A TASTE OF BERLIN WITH APEROL SPRITZ

Ok so let me start off with the glaringly obvious fact that this beauty of an aperitif drink is in fact Italian and not German – Italy my apologies –  in fact Italy has been all over this drink since 1919 proving they know how to have a good time. However it wasn't until I visited Berlin earlier in the year that I was introduced to Aperol Spritz, a refreshing cocktail with its bright orange glow and unusual taste which hasn't been changed since it was first bottled, well if ain't broke don't fix it right?

It seems that us Brits are a bit slow on the uptake and while this has been a huge hit in Europe and a staple drink on almost every menu, it's only recently become on trend in the UK and so it should! Super easy to make with three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water served with ice and a slice of orange it's a fun drink to share with friends and for me takes me back to Berlin nights and a buzz in the air.

So when Aperol sent over a bottle of the good stuff to try out at home I couldn't resist sharing a glass with my friend, who being from Munich knows the drinks oh so well. There really is nothing better than hanging out with friends and sharing a glass while having a good chat, especially with a drink that look this fun. Now that I've got a taste for this Italian cocktail I can't wait to serve it with summer salads and enjoy the warm evenings outdoors.

Have you every tried an Aperol Spritz?

* I was sent a bottle of Aperol to try at home. All words and thoughts are my own and thanks for providing a fun moment with my friend. Please drink responsibly. 

READY FOR THE WEEKEND

It's Friday at last! *yes, that is the sound of me whooping* It has been a crazy long week for me and F, both stuck indoors while trying to shake off the various colds and viruses that has plagued our flat – all this without driving each other nuts. Thanks to a huge dose of healthy eating and as much rest as I could gather with a three year old stuck indoors, I'm finally feeling more human, than night of the living dead.

To celebrate my renewed self I'm heading off to London for the weekend to catch up with friends and hang out, there's nothing like a little london buzz to make you feel alive. As well as catching up with friends over coffee, visiting old haunts in Stoke Newington and heading out for a cocktail or two, I'm looking forward to mixing business and pleasure while attending the Dot to Dot London showroom at the V&A Museum of Childhood. I'll be checking out the UK's most exciting independent children's lifestyle brands and reporting them back here for a peek at what's in store this Autumn/Winter. I'm hoping it will also be a fun opportunity to catch up with some lovely Instagram peeps too.

I hope you have a great weekend x

THANKFUL FOR FRIDAY

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I've been a bit absent on the blog this week. All those exciting Christmas posts I'd planned have fallen to the wayside as I've struggled through the last few days. Not to get into everything right now, but my ability to cope with the day to day has been challenging to say the least, so I'm thankful for Friday. I'm doing what I do best, forging forward, maintaing a festive spirit and planning in some fun activities. All while trying lift my head out of this fog.

This weekend we'll be: Getting merry with friends at their festive Christmas party / Celebrating my dearest Dad's birthday / Meeting Santa on a steamtrain – F couldn't be more excited / Going on a winter walk through the woods / Watching The Hobbit at the cinema / Wrapping presents by the warm glow of the twinkly tree lights / Making a happy hamper for a friend / Listening to music and drinking sherry.

Have a great weekend x

A FRIDAY FILM

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Friday is finally here and I have a treat lined up for tonight. Not only do I love film but I'm also a bit of a space geek and had F learning the names of the planets before he could count to ten – although I'm not sure how useful that will be in later life – so tonight I've got a child free pass and I'm heading into town to watch the much anticipated Gravity.

Ever since I can remember I've loved going to the cinema; the smell of popcorn, the dark room shared with strangers, hushed voices, an outburst of laughter, immersing myself in the film. On my second day of living in London I bought an annual cinema ticket and went every week, mainly on my own during the day, a private viewing of sorts. I found it exhilarating and when F was born I headed to cinebabies at the Watershed to get my film fix.

Which films have you seen recently?

HELLO YOU BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND YOU

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It's a beautiful blustery autumn day and the sun is shining. We're getting wrapped up and heading down to Bristol docks to set off on an imaginary adventure on the SS Great Britain. F will probably be the first dinosaur to set foot on the ship and I'll be looking forward to a hot cup of builders tea.

I hope you have you have a great weekend x

A CITY TO CELEBRATE

 

IMAGE SOURCE NEVER KNOW DEFEAT

The city is alive in celebration as Pride Week comes to a climax on Saturday with a Parade through the city, supporting the equality and diversity that makes Bristol great. Not only is it a super place to raise kids with an abundance of beautiful parks, playgroups, cafes and the usual mama haunts, but there is a rich cultural/design/music scene right on our doorstep. It is these elements: exhibitions, designers, musicians, festivals, carnivals, pop-up shops, secret supper clubs, out door cinema, underground style bars and interesting people that keep me sane in this journey of motherhood. Just as the city has its own unique identity, so do I. Not one that is defined by the existence of my child, but by me. He is my love, my heart, my soul but I am more. 

To celebrate the city, I recently purchased this print by Bristol based designers, Never Know Defeat. The illustration captures the city's iconic landmarks and personality beautifully, allowing me to take a piece of Bristol with me wherever I go. 

DAMN STRAIGHT

FRIDAY?

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Has was your week? Long/tiring/stressful/ok/fun/just the same as every other week? – Delete as appropriate. Mine was pretty much all of the above, but hey it's Friday and the weekend is set to be a scorcher. So go let your hair down, dance in the sun, belly laugh until your face hurts, smile at strangers, raise a glass or hang with friends. Do something.

Anything.

It's the frickin weekend.

IT'S FINALLY FRIDAY

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 As the husband cruises at 35,000ft somewhere over Denmark, I can feel a sigh of relief start to escape me as my solo stint comes to an end (at least until Monday). This week has been long, with F deciding to ditch his daytime naps and me on constant potty watch, I feel knackered. Oh and not to mention F's heart stopping head dive down a flight of stairs, which has probably caused a dozen grey hairs to sprout. So tomorrow night I'm handing over the child, putting on some heels and heading to Bravas.

If anyone needs me I'll be in the corner, attached to a Mojito.