Day 2. A mother daughter weekend: Cuckmere Haven, picnicking, & more wine

After a relaxed breakfast in the garden we decided to head out for the day to Cuckmere Haven in the Seven Sisters Country Park. We made ourselves a picnic and jumped in the car. We enjoyed the drive down through the rolling hills of the Downs with the fresh air cooling us, (and blowing our hair about) as we were fortunate enough to be able to have the roof off. When we got there we fairly briskly walked along the path, not failing to admire the meanders on the way, and towards the beach where we were eager to enjoy our picnic.

Many other people had the same idea and the beach was busy with happy families and tourists enjoying the unfamiliar sun. Hungry at this point, we devoured our picnic whilst doing a little people watching.

Melon and grapes; the perfect combination which never fails to transport me to the feeling of a sunny holiday in France.

And cherries, since they're currently in season!

Having rested for a while longer on the beach we cooled down by paddling in the sea.

We admired the famous White Cliffs; I found myself feeling very lucky for being situated in a very fine part of the country with such places nearby. It's always satisfying when you can travel only a short distance and admire what's on your doorstep without all the cost and stress associated with going away!

Smiles all around it was finally time to head back through the meanders on our way back to the car and then home.

After a cup of tea in the garden we had a leisurely dinner. We enjoyed one of my favourite simple summer salads: Chicken, cucumber, and mango & fruit chutney dressing with almonds

And it was accompanied by the obligatory wine. It was hot so naturally we had to keep drinking to ensure we stayed hydrated...

And that was the end to the first of our girlie weekends, to be followed by just as an enjoyable one the following weekend.



What have you been getting up to in order to enjoy this weather?

Have you got any favourite destinations for day trips that are just on your doorstep?

A mother daughter weekend: Sun, Al fresco dining, & (a little) wine

The weekend just gone saw my return down south- and what a sunny home greeted me! Dad had just flown out to China for business, someone was obviously keen to get to the other side of the world! Not really, he had come and driven all the way to York and back to pick me up, before dashing away. So we were left just the two girls. A much needed girlie weekend was in order. And that's just what we had, lots of wonderful food, giggles, incessant chatting, and a glass of wine or two.

Mum and I both love similar food, and after heading to the supermarket and really being that annoying child, i.e picking up everything, (which I can't afford when living as a student and normally just gaze longingly at), we had picked up enough fruit and veg to seriously overdose on the stuff.

So, naturally, having considered what to have for dinner, what we decided on was nothing short of a feast.

What we came up with was perfect for the summer's evening; we dipped into our mezze platter as we spoke for hours. 

We enjoyed some fresh bread, cured meats, peppers, olives, and pea & mint salad (a recipe post of which will follow.)

When it became dark it was finally time to come in after what had been a wonderful evening back at home. It was time for bed in anticipation for the day to follow.