Sporting Spectacular...

and a Superstar of a brother!. .. as previously posted my twin ran his 2nd marathon on Sunday in London.

Whilst he was pounding the streets (along with 35,000 others,) Sis-in-law, kids & I headed upto the Embankment to cheer him on. We stood at the 25mile marker opposite the London Eye. The day was a huge emotional rollercoaster, and I was so chuffed to see him come towards us.

He suffered with cramps for the last couple of miles, which he has never experienced whilst running, but he dug deep and finished in 3hours 40 minutes. I am a VERY PROUD Sister, as is his wife & children. Along with being our hero, he raised nearly a £1000 for Great Ormond street hospital.
A fantastic day, with some truly inspirational people, bruv being at the top of my list!... Well done Bruv... love & hugs Sis xx

p.s..If any of you have been inspired then here is the link for next years ballot!.... London Marathon.

Today is all about George....

and as much as I would like it all to be about this gorgeous George... alas it isn't !..........
It's all about St George

 "St George was a brave Roman soldier who protested against the Romans' torture of Christians and died for his beliefs. The popularity of St George in England stems from the time of the early Crusades when it is said that the Normans saw him in a vision and were victorious.... myths & legends also depict George as the slayer of the Dragon!"

So today we celebrate all that is so great about Britain.....

Happy St George's Day......

Mark's Marathon....

this Sunday, London hosts it's marathon.... my twin brother, is running ( he's the fit one, i'm the fat one!... not sure what happened to my running gene!)... this is his 2nd marathon. he started running  a couple of years and completed his first marathon in 2008.
This year his chosen charity is Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital. If any of you have been following the amazing behind the scenes documentary on BBC2 recently, you will know what an amazing job this hospital does.
If any of you would like to sponsor him and donate to a worthy cause, all pennies would be greatfully received..... Marks marathon.

I will be going up to cheer him along, with my sister-in-law, niece & nephew... we will stand on the Embankment opposite the London Eye. We should then just get to Horseguards to meet him as he finishes. He has set himself a time of 3 and a half hours to complete!..... I will update you all next week on his progress.  I've posted a montage of photo's from his 1st marathon and some of the scenery he passes along the way:

Greenwich, Tower Bridge, Docklands, Tower of London, Monument, Embankement, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace to name but a few ( I can think of easier ways to sight-see!)

... thanks & hugs Tx

P.S Good Luck Bruv......

Time for Tea and a Treat.....

After a lovely weekend, I'm really hoping that Spring has finally sprung and we can look forward to some sunshine and I can come out from hibernation!......This little email made my day brighter .... only valid wednesday, but 15% of at CK, instore & online.... oh what to buy!....

today I bagged a bargain at work, I picked the lovely knitted throw which is languishing over the bed for the bargain price of £30.... a saving of £45!.... somedays I love my job! ... also spotted in TKMaxx at the weekend CK bedding!

This evening I popped into John Lewis before jumping on the tube, because i fell in love with the window display!... how cute is this... a Tea & cupcake house. I'm loving the cushion.... I also bagged a couple of bargains there....

cookbooks & cards all for £12... today i am the bargain queen!... what bargains have you picked up lately?.... what is on your CK wish list?....

A post of two Dahls....

this week I have had a cookery bonanza, not only live but also catching up on some cookery TV... the two Dahls in question, Sophie and her grandfather Roald. TV programmes, The Delicious Miss Dahl and Heston's Chocolate feast.

Stating with Sophie, this weeks show centred on the nostalgic... where she produced Orange & Raspberry Victoria sponge and Golden flapjacks... which just looked delicious. I have this cookbook languishing in my collection and can honestly say it's delightful.

The kitchen that Sophie cooks in is also to die for, like most cookery programmes this is shot in a 'set' kitchen and is not hers however its still lovely and will make us all search for those vintage knick knacks!... this week I was lucky enough to pick up 2 jelly molds for £1... I may just have to make Carnation jelly in them Mmmmmm

this week also saw Heston Blumenthal return to the screen with his Chocolate Feast which was inspired by the late great Roald Dahl's, Willy Wonka's chocolate factory...only one person can take on this magical story and produce a dinner party of it!... the dinner was 60's inspired as this was when the book was published. The menu consisted of an Amuse bouche of Lickable wallpaper, complete with Prawn cocktail, tomato soup, pineapple, sausage on sticks, and apples flocked onto the walls!

Starters was a medley of legal magic mushrooms, followed by Duck a L'orange which was amazing... lets not put the orange in the duck, but the duck in the orange... producing a plate of which resembled a boxed chocolate orange, Rowntrees fruit pastilles and duck smoked crisps!... this was all finished of by a chocolate waterfall...

which started off as chocolate and finished as clear chocolate flavoured water and magic chocolate dust... all served by oompa loompas!... I have posted the episode here, it really does need to be seen to be believed!... most definitely Willy Wonka of this decade!...

A night with....

the two hairy bikers, as they hit the Essex delights of Southend!
Friday night saw me jump on the train at Fenchurch street and head out through the Essex countryside to Westcliff, where I was entertained for the evening by the two hairy bikers.
I've never been to a cookery show before and was really surprised and just how entertaining it was. I really enjoy their Tv shows, especially the "Hairy Bakers" series and "Mum knows Best". The comedy and comaradarie of Si & Dave is easily transposed onto the stage and is a really fun night.
4 lucky people were plucked from the audience and dined for free as they ate what was cooked during the show.
1st half was Kerala Prawn & Coconut curry with Parathas.The 2nd half was Tuscan Beef supper, which consisted of Fillet steaks, roasted balsamic vine tomatoes, rocket & chicory salad accompanied with a Lemon & courgette linguine.
all smelt and looked amazing... the show was sold out and I can understand why now... it was a really funny entertaining night, if they are comimg to a theatre near you its a much recommended evening... x

Easter Wishes & Chocolate kisses

happy easter to all.... i'm off to friends for an easter egg hunt!... i think Wellies may be optional attire as the weather is prooving to be a little unpredictable!.... here is a selection of cards & goodies made from the easter bunny for some special children...

This year is the first time that I've decorated my hearth for easter... the basket will be filled with eggs! for said hunt.

and easter wouldn't be easter without some cupcakes.... this years offerings are Chocolate Egg cupcakes and Hot Cross muffins.... enjoy your day everyone.

Anniversary Wishes.....

to Lucy & Chris. They married last year on a beach in Mexico.... I made their cake for them when they returned and celebrated with a blessing and a party with friends & family.

here is the cake and here is their anniversary card!..... Best wishes to you both... have a great day.