Hooray - we have finally made it to Christmas week!!! With the Christmas preparations seeming to start earlier and earlier each year (Christmas carols in the shops in September!!??), the build-up and anticipation towards The Big Day grows to such a level that sometimes Christmas can be an anti-climax when it finally arrives. 

Andalusian Yorkshire Puddings

Today I’m feeling a bit like… meh. I am so extremely exhausted that, after different attempts from my inner me asking for a break (including a cold and a terrible sciatica) I believe my body has turned the standby mode on.

Since November I literally haven’t stopped. I even believe that at some point someone implanted 2 additional arms below the two I currently have. I have jammed, labelled, wrapped and posted more than 4000 tiny pots of jam and marmalade and more than 500 Christmas Crackers. I have been featured in Vogue as the 3rd most recommended gifts this year. I have received 2 awards. I have taken part in a Secret Santa, been a Sheppard in a nativity, gone to the cinema with the boys to see Paddington, set up my stunning Christmas tree, taken piano lessons, sent lots of Christmas cards, cooked for the family, went to work every day, attended a proper British Christmas lunch hosted by Rachael and her amazing husband… being here and there. And I have enjoyed. And I have had so much fun. And I am knackered. And my husband too… bless him.

Last Minute Christmas Cake

Christmas is coming, and with it a barrage of Christmas food and drink that we don’t have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the year. Christmas cake, mince pies with cream, mulled wine and lashings and lashings of chocolate. There is something about the Christmas period that means we can indulge in the in the rich, generous helpings that are on offer and not feel guilty about it!

Christmas is also a time to share these festive treats with your family and friends. For me, there is nothing better than watching those you care about eating something you have taken time to prepare for them. Although, this can mean a lot of work in the lead up to Christmas, which can be hard to fit in with all the increased socialising that goes on this time of year.

Today I would like to introduce you a really beloved friend of mine: Rachael. She’s intelligent, amazingly clever and an incredible baker who has prepared this week’s recipe for me. Literally for me, as I'm eating it as I type.

Sushi Sandwich Rolls

Last week I decided I should start doing some sport again.

For the last 2 years I’ve been training with a senior basketball team. I reckon it was classed as senior just because of me, as none of the other players were older than 21. So literally it was a bit of “is this granny in shorts running around the court completely nuts?”. I wouldn’t say I had a bad time with the team, the girls were great, but the team stopped training last summer. Then I started to run, but I didn’t go too far (LOL). And I even tried with a boot camp, but it didn’t meet my expectations. So after an exercise strike, last week I decided to give my poor body another go.