First May Bank holiday weekend 2013

Hooray, the sun has finally arrived and long may it grace us with its presence!! We have all been thriving in it! I love how it brings out different bits of our personalities and how it allows the kids to bond in different ways, its a breath of fresh air (pardon the pun). We are relishing in the joy of having lunches and suppers outside, witnessing the pretty flowers and the different seasons they share with us. Since moving here five year ago, I am always reminded just how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I always feel immense gratitute for the beauty that surrounds us. It is the very simple things in life that can make such a difference as long as we continue to appreciate and be grateful for them. The little lambs in the field just in front of our house is a constant reminder that Spring is a time for new beginnings and creations. Its the time of year where I can't wait to fill the vases with beautiful smelling stocks and Lillies, they know just how to infuse my spirit.

 

 

For us this weekend will mostly be a time to rejuvenate the mind and the body, but also to spend some time as a family. The fact that we have a Bank holiday Monday to look forward to, makes it extra specially special. Somewhere in the background is a plan brewing to paint the kids little wendy house, so watch this space as it has been a long time coming, but don't hold your breath. The good news is that we have finally purchased the paint, getting one step closer ta-da! Mostly I am really looking forward to having some time just to sit outside with my hook and yarn and to spend some time creating, its been too long!!

Our family never manages to go very long without demanding some home baked cake, and after reading the lovely Maria's blog a few weeks ago, I was reminded that I still wanted to bake Nigella's 'Store-Cupboard-Chocolate-Orange Cake' and what a delight it has turned out. Offcourse there had to be a few tweaks to make it dairy and wheat free, like using Pure sunflower spread instead of butter, and Doves gluten-free self raising flour instead of normal flour, and the result is just wonderful!! I have to confess that I am not a massive fan of marmelade, but I absolutely love the combination of chocolate and orange and this cake does not dissapoint. What I love most about it is that the kids demolished it in record breaking time, possibly a paddling pool and worm digging hunger induced moment, but for me there is nothing more satisfying that seeing the kids enjoy their food. I really love our mealtimes as a family, its a special time of the day. Hopefully we will manage our first 'braai' (bbq) of the season this weekend and boy I can't wait. As a South African by heart its been too long since our last one last summer.

 

 

What are your plans this weekend and what projects will you be working on, if any?? Thanks for stopping by, its always lovely to read your comments. Wishing you all a very relaxing and wonderful weekend with lots of beautiful sunshine!!

Hannapat
xoxo