Helen McGinn So, Half Term. I’ve loved not having to wake up to an alarm when it’s still dark outside. Eating breakfast in our pyjamas (which may or may not have been chocolate brownies one particular morning – please don’t look at me like that) has been a joy. We’ve caught up with old mates, walked the dogs, played football (actually I was mostly on Instagram whilst the Boys played football). It’s been great – but all too brief. I feel like we’ve only just caught our breath before we’re plunged back into The Run Up To Easter. In school terms, it’s almost as busy as The Run Up To Christmas. Except with more chocolate. Every cloud, as they say.
Current sparkling in the fridge: The Rhona Rose
Price: £13 - Buy From M&S
Because sparkling rose is not just for Valentine’s Day. Especially when it’s this good. Served up to friends recently, someone asked what champagne it was. Yes, it’s that good. Made from a blend of the three classic champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – it’s also made in the same way with bubbles created thanks to a second fermentation happening in the bottle. If you like this one, seek out other wines from South Africa with the words Methode Cap Classique on the label. The best are great value.
Current red in the rack: Gerard Bertrand Minervois
Price: £7.49 - Buy From Waitrose
The maker of this wine is a tall, extremely handsome ex-international rugby player. Not that this means anything when it comes to the wine. It’s just nice to know. Anyway, this is his take on Minervois, a wine made in the south of France in the Languedoc Roussillon wine region. Made from a typical Minervois cocktail of grapes including Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, it’s smooth, smoky and supple. As I said, nothing to do with its maker. Normally £9.99, it’s a steal on offer.
I have it even more luxurious – a week off with the dad and boy off skiing. Actually, it’s pretty quiet around here and I have to get up to let the dog out, but it’s SO nice not to be having to think about evening meals etc. I can just have a glass of wine and a cracker or two.
Bliss! Hope you had a lovely, restful time…
I just read this while drinking coffee in bed at 8.37. Decadent! God knows what the children are doing but so far not a creature is stirring. Love half term. See you v soon. X
Annnnd it’s Monday morning already. That went too quickly x
At a lunch with Gerard Bertrand recently. He’s a stickler for attention to detail- really impressed by his wines ( which had nothing to do with his tall, rangy, tousle haired, French rugby player looks!) Honest.
Isn’t he good? Lovely wines.
Home next month…I think i may bathe in those M&S bubbles, hic!
Ah, hooray! Lovely time to pop back.
Oooh I missed the make over – loving the new look
Glad you like, Mrs!