Just around the corner ......

Nope, sorry this post is not about the gorgeous little book shop from You've got mail   (which, incidently, is one of my most favourite films of all time!)

Not a lot happens on a Sunday in my city. Sundays usually involve a lot of family time, wonderful for us , not much to write about. So this is only my second time joining in.

 I love winter, I love the crisp coldness and all of the festive fun. I still like January and February , but not nearly as much. It is wet, it is grey , it is freezing with  gale force winds blasting the sleet and snow into your face.

I know most people are getting fed up with this winter, all of the extreme weather, not to mention all of the snow. So, I decided , what we all need is a little reminder of what is just around the corner. I thought I might share some of our sunshine from last spring. I hope this still counts, it was a Sunday, I remember because it was Easter Sunday.

We were staying with my parents while our house was being renovated, so these pics were taken in their garden. it was an unusually warm day and it was a joy to be outside , enjoying the colours and sunshine of a lazy spring afternoon.

I love Daisies

You can just see the buds beginning to unfurl on the trees

This is Misty, our family Moggy. This puss is a legend!

(Sami, this is the one I think looks like your kitty)

And Tigra who was enjoying soaking in all the warmth

Kirsten and Daddy

We weren't the only ones who thought it was a good day to be out at the seaside. Plenty of people out sailing.

Linking up with Unknown Mami who hosts Sundays in my city. Follow us around the world peeking into the lives and Cities of others xx

warming winter soup

I got this recipe at my slimming class on Monday night. I thought I would share as it certainly doesn't taste "slimming" and is so hearty and warming. Just what I need today as it is blowing a gale and hammering snow and sleet , not a good recipe for the nursery run :( EVERYONE took their cars so I had to park so far away! We were soaked through by the time we got home.

Sweet potato and lentil soup

1 1/2 Tsp curry powder
1 1/2 onions (finely chopped)
1/2  apple (grated)
2 garlic cloves (crushed or chopped finely)
1 1/2 inch piece of ginger (grated)
1 1/12 lbs sweet potato (chopped finely)
1 1/2 pints stock ( I used chicken)
3 oz red lentils
1/4pint skimmed milk
juice 1/2 lime
spray oil (or could substitute with 1 tbsp olive oil if you are not a chubster like me ;) )

- Toast curry powder - medium heat for approx 2 mins
- add oil
- add onions, apple, ginger and garlic. Gently cook for 5 mins stirring occassionally
- add stock, sweet potato , lentils and milk.
- check for seasoning
- cover and simmer for approx 20 mins
- blend until smooth
- stir in lime juice


This is the first time I have made it, I think next time I will add 2 pints of stock, as this recipe makes  a very thick soup.

Kitty in the corner

Here is Meaty, working hard alongside Lor and I on Sat night.

In amongst all of the devestation creating. I was sitting beside her sewing bows. Hmm I though she was looking all lovingly at me, maybe she was after the thread again! No chance puss!

It's all there in black and white

I made it! LOL I managed to get everything organised in time, Lor and I pulled an almost all nighter on Saturday night but we got there in the end!

We had a lovely , special afternoon together surrounded by close family and friends. Baby showers are not common over here in the UK but I think every Mummy to be should have a girly afternoon , just before the birth of her baby. It was so much fun!

I have a whole load of pics to share with you so this post is going to be looooooooong!

As you could have guessed from the invitations we went with a black and white theme. Seeing as baby Hughes was feeling unco-operative on the day of the scan, we are still unsure of the flavour we are to expect, so that ruled out a pink or a blue theme.

The "event" was held at my Mum's house on Sunday and she was just the best. She was so accomodating when I wanted to move EVERYTHING in her house, including the furniture! I then scoured both of our houses to find anything black and white that I could lay my hands on LOL. Mum and I had such a wonderful time on Saturday. It was lovely working alongside each other and we had the whole day just the two of us which hasn't really happened in, oh about 11 years!

Then Lor and I spent Saturday evening and night cooking and baking. We decided to have all of Sarah's favourite food and to make as much of it ourselves as was possible. We got there in the end! We had so much fun and laughter while we were working, we listened to some great music and decided that we are a good team!

Here are a "few" pics, sorry to those who aren't family, this will probably be overload to you all.

The entry table.

I framed one of the invites and the other pic is of baby Hughes at 12 weeks.

(if you click on the pic you will be able to see the pics better)

This pic was just above the entry table

A super excited girl who couldn't wait for Aunt Sarah to arrive.

oops I forgot to take one once the candles were lit

I asked everyone to bring along a baby photo of themselves so we could play guess the baby. We had this basket in the hall so the pics could be placed in it , face down, to keep the pics a surprise

Some of the prizes laid out for the games and an adorable baby pic of the new mummy. To the left is a little book I made so all of the guests could write some tips and advice for her. Some of these were HILARIOUS!

Baby photos of the new parents, I wonder who our new addition will look like?

Either way Baby Hughes is going to be adorable! So cute!

Some other bits and pieces dotted around (no pun intended ;) )

Lots of pearls around too

Tulips are one of Sarah's favourite flowers and this vase was one from her wedding day.

These buckets had also been used on her wedding day, I tied it in with a spotty bow. We put ice in them and used them to chill the juice and sparkling apple juice.

You can see here what a beautiful bright and sunny day it was! Great for us, not so good for the pics !

The nappy cake

For the food we made all of Sarah's favourites. Teeny tiny sandwiches, made by Rona who makes the best teeny tiny sandwiches EVER. Mini quiches, the usual breadsticks dips etc, home made scones with jam and clotted cream, homemade shortbread and beautiful black and white vanilla cupcakes handmade specially by Lor. Oh and a last minute addition of olives as this is the craving of the week.

I was so excited to find polka dot napkins!

We tied ickle black bows onto the glasses

I made the black runners for the tables too and thankfully Granny Mary has a huge stock of white tablecloths.

The beautiful cupcakes are just visible through the leaves. How did I forget to take pics of these?

Here are the guests of honour arriving. Is it possible for this woman to be 34 weeks pregnant? There is no justice in the world, I looked like a whale!

The next pic is of her baby shower shoes

Awesome huh?

I am so excited! I was allowed to take pics of the bump! Al pics have been banned thus far, so I was sure to corner her yesterday!

She managed to keep those shoes on until the guests were all gone.

One of the games I organised was to pack a changing bag for a trip to the park, while holding baby in one hand. Sarah wanted to know where all the lip gloss was! LOL I would put money on there being lip gloss in her labour bag! And a french mani / pedi booked in the week running up to her due date! I am so hoping those shoes might make an appearance too ;)

This pic just sums it up. The baby stuff may be creeping in but the glamour remains. With just a hint of wine peeking in on the left.......................................