A Teeny Tiny Holiday

Wow. Six weeks without a post. 


I think that might be a new record.

It's hard to explain why I stopped blogging. I just... didn't want to do it anymore. I make no apologies for that fact. None at all. But now I... do want to again. I am nothing if not fickle.  So, while I try and get myself back into the habit, here are some pictures from a little trip that The Soldier and I went on a few weeks ago, to celebrate six months of mega love. Shall I pass out the sick bags now, or later?

We stayed at Harrop Fold Farm in the glorious Cheshire countryside and it was just perfect. That peacock and two of his little friends roamed around the grounds, squawking. The view from the bedroom window was second only to the view that we had in the Lake District back in March and the peace and quiet was just what I needed, after some very stressful weeks at work.

We took a little middle aged day out to Chatsworth while the sun was shining, roamed the grounds, looked at the beautiful flowers and ate ice cream that melted ridiculously quickly. It was a perfect Summer's day. Followed by a trip to Bakewell for the market and the BEST ploughman's platter ever. I even discovered that I like gherkins. Amazing scenes.

Of course, it wouldn't be a blog post without a little bit of Instagram. Including a few more of our feathered friends, a bit of cider and a cricket match on a village green, with added BUNTING. It doesn't get more English than that.

60

Happy Jubilee weekend, everyone!


As usual, I have been horribly busy and, thus, horribly absent from here. I had a glorious weekend planned for The Soldier and I but, as so often happens with the best laid plans, it's not happening. The joys of a long distance relationship with a military man! And by "joys", i obviously mean "heartache." C'est la vie!

So, whilst I won't be doing anything particularly special this weekend now, I do have a few hastily made plans and will also be glued to the television coverage of the Jubilee celebrations. I know there are some who aren't particularly enjoying the bunting and the relentless "jubilification" of products such as Marmite (Ma'amite) and Kingsmill (Queensmill) but I bloody love it! I'm quite a patriotic person at heart and I do have a massive soft spot for the Queen. So good on her I say! If there's even the merest hint of a flypast I will be weeping. Fact. Let's not even discuss the tears that were shed last Saturday during the military parade.

With that in mind, last Sunday I treated my lovely Mum to the Royal Not Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols in Manchester and we had a glorious time. A "Gloriana" Cocktail, four little puddings and, the best bit, a lunchbox to take away, containing six Charbonnel dark chocolate cornflake cakes. Which I may or may not have eaten in one go. Ahem.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Plink Plink Fizz

It's 6pm on a Friday. If you haven't got a large gin and tonic in your hand (other beverages are available), you're doing Friday wrong. Fact.

The Hendricks, Tanqueray and Edinburgh gins were all gifts. People who give me gin are kind of my favourites. Just saying. The amazing 'gin and titonic' ice cubes were a gift from the lovely Hayley.


Happy weekend, everyone!

A Very British Afternoon

Afternoon tea, that is.

If I said that the last three weeks had been frustrating, confusing, difficult and life-changing, then it would probably be an understatement. I can sum it up quite simply really. An injured boyfriend = no Afghanistan = the next year of plans gone. But such is life. And what better way to mark the end of 12 wonderful days of soldier-time than with sandwiches with the crusts cut off, cups of tea and homemade scones and lemon drizzle cake?

Scones made using this recipe, with the addition of cherries.
Lemon drizzle made using this recipe, recommended by the lovely Amy.

In Absentia

Yep, that there is a few of the reasons why I've a) not been here in weeks and b) gained approximately 12 gazillion stone (figures may not be accurate) in weight.

From Lanzarote to London to Easter at my house to Almost Famous in Manchester to lunch in the sun today with B. It's been boozy, foody and ruddy bloody marvellous. 

I'm not quite back. Not yet. But I will be soon. 

Promise.