The Weekend

The weekend begun with a party. Our precious little Sophie-Mae turned two on Friday, and we played host to all of her family for a little girly party. My personal favourite part of the whole day was spending the whole evening with her little sister, Chloe-Lea. I had the pleasure of giving her Mummy a little break which was just lovely!
Saturday was pure leisure. Papa had an open day at Uni so wasn't home for most of the day. Mr Bee and I had a rare lazy day, staying in our PJs longer than usual, spending our afternoon in the kitchen and watching films.

Mothers Day brought along the Bastille CD I have been lusting after for so long, even though it was only released this week! We hurried out for a special breakfast with Nana at Patisserie Valerie, Eggs Benedict x3 and a toasted brioche for the littleun. A little wander later and a new chubby stick courtesy of the Mr, and a new perfume picked out we headed home. Louie fancied a snuggle and a film which was just perfect for a snowy day in the warm.

Whilst Pappy cooked up a fantastic three course Mothers Day meal for us, Mr Bee painted me a beautiful picture and covered it in sparkly sequins and glitter. He wanted it to say ' Happy Mothers Day ' so I helped him with the dots and he patiently joined them all up.

Between courses he created some little masterpieces on his chalk board. The first is a slide (see the ladder and the sheer drop!) and the second a bumble bee, drawn all of his own steam with exception of the little wings.
Then for an evening of chocolate goodies, sparkling wine and a film I have been wanting to see for years!

Jubilee Diamond

We had rather a surprise today at Sudbury Hall. As we entered the courtyard we were confronted by a huge diamond. From a distance it looked like honeycomb, but on closer inspection (and looking at the board!) we saw that it was in fact a 2.5 metre molecular structure of a diamond.

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last June, the people of Uttoxeter created a record breaking model of a diamond. 35990 transparent balls represent each atom of carbon.

The sculpture was displayed in Uttoxeter town centre and is now having a turn at Derbyshire's Sudbury Hall.

Mr Bee and Isaac had lots of fun peering into the model and pulling funny faces!

Sudbury Hall

Aah, a welcome return to outings with our dear friends Anna and Isaac! 

Today our adventures lead us to Sudbury Hall, a National Trust property in Derbyshire. Boasting a beautiful house, Childhood Museum and a fab little woodland play park, we had plenty to be getting on with, even though the weather took a turn for the worse.

Inside the courtyard, there was a large diamond structure, but I will tell you more about that later!

Hello Spring

After our morning of running errands, we set up camp in the garden. The sun was surprisingly warm, Mr Bee played lego whilst I put us some lunch together and organised the shopping and bits for dinner.

 In the afternoon we played with the camera, games of dominoes and made some marshmallow lollipops ready for the party at the weekend. Followed by a delicious homemade pizza for tea.

A poorly boy had a very early night and Mama went for a run whilst Pappy had his late dinner.
What a perfect day!

Homemade Rustichella

Rustichella, one of our favourite pizzas recreated at home.

For the Dough
550g Strong White Bread Flour
7g Active Yeast
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Light Brown Sugar
320ml Warm Water

Method
Mix the yeast, olive oil and sugar into the warm water. Stir until combined and leave for 2-5 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble or froth.
In a bowl, make a well with the flour. Gradually pour in the water mixture, drawing the flour in from the edges. Once combined, knead until you have a springy and smooth ball.
Flour a bowl and cover with a tea towel and leave somewhere warm until doubled in size.

 

 Take the dough and knock it back gently. Divide into three/four equal balls and then pull the ball out with your hands to stretch into a pizza base. Leave in the fridge for 10 minutes before adding your toppings.

 

 A base of chopped tomatoes, a sprinkling of cheddar, torn ham, cherry tomatoes and a generous helping of mascarpone before putting in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Once out of the oven, add a generous handful of rocket, a few shavings of parmesan and a splash of Caesar dressing.

Our twist on one of our favourite restaurant meals! Enjoy!

Sunday

 Breakfast in bed.

 Walking the fields for hours.

 Pretend baking.

Practicing letters.

The Cooking Party

Today we celebrated the eighth birthday of my lovely niece, Emily. My wonderful sister had a great idea of throwing a cooking party for her and her friends. All week Mr Bee has been so excited!
We decorated aprons.

 Made gingerbread biscuits.

Decorated cupcakes and made pizza for our tea.

 

 Had a very surprising cake!

 Played wild games.

 And little blue eyes spotted the trampoline and couldn't resist a good bounce before going home!

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Emily!