The day I met the Queen

When I started at Admiral Lord Nelson school in 1997, there were already two years above us but they had been in another building. So when I started in September 1997 we were the first pupils to step inside the brand new building and also the first year to go from year 7 to 11 in that building.

To celebrate the brand new school opening The Queen was invited to open the new building.

Students were selected to welcome her with flags and dotted around various classrooms. I was picked to be in the IT suite and was told to work on a new project.

We were told that when the Queen came in we were to carry on with our work and not turn around. Try telling a bunch of 11-13 year olds not to turn around and look at the Queen though. You can probably guess what happened when she came in, we all turned around to catch a glimpse of the woman on coins, cash and stamps.

It was surreal and passed in a bit of blur, I remember she was short but looked regal, strangely enough.

I did get to talk to her people though, who came and asked about my work.

It was one of those moments I will never forget and as it is the jubilee today I thought it was quite fitting to write about when I (kind of) met the Queen.

Land of hope and glamour - Diamond jubilee macaroons

Now I have said it before and I will say it again. I love the Royal Family, so as the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee I thought I would share with you a little treat.

In M&S the other week I stumbled across some macaroons. 

I knew instantly I had to buy them, after my recent trip to Paris I have become slightly obsessed with the sugary treats.

Also they had crowns on and were metallic!

The flavours come in salted caramel, dark chocolate and praline.

I have never had salted caramel before so was keen to give them a try. It is very similar to the praline flavour, so my quest to try salted caramel continues.

They were really delicious, they were of the same almond consistency of the ones I tried in Paris and were just little delights. However, I will admit the ones in Paris were better but than you can't compete with a patisserie really.

All three were delicious, especially the dark chocolate flavour.

They were about £4 for six, so not exactly cheap but still for a jubilee treat worth the money.

I think if you haven't tried macaroons before you are probably better getting more normal flavours, M&S also do 24 macaroons for £10 (http://www.marksandspencer.com/Marks-and-Spencer-Mini-Macaroons/dp/B005OT5I18) in vanilla, raspberry and chocolate. Whereas these ones are probably more of an acquired taste.

So if you want to add a little glamour to your Jubilee party give these a whirl.