Elegant excursions

 Welcome aboard elegant excursions. A few weeks ago I went on a steam train and was treated to a 3 course meal whilst we travelled through the countryside! It was fantastic - a night to remember!

A little table for two, in very comfy seats!

I only got a picture of my started as I was too keen to eat the rest and forgot about picture taking all together! I had minted pea soup with parmesan crackers, then main was spanish tortilla with tomato salad and to finish I had eton mess!! It was all very yummy

Between courses we stopped at a station and listened to a fantastic 60/70's band. I would recommend to anyone that gets a chance to go to do it - we are already thinking about booking up for the Christmas train ride!

the new crafting area!

 First of all I apologise for the picture - I will do some better ones soon!! But anyway this is my new crafting corner. The move is nearly complete and for the first time ever I have space to put my craft stuff out rather than in a box in a cupboard along with all my other rubbish! It is all very exciting!

The last two weekends have been spent sorting, packing, cleaning, moving, lifting and selling! I have been ruthless with all of my things and have probably got rid of 70% of my stuff, either to the charity shop, car boot or the bin!! It has been really good to have  a proper sort out, and only keep hold of what I actually need! So far 2 car boots have been done and next week should be the last! I do love doing car boots and enjoy wandering around them even more, I love to see what people are getting rid of, very nosey I know but it is interesting - a little snapshot of someone else's life!

Eating out!

Just a little sample of some of the food I have eaten whilst out and about in the past few months!!

Sweets!

What could you possible need ALL of these sweets for?

Well I have been collecting different sweets for a few weeks now, all in preparation for cinema night! Cinema night was to be held at my gentleman friend's house, a few films had been selected and all that was left was the snacks. I decided that it should be a proper cinema experience, so I went about getting bits that we could use to a make pick n mix stand. Ebay came in very useful for the extras - results below!

It was a fantastic evening and I cant wait to do it all again!

The hamster

I dont think you need many words one this one! This is my new friend flurry! She is lovely

The food!

 Here is a little snapshot of some of the cooking I have been doing! Above is chocolate mint cupcakes! They are one of my favourite flavours at the moment - along with anything almond!

 This was from a new cook book - it has older recipes in and this was for popovers. They are basically Yorkshire puddings but with added extras - I did ones with cheese in and the others have lots of different herbs in. They are AMAZING! I really want to try cinnamon and raisin ones, I think they would be good, I will let you know how they go! I have just found this recipe - this may have to be the one I try!

 Pecan pie! I took a recipe out of the tesco or asda magazines, one of the free ones that you can pick up every couple of months. The pastry did crack a little bit but it was still yummy and next time I might try making my own pastry and seeing how it goes!

 Homemade muffins! I have a little obsession with egg mcmuffins and when I found out I could make them myself (in my opinion they taste better as well!!) the next step was to make the muffins myself as well!

 Every year we ask my brother what cake he would like for his birthday and every year the answer is the same, a train cake! I have to try and improve it each year for him, it is getting tricky now - anyone got any ideas let me know!

Lastly, something a little bit more healthy, goats cheese, asparagus and walnut salad - it is yummy!  have made it lots since this - is one of my favourite salads.

Will you have me back?

So I have been away for a while, a little break was needed! But I am back on track! I have kept up to date through out with everyone else though, seems like everyone has been having a lovely time!

I will back with pictures and posts abut some of the things I have been doing!