Or: Why My Friends & Family Are The Best Ever This weekend, I turned 33. I’m a big believer in making the most of birthdays, as anyone who has had to listen to me going on and on about this one will testify. I know some people prefer to ignore them, or at least ignore … Continue reading »
Category Archives: Food for Thought
Sleepovers and Celebrations
The first thing most people said to me, when I told them I’d been offered a book deal with Mills and Boon, and signed a contract with Lyrical Press for the third book in the Love From Wales series, all in the same week, was, “You’ll have to celebrate!” I didn’t argue with them. Of … Continue reading »
Birthdays and Book Contracts
So, it’s been a bit of an exciting week, here at Pembroke Cottage. Firstly, and most importantly, the Daughter turned four, with all the pomp and ceremony you might expect. She’d spent weeks, possibly months, planning the details. She’d chosen the theme – Alice in Wonderland, of course – decided on the invitation design, discussed … Continue reading »
Bake 42: Maple Syrup Cake
I think it’s pretty safe to say, at this point, that I’m not going to manage 52 bakes by the end of the year. But I’ll get there eventually, which is all that really counts, right? Bake 42 is the cake the husband chose for his birthday cake this year. I always give him free … Continue reading »
It’s coming on Christmas…
… as Joni Michell would say. And somehow, it seems to be approaching with rather more speed than usual. With less than a month now until Christmas, I have finally come to the realisation that I have to actually do things to be ready for that. (I’m still blaming the move for putting me so … Continue reading »
Bake 40: Amazingly Autumnal Apple Cake
I have a not very secret love for apples. Not, admittedly, in their raw, healthy form particularly. But I love applely things. Apple candles. Apple shower gel. Apple pie. Pork and apples. And Apple Cake. I’d picked up some cooking apples after promising to bake the husband and daughter something yummy to keep them entertained … Continue reading »
New Rhythms and Sunday Pudding
I have a tendency to over think things in autumn. Perhaps it’s the new school year thing, or maybe just the way the weather forces us inside more. Or it could be the impending Christmas season, and all the planning it requires. Although, honestly, it might just be that I tend to have a lot … Continue reading »
Bake 38: Speckled Mocha Cake
The day before we went on holiday this half term, I realised I still hadn’t packed anything. Or found the husband’s suit to take to the wedding, or asked him where the bike rack was, or tried on my dress for the wedding to make sure it fit, or checked how long it was going … Continue reading »
Season of mists, marriage and mocha cake
We’re definitely in the grip of Autumn over here, and loving every minute of it. We spent October half term deep in the depths of Sherwood Forest with 22 of our nearest and dearest, where I got to: indulge my inner Maid Marion by picking up a crossbow (and being great at it, thank you), … Continue reading »
Home is where the boxes are… (with bonus pancakes)
Not my house. Photo by Robert Neff. We moved! Finally. We’ve been in the new house a week now, and had pancakes for breakfast for the first time here today, which means it’s officially home. And now I’ve unpacked the books, and made a path through the boxes to my desk in the study, it’s … Continue reading »