Metropol Parasol

Good morning everyone, well, can't you just tell I am back in the thick of it at work?  Not even a chance to read blogs, never mind comment or post.  But, only 4 weeks until the next holiday (one of the joys of working in a stressful school environment is the regularity of the breaks, and boy, do we need them, especially for those of us in behaviour management!)

So, in order to keep the memories fresh of my recent break in beautiful Seville, I would like to share some photos of the stunning Metropol Parasol - you can read more about it here.

Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy!

 
Photos can only give an idea of the sheer size of this amazing structure

Even though starkly modern, it sits well amongst it's more venerable neighbours...

The whole structure reminded me of toadstools...

I'm missing that beautiful Andalusian sky, a shade of blue not quite replicated here in the UK...or, in fact, in this photo, the shade is a really deep blue...

Incredible design and engineering...

What a view, and yes, the cake and coffee were absolutely delicious!

It is possible to walk on top of this amazing structure, so we chose to return in the evening...

From the top, the structure reminded me of a coiled snake...

What a view, Seville is beautiful at any time of day or night...

Even the lift is amazing!  I took a photo of DH in here (won't share or he will probably never speak to me again!) as the lift reminded me of the Tardis from Doctor Who, and, as DH is in fact a Doctor I just couldn't resist (the kids thought it was hilarious!!)

Walking back to our hotel, we passed by the Catedral and the Bishops Palace...

Hopefully back soon with photos of our visit to the Real Alcazar.

Helenxx

Birthday Treats

Good morning everyone, hope you have had a good week.

On Monday yours truly celebrated her birthday - one of those "in-between one BIG birthday and the next BIG birthday" if you know what I mean...;)

It was a work day, but I was truly spoiled by family, friends and colleagues.

My lovely DH and children clubbed together to buy me something I had long been wanting, an android tablet.  This means that when I am travelling I can upload Kindle books to it, videos, etc, then read/watch these on the plane/boat/in the hotel, etc.  Plus it is so much faster and easier than firing up the computer at home.  There is no temptation to check work emails or type reports as I haven't linked my work email to it, and it does not have Word or Excel on it.  In fact, it is purely all play and no work!  I have worked out how to blog on it, now I need to find out if I can link my camera by a cable to transfer photos so I can do this properly.  I can certainly use it to comment on your blogs which is fab.  DH has also upgraded my phone, which I am hoping to pick up today.

I had perfume, and lots of lovely things for the bath, some of which are travel size which is very handy. 

I received this from my bestest friend, Sue, the fungi are hand made by her in lampworked glass, and the log is actually made from the remnants of one of my favourite autumnal things...isn't it wonderful?

She also made me this wonderful card, reflecting my love of Islamic architecture...

Moonstruck indeed...

This will be on permanent display I think!

And these lovely chocs...

 

And a pot of hyacynths...

 



 

AND a brand new, shiny 20 Euro note for my next European adventure!  Thank you so, so much Sue, you have really spoiled me!

 

I got lots of lovely cards...

 

 

and flowers...

 

 

And of course DD put on her apron and made a scrumptious cake...

 

 

 

 

What a wonderful day! I am very blessed to have such fabulous family and friends, I really do appreciate how fortunate I am.

 

Then on Thursday it was Best Brother's birthday, so we went to visit him with presents and of course DD sprang back into action...

 

 

He loves coffee so this was a Tiramasu inspired cake with chocolate coffee beans on top...

 

 

And on Tuesday, it was the fourth Anniversary of the start of this blog - four years: where has that gone?  Of course, it was Sue who got me into this lark - and how grateful I am that she did as I have made some wonderful friends and learned so much from all over the world.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Helenxx





April begins...

Good evening everyone - what a lovely Spring day it has been, a lovely way to welcome in the month of April...

(Image courtesy of Google)

No showers to report here, although it seemed more like Autumn early this morning, very damp and misty.  But the sun soon burned all the dampness away, leaving us with blue skies and fluffy blue clouds.

So here we are, week 13 of the Crochet Blanket Challenge - these four squares have been completed and added to the collection...

This is still proving to be a happy project, something that can be picked up and put down, carried around, little moments of crochet often snatched in the 10 minutes waiting for dinner to cook.  Ideal for my often frantic schedule.

I thought I would leave you with a photo of the cake my Darling Daughter made for me for Mothers Day, none left now of course...

Hope you are enjoying these early Spring days!

Helenxx

Mothers Day Treats

Hello everyone, and to all of my readers who are Mums, a very Happy Mothers Day!

I have received some lovely cards and flowers from my 4 children...

Such lovely colours, really cheerful...

...and also received a bouquet of these from DH...

here are both bunches together, really brightening up my fireplace (I do love flowers)

I also received this lovely sampler box of Yankee Candle votives in my favourite scents from my lot, yes, they are Christmas scents but these are my favourite from the range, I love the cinnamon, vanilla and spicy fragrances so much)

Apparently something else is due to arrive from Amazon tomorrow, so the fun will be spread over an extra day!  They have really spoiled me I have to say.

I popped round to visit my Darling Mum this morning, she is coming along to our house later for dinner.  Dearest Daughter is making a cake for us both for dessert, with caramel flavours and a filling of Lotus Biscuit Cream (have you tried those biscuits, they are often served along with a coffee in cafes, hence in this house we call them "complimentary biscuits".  They are so yummy, full of caramel flavour).

I didn't have a lie-in this morning as we were all up early to watch the Malaysian Grand Prix - sadly our favourite driver had a pretty poor day, due to someone running into the back of his car (cue lots of booing and hissing from the Moonstruck crew) but still a lot of fun to watch.

Well, off to have another cuppa and perhaps a bit of crochet- I could really get used to this being spoiled lark!

Helenxx

Crochet Blanket Challenge Update - Week 12

Good morning, and Happy Springtime to you all!  True to form, here in my part of the UK so far the Spring has brought some high winds and heavy rain showers, but still some sunshine in between so no complaints.

Anyhow, I thought it due time to post an update on my progress with the Crochet Blanket Challenge.  During the Christmas holidays I had bought into the idea that I could make one Granny Square each week, with the aim to have a decent sized blanket by the end of 2014.  You may have thought "oh, she has gone a bit quiet on her blog about this, probably given up, oh well, it was a big project..." but, dear readers, I have been crocheting squares when and where I can.  I am now on week 12 of of this project (3 months in, oh my where has that time gone?!).  Here are my efforts of recent weeks:

Lovely to take some photos in natural, sunny light...

Here are all my squares tucked into their little bag for safe keeping, there are actually 48 of them in total....

You may have noticed that the pink squares are all huddled together, I am now not so sure I want to include them - do they go with the washed out wintry Scandi shades...what do you think?  Should they stay or should they go? (Will now have the Clash song running through my head for the rest of the day). If they go I can certainly make something with them, perhaps a cushion for my DD...

All this crochet is certainly making me feel quite chirpy.  Other cheerful things this week include this super bargain picked up during the weekly shop at Aldi for the princely sum of £2.99:

loads of lovely blanket patterns (yes, I think I have caught the blanket bug well and truly) and for half the price of a magazine.  What's not to like?

Also, my second eldest celebrated leaving his teenage years behind by turning 20 years old.  DD made this brilliant cake for him (he loves Chocolate Oranges)

Well, must away, a busy day awaits.  Have a lovely weekend!

Helenxx