A weekend of family, friends and food

It's been a really busy weekend, but enjoyable. At times, a little stressy trying to get everything done in time, getting Emily where she needs to be, when she needs to be there (teenagers - no sense of urgency!!), getting Edward to do his homework, not to mention all the housework that really needed doing, but we got there in the end.

Saturday evening we had three friends round for dinner. Mark cooked a lovely meal - pork fillet in a port and redcurrant sauce with dauphinois potatoes - yum!!! It was really delicious. Our friends are off to New Zealand soon for three weeks and we won't see them for a while. Am very envious of them and hope they have a fab time.

Today was about family. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew and niece came for lunch, and for my brother-in-law to work his magic on Emily's computer which is slower than slow! He has managed to really sort it out and now it is responding so much quicker. I cooked today - Neapolitan meatballs in a tomato sauce (from Gino D'Acampo's book Buonisimo - I recommend them as a good family meal - if Edward eats them, they must be OK!!).

I made a double batch of cupcakes in anticipation of them coming, and used my new sprinkles and some new colours. The lime green ones are a bit jazzy, but still delicious.

I think the mauve ones look very classy - love the chocolate brown stars.

I think I may have to invest in a new icing set. The one I'm using is a plastic one that I have had for years (from Bettaware I think), but it is starting to crack. I've seen a metal one on Lakelands, so I may have to treat myself - or drop big hints for Mothering Sunday!!

Am feeling pooped now after such a busy weekend, so maybe it's time for a cupcake and a sit down - need to be chilled before another busy week at work - but it's half term the week after - 5 more get-ups!

Have a good week everyone.

M x