Jovial Monk

It's a family legend - the day my dad met my mum's parents for the first time. It was Christmas, 1979, and my dad had proposed after just a few weeks dating. Obviously being a bit nervous my dad didn't turn down the offer of a drink. He was disappointed when he was given a sherry glass full of something bright yellow and sweet but didn't want to look rude by turning it down.

At this point it should be noted that my dad is a big bloke, 6 foot 5, rugby player, great drinker. It should also be noted that my mum's side of the family enjoy a drink a little more than most.

6 little glasses later and dad was unconscious on the sofa. He missed the beautiful lunch my grandma had produced and later rolled into the fire and set fire to his jumper.

On to the main point, the potent tipple. Known in our family as a 'Jovial Monk', made in large quantities and kept in a decanter on the bar (yes, my grandmother's house had a bar!) throughout December. It's as easy as this - 2 parts gin (preferably Gordon's), 1 part dry vermouth, 1 part apricot brandy. Serve at room temperature in SMALL glasses and sip!

Beret Good!

Shopping for a hat is always tricky, and since I learnt to knit and crochet it seems a bit pointless. Why spend £20 on something I can make out of scrap wool for free in an afternoon?

Roast Dinner

I decided to make a roast today to commemorate my last Sunday as a 'single' woman. It was pretty AMAZING to tell the truth! Although there's a bit to clear up.

Bridesmaids Dresses

Debenhams Bridesmaid Dress - From £25

Getting the look and the colours you want for your wedding is easy peasy - as long as you have money to burn. For my bridesmaids I had a clear image of how I wanted them to look. Four little girls (two aged 4 ish and two aged 8 ish) wearing ivory dresses with a purple empire line bow. There are some gorgeous ones available in 'occasionwear' shops and bridal boutiques, but at around £90 a dress I thought it was a bit much.
In the end I settled for a plain ivory dress from Debenhams (by Tigerlily) for around £25 each and decided to do a bit of work on them myself.

Pre-emptive strike

Technically, I'm not Mrs Bunn the baker. I am a baker (not by trade, just by hobby) but until Sunday week I am not Mrs Bunn.
Everyone says the countdown to the wedding goes super fast, but for me it's taking ages! I just want to wear my beautiful dress, have everyone say how pretty I am, then go on honeymoon. Not too much to ask is it?
The one thing I am really not looking forward to is my signature. Have you ever tried writing 'Bunn' quickly? It comes out 'Bum' so my signature is 'A Bum'. Like a hobo. A tramp. A Bum.
Oh well, onto happier thoughts! What's this blog all about for starters? Well, I have gone from single lass about town to step-mum and (nearly) wife in just under a year. So this blog is to let everyone know how I'm getting on, and hopefully help other people adjust in similar situations.
I'll be including recipes, housework tips, fashion (haha!) and all sorts. For now though, I'm going to drink my wine and eat my chocolate, and chill out with my family.
Peace.
Ali Hunter (soon to be Bunn). xxx