after his day sleep. I think I will have to moniter what he looks at on the internet already!

Harry has been his usual cool self and has taken to wearing his sunglasses all day and not just outdoors.

Luke and I have mainly been playing with the new iphone he brought me, it is so cool and there really is an app for everything.

Whats in your handbag?

2010-05-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

A while ago there was a 'meme' going around some of the lovely blogs I read titled ‘what’s in your handbag?’ I never got time to take part in this one, but today I started thinking about it again.

It occurred to me that I never written much about life pre-babies on my blog, when in fact I did do some pretty cool things before my gorgeous boys came along, travelled, lived in Australia twice, different careers... For example after working for many years as a PA in Andersens in London, Luke and I went to live in Australia where I trained as a Make-up Artist and worked for a couple of prestige make-up brands as well as doing numerous freelance jobs. It was so much fun, getting to play with make-up everyday! I was a complete product 'junkie' and had boxes and boxes filled with millions of different creams, potions and make-up. I always remeber while living in Oz every month I would eagerly await the arrival of my British and American Vogues but most of all I would look forward to Allure magazine arriving, pages and pages or make-up and products and would obsess over what foundation or blusher I was going to try next. The reason for me writing about this is so that I can write a post called ‘what’s in my make-up bag?’ and you will know that I really have tried and tested most products on the market. (Also the contents of my handbag is much like any other mum of two in nappies...wipes, nappies, more wipes, nappy sacks, toy cars, boxes for raisins, bread sticks....Make-up is more interesting to me.)

So, what’s inside my make-up bag?

My make-bag is actually an enormous Cath Kidston wash bag full to bursting with products but here are a few of my favourites:

Etsee Lauder Double wear light – the longest lasting tint I have found, will not wear off no matter how many times Ollie touches my face or gives me dribbly kisses.

Estee Lauder ideal light, covers dark circles and gives you a great base for eyeshadow or if like me most days you don’t have time for eyeshadow it covers red eyelids and discolouration.

Revlon Blusher in Blushing Berry, a great pink coloured powder, used on the apples of your cheeks for a youthful girly look.

Nars Bronzer in Laguna, gives a warm glow with out the fake look, I really cant live with out this.

Shu Uemura eyelash curler, everyone should curl their lashes, opens the eyes and makes them look bigger, these are by far the best curlers.

L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara, no need to buy really expensive mascara this one gives you lushious lashes at a fraction of the cost and it comes in a waterproof formula.

I have so many lip glosses and lipsticks but the only lip product I always use is lansinoh nipple cream, it makes the most fantastic clear gloss, moiturises and protects (I know its a bit weird but I discovered it when breast feeding Harry and forgot my lip balm!).

Normal mummy blogging will resume tomorrow

Ollie's toes

2010-05-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

I love his little baby feet and tiny toes.

Happy weekend x

London Elephant Parade

2010-05-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Last week while visiting the Natural History Museum, I posted a picture of Harry standing next to an elephant he thought was Elmer. It occurred to me tonight that I never explained why the elephant was there and the very worthwhile cause it represents.

This is the Hathi elephant, it stands outside the V&A and is part of an Elephant Parade, a conservation campaign that aims to highlight the urgent crisis faced by the endangered Asian elephant. Created by Elephant Family, the event sees over 250 brightly painted life-size elephants located over central London this summer. Each brightly coloured elephant what designed by a different artist or celebrity, with the aim to raise £2 million for the Asian elephant and benefit 20 UK conservation charities.

All of the elephants are for sale by auction, could you imagne how cool it would be to have your very own painted elephant!! Next time we are in London we will be looking for more of 'Elmers' friends.

Happy elephant spotting!

TOMS

2010-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Last night Luke came home from work with a surprise present for me.

A new pair of TOMS, how sweet is that?

I have been wanting some for a while but (because of the wonderful English weather) I always seem to buy more Converse. Now all I need is some sunshine!

The cool thing is that thanks to their One for One scheme not only did I get a new pair of shoes I know that a child in need somewhere in the world did too x

Bluebell Photographs

2010-05-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

As a child and throughout most of my teens, every May we had a little family tradition of having our photos taken amongst the bluebells in the woods. Last year when Harry was 18months and I was heavily pregnant with Oliver we started our own family tradition of taking pictures in the bluebells. I was starting to get worried this year that we were not going to get a chance to go to the woods near my parents where we usually go as we seem to be really busy at the moment. So when Luke came back from an early morning bike ride and told me about the amazing bluebells right here in the Surrey downs, we went there that afternoon.

I was not disappointed, the bluebells carpeted the floor of the woods and it was spectacular. As you can imagine I took many, many pictures but I needed to as Harry decided he was not going to smile or look at the camera?! Instead he collected lots of sticks and carried around an enormous rock.

Back to School

2010-05-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

As anyone who reads my blog or knows me, you will certainly know that I am obsessed with taking photos. I photograph everything and drive my poor family mad in the process with my constant ‘just stand still’, ‘look at mummy’, ‘can you do that again?’..... In fact the main reason I have a blog is so I can post photos and I have never written a post and not included a photo or eight.

So today I have started a short improver’s photography course at our local adult education centre. Every Friday morning for the next 6 weeks I get to play with my camera, chat to other passionate ‘want to be’ photographers and learn how to take better pictures. Fantastic!

Inside the classroom

It was a great morning, I met some really nice people and learnt a few new techniques . We have been set homework in the form of a research project to do this week, so I am going to start that now. I am such a geek doing my homework the day it was set!

Day out in London

2010-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

We woke up this morning and had no plans for the day apart from spending it together as Luke is off work this week. So we made a quick decision to take the boys in to London to visit the Natural History Museum and I am really glad we did.

I think the Museum building is one of the most amazing buildings in London

Inside the entrance hall there is an enormous dinosaur skeleton, at first Harry was a bit nervous and asked Luke to carry him. This didn’t last long and he was soon off running about.

Both boys found it all fascinating

Ollie enjoying his chocolate chip cookie, I think this was his favourite part of the day.

Harry ran from exhibit to exhibit, there was just so much for him to see.

The day was completed with Harry getting to meet Elmer (well he thought it was Elmer!).

Jai Ho!!!

2010-05-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Luke and I went to my gorgeous friend Lisa’s Bollywood themed fancy dress party. We had an amazing night! I love dressing up and had never wore a sari so was really excited, Luke looked very handsome in his Kurta.

Before the party all the girls had secretly learnt the dance routine to Jai Ho. So when the song came on we all took centre stage and preformed the dance for the boys. Someone did video us so if it ever makes its way on to youtube I will post a link.

Me and my shadow

2010-04-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Little Ollie has been following me around all day, he is well and truly crawling.

Where ever I go he is right there with me, smiling away.

I love those little chubby cheeks.

I love this

2010-04-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

After a busy weekend of visitors, shopping, a great night out to celebrate Emma-Louise's birthday (mexican food, cocktails and cupcakes!!) and a BBQ, we are having a quiet week at home.

I have just finished reading this book. It is a sort of recipe book but the recipes are in with stories from Molly's life - not sure I explained that very well but it is brillant, I have loved it.

This afternoon I made banana bread with chocolate and ginger (page26) and it was soooo good. It went really well with a big cup of earl grey, maybe a bit too well, Luke and I have already eatten over half or the loaf.

Tomorrow the weather is meant to be even warmer, so (after I have got a few jobs done) I think we will spend it in the garden, with a little walk to the ice-cream van that now seems to be permanently parked at the playground at the end of our street.

Happy St George's Day

2010-04-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

It is St Georges day today, Englands National day.

Unfortunately it is not a public holiday, so Luke had to go to work, but he did wear his St George's Cross cufflinks. He is very proud to be English.
It is a real shame that we do not celebrate this day in the way other countries celebrate their National day although that seems to be starting to change and we saw many shops, pubs and houses displaying the the St George's cross and there was a special farmers day market in a local village near us.

I always think of this poem today, it is normally sung as a hymn. Both Luke and I liked it so much we included it in our wedding service.

Jerusalem by William Blake

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountain green?

And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the countenance divine

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here

Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!

Bring me my arrows of desire!

Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!

Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,

Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,

Till we have built Jerusalem

In England's green and pleasant land.

Happy weekend x

This is my 100th post

2010-04-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 100th Post Day

Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and especially those of you who have left me little comments.

I hope you enjoy the next 100 posts.

My little thumb sucker

2010-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some photos on my computer last night when I noticed that I have loads of Ollie sucking his thumb. This is not surprising as he loves his thumb; in fact there is nothing Ollie likes more! I couldn’t resist posting a few.

Little treats

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Normally I am not a big fan of Monday's but today has been a good one. The sun has shone all day and while the boys were napping I managed to get all my jobs done, bake some more delicious raspberry friands and have 5 minutes to myself.

Raspberry Friands

1/2 cup of caster sugar
1/2 cup of plain flour
1/4 cup of ground almond
4 egg whites
125g (4.5oz) of butter, melted
A handful of raspberries, halved
Icing sugar for dusting
Madeleine molds or small fairy cake tins

Combine caster sugar, flour and ground almond in a bowl. Add the egg whites and stir well, then add melted butter and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Spoon the mixture into the tins or molds (pre-greased if required)
Press several pieces of raspberry into the cake mixture in each tin.
Bake in the oven (350F) for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden, test the cakes by skewering with a clean knife, if it comes out clean the cake is ready.
Remove cakes from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
Sprinkle with icing sugar just before serving.
You can store the friands in a air-tight container for up to a week.

Plus today is my wonderful friend and Godmother to both my son's Birthday.

Happy Birthday Emma- Louise!!!
I am so looking forward to seeing you and celebrating your special Birthday on Saturday! Hope you had a good day at work and your students went easy on you!
Have fun tonight.
Lots and love and kisses xxx

I think it will be a good week

Friday again

2010-04-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wow it is Friday already! Is it me or has this week just flown by?

As I have been a bad blogger this week, I thought I would write a little summary post of my week. In no particular order, here are the high lights:

Hindu wedding
On Saturday night we went to Emma and Akhil's wedding reception. The wedding celebrations had been going on all week as Akhil comes from a very large Hindu family and there were many different ceremonies. It was a huge party with 400 people for a sit down meal, there was entertainment from amazing dancers and a wedding cake made from hundreds of little cupcakes, which were yummy. We had a brilliant night.

Rhubarb
As field grown rhubarb is in season at the moment, I brought two bunches of it on Monday and stewed them up with some brown sugar. I have kept the yummy stuff in a big container in the fridge and been enjoying it all week, on top of pancakes, in a crumble or just cold with some organic vanilla yoghurt, it has been delicious.

New shoes
I bought this really cute pair of nude ballet pumps from topshop this week. They are so pretty, I can’t wait to wear them at the weekend. New shoes always make me soo happy.

A trip to the farm
We managed to have a family day this week and took the boys to the farm to see the new baby lambs. The lambs were just too cute and I took far to many pictures of them, I could not resist. We all had a great day, seeing the animals, riding on a tractor and we even had our first picnic of the year.

Aviators
Luke brought me a pair of Ray Band aviators in the airport after he had been working away, it was a real surprise. I love them and I love that he choose them for me - they are the exact ones that I would have chosen for myself had I been there!

Happy weekend, I will try and be a better blogger next week x

It's SPRING!!!

2010-04-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today to cheer me up and help out with the boys my parents and littlest brother Jack came over for the afternoon. The weather was beautiful, so we went to a near by village for ice-cream and to feed the ducks. Thought I would share some pictures of our lovely afternoon.

The weather is meant to be even more lovely over the next few days and Luke will be home to share it with us.

Happy weekend x

We miss you Daddy

2010-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Luke is away with work this week and it sucks, we all miss him so much. Tonight I had to put the boys to bed separately, which they both didn’t like one bit. Ollie went first and the whole time during his bath and bottle he moaned and kept looking about for Harry. Then it was Harry's turn, he just kept on asking for Daddy, I must have told him over fifty times Daddy was at work. When it came to story time he looked decidedly bored as I cant do all the voices and accents that Luke can, so all the characters sound the same a bit average.

Now that I have done all the tidying up, loaded the dish washer, made Ollie’s bottle, put the washing away and finally sat down, I am a bit lonely, is that weird? So I have been catching up on some blog reading and thought about this cute blog good night moon, it is letters written to a marine by his wife while he is currently deployed in Afghanistan. It makes my week without my husband sound silly, although I can’t help missing him, it did put things into perspective. Going to bed now, only two more sleeps and Luke will be home.

(I love this picture of Luke and Ollie)

Dear Luke
Please don’t ever get a job that takes you away from us, please, please don’t!
We miss you to much
xxx

New Shoes

2010-04-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Luke and I took the boys on a quick shopping trip before having lunch in the park. As a treat for Harry we let him pick out a pair of new shoes for spring. He decided on these bright red converse, they are so Harry.

He is very proud of them and when we went out this morning he stopped to show everyone his new red shoes, that he chose all by him self.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so maybe I was a bit hasty!! After chatting to a blog friend and my family I have decided to continue this blog along side my flickr site, sorry about my last post.

We have had a fantastic Easter Sunday, which started the only way Easter Sunday can with chocolate before breakfast. Then we were off to spend the day with my family for our annual egg hunt. This year Harry had a very cute 1970's yellow plastic basket to collect his eggs in.

I could not have had a more perfect day, wonderful family, delicous lamb dinner cooked by Mum, even (after days of what seems like non stop rain) the sun came out and we spent the whole afternoon in the sunshine, drinking tea and eating more chocolate.

Nanny and Grandad really spoil the boys (as they did me when I was little) and always give them a present instead of an egg. This year it was a new swing, which Uncle Matt helped try out.

The hunting

High tide at Nanny and Grandads

Dad had his canoe out in the garden for repairs ready for the summer, we saw a photo opportunity.

Happy Easter

A little blog break

2010-04-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hi friends
Hope you are all well and enjoying/have enjoyed the Easter break. We are having a wonderful time, have caught up with some friends and been for a lovely walk in the Surrey downs, I am now just about to get Harry's Easter basket ready for tomorrows egg hunt.

(Harry covered in mud after his long walk)

As you can see from the title I am going to have a little break from writting this blog, well slow it down at the very least. I have decided to have a little time out and concentrate on taking photo's, which has always been my favourite part of blogging away.

You can still see what we are up to on my flickr site. If you click on a photo on my flickr site on the right hand side under 'tags' you will see that I will be writing a mini blog type thing.

Thank you for all your lovely comments and emails, I will be blogging periodically so do pop by and it would also be great to hear from you on my flickr site.

I will of course still read and comment on all your wonderful blogs.

Lots of love
Emily x

This week

2010-03-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I think this week could be called pancake week.

Harry has been asking for pancakes for breakfast every day (again), not that I mind as I love pancakes too. We have been experimenting with adding fruit to the batter, we normally add grated pear but have also tried blueberries and raspberries. All our breakfast have been delicious, we cant get enough of them!

This week for Ollie has been all about getting about.

He is now really on the move, not that he is crawling, it is more of a bum shuffle, roll and pull himself but he can get about. So far I have found him:

Down the side of the sofa ripping up magazines
Hiding/stuck in the curtains
Trying to get his head out of the slighty open patio doors
Playing with a pile of dirty clothes

It is really sweet the way he is sooo proud of himself when he gets across the room to what he wants.

Happy Weekend x

A little spring house make over

2010-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my little spring house makeover so throught I would post some pictures of my favourite bits.

My freshly painted pale blue hallway, looks great with my favourite light shade which is made from Orla Kiely wallpaper.

I love my lastest etsy purchase, the Nordic hare print from Dee Beale, it looks great against the new limewashed walls and really brightens up what is normally an unused space.

Picture ledges have replaced my massive photo wall, this means I can now change the pictures when ever I like and will not leave marks on the wall plus it leaves me with more wall space to add to in time.

A new bathroom blind , and coloured towels have changed the look of our white bathroom.

Just a few changes but I am very pleased with the results, my little house looks great.

(just got the spring cleaning to finish now)

Sunflower seeds

2010-03-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

We spent the whole afternoon in the sunshine, in our backgarden today. While Luke did the hard gardening, Harry, Ollie and I planted the sunflower seeds we won in the Sunflower Club giveaway.

Harry was great at filling the trays with soil and gently puttting a seed in each.

Ollie loved watching his big brother.

Then Harry watered the seeds

He checked the seeds again and again, not sure that Harry is going to be able to wait 14-21 days before they germinate! That is a LONG time when you are 2.

Fingers crossed they do grow!

As seen here

2010-03-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

After a nice little holiday staying with my parents, I have come back to lots of emails and some lovely comments on my blog - Thank you x

Two of my recipe's have been included in:

You can view Kellys blog here and download the full recipe book here, my recipe's are on page 43 &51.

Also my paper daffodils craft activity has been featured on The Crafty Crow

I am very excited about this feature as I love this craft website and get loads of ideas from it.

What a lovely way to start back blogging.

Mothering Sunday

2010-03-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Wishing all the mummy bloggers that pop by my blog a very happy

Mothers Day

I hope you have all had wonderful days with your families

xxx

I was looking through some old photos and found this one of Mum and me on holiday, summer 1980, I really like it, Mum looks so pretty. Can't wait to spend some time with my Mum with week when we go and stay with my parents for a few days whilst Luke supervises the painting.

This will be my last post for a little while as I have got lots of things to sort out with decorating and my spring sort out. Bye bye for now x

2010-03-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

This week has been a slow week for blogging but a busy week for me. Poor Ollie has had a tummy virus, so we have been to the doctors a couple of times (he is much better now), the washing machine broke, I started an early spring clean and the rest of the time I have been visiting DIY stores, looking on the internet and generally pondering over what colours to paint the walls as we start decorating next week.

In amongst all that we did managed to bake some yummy chocolate chip cookies, so thought I would share this easy recipe.

Helen’s chocolate chip cookies (named after my lovely friend, who gave me this recipe)

4oz Butter
7oz Caster sugar
1 egg
2 tsp Vanilla essence
8 ½ Plain Flour
½ tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
½ tsp Baking powder
8oz Chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla essence. Next mix in the dry ingredients. Shape into cookies, place on a non-stick baking sheet about 2inchs apart and bake at 190c for 8 to 10 minutes. They are yummy!

Happy Weekend x

Musical Monday

2010-03-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Oh No! It’s Monday again, we don't like Mondays!

Once we had done the normal start of the week food shop and jobs, we came home and made lots of noise.

We even made instruments ourselves

Ollie had a rice and pasta shaker.

Harry had a string instrument – an empty tissue box, covered in wrapping paper, with rubber band strings which he decorated with stickers and glitter.

It really cheered us up

Wordless Wednesday - Big blue eyes

2010-03-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

5 things.....

2010-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

I Love

My new baby carrier
This carrier arrived last Thursday and I have used it every day since, it has been brilliant. I found it really hard to find a carrier that you can wear on your front when your baby is over 6 months and quite a big boy, but this one is just perfect.

The sunny weather
After weeks of dull, wet English weather we have had some sunshine!! The boys and I have been making the most of the last few days with lots of playing outside and going for long walks – that’s were the carrier has been fantastic.

The snowdrops
Is it me or have the snowdrops been amazing this year? They are absolutely beautiful and seem to be growing everywhere, which is lovely.

Belgian chocolate hot cross buns
If you live near a Waitrose you must, must pop in and buy a pack, they are delicious!

The way Harry LOVES Luke
Harry is totally hero worshiping Luke at the moment (more than the normal) and it is very cute. While Luke is at work he asks for him at least 10 times a day, and the other day he put his muzzy in a bag, got on to his little wooden bike and told me he was going to see Daddy at work!.

Paper Daffodils

2010-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today is St Davids day, I always seem to remember this saints day partly because of my Catholic primary schooling, partly because I LOVE daffodils but mainly because to me the 1st of March means the start of spring. And today it really did feel like spring, it has been a bright, sunny day and for the first time you could really feel the warmth in the sun rays, plus I didn't have to turn on the lights until after tea time.

To celebrate (after playing outside) we made some paper daffodils, which I was really pleased with so thought I would share.

There is a little photo how to:

Saturday was

2010-02-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

2010-02-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

Lots of messy fun

2010-02-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

making wrapping paper

Harry spent ages drawing on a massive piece of paper, I love using his drawings as simple, unique wrapping paper.

We painted potatoes, apples and bubblewrap then made prints on coloured paper, which look really pretty as wrapping paper and gift tags.

Now the boys are asleep I am finally going to get chance to have a nice cup of tea and read Lonny Magazine in bed
Nite Nite!

We are going to the Zoo

2010-02-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we woke up to a beautiful, sunny and frosty morning. We decided to abandon our original plans of popping to town and doing some shopping to take the boys to the Zoo. Harry was so excited when we told him where we were going that the whole drive there he kept on saying 'see animals, see animals' and then he named every animal he could think of over and over and over again.

Harry loved seeing all the animals, he spent the whole time running from one thing to the next as there was just soo much for a two year old to take in. It was GREAT!

Dont they look a like? Both very handsome!

Harry’s favourite part of the day was definately riding on the monorail train with Luke, as when we were getting ready for bed all Harry would talk about was holding Daddies hand on the train.

Wordless Wednesday - Say CHEESE!!!!!

2010-02-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Mmmmm Pancakes!

2010-02-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

Today is Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday which is traditionally a day of feasting before fasting for 40 days of Lent.

We love Pancake Day, so I made us lots and lots of pancakes for dinner tonight. I tend to make the thin, crepe style pancakes as you can eats lots of them before you become full and that way can try out many, many different fillings.

In preparation of tonight’s pancake feasting, I have made some felt bean bag pancakes for Harry to play with. We had lots of fun seeing who can flip the pancakes the highest in the toy frying pan.

Felt beanbag pancakes

Cut out two circles of felt, making sure that they will fit inside your toy frying pan or on a little plate. Using a running stitch sew the two pancakes together, leaving a gap through which you add a small amount of dried lentils or rice, then sew the gap closed.

Crepe style pancakes

110g Plain flour
Pinch of salt
1 large egg plus one egg yolk, beaten
290ml full fat milk
1 tbsp veg oil

Sift flour and salt in to a bowl, make a well and stir in the eggs and a little of the milk.
Continue to stir in the rest of the milk and then add the oil, mix together. Put the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Add a little butter to a non stick frying pan and heat, then pour in just enough mixed to cover the base of the pan and make a thin pancake.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pancake is ready to be turned, if you are feeling brave you can now flip your pancake over (or use a fish slice) cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the other side.
Remove from the pan and spread a filling of your choice before rolling it up.

Harry and I like most fillings; ice-cream, banana, stewed apple and vanilla yoghurt, maple syrup, blueberries, apple and cinnamon... anything as long as it is sweet, Luke’s favourite is plain caster sugar and a squeeze of lemon. Little Ollie is not quite ready for pancakes yet so had fruit and vanilla yoghurt, but we did give him a little taste of ice-cream, which he loved and after the initial shock of the cold he kept on licking his lips wanting more.

After our massive pancake consumption before bed, Luke read Harry this book, which we all found very funny.

(Warning – the wolf eats more than just pancakes)

Pancake Day was great!

A little ray of sunshine

2010-02-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

This brightened up my Monday morning.

Thank you Holly from Its a mummy’s life for passing on The Sunshine Award. Holly said that she nominated my blog because I am as she says ‘a lovely Sunshine-y person’ isn’t that great, thank you very much!

So now for the fun bit, I get to pass the award on and nominate blogs that I love to read, here they are:

Lindsay and Company
Bilbified
The NurtureStore
Different Dog Blog
Retro Wife
Sunny day today mama
Date at the Tate
Hawthorn Hill
Playing by the book
Mummy from the heart
Home Baked

I Love your blogs!!!

To all the people I have nominated, there is no pressure, I know it is not everyone's cup of tea to have to pass the award on to others. I just thought it would be a bit of fun for a Monday and a great way for people to visit new blogs. Have fun if you do decide to take part x

PS: here are the rules for accepting this award.
•Put the Logo on your sidebar, or within a post.
•Pass the award onto 12 Bloggers.
•Link the nominees within your post.
•Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
•Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Valentines Creations

2010-02-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Harry and I have been creating some things for Valentine’s Day. We made sweet little cards for some of our friends and family as well as baking fairy cakes and decorating them with giant heart marshmallows for Harrys friends at nursery.

Making cards gave me the perfect reason to use my new alphabet stamps and I was really pleased with the cute results – cant show pictures of them all as it would spoilt the surprise for the people receiving them.

Wordless Wednesday - I love yoghurt!!

2010-02-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

Simple soup and Rustic round loaf

2010-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

This week I have made us this lovely and soo simple soup and bread, I throught would share the recipe.

Simple Vegetable and Red lentil Soup

1 tbs Olive oil
1 Onion, finely chopped
2 Cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 Stick of celery, chopped
1 Cup of red split lentils, washed thoroughly in cold water
2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
1 Parsnip, peeled and chopped
2 White potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 Sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 Leek, washed and chopped
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
Season to taste
500ml of vegetable stock
1 litre water

Heat a large saucepan over a medium heat, add olive oil and fry the onion, garlic and celery for a few minutes.
Add in the rest of the ingredients, cover and simmer for about 50 minutes or until all the vegetables are soft.
Remove from heat and whiz it up with a blender.
This recipe is so easy and you can really add any other vegetables you have that need to be used up, I sometimes add broccoli or a handful of peas nearer to the end of the cooking time. You may need to add a little more water as you add more vegetables.
It will serve 6 so I often freeze half in anticipation of one of those cold, wet, grey days when we need some wholesome soup to warm us up.

Round Rustic Loaf

500g Very strong white bread making flour, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tsp Salt
25g Butter, diced
1 tsp Easy bake dried yeast
300ml Hand-hot water

Place flour in a big mixing bowl, add the salt and butter and rub into the flour using your fingertips, until there are no lumps of butter left.
Stir the yeast into the mixture until it is evenly combined.
Make a little well in the centre of the mixture and pour in the water, mix quickly using a fork to form soft dough.
Using your hands draw the mixture into a ball and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough for about 15 minutes until it no longer feels sticky and is smooth and elastic.
Shape in to a ball and place onto a baking sheet, dust with flour.
Cover the dough and baking sheet loosely with an oiled piece of cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Uncover and using a sharp knife cut a shallow cross pattern into the surface.
Place the baking sheet in to a cold oven, leaving room above it for the loaf to rise. Turn oven to 220c, gas mark 7 and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The bread should be golden brown and when you tap the bottom of the loaf it should sound hollow – if not place it back into the oven for 5 more minutes.
Leave to cool – if you can resist the temptation of warm bread!!

Proud to be called Mummy

2010-02-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

At lunchtime while the boys were napping I thought I would see what is going on in blog land. I came across this post from It’s a mummy’s life which was responding to another blog about why they are proud to be called Mummy (as opposed to parent or mother, who some were saying was a better label for what we do?). I left a little comment on her post and carried on my day. However, this afternoon I started thinking about the post and decided to write a little one of my own.

These are some of the reasons why I feel proud to be a Mummy today.

This morning, while Harry was at nursery, I went out to do the food shopping with Ollie. We were happily going around the supermarket laughing at each other and with Ollie blowing raspberries from his trolley seat, when we were stopped by an elderly lady who wanted to look at the ‘little man’. Ollie gave her the biggest smile and made cute noises, we stopped to chat to her for a while and she told us about her grown up family and it was very nice. At the end of our conversation she said to me what an adorable son I have, I was so proud. We did actually get stopped a couple more times by different people who wanted to coo at Ollie, he was very happy to have all the attention and he made a few people smile in the process.

The second proud event happened a bit later on, when I arrived to collect Harry from his morning at nursery. He was busy playing when he looked up and saw me from across the room, gave me the biggest smile, dropped the cars he was playing with and ran over to me and shouting ‘Mummy!! ’. He was so happy to see me and I was just as happy to see him, I am so proud that he has become such a fun loving, confident little boy (and that he loved seeing me more than playing cars!).

I love being a Mummy, there is nothing I would rather be (in the good times and the bad) and I think it is all I have ever really wanted to be and I am proud of that. I know a lot of people would think there is more to life or that I should maybe ‘get a life’ but I don’t care, my boys make me the happiest of all.

Weekend Highlights by Harry

2010-02-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

Normally on a Monday morning I would write a little post reviewing my weekend:

Which this weekend would have included, our at home movie night were we watched a really sweet film, 500 days of summer which has an awesome soundtrack featuring one of my favourite songs by The Temper Trap. And the relaxing Sunday we spent at my parent’s house, where mum cooked us a delicious slow roast leg of lamb with butter beans and we ate homemade pastries.

But this Monday instead of me going on, I thought I would write about Harrys highlights from the weekend instead:

Harry's weekend highlights

The bouncy castle at his friend Henry’s 3rd birthday party
Eating two cakes and four party ring biscuits for lunch at the party
Sitting in a Fire engine at the Fire station charity car wash for Haiti
Driving Daddy’s car along while the Fireman washed it (on Daddy's lap)
Watching Charlie and Lola with his muzzy before bed
Chasing Nanny and Granddad’s dog around the garden
Trying to ride the dog like a horse
Riding his trike to the sweet shop with Granddad pushing him
Eating chocolate
Playing with Uncle Jack, Uncle Andy and Rachael climbing on all the cushions from the sofa
Playing cars with Daddy
Eating a bit more chocolate
Staying up until 8.30pm on Sunday

What a great weekend!

Fish Friday

2010-02-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

My Nan always used to cooked fish on a Friday, it was one of her many little 'things' - like it was always roast on a Sunday, wash day Wednesday, thinking that turning the TV off in the afternoon was a good way to let it 'rest' and the strange thing of putting everything into a little plastic bag before putting it into a container or into her handbag.

When I am planning our family’s meals for the week I often find myself putting a fish dish in Friday’s space of the chalk board. So I thought today I would post, what is probably my families favourite fish dish and what we are having for dinner tonight.

Salmon baked in honey, mustard and cherry tomatoes

Ingredients

2 Salmon fillets
2 Tbps Olive Oil
3Tbps Honey
3 Tbps Wholegrain mustard
1 Garlic clove, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved (enough to cover both salmon fillets)
Half a lemon

Rub Olive oil over the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets on to two separate pieces of silver foil (you will be making them into parcels at the end).
Mix the honey and mustard and spread on top of the fillets.
Scatter over the garlic.
Place the halved tomatoes on top; make sure they are close together, covering the whole of the fillet.
Squeeze lemon over the top and draw the foil up to meet above the fillets, making a parcel.
Bake in the over for about 30min at 190c, until the salmon has cooked through.

Serve on a bed of wild rice with steamed green beans.

It is so simple and quick to do. Enjoy x

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Ollie - taken by Harry