Finally, finally warm spring weather has arrived. It's come later this year and in fact at the beginning of the season, in March, snow brought the country to a standstill - and prevented me and my friend from getting to Wembley to see the Stereophonics which we were most upset about, but that'a a whole other story.

I think us Brits can be forgiven for getting a little over excited when we get get hot weather as we get such little of it, relatively speaking. I guess we appreciate it all the more because of that, and we know to make the most of it while it lasts as it's so fleeting in the UK.

Whoa, that was a bumpy sleigh ride this Christmas. May I pass on a little word of advice? Don't move home three weeks before Christmas. In fact, don't move at all in December. Especially not if you are hosting Christmas. Which is exactly what I did.

Lemons were the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of this series. They are one of my favourite ingredients, adding refreshing, bright, zesty flavour to such a wide range of dishes, both sweet and savoury. I love their fresh smell and sharp taste and most often use them just as they are, squeezed over lightly poached salmon fillets, rice dishes or salads. They will always very simply and easily liven up a dish.