Betty Flo got married

Well ladies....friends. Thank you thank you thank you, each and every one for leaving such heart felt comments. It made me realise I had definitely done the right thing in sharing our news. Hubby and I have read them over and over again as it really warms my heart.

I didn't mean for it to be so long between posts but we have all had a horrible bug which found me in hospital overnight as so dehydrated. Hubby then got it, then Mum and it was a nasty one. I had to stay away from hubby for a few days while he mended but we are all good now. It seems most of our town had it too. But we had a very positive experience in hospital and met the most wonderful consultant who I have been waiting and longing to meet which has given me a new found confidence for our forthcoming arrival.

I just wanted to share some photos of Betty Flo's first wedding. We had a wedding list at the gallery a few weeks back and as the lovely couple are surfers I thought they might like to use Betty Flo as the wedding car. Along with a beautiful white VW beetle it made quite a lovely convoy. Since then I have had 2 requests to use her next year so we shall see.

This Saturday she is coming out of storage again as we have a Victorian themed event in town with a Christmassy feel too.You may remember we have it every year in Beaumaris where the town dresses up in Victorian costume, there are processions, choirs, punch and judy, craft fairs, an antique fair, fairground rides, apple bobbing, snow machines and much more. This year we are doing face painting in Betty Flo parked up outside the gallery.....could be fun. I will try to remember to take photos. If you are over our way its definitely worth a visit. We serve mulled wine and stollen all day, its a lovely way to get in the mood for Christmas. If you're not already.

I have a freshly baked carrot cake waiting to be eaten that is pulling me away, and I have to leave some things to say in my next anyway. I swear by this recipe, tried and tested many times. Its so big though that I have to do the rounds to neighbours and friends with a slice while it is fresh and at its best. It's from the wonderful Falling Cloudberries book and everyone LOVES it.

Carrot Cake recipe:

4 eggs, lightly beaten

250g caster sugar

185ml sunflower oil

300g plain flour

3/4 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

400g carrots, peeled and grated

55g chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting:

180g butter, softened

250g icing sugar

180g cream cheese

3 drops vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 180oC/350oF/Gas4. Grease and flour a 24 cm springform tin or bundt pan. Whisk eggs and sugar until creamy, then whisk in the oil. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon. Add this to the eggs and whisk. Add the carrots and walnuts and mix together. Scrape into tin and bake for an hour.

Once the cake has cooled; For the icing whip the butter and icing sugar together until its stiff. Beat in the cream cheese and vanilla. Spread over the cake. And decorate with walnut halves.

Its the best I have ever tasted. I could happily sink my head into the bowl of topping its so good.

What a pretty sight, hope all is well with you lovely lot, I am also about to plan our Christmas windows to do tomorrow so bye for now.

bumpity bump

Well Hello all, or anyone at all?....who knows if anyone still checks into this space anymore.

I wouldn't blame you one little bit. Bloggers are no fun when they're not consistent are they? Well I don't know, it lifts my heart when I suddenly find someone has blogged again after a long absence and I understand that lives have to be lived, people have a LOT going on. I saw a good friend yesterday who reminded me I'd not blogged since June and I had a long think about and decided its about time I share (thanks Ali x)

Well, to explain my long absence, I have been looking after and nurturing a very large belly filled with a very wriggly and blooming baby. Yes, I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and due to give us all a wonderful Christmas present this year.

I have been frightened to write it here for so many reasons but I have come to the conclusion that it is something to rejoice in, celebrate and share with people who I know care a great deal and can send us as many well wishes and thoughts and prayers.

I kept it quiet from as many people as possible until it was so obvious that I hadn't just been indulging on cake and fish and chips all Summer.

The gallery fortunately just goes from strength to strength and was incredibly busy this Summer keeping me focused and occupied. I have one final commission to do pre baby and am starting to wind down.

Its been a rollercoaster of emotions and a long long pregnancy but I can see the end in sight. Fear is my main enemy and positivity the one I need to be best friends with.

We have been looked after and have a plan and I am as confident as any woman can be that I will be holding my beautiful baby by Christmas Day.

It is quite poignant that my due date is exactly 1 year and 9 months after the birth of our little girl last year. We have brought that date forward slightly but still, it seems quite fated to me.

I need and want to celebrate every single kick I get and every last day I have until they arrive.

So for now that's all I feel I can say, I've come out of hiding and feel good about it.

I am just about to go and move Betty Flo (our camper van) to a good spot overlooking the sea where the firework display will take place this evening. We are going to bring flasks of hot chocolate and mulled wine down there so if you happen to be in the vicinity do come and say hello. We can offer you a warm drink. x

Thanks for listening, if you are still there, do leave a comment, just so I know it's worth me popping back.xxx