A Funny Coincidence?

What should have been a happy event for me last friday sadly turned into a nightmare.  We took delivery and installation of the new cooker, the engineer made sure all was working before he left but when we went to make our dinner a few hours later the oven made some very weird sounds and the gas flame was flickery and making a dreadful noise. 

I spent the next 2 hours on the phone to the customer service department, being passed from one person to another and waiting for call backs from the store who is never knowingly undersold!  Finally after trying to be ever so diplomatic they will be replacing my oven on monday.

So needing a little cheerying up on Saturday I went out for the afternoon with my dear friend Sarah.  We popped into Windsor to a food and Christmas Fayre which was OK but nothing to really blog about. On the way back home we had a little quick stop off at Moss End Garden centre.

It's a lovely little place with not only the garden centre but a small indoor food market selling local produce and not forgetting the tat shops out the back.  I went into the second hand book shop and found an original copy of Delia's Book of cakes (circa 1977) for a bargain of £3.50 it's made it's way home to my book shelf. 

On Sunday morning whilst surfing the net I happened to link on to Delia's website.  I'm not sure if you have things like this happen to you but I found it a funny coincidence that the very same book is having an overhaul and being republished with the original recipes and more in February 2013. Spooky!

So that's one book I don't need to buy once released as I'm more than happy with my original copy.  All I need now is my new cooker and to get back on track with my challenge so I can give one of her recipes a go. 

Watch this space.

Lynetta Xx

Just a show off!

As previously mentioned on saturday Sarah and I (the Royal We lol) went up to London Earls Court for The Cake and Bake Show.  Sadly it was not as exciting as we anticipated.  I think if the organisers had realised how big an interest home baking really is they may have organised more places to get a cuppa and sandwich (no way did we want to queue for over an hour), more toilets (yes we had to queue as a girl cannot wait all day!) and better lighting (we couldn't see some of the demonstrations due to poor visibility).  The place was heaving to say the least...but look who bumped into me! (sadly a blurry photo)

Oooh what a lucky girl I hear you say.  However I must admit I felt like a stalker to get this photo.

After watching the said Mr Hollywood at a demo he safely remained behind the counter signing books, I managed to get my entry ticket signed which I have now clipped into my book. Then he escaped.....but not from me.....I quickly followed him and asked for a cheeky photo....I really don't know what came over me, I'm never normally this forward (insert a little smirk here).

Another little swoon,,, ahhhhhhh mmmmmmm

There was plenty to see at the show, plenty of stalls and demonstrations it was just so busy. 

I managed to watch Eric Lanlard bake his signature chocolate pastry, Jo Wheatley bake her famous chocolate birthday cake and Peggy Porschen (whose pop up shop was heaving) was giving private demonstrations but I managed to sneak a photo through the window.

Sadly I missed The Pink Whisk as Ruth was not demonstrating until 5pm and it was a little too late to wait.  I managed to get a little inspiration from the show though, I loved the chocolate Christmas tree which has urged me to make the cookie tree this year,  I loved the pink snowflake cake and thought wouldn't that make a wonderful wedding cake for a winter wedding? and the vintage table has given me the urge to go to car boots to find some old cook books.

and lucky me I managed to grab myself some bargains.........

a 6 monthly subscription to Delicious magazine for £10.99 with a free Mason & Cash mixing bowl, all the ingredients for a christmas cake from Baking Mad for £5, a 50p Ginger cake mix from Wrights (I know I don't really do mixes but the sample I tasted was scrummy and for a quick bake on a sunday in the winter to have with custard seemed silly not to buy one really) and Dr Oetker was giving away cake release spray (will have to use and give verdict on this product) along with some food colouring - lets here it for Dr Oetker, they were probably only one of the stalls happy to give away samples. 

So all in all a cheap and enjoyable day out.  On our journey home we mentioned we've no more little jaunts planned need to get something in the diary to look forward to, perhaps a Christmas market? any suggestions greatly received :-)

Toodle Pip

Lynetta Xx

Roll on Saturday.......

Tomorrow I'm off on another little jolly jaunt with Sarah up to Earls Court at The Cake & Bake Show.  We've had tickets since the first week they went on sale and we've been looking forward to it, more so because Paul Hollywood will be there.  

I think I'm going to have to push and barge to get to the front for a little swooning session and to see if his eyes are really that blue. (I'm not holding out too many chances of this happening as from previous cake shows some of the women mean business when getting to the front of the queue iykwim).

I'm sure it will be a jolly day out though. Peggy Porschen will be there with a pop-up Boutique (I wonder if I will be bumping into her again? now wouldn't that be funny if we did) and I'm looking forward to seeing Eric Lanlard who is another favourite chef of mine.

All in all it's going to be one busy and crazy day. I have my spot on the sofa with a bowl of hot soapy water ready to watch The X-Factor already booked for me on my return.

Here's hoping to a full and varied report for you next week.

Have a fun Friday

Lynetta Xx

Proms in the Park

I've been mighty busy these last 2 weeks what with returning to work and school, having Governor meetings to minute and generally getting myself back into the swing of things but all work and no play as they say makes you a dull boy (girl).

Back in April Ian bought tickets for Proms in the Park.  It's something I've been looking forward to for quite some time.  So off we trot with picnic blanket and basket in hand (courtesy of M&S at Marble Arch) and into Hyde Park we went.

We were so lucky to get a really good spot about 20 foot from the stage and even more lucky that the weather was glorious. 

I think this year people have really had their wear out of their outfits and yet again many people dressed up in their red white and blue,

We may have not been so over dressed as others but certainly made the effort with little subtle additions to out attire.

we chatted and ate our picnic and had a glass of pear cider whilst we waited for the event to start, how very civilised we are :-)

I was gobsmacked to see 40,000 people were behind us when this came up on the big screen, oh wow!

 

The show started around 5pm with The Chicago Blues Brothers, Bjorn Again, Gypsy Queens, London Gospel Choir and The BBC Big Band (loved their sound)  The two main attractions were Alfie Boe and Kylie Minogue.  Oooh what a concert.  I loved every single minute of it and was on my feet dancing right up to the end.

At 10:30pm we connected up with The Royal Albert Hall to sing and wave our flags to Land of Hope and Glory.  I was in my element and proudly sang my little heart out. I cannot express here how wonderful this event was and would recommend anyone to get themselves tickets, grab their picnic and just have a jolly good time.  We met some really lovely people, 3 couples who came down from Durham, a mad Irish lady who loved a tipple and the most interesting of all was Paul, who was Kylies No.1 fan and who danced away with me to her song Spinning Around (I will now have fond memories everytime I hear this song being played)

So here's to next year, we've decided to make this little trip a yearly tradition.

All together now, Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the free......

Toodle Pip

Lynetta Xx

Another little Jolly Jaunt..

I'm beginning to realise how lucky I am to live within such a short distance from some rather nice quaint places to visit.  One town which is within a stones throw from home and one I've not visited before is Henley On Thames.  The town is part of the 'Season' for Debutantes (from years ago when debutantes were fashionable anyhow).  It hosts a Regatta every year and a lot of very posh people visit cruising up and down the River Thames in their very swanky expensive boats, and it is now host to a 80's Rewind Festival. 

Whilst on my summer holidays myself and Sarah took ourselves off for the 20 minute drive to Henley.  I was pleasantly surprised at what a cute town it is.

I loved the Town Hall.  It sits in the square over looking the pedastrian walk way and even though it is small I loved the symmetry of the building.

The weather was over cast and a little rainy but we managed to sit outside on the pavement for our lunch.  There is a good range of shops, some being very very expensive, but that was to be expected due to the wealth around the area.  What I was not expecting though was the quality of the second-hand shops.  I managed to grab myself a few little bargains but I'll tell you about that in a separate post.

Sadly there was not a tea shop and thought the town would benefit from one.  Both myself and Sarah would love to run a shop and often discuss it.  Did you know I named my blog after one of these discussions. Tat 'n' Tea - a little place to pop in, have a cuppa and a slice of good homemade cake, there would be an area just for the knit and natters and the hook and hen's then you can have a little noesy around at some good quality tat I've acquired along the way, what a perfect way to spend an afternoon.  Would you visit me?

Have a perfect weekend.

Lynetta Xx

Let the train take the strain!

As we have not been on a holiday holiday this year I've made sure I've been out on little Jolly Jaunts with family and friends over the school holiday period.  I'm enjoying my day's out with Sarah and this time we decided to let the train take the strain (can you remember that advert campaign?) and for a grand total of £11 we bought a return ticket to Winchester.

I've heard many great things about this city and how pretty it is so we were really happy to be able to go on a beautiful sunshiny day.

All what I've read about Winchester Cathedral did not disappoint.  I was in awe of this amazing building and architecture. 

and even more so of the ornate and stunning naive, alter, stained glass windows and ceilings.

Winchester town is very happy and friendly.  We had our lunch in the grounds of the cathedral and walked around the town at ease.

A very pretty town and I am looking forward to visiting it again at Christmas as I have been told they host a Victorian Market and at such a bargain for the train tickets I'm thinking of bringing Lilibet next time.

Toodle Pip

Lynetta Xx

Childhood Memories

Having a new car seems to have bought the need to go out and about back for me.  I was always a  little worried the old girl would break down so only stayed within a 5 mile radius of home but now with Jess (I'll explain why the new car has a name another time) the worlds my oyster so to speak.

Last weekend we decided to go to Portsmouth and to Gun Wharf Quay's shopping centre.  This is Spinaker Tower which the boys did not want to go to the top of with me.  I'm thinking I will need to take a friend to do this at another time. I have this saying that you cannot go anywhere near the sea without having a bag of chips so after our little shopping expedition we popped over to Southsea.  Oh wow, this bought back so many childhood memories for me.

As a child we never went on holiday, my dad couldn't drive and my mum worked 3 jobs to keep us going (you get the picture?) so it was a rare treat to get anywhere near the sea.  Southsea was a day trip with the local pub once a year and I have fond memories of going on a coach with my brother, sister and other friends from the local neighbourhood.  I used to get scared driving around the devil's punch bowl near Peterborough and also used to think to get to the Isle of Wight you needed your passport as it was abroad (or so I was told!)

Going back this weekend and standing on the pebbley beach was very nostalgic for me.  I will have to find the photo's out of my nan and dad asleep on the deckchairs alond the sea front the next time I visit my mum :-)

Sadly, the place is a little run down but I enjoyed my afternoon walking around the funfair and it still had the old rickety roller coaster which I was fearful of as a child as it was very high and which I am fearful of now because of it's age :-)

And here is what I really went for :-)  a lovely bag of salt and vinegar chips.  Oh the memories :-)

See you soon

Lynetta Xx

More tea Vicar!

Just a quick post today.  This is Julia my work collegue (who btw has just had all her hair chopped off and dyed red - way to go girly), we met up last week to go and do a little retail therapy and decided to stop and get ourselves a cream tea, yes yes I know I'm addicted to them.

So a little advert here, if you are out shopping in one of the big towns why don't you drop by M&S and treat yourselves in their cafe,  they do a smashing cream tea :-)

Have a spiffing day.

Lynetta Xx

Olympic Fever

I think I'm going to be suffering from POB - Post Olympic Blues - It's all over, it's ended, what am I going to do!

Over the last 2 weeks I have been glued to the screen watching events unfold, watching medals won, watching inspirational athletes take part in the most spectacular Olympic Games I think I will ever see in my lifetime.  I've already posted about the opening ceremony here (gosh was it only two weeks ago) but I've not really updated you with our little trip upto London's Hyde Park after my unsuccessful mission with tickets blogged here. 

As always I had my trusty little camera with me and took a few photo's to remind me of our day.

We had a lovely time wandering around the city from Trafelgar Square to Somerset House, along The Embankment and over to Westminster, then into Regent's Street and Oxford Street finally making our way to Hyde Park to watch on the huge screens that have been erected around the city for the public to view.  Everyone in London seemed to be in high spirits and in really happy and friendly moods, it was a joy to be walking around feeling the same too. The atmosphere in Hyde Park was fantastic with over 5,000 people all celebrating and cheering whenever a Team GB athlete came onto the screen.  I am so glad I suggested to the boys to make the trip considering I was unlucky in grabbing some tickets and I am really happy to blog this post as it will be something to tell the grandchildren of where I was and what I was doing during the 2012 Olympics.

To save my ramblings here are a few sites to record the closing ceremony.  We watched every second right from 7pm through to 12:30am, what a night :-)

Fireworks and Ceremony 

And now back to reality today and to get myself into a routine for the remainder of my holidays.

Toodle Pip

Lynetta Xx

The not so perfect Cream Tea.

Last Saturday I was a very lucky girl and was invited out to a Cream Tea at Pinewood Nurseries in Stoke Poges.  Both myself and Sarah put on our posh frocks and off we went happily thinking of the sandwiches and cakes we were about to eat.

On arriving we realised that all was not as seemed from the advert.  Giving benefit of the doubt we went into the nursery, through to the conservatory and took our seat.  The young assistants really could not cope with the small amount of people wanting to partake in some tea and cakes and after 15 minutes came to take our order. 

Oh dear, what a shock we got when asked what kind of ploughmans we wanted, ham or cheese?  When we finally received the food I can honestly say the only enjoyable thing on the plate was the fresh bread.  After another 10 minutes I could wait no longer as we had not been given any drinks so had to ask for our tea which was given in a teapot that dripped and leaked whilst pouring.  Then to top it all off when we were finally served our scones they were only half baked and not cooked inside.

So I did something I have never done before, we got up and left and politely informed the staff we were not satisfied.  They were very apologetic and made their excuses even offering us 2 free drinks on our next visit (as if we would travel that far again for free drinks) but in all honesty looking at the other side of the coin I feel they probably have taken on more than they are capable of and do hope they can sort it out before business takes a downwards turn.

Returning to the car we started our journey home but both myself and Sarah really needed our sugar rush with a decent cup of tea.  Not knowing the area very well we decided to stop off in Sainsbury's to get a take away tea and a most delicious Raspberry and Cream turnover and to find a park to have our afternoon tea.  Deary me, even that was a task and a half so we ended up eating in the car.

What an adventure for an Afternoon Tea.  I think I may have to organise my own to make up for our very disappointing afternoon.

TTFN

Lynetta Xx

Weekend Jolly part 2

A postcard from Christchurch :-)

So where was I, Oh yes my little jolly to Dorset.  On the sunday morning after a pleasant breakfast at the hotel (which was the only good thing about it may I add) we went into the nearby town of Christchurch.  What a lovely little town it is too. The weather once again was really cold and it started to rain, you now the one - a light drizzle that makes you wet - so we quickly walked around the Quayside and through the Priory walk, past a lovely cricket green which finally had some flowers planted to make it jolly, down a little lane where we found a ducking stool.  It was a little eery and strange to know these stools were used amongst other things as punishment for women of ill repute and witch craft.  Neil being Neil, decided to have a little sit in the stool, shame it was tethered with a chain otherwise we all would of had great pleasure in giving him a duck :-)

From here we meandered into the town centre as the shops were finally open for a little nosey around.  Shame they didn't have any good tat shops though but found a lovely shop called Kiki's where I treated myself to a little momento.  Sweet little thing it is too and will go nicely with some other pieces I bought last year from Poole which by the way I've mislaid in the house somewhere!  Must be my age :-)

See you all soon

Lynetta Xx

Weekend Jolly

Hello peeps...I'm back.  Last weekend both myself and Ian along with Sarah and Neil went to Bournemouth for the weekend.  It was a real shame the weather was pants, just look at the beach, look at the choppy sea and look how high we were!.  We made good time travelling and decided to go for a little walk along the cliff and blow some cobwebs away.  Must admit it was good to be by the sea :-)

It was good to see the boys getting back in catalogue pose mode (I will have to tell you about that another time)

and it was good to see so many old buildings in the town centre, this one reminded me of Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly.  I've not been to Bournemouth before and to be honest I was a little sad,  it seems a little tired and needs rejuvenating and some areas were very run down.  It was also evident Bournemouth Council have made huge cut backs as the parks flower bed, pots and hanging baskets were all empty, we couldn't find one annual planted :-(  how sad it will not be in bloom.

Found an old fashioned sweet shop (why oh why don't they have one in Reading I don't know).  We bought ourselves a quarter pound of this and that ready for the show - ooh have I not told you why we were in Bournemouth?  I'll come to that in a minute.

We found ourselves in The Slug and Lettuce for a pre-show meal, and very nice it was too:-)

and pre-show drinks (this was for tasting purposes only as I've never tasted Pear Cider)

and then onto The Show - Oh Yes, the one and only Brendan O'Carroll in Mrs Brown's Boys. I have not laughed so much in ages and can see why the show has won 2 Bafta Awards.  I've watched the series on TV but to see him perform on stage with the ad libs was fantastic, and that scene with Winny and the waxing was hilarious (go and watch it, it'll make you cry).  Loved the way at the end of the show he invited people to take photo's of him and the cast, you don't get that very often.  I hope the next series is just as funny and cannot wait until it starts again.

And on a final note, never ever book into The Heathlands Hotel in Bournemouth, it's dire with many a Stag and Hen party going on and it's not well maintained with curtains coming off the rails and rubbish not being collected in the hall way - You have been warned :-)

Be back soon with day 2 of the trip (don't want you to get bored reading another long post)

TTFN

Lynetta Xx