The American Diner

We were in Kent this weekend and we've always wanted to try The American Diner at Bybrook Barn. We were up nice and early on Saturday, so we went for Breakfast. Man, this place is the business. It was built in Elisabeth, New Jersey and then shipped to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where it was located on the River Road, along the bank of the Susquehanna River. It stayed there for 49 years.

The Diner is classic art deco design with round corners and curved surfaces.  The stools, the rang hood,  the tile walls, floor and blue stained glass roof are all original. I love the Seating Booths, the Juke Boxes on each table and the Open Pepsi Neon sign. The service is nice and friendly too.

So, for breakfast I had a Banana Pancake and my Husband had Hash Browns, Eggs and Bacon. Yum and Yum! I absolutely adore Pancakes and this one was so very very good! I loved that you watched your Breakfast being made.

Ok, so I am loving the decor, the menu and just the whole vibe of the place, so when it came to lunchtime on Sunday, this was the only option, so we headed back. And we were not disappointed! Cheese and Bacon Burgers for us both and boy they were yummy!

Our tummies might have been full, but I just had to have another Banana Pancake which we shared. Pancakes really are the things of dreams. I think this place is the place for Breakfast when we are in Kent!

May Happy Things

Outdoors Time with Sunshine and Daisies

Making stuff supplies in bright happy colours

Pretty colours 

Big blue beautiful Norfolk Skies

A new friend for my craft desk

Possible the last Ranunculus until year

Fabric Owl Brooch from Hometown in Rochester

Baking Goodness - Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes!

Craft shopping in my favourite craft shop in Norfolk

Beach time in the sunshine with Swimming

Late Night Coffee Dates with my Husband

Iris

Autumn Tryst

I love the elegance of Irises. There's a wonderful Iris Nursery, Seagate Iris on the edge of Norfolk, over the border in Lincolnshire, that have the best selection. It's truly stunning. They have over a 1000 varieties, but my first love is the Tall Bearded Iris, especially the Purple, Mauve and Lilac ones. They also have display beds which are completely wonderful. Along with Peonies and Roses, I am getting quite a collection!

Olympiad

Jeunesse

Exotic Isle

Lazy Norwich Mornings

Ok, the Coffee is so very good at The Briton Arms, we just had to go back. The sky was the deepest blue and the garden was a complete sun trap. There were lovely green and white polka dot table cloths and this time we shared it with my Sister. Not only do they great Coffee but there Apple Juice is amazing too. We had such a relaxing time, completely lovely.

We then headed to The Jade Tree. This shop is full of lovely items all made locally in Norfolk. There were so many beautiful things and my Husband treated me to a lovely brooch by Lizzie Searle. Swoon!

We then pottered up towards Bank Plain, checking out the Elm Hill Brasserie Menu on the way and making a mental note to go there soon as the food sounds amazing! We just meandered around London Street and The Lanes. We really did just mooch around, no agenda, just enjoying the street music, bustle of people and the sunshine. It really was a proper lazy Norwich morning.

Eurotastic

Now it might be deemed awful and many people roll their eyes when you mention it but I just quite simply adore Eurovision! On Saturday we hosted our annual Eurovision party. We always have the European Food challenge where everyone brings as many different things from as many different Countries as possible. This year we went one better than last year with 17 Countries in total present on the dining room table. We always end up with doubling up of Countries, but it is always fun seeing what people have brought and how inventive we can be - some of the links can be very tenuous! It was all very yummy!

We had scorecards and Terry Wogan bunting (legend!). There was lots of shouting at the TV and giggling. I loved every second of it. One year I am going to have to see it live. But I expect that will have to be a plane flight as I can't ever see it coming to the UK. Love Eurovision! I can't wait until next year.

Over the Border

Sometimes we head over the border - all the way to Suffolk. We have been to Beccles quite as few times as it's a lovely market town and only about 30 minutes from home. It has some fabulous Antiques shops and a few rather delightful gift / home stores. It also has some great road names like Blyburgate and Puddingmoor.

Our main reason was to visit the new Vintage Mischief as mentioned on Bobo Bun's Blog. What a shop! They had so much to look at with lots of pretty bunting strung everywhere and an awesome map flooring upstairs. We'll definitely be back.

 They have a really good Haberdashery - endless walls of beautiful yarn. Although I was very good and just got the tailoring pencil that I needed. But there were many things I wanted!

As we wandered around the town we noticed a rather wonderfully patriotic window display. Look at the Crown Tea Cosy! Love. The Chickens ones are pretty cute too.

We finished our afternoon in the rather delightful Twyfords. We sat in the Garden - such a lovely lovely place. We both had Scones with Elderflower for me and Coffee Cooler for the Mr. The garden is planted with pretty silver Foliage and Purples. There's also a very cool water feature.Very peaceful. Plus it was one of the most yummy Scones I've ever eaten!


Love Beccles.

Outdoors

Today I got my wish of warm outdoors time. There were Friends, a Picnic, Tartan Blankets galore, Ice Cold Drinks (thank you Mr Thermos!), Swimming, Ice Lollies and lots and lots relaxation. It was just what I needed.

I particularly like Sea Palling, as it's a Blue Flag Beach. We spent the whole long hot day there and it was quite simply just perfect. We're so lucky to live so close to the Norfolk Coastline. Especially when it means you can turn your Sister and her Boyfriend into a Mermaid and Merman. They looked so pretty!

The Swimming Costume was well and truly cranked out for its first outing of 2012. I love Sea Swimming. Like, really love! I think it's one of my favourite things to do. I just feel so free bobbing around in the waves. To be fair it took a little while getting into the Sea, as it was a mean 10 degrees. I much prefer the sea temperature in September, but hey, I'll brave the cold for the thrill of the Sea!

I'm hoping for a long hot Summer with as many Sea Swims as possible. Here's hoping!