THE FUNNIEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ

Shortly after my family arrived in the UK - we went on holiday to Cornwall to unwind and relax after an extremely stressful move from South Africa.  We stayed in a quaint Youth Hostel which was close by a cove.  A week of the kids playing in the sea and my husband and I sitting in a deck chair on the beach - sounded like heaven.

However, the reality was that it rained all the time, the kids moaned continually because they could to go to the beach but my husband and I laughed a week away reading the antics of Adrian Mole stuck in our little room oblivious to all the noise.

I perfect introduction to Adrian Mole and life in the UK.

I highly recommend this book as it is really so very very funny.

http://www.suetownsend.co.uk

Love The Tipsy Tart

xx

FOND MEMORIES

While looking through all my photos this morning, I found this one of me as a child taken 

in South Africa and just had to share with you and show you just how gorgeous I was all those years ago.

However, before you fall over laughing, I actually love this photo as it is of a time gone by where I

had no worries and childhood was absolutely perfect as all I can remember is just

being so very happy and loved.

Do you have any photos like this that just make you smile regardless of the fact that you know it is not a good look?

Love The Tipsy Tart
xxx

MY FRIEND - DEBI

Just recently I was so privileged to spend three weeks in Italy and Austria with my ex sister in law Debi who just happens to be one of my best friends. We have known each other for nearly 30 years and although we have had our highs and lows during these years, she has never faulted in her love for my children nor the friendship that she has always shown me. We now live on the opposite sides of the earth to each other and do not get to see each other very often and when we have, it has been with family and friends.

So it was only during our little adventure together on our own in a foreign country with only ourselves to rely on, did I get to truly know my friend. While I always knew she was a fantastic aunt and friend, I found out that my wonderful "strong" friend worries about missing trains, planes, buses and always likes to know the exit plan of any city the day before departure. She does not like being looked at by strangers especially when I am being stupid next to her or talking too loud and bringing attention to her. She is shy and nervous at meeting new people and always worries that she gives the right impression and always give off a little giggle when she is not sure that she has!!

I also found out that she is extremely generous to a fault with everyone that she knows and spent the whole time trying to find the right gift for friends and family and asks for nothing back in return. I saw that my friend is a softie on the inside and showed more than once, her vunerable side.  My friend is kind, funny and heaven forbid give her a drink - then becomes ever so naughty. She is so beautiful and when her eyes shine, she is stunning.

But what I saw most was that I have a wonderful caring friend and that she made the most amazing travel companion anyone could wish for and that I am so grateful to have her in my life.    The laughs we shared together, the tears we cried together, the Aperol spritz we drank together and the ever so delicious meals and ice creams we ate together are what will take our 30 year friendship to hopefully the next 30 years and give us more wonderful memories to look back on in time to come.

There are many people in this world who are not fortunate to have a friend like mine and the world is a sadder place for it and I wish I could share her with you so that your life could be as rich as mine.

Thank you for being my friend Debi 

I love you to the moon and back.

Your Tipsy Tart

xxxxxxx

MARMITE - YOU EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT

Hello again -

I have been away for a while travelling Europe with my good friend Debi and attending a fabulous family wedding in Italy.  I ate so many delicious new flavours and ice creams and drank so many glasses of my new favourite drink that I have come home so happy and slightly heavier than when I left.

However, I find that no matter how many new, exotic or gourmet food that I experience, sometimes what I eat and cook at home - is always best and after eating out in restaurants and street cafes for three weeks, a slice of toast and marmite is what I craved most when I got home and it did not disappoint.

And as the saying goes, you either love it or hate it.....and my blogging friends - I absolutely love it.

How about you -  are you a fan or not ?

It is nice to be back and catch up with you all again.

Love The Tipsy Tart
xx

MY HAPPY ADDICTION FOR ROSE WATER AND TURKISH DELIGHT

So say that I am addicted to Rose Water and Turkish Delight is an under statement.  I love the smell of the natural rose water and the taste of  the jelly covered in chocolate is a taste I never get tired of.  My children know that if they ever need to sweeten me up for a favour - this is the way to do it and it works every time.

I also use the natural Rose Water every day - morning and night, on my face.  The smell is beautiful and because it has no harsh chemicals, it is so gentle for your face yet it is fantastic at removing dirt.  I have been using it for such a long time and never have any problems with my skin whatsoever.  I take it with me whenever I go away and for fear of ever running out, I buy bottles and bottles are a time and the absolute bonus is that for a big bottle - costs less than £1.00.

To my excitement the last time I went to my favourite Indian supermarket, I discovered a Rose Water Syrup  which is wonderful as a cordial on a hot day with lots of iced cold water and a block of ice or two.  

This wonderful syrup got me thinking - what else could I do with it and this is what I came up with....I love rice pudding so poured some of the syrup in with the milk and when it was creamy and done and had chilled slightly, I poured over homemade chocolate sauce.   Perhaps not to everyone's taste but to mine it was heaven.

however, when I tried it in ice cream and chopped turkish delight in with it, it was an instant hit - my family absolutely loved it and my sweet little granddaughter - stopped for a little while, to allow me to take a picture of her eating it.

When you get a cute smile like that from something that you have made, it must have been OK.

Love the Tipsy Tart
xxxx

LEMON MACKERAL PATE

I love this fish pate - I make it often as a starter when friends come for supper or 

as a snack when my husband and I go on a picnic.

Take a few slices or fillets of smoked mackeral

and break up into small pieces,

add the juice of one lemon

a tablespoon or two of cream cheese

and mix together

When mixed - put in a ramakin dish

Add some melted butter and pour over the top

and place in the fridge to set

As you already have the set butter on the top of the mackeral, 

all you need is a ryvita or any crispy savoury biscuit to complete

perfection......

Absolutely one of my favourites and that of my friends too.


Love The Tipsy Tart
xx

A FRENCH AFFAIR

Today has been one of those absolutely fabulous days where I have been at home all day.  The weather has been dull and cold with rain most of the day - but I have just been so warm and happy in kitchen having the most wonderful French Affair.

Some days are just so perfect and today has been one of those days.

Love The Tipsy Tart
xx