One of the things I am loving about the construction of The Kitchen is the social aspect. True there are days when Mr Filled With Love is working away with only Radio 2 for company, but on many other occasions help is at hand as family and friends remove rawlpugs and fill holes, rub down woodwork and whitewash walls, prep and paint in readiness for The Big Move.
This week was all about girlpower as some of my very best friends turned up to don overalls and raise their rollers in one hand with a coffee cup (of pink wine…) in the other. A caption competition on Facebook produced some very interesting answers but the winner is surely “Who ya gonna call? Cake busters!” so congratulations Karen Taylor!
While Mr FWL has been busy at 198 Watford Road I’ve had just the most exciting time on Facebook (memo to self – Need.To.Get.Out.More)
I was asked to make a teapot cake. Something I had never attempted before and which frankly scared me. However I took it slowly and step by step and was delighted with the result. Over 100 likes on my page alone (and many many more where it was shared) led me to think others agreed!
This week also involved a LOT of cupcakes, a vegan chocolate fudge cake and more modelling than I have ever known – think ladybirds, bumblebees, frogs and butterflies, wands and flowers, sofas, garden benches, playstation controllers and tiaras… I can’t post pictures of my work so instead will give the space and the praise to Mr FWL who has worked his Marks and Spencer socks off with plasterboard, 4″ x 2″, brackets, screws and the Screwfix catalogue. I am actually thrilled that over the 33 years of our marriage he hoarded so many DIY materials – they have saved us money and the shed must have enough room in it now for at least sixteen bikes or deckchairs!
So this is what he’s been up to…
Now the REALLY exciting news! Another painting party this weekend with paper cups of pink wine – or tea for those who prefer something stronger!
On Monday the worktops will be delivered – and a last minute change of heart means they will match the ones in the Bake Off tent!
The floor to ceiling commercial fridge and freezer will also be delivered on Monday, and on Tuesday – the oven!
I still have to order a hob – or two. Thinking induction so any recommendations welcome (Neff? Stoves? Belling?) And we need to lay a floor in the front of the shop, fit out the wash up and display areas, put shelves in the storeroom and storage under the worktops. The toilet needs a new floor, decorating, and a bit of sorting out when it comes to hot water and the hand drier. The cleaning cupboard – well it needs a good clean before it can store the cleaning equipment!
And the front of the shop needs new signage – Dave is discussing that with our prospective web designer tomorrow.
It wont be too long before I can begin moving the myriad of boxes from the front room, back bedroom and top floor spare room into The Kitchen. I’ll then begin baking orders from the new premises, and getting ready for Christmas! Before too long we’ll be opening early for coffee – for those of you coming from this side of Croxley to the Station and commuting into London.
We have lots of ideas – and dozens of suggestions – as to what else we can do with the space. One big request seems to be for a full blown bakery, so perhaps we need to think about this! Lots of requests for coffee mornings, cake decorating courses and even a book club! We’re listening and open to ideas so please keep them coming. I really can’t see me doing bacon sarnies though, sorry (lifelong vegetarian!) and if you are looking for a lunchtime sandwich or panini there are already some great cafes in Croxley doing these.
Thanks everyone for your support and looking forward to meeting you all soon x