What a week. A whirlwind week of post holiday unpacking (still), a family party in Oxford, party prep, meeting a very special charity, preparing for the end of an era (queue tears at preschool) and a small boy's birthday.  

I've barely had time for anything else this week, but I did discover the most wonderful video from the US store Anthropologie. Not only does it get me in the mood for our weekend away to Honfleur, France, in a fortnight, but I literally would love everything in it!

I see a little visit coming on when we head to my brother and sister in law's on August 2nd! After all, I will be having my birthday in New York - I'd love a super market sweep but would be just as happy with one peacock plate!  

Doctor Party day is finally here! Granny and Grandma will be patients on hospital beds (sun loungers) and we have 20 little Doctors and Nurses arriving at a sweet little hall at 3.30pm. I can't wait to share all the little details and photos!  

Have a lovely weekend in the sunshine where ever you are!  

Isn't it wonderful when your face feels like it's being kissed by the sun?! 

I love this hot weather. It must have come from my first 4 years spent in the Middle East. But the only trouble with hot weather is everything seems to go off quicker.  

Bananas turn brown more speedily and raspberries seem to perish in a matter of minutes!

I had some cherries and raspberries in the fridge that looked as though they were just about to wilt and shrivel so I came up with a sweet summer time canapé that is super quick and easy. 

Plus the boys loved it! A treat for the whole family that doesn't resemble children's food. Hooray! 

Ingredients: 

• Raspberries
• Cherries  
• Olive Oil
• Table spoon of sugar (to caramelise the fruit)
• Thick vanilla cream (so it holds it's shape)
• Blinis (make your own mini pancakes or all good supermarkets stock ready made packs in the chilled section) 
• Freeze dried raspberries (to sprinkle on top) 
• A dusting of icing sugar

Add a little oil to a pan of raspberries and cherries. I used a handful of each. I literally pulled the cherries apart and flicked the stones out. Add a table spoon of sugar to caramelise and take away the sharpness. Heat your blinis in the oven for 4 minutes at approx 170 degrees whilst your fruit becomes a sticky delicious mess. 

Add a dollop of vanilla cream to your warm blinis (leave them for 2 minutes when they come out of the oven so the cream doesn't slide straight off)  and a heaped teaspoon of fruit on top. Sprinkle with freeze dried raspberries for extra wow factor and add a dusting of icing sugar.

Pretty and pretty effortless. Plus a way to use up fruit you may be tempted to through away. A winning combination for a summer party!  

One minute I was like this... 

and then this happened! 

Today is all about you. Our baby. Even though you are 2 today! We adore you.