tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86551143996200073392024-03-13T04:39:51.432+00:00all things lovelyGarden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-61520151596337476452011-01-27T21:31:00.002+00:002011-01-27T21:39:01.165+00:00An even BETTER comment of the dayWe had a power cut at work today. The whole street went out. A rip roaring pain in the arse when you run a coffee shop. I had a bowl full of carrot cake batter, another bowl full of mushrooms ready to cook, and customers who (bizarrely) got very excited about the whole 'lights going out and sitting in the dark' thing.<br /><br />So, picture the scene. No lights. No coffee machine. No till. No heating (minus one degree this morning. Ouch) and all a bit dull and rubbish really. Four members of staff, all very keen for a nice hot cuppa.<br /><br />One of the girls who works in the cafe said.....<br /><br />Ready?<br /><br />Ready for comment of the day?<br /><br />"Shall I go home and get my kettle, bring it back here to plug in so we can have a cup of tea?"<br /><br />Send help.<br /><br />Please?Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-44241607332999489662011-01-23T16:07:00.003+00:002011-01-23T16:39:43.710+00:00Hearts and FlowersThis week at work has seen much experimentation in the cake department. We acquired an enormous silicone cupcake mould which has been sitting around for a while now, unused. It has been picked up, turned over, muttered about in a 'How many eggs would that take' type way (cafe talk for how big a Victoria sponge mix would we need-7 eggs as it turns out, and 12 ounces of everything else) until finally we decided to stop wimping about and get on with it.<br /><br />I am so pleased we did. The mould itself has a dip in the middle which basically means that when it's cooked you have a hollow in the cake which can be filled with sweets, presents or anything else that takes your fancy (diamonds, etc.etc) and then iced around it. Cool eh? We filled ours with a mixture of buttercream and hundreds and thousands (also known as fairy dust)<br /><br />We make a HUGE amount of cakes in the cafe, several a day usually, but never has one gained quite as much attention at this. Apart from possibly the Guinness Cake, which Terry Wogan mentioned on his radio 2 breakfast show once...I digress...small girls and boys Ooohed and Aaahed, as indeed, did their parents. It would make a fab birthday cake for a party too. I think it would be great with jelly beans in the middle. And obviously it can be decorated in a million and one different ways too. I only wish I had taken the photo alongside a regular sized fairy cake to give you an idea of scale. It wouldn't fit in our glass cake domes, which means it has to be made and eaten the same day until we can find a tall enough container to store it, but as it turns out it didn't hang around for long anyway.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxUI-___cI/AAAAAAAABb0/MNrIturRxzk/s1600/IMG_0085_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565415752850210242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxUI-___cI/AAAAAAAABb0/MNrIturRxzk/s400/IMG_0085_1.JPG" /></a> If you are keen on buying one I got ours from Amazon, for a fiver, in silicone. Having done various bits of research I discovered that they are more popular than the normal cake tins as the heat is controlled better. And they are much cheaper and go in the dishwasher. Hurrah!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTnEZp26I/AAAAAAAABbs/SOvwZUu7PiY/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565415170184436642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTnEZp26I/AAAAAAAABbs/SOvwZUu7PiY/s400/IMG_0096.JPG" /></a> The lovely husband bought me some beautiful red (of course) tulips this week which look beautiful in the kitchen on the table we inherited from a friend of a friend. This isn't actually our main kitchen table (doesn't everyone have two?!) but a general dumping ground and recipe book reading table. Very handy. I love the duck egg blue formica and the drop leaf style.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmnnjGdI/AAAAAAAABbk/Xghf5ynb7jI/s1600/IMG_0094_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565415162458085842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmnnjGdI/AAAAAAAABbk/Xghf5ynb7jI/s400/IMG_0094_1.JPG" /></a> These are the other cakes we have been experimenting with, for Valentines Day. We have designed two sizes, small and large, with the idea being that children can buy the small ones for their Mums and Dads or teachers, etc.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmUPVPGI/AAAAAAAABbc/aFAm01pyKgA/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565415157256240226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmUPVPGI/AAAAAAAABbc/aFAm01pyKgA/s400/IMG_0089.JPG" /></a><br />And big ones for big people! I haven't worked out a gluten free version yet but that's work in progress. They are both chocolate, with chocolate ganache and chocolate hearts.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmO2PSNI/AAAAAAAABbU/cU3FxD4iI3Y/s1600/IMG_0088_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565415155808815314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TTxTmO2PSNI/AAAAAAAABbU/cU3FxD4iI3Y/s400/IMG_0088_1.JPG" /></a> So there you have it! I have also made an orange and cardamom cake, several lemon drizzles and a sticky marmalade cake with orange icing this week. Yum. </div><div> </div><div>Back to the diet....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-81108054950766227252011-01-13T19:41:00.002+00:002011-01-13T20:01:10.389+00:00Comment Of The DayMr F and I frequently get home from work and share a 'comment of the day' story.<br /><br /> Today, this was mine.....<br /><br />Two regular customers came into the cafe this morning. I guess they are in their mid to late sixties. Both ladies are quite well to do and we sometimes have a bit of banter. One of the ladies has a gluten intolerance, and as some of you know we do try to have a good selection of cakes, including at least one gluten free choice. The ladies in question do tend to sit in the cafe for at least two hours nursing one cup of coffee each, and today I made a point of popping over to say hello and see if we could offer them some more coffee and a slice of cake.<br /><br />I mentioned to the first lady, let's call her Patricia (because that's her name!) that we had made a fabulous dark chocolate gluten free torte which I thought she would enjoy. Whilst I was describing it to her, I was aware that her friend (Bev) was looking me up and down. I turned to her and she said, very kindly,<br />"Ooh, you do look well you know. You really do look lovely and slim, how on earth did you manage it?" I was about to reply and her Patricia smirked and said (wait for it)<br /><br />"Yes, but to be honest you were VERY chunky, weren't you?"<br /><br />Several months ago I would have cried with mortification. Today I laughed and resisted the urge to reply with<br /><br />"You won't be wanting any torte then?" Instead I pretended to be busy and dashed off for an emergency coffee to try and restore sanity levels.<br /><br />The lovely girls who work in the cafe were outraged and ready to throw bread rolls at her, but actually, a lot of older people I know are not afraid of being honest. Think of someone you know, anyone, and then think of them losing a few stone. You would notice, wouldn't you? So in a roundabout, rubbish way with words, kind of way, there was a twisted about compliment in there somewhere! and today, fortunately, I could see it!<br /><br />Does anyone else play the 'Comment of the day' game? if not, give it a go, I almost guarantee it will raise a laugh.Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-82718501740906798912011-01-06T20:32:00.005+00:002011-01-06T21:30:07.864+00:00Shhh! there's still a Waitrose Christmas Cake in the kitchen cupboardWell where did the last few months go? I really do need to get my blogging mojo back. Only I am not too sure where I left it...I did look behind the sofa and in the cupboard under the stairs (admittedly I was looking for a pair of red ballerina pumps at the time-still missing in action) but all I found was dust and a lonely mitten.<br /><br /><br /><br />Still, hopefully this is a positive step in the right direction, no?<br /><br /><br />Did you have a lovely Christmas? New Year? Isn't it cold out? Really miserable?-just some of the questions I answer on a regular basis at work! Truth be told I am rather pleased it's all out of the way now and we can just Get On. I might be able to save a bit of money now as well. I am really hoping that this will finally be the year of the purchase of the camper van. I have dreamed about it long enough! I hope to be able to get some holidays to Cornwall in as well (or maybe just the one given the previous camper van thing) and practice some more sewing, maybe even go to a night class or two.<br /><br /><br />Plans are afoot to re-vamp the menu at the cafe too. Lots of warming winter stews and soups, new cakes and sandwich fillings. If anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated. I just feel the need to stir things up a bit on the food front.<br /><br /><br />Other plans involve getting back to a respectable standard of running, where I was at the beginning of December. It has all fallen by the waywise and I am blaming it on chest infections and snow. The lovely husband and I were due to do a charity run on Boxing Day which was actually cancelled due to deep snow on Cheltenham Racecourse, and actually I was quite pleased. Because I probably would have only managed half of it. Now that the roads and pavements are clear of snow though we can get out again in the evenings, and start building up some decent distances.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559180951443831826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TSYtnxztfBI/AAAAAAAABbE/aCFXSKnfDd4/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" /> <em>Christmas morning,canapes and champagne,yum!</em><br /><br />I always HATED exercise and sports at school, because I was rubbish at it and would rather have been baking cakes. My friend and I used to hide in the tennis court when we were supposed to be doing Cross Country (sorry Mum) and deliberately choose positions in hockey that meant we could stand by the goalie and watch the boys on the rugby pitch instead (sorry Dad)<br /><p></p><p></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559180945400529458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TSYtnbS4AjI/AAAAAAAABa8/yq_0fS2yL6I/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" /></p><em>And about 2 hours later......well done the lovely husband!</em><br /><em></em><br />But since I started working for a living I did quite fancy the idea of getting home and throwing a pair of trainers on. Shame I didn't actually do anything about it throughout my twenties. Would have saved me a fortune in cigarettes and alcohol! But something else I needed to do for ages was lose some weight. I know it's a new year cliche for many, but last February when along with my colleagues I signed up for Race for Life I decided it Was Time. I didn't want to see yet another photo and cringe with embarrassment at being lardy in leggings. So I joined Slimming World. I bought a pair of trainers. I stopped eating biscuits quite to regularly (God how I miss you, biscuits) I swapped my full fat lattes for Skinny lattes and slowly but surely it worked. I have lost just over 4 stone now, and feel great. I just hope it stays off. Lots of lovely tasty food still gets consumed, there is still a bottle of wine on the shopping list and although in theory I probably shouldn't have inhaled quite so many mince pies over the festive break they were blimmin marvelous.<br /><br /><div></div><div>I am not trying to sound smug, it has been a long slog and hard work but I am getting there and it is starting to all make sense in my head now. Lots of people ask me if I feel different. But no, not really. I think because it's taken such a long time, and has been a gradual process, that I probably still feel exactly the same really. </div><br /><div>Ooh! maybe I lost my blogging thing alongside an inch or two of thigh? </div><br /><div>I hope I get it back. No, not the thigh.....</div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-84720738490478098582010-09-12T18:56:00.003+01:002010-09-12T19:30:12.273+01:00Sewing Success!<div><div><div>When you spend time reading blogs it is hard not to be inspired by the wonderful things being created. I love reading craft and sewing books and have been known to knit the odd scarf or two (odd because they are usually wider at the top than the bottom) and make jewellery etc. but still I had a yearning to be good at sewing. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I have fiddled about with a couple of patchwork quilts which I was quite pleased with, but what I really wanted to be able to do was make clothes and handbags, things I could use on a daily basis.</div><div> </div><div><br />Not being a sewer I found it very hard to justify buying a sewing machine. When I enquired at the local college about night classes in sewing they said you had to take your own machine. But I didn't want to buy one in case I was rubbish at it! A tricky situation indeed. Then one of my lovely customers come to see me. She has Parkinsons Disease and was struggling to use her beloved Bernina sewing machine. She knew I was crafty and keen to sew. Would I like it? Could I give it a good home?</div><div> </div><div>You can guess the answer.<br /></div><div>Then I got chatting to another customer. She is a professional seamstress. Can you see where this is going yet?! So yes, I have been a very lucky girl indeed and am now the proud owner of a Bernina and have had several free sewing lessons from my very lovely friend. Who also supplied copious amounts of coffee and homemade cake. Hurrah!</div><div>I showed her the Amy Butler pattern I had and explained how I needed help with it. I have never cut a pattern out or measured myself before, so she gave me loads of help and advice. The patience of the woman!! She found it all very exciting as well as she has never used American patterns before, and couldn't believe how 'simple' it all was. Hmm. I bought fabric from the local shop, nothing fancy, just something cheap and pretty, ideal for a summer skirt for a beginner. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Do you want to see then? do you?<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516092259947273010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TI0Yr1ZwWzI/AAAAAAAABag/al-Vye4e-18/s400/IMG_2777.JPG" /><br /></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516092249951283938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TI0YrQKhquI/AAAAAAAABaY/rmUGw88THso/s400/IMG_2774.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516092243955829634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TI0Yq51GS4I/AAAAAAAABaQ/wjgqkmGt_74/s400/IMG_2770.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516092268055505634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TI0YsTm6KuI/AAAAAAAABao/1qGTM0Lqt70/s400/IMG_2771.JPG" />So with the skirt sorted and worn several times I decided to brave the bag myself. I found the pattern for this ages ago on Sew Mama Sew, and printed it out to put in my 'Things I want to Make One Day but Probably Never Will' file. So I measured and cut the pieces out a few nights ago and today I finished it. I am SO pleased with it. Seriously. I have put things in it. And taken things out of it. And cooed over the lining (lightweight flowery print cotton) and stroked the handles.</div><div> </div><div>I need to send a big thankyou to all of you bloggers who sew. For all of the words of wisdom, and for not assuming when you blog about your projects that we are all sewing geniuses! Thanks for keeping instructions as simple as possible, and for explaining each step clearly. I am hoping to move onto winter skirts and tunics next.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-74130841088910337982010-07-13T17:40:00.005+01:002010-07-13T21:05:03.965+01:00Raspberry Roulade RecipeI have had a day off today and despite spending most of my working week baking and feeding the hoardes bacon sandwiches, I have still enjoyed a peaceful afternoon in my kitchen at home. Relaxed cooking, not to order, not for anyone in a mad rush on a lunch hour, but instead cooking for us, for our meal this evening. We have picked the first courgettes from the allotment now. Small yellow ones, and a striped green variety. I can never remember their names, and the packets seldom last. At home we are growing large tubs of peas, staggered in planting so that they last over a period of time. There are hanging baskets of tumbling tomatoes, grow-bags with beefsteak tomatoes and several large terracotta pots with Sungold and Gardeners Delight. But for tonight, as the tomatoes are yet to ripen, we are having Tesco Tomatoes instead!<br />We all have our specialities when it comes to cooking. My husbands is risotto. And roast chicken. And actually most main meals, in fact. I do soup and puddings and cakes. So I have prepped the veggies ready for tonights risotto, and then moved onto deciding what I could do with several pounds of raspberries also picked from the allotment.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDxNihRI/AAAAAAAABaA/5SKWg9-q18M/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493433935513945362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDxNihRI/AAAAAAAABaA/5SKWg9-q18M/s400/IMG_2713.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDtUc9wI/AAAAAAAABZ4/FuP6ld2K-Jc/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493433934469199618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDtUc9wI/AAAAAAAABZ4/FuP6ld2K-Jc/s400/IMG_2715.JPG" /></a> I had planned on sitting in the garden with a cup of coffee before the rain came. Typical isn't it-blazing sunshine for days and then my day off comes-rain! I did pluck a rose from the garden though and bought it inside to sniff every now and again. It really does smell beautiful.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDQN3QQI/AAAAAAAABZw/R0I8oR8mpVs/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493433926656934146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZDQN3QQI/AAAAAAAABZw/R0I8oR8mpVs/s400/IMG_2719.JPG" /></a> So, raspberries!! Sarah Raven has come up trumps yet again, and although I am yet to have her latest book, I do love her Garden Cookbook. I have made a lot from it, but never Meringue Roulade with Raspberries.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZC8O9oaI/AAAAAAAABZo/lrcwqwmN8mc/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493433921292837282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZC8O9oaI/AAAAAAAABZo/lrcwqwmN8mc/s400/IMG_2712.JPG" /></a><br />Until now! Ok, here goes people....</div><div></div><div>Feeds 6...(oh no, and we didn't invite anyone around for dinner....)</div><div></div><div>6 egg whites</div><div>300g caster sugar</div><div>50g flaked almonds</div><div>350ml double cream</div><div>400g fresh raspberries</div><div>Preheat oven to 200 degrees, or gas mark 6.</div><div></div><div>Line a swiaa roll tin with greaseproof paper and brush very lightly with oil-sunflower, not car.</div><div></div><div>Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until VERY stiff.</div><div>Gradually add sugar a spoonful at a time until all gone. Continue whisking until the mixture is very thick and glossy.</div><div>Spread the mixture into the tin and scatter with the almonds.</div><div>Place the tin fairly near the top of the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 160 degrees, gas mark 3 and bake until golden brown (this took another 8 minutes in my oven, and I also lowered it in the oven as it was browning a bit quickly)<br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZCuB-OQI/AAAAAAAABZg/Yfq8rNqCp60/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493433917480253698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyZCuB-OQI/AAAAAAAABZg/Yfq8rNqCp60/s400/IMG_2717.JPG" /></a> Remove from the oven (as above) and then flip over. Don't ask me how I did this. I am just pleased no one was here to take photos) make sure you flip in onto a sheet of greaseproof paper or parchment though. Peel off the paper from the base and leave it to cool (as below) for 15 minutes.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX8XxKzbI/AAAAAAAABZY/KBUNTsNyR3I/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493432708913352114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX8XxKzbI/AAAAAAAABZY/KBUNTsNyR3I/s400/IMG_2723.JPG" /></a><br />Whilst it's cooling whisk your cream until it's stiff and then stir in half of your raspberries...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX74nGj-I/AAAAAAAABZQ/EyjrNr0EE-g/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493432700549631970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX74nGj-I/AAAAAAAABZQ/EyjrNr0EE-g/s400/IMG_2725.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX7ROl2ZI/AAAAAAAABZI/xGfeUWlMAnc/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493432689977842066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX7ROl2ZI/AAAAAAAABZI/xGfeUWlMAnc/s400/IMG_2727.JPG" /></a> When it's cool spread your cream/raspberry mix carefully across your roulade. I didn't go right up to the edges with mine as I knew I would end up covered in the stuff. </div><div></div><div>Using the greaseproof paper to help you, roll up the roulade as tightly as you can. I didn't read the recipe properly, as you are supposed to roll it lengthwise. Ahem. Mine is slightly bigger than it should be as a result-but I think it looks fab, so no matter.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX62N-EZI/AAAAAAAABZA/jE1KNRF5P0M/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493432682727477650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX62N-EZI/AAAAAAAABZA/jE1KNRF5P0M/s400/IMG_2730.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Scatter the rest of the raspberries over the top to serve.</div><div></div><div>Wait for husband to come home and find pudding in the fridge....</div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX6bdDygI/AAAAAAAABY4/qzj5aRGgQao/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493432675543009794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDyX6bdDygI/AAAAAAAABY4/qzj5aRGgQao/s400/IMG_2729.JPG" /></a> I guess you could use any fruit you have, I think it would be lovely with thinly sliced peaches or nectarines, or strawberries...go crazy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-32107134554902938882010-07-07T21:14:00.002+01:002010-07-07T21:24:14.775+01:00Race For Life<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDTgh7UNoMI/AAAAAAAABYw/JBTeGv0AS-U/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491260719134253250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDTgh7UNoMI/AAAAAAAABYw/JBTeGv0AS-U/s400/IMG_2703.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TDTghckBf5I/AAAAAAAABYo/FlQaZFTQnCY/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG"></a>Yes indeed, Sunday was Race For Life Day. After signing ourselves up back in February to do the 5km walk/jog/stagger around Cheltenham Racecourse the day finally arrived. I have never taken part before but am so pleased I did. </div><div> </div><div>The atmosphere was amazing, 5000 women all joined together to take part in an event that raises money for such a good cause. Our team, all ladies from the cafe, have raised in excess of £600 so far, which we are delighted with. </div><div> </div><div>Thankyou to all of my family and friends who have sponsored us, it is hugely appreciated. Hopefully with all of the money being raised by ladies across the country we will eventually find a cure for cancer.</div><div> </div><div>As for me, I am definitely going to do it again next year, hopefully running it next time. No promises though...!<br /><br /></div><div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-73054666764721683242010-06-01T19:02:00.005+01:002010-06-01T19:42:45.011+01:00How does your garden grow?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRCRQUShI/AAAAAAAABYg/MA6Sn6uaqgs/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477873621199505938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRCRQUShI/AAAAAAAABYg/MA6Sn6uaqgs/s400/IMG_2660.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRCMN248I/AAAAAAAABYY/AUgxlUbkfLM/s1600/IMG_2654.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477873619847013314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRCMN248I/AAAAAAAABYY/AUgxlUbkfLM/s400/IMG_2654.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRBbidcGI/AAAAAAAABYQ/jedtK4dA1Do/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477873606780088418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRBbidcGI/AAAAAAAABYQ/jedtK4dA1Do/s400/IMG_2641.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRBFLLsUI/AAAAAAAABYI/lza4TVGDNAU/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477873600776876354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRBFLLsUI/AAAAAAAABYI/lza4TVGDNAU/s400/IMG_2634.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRAtSHLzI/AAAAAAAABYA/zDZ4_zxlcPI/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477873594363490098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVRAtSHLzI/AAAAAAAABYA/zDZ4_zxlcPI/s400/IMG_2624.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477872278427614578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVP0HCjPXI/AAAAAAAABX4/Mfow5YHU1iw/s400/IMG_2677.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477872274255177314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVPz3fw5mI/AAAAAAAABXw/6FRdsIT64AU/s400/IMG_2619.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477872269819273874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVPzm-KYpI/AAAAAAAABXo/GcuK2n_aolY/s400/IMG_2615.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477872260447485890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVPzEDwP8I/AAAAAAAABXg/R_YM20HofyA/s400/IMG_2612.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477872251161517458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVPyhdznZI/AAAAAAAABXY/O_QkP2wie1A/s400/IMG_2608.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477868501222275730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVMYP2nupI/AAAAAAAABWo/7EmDLcxVF74/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" /><br /><div> Ahh, yes, so as per usual I have been VERY busy in the garden and at the allotment, producing all manner of wonderful vegetables and flowers.... <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477868490834816770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVMXpKDrwI/AAAAAAAABWg/9H6O2kworQs/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" /><br /><div>Ok, so not really. For a very fabulous birthday surprise last week the lovely husband took me on a surprise trip to the Chelsea Flower Show. What made it even better was that I had spent the previous few evenings watching it on television and saying "ooh, we really must go next year" whilst he sat quietly next to me knowing that he had surprise tickets and picnic hampers at the ready.</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477868483657174194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVMXOaxjLI/AAAAAAAABWY/Mcd3xkUUtwU/s400/IMG_2638.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477868478699340578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVMW78vAyI/AAAAAAAABWQ/HcOfNXQ7-3E/s400/IMG_2613.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477868471070283554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/TAVMWfh01yI/AAAAAAAABWI/5MQRzCJDNME/s400/IMG_2683.JPG" />There was so much to look at it, and it really is an amazing place to go if you are into gardening.<br />I came away with loads of ideas, the main one being that I am going to put vegetables in with flowers this year in our back garden, as well as at the allotment. We have a small garden but borders all around, and quite a large patio, so there is quite a bit of space that can be filled.</div><div> </div><div>So far we have courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins, kohl rabi, french beans and peas. I bought a couple of packets of seeds back with me which have gone straight into pots.<br /></div><div>The allotment has rhubarb, peas, broad beans, potatoes, asparagus, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries, carrots, parnsips and a kiwi plant. </div><div> </div><div>I don't think any of us will be suffering from vitamin deficiency any time soon. Hopefully we'll save a small fortune as well!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-907671740626109592010-04-20T16:44:00.002+01:002010-04-20T16:55:07.688+01:00No photos, just me!Hello folks, long time no speak. Me that is, not you. I still manage to find some time to read all of my favourite blogs,(even if I haven't been very good and left a comment!) but somehow the inspiration hasn't been there for me personally to write a post. Not sure why, no great reasons behind it...just...normal life I suppose.<br /><br />I got a bit tired of logging on and seeing those gingerbread men below though-the ones from Christmas 2009! and now here we are, Spring (ish) 2010, and I have had so many lovely messages from lots and lots of you asking if I am still alive, and Yes, I am! Hurrah!<br /><br />We have had the usual frantic few months here in the Cotswolds, with things going very well indeed at the cafe, I am pleased to say. Lovely bloggers still keep coming in, and I am always so very touched that they have made the effort...despite the fact that I never seem to have time to do anything other than shriek in surprise and dump a cappuccino in front of them before serving the masses.<br /><br />We are open 7 days a week now, which may seem like madness, but it does mean that I have a WHOLE weekend off every now and again, which is hugely exciting. Lots of camping trips during the summer months, is the plan. And perhaps some sitting in the garden with a good book and enjoying the sunshine with a glass of pimms to hand. That would be splendid.<br /><br />So, if you're reading this, and are still with me, then Hello! I will try harder, promise. And I will write again before another quarter of a year passes, promise. And I will share some FABULOUS new cake recipes as well. Promise.<br />Bye for now.....<br />xxxxGarden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-64666069577770156392009-11-29T16:29:00.006+00:002009-11-29T17:18:45.118+00:00You can run but you can't catch meGardengirl is very busy baking, sewing, and running N0.9, so this is the second guest blog by Mr Gardengirl.<br /><br />The village is building up to the festive period and the switching on of the Christmas lights took place yesterday, which also marks the window display competition.<br /><br />For this the girl decided on a Gingerbread Man theme.<br /><br />Did she<br /><br />a) Order them from the internet?<br />b) Purchase them from John Lewis?<br />c) Spend every night for the last week making them by hand, with limited help from me?<br /><br />She started with Brown felt and scissors<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkIiesuII/AAAAAAAABWA/i6NL-N5Y42U/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409566569026861186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkIiesuII/AAAAAAAABWA/i6NL-N5Y42U/s400/IMG_2520.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Then the smile, buttons and heart were added. The eyes were out sourced to a man, as you can clearly tell.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkIBZLCCI/AAAAAAAABV4/6P3snuNeTv0/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409566560145311778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkIBZLCCI/AAAAAAAABV4/6P3snuNeTv0/s400/IMG_2522.JPG" /></a><br />Next came the filling and sewing together.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkHy29wHI/AAAAAAAABVw/AAa2wqpkB7c/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409566556243738738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKkHy29wHI/AAAAAAAABVw/AAa2wqpkB7c/s400/IMG_2530.JPG" /></a> </div><div>The night before deployment, a team meeting was held to discuss 'Operation Dangle'. All the boys were there........<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKjXtKG5MI/AAAAAAAABVo/IHDrXQ_HArU/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409565730079696066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKjXtKG5MI/AAAAAAAABVo/IHDrXQ_HArU/s400/IMG_2529.JPG" /></a><br />...and the plan was put into place at 1700hrs on Friday<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKiyK2Wg0I/AAAAAAAABVg/xIwXgPXYjbQ/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409565085214868290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKiyK2Wg0I/AAAAAAAABVg/xIwXgPXYjbQ/s400/IMG_2534.JPG" /></a><br />Everyone was in place, however when we returned on Saturday morning some of the candy canes had disappeared and nobody knew where they had gone.<br /><br /><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKiciXEnII/AAAAAAAABVY/frYpUsLijls/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409564713569000578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKiciXEnII/AAAAAAAABVY/frYpUsLijls/s400/IMG_2540.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>To answer the most popular questions during Saturday trading</div><div> </div><div>1) Yes, they are handmade.</div><div>2) No, they are not edible.</div><div>3) No, they are not for sale.</div><div>4) Yes, she is very talented</div><div>5) Yes, it was me who sewed on the eyes, yes the wonky ones, really all of them.</div><div><br /> </div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKh-ndzklI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Hbp2qhQwEmc/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409564199543345746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SxKh-ndzklI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Hbp2qhQwEmc/s400/IMG_2535.JPG" /></a><br />Gardengirl will return to blogland shortly, mostly likely in the new year.</div><div> </div><div>In the meantime you can up with goings on via my Twitter musings, you can find me as Beakery.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-87421612561848793782009-09-08T18:43:00.003+01:002009-09-08T19:11:33.105+01:00It's ILLEGAL!!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYxlYnJ_I/AAAAAAAABVE/XVf4F-SSmPo/s1600-h/IMG_2397.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379154782556989426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYxlYnJ_I/AAAAAAAABVE/XVf4F-SSmPo/s400/IMG_2397.JPG" /></a> Two glasses of champagne and please note the rosy cheeks!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYxOu0q3I/AAAAAAAABU8/R4hbj_ELeV0/s1600-h/IMG_2393.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379154776476134258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYxOu0q3I/AAAAAAAABU8/R4hbj_ELeV0/s400/IMG_2393.JPG" /></a> Cocktail making ingredients above, and below, making mojitos...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYwno0G4I/AAAAAAAABU0/LGd83GlZFTE/s1600-h/IMG_2399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379154765981948802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SqaYwno0G4I/AAAAAAAABU0/LGd83GlZFTE/s400/IMG_2399.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Just a few tame photos of the drunken celebrations from our first birthday party! Much champagne was consumed, giggling was done and 'remember when' conversations took place. </div><div>None of us can quite believe how quickly the last year has flown by. We have been lucky to have had so much support from all of our lovely customers, and fabulous staff. We have a great team surrounding us who all work so hard, and it is down to their help as well that No.9 has been such a success. Rest assured they were rewarded!</div><div> </div><div>I thought I would share a conversation with you from my (very) early morning visit to the supermarket today. I had to go and buy a few provisions on the way to work and decided at the last minute to add a couple of bottles of pear cider to the basket for when I got home tonight.</div><div> </div><div>At that time of morning, and being a very small supermarket, you have to pay at the cigarette kiosk. So I wandered over to the kiosk and stood there for a couple of minutes whilst waiting to be served. One of the shop assistants stood feet away from me with her back to me, piling up the newspapers onto a stand. Eventually another assistant from further down the shop saw me with hand on hip and raised eyebrow, and called to the girl</div><div>"There's someone at the counter Chelsea!" she turned, saw me and replied,</div><div>"Yeah, I know, I'm nearly done now"</div><div> </div><div>By now there were two more people behind me int he queue, sighing and impatient as well, waiting to pay. Chelsea then finished doing the newspapers and decided to wheel her now empty cart to the front of the store before coming to serve us. On the way she clocked the pear cider by now on the counter.</div><div> </div><div>"Is that ALCOHOL?" she practically shouted from the front of the store. I looked around to make sure she was definitely talking to me.</div><div> </div><div>"Um, yes, it is alcohol" I replied.</div><div> </div><div>"Well you can't buy it, it's ILLEGAL!" she shouted. The woman in the queue behind me started giggling and I was ready to sink into the floor.</div><div> </div><div>"Well believe me I'm more than old enough, unfortunately" I said, thinking Chelsea must have thought I was under age.</div><div> </div><div>"No, it's illegal to buy it, the law SAYS SO. It's ILLEGAL to buy alcohol before 8am. MIKE! MIKE! I was just saying, It's ILLEGAL to buy alcohol at this time of morning, isn't it?!"</div><div>Mike nodded in agreement.</div><div>Good grief. I wanted to die. Everyone that was coming into the store was looking at me whilst she continued yelling.</div><div> </div><div>"You'll have to go and put it back Madam, it's illegal. Or wait fifteen minutes and buy it then instead" I stood and stared at her, as she was by now in front of me and positioned at the till. I took a deep breath, and counted to five.</div><div> </div><div>"I don't really have time to wait fifteen minutes because I'm late for work. And if I can't buy the cider because it's illegal, well then I'll have to have something else for breakfast, won't I?"</div><div> </div><div>Woman behind me was crying with laughter and mortification on my behalf. </div><div>I passed the cider to Chelsea and suggsted gently that she would probably be able to put it back on my behalf and handed her some money. She didn't say A WORD.</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-5204901834808585702009-08-29T19:17:00.002+01:002009-08-29T19:27:22.065+01:00Happy Birthday To UsYes indeed folks, it's a year today since we opened No.9. We can't believe how quickly it's flown by. Seriously, a WHOLE YEAR?!! Lots of customers came to help celebrate our first birthday, and us staff celebrated by drinking glasses of bucks fizz at 8.30am. Possibly not a great idea.<br /><br /> Being in charge of a coffee machine whilst under the influence= frothy milk all over the floor. Oh well.<br /><br />So just a quick one today, as we are now off to celebrate properly and enjoy a proper weekend for a change-two whole days off! We haven't had a bank holiday off since we opened so we decided to spoil ourselves.<br /><br />Fingers crossed for sunshine and blue skies.<br /><br />Back with photos soon!Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-54988536261805489052009-07-26T15:21:00.008+01:002009-07-26T15:54:07.771+01:00How Big is Your Boot?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777538271189698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpwgIZGsI/AAAAAAAABUs/9dhYrgxVoZ0/s400/IMG_2346.JPG" />Because ours is quite big, as you can see!<br /><br />I was just trying the boot out for size in case we got rained out of the tent. Fortunately we remained very dry and cosy.<br /><br />We managed to escape to the New Forest for a few days a couple of weeks ago and had a lovely time wandering, reading, drinking endless cups of tea and chilling out. Bliss.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Smxpwc2w2sI/AAAAAAAABUk/3zjsN_FqCJU/s1600-h/IMG_2336.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777537391942338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Smxpwc2w2sI/AAAAAAAABUk/3zjsN_FqCJU/s400/IMG_2336.JPG" /></a><br />The ever increasing book pile....one which isn't pictures which I read and laughed hysterically at, is Dawn French's 'Dear Fatty'. If you are a fan you must read it, I insist!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpwGyXSYI/AAAAAAAABUc/IggsQnvQaUo/s1600-h/IMG_2328.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777531467909506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpwGyXSYI/AAAAAAAABUc/IggsQnvQaUo/s400/IMG_2328.JPG" /></a><br />The essential hat for covering bed hair on the way to the shower block in the morning....I think it is actually a mans hat, but it cost £2.45 and is very soft and comfy. I have an enormous head, which is why I ended up with a mans hat instead of the miniscule lady hats on offer!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpvzgU7KI/AAAAAAAABUU/P-5fukM4feA/s1600-h/IMG_2329.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777526291983522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpvzgU7KI/AAAAAAAABUU/P-5fukM4feA/s400/IMG_2329.JPG" /></a><br />The even more essential ENORMOUS bottle of gin, and much smaller bottle of tonic...Rob's canny camping tip is to take an ice box to Tesco (other supermarkets are available) and fill it with ice. Then bury all alcohol (pear cider is especially good for camping) into the ice. You then have a ready made ice bucket which keeps drinks cold all weekend and lots of ice to put in your gin.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777515576185506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SmxpvLle0qI/AAAAAAAABUM/jZy37BjkZCc/s400/IMG_2343.JPG" /> I have just realised that I am 101 today! Or at least my blog is. Does that mean I get cake and candles?? No? <div> </div><div>Oh.<br /><br />Well despite that, I have to say I am most chuffed to have managed to hang on in there and keep going. I realise 100 posts may seem a bit rubbish to some of you old timers, but to me, well...yay!</div><div><br />I thought you may like to see my lovely Grandads 90th birthday cake. He has an incredible vegetable patch, and always knows the varieties of things he groes (whereas some of us just chuck in whatever seeds we have to hand..) when I was little he grew tomatoes professionally and my brother and I used to make tomato boxes for him in the summer holidays. Whenever I smell tomato plants now I instantly think of him.</div><div> </div><div>Lots of family and friends gathered to help celebrate his big birthday a couple of weekends ago and had a lovely time. </div><div><br />The weather was sunny and we sat in the garden catching up with people we don't see enough of.</div><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362775082040728562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Smxnhh9am_I/AAAAAAAABT8/VzXX3uTztSA/s400/IMG_2302.JPG" /></div><br />Nothing much else to report, apart from the enormous pile of courgettes that we returned home from camping to. Since then we have made courgette and carrot soup, iced zuchinni tray bake, courgette and mint soup, baked courgette, roasted courgette, courgette and pasta, you name it.</div><div>Tomorrow I am hoping to attempt Zuchinni Chocolate Cake at work. Oh yes indeed. And that, my friends, will be a whole different story.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-66479769166496066702009-07-06T18:26:00.004+01:002009-07-06T18:36:48.441+01:00And The Comment of The Week Award.....Goes to a lady in her late seventies, leaning towards me when I took her her coffee and saying in rather a loud voice<br />"Do you know, it's so bloody hot I didn't put any knickers on this morning".<br /><br /><br />There really is no polite response to that, is there?!Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-63815846118123613952009-06-21T17:41:00.006+01:002009-06-21T18:19:00.434+01:00We'll Eat Again....Well had I realised that being 31 would lead to such slapdash-where blogs are related-behaviour then I wouldn't have accepted it quite so readily!! Sorry folks. But I have been busy and have a very good list of excuses lined up!<br /><br />We have had masses and MASSES of strawberries at the allotment this year. I have made several strawberry pavlovas now, and Rob has made dozens of jars of jam. In fact, as I type, a pan of gooseberry and strawberry jam is bubbling away on the hob. It smells fantastic, really summery.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5k1Xt3WhI/AAAAAAAABTw/fMe5FIo6710/s1600-h/IMG_2225.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349824275424958994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5k1Xt3WhI/AAAAAAAABTw/fMe5FIo6710/s400/IMG_2225.JPG" /></a> The Sweet Williams are also growing really well. They last for ages and smell beautiful. I have a vase of them on the bathroom windowsill that feel rather decadent when Iam wallowing in the tub.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5k0ypmnoI/AAAAAAAABTo/dGTiD7y6xDc/s1600-h/IMG_2240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349824265474973314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5k0ypmnoI/AAAAAAAABTo/dGTiD7y6xDc/s400/IMG_2240.JPG" /></a> Strawberry Streusal. There is definitely a strawberry theme to this post, is there not? I made this a couple of weeks ago after a customer brought me the recipe in one day. We sold it all in one day. It has crushed hazelnuts in the base, and then a crumbly hazelnut topping..yum..<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j_fd8mBI/AAAAAAAABTg/RymHLgh2mNo/s1600-h/IMG_2249.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349823349792741394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j_fd8mBI/AAAAAAAABTg/RymHLgh2mNo/s400/IMG_2249.JPG" /></a> Two weeks ago was the annual Street Fayre. This year is the first time I have been involved. There is a theme every year, and this year it was World War 2. Everyone gets really involved, there are stalls everywhere, loads of entertainment put on and a fabulous atmosphere. All of our customers had warned us of how busy it would be in advance, so we drafted in lots of people to help.</p><p>We weren't too sure on what to do regards dressing up, so eventually decided on having customised t-shirts designed. It just wouldn't have been safe or practical in our work environment to be wearing uniforms etc. So we went for Your Cafe Needs You on the front, with the trusty Kitchener logo, and had our names and ranks on the backs.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j_MhSsyI/AAAAAAAABTY/raWhd5NxUc0/s1600-h/IMG_2266.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j--29QjI/AAAAAAAABTQ/SyQDBiRJXrA/s1600-h/IMG_2265.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349823341039272498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j--29QjI/AAAAAAAABTQ/SyQDBiRJXrA/s400/IMG_2265.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349823334203363538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j-lZJkNI/AAAAAAAABTI/UYTUUFUz1Oo/s400/IMG_2264.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349823328586328194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sj5j-Qd8aII/AAAAAAAABTA/f6VX66b2riY/s400/IMG_2251.JPG" /></p><p>We had such a fun day. It was madly busy, there wasn't a spare seat to be had, and the atmosphere was amazing. Unfortunately I could only get photos of before-no during or after shots due to the madness! I was (handily) on drinks and cake duty that day, and it was constant. The rain held off, it was warm and sunny and we had heaps of support from our regulars, as well as seeing lots of new faces. We were all shattered that night, and some of our younger workers looked done in, but it was well worth doing. I am really looking forward to planning next years event properly, as we'll have an idea of what to expect rather than just go on hearsay.</p><p>Things have settled back to normal again now though. We have a couple of new girls who are working out well and we are just enjoying the summer.</p><p>Sewing wise I have a new quilt on the go. It must have been inspired by all of that Union Jack bunting, as I am going for a red white and blue theme this time. There are squares of stripes ginghams and spots on various surfaces around the house, and a couple of rows sewn together. The machine has had a few off days but I think it's sorted now. It only seems to like using 100% cotton, so that is what I'm sticking to from now on.</p><p>Thankyou for all of your Happy Birthday wishes cards and pressies, I am a very lucky girl indeed. (still calling myself a girl,ha!) I have only just realised that I am about to hit my 100th post as well! Madness. It seems a long time ago that I joined the blogging world, and despite the infrequent postings these days I do still enjoy reading everyone elses. Most evenings I spend half an hour checking out what everyone has been up to. A very enjoyable way to relax after a busy day.</p><p>I won't leave it so long next time, promise.</p><p>x</p>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-14197460805558125962009-05-26T22:30:00.004+01:002009-05-26T22:48:08.862+01:00Another year gone<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/ShxhK1OmEgI/AAAAAAAABS4/WNyWOkNlJJU/s1600-h/IMG_2246.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340250096869446146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/ShxhK1OmEgI/AAAAAAAABS4/WNyWOkNlJJU/s400/IMG_2246.JPG" /></a> Yes indeed folks, tomorrow is the big 31. I am not one of those people who like to moan about getting older. There is absolutely nothing that you can do about it but accept it. See you back here on the eve of my 40th though?! (you bring the tissues, I'll bring the waterproof mascara and wrinkle filler..)<br /><br />Despite a weekend of working we did manage to spend some lovely sunshine filled hours in the garden.<br />I have never seen so many forget-me-knots in one place. I do love them though, and they do well at filling flower beds that are a tad unloved in places!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg7XmHK4I/AAAAAAAABSw/SoaS9ynTr6A/s1600-h/IMG_2238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340249831216982914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg7XmHK4I/AAAAAAAABSw/SoaS9ynTr6A/s400/IMG_2238.JPG" /></a> Subday morning. Toast on the terrace! Please ignore the white bread, pilfered leftovers from the cafe.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg63hbfbI/AAAAAAAABSo/Swz7769morE/s1600-h/IMG_2229.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340249822607408562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg63hbfbI/AAAAAAAABSo/Swz7769morE/s400/IMG_2229.JPG" /></a>Remember the quilt I mentioned?</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6gVaXNI/AAAAAAAABSg/28A5gJC5VOI/s1600-h/IMG_2243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340249816382987474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6gVaXNI/AAAAAAAABSg/28A5gJC5VOI/s400/IMG_2243.JPG" /></a><br />Well it's nearly finished. Just a few bits of tinkering around the corners and binding.</p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6fYQi2I/AAAAAAAABSY/CwNWAB_LM60/s1600-h/IMG_2242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340249816126491490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6fYQi2I/AAAAAAAABSY/CwNWAB_LM60/s400/IMG_2242.JPG" /></a> Not bad considering I started off with a pair of kitchen scissors and a bundle of fabric! Thankyou to Nancy and Tess for the inspiration!</p><p><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6HTzF0I/AAAAAAAABSQ/qodCpy0rLG4/s1600-h/IMG_2226.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340249809665333058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Shxg6HTzF0I/AAAAAAAABSQ/qodCpy0rLG4/s400/IMG_2226.JPG" /></a> I will show you a proper photo when it's finished. Meanwhile I have treated myself to a proper rotary cutter and am already collecting samples of fabric for the next one! It's really rather addictive, isn't it?!</p>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-59082551645145288612009-05-03T18:56:00.008+01:002009-05-03T19:30:20.238+01:00It's been a busy couple of weeks or so....These pictures will all make sense when you reach the bottom..Blogger is still messing me about, but I shall sort it soon! In the meantime feel free to coo over the pretty pink cakes!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331665427687107282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3hdUaFatI/AAAAAAAABSI/4msJfIaJ8XM/s400/IMG_2127.JPG" /><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331665425014738194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3hdKc8TRI/AAAAAAAABSA/K4O5QxwYUDQ/s400/IMG_2126.JPG" /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fDWsFISI/AAAAAAAABR4/HIeyZG8oMm0/s1600-h/IMG_2224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331662782599602466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fDWsFISI/AAAAAAAABR4/HIeyZG8oMm0/s400/IMG_2224.JPG" /></a> Today- Making pavlova for tomorrow when my folks come for dinner. Never fear, Ma, it will also be laden with cream and strawberries...</div><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fDGMokjI/AAAAAAAABRw/I1ihB48MWNA/s1600-h/IMG_2223.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331662778172740146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fDGMokjI/AAAAAAAABRw/I1ihB48MWNA/s400/IMG_2223.JPG" /></a> Last week- teaching myself at last (with the help of a ladybird book!) to crochet. It may have wobbly ends but there are no holes and I am quite impressed so far..will it be a rug? (for a very small person) or a cushion cover perhaps? Hmm. Don't cushion covers require sewing though? We'll chat more about that venture another time, perhaps.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fC4OZXPI/AAAAAAAABRo/mVevt1r2kyM/s1600-h/IMG_2160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331662774422035698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fC4OZXPI/AAAAAAAABRo/mVevt1r2kyM/s400/IMG_2160.JPG" /></a> Sliding around whilst exploring rock pools in St Ives. A lovely early birthday present, and one most thoroughly enjoyed by us both. But not my jeans, unfortunately. A diet of salad and fruit from here on in. After strawberry pavlova, obviously.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fCGYgYzI/AAAAAAAABRg/SAbFmnkd9pE/s1600-h/IMG_2158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331662761042666290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fCGYgYzI/AAAAAAAABRg/SAbFmnkd9pE/s400/IMG_2158.JPG" /></a> Mussels clinging onto the rocks- the photo doesn't do justice to the amazing sight of thousands of shades of blue.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fBuoH-bI/AAAAAAAABRY/KVPEtD4BAbI/s1600-h/IMG_2151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331662754665724338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3fBuoH-bI/AAAAAAAABRY/KVPEtD4BAbI/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It would be fair to say that it rained just a little. But who cares when sights like this greet you when you look out of your window?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwqyGR4I/AAAAAAAABRQ/U2IQ0UsfnX8/s1600-h/IMG_2189.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331661362064410498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwqyGR4I/AAAAAAAABRQ/U2IQ0UsfnX8/s400/IMG_2189.JPG" /></a><br />The pirates were also in residence.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwia4efI/AAAAAAAABRI/IWZKkGc2KgQ/s1600-h/IMG_2179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331661359819553266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwia4efI/AAAAAAAABRI/IWZKkGc2KgQ/s400/IMG_2179.JPG" /></a> Wave watching from the balcony<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwX8J98I/AAAAAAAABRA/_Ylp4Rlutlw/s1600-h/IMG_2197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331661357006321602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwX8J98I/AAAAAAAABRA/_Ylp4Rlutlw/s400/IMG_2197.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwH5p8FI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tiAa8v_gfjg/s1600-h/IMG_2212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331661352700866642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dwH5p8FI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tiAa8v_gfjg/s400/IMG_2212.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dvru6z6I/AAAAAAAABQw/zn-24Qj8izE/s1600-h/IMG_2218.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331661345139642274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3dvru6z6I/AAAAAAAABQw/zn-24Qj8izE/s400/IMG_2218.JPG" /></a><br />A couple of weeks ago we held another birthday party at No.9. This time for 13 girls with a fondness for pink. It would be fair to say I was in my element! The cake pictures at the top of the page won't let me move them to the bottom of the page, for some reason.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvtUKe9I/AAAAAAAABQo/qd3HEOWfIMU/s1600-h/IMG_2122.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331659146541038546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvtUKe9I/AAAAAAAABQo/qd3HEOWfIMU/s400/IMG_2122.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvT64wbI/AAAAAAAABQg/lJ9ujvfUEv0/s1600-h/IMG_2125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331659139724132786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvT64wbI/AAAAAAAABQg/lJ9ujvfUEv0/s400/IMG_2125.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvESYZDI/AAAAAAAABQY/pwHhkkhrvTg/s1600-h/IMG_2131.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331659135527707698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bvESYZDI/AAAAAAAABQY/pwHhkkhrvTg/s400/IMG_2131.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331659133476467346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sf3bu8pU8pI/AAAAAAAABQQ/p_JYAvoAcVQ/s400/IMG_2128.JPG" /> Nancy, thankyou so much for the loan of the party book- none of it would have been possible otherwise. I promise to send it back soon, honest!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-11441114493681317792009-04-11T18:41:00.003+01:002009-04-11T18:46:45.281+01:00Happy Easter<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8yDjykI/AAAAAAAABQI/cG2A9LtoM1E/s1600-h/IMG_2111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323491099269122626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8yDjykI/AAAAAAAABQI/cG2A9LtoM1E/s400/IMG_2111.JPG" /></a> This is what happens to cute easter chicks when they spend too much time sat at the cake counter....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8lDFZVI/AAAAAAAABQA/wQin102KWvc/s1600-h/IMG_2112.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323491095777469778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8lDFZVI/AAAAAAAABQA/wQin102KWvc/s400/IMG_2112.JPG" /></a> And this is our new tablecloth fabric. Very summery and pretty, I thought.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8Rf8TMI/AAAAAAAABP4/86m8d6fBUhQ/s1600-h/IMG_2115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323491090529799362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8Rf8TMI/AAAAAAAABP4/86m8d6fBUhQ/s400/IMG_2115.JPG" /></a><br />It's been a big hit with the customers and has made the inside of the cafe feel all bright and cheery.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8XQDGgI/AAAAAAAABPw/9h2zwAKXMwM/s1600-h/IMG_2116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323491092073748994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SeDW8XQDGgI/AAAAAAAABPw/9h2zwAKXMwM/s400/IMG_2116.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-59168045688234850472009-04-01T18:04:00.011+01:002009-04-03T21:44:27.199+01:00Yet More Cake!<div>At the risk of turning into a cake making bore, check out these bad boys! These have been created from my new purchase, Rachel Allens BAKE book. If you are a baking goddess then I insist you buy it now, as it is bloomin marvellous, yes it is!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>So first up to tantalise you taste buds, we have the delectable Mocha Cake. Oh yes, she is smothered in espresso icing with a touch of chocolate for good measure, and sandwiched together with more of the same. Finished off with a sprinkling of shaved Green and Blacks dark chocolate this is one sophisticated loaf!!</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320566231358273314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SdZyzEAMdyI/AAAAAAAABPg/OKWM4FsBeoA/s400/IMG_2101.JPG" />Secondly, Blue Poppy Seed cake with vanilla icing. Not, I would imagine, everyones cup of tea, but it was certainly popular this afternoon. I have a poppy seed cake recipe from Cowboys and Custard that I much prefer, but you have to try these things, don't you? The icing is a touch sickly, so only a small slice is needed at a time.</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319776614890779682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SdOkpVb-tCI/AAAAAAAABPA/6mBYt91lgT0/s400/IMG_2102.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319777165003795394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SdOlJWxJK8I/AAAAAAAABPQ/3njM9DrM97c/s400/IMG_2110.JPG" /> </div><div>It also goes particularly well with a lovely cuppa! (although truth be told what I could really do with right now is a LARGE glass of white wine...but tea will have to do, Saturday night is Alcohol night!)<br /><br /></div><div>I have finally decided to sign myself up for a sewing course. At last! I now have the sewing machine, the book for beginners, the pile of squares ready for my first ever patchwork quilt, and enthusiasm by the drawstring laundry bag load. But I don't -have-a-clue. Nope, not one. So the lovely Victoria (my new friend who I have plied with tea and soup this week!) and I are off back to college. Hurrah! I am most excited.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the sight that greeted us when we finally managed a trip to the allotment last week-a host of golden daffodils. Our plot stood out from far far away due to the abundance of bulbs that Dad put in. The Sweet Williams are coming, as are the irises. The kiwi is spreading across the shed and the rhubarb! Remember when I used to make jam and marmalade? Remember when I used to make things in my very own kitchen, in my own home?! Well I decided to go mad and make some Rhubarb Orange Lemon and Grapefruit Marmalade. It was a recipe I spotted in The Times, called Dalemain Marmalade, after a National Trust place, I believe, in the Lake District. They hold an annual jam and marmalade festival, and the one I made is one of the specialities. It is truly fabulous, and if anyone would like the recipe then do let me know!!</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319776587135474786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SdOknuCmXGI/AAAAAAAABOo/eqwkOtnAZ-U/s400/IMG_2092.JPG" /> Staying on the subject of Domestic arts, I was given a marvelous present this week from a very special lady. We had a lovely lady called Mary who used to come into the cafe most days for her lunch and we always had a chat and a giggle. For an 80 year old she had a wicked sense of humour and always have me in stitches. I got to know her, and her fabulous sister Gracie really well over the past few months since we opened. Mary sadly died quite quickly a couple of weeks ago now, and Gracie travelled down from her home in Scotland to sort out the funeral and other bits and pieces. She popped in most days to see us and have a cuppa and some lunch. I heard lots of stories about her and Mary when they were younger, and it was lovely to spend time with her. Before she caught her train home Gracie came in to see me with something she thought I might like that belonged to Mary. A very old, very well used (and therefore all the better, in my view) copy of Good Housekeeping's Home Encyclopedia. What a wondeful present. I clutched it (and Gracie!) to my chest and shed a tear or two. It will be so well loved and cherished, and also used! I thought I would show you one of the pictures from it that made me smile..but then Blogger went stupid on me and wouldn't allow me to insert the pictures where I wanted to. Has anyone else had this problem with them? Usually I can move pictures around the page easily by clicking and dragging, but have really struggled with this post for days now. Any helpful suggestions would be gratefully received!</div><div>.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319776618591638050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SdOkpjOVUiI/AAAAAAAABPI/sF0Ym5JSjEQ/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" /> </div><div>In the meantime, Mary, I miss you massively, but am sure that you are looking down on us from a very lovely place with a ciggie in one hand and a pint in the other. Here's to you, lovely lady, I am delighted to have known you X<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-25786964007190524512009-03-15T20:18:00.003+00:002009-03-15T20:34:20.930+00:00Fairy cake-tastic<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sb1jofoQPOI/AAAAAAAABOg/NJ_d1GkisJ4/s1600-h/IMG_2081.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sb1joAe_nxI/AAAAAAAABOY/2gKTcwr346s/s1600-h/IMG_2078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313512674342969106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sb1joAe_nxI/AAAAAAAABOY/2gKTcwr346s/s400/IMG_2078.JPG" /></a><br />After a hugely exhausting and highly entertaining, in many ways, week, we raised a brilliant £470.13 for Comic Relief. We are all delighted with the support we have received from our fabulous No.9 Team and customers, who have all been so very supportive. </div><div> </div><div>And Mr Wogan? Well, he gave us another mention on Friday morning!! This time it was a general update with how much we had taken so far from the sale of fairy cakes, the Silent Cake Auction (which in itself raised £140) etc.etc. Cue much cheering in the middle of the cafe when we heard it!<br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sb1jndEQKaI/AAAAAAAABOQ/8aCwvldM65U/s1600-h/IMG_2077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313512664835565986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/Sb1jndEQKaI/AAAAAAAABOQ/8aCwvldM65U/s400/IMG_2077.JPG" /></a><br />We really are so amazed at peoples generosity-one person bid nearly £30 for one cake! Customers were stuffing notes into our Red Nose bucket, and the whole atmosphere all week was totally brilliant.</div><div> </div><div>Oooh, and as Columbo would say, 'Just one more thing' - To the very nasty ahem 'lady' leaving me vicious emails, you might want to brush up on your computer skills and learn exactly what 'Anonymous' means-it's not as secure as you had obviously hoped... I know exactly who you are, and if you feel the need to keep emailing me, maybe we can get together and I can share some 'home truths' with you as well? Get a life, concentrate on your own business, and stop making up rubbish about mine, you saddo. </div><div> </div><div>To everyone else-thankyou! You make blogging such a pleasure. xxx<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><br /></blockquote></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-75558414524585297122009-03-11T18:54:00.002+00:002009-03-11T19:31:48.052+00:00Do Something Funny For Money<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJyW-v4iI/AAAAAAAABOI/79NC8qHu7Uo/s1600-h/IMG_2067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312006521250374178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJyW-v4iI/AAAAAAAABOI/79NC8qHu7Uo/s400/IMG_2067.JPG" /></a> To gain as much cash as possible for such a great cause, we decided to have a Comic Relief week instead of just a day this year. I am so aware that I don't want to turn the cafe into the sort of place that is constantly asking people for money for this that and the other. I think we shall stick to Macmillan Coffee Mornings and Comic Relief for now. And The Poppy Appeal. And National Chocolate Cake Day. Never heard of it? What do you mean?!<br /><br />So anyway, I digress. We have several things going on if you are in the area. And before I go further, a big HELLO to Victoria and Claire, both who have come a-visiting in recent days. Both fellow bloggers and readers-of-bloggers!<br />Right, so, we have made several billion red nose topped fairy cakes for sale, of which all proceeds are going in the bucket. Very popular with small people in particular. One of the girls who works with us has a sneaky habit of asking small people (in her very best small people sing-song voice) if they would like a 'special cake' with 'a special cherry on top' No child (or parent) has been unable to refuse. Naughty yet effective. Well they are only small, and it IS for charity.<br />Secondly we are holding a 'Silent Cake Auction'. If any of you are Terry Wogan fans you may have heard him giving our humble cafe a mention this morning.....<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j02pj/Wake-Up-to-Wogan-11-03-2009">http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j02pj/Wake-Up-to-Wogan-11-03-2009</a><br /><br />For some reason I am struggling to link you directly to the relevant piece, but if you can be bothered, we are mentioned at approx 8.30am( or one hour and seven minutes on iPlayer, just to be specific! just after Girls Aloud!<br />Now the weirdest thing of all was that five minutes later the door opened, the first customer of the day walked in and announced that she had to come in because she had just heard Terry talking about us! And then her mobile rang and it was her husband saying "You know that cafe we keep meaning to go to, well Terry Wogan has just mentioned it on the radio!" Much laughter excitement and jumping up and down was had. Cue second customer of the day, Marton, a regular and a very nice chap indeed. "Have you heard Terry Wogan this morning?" I joked.<br />"Yes, I have, here you are" and he thrust a poster at me that he had made. There, in full colour, a picture of Sir Terry and a write up,<br />'Silent Cake Auction held here, and Mrs F's legendary Guinness Cake, as mentioned by Terry Wogan'. What a lovely lovely thing to do. All splendid stuff.<br /><br />The Silent Cake Auction, by the way, is where people make secret bids on a cake of their choice (off a list supplied by us) pop it in the bucket with a donation, and then on Saturday we see who has bid the most for each cake. Those people then pay the money pledged and we make the cake whenever they want. So if they have a special occassion, people coming to stay etc. then they can have a freshly made cake for the event. We have had lots of very generous bids, which is fabulous.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJx1BGjnI/AAAAAAAABOA/zMy9rtF6qko/s1600-h/IMG_2068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312006512133443186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJx1BGjnI/AAAAAAAABOA/zMy9rtF6qko/s400/IMG_2068.JPG" /></a> Now, moving on, Cheltenham Race Week. Great excitement descends this time of year. The streets are full of happy smiling people soaking up the atmosphere that seems to rub off on everyone. Lots and LOTS of Irish folk come over for Race Week. I thought it only fitting to make Guinness Cake. The first Irish customer of the day was offered a slice.<br />"Eurgh, God no! Get me a tea cake, will ya? In fact, what the heck's a tea cake? Is it like a scone?" Hmm. How to make friends.....He got his tea cake, and ate half of it. Such a waste. Should have had the Guinness Cake.<br />Thankfully lots of other people(including Irish!) did sample said cake and LOVED it. Oh, it really does taste so very good. It's a Nigella recipe, I believe, but I just googled Guinness Cake many moons ago and came up with the recipe that I use. I made a second one this afternoon, ready for tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJxQSHhAI/AAAAAAAABN4/8XbDv162pB8/s1600-h/IMG_2071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312006502272697346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJxQSHhAI/AAAAAAAABN4/8XbDv162pB8/s400/IMG_2071.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJxMNz3hI/AAAAAAAABNw/8APSIxAhLHc/s1600-h/IMG_2075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312006501180890642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SbgJxMNz3hI/AAAAAAAABNw/8APSIxAhLHc/s400/IMG_2075.JPG" /></a> And here it is, the finished article. Can of Guinness, anyone? God no, me? Can't stand the stuff...Give me a teacake any day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-3892262743733045082009-03-01T20:27:00.006+00:002009-03-01T22:39:37.120+00:00Simple Pleasures<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SaryL4F3eQI/AAAAAAAABNo/TofeZ6N1eS0/s1600-h/IMG_2257.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 407px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308321396659026178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SaryL4F3eQI/AAAAAAAABNo/TofeZ6N1eS0/s400/IMG_2257.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Evening All.<br /><div><br /><div><br />Good grief, it really has been a while, hasn't it? Sorry about that. 'Normal' life just seems to take up so much time though, doesn't it?</div><br /><div><br />I am still doing extremely well when it comes to arriving home and collapsing on the sofa of an evening. I can just about manage to lift cutlery and eat whatever meal has been lovingly prepared by the husband. And I am highly skilled at soaking in a hot lavender scented bath whilst my pj's are warming on the radiator. </div><br /><div><br />Such simple things bring me the most enormous pleasure. Freshly laundered bedding, in which I climb into by half past nine most nights. The crocuses that are blooming rather beautifully in the herb garden. Our beautiful new/old antique teachers desk, at which I am sitting right now. I have had great fun arranging things on it so they look just so. A jug of roses here...a lamp there...an artfully placed pile of books in that corner...our old fashioned red telephone in the other...drawers full of paper and envelopes and pens in all colours of the rainbow. I love sitting here and watching people walk past. It makes me feel most creative! (when in actual fact I am being most nosy)</div><br /><div><br />New cake recipes are bringing HUGE pleasure, of course, and the latest creation is Nigellas Victoria Sponge, which i pilfered from someones blog. Apologies that I can't remember whose though! It really is verrrrry tasty indeed. Cherry jam and chocolate sponge. It's really a re-vamped Black Forest Gateau, is it not?</div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308321384361876562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SaryLKR_3FI/AAAAAAAABNY/sq-KH_ldzy4/s400/IMG_2045.JPG" /><br />Speaking of simple pleasures I have jars of daffodils everywhere at the moment. Loads of customers have commented on how cheery they are, and the instant reminder that Spring has arrived. Apparently.<br /></div><br />I wouldn't say no to a teeny weeny bit more snow though.<br /><br />Just a little?<br /><br />No?<br /><br />Photo at the top of the page (because for some reason I am unable to move it to the bottom of the page) is of myself and my brother, who is back in the UK for a while. He saw the caff for the first time yesterday and said lots of lovely things about it, so he is now allowed to stay for a while longer.<br /><br />This week I am mainly going to be teaching myself to use my new (ahem) sewing machine. Yes indeed, I have finally decided it is time to teach myself to make the things I covet so much on everyone elses blogs. Whether I will manage it or not is another matter. All suggestions for a complete sewing beginner will be VERY gratefully received!<br /><br />Obviously next time I post I will be showing off patchwork quilts, a living room decorated in home made bunting, cushions and loose sofa covers. Hmm.Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-52867642451181151952009-02-01T17:55:00.003+00:002009-02-01T18:25:09.827+00:00Here Today Scone tomorrowThe lovely Catherine from Mollycupcakes sent me the red spotty pegs AGES ago and I have been looking for the perfect place for them ever since. I finally found that place on Saturday, and here it is!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi22zBQbI/AAAAAAAABNQ/HO7Irh0IA_U/s1600-h/IMG_1973.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297889968721576370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi22zBQbI/AAAAAAAABNQ/HO7Irh0IA_U/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" border="0" /></a> So many customers have commented on my 'Menu washing line' and it's in the perfect place to be seen. Thankyou C, I knew I would get there eventually! Hopefully you will be able to see it for yourself again soon, when you next come to Cheltenham.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi294VGpI/AAAAAAAABNI/XUxjT0LwTjQ/s1600-h/IMG_1971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297889970622896786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi294VGpI/AAAAAAAABNI/XUxjT0LwTjQ/s400/IMG_1971.JPG" border="0" /></a> The tea shelf has now grown into two, and the collection is ever increasing. The newest flavour to grace the shelves is Chilli and Mint. Only two customers have braved it so far. We have bought Slimmers Detox Tea as well, but un-surprisingly the hot chocolate has sold better!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi2df-rdI/AAAAAAAABNA/eaADWx8MqeY/s1600-h/IMG_1969.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297889961930829266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi2df-rdI/AAAAAAAABNA/eaADWx8MqeY/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I discovered a jar of mincemeat left over from Christmas that I didn't want to go to waste and so it was turned into Mincemeat Cake. I think I may have to market it better if I make it again, it hasn't been a winner! I guess it's not an attractive title! Tasted lovely though. Just like fruit cake.</div><div> </div><div>What has been a number one seller has been our homemade scones...I make them fresh every morning now (very therapeutic) and they rapidly disappear as the day goes on. I hadn't made scones before but they are so easy and really tasty, especially warm from the oven...so here is my recipe, try it if you dare!</div><div> </div><div>Fruit Scones...</div><div> </div><div>Pre-heat oven to 220 C</div><div> </div><div>Sieve 1lb of self raising flour into a bowl with a teaspoon of baking powder.</div><div>Add 4oz soft butter and rub into the flour with your fingers</div><div>Add 2 tablespoons caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of sultanas/dried cranberries/raisins etc. and stir.</div><div>Add a little milk and stir with a palette knife or a silver spoon. Keep adding milk, a little at a time until the mixture comes together. Don't add too much in any one go or it will become a sticky mess. When the mixture comes together give it a knead for a minute and then turn out onto a floured surface.</div><div>Press the dough down with your hands until it's about an inch and a half high (I don't bother with a rolling pin, I go for the rustic look!) and cut out with a biscuit cutter. I use quite a large one -obviously the larger your cutter the bigger your scones will be! This recipe makes exactly seven with my cutter size....Place onto a baking sheet and put in the oven for 13-15 minutes. I don't brush them with egg or milk but some people swear by it.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi2HSidZI/AAAAAAAABM4/-dAXSoOW4H0/s1600-h/IMG_1968.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297889955968873874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SYXi2HSidZI/AAAAAAAABM4/-dAXSoOW4H0/s400/IMG_1968.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I made heart shaped ones yesterday which worked quite well as well.<br /></div><div>I keep looking out of the window in the vain hope that the two snowflakes that have fallen so far today are soon to be joined by billions more. Alas it hasn't happened yet. I love snow. R pointed out that the best sort of snow is overnight snow. I think he may be right. How fabulous to pull back the curtains in the morning and find the streets transformed into a winter wonderland whilst you have been snuggled up in bed. Magical. Give me Winter and big jumpers over Summer and bikinis any day, thankyou very much! </div><div>My favourite things about Winter would have to be,</div><div>1) Snow</div><div>2) Open fires</div><div>3) Big woolly scarves gloves and hats</div><div>4) Not having to display flesh of any description, and therefore not scaring any customers</div><div>5) Crisp winter walks along the river</div><div>6) Big mugs of tea and slices of fruit cake on a Sunday afternoon, snuggled up with a film on the telly</div><div>7) Comfort food!</div><div>8) A hot bubble bath followed by a comfy pair of pj's, ready warmed on the radiator</div><div>9) Thick socks and winter boots</div><div>10) Cold crisp mornings</div><div>11) Hot Chocolate</div><div>12) Big Winter coats</div><div>12) Hearty home made soups</div><div>13) Sticky toffee pudding (at any time of year in fact...) </div><div> </div><div>I can see a food theme emerging so had better stop...you get the general idea though!</div><div> </div><div>Time for a bubble bath. Swiftly followed by Roast Chicken. Yum.</div><div>Still no snow.</div><div>Nope.</div><div>Definitely not any.</div><div>Not so much as a white flake in sight.</div><div>Rubbish.</div><div>Maybe if I go to bed now then it will come quicker??</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-39698239781727649932009-01-21T19:03:00.004+00:002009-01-21T19:24:45.766+00:00Oh I do like to be beside the bedsideSleeping is perhaps one of my most favourite past times. I know, I know, life is too short to waste it sleeping etc.etc. but that is not a motto that I hold with. No no. I LOVE to sleep. And snuggle. And lounge in the warmth. The sad fact is, that the minute I get up each day I look with longing at the warm fluffy cuddly duvet that I have climbed out of and spend the rest of the day looking forward to climbing back in again. I guess bed is a safe place, which I tend to associate with being relaxed, chilled out, a spot of reading,etc. (Oooh, the romance!)<br /><br />After reading The List Writer, Driftwood and Ali's blogs on bedsides, I thought I would share mine.<br /><br />Within easy reach of my pit are always the following...<br /><br />1) Books books and more books- a novel, a poetry book, a recipe book, an interiors book and a short stories book.<br /><br />2) Weleda Skin Drink...the most fabulous moisturiser on earth<br /><br />3) Chamomile oil-as recommended by the List Writer and now from me to you-If you ever have trouble dropping off at night you must invest in a bottle of chamomile oil. It's magic!<br /><br />4) Candles-please note the cupcake shaped candle, a gift from my Mum.<br /><br />5) My wedding tiara. Not really necessary to keep on my bedside table- obviously I only wear it on Sundays- but I do love the pretty sparkliness of it and it reminds me of a fabulous day.<br /><br />6) Notebook and pen- for 2am when I suddenly remember something work-related.<br /><br /><br />7) Red rose corsage-usually ends up pinned to various outfits<br /><br /><br />8) Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir perfume. Absolutely bee-yootiful.<br /><br /><br />19) Burts Bees lemon cuticle butter-fabulous stuff, my hands are constantly in an out of water at work and wrecked as a result, this lemon scented stuff works wonders on my cuticles.<br /><br /><br />10) Neals Yard Rose Water<br /><br /><br />11) Kiehls lipbalm-my desert island essential!<br /><br /><br />12) My alarm clock-how I look forward to the day when I no longer need one!!<br /><br /><br />13) A lamp.<br /><br /><br /><br />I only hope no one starts a post on chests of drawers...gulp. I can't remember what colour mine is, it's covered in so much junk.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293827141196673906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SXdzvK1Zc3I/AAAAAAAABKM/8pFfZsS5sYs/s400/IMG_1966.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p> </p><p>So there you have it.</p><p>Sweet dreams. x</p><p>Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz</p>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655114399620007339.post-1406826600442160862009-01-13T19:33:00.003+00:002009-01-13T20:03:17.191+00:00And the winner is.......<div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290870716557184114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SWzy4mzoTHI/AAAAAAAABJ4/emjwOhJI_GQ/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Us! </div><br /><div>I can't believe I forgot to tell you all in my last post, especially as you were all so full of well wishes, that we actually we won the business award! Hurrah!</div><br /><div>The awards were all organised by the Chamber of Commerce, and nominations and votes were made by the public, in various categories. We won for customer service, in joint place with a shoe shop up the road that has been open for over thirty years. The judges decided to award us joint first place because they felt that with the shoe shop being such an old business and us being so new, it would be unfair on us both to go to a 'tie break' situation.</div><br /><div>To say we're delighted would be an under statement. I am just thrilled to bits that all of our hard work has been recognised and paid off. It's hardly an Oscar, but to me it feels like one.</div><br /><div>I had a regular customer come in today with his boss (they work for an insurance company) asking for some advice. Basically the regular chap, Nick, had told his boss about the cafe and then found out that he also has aspirations to open a cafe/deli/coffee shop, and has been seriously looking into the lease of an empty unit in a town a good few miles away (!). Nick suggested that his boss come and talk to us to get some ideas and advice on how to go about it.</div><br /><div>As I was chatting to Mike and telling him about how our cafe came about, what we did, recommended contacts and suppliers to him and gave him a tour, I realised just how much I love our little empire. Truly, I love it! We have fabulous customers, there is always someone to chat to and someone 'willing' to road test the latest cake. Mike asked me if I had any regrets.</div><br /><div>"None. We're never going to be millionaires, and it will take a while to pay off the mortgage, but I wouldn't go back to sitting behind a desk for anything." The fact that he went off smiling made me feel very happy indeed. Imagine, someone asking ME for business advice! Heehee.</div><br /><div>I promised a 'hello' to my very lovely Grandad, Auntie (sorry Christine) Uncle and cousins, Nicola Bethany and Matthew. I hadn't realised that they were regular blog readers. I shall have to watch my language and behaviour from now on. If you look very closely you may see yourselves in this photo! We all had a most enjoyable big family get together on Sunday which was organised by my Grandad. A belated Christmas gathering, if you will. We don't get to see each other very often due to logistics, but it was lovely to catch up with you all, hopefully we will see you again soon!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290870721584369234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SWzy45iNDlI/AAAAAAAABKA/RSPZ-krnUvw/s400/IMG_1962.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Hmm. Possibly not the best family photo ever taken!</div><div> </div><div>This is 'Cake of the Week' Apricot and Almond. I have made two so far. Very yummy indeed. Today I have made parsnip cake. Any takers?<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290870711302423842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d2hoYDEsRmI/SWzy4TOzBSI/AAAAAAAABJw/bodugeQ0fKA/s400/IMG_1958.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Garden Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177037227875733437noreply@blogger.com27