On Sunday, the 16th October 2011, it was the 6th anniversary of my late brother's untimely death...by now I should have, at least, come to terms with his death but yet, I find myself still questioning everything that occurred building up to his death and why his murder has yet to be solved!!
My biggest regret in life is that I did not speak to him in the month prior to his death and will never hear his voice again! God, I miss him so much....x
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Romantic Getaways
Scott and I love to spoil each other by booking a night or two away every now and then!
So back in August we celebrated our belated 1st wedding anniversary in Bridlington on the East Coast of Yorkshire - 3 fabulous nights and 4 glorious days in the sun!
We both felt refreshed and ready for whatever comes our way - but sad to say, within 30 minutes of arriving at the office, we both felt like we hadn't had a break at all!
Definitely time to plan our next adventure...so we decided we would go away for a night to celebrate when we first got together 4 years ago and 2 years ago, Scott proposed!
So we ended up at Heathercliffe Country Hotel in Frodsham, Cheshire - very picturous part of Cheshire set in 10 acres of farmland not far from the City Centre of Chester. The owner of hotel was so friendly, nothing was too much trouble!
We were shown to our suite which was lovely and spacious. Once we settled in, we decided we would go for a drink in the bar before getting ready for dinner. Later in the evening we were greeted in the bar and given an opportunity to have drink while deciding on what to have for dinner before being shown to the dinning room.
As we were staying over and having dinner, we were given pre-starter course which was olive, French breads, dips and olive oil with Balsamic Vinegar. Scott chose the breaded mushrooms on a bed of rocquet salad with mayonnaise while I had the breaded deep fried Brie with caramelised onion and chutney - mmm delicious!
Scott decided to have the Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding served with a selection of vegetables. I decided to have the Cajun Chicken in a Tortia Basket - once again, we were not disappointed!
We weren't going to have dessert but they had a dessert table in the centre of the room with a selection of tempting sweet and savoury options.
After much deliberation, Scott settled on the Lemon Cheesecake while I had Death by Chocolate Fudge Cake - every morsal was a piece of heaven.
Today, after a wonderful hearty breakfast, we checked out and decided to visit the City Centre of Chester.
Chester is a lovely city with beautiful architecture, designer stores and lovely restaurants / coffee shops / bars.
As it is only 1 hr 50 minutes drive, we will definite have to back for another visit!
So back in August we celebrated our belated 1st wedding anniversary in Bridlington on the East Coast of Yorkshire - 3 fabulous nights and 4 glorious days in the sun!
We both felt refreshed and ready for whatever comes our way - but sad to say, within 30 minutes of arriving at the office, we both felt like we hadn't had a break at all!
Definitely time to plan our next adventure...so we decided we would go away for a night to celebrate when we first got together 4 years ago and 2 years ago, Scott proposed!
So we ended up at Heathercliffe Country Hotel in Frodsham, Cheshire - very picturous part of Cheshire set in 10 acres of farmland not far from the City Centre of Chester. The owner of hotel was so friendly, nothing was too much trouble!
We were shown to our suite which was lovely and spacious. Once we settled in, we decided we would go for a drink in the bar before getting ready for dinner. Later in the evening we were greeted in the bar and given an opportunity to have drink while deciding on what to have for dinner before being shown to the dinning room.
As we were staying over and having dinner, we were given pre-starter course which was olive, French breads, dips and olive oil with Balsamic Vinegar. Scott chose the breaded mushrooms on a bed of rocquet salad with mayonnaise while I had the breaded deep fried Brie with caramelised onion and chutney - mmm delicious!
Scott decided to have the Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding served with a selection of vegetables. I decided to have the Cajun Chicken in a Tortia Basket - once again, we were not disappointed!
We weren't going to have dessert but they had a dessert table in the centre of the room with a selection of tempting sweet and savoury options.
After much deliberation, Scott settled on the Lemon Cheesecake while I had Death by Chocolate Fudge Cake - every morsal was a piece of heaven.
Today, after a wonderful hearty breakfast, we checked out and decided to visit the City Centre of Chester.
Chester is a lovely city with beautiful architecture, designer stores and lovely restaurants / coffee shops / bars.
As it is only 1 hr 50 minutes drive, we will definite have to back for another visit!
Monday, 29 August 2011
Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Visited my in-laws today as my husband was helping them clear their garden and as his mom has a sore wrist, I decided to give her a hand in the kitchen.
Her neighbour gave her some wild blackberries that she had picked earlier this morning. So we decided to make Apple & Blackberry Crumple.
I peeled and slice apples and mixed them with the blackberries in an oven dish.
To make the topping you need:-
6oz self raising flour
3oz sugar
3oz butter
Mixed it together by crumbling it between your fingers until get crumbs
Then coat the apples and blackberries so that the entire dish is cover
Bake it in the oven at 180 degrees for 35 minutes or until it is golden
Serve it with custard or cream - delicious!
Now that I have both my in- laws and Scott's seal of approval - I will definitely be making it again!
Her neighbour gave her some wild blackberries that she had picked earlier this morning. So we decided to make Apple & Blackberry Crumple.
I peeled and slice apples and mixed them with the blackberries in an oven dish.
To make the topping you need:-
6oz self raising flour
3oz sugar
3oz butter
Mixed it together by crumbling it between your fingers until get crumbs
Then coat the apples and blackberries so that the entire dish is cover
Bake it in the oven at 180 degrees for 35 minutes or until it is golden
Serve it with custard or cream - delicious!
Now that I have both my in- laws and Scott's seal of approval - I will definitely be making it again!
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Bonding with my godson
Earlier in the month, I was so lucky meet up with my friend, Nicky and her family as we haven't seen each other for so long. Nicky was supposed to have been my matron of honour but as she was expecting 2 weeks before our wedding Nicky was unable to travel.
Nicky had a beautiful little boy and was so very touched to be asked if I would be his godmother.
I finally got to meet him and he is such a precious little boy - he melted my heart and will certainly be a little heartbreaker! Xx
Nicky had a beautiful little boy and was so very touched to be asked if I would be his godmother.
I finally got to meet him and he is such a precious little boy - he melted my heart and will certainly be a little heartbreaker! Xx
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary
As Scott had to fly to the New York on Saturday, 30th July, we decided we would celebrate our anniversary early so throughout the week, we did something special for each other!
Last Tuesday, we exchanged presents - I tried to stick to tradition and gave him a leatherbound sketchbook and a coffee table book of houses designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright. Scott gave me a pair of beautiful delicate diamond hooped earrings which I haven't taken out of my ears since he gave them to me.
So Wednesday, I made him a delicious seafood dinner - retro 70'S prawn cocktail to start and the main was my quick and easy version of paella.
My final gift for Scott arrived later in the week which was a designer businesscard holder that is slightly different to the usual designs - plus he had a little bit of bling and he could take it with him on his business trip.
On Friday, we managed to get a table at Poacher's Rest on Chatsworth Road as we have driven passed it on many occassions and wondered what the food would be like.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were taken downstairs to the cellar which has been converted into a lovely modern bar. While in the cellar, the waitress gave us a chance to peruse the menu and also place our order while enjoying a cheeky drink or 2.
A few minutes later, we were shown to our table on the ground floor but there is a further floor with 2 tables on the 1st floor.
Both Scott and I had the green-lipped mussels with white wine and garlic sauce served with crusty toasted bread.
For our mains, I was keen to try something different so I ordered the kangeroo fillet - absolutely delicious!!! Scott's main was the slow cooked lamb - that too was mouth-watering. Side orders were a portion of sweet summer vegetables and a portion of new potatoes with pancetta in a cheese sauce....just writing about it makes me hungry!
While enjoying our meal we shared a lovely South African bottle of Tall Horse Merlot - smooth and rich with flavour.
To end the meal, I tried the blueberry creme brulee - once again, I was not disappointed!
On the whole, we have had a fabulous 1st wedding anniversary but as we were not together on the actual day we have decided to go away for a long weekend on the coast of Yorkshire later in the month.
But for now - I am so looking forward Scott's return as he is currently waiting to board his plane xxx
Last Tuesday, we exchanged presents - I tried to stick to tradition and gave him a leatherbound sketchbook and a coffee table book of houses designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright. Scott gave me a pair of beautiful delicate diamond hooped earrings which I haven't taken out of my ears since he gave them to me.
So Wednesday, I made him a delicious seafood dinner - retro 70'S prawn cocktail to start and the main was my quick and easy version of paella.
My final gift for Scott arrived later in the week which was a designer businesscard holder that is slightly different to the usual designs - plus he had a little bit of bling and he could take it with him on his business trip.
On Friday, we managed to get a table at Poacher's Rest on Chatsworth Road as we have driven passed it on many occassions and wondered what the food would be like.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were taken downstairs to the cellar which has been converted into a lovely modern bar. While in the cellar, the waitress gave us a chance to peruse the menu and also place our order while enjoying a cheeky drink or 2.
A few minutes later, we were shown to our table on the ground floor but there is a further floor with 2 tables on the 1st floor.
Both Scott and I had the green-lipped mussels with white wine and garlic sauce served with crusty toasted bread.
For our mains, I was keen to try something different so I ordered the kangeroo fillet - absolutely delicious!!! Scott's main was the slow cooked lamb - that too was mouth-watering. Side orders were a portion of sweet summer vegetables and a portion of new potatoes with pancetta in a cheese sauce....just writing about it makes me hungry!
While enjoying our meal we shared a lovely South African bottle of Tall Horse Merlot - smooth and rich with flavour.
To end the meal, I tried the blueberry creme brulee - once again, I was not disappointed!
On the whole, we have had a fabulous 1st wedding anniversary but as we were not together on the actual day we have decided to go away for a long weekend on the coast of Yorkshire later in the month.
But for now - I am so looking forward Scott's return as he is currently waiting to board his plane xxx
Monday, 25 July 2011
Harry Potter - Deathly Hallows Part 2
Yesterday, we decided to go see the final Harry Potter - I am not going to spoil it for anyone but we both thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
The special effects were incredible - its shows how far they have come since the 1st movie 10 years ago!
Despite us being our 30's - there is something so special about Harry Potter and most ages can appreciate the humour and the lessons learnt from the storylines.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the blu-ray box set!
The special effects were incredible - its shows how far they have come since the 1st movie 10 years ago!
Despite us being our 30's - there is something so special about Harry Potter and most ages can appreciate the humour and the lessons learnt from the storylines.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the blu-ray box set!
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Simple pleasures.....
Last week while out buying a few items for our home, I found some silicone pods for poaching eggs. As I cannot ever recall having had poached eggs, I had to buy the pods and of course, the handle for the pods are sold separately, so that too, ended up in my basket.
After a lazy morning, I decided that today, I would try them out.
According to the instructions, you must coat the pods with some oil or fry light(spray 'n cook)before placing them in a saucepan of boiling water. Allow them to simmer for about 4 to 6 minutes.
Once 4 minutes had passed, I removed them from the saucepan (using the handle) and then slipped the poached eggs carefully out of the pods on to a slice of toast.
I was so impressed - the centre of my eggs were not too hard nor too running - perfect just the way I like them and of course, I scored some brownie points with Scott!
After a lazy morning, I decided that today, I would try them out.
According to the instructions, you must coat the pods with some oil or fry light(spray 'n cook)before placing them in a saucepan of boiling water. Allow them to simmer for about 4 to 6 minutes.
Once 4 minutes had passed, I removed them from the saucepan (using the handle) and then slipped the poached eggs carefully out of the pods on to a slice of toast.
I was so impressed - the centre of my eggs were not too hard nor too running - perfect just the way I like them and of course, I scored some brownie points with Scott!
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