That Summer Feeling

I just love summer time here in England.  The trees, the grass and the flowers all seem to burst into life overnight, and suddenly everywhere you look your view is filled with a hundred different colours; green branches hang over the roads while white flowers peek out between old stone walls, with churchyards and fields covered with a carpet of multicoloured wildflowers.

After weeks of rain, with the odd sunny day in-between, summer has finally decided to make an appearance here.  The boys and I have been making the most of it by spending as much time as we can out in the countryside, surrounded by fields and lakes, driving down winding country lanes, drinking lots of ice-cold elderflower cordial and hopping from one country cafe to the next.

I took my camera along one one such outing and can't wait to share the pictures, it was such an idyllic place.

For now, how a wonderful week ahead x

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Coconut Yogurt With Banana And Cinnamon

So I'm not sure if this really counts as a recipe, but as it's a something I've been loving recently I thought it was worth noting.

I first tried this for breakfast on holiday in Tenerife (more about that here), and was totally hooked on it the whole time we were there.  I decided to re-create it at home and now I'm pretty much hooked again!

Coconut, or coconut flavoured yogurt is super creamy and goes wonderfully with the banana, with the cinnamon adding a bit of a kick.  On holiday they had coated the banana in cinnamon powder, but at home I just sprinkle a little mixed spice, a blend of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, on top with the end result being near enough the same.  

Not only does it taste great but cinnamon is also loaded with powerful antioxidants and additional anti-inflamatory properties.  Alongside the yogurt and banana you can enjoy a healthy, delicious start to day.

Recipe:

1 pot of coconut or coconut flavoured yogurt

1 banana

Sprinkle of cinnamon or mixed spice powder to taste.

Method:

Combine the yogurt and chopped banana in a bowl, top with cinnamon powder and enjoy!

Have a wonderful week ahead x

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Peonies and Pimms

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I love a good wedding.  Last weekend it was my cousin's wedding in Leeds.  Our whole family went over there for a couple of nights - we took over the hotel and just had an amazing time.   I was so happy to be a bridesmaid; in the morning we all had our hair and make-up done in the Bridal Suite, stared (a lot) at Samantha's Jimmy Choo's and of course that beautiful dress.

The ceremony was at St John the Baptist in Adel, which was so incredibly beautiful.  Samantha had a gorgeous bouquet of peonies, stocks and roses, whilst we all carried a small hand-tied bouquet of baby's breath - my favourite!  

A cute vintage bus brought guests from the Church to the reception venue in the centre of the city, The Leeds Club.  We were treated to canapés, pimms and champagne, and a gorgeous three-course meal. The tables were decorated beautifully with olive trees and tea-lights, with handwritten favours for everyone.  

Everything was absolutely beautiful, I mean, just look at those flowers! We toasted the happy couple and celebrated well into the night.

Congratulations Sam and Henry! Thank-you for a beautiful day x

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Morning Light And My Favourite Flowers

The light is so beautiful at this time of year.  When the sun does make an appearance it streams through the window and casts the most gorgeous shadows across the dining table. Throw in some flowers and it's just about one of my favourite moments of the day.

Sunday mornings are especially lovely; the usual rumble of traffic is replaced by the Priory bells ringing out over the city, and it's the one morning of the week where my husband doesn't have to rush off to work (at least not till 11am), whilst Noah and I don't have pre-school to get to and we're all happy just to relax for a while.

I love the hustle and bustle of everyday life but these quiet moments are always appreciated.  Gypsophila is such an elegant, understated flower and seems to fit these moments perfectly.  It's other name of Baby's Breath just says it all and with the help of its intricate branches, my camera and a cup of tea I find I can always switch off from the day for just a short while. 

The next couple of months are going to be pretty busy for us; with weddings, trips, birthdays (how is my baby nearly 4?!) and our five year wedding anniversary all coming up.

It'll be so much fun, and probably a little stressful and hectic too, which makes moments like this even more precious.

Have a wonderful week ahead x

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