Activities of the Unemployed Part 1: Cookie Cutter Arrangement

I've decided to approach the 'lack of storage space' issue in our flat in a more imaginative way. Today: cookie cutters as art. Went through a few of my favourites. Shown here are Moomintroll, Little My, a crab & some Sanrio characters complete with Japanese instructions.

A Great Way to Clear Your Sinuses

Well, it worked for me. Been trying to shake off this horrible cold for ages now. Food as medicine always sounds like a good idea.

The Results

Ta Da! Someone is rather eager for the bread to cool as quickly as possible.

Kneading & Rising

Oo, it felt good to do some kneading. A great way of getting all your frustration out on something that you can't injure.

Back to Bread

This may sound odd but one of the things that I was worried about when we decided to go travelling was what would happen to my bread starter. A kind friend gave me some of his about six months before we left and I'd been lovingly nurturing it with very pleasing results. Luckily Georgie stepped in & offered to feed my beloved Bob (that's his name) while we were away. I'm happy to report that he survived his separation from me very well, siring many loaves in my absence & has now given birth to Bertie who is happily growing back in Chorleywood.

Yesterday, I baked bread for the first time in over a year.

Here's Bob & the sponge I made with him bubbling away overnight.

How I'm Spending My Time

Assembling Ikea furniture & sipping cocktails (not at the same time, you understand).

Paul & I vowed when we were travelling that we would try to keep the spirit of fun & adventure in our everyday lives once we returned home. After reading far too much John Cheever we decided that one way to do this would be to keep a cocktail hour. So far so good. We're building up a repertoire of classic drinks starting with the lychee martini. It's going to be be pretty hard to top this one, I reckon.

The Party

Champagne was consumed, canapes nibbled & toes twinkled as we toasted the newlyweds.