Wet weekend and cheesecake

If it's pouring with rain outside and blowing a gale, there's nothing better than staying in, inviting some family over and baking for the occasion. My poison this weekend was what can only be described as the 'delectable', New York Cheesecake from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook. I amazed myself at how prepared I was for the family lunch, by somehow managing to whisk up the recipe whilst my children ate their tea. My son wasn't keen as I blended the must-have Philadelphia to a light and fluffy topping, but I think he got over it as soon as he tasted it for himself. I've always been a Nigella fan when it comes to baking, so much so that whenever anyone eats one of my homemade cakes they cheekily ask, "Is it a Nigella, Nina?". So needless to say I was a little nervous about trying something new, but after tasting this weekend's dessert, I can't wait to try more! PS: Sorry about the lack of photos, but the cheesecake was so popular, I didn't even have a chance to take a pic of even a crumb! Thanks David!

Sssshh, don't tell anybody, but Spring is on its way!

After battling through the rain to take my daughter to playgroup today, I managed to make time for a spot of pruning whilst my little boy slept soundly in his buggy. Armed with my clippers and my wellies, I headed out and quickly snipped away and rather excitingly, spotted the first signs of new growth. Buds are already appearing on the branches and those daffodils bulbs, which my daughter and I painstakingly planted in the Autumn, whilst my son sat on the grass and ate the leaves, are definitely coming up for air. Ahhh, the next few weeks are going to be filled with the hope of warmer weather and sunshine!

Coffee, chocolate and Easter chicks

After popping along to Bury Lane Farm Shop for a quick cappuccino and croissant whilst I thought about the day ahead, I came across these cute little Easter chicks which are being sold in aid of Garden House Hospice. My children are going to love the knitted toys, and I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they discover the chocolate inside. And it's all for a good cause too.

We're open!

It was only when relaxing at home with a copy of Country Living magazine, after putting my two children to bed that I suddenly thought ‘but what about the small, local businesses?How do they promote themselves without going to expensive PR agencies?’ The potters, the artists and the purveyors of local fresh foods? It was then that I decided to combine my love of country life with my interest in supporting businesses like yours.