Beautiful Island

Just back from a short break in the Balearics, where the sun was shining every day. The sea was a dazzling blue and the sky bright and clear.

I'm not usually one to complain about the British weather but I have to admit the continually grey skies were getting me down. Fingers crossed there's still time left for our summer to arrive.
I love the island of Mallorca as it still retains it's greenery even at the height of summer where some places look completely bleached of colour.
We were thrilled to have been given a room right on the sea front where it was lovely to relax and soak up the rays, whilst people watching (a favourite hobby of mine!)
The time went far too quickly and we arrived back in the UK to ...you guessed it.... rain! But hey ho at least the garden looks great!

A right Royal Jubilee Street Party

Fun was definitely an the agenda over the Bank Holiday. We had a little street party on Tuesday, which due to the temperamental weather we decided to hold indoors but that did not spoil any of the festivities.
Union Jack table cloths and red, white and blue decorations made everywhere bright and cheerful.
The younger children took part in games and had their faces painted (as did some of the adults!). The older generation watching from inside, tucking into their picnic lunches whilst listening to music from the last sixty years

It was a cracking finish to a celebration packed four day bank holiday weekend and I loved every minute.

Jubilee weekend

Well what a difference in just seven days.  Last Sunday I was sitting out in the sun, this week I have the heating on!    Hopefully the rain will not dampen the British spirits as the jubilee celebrations take place.

I made these jubilee themed cupcakes to take in to work and they went down a storm.
I used the Mary Berry cupcake recipe as it never fails and after baking I cut out a small hole in the top and spooned in a little strawberry jam. When completely cooled I decorated them with a swirl of vanilla buttercream and topped them off with the fabulous red, white and blue M & M's.  I just have to do it all again on Tuesday for our street party. Simples!