baking fun

Milou and I love to bake and thought it would be fun to get Lucy to join us too. We baked some gluten free coconut, walnut and banana muffins for lunch. They are daddy's favourite.

We couldn't resist using Lucy as our little model on the scale so I could show Milou how to use it. Overall, it was a fun and successful baking session. We didn't even have to do the cleaning up afterwards as daddy offered his service in exchange for some muffins. 

Happy days!

lucy the ladybird

Milou brought home a little bug buddy from nursery to spend a few days with us. Lucy, the ladybird got to join us at Mother's Day lunch with the family. Here's her sitting quietly whilst waiting for Milou and her cousins to play with her. More pictures coming soon of Milou's adventure with Lucy.

birthday wish

Pregnant with Marceau at 39 weeks and 2 days | Photo by James

It is my birthday month and I am asking my friends and family to please support this great charity, The Little Princess Trust instead of sending me presents.

The Little Princess Trust dedicates in providing specialist real hair wigs for boys and girls who lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions such as alopecia. More information is available on their website

For those who know me well, I am not a fan of the hairdresser. The last time I had a cut was 14 months ago. So I am taking the plunge and will have over 12 inches of my hair cut off at the end of April for children who need it for a wig. I am hoping to raise £350 as that is how much it costs the charity to buy a wig. Please help me to give more!

Here's the link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FionaEng

 Thank you! Fe xo 

100 days old

Today we spent the day playing, cuddling and giggling

My heart was full watching you so peaceful in your sleep

Today is your first hundred day milestone

I will always be there when you are learning your way in the world

Mummy loves you lil man xo

bookworms

My two cute lil bookworms. Marceau loves books just like his big sister. 

cousins

These two were so cute together. It was like watching the mini me and my sister when we were younger. I wish we live nearer to each other so we could have regular play dates. 

homemade gifts

I love nothing more than giving homemade gifts that both warm the heart and belly. Here is the Balsamic Fig and Red Onion chutney I made last Christmas.

it's been a while!

Time disappears rather quickly when it involves a husband, two kids and two dogs. 

It the last four weeks, both M+M have been sick on and off; my iMac hard drive failed on me and has just been replaced so I am very behind with my posts. On the positive note, my iMac is now running much faster and the kids are on the mend. 

We had a small quiet celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year a couple weeks ago. I couldn't resist doing a mini photo session of the kids at home. Looking forward to sharing the pictures with you.

tim burton

It was a rare opportunity a couple years ago that I was in Paris for an overnight trip to meet up with my bff. After saying goodbye to her, I had a few hours to kill before my return journey to London on the Eurostar.

I was jumping with joy when I discovered the Tim Burton exhibition was on display at the La Cinematheque Francaise. It took an hour and half to queue for ticket so I could get a glimpse into the eccentric director's mind. You know what, it was well worth it!

The dark but romantic fairy tale of Edward Scissorhands introduced me to Tim Burton and Johnny Deep as a child, I have been a fan ever since. What was your first Tim Burton's film? 

the return of some greenery

Taken at Twin Lakes caravan site in Souméras, France 

I look forward to the return of some greenery to the surroundings soon. Everything looks a bit more exciting with some vibrant colours.

birthday cake

A birthday is not complete without a cake! Milou enjoyed blowing out candles for the first time. It was hard stopping her eating the cake during the mini photo session. 

PS: I will share the recipe the burnt sugar cake with maple syrup cream cheese frosting soon. It is simple to make and super yummy too!

first day at nursery

Milou's first day at the nursery fell on her second birthday. I brought in some cakes for her to share with her new friends. She really enjoyed the day and she didn't want to leave!

birthday girl

Milou's first day as a two year old! 

milou is two!

Twelve months ago we had a super amazing day of friends and family, music, dance, food and cake. Thank you to you all for making Milou's first birthday very special!

I have been thinking about all the milestones Milou has achieved for the past year, from walking to toddling to running like the wind; plus many other new skills like singing some of her favourite lullabies, feeding herself and dancing. It is pretty awesome!

There will be more achievements in the coming year and I know my baby girl will continue to make my heart burst with pride.

Happy second Birthday Milou!

Mummy and Daddy love you very much 

xoxo

one more sleep

Milou gets to have a lil birthday celebration with her new friends at the nursery in the morning. We are then taking her out for lunch and picking her present.  

smiley lil girl

This girl loves to smile and they are very contagious! I am addicted to them as they fill my heart with love. 

birthday week

I am dedicating my posts this week to my baby girl who is turning two in three days time. Here she is at two days old soaking up some sunshine by the window at Watford General Hospital maternity ward.

confinement

Milou was born nearly two years ago when we had lots of snow hence it was quite nice to stay in the warmth and comfort of home for our confinement. This time round is harder when weather has been exceptionally nice and I am really missing the regular walks with the family. 

Just a few more days then Marceau and I can venture out for some fun!

puppy love

Duke, our other boy in the family. His first play in the garden when he was just over 8 weeks old. He may be little but has a big heart and loves nothing more than giving sloppy kisses!

baking

Have I ever told you that I love to bake? Here is a cake that I baked for my mother in law's 65th birthday. I must remember to share the recipes with you in the future. 

My husband has decided to go gluten free for 100 days, which has made things a bit difficult for me. I have never baked with gluten free flour nor tried any gluten free recipes. 

Milou's second birthday is less than a week away, I should probably start researching for a gluten free red velvet cake recipe. Wish me luck!