Butterscotch Tart

I have been looking for a long time for a perfect BST recipe, it is my daughter's favourite pud and my quest has always been somewhat futile up until now as none of them have quite cut the mustard. However, this one is the absolute best and everyone agrees that it is wonderful! It has become a firm family fav and is top of the treat pudding list.

6oz Caster Sugar
6oz Butter
1 1/2oz plain flour
3 1/2 floz double cream
1tsp vanilla extract (optional - I don't add it)

Mix the sugar and the flour
Melt the butter and add the cream
Bring to the boil
Add the sugar/flour mix
Once the mixture is completely melted pour in to a sweet pastry case
Allow to cool and set and then serve!

Enjoy ;) but beware it is NOT a diet option

Teya eagerly awaiting the pudding (PS that is a bought pastry case, from Waitrose - they are the best ones, life is too short to make pastry IMHO!)

I hear that Dermot O'Leary is on Radio 2 this morning... and so I am reminded of last Saturday's antics at FORTYTUDE.. cringing and smiling at the memories, here is a quick recap.

2pm last Saturday Amy, David, Janet and Matt arrived Chez Neill all looking marvellous in their 1940's costumes and armed with vats of wine and beer for the party ahead. We opened the champagne and raised a glass to a child free afternoon and evening of revelry. We had all managed to send our minis off to their grandparents' for the night so it was time to let our hair down.

Taxi arrived at 3.15 and took us over to our venue in Hook Heath. C&I's place looked fabulous, bunting adorned, straw bales in place, the bar set up and even a 40's jeep as one of the props, everyone had made a huge effort and looked great - bright red lipstick and seamed back stockings as far as the eye could see. The wine flowed and we all took up camp under a small gazebo at the top of the very sloping garden - it is at this point that I shall alert you reader to the fact that there had been a LOT of rain - happily there was only one downpour during the party but as a result it was very slippery, something which would make navigating the garden somewhat difficult later on.

The chablis was flowing and the music played, everyone was in post war merriment and there was much laughter and dancing, they also had a fish and chip van come and do the catering which was a brilliant touch. It was shortly after tea that the whole affair began to get messy.. Katie managed to persuade me that the vodka and cranberry juice was a good option and Matthew decided that a great accompaniment to his evacuee outfit was Pat's pink leather gloves.. the carnage started.

Amy fell off her chair, twice - second time in to me taking out the side of the aforementioned gazebo, David took her home at 10pm and when she arrived she promptly fell head first in to the flowerbed! Janet and I staggered around trying to dance but in reality falling down drunk - and then the worst happened, poor Dermot arrived, yes he is a friend of the birthday couple - and after my playing it pretty cool on the 'don't bug the celeb' front - decided that when Janet was trying to get her photo taken, that I would vocalise the fact that he was much shorter in real life than he was on the telly! Oh the shame, he took a huff and stropped off at that (unsurprisingly) I then managed to lose my hold ups, MAC lipstick and umbrella and I have no idea how. I have no recollection of the taxi ride home but we do have some rather shocking pictures of Janet and I covered in mud eating toast at mine at 1am! Oh, we lost Matthew - he fell up some steps, gashed his knee and bumped his head and got his own taxi home at 5am!!! The next morning I was covered in bruises, slightly shocking headache and it took me nearly 36 hours to recover. Was such brilliant fun though - just won't be back on the vodka any time soon...

I am just nipping back to edit - I realise that I haven't updated this since FORTYTUDE and really I must commit the antics of my friends and I to this blog, just for the sheer shame/ amusement factor if nothing else.. this I shall do dear readers, once I have filled in a few more blanks from the event, which incidentally started at 2pm at my house...

It is sale time again - YUK! Horrid time for actually braving the shops, and lethal time to hit the online shopping emporiums... I have tried to stay away from Malene Birger, Whistles and Ted Baker (to name a few) but the discounts are soooo tempting. Still hankering after the Plumo Biba scarf but TBH it is only actually reduced by £5 once you add the P&P so I should really have bought it with the discount code they sent me ages ago... Anyway the only things that I would really love are a fabulous quality black tee and a pair of black ankle boots - flat ones - neither of these things appear to exist, well not exactly what I am after (well I did find a stunning tee but all sold out @ BMB). Loads of 'stuff' I would like but so far so good, I have been a good girl.

Furious with H&M who seem to have sent my most recent order to a random address and it is lost! Not that I think I will ever get chance to wear the white shorts that I ordered at the end of MAY but still - so far their customer service is proving next to useless. Will have to pick up the phone I think..

After a fun filled weekend supporting our village at the scarecrow fair on Saturday and a fabulous curry supper at friends' house yesterday it is sadly back to Monday again.. Great news though, the school's entry of William Shakespere won first prize and we are thrilled, and very proud of Mrs Wilson's efforts.

This week is so busy, I am off to Gloucester and Heathrow (sadly just for a meeting, not jetting off..) tomorrow and Wednesday - hopefully meeting up with the gorgeous Miss Birley tomorrow pm - I am chairing my first Safeguarding meeting Wednesday night at the school, Thursday it is Teya's class assembly (she is a dancer!) and Friday I am meeting up with old friend Simon to discuss my new plan for business expansion.. Talking of which I MUST get my ass in to gear and actually do my website, at the moment http://www.kknconsulting.co.uk/ looks shocking!

Then it is rev up for a whole day and night's partying at FORTYTUDE.. need to sort hairstyle and book taxi (note to self)

This weather is quite frankly, depressing. I am trying to remain positive and summery but I have reverted to my cardigan and scarf teamed with ballet pumps as a nod to the season - gah, either chuck it down or brighten up - I cannot be doing with this!

It is our Village Scarecrow Festival on Saturday - an event that gets better every year and we are really looking forward to it! We are not doing one but shall be supporting everyone who enters and I am really looking forward to seeing everyone's efforts. The theme is famous Katherine and Williams so it should be fun. Jo W is doing the school's entry - and we still don't know what it will be. The Pimms tent is always a hit too, so roll on Saturday and lets hope Mr Sunshine appears just in time.

I am 32! I had an interesting birthday weekend, some parts amazing and some not so fun, but I am a year older and maybe wiser, so hey.. I got an Alex Munroe necklace and a pair of Tom Ford sunnies from my darling husband and the kids which knocked me for six, I was very chuffed. My lovely friends gave me some super gifts too, I got a clarins lip gloss, a beautiful contemporary decanter, some tops, a Bruno Mars CD (from J&J to remind us of our holiday!) and some lovely bottles of wine too - I am a very lucky lady.

It was Josh's Baptism on Sunday and despite the downpour it was a wonderful day. I wore a chiffon warehouse black dress and pink heels (which I swapped for silver flats as soon as I could!) and I carried my stunning Marc Jacobs cream clutch that I got for my Sister's wedding, the kids and Kev all looked stunning in their smart outfits too and I was very proud of my little lot that day. The Woollett's put on a great do and all the kids were so well behaved, was fab, and I felt very humbled.

Happy June everyone! The sun is shining and it is 3 days until I am 32... for now I am just cracking on with finishing all the work that I have to do before my weekend starts at 5pm tomorrow, yippeee! Currently doing a basket dance with a pair of Tory Birch pumps that I have been lusting after for AGES (see entry in March blog I think?!) as a pressie to me - I have no idea what my hubs has got me, he hasn't even asked what I would like this year, and is being very mysterious as to what he has got...

I was planning to start the 17 day diet today (as seen in the Sunday Times style mag this Sunday) but I rather feel it futile seeing as there is a weekend of excess looming.. all the weight I lost for hols is starting to creep back- ironically since I returned from Florida, so it is time to be good again. Last week I ran 3 times though and have done once this week so the exercise is no biggie, its the food and wine in abundance that get me, ah well.

My 40's style Antik Batik dress arrived from Ebay, super purchase for £10! It was a vile bright orange but my darling mum has dyed it bitter chocolate and it looks great now, just need to hit primark for a tonne of pearls and dig out the seambacked stockings (god knows when they last had an outing) and I will be all set to party at FORTYTUDE on the 18th June in celebration of C&I's 40th birthdays..

My latest furniture project, not too demanding this one, but new sideboard for my kitchen, the space where the old wine fridge was - I am going to replace the handles with stainess steel versions but I can live with them for now! I am really pleased with it (excuse the TV wire!) top one is before.. below after - cleaned, sanded, top primed and painted in Farrow and Ball's All White

No word on my neighbour.. haven't seen his wife either so can only assume that she is spending a lot of her time with him at the hospital, I do hope he is on the mend and home soon.

Just wanted to big up this facial tanner from Chanel, Soleil Identite - this is my third summer of using this stuff and I love it! Gives you a very natural glow, doesn't have a whiff about it and it lasts me all summer long. Highly recommend it

I am not really the praying kind - not wholly sure why, I have never been hugely religious (despite my stint as a chapel prefect at my good private CofE boarding school, the only time readers that I would ever bear prefect after my name, and really it was only because there were a limited number of us and I think it gave way to the smoking/drinking guilt that I didn't harbour in sixth form - anyhow, I digress) but never opposed either, I hope for a greater good and I want to bring my kids up with 'faith' but I am sorry to say that I am not entirely sure what that means. I do love going to the services now (maybe smugface that I know all the words to hymns due to my ridiculous talent that is retaining lyrics to any song I hear from Rutter to Lady GaGa) and am happy to bring my children up as members of the church but sometimes I feel, quite frankly, lost in it all.

What I do know is that it is late and I am pondering. My dear next door neighbour was taken ill whilst we were in Florida and further to a number of doctor and hospital visits over the past weeks - this evening we have seen the emergency ambulance arrive outside their house. Quite honestly I feel incredibly scared about what happens next. Two of my incredibly dear friends have lost their dearly loved ones in the last 10 days and my heart breaks for them, it is just so very sad and their sense of loss must be immense, I only hope I can be a good friend when they need me, and a sympathetic shoulder.

To the lovely Bob next door, a wonderful man who always has a spring in his step and an amusing anecdote to tell - a loving husband, father and grandfather and someone who needs to remain with us for a good while yet. So, I guess I pray, or maybe I just hope, but I really want to see his bubbly self restored to our village very soon - get well Bob, lots of people are rooting for you xxx

Fascinating program on BBC 3 - super brands, Abercrombie and Fitch is on now and a quote from a respectable member of the public states that the brand 'projects vanity and superficiality' this is absolutely right, what have they done? Half starved staff in (what are essentially) tracksuits is NOT a good look, although tragically our teens seem to lap it up and have have snapped up 20 salmon pink polo shirts quicker than one can say 'Daddy I NEED an allowance raise!'

I know I am sounding old when I say that it is not what it used to be, it was all American fun once upon a time, but now it is chavtastic clothing for those with a large student loan, and/or a trust fund and with no individual style of your own. One kid even said that they wouldn't be friends with someone who 'didn't wear the brand' ..

But, seriously, have you seen the CEO ??! Urgh and OMG ;) am so very glad that I was over the brand by 2002 !!

After 2 days away and 800 miles done in my little silver motor car, I am home and back at my desk! Phew, way too much to catch up on, but all is well. The little sister dined with Kirsten Dunst (coincidence that she was mentioned in my previous post!!) in Cannes last night and I AM STILL waiting for an update.. Little Sister is currently working down there because the film festival is on - she always goes dark during this week, way too much partying and work going on ;) but I cannot wait to hear from her.

So on my trip away I managed to visit my friend Pooja and her rapidly expanding family, it was the first time that I had met her littlest, Alisha (14 months) and OMG what a little doll she is! Akshay is a gorg boy too and the Bump is expanding at a great rate.. 3 under 4.. wow! Pooj is as fun and fabulous as ever, the time goes so quickly - as I drove away from their house at 11pm it struck me just how much I love seeing my old friends, how much I miss them and how glad I am that no matter how long it has been we can just pick up where we left off.. I feel very lucky for that.

Stayed at the Malmaison in Liverpool which was as fab as the Mal's always are - I just love them. Bargain room as I pre booked and the whole thing was fabulous.. the lie in till 845am was very very welcome too - but I did whizz on down the M6 as fast as I could after my meetings, desperate to see my minis who gave me a wonderful welcome home..

So, typically last week my new Wayfarers arrived, the week after my holiday! But I have to say that they were worth the wait (esp at the price I paid for them) and I am loving them - I feel all Kirsten Dunst in them, teamed with denim shorts and a white tee, they are fab. No squinting at the sun at all, and their chunky shape indulges my geeky side, v chuffed.

I must not buy any more sunnies though, I must not, not, not.

Basil's training has begun! Last week Mum pegged out our new arena in the field and on Thursday I took Baz in there for the first time, in his headcollar. He responded really well, despite his initial hesitance and was walking and standing to voice command immediately. He did nap in the corners between A & K on the left rein and between A & F on the right, but only a couple of times (that was because we were turning away from where Ladybird was standing) but by the end of the 20 minute session he had stopped and was doing wonderfully. He looks stunning at the moment too, all black and shiny! I must get some recent pictures of him. I am going to put him in the lunge cavasson on Thursday but continue in hand - here's to a smooth second lesson.

What a day Friday was! Loved every minute (despite being up early and making the aforementioned vol au vents before leaving the house!) it was great to spend the morning watching the main event with our friends at Janet and Matt's, champagne a plenty, followed by a super lunch then back home with Johnno in tow to enjoy a brilliant evening with Thompson royalty, and to toast our latest love story in JC and Andrea <3 shame I passed out on the sofa at midnight mind you lol

OK I am getting ridiculously excited now! Tomorrow is the Royal Wedding, and Kate Middleton finally gets to marry her Prince - woohoooo..

I am listening to Radio 1 and Fearne Cotton is in London meeting all the people who have travelled to be at the event and it sounds fantastic, what an atmosphere. I have baked my cupcakes, in their union jack cases (!) and have started on my vol au vent fillings for the 72 that I will be assembling first thing before getting frocked up and skipping down to Vapery lane with my minis in tow for Janet's English Garden Party! Cannot wait.

I do love this stunning weather (despite being inside and working presently) the only thing that gets me really hot and bothered though is the great British public's choice in attire. Do some people look in the mirror before leaving the house??!

My rules for summer dressing are as follows;

Ladies

1) Plastic bra straps are NEVER acceptable. Either wear strapless or wear a pretty bra underneath, a nice (clean!!!) bra strap is always forgiven.
2) Please shave/wax/ epilate in some way shape or form, we are not continental and straggly arm pit hair is revolting. Ditto leg hair - please remove it, oh and that includes the back of your legs please!
3) If last year's summer clothes are too small, try not to squeeze in to them.
4) Fake tan is OK, if applied properly, but do wash your hands well after lathering up.
5) Cutesy cartoon tee's are best left to those under the age of 5.
6) Step away from Crocs unless you want to say goodbye to your sex life for good.
7) If you are going to expose your toes, have a pedicure (or at very least make sure you have clean feet and toenails!)

Men

1) Only ever take off your top in the privacy of your own home, and please do not drive shirtless.
2) Use a decent deodorant
3) As per no 5 above, steer clear of cutesy tees
4)Ditto ones with inappropriate innuendo, making small talk at the school gates with a man wearing a tshirt that proclaims 'I like to be Down Under, probing through the hot bush' makes me feel rather nauseous.
5) No socks with your sandals
6) Clean feet at all time too please.

Here's to a summer of harmony!

The Bride and Groom! Winter Gardens April 14th 2011


I am black in the bloggersphere! Hello everyone, hope you have had a great couple of weeks in my absence..

Florida was fantastic! We had an incredible and memorable holiday, everything was just wonderful. My BF's wedding was a superb day, perfect weather and a stunning setting for the ceremony, and the bride looked exquisite in Jenny Packham and a grin from ear to ear! I have to admit to shedding a few tears as I saw her being led down the 'aisle' by her Dad, such an emo I am. Great celebrations lead way to Jay, Jude and I disappearing off down to Key West for some R&R after the excitement of Orlando and more notably the theme parks and restaurants (we did Magic Kingdom, Seaworld and Islands of Adventure) and the whole trip was just brilliant.

It was also rather pleasant to return to such beautiful english weather (!!) on my baby boy's 2nd Birthday! How the time has flown. Granny and Grandad came over in the evening for champagne and birthday cake (well easter cakes with 2 candles in them as I ran out of time to bake or buy) and then, following a 14 hour sleep we spent a great Easter weekend with friends and family.

Back to work and school today though, reality hits hard, it was a struggle getting everyone up and out of the door this morning..

"The best surprise EVER Mummy!!!"

Was Teya's reaction when she found out that our surprise in London was in fact going to see the Wizard of Oz at the Palladium! What a fab show - it was really wonderful, very cleverly done, fantastic set and the cast were magnificent - full of energy and a clear passion for being there. The theatre has had a makeover too and was stunning. Highly recommend it, especially if your little girls, or you, were huge fans of the BBC1 show last year - it is a real treat, oh and Teya wore her ruby slippers :)

Whilst in the smoke I did a spot of shopping on Regent St, admired lots of beautiful things in Michael Kors - but resisted! Did pick up a dress for the wedding in Zara but am yet to try it on........ here's hoping. I cannot believe that we fly out to Florida in 6 days - operation get set for holiday has started, husband currently ironing !!

OUCH!

My poor hubby took a nasty tumble off his bike whilst off roading this morning.. have a feeling that is going to be very sore tomorrow - looks painful and he managed to knock himself out at the same time poor lovely..

My patience paid off, this morning I won a gorgeous vintage Mulberry satchel bag on Ebay - I have been fantasising about it for a week and now IT IS MINE!!!! I am waiting for another bag to finish later and I will post pics when my beauties arrive (providing I win the second lol) v chuffed.

Off to the pub for kids tea with Saf and her brood later which should be lovely, the work on their house is still ongoing and she has been without a kitchen for 3 weeks now, eek!

Happy Friday all xx