I recently saw an article stating that 1/3 of British adults don't know how to cook a turkey Christmas dinner. This I find quite hard to believe when we are inundated with cookery programmes on television and can freely browse internet sites with every possible description of dishes and recipes available. (Lets hope there were no chefs questioned either!)
Is there an underlying issue with children not being given the skills to cook from home? I know that kids cooking has been removed from the school syllabus over the years. But these are life skills that our children need to take them into the future. I must admit my youngest loves cooking with me and he is quite adept at making lots of things. All my children have baked at home - nothing fancy but they know how to make cakes, pasta dishes, pastry and pizza. I think a lot of people struggle with timings. My daughter decided to cook a Christmas dinner for her and 8 others at uni the other day. Now she is quite an able person and has grown in independence over the last few months. However, on Sunday as I was rushing out to pick up the youngest from an activity I get a call asking what timings should I base my cooking on? And I think that's where most people fall down. They can cook dishes that require basic skills but the situation where you need to create a finished dish for a specific time can create some worries. Another problem is you have to have all the components ready at the same time to serve up a delicious meal to all your waiting guests.
This is when I go back to my home economics school days - we had to list our timings and plans for the whole meal from start to finish. That way you didn't forget the potatoes needed 20 minutes boiling whilst you were creating the dessert and so on. Perhaps people struggle with planning the meal to a specific time and so if they create a planner and work back from the time guests will dine it's possible that they will gain control of cooking Christmas dinner or Christmas lunch. Back to my daughter I rattled off times for turkey, potatoes, roasties etc then we worked from the time to serve up to the time for all the bits and bobs. She hastily scribbled it down and I got a text later saying it had all gone well. So if my daughter can prepare a meal for 9 people on this premise I think anyone should be able to adapt it to their Christmas dinner.
And for those people who feel they are well in control of that turkey dinner there is even an iphone or ipad app to help those who wish for something a little more exotic to create. The app is advertised as having 60 inspiring recipes such as roasted venison or Chocolate and Drambuie truffles.
Yummy as those sound I think we will stick to traditional turkey dinner in our house this year something that I can handle quite easily after the present opening and before the TV afternoon sit down. I also don't have an ipad or iphone and so may be a little stuck with only an app! I can conjure up quite a funny image of lots of stressed out cooks with iphones glued to their hands wishing that they'd stuck to turkey,too. My personal best tip for having a stress free Christmas dinner ? With in laws and outlaws being invited to dine I've found the best policy is red wine - not for the gravy but for me! Happy eating!
Thursday 15 December 2011
Thursday 8 December 2011
Difficulty In Finding Glassware That's Unusual
I've been finding it difficult to find glassware that is that bit unusual for chic dining occasions. Glassware for pubs, bars and hospitality outlets tends to be serviceable and rugged rather than stylish. Most glassware under the catering equipment umbrella has to cover a range for beer glasses and wine glasses that are going to be used daily and placed in a glass washer many many times. They have to be of good quality, fairly stylish and possibly even CE marked to meet standards.
Sometimes when you dine,however you want glassware to be up to scratch with something more elegant to befit the dining occasion. Hospitality outlets such as up market bistros and restaurants and cocktail bars often have to have a slightly better class of glassware for diners and guests.
These hi ball style glasses are beautiful in their simplicity. The good news is certain glasses in the range are CE marked and all the glasses are strengthened glass for durability, but they lose nothing in style or looks. So win win for restaurants, bistros and corporate hospitality outlets.
Sometimes when you dine,however you want glassware to be up to scratch with something more elegant to befit the dining occasion. Hospitality outlets such as up market bistros and restaurants and cocktail bars often have to have a slightly better class of glassware for diners and guests.
These hi ball style glasses are beautiful in their simplicity. The good news is certain glasses in the range are CE marked and all the glasses are strengthened glass for durability, but they lose nothing in style or looks. So win win for restaurants, bistros and corporate hospitality outlets.
Monday 5 December 2011
Chutney Relish And Carol Singers
What a brilliant weekend - we had friends around on Saturday night for a meal. I just kept it simple with cold meat platter to start accompanied by pickles and olives. I did, however, make some home made chutney and onion relish. I didn't realise how easy it is to make. The chutney was delicious with a tangy taste as I used apples, onions and a blob of festive mincemeat from a jar. I found this recipe and did add a few twists of my own but it was really easy to do and looked so good in some kilner food preserve jars I bought online, served to the table. We had chicken casserole as a main and trifle to follow. I think it's really important when you do home entertaining to make a homely, nourishing but easy to make ahead menu. Then you can enjoy being with your guests and dining at home is relaxed and stress free. It was a lovely evening with some lovely wine, great company and a warming meal.
The menu was so simple that we even had chance to nip out to see a National Trust property. The Trust offers great days out in the UK for all visitors. They've really latched on to being family friendly over the last few years. I know when our kids were small we were definitely in the minority visitng National Trust with children in tow. They have loads more activities now for families to bring kids along for a great time. We went to Coughton Court and toured the house, which was dressed for Christmas. The theme was a simple Victorian style affair with lovely paper cones and paper chains on the trees- very effective and charming in it's simplicity. We were also treated to a display form the local ladies choir who sang beautifully well known carols but with a different arrangement to give a twist to the songs. As we stood at the top of the wooden imposing staircase gazing down over the chandeliers, stately furniture and open fire we listened to the choir. It was truly magical and again so simple yet moving. I really felt as if I'd travelled back in time to a less modern and bustling era.
On Sunday we treated my lot to a meal out. We all met up from various areas of the country for a get together and chat. It was lovely to see everyone together as with most people we're normally so busy it's hard to get everyone to meet up. The meal wasn't the best and the waiting staff were a bit ignorant but we had a great chat exchanged photos and left with promises to meet up again soon. Next time we'll book at a better venue. Can't wait for next weekend to do some more National Trust visits - they have some really lovely Christmas events on at the moment.
The menu was so simple that we even had chance to nip out to see a National Trust property. The Trust offers great days out in the UK for all visitors. They've really latched on to being family friendly over the last few years. I know when our kids were small we were definitely in the minority visitng National Trust with children in tow. They have loads more activities now for families to bring kids along for a great time. We went to Coughton Court and toured the house, which was dressed for Christmas. The theme was a simple Victorian style affair with lovely paper cones and paper chains on the trees- very effective and charming in it's simplicity. We were also treated to a display form the local ladies choir who sang beautifully well known carols but with a different arrangement to give a twist to the songs. As we stood at the top of the wooden imposing staircase gazing down over the chandeliers, stately furniture and open fire we listened to the choir. It was truly magical and again so simple yet moving. I really felt as if I'd travelled back in time to a less modern and bustling era.
On Sunday we treated my lot to a meal out. We all met up from various areas of the country for a get together and chat. It was lovely to see everyone together as with most people we're normally so busy it's hard to get everyone to meet up. The meal wasn't the best and the waiting staff were a bit ignorant but we had a great chat exchanged photos and left with promises to meet up again soon. Next time we'll book at a better venue. Can't wait for next weekend to do some more National Trust visits - they have some really lovely Christmas events on at the moment.
Monday 28 November 2011
Christmas Crafts
Oooh I'm so excited I've just got a couple of lovely books from the library with ideas for Christmas crafts for home. I can't wait to have a go at some of the things - they all look wonderful. The one book is based on a Scandinavian Christmas theme but there are some ideas that aren't too white paint and wooden benches!
I've always been into simple stuff at Christmas and now it seems the world and his dog have jumped on the bandwagon, too. I suppose as the economy tumbles lots of people look for cheaper and more simple ways of doing things. I think it's a shame that we can't think like that all the time. When my kids were little we got out card and glitter, glue and paint and made lots of simple things to hang from the ceiling. In fact we went so mad some years we resembled a Christmas Grotto! Kids love that kind of thing, don't they? And to be totally honest so did I - that's what I miss now my kids are grown up. There doesn't need to be a fortune spent on decorations and baubles and shiny bits of plastic. Christmas is about simple things like laughing and playing and sitting watching a movie with popcorn and fizz and time to sit and cuddle.
I'll let you know how I get on with the Christmas crafts and if I can figure out how to do it I may even pop some piccies online!! I saw a great idea the other day - cut out some white snowflakes and hang from a mirror with different lengths of fishing line. It gives the illusion of the snowflakes 'floating' down the mirror - beautiful!
I've always been into simple stuff at Christmas and now it seems the world and his dog have jumped on the bandwagon, too. I suppose as the economy tumbles lots of people look for cheaper and more simple ways of doing things. I think it's a shame that we can't think like that all the time. When my kids were little we got out card and glitter, glue and paint and made lots of simple things to hang from the ceiling. In fact we went so mad some years we resembled a Christmas Grotto! Kids love that kind of thing, don't they? And to be totally honest so did I - that's what I miss now my kids are grown up. There doesn't need to be a fortune spent on decorations and baubles and shiny bits of plastic. Christmas is about simple things like laughing and playing and sitting watching a movie with popcorn and fizz and time to sit and cuddle.
I'll let you know how I get on with the Christmas crafts and if I can figure out how to do it I may even pop some piccies online!! I saw a great idea the other day - cut out some white snowflakes and hang from a mirror with different lengths of fishing line. It gives the illusion of the snowflakes 'floating' down the mirror - beautiful!
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Weekend at YHA Salisbury, Wiltshire
Me and the other half stayed in Salisbury the weekend, at the YHA on the very edge of the city centre. We decided to visit Wiltshire as we'd been before to Salisbury and quite liked the area. Wiltshire is not one of the areas of the UK that springs immediately to mind as a holiday destination. But perhaps we all need to think outside of the box to enjoy more of the UK. We travelled down on Friday and visited a little known spot called Maud Heath's Causeway near Chippenham. In fact you could quite easily drive down parts of the causeway without knowing it. A very tuned in lady, Maud created a pathway that was raised away from the roadway track. In an area where walking would have been difficult for pedestrians she ensured that villagers could walk safely and without strife to and from the villages hereabouts. She also left a sum each year for it's upkeep and longevity.
From here we went to Lacock Abbey, which is a National Trust property nearby. The abbey itself is charming - a great place for photos -indeed it and the village has been used for many films and TV programmes. We were lucky it was one of the quieter days and so we were able to enjoy the village and a nearby walk in relative peace. There's also a great museum onsite.
Our last stop of the day before it got dark was the canal at Devizes where the Caen Hill flight of locks is part of a string of 29 for boat users allowing them to climb the 2 mile long steep hill. This mammoth feat of engineering is impressive as each lock has a large reservoir of water to each side for berthing boats. Knowing that this can take 5 to 6 hours to navigate reinforces in my mind the tenacity of barge owners.
We stayed in the YHA at Salisbury, which was comfortable and convenient for most of the attractions hereabouts. The staff were really friendly and we met other visitors who were all sociable and had some good tales to tell.
We had a fantastic day walking from Amesbury to Stonehenge - if you get the chance do walk to Stonehenge it makes it so much more rewarding. If you haven't been to the monument it is wedged between two very busy A roads - this has been a bone of contention for many years and still looks as if a suitable solution is not close at hand. How we can have allowed the pillage of this area by creating a road network around it is beyond belief but nonetheless it exists. We followed a walk in the AA walks guide for this area, which was an excellent route but we did veer off the course to pop to see the stones up close at Stonehenge. The first view of the stone circle over the brow of the hill is enchanting and well worth the walk!
On our way back we went to Avebury and explored the stones in the low lying fog, which lent an added dimension to the walk. The whole area surrounding Avebury is splattered with prehistoric monuments,barrows, mounds and sites. In contrast to Stonehenge you can wander freely around the stones, the village and the sites hereabouts. Getting up close and personal with the stones and being able to walk into the long barrow at West Kennet is wonderful. No matter what you think these sites were used for it brings a sense of awe and wonder when you think that these monuments have been around for thousands of years and were built at a time when automation was non existent. We were extremely lucky to visit the Avebury Manor as part of the National Trust site, which reopened this weekend. It has recently had a makeover by the BBC and as such has been 'stage dressed' by them to suit various periods of the manor from history. This process is being shown by the BBC on Thursday at 9pm BBC1 and will be great to watch after visiting the actual manor. You could spend all day at Avebury, as indeed we did. The dressing of the manor, whilst not wholly authentic in age is exquisite. This should come as no surprise, knowing the resources and skills of the BBC, but it is really worth a visit. Children will love it as they can touch and sit and play snooker and even listen to a real gramophone record.
Our stay in Wiltshire was short but very enjoyable - we really must go back there's so much to do and see that really a few weeks probably wouldn't do justice to it!
From here we went to Lacock Abbey, which is a National Trust property nearby. The abbey itself is charming - a great place for photos -indeed it and the village has been used for many films and TV programmes. We were lucky it was one of the quieter days and so we were able to enjoy the village and a nearby walk in relative peace. There's also a great museum onsite.
Our last stop of the day before it got dark was the canal at Devizes where the Caen Hill flight of locks is part of a string of 29 for boat users allowing them to climb the 2 mile long steep hill. This mammoth feat of engineering is impressive as each lock has a large reservoir of water to each side for berthing boats. Knowing that this can take 5 to 6 hours to navigate reinforces in my mind the tenacity of barge owners.
We stayed in the YHA at Salisbury, which was comfortable and convenient for most of the attractions hereabouts. The staff were really friendly and we met other visitors who were all sociable and had some good tales to tell.
We had a fantastic day walking from Amesbury to Stonehenge - if you get the chance do walk to Stonehenge it makes it so much more rewarding. If you haven't been to the monument it is wedged between two very busy A roads - this has been a bone of contention for many years and still looks as if a suitable solution is not close at hand. How we can have allowed the pillage of this area by creating a road network around it is beyond belief but nonetheless it exists. We followed a walk in the AA walks guide for this area, which was an excellent route but we did veer off the course to pop to see the stones up close at Stonehenge. The first view of the stone circle over the brow of the hill is enchanting and well worth the walk!
On our way back we went to Avebury and explored the stones in the low lying fog, which lent an added dimension to the walk. The whole area surrounding Avebury is splattered with prehistoric monuments,barrows, mounds and sites. In contrast to Stonehenge you can wander freely around the stones, the village and the sites hereabouts. Getting up close and personal with the stones and being able to walk into the long barrow at West Kennet is wonderful. No matter what you think these sites were used for it brings a sense of awe and wonder when you think that these monuments have been around for thousands of years and were built at a time when automation was non existent. We were extremely lucky to visit the Avebury Manor as part of the National Trust site, which reopened this weekend. It has recently had a makeover by the BBC and as such has been 'stage dressed' by them to suit various periods of the manor from history. This process is being shown by the BBC on Thursday at 9pm BBC1 and will be great to watch after visiting the actual manor. You could spend all day at Avebury, as indeed we did. The dressing of the manor, whilst not wholly authentic in age is exquisite. This should come as no surprise, knowing the resources and skills of the BBC, but it is really worth a visit. Children will love it as they can touch and sit and play snooker and even listen to a real gramophone record.
Our stay in Wiltshire was short but very enjoyable - we really must go back there's so much to do and see that really a few weeks probably wouldn't do justice to it!
Thursday 17 November 2011
Weekend Rest
Well what a lovely feeling I've got a long weekend this week. So I'm off on Friday to sunny Salisbury. Can't wait I'm looking forward to a rest. We're staying in the YHA in Salisbury, which is quite a charming old building with a short walk into the city. It's easy to get to Stonehenge and the Cathedral.
We're planning to see Lacock village and abbey on the way. I've never been but it looks idyllic. Owned by the National Trust it is a popular spot for filming for movies and TV. In fact Harry Potter was filmed in Lacock Abbey itself and Pride And Prejudice around the village scenery. It has not only the quaint village and Abbey but also a museum and gardens. The Fox Talbot museum exhibits work on the first known surviving negative using a camera (from 1835).
Then we want to see Devizes and the Caen Hill canal locks - quite a spectacular sight I'm told. Finally reaching our destination in Salisbury. We also hope to see Stonhenge, Salisbury Cathedral and a couple of the museums in Salisbury itself. Returning home and visiting Avebury on the way back. Another full day as me and the other half want to see Silsbury Hill and some of the Barrows around that area. Avebury looks amazing, too - obviously the stones are a must see but there's also a manor and the Keiller Museum.
Wow I'm exhausted just thinking about it - I did say I was looking forward to a rest didn't I? Still I'm excited to go I can have a rest when I come back!
We're planning to see Lacock village and abbey on the way. I've never been but it looks idyllic. Owned by the National Trust it is a popular spot for filming for movies and TV. In fact Harry Potter was filmed in Lacock Abbey itself and Pride And Prejudice around the village scenery. It has not only the quaint village and Abbey but also a museum and gardens. The Fox Talbot museum exhibits work on the first known surviving negative using a camera (from 1835).
Then we want to see Devizes and the Caen Hill canal locks - quite a spectacular sight I'm told. Finally reaching our destination in Salisbury. We also hope to see Stonhenge, Salisbury Cathedral and a couple of the museums in Salisbury itself. Returning home and visiting Avebury on the way back. Another full day as me and the other half want to see Silsbury Hill and some of the Barrows around that area. Avebury looks amazing, too - obviously the stones are a must see but there's also a manor and the Keiller Museum.
Wow I'm exhausted just thinking about it - I did say I was looking forward to a rest didn't I? Still I'm excited to go I can have a rest when I come back!
Christmas -Early Thoughts
Bonfire Night has been duly celebrated in our house. Sitting outside in the garden with a small garden fire and watching the multitude of neighbour's fireworks was simplistic and yet satisfying. I think the neighbours thought we were deranged but it was such a non fussy event - soup, hot dogs, jacket skins and nachos. Lots of oohs and ahhs and a lovely glowing fire - brilliant! Even the teenagers enjoyed it - can't be bad.
My thoughts are now starting to turn to Christmas. Although it seems indecent to be too joyous until Remembrance Sunday is out the way (or is that just me?). With our everyday busy lives it's often celebrations and family times that we strive to make enjoyable but undemanding. That's how I want Christmas to be - like when the children were small and we made doves of peace from card and foil and stars to hang from the ceiling. I saw this ingenious card holder wreath toady and will have a go at making one or two myself. I may even try to coerce the kids into making one with me... well more wine needed first I think.
My thoughts are now starting to turn to Christmas. Although it seems indecent to be too joyous until Remembrance Sunday is out the way (or is that just me?). With our everyday busy lives it's often celebrations and family times that we strive to make enjoyable but undemanding. That's how I want Christmas to be - like when the children were small and we made doves of peace from card and foil and stars to hang from the ceiling. I saw this ingenious card holder wreath toady and will have a go at making one or two myself. I may even try to coerce the kids into making one with me... well more wine needed first I think.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
Shake N Bake In Plastic?
My daughter got me started recently on silicone baking trays and moulds. She invested in some for the home and I thought go for it at least it's not my money you're using!
I've got to admit to being a bit old fashioned and I looked at this new- fangled bake ware with something akin to wondrous dismay. There's no way I can let these floppy plastic trays into my oven for baking I uttered in horror. Surely they'll melt? I took out my metal and OK slightly rusting cake trays to compare. My daughter after she picked herself up off the floor from her uncontrollable laughter. It's no laughing matter I think - but you know how impetuous youth is. Anyway my daughter set about showing me this flexible silicone muffin tray in action. She made up the muffin batter and added to the trays then she cooked it at a slightly lower temperature than normal in the oven. We waited the required time with me waiting to smell molten plastic and then duly retrieved the tray. It was still floppy but she'd rested it on a metal baking tray to ease it out of the oven - ahh yes see no modern technological wizardry there then!
The next bit was a modern day wonder as she left the cakes to cool slightly then popped each one out from the plastic mould. I couldn't believe it - such wonders of the modern world. She's since left to go to uni and taken it all with here- traitor! So I've been forced - as any good convert would to buy my own - it's quite addictive I've got to say.....
I've got to admit to being a bit old fashioned and I looked at this new- fangled bake ware with something akin to wondrous dismay. There's no way I can let these floppy plastic trays into my oven for baking I uttered in horror. Surely they'll melt? I took out my metal and OK slightly rusting cake trays to compare. My daughter after she picked herself up off the floor from her uncontrollable laughter. It's no laughing matter I think - but you know how impetuous youth is. Anyway my daughter set about showing me this flexible silicone muffin tray in action. She made up the muffin batter and added to the trays then she cooked it at a slightly lower temperature than normal in the oven. We waited the required time with me waiting to smell molten plastic and then duly retrieved the tray. It was still floppy but she'd rested it on a metal baking tray to ease it out of the oven - ahh yes see no modern technological wizardry there then!
The next bit was a modern day wonder as she left the cakes to cool slightly then popped each one out from the plastic mould. I couldn't believe it - such wonders of the modern world. She's since left to go to uni and taken it all with here- traitor! So I've been forced - as any good convert would to buy my own - it's quite addictive I've got to say.....
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Where Have All The Good Films Gone?
DVD, filmsI'm sure last week I said to my other half we'll go to the cinema there's quite a few new films out that would be good to see at the cinema. We're not regular cinema goers but do like to see something good now and then especially with Orange Wednesdays offers. And our local cinema is quite modern with Sony screens and better seats than the one we used to visit. Now as I say I'm sure I mentioned it only last week but it seems time may be playing tricks as the selection when I looked online was brief and not very exciting. Next I blink and before I know it they must have all been released on DVD! Funny how quickly they do that now - it's like a time warp thing.
Last week we went to see a play, which was very enjoyable and the week before that we went for a meal. So this one was going to be a cinema visit now I can't decide what to see. Admittedly the new cinema in town has less screens so lees choice but it is easier to get to and the seats are more comfortable. I noticed there's a Twilight marathon of films back to back - that's a running time of 615 minutes!! My life I'd have to be surgically removed from the seat after that length of time. Are people really going to watch it? Well after a further perusal I think it's going to have to be Tower Heist - mind a friend told me it wasn't brilliant. Sooo it may have to be a DVD and takeaway. Now which DVD to watch...mmmm??
Last week we went to see a play, which was very enjoyable and the week before that we went for a meal. So this one was going to be a cinema visit now I can't decide what to see. Admittedly the new cinema in town has less screens so lees choice but it is easier to get to and the seats are more comfortable. I noticed there's a Twilight marathon of films back to back - that's a running time of 615 minutes!! My life I'd have to be surgically removed from the seat after that length of time. Are people really going to watch it? Well after a further perusal I think it's going to have to be Tower Heist - mind a friend told me it wasn't brilliant. Sooo it may have to be a DVD and takeaway. Now which DVD to watch...mmmm??
Monday 14 November 2011
Fine Cuisine - Fine China Crockery
Me and the other half went to eat at friends over the weekend - such a treat to have someone cook for me. We had a lovely chicken dish in a rich red sauce with mash and vegetables. Delicious! I made a strawberry no bake cheesecake to take and duly served it in a flower decorated flan dish that I had in the cupboard. And do you know it made me think that it didn't look anything special as regards presentation. It was really yummy and better than shop bought but it made me ponder on how a serving dish or bowl or even crockery can make or break a dish served to table.
I really love serving food on my catering quality white plates - I think I see it much as an artist views a blank canvas. The white of the crockery will be a great backdrop for most foods, complementing and making a crisp presentation. My white ware is used everyday and is robust but stylish for everyday dining. But sometimes if you're creating something a little bit special you need to have a finer 'canvas'. One of our featured products online is the Churchill Alchemy range of dinner service items. They are just divine and create a real sense of occasion with their sophisticated elegance. Now to think of some fine dining menus to serve on them.
I really love serving food on my catering quality white plates - I think I see it much as an artist views a blank canvas. The white of the crockery will be a great backdrop for most foods, complementing and making a crisp presentation. My white ware is used everyday and is robust but stylish for everyday dining. But sometimes if you're creating something a little bit special you need to have a finer 'canvas'. One of our featured products online is the Churchill Alchemy range of dinner service items. They are just divine and create a real sense of occasion with their sophisticated elegance. Now to think of some fine dining menus to serve on them.
Friday 11 November 2011
Uni Cake Disaster
My daughter is in her first semester at Uni and so we're still getting used to her living away. Although I have to say her room (and the rest of the house) has stayed MUCH tidier since she's been away we still do miss her. It's quite strange to think of offspring living their daily life elsewhere with other people and in their own space... bizarre really. She amazed me the other day by saying that a couple of them share a laundry wash and pop in some colour saver so that they can save money and just do one load. WHAT? Is this really my daughter or an alien speaking about saving money?
The funniest thing is the random texts I receive out of the blue. Things like LOL! In Primark buying jeggings for Tom. Strange... and more ... nom nom I'm eating chicken bacon and new potatoes - need new shoes! And yesterday... Victoria sponge disaster!! What was the problem I wondered? Cracked cake - too hot an oven? Sunken middle - too much liquid or opened oven when cooking? No it turned out she'd cooked the cake perfectly and iced it beautifully and left it on the worktop.... above a radiator.....yes one gloopy mess later and one sheepish daughter...bless.
The funniest thing is the random texts I receive out of the blue. Things like LOL! In Primark buying jeggings for Tom. Strange... and more ... nom nom I'm eating chicken bacon and new potatoes - need new shoes! And yesterday... Victoria sponge disaster!! What was the problem I wondered? Cracked cake - too hot an oven? Sunken middle - too much liquid or opened oven when cooking? No it turned out she'd cooked the cake perfectly and iced it beautifully and left it on the worktop.... above a radiator.....yes one gloopy mess later and one sheepish daughter...bless.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Showing my age..
I just looked out of window to find it's raining again. Oh darn it!! So dull and depressing and by the time it's half four it's all dark outside - thanks to the clocks going back. I can't believe we're still doing this with the clocks back and forward each half year.
Me and the other half went to see a play last night and bumped into an acquaintance who is fairly mature in years. She talked about how she was thinking how she'd had to really drag herself out of the house to the theatre because of it being dark and cold etc. And that's what happens when you get to my age she said in a shaky voice. Yes - me and my hubby smiled at each other as he remembered me saying just the same thing not long before we left home!
It was a great play, however and I did enjoy it and didn't really mind leaving home for a bit of culture after all. But isn't it funny how home seems more and more appealing in the winter nights? I suppose we should be grateful to have a warm and inviting place to call home in these uncertain times. I'm off to an open evening at a sixth form college tonight - teenage son in tow. But then afterwards I've promised myself a glass of wine and some home made lasagne and my most recent book to curl into on the sofa afterwards. Ahh bliss.
Me and the other half went to see a play last night and bumped into an acquaintance who is fairly mature in years. She talked about how she was thinking how she'd had to really drag herself out of the house to the theatre because of it being dark and cold etc. And that's what happens when you get to my age she said in a shaky voice. Yes - me and my hubby smiled at each other as he remembered me saying just the same thing not long before we left home!
It was a great play, however and I did enjoy it and didn't really mind leaving home for a bit of culture after all. But isn't it funny how home seems more and more appealing in the winter nights? I suppose we should be grateful to have a warm and inviting place to call home in these uncertain times. I'm off to an open evening at a sixth form college tonight - teenage son in tow. But then afterwards I've promised myself a glass of wine and some home made lasagne and my most recent book to curl into on the sofa afterwards. Ahh bliss.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Online Shopping Heaven
I must admit to buying quite a lot of stuff from the internet. The main reason being I don't have to fight through overheated shopping centres / grumpy or rude shoppers and I can see straight away if my choices are in stock.
So many times I've popped to a certain shop to find they have no stock of the particular item I wanted. So one enquires politely whether there is any stock in the store - more often than not the perennial response is "if it's not on the shelf we don't have it". I feel like having a major breakdown over the fact that I have to now change my plans / think of something else / risk asking if and when the goods are likely to be in...... dramatic I know but that's how I feel. I plod back to the car park to pay an extortionate amount for parking and skulk off home to reassess my plans.
I suppose it's also to do with the fact that I don't like shopping - can't think why - my mum and daughter both love the sport of shopping but for me it always ends in an anticlimactic way. So this year once more I approach my web shops for gifts and home stuff. I can sit with a cup of coffee spend 15 minutes browsing fill my basket (no heavy carrying or fighting with oversized saggy plastic bags) pay for it (most painful bit!!!) and then get back to work knowing it's all on it's way to my door. Ahh yes let's see I've just spotted some lovely coffee glasses for welcoming guests with a warm drink - they're in stock, on special offer AND I get them tomorrow - bliss!
So many times I've popped to a certain shop to find they have no stock of the particular item I wanted. So one enquires politely whether there is any stock in the store - more often than not the perennial response is "if it's not on the shelf we don't have it". I feel like having a major breakdown over the fact that I have to now change my plans / think of something else / risk asking if and when the goods are likely to be in...... dramatic I know but that's how I feel. I plod back to the car park to pay an extortionate amount for parking and skulk off home to reassess my plans.
I suppose it's also to do with the fact that I don't like shopping - can't think why - my mum and daughter both love the sport of shopping but for me it always ends in an anticlimactic way. So this year once more I approach my web shops for gifts and home stuff. I can sit with a cup of coffee spend 15 minutes browsing fill my basket (no heavy carrying or fighting with oversized saggy plastic bags) pay for it (most painful bit!!!) and then get back to work knowing it's all on it's way to my door. Ahh yes let's see I've just spotted some lovely coffee glasses for welcoming guests with a warm drink - they're in stock, on special offer AND I get them tomorrow - bliss!
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