I didn’t think it would be quite this long since my last blog, but as usual, I’ve been very very busy. My little man is settling into full time school this week. I was kind of expecting to find large pockets of time that would be fun to fill, but thus far, I have filled every waking moment with jobs that are long overdue. But enough about my DIY and housework, let me tell you what’s happened since I last wrote.
A week or two ago saw my second outing at the Hexton Farmers Market. This time, I really pushed the boundaries and was offering two new varieties and baguettes; all in all, about 25 more loaves than last time. Conversely, this is nearly about the same amount of loaves that remained unloved by the end of the day. At least next time I’ll know not to do as many and it should be easier. I had more help from my lovely family, with my brother helping me get ready for the big bake, my mum helping me on the market day and my mother in law helping with childcare. Despite all the masses of preparation and organising, it is a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the next one in about two weeks’ time. Then in November, there will be THREE!! Offley, Kings Walden and Hexton (check out my Event Page for more info).
The inaugural Cake and Bake Show was on at Earls court last weekend and I was lucky to have bought a ticket a few months in advance. (Apparently they were like gold dust and were selling on eBay for about 80 quid!). It was to be my day of fun, with nobody to please but myself.
I caught the 9.10 train into London and arrived at the show in good time to get a good seat at ‘The Bakery’ before the first demonstration.
Here, I made sure that I got a front row seat each time to watch and listen to my bread heros – Tom Herbert, (The Fabulous Baker Brothers) Aiden Chapman (as featured on River Cottage a lot) and Richard Bertinet (an icon in bakeryworld). I had some great conversations with other members of the Real Bread Campaign and the Soil Association and as well as getting photos of me with all of my baker-heros, I also had one with the gorgeous contestants of the Great British Bake-Off. The show was so packed (mainly with women cupcake makers) there were huge queues for the refreshment and toilet facilities; I am glad I didn’t bother queuing up for a drink otherwise I would have had to queue again equally as long for a wee!
Just this past week, I have started a new keep fit regime at the brand new ‘Inspire’ sports centre in Luton, which has a gym, dance studio and swimming, amongst other facilities. I’ve never been very disciplined to go to a gym before, but now that the lad is in full time education, I’ve been able to slip in a few visits. Swimming last week. Legs, Bums, Thighs and Tums yesterday and today, I went spinning. Tomorrow, I shall be lucky if I make it down the stairs, my legs are in so much pain.
FOLKS!! Baking this Saturday as usual!!Please let me have your orders as soon as possible and no later than Thursday at 8pm.