Around here..........

This was our "Autumn" weather today.  The forecast was for 29 degrees!  It did'nt really feel that hot due to the wind.  Since the weekend, my washing machine has been getting a workout.  I've just been doing alot of pottering about, baking, catching up on housework and washing over the last few days.  Simple, quiet days........

I spent a good deal of Saturday afternoon sorting out the playroom.  It looked like a tornado had gone through it before I started.  I boxed a lot of toys up in clear plastic tubs rather than having them in open baskets.  Which at the moment does not work for us as George loves to empty things all over the floor, stomp on them and then move on to the next thing.

Eek, look at this hands!  He helps himself to peaches off the trees throughout the day.  He has had a cold and runny nose all weekend so the more fruit the better - despite the amounts of dirt that are no doubt eaten with them.

These raised and empty vege boxes are supplying us with endless hours of entertainment.  The boys love playing in these.  At the last count George sat in here for just over an hour digging in the dirt and playing.  Very soapy bubble baths are needed at the end of each day around here.

Squished eggs with mayo, salt, pepper and spring onions on toast.  Washed down with cups of sweet tea.  My favourite breakfast at the moment.

Topping up the baking tins for the week ahead.  These are coconut and pineapple cupcakes.  I used the Edmonds Cookbook cupcake recipe for these and added a cup of crushed pineapple and about half a cup of coconut.  Delicious!

Another Edmonds recipe - date and walnut loaf.  Great sliced and buttered - and with banana on top if you are feeling extra decadent.

We have a pile of squash in our kitchen.  It grows everywhere around here this time of year.  I swear you can't even give it away.  I made a squash and watercress soup over the weekend I quickly fried up onions and garlic then added the baked squash and chopped up watercress.  Added chicken stock and a splash of water, sea salt and ground black pepper.  I then used my hand kitchen whizz to mix it all up.  Mr H then came along and added butter, chilli flakes, tumeric and two tablespoons of ricotta cheese which of course sent it to another whole level.  Yum!

And even with the warm weather today I have been dying to get my slow cooker dusted off.  I made this lamb stew with lots of vegetables and herbs thrown in.  I served it with cous cous and sprinkled slices of spring onion all over.  I can't wait for more autumn and winter dishes like these.

Happy week everyone!