Harvey Nichs darling

I've been suffering from birthday blues somewhat recently. All to do with life not going the way I wanted it to (understatement.) There was one way to ease this. Get a birthday budget from Jonny and go and spend it on clothes. He wins as he doesn't have to actually go to the shops and buy me anything. I win as I get to go and buy stuff without feeling guilty (while he is off at the footie may I add.)

Never been to Harvey Nichols before. I know! How can this be? Well it's true. Loved it darling. Slightly lonely moment as I sat in Yo Sushi! on the top floor eating my lunch on my own. Think my mind was going a little stir crazy while I watched all the pretty dishes go by:

Great denim department too. Between Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Sweaty Betty and Starbucks my afternoon, and my budget, seemed to just disappear.

I also had my own Ab Fab moment as I carried 4 pillows, 3 bags and a Starbucks back to the car and my sunglasses fell off my head. Pure class as always.

South Bank Photography

Like I said in my earlier post, my photo attempts from the South Bank last night were rubbish. Here is a better shot that I took last year when I had all the proper gear with me:

If you have any interest in how you get this kind of shot then basic guide on your digital SLR would be:

• Set your camera to fully manual
• Camera on tripod or very stable surface at correct height - you cannot hold the camera as you will get "camera shake"
• Set shutter speed to 30 seconds (this eats your battery but is needed)
• Adjust your aperture manually until you get the degree of exposure you want

This can work particularly well if you have a moving image too like the millennium wheel:

Steady hands needed for this kind of photography. I didn't have these last night either as I maybe had a glass or two of fizz.

Friday night on the South Bank

I spent yesterday evening in town. When I was working in central London I sometimes really used to hate it. There are so many people, so much traffic and as my job often involved heading across town to go and meet clients, I was always rather stressed that all these people, cars, buses, tubes were working against me.

These days, as I am not working, if I head into the centre of town, it is usually a much better experience. I took the bus across Waterloo Bridge up to St Paul's. As it is getting dark just after 5 now, it's actually pretty darn cool. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are all lit up and the views along the river are great. This time last year I was on this Bridge learning about night time photography as part of a 10 week evening class I took. As part of that very same course I did a project on St Paul's too - it was a bit dirty then - but they have now finally finished cleaning it up and it looks amazing actually. It's one of those ironies of life, that when you live in any city, you rarely make the most of everything it has to offer because life is just too busy. Jonny has been working next to St Paul's for about 6 years now, and has still yet to go inside.

Anyway, it is a clear and still evening. We wander from St Paul's across the Millennium Bridge to the Tate. I try to take a few photos on my digital compact that don't work very well at all. It makes me appreciate that I did learn quite a bit on my course and I need my SLR and a tripod to get a decent shot of St Paul's in all it's glory.

We've had membership of the Tate for a few years now, but again, so rarely use it. We are not meeting our friends for a couple of hours so head up to the members bar there. Jonny is too tired after a mammoth week at work for checking out any of the art. I've not been in here before. It is very understated, with it's main winning card being the views out across the Thames. Obviously all the seats by the window are taken but we relax and on the couches and catch up on what is going on. I've hardly seen him all week and even though he is tired, this is better than vegging in front of the TV as we talk more. I enjoy it. I think the Tate have got the market just right here. They offer drinks and tapas, which is kind of perfect if you have just been looking at art. Or like most of the people in there, are using it as a pit stop after work.

We then wander along the South Bank to the Royal Festival Hall to meet our friends. The South bank has improved massively. I can remember coming up here years ago and it being pretty run down and depressing actually. Nowadays, there are all sort of cafes and restaurants which maximise the outlook across the Thames and give for a nice understated buzz about the place.

We eat at Skylon, which is the fairly new restaurant at the top of the Royal Festival Hall. It seems we are not to get a view this evening, as our table is far from the prime river view ones at the front. Still the high ceilings and general setting still make for a really pleasant place to eat. The waiter is maybe too eager to take our orders. You can tell this is a really popular place these days, and you get the sense that someone else is booked onto our table in a couple of hours. Anyway, my fishcakes were nice and my apple tart tartin delicious, and the prices not too bad for a London restaurant in such a prime position. As an aside I think this is not the case with the Oxo Tower down the road - ok food at a high price.

The big bonus for us is this is a few minutes walk from the train back to Richmond from Waterloo, and fortunately one of us wakes up just in time for us not to miss our stop. It's chucking it down with rain when we get back. I think the South Bank would be less pleasant in the rain so am grateful that even though we didn't get a table with a view, it was clear and still when we were there. Note to self: should do this more.

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie Recipe

I made this one up. And it was a big hit. By request, here is what I did (I think):

Ingredients:

For mash:

1.5 kg potatoes, washed, peeled and chopped
1 savoy cabbage, washed and shredded
Large knob of butter
Splash of milk
Salt, Pepper, dash nutmeg

For Pie filling:

1 packet of Waitrose peeled and chopped butternut squash
1 packet vegi mince
2 large white onions
2 cloves garlic
1 packet chestnut mushrooms
Clump frozen herbs - parsley and coriander
1 and half pints hot vegan Bouillon stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Large glug of olive oil
Few extra knobs of butter

Method:

Preheat oven to 200C. Put squash on baking tray, drizzle with a little oil and seasoning and whack in the oven for about 45 minutes.

In meantime, make your mash. Boil up potatoes in lots of hot salty water for about 15-minutes. Meanwhile, lightly saute savoy cabbage in a little oil. Drain spuds, mash well with butter and milk, Lightly stir in cabbage and seasoning and dash of nutmug. Combine well and set to one side.

In large heavy based pan, gently fry onions and garlic in some olive oil for about 5-7 minutes over a medium heat. Add in the now roasted squash from the oven. Stir up. The squash will start to break up but this is fine. Add the hot stock and the vegi-mince. Bring to boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes. Add in the chopped chestnut mushrooms, the herbs and some freshly ground black pepper.

Put the filling mix in bottom on deep lasagne type dish. Cover with mash. Add a few extra knobs of butter to get a crispy top and run fork over the topping too, to get even more crispy bits.

Put entire pie in oven for approx 45 minutes, until the top is nice and golden and crispy.

Done. Enjoy. Seriously, last night the meat eaters were back for vegetarian extras - now that doesn't happen very often, does it?

Last Chance to See

We finally got around to watching the Stephen Fry programme on blue whales this week. Absolutely loved it. He basically did the very same route that we did earlier this year, around the peninsula of Baja California in Mexico. I think he may well have been there the same time as us as there was definitely a BBC crew filming in the Sea of Cortez when we were there. The programme is firmly on "Keep" on our sky plus box and think we will be buying it on DVD if it becomes available as it is such good footage of what we did and saw. From touching grey whales to watching breaching humpbacks and getting as emotional as Stephen Fry when you get to see blue whales, it brought back amazing memories. Blue whales are on average 100 ft long, and the largest mammal ever to live on our planet. Yes that's right - even bigger than the dinosaurs. To see these creatures in their natural environment, and one of such beauty, is a truly humbling and incredible experience.

During the programme he comments that a photograph of a blue whale fluke is like the holy grail of whale photography. Well Stephen, looking at my hard drive here I am spoilt for choice... but here are a couple of my best shots:

I know I am not about to win travel photographer of the year, our friend Jules has already done that, but I was pretty pleased with these. Here's praying it wasn't really my last chance to see, but I know I am truly blessed to have seen them at all. They really are amazing.

Men's fashion alert autumn 2009

I have been very strict with myself today. A lingering migraine made me cancel my cinema plans for last night, and my trip to Kew Gardens this afternoon. One of those times where I have had to listen to my body and stay home. Like people who care about me lots say I should do more. Points please.

Anyway, this did mean that I read the paper properly this afternoon. And I laughed out loud. Most of my girls I hang out with these days are having the similar trauma of not knowing what to wear. Are we too old for certain stuff? What is trendy anyway? My friend commented on the length (or lack of) of my denim mini skirt last week. I think I am trying to defy the fact I turn one year older next week. I always think it must be easier for boys. Jeans with either t-shirt, polo shirt or shirt, depending on the occasion. Well, according to page 14 of G2 in the Guardian today, not so much. There are new fashion rules for men.

Here are my views on their list:

1. It's ok to be hairy. Nice picture of David Beckham. Not so nice beard. I don't like stubble or moustaches. The only man I know who I think looks attractive with facial hair is Sean Connery. So, boys I know, don't throw out your razors just yet. Especially not my husband please.

2. Be inspired by the new country dandy. Hilarious picture of Fantastic Mr Fox. I know I live in Richmond, where we all love our hunter wellies and try and be all "city meets country." But I draw the line at tweed blazers and bow ties.

3. Borrow from your girlfriend/sister/mother. I don't think I would take it as a compliment if any man I knew wanted to borrow my leggings or my jeans. Boys are meant to wear bigger sizes than girls surely? Apparently both Marc Jacobs and Prada are including the "man skirt" in their latest collections. Hello?! So, now it is a good thing if Jon starts wearing my mother's skirts? I don't think so.

4. Study a single man. At first reading I thought this meant that guys are meant to do some sort of man stalking. Which would probably result in being arrested. Not quite as bad as that. Just model themselves on a certain male look. The closest Jon comes to this is following Manchester United avidly. If he starts trying to look like Wayne Rooney I'm not going to be happy.

5. Posh up your cardigan. Long cardigans are only ok for girls. Enough said.

6. Think utilitarian camping. I know of a few boys who like to get all rugged and go camping / climbing / hiking. This is fine. But I don't think you need to walk round with your camping gear tied round your waist now. Especially when you live in a city.

7. Explore new trouser shapes. I will never forget when our friend Will (who is 21 I add) turned up at the pub in pink skinny cut jeans. Jon, bless him, asked if their was such a thing as "middle aged spread" cut? Not quite sure this is what the style gurus had in mind....

8. Swap your scarf for a snood. Not sure Manchester United have a team snood. Could be an idea for Sir Alex though on a windy day I guess.

9. Boots are the new shoes. Guess this is ok. Apparently DM's are back. Now I do feel old as I remember them the first time round.

10. Bleach your jeans. And apparently if you don't want to, you can just add a pale chambray shirt or denim jacket. I'm having a bad memory of New Kids on the Block.

And that's it. All that boys need to know to stay on-trend. Worryingly this list is not a joke either, it is a serious checklist. Suddenly shoulder pads I saw in Topshop are not seeming quite so bad.

Global Warming

I know embarrassingly little about the subject of global warming. However, in my non expert opinion, I think we are undergoing some sort of global warming here in Sheen at the moment.

Seriously, today is 27th October 2009. I am sat here in the conservatory with the back door wide open and my washing drying in the sunshine on the line. My summer bedding plants are still in bloom. I felt like boil in the bag earlier when I walked to the Post Office (yes, again) in my waterproof jacket and a t-shirt.

I can remember when I was a child it being really cold this time of year. My mum would wrap me up in layers and scarves and mittens when it was Halloween or fireworks night. Now I know my medication can bring on the old hot flushes, but this is something else. It is really warm. Shame we can't pretend it is still summer as it is getting dark at just gone 5pm now the clocks have gone back. Oh and the fact that yesterday I was considering being super organised and ordering my Christmas cards.

Tide Tables, Richmond Bridge

I don't really like Mondays that much these days. I have a very different sinking Monday morning feeling to most other people, as my Monday morning sinking feeling is usually because I have a hospital visit of some description to deal with. The care is all very good, but it still turns me into some sort of nervous wreck just being there.

Yesterday morning started off as one of those days as I had to go to the hospital in the afternoon. However, it was a gorgeous Monday morning weather wise. After annoying lots of people in the local Post Office by holding up the queue with my 11 recorded delivery ebay parcels, it was a real treat when my lovely friend Gen suggested we wander down to Tide Tables. I have heard this is a nice place to hang out for a coffee but never been.

The cafe is tucked underneath the arches of Richmond Bridge and you probably wouldn't notice it unless you know it is there:

The menu is fully marketed towards the Richmond consumer. Not cheap, organic, vegan, wheat free, gluten free options all available. But really delicious. We got there about 12 and decided to have lunch. I was not disappointed at all. This is where I got to sit in the glorious sunshine and chit chat:

My afternoon may have been slightly pants, but this was a really lovely Monday morning. And my felafel's and salad may have ticked the healthy organic boxes but was bloomin delicious too. I will be back here quite a bit I think.

Second in the second quiz night at The Plough

Team "Quiz Akabusi" was back for a second week running last night at The Plough. Seems slightly over dramatic to refer to ourselves at the defending champions, but as that is what we were - why not hey? Last night we were a slightly different mix of team members: Jonny as lead brain, Will as music and geography expert (that boy has hitch hiked across the world you know, and I am not joking,) Josh on general knowledge, Beth "I don't know anything" Ward turned out to be a star player and....me. Jo Blogz. The scribe. But can I just say, I did get the Strictly Come Dancing question right.

We did well. We improved massively on our appalling geography and history round from last week, and The Plough did well too - once again they managed to fill their pub. But we came second this week. Let's hope in week 3 we aren't third, and week 4 fourth etc. That would not be a good trend.

Amusing moments of the night included me washing down my peachy pills with a white wine spritzer, Will's comedy "brain" hat, another teams answer sheet, and this very cute dog who went CRAZY mad when I took his picture:

Rain did not stop play

I woke up this morning and came downstairs to make the Saturday morning cuppa. Then I heard a sound that did not make me happy. Rain. Loudly splattering on the conservatory roof. Oh dear, I thought. I am taking care of my niece this weekend while her parents are at a wedding. Original plans involved the Lakeland, I mean Wetland, Centre in Barnes. Very rainy day not good.

Next I got a text from a friend asking if I wanted to walk in the park and have tea at Pembroke Lodge at 3. Perfect timing in terms of Maisie Moo sleeps. Not so fun in the rain.

They all arrived. Maisie had one word in her vocabulary that was repeated again and again. "Ducks." Hmm... in the rain.

10.30am decided to ditch the Lakeland/Wetland centre and walk to park. No rain, actually really pleasant. I tell you what though - I learnt that swans and ducks are bloomin scary. Seriously a swan pecked me on the butt! Mais was not remotely phased. I was really quite scared. Richmond Park looks truly beautiful at the moment though. The tree colours are stunning:

I returned to the park later in the day with my friends. No rain but sunshine and blue skies. Truly blessed with a lovely walk. And great cake at Pembroke Lodge. More amazing colours:

I remember when I first moved here just over 3 or so years ago. My then only local friend, who ironically has since left to move to Switzerland with her husband's job, warned me that if you live here you can come over all "smug Sheen." Today was one of those days where you can see what she meant. It is amazing to have this stunning open space at the end of our road. And all the better to have great local friends and a cutie special niece to enjoy it with. Here she is enjoying it herself with "jumping!"

Sorry couldn't get it to turn the other way round. Auntie indulgence to post on my blog none the less. I am sure I will feel less "smug Sheen" when she doesn't register that the clocks go back an hour tonight and we are all supposed to be treated to an extra hours sleep.....

Lost brain

I think I have lost my brain somewhere. If anyone finds it please can you return it to me asap as I seem to be getting into all sorts of bother without it. So far this week I have:

• Got parking ticket yesterday for parking in residents bay and not displaying my blue badge that was nice and safely tucked away in my handbag with me.
• Written text message to friend confirming arrangement for coffee this morning that didn't get sent. Can't find it in sent items or drafts. Caused all sorts of alarm bells as to whether I was ok or having health drama.
• Emailed a friend very excitedly telling her I have raised £50 for her husbands Prada suit on ebay for my charity thing, only to recheck my ebay page and find I had mis-read it, that is the starting price I am asking for it and no one has bid for it at all.
• Lost us points in the pub quiz for incorrectly writing down answers that were dictated to me.
• Informed my mother-in-law at length that I am very much looking forward to taking my niece to the "Lakeland Centre" in Barnes this weekend. Yes that would be the Wetland Centre Jo.
• Proudly informed the nurse yesterday that my knitting needle like injection was not going to hurt this time as I had applied local anesthetic cream. The injection really hurt like normal. You have to apply the cream an hour ahead apparently not 15 minutes like I did. Doh.
• Moaned a lot on Tuesday evening about being tired. Jon told me that would be because in the previous 48 hours I had done 3 exercise classes, cleared and bagged the garden rubbish, been to pub quiz and cooked lots of chicken recipes. Oh and started another cycle of lovely peachy pills from the hospital.
• I popped into Debenhams earlier today to use the loo. I left £60 worse off and with two new Yumi dresses. I have no idea how that happened at all.
• Wrote on my blog earlier in the week how I was going to be watching the blue whale programme that evening. It wasn't on.

And so the list continues. I'm sat here really confused as to whether I need to be wearing a coat this time of year... I'm constantly forgetting stuff and what I am meant to be doing and getting confused. Let's hope for all those around me, and for my sanity, I find that brain somewhere soon.

We are a bit fed up of chicken

So, economy gastronomy update. Firstly, we have eaten a lot of chicken. In fact, except for beef and mash at the pub quiz on Monday and breakfasts, I have eaten chicken for every meal this week. I'm sat here forcing down some reheated chicken and rice from last night for my late lunch. It's not that it doesn't taste nice, it's just a bit like that Christmas turkey feeling where you are a bit fed up with it. From my roast chicken on Sunday we have had:

1. Roast dinner for 2 on Sunday



2. 3 lots of chicken stock (1 still in freezer)



3. 1 Large chicken pie, serves 4 -6 portions - using 1 portion of the chicken stock



4. 1 small chicken pie for friend



5. 3 portions of chicken and ham salads



6. 4 portions chicken and rice - using 1 portion of the chicken stock
   

So, what's left? Well apart from the rest of the pie and the bones from the stock that have gone in the food recycling, I still have the jar of fat left from the roast chicken pan, which Jon is keen I make the pate with. I am less so as it involves frying up chicken livers and pork belly etc and sounds like a recipe for a heart attack... although I do like a pate I don't think I have ever made one myself. That being said I do have vague memories of making a mushroom pate for beef wellington a couple of new years eves ago.

But anyway, quick debrief on recipes:

Chicken Pie with sweetcorn, mushrooms and tarragon

Here is what's left:

Really easy to assemble with your left over chicken. Makes tonnes. Not hard to get a really full pie. Served with left over boiled potatoes mashed up and green beans as recommended in book. Got a big thumbs up from my friends husband who ate the extra little pie I made. Jonny "liked it."

Azzoz Con Pollo

This is basically chicken and rice. Here is what is left that I am eating for my lunch right now:

Tasty and easy. I think you would have to have some interest in food to have the mix of spices to hand in your store cupboard to not have to go out and get cumin seed or smoked paprika for example. I found I didn't need to go and get anything extra and just substituted the tomatoes for a tin of olives and used chili flakes rather than a fresh chili. Despite initial grump that "IT HAS PEAS IN IT" Jonny polished off the lot and had seconds. I added pine nuts as a garnish. I am struggling to force this down for my lunch though. Think I may just be really fed up with chicken. I think when there are just a little family of 2 like us, then the trick to this approach is to cut up your pie and put it in the freezer. That way we would have maybe been able to break up the next weeks multiple recipes with braised beef.

I was about to write thank goodness I am will be eating something different for my tea tonight as I do my weekly cook off for Alpha. Then I remembered it is chicken fajitas tonight. Darn. The JC's are definitely having Friday fish tomorrow. Bring it on.

False eyelashes

This is what Jonny thinks my latest false eyelash obsession makes me look like:

Now I think that is being a little unfair to poor George, don't you?

Blue Whales: Baja

I am going to be watching the "Last Chance to See" Stephen Fry documentary this evening. It's on Blue Whales. If you had asked me 5 years ago if I had any interest in whale watching I would have laughed in your face. Geek tastic I would have thought. But then about 5 years ago we visited Iceland for the second time, and we saw blue whales off the north coast of Husavik. Absolutely breathtaking. I have never been on safari, but I can only imagine it must be similar to seeing a leopard or lion in the wild for the first time.

Some people on out trip took some video footage. This features me touching the grey whales (purple jacket and beige hat - yes I know what a good holiday look.) And the humpbacks and blue whales we saw. This goes down as one of my best holidays ever:

Pub Quiz Winners at The Plough

Last night our local pub The Plough re-launched its quiz night. They used to run quiz nights before they closed this pub for about a year for refurbishment. It's always looked rather empty since it re-opened to be honest, mainly because they came back with a rather posh and expensive menu, which I think annoyed quite a lot of locals. In the meantime it's competitor, The Victoria, has come under new ownership and done pretty well as a gastro pub.

But last night they got it right. The place was packed with quiz teams. Food was right on cue and delicious - beef and mash for a fiver - and a quid to enter the quiz. Our team - "Quiz Akabusi" - Gen and I (main role scribes, ahem) and Adam, Jonny and David (the brains) thought we wouldn't have a hope but it would be a fun night.

But, despite not even getting a mention in the "league" in between rounds, we were totally stunned to be announced we were the winners! The prize was a cheque written out to a charity of the winning teams choice from all the proceeds from those who entered the quiz. So, we got a £60 cheque towards my £500 Christmas target for Breast Cancer Campaign. We also got a voucher for a free round of drinks.

We must go down in history as the only quiz team to question that we don't think we could have actually won - we got 5 out of 15 on one round. But apparently we stormed it on the films sheet that was on our table and we were, indeed, victorious.

Well done to The Plough for filling your pub on a Monday night at last, and well done to our team for a fun night and a bonus cheque towards my Charity target. The JC's came home with smiles on their faces.

Yoga class

I've just been to a new yoga class this morning and I really enjoyed it. I have not done lots of yoga before - just the odd class and a dvd at home sometimes. I was a bit scared as it was dynamic yoga so thought it may be too tough for me, but I managed to keep up just about I think.

The place is beautiful. It's like a studio at the end of the garden of this amazing house in Putney. A real haven of quiet. My life may not have gone to plan in lots of ways, but I'll take this as a treat on what would otherwise have been a miserable October Monday morning.

Cherie runs other classes in the area and also has a blog. Check out her website:

http://www.yogamama.co.uk/

Highly recommend it.

Twice Stuffed Roast Chicken

So... we are stuffed. There is some joke in there about twice stuffed chicken I'm sure? Jonny is getting worried that now every time I cook something he has to come up with some original comment that I can put on my blog. His words this time: "I liked it." Inspired.

From the girl in the kitchen my view was:

• Twice stuffed all very nice but the first stuffing - ham and sage leaves under the skin - bit of a faff and fiddly. Looked good though.


• Second stuffing - more traditional, bread, shallots, ham etc inside the bird really delicious. You soak it in chicken stock and butter before it goes in so get a really rich and tasty stuffing.


• Chicken is huge. I have tonnes of leftovers. Think I will be doing the chicken pie as an additional tumbledown too.


• Creamy corn side very easy and different way to serve sweetcorn


• Boiled potatoes not as disappointing as feared. With the richer than normal chicken (ham and lardy stuffing) the boiled potatoes are actually quite nice as may be rich food overload.

I'm glad we are at the pub quiz tomorrow night for beef and mash. Even then I think I may be a bit fed up of chicken by Thursday... so may make the pie and freeze it.

Economy Gastronomy - update 2

So I have the book, I have the will, and I have a hungry husband. So far this week I have tried two of the recipes.

First up was the slow cooked Moroccan lamb with herb cous cous (page 97 if you have the book.) The principal of the approach is to have made your bedrock recipe and then get a few more meals out of your big cut of meat. So, I kind of dived straight in here with one of the sweep up recipes, having not roasted my huge shoulder of lamb at the weekend (why would I - I was drinking sangria in Barcelona?) I used about 6 lamb chops and the bone that I had got from the butchers.

Summary - easy to cook and prepare - I whacked it all together and put it in the oven for the second half and went to a pilates class. Came back to house smelling amazing and hubby summed it up as "delicious" The slow cooking makes the lamb really tender and if you can't be bothered with the cous cous you could just serve this as a one pot dish as it has veg and potatoes in it. We had left overs which Jonny had reheated the next day. We like it so far.

The second recipe I have tried is the Spicy Pumpkin Chowder (page 107) I made this when I had my sister over for lunch on Friday. I made some changes. Substituted the kilo of pumpkin for butternut squash. In my book these two are interchangeable. I also hate cutting squash up so always by ready chopped frozen from Waitrose. So I changed the recipe slightly and roasted this first. A fellow cooking buddy has told me roasted veg tastes so much better in soup and I think she is right. Other than that, a great mix of flavours, all of which I had in the cupboard and took about 20 minutes in the hob and a quick whizz and it was good to go. Sarah's first words on tasting: "It's amazing!" Made half the recipe and had the rest heated up when I got back from Oxford last night in front of Strictly Come Dancing. Allegra would be proud of me. I thought this was great for those who try and not have too much dairy like myself but still get that creamy hearty soup.

So, so far, I like the recipes, but I have just dipped in and not tried the approach of bedrock recipe that sees you good for days. Today is the day, and this is the week. I bought a large (2.5kg) free range chicken on the way back from the station yesterday evening. I am about to attempt the Twice-stuffed Chicken with creamed corn and parsley potatoes. I've looked through the recipe and it looks like I have all that is needed. I am expecting complaints that the potatoes are boiled rather than roasted, and looks a lot more fiddly than my usual approach to Sunday roast chicken which is to stuff a pierced lemon and a few cloves of garlic and rosemary into it's cavity. Season well and stuff in the oven for an hour and a half. I think I am going to have to add Yorkshire's to soften the blow of lack of roasties but other than that I am going to commit to the recipe.

Apparently this way we will get a good roast and two tumbledown recipes. The Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) and Incidental Chicken Liver Pate will follow. Watch this space.

Day out in Oxford

I had a lovely girly day out in Oxford today. Never been before and surprised how easy it was to get there by train (which also meant sleep after a couple or so of glasses of wine last night.) When not asleep I take in some lovely views of pretty autumnal English countryside.

I met my oldest university friend Lynds. Our initial thoughts are that we are going to get university envy. Not that Cardiff wasn't great, but seriously, Oxford is beautiful. I wonder if the students know how privileged they are to go there to live and study. I hope so. We see some students walking around the town centre in their formal wear. All very traditional and completely different to the diesel jeans and fat face sweatshirt I lived in at uni.

We walk through the busy centre up to Christ Church college. It really is so tranquil. The grounds are beautiful and the autumn sunshine and leaves make it even more lovely:

We wander through the Tom Quadrangle, and notice how young the students are, or maybe that is how NOT young we are now:

Christ Church has its own cathedral too. This twelfth century church is amongst the oldest buildings in Oxford, and one of the smallest Anglican cathedrals in England. It is also the only church in the world to be both a cathedral and a college chapel:

After our bit of culture and history we seek out lunch. On recommendation we go to the Malmaison which is in the grounds of the old prison. Very comfy chairs. Good food, if slightly strange straggly chips. We have a lovely girly chat though, and wish we lived closer to each other these days so we could do this more. Phone calls, texts and blogging are great, but there is nothing like meeting up with an old friend face to face to talk boots and wallpaper.

After lunch we shop a little, and make the mandatory Jo Starbucks stop and it is time to get the train home. We grab the same trashy magazine at the station, passing on intelligent stuff, of course. Life has thrown different stuff at these two girls. We have shared life more some times than others. Our university days may not have been in as elegant surroundings as Oxford colleges and there certainly was not the same level of brain power, but I am grateful for them, not least for this enduring friendship that was born and continues.

Ladybird cakes and World Porridge Day

My niece is coming over to play today with her Mum. She is really into ladybirds are very in at the moment, apparently, so I have just made these:

Much easier than cooking 180 sausages (yes 180) last night. But that was all good fun and served with mash and honey mustard drizzle and brownies for dessert made for lots of happy faces.

I love food but do feel rather guilty about it sometimes. Here I am making ladybird cakes and only this morning I was reading about World Porridge Day. That is not a joke. Seriously, this Sunday is World Porridge Day - and international event to try and raise money for children all over the world who are starving hungry. All money raised will go to Mary's Meals which is an organisation which provides food in schools in some of the most deprived areas of the world, where poverty and hunger prevent children getting an education. Just £6.15 can feed a child for a year through this programme. Now that is food for thought indeed. How privileged we are to have our most basic needs met, and we can enjoy our food to the extent we do.

More on Mary's Meals can be found here:

http://www.marysmeals.org/

Barcelona Market

I love visiting markets when I travel to a new city. So, was really pleased to get to visit this one. Reminded me of Vancouver's Granville Island or Borough Market in London. I have never seen fruit so neatly stacked and arranged. It was like this on all the fruit stalls.

Amazing colours, like patchwork everywhere:

Jonny liked this stall the best:

I tried a fresh mango juice and coconut smoothie. Stick to just the mango juice if you are ever there. Was grim.

Trio Medley of desserts

I promised I would blog this. Thank you to my friends who cooked me a lovely dinner last night. The "trio medley" of desserts was made by the garnish - any top chef would be proud:

In case you are wondering that is homemade short bread, a discount pineapple from Sainsbury's and apparently the best chocolate biscuits you can buy in Waitrose. With the pineapple head for decoration. It did taste good to be fair.

I did some lovely things yesterday. Enjoyed my class followed by coffee and chat in the sunshine. Nice tea in the afternoon with couple of friends at Pembroke Lodge and had my dinner cooked by friends in the evening. Is it possible to do too many nice things in one day? I feel a bit weary today. Think I am over analysing maybe. Take the rough with the smooth Jo. But sleep needed.

ebay charity project

I have been selling clothes in ebay the past couple of months in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign. I am hoping to reach my target of £500 and then send this total amount to them by Christmas this year.

This began in August when I had a clear out of my clothes in my cupboards and thought rather than give them all to the local charity shop, I would like to give the money for them to a charity that is close to my heart. I also thought that by getting people to bid for them I would hopefully raise more money for them. This was a bit of a random thought as I have never sold anything on ebay prior to this. I have had my moments of "what an earth am I doing?" Especially when I have to go to the post office with lots and lots of packages, but so far the total raised had made this worthwhile.

Thanks for the latest donations of items I have had - I am posting on my blog as a reminder that I need to list them and get on with some more selling this month. Also as an incentive to reach my target. Any unsold items, or items I don't think will sell, I will donate to the local Cancer Research or Princess Alice Hospice charity shops. You'd be surprised the stuff that people will buy!

I have chosen to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign for perhaps obvious reasons, but mainly because they are totally committed to all funds going towards researching the longed for cure for this disease that affects so many.

You can read more about the charity here:

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/

Will be updating my gadget on the right of the screen over the next couple of months. Jo get ebaying!

Barcelona Eating and Drinking

So as often is the case, my experience of any city is all about the food. I knew I liked Tapas. But beyond that, not too sure what to expect other than possibly the odd paella. And I guess in a weekend it is hard to venture much beyond that with only a few meals to be had.

We ate an amazing paella on the first night. I guess thanks are due to my brother in law and Jonny for their "research" whilst the rest of us took a siesta...I'm sure that was more than one beer you had and we won't mention the hubbly bubble (oh I just did - oops.) I have never seen a paella dish so large - a six person dish was bought to the table. Great fresh seafood as you would hope from a port. I think my homework is to learn how to make a good paella.

Early evening on the Friday prior to this, my sister in law and I decide a sit down on the Ramblas is probably a good idea - we had been walking quite a bit due to navigation failure to find the metro stops. The boys decide to get a beer. I consider a coke but when in Spain, it seemed wrong not to have a small sangrea. This is what turned up:

So much for a small tipple. Jonny was not disappointed with his beer:

And a quick pit stop turned into a 2 hour people watching stop on Le Ramblas where I saw a naked man riding a bicycle and we also saw hens and stags and all sorts. I seem to remember a good football quiz too. Lots of laughter was had.

I struggled slightly on with the eating at midnight culture, but I guess the one advantage is that I was absolutely starving on the Saturday night and we destroyed a large amount on Tapas between us, which was very good indeed after the not very good sandwich we had eaten for lunch.

For those younger than us, or not with their wives maybe, there is an all night drinking and clubbing culture in this city that passed me by. I can see, however, why it is so popular for stag parties. I thought this may mean a culture weekend maybe somewhat marred by beery lads etc but I wouldn't let that put you off. This city has so much to offer beyond being stag do central.

We finish our visit with a long brunch down by the marina near our hotel. It is about 30 degrees, not a cloud in sight, and we relax and breath in the pleasure of being somewhere so warm and relaxed during mid October. One last beer for the boys at Placa de L'Angel and it is time to head for the airport. In short, good food and drink seems to flow endlessly in this place, and with the relaxed pace of life for a weekend, the two seem to go hand in hand. Gracies.

Gaudi greats - Barcelona

One of the main reasons for wanting to go to this city was to see some of the history, and some of the Gaudi. I knew very little about Gaudi but knew that Barcelona was the place to see his work. So, Saturday was a Gaudi sightseeing day.

We start off with the most famous of Gaudi's work - the Sagrada Familia (left)Wow, I guess this goes with something that has to be seen to be believed. It is totally packed with symbolism inspired by nature and the Gospels. Amazingly this place is still not finished, despite Gaudi living on site for 14 years. He now rests buried in the crypt. Work started in 1883, and stopped during the Civil War. Only in the 1950's did work reconvene, and it now funded by the public. There is so much detail and contrast in this building. We enter on the passion facade (below left) which is fairly clean lined and modernistic, pass through the centre (below centre) which is still under construction (and looks like it) and depart through the nativity facade (below right), which is smothered in Gaudi style imagery. We didn't take the lift up the tower - a bit of a tourist con we felt, an additional 15 Euros once you are in, and a 90 minute wait. We were, however, totally taken with the church and a visit I would say is essential to any visit to this city, although stag parties would probably disagree.

Having started with the great Sagrada Familia, we had less energy to tour in as much detail some of his other great works. We enjoyed however stopping and taking them in - they are nestled amongst other buildings in this Eixample area of the city. Having got the gist of his work - no straight lines, inspired by nature, and completely different to anything I have seen elsewhere, they are amazing, even to the architecturally untrained eye like mine. Casa Batllo below left and Casa Terrades below right.

Hotel Arts - Barcelona

We stayed at this hotel during our weekend away. It is a 5 star hotel in the Villa Olympic area of the city - in the old port area that was redeveloped for the Olympics. The only reason we were staying in this hotel is because Jon got us a very good deal through his work for a corporate rate. Otherwise I guess we may have been in the travel lodge.

The hotel is an impressive and modern structure that shoots up on the landscape in the otherwise flat part of the city. It is 30 floors high, and is pretty impressive in terms of the scale of it. Its landmark characteristic, however, is the huge whale like structure at the front of the building which is kind of pale up close but from a distance the sunshine reflects an image of a golden whale rising against the beach front setting.

We stay on the 26th floor and the views are incredible. Depending which side of the hotel your room is will obviously determine your room. My in laws for example have great views out of the city behind the hotel and the famous Gaudi Sagrada Familia but no sea view, whilst our view is out across the harbour and the beach, out into the sea.

The room is large, spotless and luxurious. Mattress toppers and Egyptian cotton bed linen makes for an extremely comfy place to sleep and the 3 room marble bathroom is probably the best I have ever experienced in terms of a hotel bathroom. Seriously there is a separate wet room with jets and a watering can style shower head, a separate loo and European loo thing (can't spell bee day??) and a huge bath with double sink top basins. Everything I guess you would hope for and more from a top hotel in Barcelona.

The service is very good. If not slightly annoying. My siesta Saturday early evening was disturbed by a phone call from reception reminding me we were checking out the following day. I think I already knew that.

Aside from the views though, the most memorable part of our stay was the price list of the mini bar. Considering the euro to pound exchange rate is pretty much 1:1 at the moment, it was 10 euros for nuts, a can of coke and 11 for a bottle of sparkling water. My biggest shock though was the candle I found in the cupboard. How nice I thought, I'll use that while I have the longest bath ever in the 3 room bathroom. Good job I found the mini bar list before I took my bath - 45 Euros for the candle!! Suffice to say we didn't eat or drink here, and I didn't use the spa as they didn't even mention the prices on the list. I am sure the Michelin starred restaurant and spa would have been wonderful, had I a spare grand to spend on such luxuries.

Let me not finish on the negative though - here are a couple of shots of the views from our room - nice.

Back from Barcelona

Just back from the 3 days in Barcelona. And can report not a raindrop in sight. Had glorious weather all weekend. So much for the beeb helping me plan my wardrobe requirements with their global forecasts.

Will upload photos and more detailed stuff over next couple of days but in summary:

• Great hotel with amazing views. Extortionate mini bar prices eg 10 Euros for a small jar of almonds? 10 Euros for a Coke?
• Great food (apart from suspect sandwich for lunch on the Saturday)
• Loved all the Gaudi stuff. Totally amazing.
• Lots of fun and laughter with family. They humoured my Starbucks requirements.
• Did pretty well on the Spanish culture of siestas and then eating and drinking sangria at midnight, but all night drinking atmosphere somewhat lost on me
• Bought clothes in Zara. When in Spain and all that.

Now need sleep...

Weekend away (and clothes crisis)

We're off to Barcelona for the weekend. And I am now feeling rather excited. I wasn't very excited a few days ago, I was feeling far too tired to get excited about the prospect of getting on a plane, but I have had some better sleep and been a little less hectic so feeling more like it now.

I thought the packing thing was completely sorted. I was imagining pleasant sunny days, couple of pairs of jeans, a couple of tops for day and a sparkly something for the Saturday night. This was until I checked the weather forecast on the BBC earlier. Friday 25 degrees and rain. Saturday 26 degrees and drizzle, Sunday 25 degrees and sunshine. So - what capsule wardrobe can cover heat, rain and a bit of sunshine thrown in? Does this mean wellies and shorts? Sarah Jessica Parker may be able to pull that look off but I certainly can't! This was further complicated by the realisation that our flight leaves very early tomorrow morning so we need to leave the house at 5.30am. Now, it's a bit chilly in London these days. So, flip flops are going to be a little flimsy I think. Plus we don't get back til late on Sunday evening. So need warmth for that bit.

I started trying a few things on, only to come very quickly to the conclusion I often come to (weekend away or not) - I have nothing to wear. Hmm. Phone rings. Sister in law in Manchester has exactly the same problem, and it turns out we aren't doing dressy at all, as other sister in law not keen on that. Night time outfits also out the window. Also, I am under strict instructions that we are only taking hand luggage so I have to sort out all my toiletries and make up into bare minimum and small bottles as it is all going to be in clear plastic bag for all to see.

So, my afternoon turns into turning out half the wardrobe. I always look rubbish next to my super thin sisters in law anyway, and now I am going to look even worse. I can't even wear nice shoes as my feet hurt in anything without super soft bottoms because of my new meds.

Have settled on:

• 1 pair skinny jeans
• 1 pair leggings (wear on plane)
• 1 pair knee length shorts
• Couple of vest tops
• 1 hoody type top
• Shirt dress for one evening (with skinnys and wedge shoes)
• Jersey dress for other evening (with skinnys and wedge shoes)
• Another jersey dress for travel
• Jumper for travel
• Flip flops
• Wedge shoes
• Sandals
• Tankini
• Underwear and nightwear
• Products ie make up

So, that basically means that for 2 nights away I am taking 3 dresses, 3 pairs of shoes (and maybe uggs for the plane too) various tops, jumpers etc - it's totally ridiculous but don't seem to be able to figure it out. Do I need to throw in a waterproof too? And I need my camera, my medications, and Trinny and Susannah say you should always put in a small clutch bag for the evenings too.

So, sorry to my 3 or so blog readers - I meant to email you this afternoon to say I'm off and will be in touch when I get back. I've failed due to wardrobe emergency. I'm sure you understand.

Hey ho, we need to leave the house in about 7 hours and Jonny is playing playstation in his den, and hasn't even thought about packing yet. It will probably take him all of 10 minutes and then I will get the standard complaints about my heavy bag. Boys have it so easy sometimes. And he doesn't need to worry about painting his toenails before he goes to bed tonight. Best get on. Will blog pictures and tales on my return. Si, estupendo!

Postal Strikes

I've been rather grumpy about this. I'm rubbish with my post, can't even be bothered to open it half the time, so why so grumpy?

1. My ebay project has been hindered. Not sure everyone got their parcels as quickly as needed. Someone wanted to pay by cheque and it took a week for their cheque to get to me and I do believe this is due to the post and not them
2. Our anniversary cards were late. One from our Ma in law was sent a week before the day and arrived two days after. My parents live about 5 miles away and it took 8 days to get here first class. Others were also late. Kind of like getting your birthday cards late. Less exciting
3. My car tax disc didn't arrive. I only realised this on Monday when I realised that I was 5 days into October and it expired at the end of September. This is not great and could do without a fine/points due to to Royal Mail failures. Even though technically not my fault I sense a massive "computer says no" moment. Hence car out of action and parked off road in church car park
4. The tax disc has just arrived. Letter dated 16 September. Date today 7 October. First class post. Genius.

I am sure there are good reasons why they are striking. Well I'm not sure actually but will give them the benefit of the doubt. It's just caused ME lots of hassle. Sort yourselves out post people. I have parcels to post and charity that needs the money. Slightly melodramatic methinks but it is annoying me and I don't see Royal Mail supplying courtesy cars in situations like this. Off to get car. By foot.

An Inspector Calls review

I went to see this play last night with Jonny. I really didn't know very much about it. I guess it's one of those plays that I really should have read if I want to sound vaguely intelligent at dinner parties, but the truth is I never have. Jon was keen, and I struggle to get him to go to the theatre with me as he doesn't like musicals, so thought I would take the chance. It has had great reviews, but wasn't sure if it was going to be one of those plays I should make educated comment on, but would actually be slightly bored.

Well it really was great. The script itself was really good, but would have been nothing without the really very powerful acting. Nicholas Woodeson makes for a strong and engaging Inspector Goole and my other favourites were Sandra Duncan as Mrs Birling and Marianne Oldham as her daughter Sheila. The quick moving dialogue between the six actors makes for a totally engaging, entertaining and moving drama that has you hooked from start to finish.

I also thought the set was really well constructed, and the use of lighting and special effects enhanced the atmosphere rather than detracting from it.

When we were shown to our seats, the steward was very keen to point out to us where the loos were, and that this was a 2 hour play with no interval. I thought I would find it tough to sit through a 2 hour play with no break but that really was no problem at all. The time flew by.

So, in summary, believe the reviews. It's a great production and only on in the the West End until 15 November so if you can find time to go, I would definitely would.

The only negative I can say about it is that unfortunately it turns out that An Inspector Calls is a GCSE script this year. So the theatre is slightly overtaken with teenagers who are obviously on a school trip. I thought they may be a problem, but were obviously as taken with it as everyone else and no bother at all. Don't let that put you off.

Economy Gastronomy - update

I have just purchased a signed copy of the book from The Victoria. Signed by Paul that is, not Allegra.

So, I guess my challenge now is to have a go at some of the recipes. Update to follow. Watch this space. I won't be doing a Julie and Julia and cooking the entire book!

Pink thoughts

As I stood at the local train station early this Saturday morning, I glanced across the platform and saw an advertisement with a bunch of bananas on it, one of which was pink. My heart sunk slightly and I took a deep breath. I knew exactly what this poster was all about without even having to read it - breast cancer awareness month. Or as it has become so well known - pink October.

I am not alone in my struggles with this month. Click on any Breast Cancer Care on line discussion forum and you will find many many women who suffer from this disease hiding out this month. The most drastic of these is a lady in my little on line support group who was pleased that her hip replacement surgery, which is needed as breast cancer cells have basically destroyed most of her own hip, had been brought forward to 1 October so she could hide out and hopefully avoid the whole of pink October. I'm not wishing serious surgery as a solution to avoid it, but it does stir up some very mixed emotions in those affected by breast cancer, which many people would not be aware of at all.

This may sounds surprising or ungrateful at first reading. How could I possibly have issue with raising awareness and money towards a cause that has affected me so much. Well, I don't. Let me make clear up front that I have come to the conclusion that I would suffer every pink wristband, badge, t-shirt there is, in order to raise money for support for those who have to suffer from this disease. But it has taken time for me to come to that conclusion.

I think the route of my initial dread of pink October was first time round the timing. Back in 2005 when I had just finished months of treatment and I was trying to be "normal" and escape this nightmare I had been undergoing that year. I felt bombarded by constant reminders. I would walk round supermarkets with jolly announcements about "fun pinkness" and it felt like every paper or magazine I picked up was full of pink hair straighteners, pink this and pink that. Even my return to work that month, which was supposed to be something that made me feel like I had before my diagnosis, was marred by posters in the lift and pink buckets here there and everywhere. It felt so far from what I had, and what I continue, to actually go through. All these pink products that surrounded me reduced me to tears on more than one occasion and on more than one pink October. For the record breast cancer and it's treatment isn't fun or frivolous or "pink" - it is harsh and horrible.

I used to dread seeing friends or family wearing their pink ribbons when they saw me. They probably felt they were supporting me. I felt like all they saw was the cancer. "Look how much we are supporting you by branding ourselves with pink." I felt like screaming "Look how much that silly ribbon is upsetting me - can't you see what I am actually going through - it ain't pink!" Unfair of me, and I apologize. I just couldn't and still struggle to be defined by my illness. It isn't what I am. I am not pink. It is just something that has happened to me.

Over time, acceptance some would say, others would say prayerfully, I have softened greatly on my views of this pink October. We live in a broken world, where 1 in 9 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1 in 3 a cancer of some form in their lifetime. And this world is also a media world. And if the media has chosen pink as the avenue through which to raise awareness, and ultimately money towards support and that longed for cure then so be it. I still find the hair straighteners somewhat insensitive as so many breast cancer sufferers lose their hair due to their treatments, but if a few pound from selling them goes towards research then that's the way it is.

This May I took part in a local breast cancer walk, the Pink Power Walk. Back in 2005 you never would have got me doing this, but I wore my pink t-shirt, as did my faithful supportive friends and we trained and walked and raised a lot of money. I'm no martyr for the cause, it felt great to be doing something really positive and I heard only last week that the money raised - well over £100,000 in total from that walk, has gone towards research against one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. It made me want to do more of that kind of stuff, I currently selling peoples clothes on ebay to raise money and will be looking into doing other fundraising stuff.

I am very supportive of breast cancer charities. I always have been, it's just I have found some of the media frenzy tough to cope with. I am a member of Breakthrough Breast cancers Campaigns and Advisory network, and I periodically review publications for them at home and have attended a training day they offered earlier in the year. I am grateful for all the money raised each year in October. I will buy into the pink branding of it all, if I must, and quietly laugh at the irony of my own issues with using this pretty colour for something that is so far from pretty.

Put up pictures of pink bananas, although I am struggling to see the connection still, and dig deep when someone puts a pink bucket in front of you please. But maybe by reading this, be aware, the disease itself really is no fun at all. I am fully up for fun in the process of raising money, and feel pleased I have got to a place where I can accept that pink is the way that we do this. This girl just won't be eating pink bananas if that's ok? They sound disgusting anyway.

Sleep update

Additional tips that seem to be working:

1. Go away for the night and take ear plugs. We were staying with family for one night this weekend in Manchester. Popped the ear plugs in, got comfy and only woke once. Think I hit 9 hours sleep at least. Didn't even wake when my two energy crazed nephews woke at about 6.30am. I often sleep better when I go away - think the subconscious knows I am "away" A comfy bed for this is essential though.
2. Waking in the night, try not look at the time. Just drift back... I have been talking to myself like a small child if I do wake after a couple of hours, and rather than be negative about it, tell myself well done for getting that sleep and how I am going to get some more.

All sounds slightly basic I know, but often the most simple advice is the best. And in my case it seems to be working. The fatigue is still there of course, but at least I have been getting some rest at night this past week. And I will be telling myself all day today what a good nights sleep I will be getting tonight.

Sewing Machine

This is going to give me so much fun (and not be like the juicer I bought a few months ago that really doesn't get much use at all!!)





I have already transformed a long sleeve t shirt into a short sleeved one, and it's been used to make 12 tablecloths. How clever I am.

Apple Crumble, Awful lot of food and Alpha

I had a very busy day yesterday. I have learnt that when I am having a very busy day and I have volunteered to bring a pudding, there is one very simple answer - apple crumble.

Ingredients:

4 large or 6 smallish bramley cooking apples
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
75 grams butter / margarine / clover / whatever you have in the fridge
100 grams flour
75 grams brown sugar

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

Peel and chop the apples (worst bit) and put them in a large pan with the 4 tablespoons brown sugar and cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a splash of hot water from the kettle. Bring to the boil and them simmer until the apples soften. This will take about 1o minutes. You don't want puree so be careful not to leave too long. This can be left to cool / done ahead and frozen at this stage.

Put the remaining ingredients in the magi mix. Whizz for a few seconds. Pour the apple mixture into bottom of dish, cover with crumble and bake for about 35 minutes.

Serve with shop bought custard, ice cream or whipped cream. The whipped cream was something of a disaster for me yesterday - see below.

This was the most straightforward bit of my cooking efforts yesterday. I was cooking for the new Alpha course that we are running at church. The menu was straightforward - chili and rice and all the trimmings and puddings. Other happy volunteers were bringing bowls of chili - and I just had to help throw it all together, for up to 100 people. Ahem. These are the things I learnt:

1. Popping to Sainsburys to get the trimmings when factoring up the volume to this many people does not just take about half an hour as I thought it would. And I kid you not my trolley was overflowing. I seriously looked like something out of supermarket sweep. Apologies to anyone else in Richmond Sainsburys yesterday who wanted to buy sour cream, guacamole or nachos. I cleared them out. And also put a very large dent in the salads, boil in the bag rice and orange juice. Oh and I also bought all the ready grated cheddar (yes about 20 bags of the stuff) I wasn't expecting this to draw quite as much attention to myself - lots of well meaning bods decided to comment on my huge quantities of food I was buying. The check out boy even said he wanted to come and help eat it all
2. Bowls. You need a LOT of bowls for this amount of food
3. Whipping cream is a completely unnecessary extra. It was my bright idea to offer a bowl of whipped cream with the puddings. So, in my 45 minute "rest slot" of the afternoon I thought I would take home the cream to whip it up. I had a lot to carry so put the cream in the same bag as the tablecloths that I had spent most of the previous afternoon helping to make, and in between my car and my front door - the cream burst in the bag, all over the tablecloths. So, bear in mind it is now approx 5.15pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. And I have just managed to burst cream all over Burgundy tablecloths. Genius.
4. A scrubbing brush and hairdryer can save the day. Tablecloths spread out over the floor, hot water and lots of scrubbing. Now they are slightly patchy and soaking wet. Drape them over the banisters and blast with the hairdryer. This done whilst getting changed and applying make-up in an attempt to try and look vaguely pretty later on, and not someone who had just done 12 rounds (yes 12) with the tablecloths and hairdryer after a couple of hours in Sainsburys.
5. Boil in the bag rice serves more that you think. I followed guidance - one bag per person - we had more rice than you can possibly imagine. I will never forget fishing bags and bags of the stuff out of huge pans to snip them and wondering where we going to put it all. We had an embarrassing amount left. Allegra would not have been happy (see previous post on Economy Gastronomy) I was not happy. I hate wasting food, I just found it so hard to judge the amount we would need.
6. Estimating the amount of food you need is really hard. Live and learn I say, better too much than too little.

This list is by no means a moan. Honestly. I loved being part of last night. The room looked great, and the the tablecloths did too. Everyone ate well, and we had loads of seconds and the selection of puddings was fantastic. The live music, the talk, the atmosphere (and hopefully the food!) made for lots of smiles and laughter. And the hope is that new people who came along would have had a really good evening, and felt really welcome like I did last year, and will want to come again and find out more. That is so long as they don't start demanding whipped cream with their pud. There are boundaries to my capacity to hold it all together. That one pushed me to the limit.

Wedding Anniversary - Brouge Restaurant Richmond

It was our third wedding anniversary yesterday. Anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations can be hard sometimes, bringing to the surface emotions of how life could have been or should have been. However, we had a really nice evening at this restaurant that was recommended by some our local friends, despite the fact when I meet Jon at Richmond station we both confess we are feeling rather tired. I love evenings that surprise you like that - where you end up actually having a really lovely time.

The only hitch in the evening really was that I managed to book the place by phone, without knowing exactly where it is. There was mild humorous grumpiness from my Jonny as we stood in the middle of Richmond, his blackberry not working, and neither of us being able to see the place, despite having walked up and down where I thought it was. Thoughts of "that's the end of that" came to mind. Should you ever find yourself in the same pickle - it is on the same side of the road as All Bar One, to the right of it as you look at it and downstairs. To be fair to me this place is a little hidden.

However, once inside it is clear it is popular - it is busy with locals. No sign of the credit crunch in here.

The drinks menu is extensive with a great selection of Belgian beers and french wines. They even have a champagne beer that takes our eye, but we pass on it and Jonny has a satisfying pre dinner lager and go for my predictable glass of fizz. If nothing else the beer menu is a great talking point - raspberry beer and banana beer are on offer for example and it gives good advice as to what courses or dishes these would be good with if you are up for being adventurous.

The Belgian menu is fab. The specials board has 3 starters, mains and puddings, which to be honest we would have been happy to eat any of. We both order from the specials for starters, Jonny has the prawn and avocado cocktail. I have the figs and goats cheese wrapped in parma ham with honey and balsamic dressing. These were delicious and we talk about how the retro prawn cocktail is making a come back and really it should never have gone out of fashion as it does exactly what a starter should really. Not fill you up, but get your taste buds going.

We both go for Moulles Frites for our mains. Jon from the specials again has one with smoked haddock chucked in, I go for the dairy free (yey!) lemongrass cooked in coconut cream variety. Huge portions - so delicious we pollish off the lot.

As for dessert. We really are too full. But as it is a celebratory dinner and are having fun we decide to go for it anyway. Jonny has a meringue and strawberry thing - I ask the kitchen to produce me a Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce and no ice cream - this is no bother at all and we end up eating most of them.

All in all I thought this place was great. We had nice wine, but not including drinks the bill came to £60 for 3 courses for both of us, and I think if we had eaten this food in town (say J Sheekey)it could have cost double that. And the service was attentive and helpful.

So we had a nice evening. Nothing too emotional and we stay on a level of just enjoying it for what it is. Best line of the night. I say to my husbund "So, what was your favourite part of our wedding day?" He looks worried, in a kind of "I'm really worried I am not going to get the right answer to this one, and I wasn't expecting that" kind of way. He pauses... "Er - Getting married?" I wasn't looking for anything deep, good job really, and that's a good enough response for me.

We don't do anniversary presents. Well, apart from last year, when I bought myself a mulberry wallet and told Jon it was my anniversary present from him, which he went a slightly funny colour at - he was thinking more along the lines of just a card I think - but given it was bought and in use, it was no time to quibble. We did get a lovely little something in the post from a friend though. How cute is this:

Biscuits in the shape of champagne and a lovely little message. How nice and thoughtful is that?