A Humdrum Mum

Let me just explain what's happened. It's been half-term. I've been off plan. I've eaten lots of cake. And other things. And I don't feel guilty! I have enjoyed every bite as it has usually accompanied catching up with friends. That alone is worth it.  Never fear, I shall be back on it come  Monday morning . I will have four whole days to make amends.  So when I'm asked "Do you know why?", I shall answer "Yes! Because this time, it's got to work for me. If that means taking time out when I'm on holiday, then that means that. Doesn't mean I don't start again." Six weeks until Easter!

When I reminisce about my lovely Nan Preston, I remember mostly that she made pancakes for me. Not just on Shrove Tuesday, but every Wednesday! I used to get off the bus by her house, scoff pancakes after tossing them if I was lucky, then walk home. I make pancakes for my son, not as often as I couldn't keep up with his requests so I buy them already made! When I think of my Grandad, I loved the cottage pies that he made - not too wet, proper minced beef - that's how I like them now. My dear mum is an amazing cook - her roasts are amazing (my son the other day suggested my roasties that day were on a par!) and her pasties are fantastic. Shame she hates cooking! My mother in law's beef casseroles - mmm how is that sauce so delicious? My son loves her spag bol too. So what am I going to be remembered for? I'd like to think I whip up a legendary lemon loaf  (Netmums cookbook recipe) - it always goes down well. My Nigella Victoria sponge is always a hit. My gooey fudgey b...

Last night I felt virtuous. Dinner comprised warmed sweet potato falafel, couscous and salad, and I actually finished the bag of salad. Usually I buy a bag from Waitrose, with as many dark leaves as possible, possibly with betroot, and then after a couple of sarnies, the remainder of the bag festers in back of my fridge, only to be thrown away on the next bin day... all green and brown slimy slug-like. But no, this bag produced two main meal salads for myself and OH, along with two lunches of pastrami, picallily and salad bagels, which I took to an indoor play area for myself and Broccoli Boy's mummy, as it was my turn to provide lunch last Monday. I really enjoy reading Diary of a Frugal Family  and I do share a love for a bargain (I get this from my Mum, the Professional Shopper - and Returner). My Mum and I like to play these games: What is the cheapest meal you can make ? I won once with "Curried leftover Sunday roast vegetables". An ex-boyfriend lived on two ...