With so many scary and tragic events going on in recents weeks, it didn't seem appropriate to put any posts out there. My heart goes out to all involved and while it all makes you feel so helpless, at the same time it is comforting to see there are so many good people out there willing to help in any way they can.

It makes me think, what's the point in all this? Will it actually help someone or is it just for my satisfaction? Then I hear about another young lady being diagnosed with cervical cancer and I get back on with the challenge I have put into place. 

Sometimes it feels like so little time and so much to do, but I'm enjoying the pressure. Weird but I think I'm not alone when I say that's when a lot of us work the best. With the weekend well and truly upon me I have put on hold preparations for a boot sale tomorrow and instead I am giving time to my blog - my new baby 😊.

At the moment I am having a little catch up with photos as I didn't post them at the time of making them. Work towards my challenge is going on behind the scenes and the charity link should be up and running a week from now.

For a good distraction I've been working on a few puddings. I know a lot of you out there have been doing some of these puddings for years, so you'll just have to bear with me whilst I catch up! I've also got some updates on other challenges so I'll go through those first.

Challenge No 2. Running 50K.

Running app now on my phone now and I've just finished week 2 . I would be lying if it said it wasn't hard. Some sessions made me feel like I'd never run before and even though I'm glad it's only half hour sessions it does feel gone to be out there again pounding the streets. 

Challenge No 3. Weight loss.

Not great but I'll know exactly how I'm getting on  when I jump on the scales in The Ashley Centre next weekend.

Challenge No 13. 50 press ups for 50 days.  

Well this couldn't be any worse. I though I'd would start this now so I have time to perfect the style of them.  Not great can just about do on one.  Had a lots of help form Dave and Antony on this as well as some of my work colleagues showing me how they do it.  After collapsing back on the ground after my one press up I'm going to give it a miss for a few days so I don't get too disheartened.  

Challenge No 6. 50 classics books.  

Just started my second book, "To kill a mockingbird bird". So far so good, I'm just going to have to work out the best times to get stuck into it.

That's it for those updates, now for some puddings!

No. 5 Eton Mess.

This one was unplanned. I was making another pavlova for our youngest, as he didn't get any of last weeks pudding. Trouble is, something went wrong after I put the sugar in. Actually no maybe that bit was ok, it was the vanilla essence... didn't measure it 😞.

I paid the price, one flat meringue to go in the oven. A quick change of plan and it became Eton mess, even though I've never made it before. Very simple of course and calorific but saved putting meringue in bin and it's another one ticked off!

No. 4 Mixed fruit pavlova.

At last I can make a pavlova! I can see why it's popular up at family parties. Once you get that meringue right, the rest is easy and it looks fab once that fruit is on. My friends have been telling me this for years but I didn't believe them. It's not perfect but it can only get better from here on in.

No. 3 Five layer chocolate cake.

First time I've made a layered cake and probably using Anthony's 21st wasn't the best of times to try it out but it wasn't his only cake he had that week to blow candles out on so didn't feel the pressure.

It tasted great, just didn't leave long enough for the outside to set.

No. 2 Tarte au citron.

Had a bit a struggle with pastry both making it and leaving it in the oven so long 😳, so you will have to excuse the look. But it is another one of my 50 desserts and all needs to be documented or I'll never get through this list.

Plus it went well with the fish dish did, roasted sea bass. That meal was just David and I, so no harm done. I'll post the fish 🐟 dishes on a future post.

No. 1 Lemon meringue.

This was my first atempt on meringue back in February. Looks a bit flat - in fact it's very flat. But like my mum has said more than once - all beginings are weak 💕💕.

Until next time.

Take care all xxx