I had a very busy and most enjoyable weekend.  I spent time with family and friends, appreciated the sunshine and managed to eat some delicious and nutritious food.

I made a divine apricot and banana smoothie.The apricots were a bit beyond their best but I just cut off the mouldy bits, washed them and used the good bits.Blended with frozen banana.The texture was soft and super smooth with a delicate flavour.  I added walnuts and coconut for healthy fats and texture.

I want to eat this again!

Lara came home for the weekend and we began by having supper with my Dad and Step-Mother on Friday evening.  On Saturday we went to Hastings.  We had a simple lunch in the pavilion in Alexandra Park and then strolled through the park and the town centre and on to the pier, which I have not been on before.

The end of the pier seemed very peaceful and we enjoyed looking at the remains of the original pier and listening to the sea lapping beneath the pier structure.

The pier has been a bit controversial because there is not much on it but I liked the sense of space and the fact it is a versatile space.  They can set up a cinema or concert venue here.  We gave the pier a big thumbs up.

I was intending to have a quiet nigh in on Saturday but my fab neighbours invited me over for supper and what a supper we had.  Lucy made me a delicious vegetable paella which I enjoyed very much with sweet potato chips, salad and ratatouille, followed by fruit and crackers.  And far too much gin, prossecco and wine!

Sorry Chris but this photo made me laugh so I had to include it .It was a wonderful evening.  Thank you very much Marion and Colin for being such wonderful hosts and to all my dear neighbours; I could never have such lovely neighbours anywhere else.

I was a bit jaded on Sunday morning but several cups of tea, a long lie in and a banana made me feel nearly normal again.

I sit next to a lovely lady at work called Maya and she brings in tasty home made treats for us to share sometimes.  This week she gave me 2 boxes of home made spices;  this one smells earthy and citrusy and I couldn’t wait to use it.  I know it has cumin and coriander in it but I can’t remember what else.

I chopped up some potatoes in to chunky chip shapes.  I put some oil, a heaped tbsp of this spice mix and 1 tsp salt in with the oil and then added the potatoes, mixing to coat with the oil and spice.  I baked the potatoes for 35 minutes in a hot oven, turning half way through.

They were amazing !

Enjoyed with a huge salad made with a base of rocket and little gem lettuces, then cucumber, celery and tomatoes and topped with griddled peppers, spring onions and red peppers and garnished with pistachio nuts.

‘Follow Your Heart’ make a fab range of vegan salad dressings and I had the Caesar dressing on this salad and it was very good.It was such a hot day we ate outside, under the shade of the apple tree.

We all enjoyed that lunch.

After lunch, Annette picked up me and Harvey and we went to a beautiful house and garden, which was open to the public in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice.  It was a 14th Century Wealden house.

The gardens were delightful.

There were lots of interesting sections such as a large pond, a vegetable garden and areas left more wild.

I particularly liked this natural shelter.

Just look at the size of that oak!

There were tea tables set out in the pretty gardens and lots of cakes which I didn’t have but I was very pleased they had soya milk so I didn’t have to have black tea.

I may have resisted the cakes but I didn’t manage to resist these crisps and houmous, which I shared with Lara when I got home – oops!

Supper was a very simple baked sweet potato, vegan cheez with cauliflower steaks, which I seasoned in du’ca’ and baked in the oven.

I did enjoy my weekend; I hope you enjoyed yours too.