an Olympic trip

How good was this weekends Olympics then?? OMG I was on the edge of my seat for the whole weekend. On Saturday morning Si and I made the trip up to London to get involved in some Olympic action. We weren't lucky enough to get any tickets, but we took the early train in to catch the Triathlon. There were so many people, and it was great to get involved and feel apart of something. I came prepared with my camera kit, to find out I forgot to put the battery in. Massive fail, so I'm afraid you only get a few I phone pics.

The triathlon took place in Hyde park, so after that finished we took to the big screens to cheer on the rowers and athletes. It was great fun, so if your venturing to London make sure you go before the week is out. It is free to enter and they have great bands playing nightly. I also made a little video whilst I was up there. Enjoy.

                           

naughty bedtime biscuits

What can I say? I was bored, and in the mood to bake, so I whipped up these little goodies.

A prior warning for you though, they do get a bit messy when you eat them, but you don't mind do you?

So let's start. You will need.

Shortbread -

125g -  butter/marg

55g - caster sugar

180g -  plain flour

1 tea spoon - vanilla essence

Frosting -

125g - Icing sugar

40g -  butter/marg

15ml - milk

1 tea spoon - vanilla essence

100g - white chocolate (not cooking chocolate)

mixing bowl / whisk / spoons / shape cutters / rolling pin

So let's go...

1. Start by mixing your butter and sugar together (here's a cheats trick, I put my butter in the microwave for about 20 secs to get it nice and soft, it makes it much easier to mix)
2. Then sift in your flour and mix together. Then mix in the vanilla essence.
3. You can start with a spoon, but then start to use your hands and knead the mixture together (if you need help kneading, click here for instructions) You can use extra flour to help.
4. Once your mixture is not sticky, you are ready to go
5. Sprinkle flour over a smooth surface, and roll out until the mixture is 1cm thick
6. You can now use your shapes to make whatever shapes you want. Or use a knife to make your own
7. Once done, place in the fridge for 20 minutes and pre heat your over to 180 degrees
8. Bake for 15-20 until golden brown

Whilst your cookies are cooking we can make the frosting. You will need a whisk, or a very strong hand.

1. Mix together the butter and icing sugar (this can get messy)
2. Slowly add the milk and the essence. This will suddenly all come together.
3. Place your chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and pop in the microwave for a total of around a minute, but keep stopping every 15-20 seconds to stir
4. Add chocolate to the mixture. Taste (of course) and then you’re ready.

Once your cookies are baked, leave them to cool on a cooling rack.
I must recommend having some warm though, the frosting sinks in to the warm biscuit, and it tastes devine. Take a spatula, and go all Jamie Oliver on your ass. This isn’t about presentation. Slap on the frosting and squish the biscuits together and your ready to go.

Sit down, relax with a glass of milk and let your troubles go...

I love you weekend

oh yes, I do, especially when I get to spend it with my favourites and generally having a right old laugh. Friday night brought the start of the Olympics (which I must add I am obsessed with) where we watched with Pimms, pizza and happy, happy faces.
On saturday the girls and I travelled to London for a well deserved night out, and a long overdue catch up.

We headed out in Clapham, which involved far to much drink, falling over and dancing till 3am in the morning.

We woke 4 hours later, with dry mouths and banging heads, so headed out for our hangover cure.

When that didn't work, we tried again with the best scrambled eggs from Brew.

Feeling slightly better, and very full we cheered on Britain in the woman's gymnastics, before heading home.

(obligatory train platform shot)

To then come home and find the world ending, or Voldemort and the death eaters coming to get us muggles. (something like that)

So all in all, not a bad weekend (but lack of photos to prove)

The end.

out and about

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I LOVE Brighton in the summer. It was another gorgeous evening so we went for a stroll down the seafront, and had to go onto the pier for the first time this year, for fairground games, donuts and to end the night watching the sunset from the beach.

I do believe I will be seeing you again this evening Mr beach.

and we finally got to eat dinner outside

HALLELUJAH (I actually just spelt that correctly on the first attempt. Go me.)

I am sure we were not the only ones to grab the patio furniture, don the sunglasses, wine and sit in the garden for the evening, it’s nearly the end of July people, and this is the FIRST time we have been able to sit outside for dinner. I have been dreaming of this day for many a month, the appropriate dinner was stored away in the depths of my brain, waiting for this very day to come.

For your own epic summer garden dinner you will need.

Chicken

Cherry tomatoes
Rocket
Salsa/sour cream/guacamole
Wraps
Rice/potatoes to serve (optional)

It is so easy and quick, and you can of course mix it up as much as you like.

Cook the chicken and add whatever flavour you wish. I added a little drop of jerk sauce to add a little flavour, but you can add whatever you please.

Fry the tomatoes for 5 minutes to get them nice and soft, and then you are good to go. Just grab some wine, music and settle in for a night relaxing in the garden.

10 things

Dress - New Look / Shoes - Primark

Being able to wear a summer dress for the first time since I returned from Australia and NOT taking a jacket out, you know, just in case.

Eating homemade big macs, gossiping and watching baby videos with my little sister (my gosh was I bossy)

Spending an entire morning working my butt off at the gym, and loving it...

...But not loving it the day later. 45 minutes of kettle bells can really do a number on ya.

Being on Auntie and Uncle Duties for a full 24 hours! I take my hat off to all you mummies and daddies out there, it’s pretty full on.

Taking alternative driving routes through the countryside instead of the motorway and wishing that one day we might call ourselves country bumpkins.

Taking the kids to the farm and watching in delight at their amazement at all the animals (or am-inals according to the 2 year old)

Finding the energy to tidy the house top to bottom for our little guests, and wishing we could always keep on top of it.

Having my third allergic reaction of the week, due to handling the kid’s duvet cover, where the cat had previously been sleeping on. It is only just sinking in that I may not be able to stroke a cat again.

Finishing the weekend of with a traditional pub roast with friends (that’s what Sundays are made for, surely?)

How was everyone's weekend then?

happy weekend

The sun is out, we managed to have breakfast in the garden (for the first time) and just been for an epic workout. We are now on Auntie and Uncle duty for the rest of the weekend, so wish us luck...