Saturday jaunt to Windsor

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to this weekend. It was the light at the end of a very long tunnel and I had some really nice plans. 

On Saturday I went to see one of my best friends from home, Katy and her gorgeous little girl Tilly (short for Matilda - swoon!) We'd planned a girly day of lunch and mooching round some shops in Windsor and it couldn't have come at a better time. 

I'm not sure what it is about seeing my friends from home but there is a definite sense of calm that comes over me when I'm with them. Yes everyone knows that London life is fast paced blah, blah but I just can't describe it. I guess if I had to try it's like putting on a cosy pair of slippers, it's just right.  

Katy and I have known each other for well over a decade and when we first met we were very much chalk and cheese, but as I got older I realised how much more alike we were. She's unlike any other friend I have and has been a massive inspiration to me - so as you can imagine, I love our girly get togethers and whittling away the hours gossiping and shopping. 

Anyway, I digress but you get the idea that I was REALLY looking forward to this. We met in Windsor because it's pretty much half way between us and settled in for a coffee to give our much needed catch up the true attention it deserved before heading out for a wonder. 

I hadn't seen Tilly in a few months and it is crazy how quickly babies start to develop their own personalities, she was fab! Laughing, clapping and smiling the whole time and I even got some practise at pushing the pram - it's not as easy as all these mums make out!

Needless to say all that pram pushing and baby holding meant we worked up a pretty good appetite so headed to Carluccio's for some lunch. It was just what the doctor ordered and Katy and I quickly settled into our old habits of ordering two starters each and a dessert to share. 

Katy opted for Bruschetta and a delicious looking Mozzarella and Tomato salad. It never ceases to amaze me how simple food always looks the most appetising…

While I ordered a mini trio of Bruschetta of caramelised onion and goats cheese, tomato and rocket and chicken pate with capers (would never have thought of this but definitely an upgrade to the usual pate on toast!) and some Arancini balls - one pesto and one meat ragu. 

And of course Tilly smiled for the camera and ate a delicious mix of sweet potato for dinner and apple puree for desert. 

It all had so much flavour and just the right amount of filling which then meant we could tuck into this delicious, mouthwateringly tasty, rich and luxurious (have I given it enough adjectives yet?) hot chocolate pudding made with almonds and Kahlua. 

It was a total indulgence and the perfect treat after a week of exceptionally early mornings and late nights.

As for the rest of this weekend, I'm treating myself to an afternoon in front of the TV. Cheers to the freakin' weekend…