tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89256591674100305062024-03-14T07:27:52.933+00:00Miss Gingers Afternoon TeaA blog about my life in Leeds, building a home, growing a garden and planning a wedding!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-61711646499181238362014-03-09T17:43:00.001+00:002014-03-09T17:43:47.192+00:00Wedding Plans<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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So i'm planning my wedding, on October 19th i'll no longer be Miss Gingers, but Mrs Gingers married to the lovely Mr Ward!<br />
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Wedding planning can be stressful to say the least, such a big day to plan, so when i am feeling the pressure i'm going to take 5 and look at all of the good stuff there is to think about...<br />
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Dresses, flowers, shoes etc etc etc<br />
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Ha ha! Here's a hint at my wedding style!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wedding_plans/set?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=96627797" target="_blank"><img alt="Wedding Plans" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/1fC2AQVXpoXqYopKQkEtw/cid/96627797/id/jr-rgLIX4xGLiyITj1-AEg/size/c600x598.jpg" force="1" height="598" title="Wedding Plans" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wedding_plans/set?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=96627797" target="_blank">Wedding Plans</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=80534051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vintage white dress</a></small><br />
<small>shopruche.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=50466412" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fancy wedding dress</a></small><br />
<small>etsy.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=86183232" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bettie Page white high heel pumps</a></small><br />
<small>heels.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=91398285" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bell'Invito Tortoise Shell Engraved Stationery ~ 5 x 7</a></small><br />
<small>nestdallas.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=65953051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flower arrangement</a></small><br />
<small>ahalife.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=75032933" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweet Kids Ivory Box Pleat Organza Girls Flower Girl Pageant Dress...</a></small><br />
<small>sophiasstyle.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=5033246&.svc=blogger&id=90899927" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Floral Clutch Orange/Blue</a></small><br />
<small>$31 - nofashionway.com</small><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-67870729364942023422014-01-31T21:09:00.001+00:002014-01-31T21:11:41.532+00:00Flower FridayHoorah, in the midst of all this wintery greyness my lovely fiancé has brought home this lovely bouquet to brighten up my day.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BReVD2MtNTI/UuwRCOF2SDI/AAAAAAAAAu8/kpkkE1wwW7Y/s640/blogger-image--556298824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BReVD2MtNTI/UuwRCOF2SDI/AAAAAAAAAu8/kpkkE1wwW7Y/s640/blogger-image--556298824.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>It's got some gorgeous roses and my favourite, brassicas which add a bit of toughness to a blowsy bouquet.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jbF8-L5Nw4U/UuwRDSD9y5I/AAAAAAAAAvE/_IKUZ1Dcr0U/s640/blogger-image-1371483366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jbF8-L5Nw4U/UuwRDSD9y5I/AAAAAAAAAvE/_IKUZ1Dcr0U/s640/blogger-image-1371483366.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They're gorgeous and the freesia and lisianthus make them smell gorgeous too, even through my bunged up nose!</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Delightful xxx</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0Lancashire (null)53.941025 -2.764546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-47931465325040113532013-09-20T12:30:00.000+01:002013-09-20T12:30:00.770+01:00Flower Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Autumn is definitely drawing in, it's storm like as I write this, however there are still some gorgeous bursts of colour in the garden.</div>
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Look at these cosmos, they are standing tall and shouting out with a bright pop of pink. They're so soft looking i'm surprised how tall they get, especially with the wind blowing the way it is today.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_ijBMAvZoY/UjWRFw8VacI/AAAAAAAAAsk/EcXK4LeQxA8/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_ijBMAvZoY/UjWRFw8VacI/AAAAAAAAAsk/EcXK4LeQxA8/s640/IMG_5922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk1oWIVGxAM/UjWQukUaiII/AAAAAAAAAsU/TzPJ7iiGlg4/s1600/IMG_5917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk1oWIVGxAM/UjWQukUaiII/AAAAAAAAAsU/TzPJ7iiGlg4/s640/IMG_5917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't confess to growing these myself, they were grown by the lovely Liz Ward, but when I get my own garden again they will be in there! There are some orangey coloured seeds, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="productClass" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cosmos sulphureus 'Polidor', </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">available at </span><a href="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/cosmos-seeds" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Thompson and Morgan</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">, I'm adding these to my basket! </span></span></h1>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIqhp4zaI9A/UjWQziVzh3I/AAAAAAAAAsc/zduoeqER98Y/s1600/IMG_5919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIqhp4zaI9A/UjWQziVzh3I/AAAAAAAAAsc/zduoeqER98Y/s640/IMG_5919.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Also when I took these photos last weekend I discovered this plant is also home for a creepy crawly or two, can you see this little spider hiding behind the petals?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xFxM9zveUk/UjWRbmsL_kI/AAAAAAAAAs0/apZ_Pmbj-O8/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xFxM9zveUk/UjWRbmsL_kI/AAAAAAAAAs0/apZ_Pmbj-O8/s640/IMG_5924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the way a spider web looks with a hint of moisture and the sun glinting through the silk. I think there will be more spider web photo's to come, it's almost halloween after all! </div>
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xx</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0Scorton, Lancashire PR3, UK53.934879 -2.762054000000034649.145385000000005 -13.089202500000034 58.724373 7.5650944999999652tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-36961817715410630082013-09-15T13:46:00.002+01:002013-09-15T13:46:27.667+01:00Autumnal Plum Crumble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As it's getting a bit colder i'm looking forward to doing a bit more baking. It's been a while and i love baking but slaving over a hot stove in the depths of summer isn't for me, I'd much rather be out there basking in the sun I'm afraid!</div>
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Living in the countryside has brought seasonal eats to the forefront as I was presented with a bumper crop of petite plums, yum! But what to do with them? First up plum crumble, dare I say a winter warmer!</div>
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What you need for the filling;<br />
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<li>Plums - about 12 -15 shop size plums, but you can see the basket full of plums I used, these are about an inch and a half long.</li>
<li>Juice of 1/2 a lemon</li>
<li>Caster sugar 160g</li>
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What you need for the crumble;</div>
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<li>Butter - 125g - cubed and cold</li>
<li>Flour - 175g</li>
<li>Caster Sugar - 50g</li>
<li>Brown/Muscovado Sugar - 50g</li>
<li>Zest of 1 Lemon</li>
<li>Nuts/Oats - 100g - what ever takes your fancy</li>
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How to make it:</div>
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<li>Grease your dish with butter</li>
<li>Slice up your plums and throw them in - no prettiness required</li>
<li>Pour over your lemon juice</li>
<li>Pour over your sugar</li>
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Filling sorted - easy - now for the crumble;</div>
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<ul>
<li>Put your flour, sugars and butter in a bowl and pinch it together with your fingers until you get a texture like bread crumbs</li>
<li>Add in your lemon zest</li>
<li>Add in any oats or nuts you want, i used large porridge oats and ground almonds</li>
<li>Pour on top of your fruit </li>
<li>Add any more nuts - I used hazelnuts for a decoration and they were delicious (Mr Ward said hte best bits)</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a masterpiece?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Now stick it in the oven for 45mins, until the topping has started to brown and your juicy plums are oozing out from the edges</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oozy Fruit Goodness</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfbj-wyP62c/UjWfyvOQ3sI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HHwIlrvaG6U/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfbj-wyP62c/UjWfyvOQ3sI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HHwIlrvaG6U/s640/IMG_6052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Now stick it in a bowl, smother with custard and dig in!!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IGN0qANlD8/UjWfndtEaEI/AAAAAAAAAuU/gFsKfsMPuc4/s1600/IMG_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IGN0qANlD8/UjWfndtEaEI/AAAAAAAAAuU/gFsKfsMPuc4/s640/IMG_6049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_3TqfQy3Ag/UjWfwIjg4sI/AAAAAAAAAuc/QLsNjJAHnXs/s1600/IMG_6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_3TqfQy3Ag/UjWfwIjg4sI/AAAAAAAAAuc/QLsNjJAHnXs/s640/IMG_6051.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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If you have too much fruit you can make lots of crumble and pop it in the freezer before you bake itm then you've got a delicious pud just an hour away. Any fruit works in a crumble too and you can mix and match.</div>
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Now what to do with the rest of the plums? Jam or chutney perhaps??</div>
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xx</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0Scorton, Lancashire PR3, UK53.934879 -2.762054000000034653.934879 -2.7620540000000346 53.934879 -2.7620540000000346tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-40467383521834715482013-08-31T14:25:00.001+01:002013-08-31T14:25:13.887+01:00Leeds Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So last weekend me and Mr Ward moved away from Leeds to Lancashire with a plan to save some money.</div>
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I'm not missing Leeds yet because I've been there at work all week, but when I do start to feel homesick it will definitely be for these places, where we have spent many a weekend eating and drinking with friends;</div>
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First up the best place to spend a Saturday afternoon, that doesn't include shopping or football; <a href="http://www.friendsofham.com/" target="_blank">Friends of Ham</a></div>
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Beer, Cheese, Ham and Scotch Eggs equals a good time in my book! The food, drink and atmosphere are all great in this small basement and it's so easy to spend the whole day (and your weekly allowance) here. What more can i say?</div>
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If you need more than craft beer, how about the best cocktail in Leeds?<a href="http://www.themavenbar.com/" target="_blank"> The Maven</a> will serve you well; a prohibition bar serving fantastically alcoholic cocktails, I've never seen a bar as well stocked with interesting things, you're bound to taste something like never before. I would recommend you avoid the 'Thai Bride' though!<br />
You will find the Maven at the Kirkgate end of Call Lane, don't look for a sign though, there isn't one, it's a prohibition secret!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maven - worth finding</td></tr>
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The morning after the night before - after all that extravagance you might need a good breakfast. Go to <a href="http://mrsathasleeds.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Athas</a> it's new but it doesn't look it, inside is an Aladdins Cave of aesthetically pleasing, old fashioned things, I even love the loo! Along with looking beautiful it serves up amazing cakes, teas and coffees (Mr Ward recommends a piccolo) and for breakfast scrummy sausage and bacon butties from Lishmans butchers yum.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs Athas - Just what the doctor ordered </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Bottega Milanese - Nutella Heaven</td></tr>
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And last but not least, perfect for a mid shopping pick me up is a coffee and cake from La B<a href="http://www.labottegamilanese.co.uk/" target="_blank">ottega Milanese</a>. For Mr Ward it's a piccolo again, for me a Nutella Espresso mmm... and the pastries, you've got to try them!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-53736158909097041102013-08-30T14:46:00.000+01:002013-08-30T14:46:00.105+01:00Friday Flower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone's saying it's the end of Summer, well I'm not ready for that so here's my own bit of sunshine...</div>
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Sunflowers! Now these are my absolute favourites, they are sunshine on a stalk and I love them! </div>
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Enjoy<br />
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xxx<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-53628607279594319752013-08-23T17:30:00.000+01:002013-08-23T17:30:00.898+01:00Friday FlowerToday is the turn of the hydrangea, I love these big, beautiful blooms! I have them growing in my garden in sumptuous shades of pink with a hint of green.<br />
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Even my cheeky chap Rupert likes to smell flowers from the garden, I'm not too sure what he makes of them though?</div>
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When I bought the hydrangea it was blue and I wish it had stayed that way because they're so gorgeous that colour. I think it's something to do with the acidity of the soil, I need to have a play around, mine's in a pot so any tips would be useful?</div>
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I found this lovely botanical print at the <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">thegraphicsfairy.com</span> it would look perfect in my dining room.</div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2GIFrv-2U8E/UfV9xcLhCuI/AAAAAAAAApM/q2_fQF11MtY/s640/blogger-image-148863009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2GIFrv-2U8E/UfV9xcLhCuI/AAAAAAAAApM/q2_fQF11MtY/s640/blogger-image-148863009.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another thing that would look great in my dining room are these hydrangea cakes from <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">www.glorioustreats.com, </span>afternoon tea anyone?</div>
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I get really nervous trying to do fancy frosting but I'm definitely going to give this a try. If I can't have blue hydrangeas in my garden I'll have them with a cup of tea instead!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-5153849644490088542013-08-20T14:19:00.000+01:002013-08-20T14:19:00.211+01:00The Cats Whiskers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just couldn't resist posting this picture of one of my cats Rupert enjoying a bit of cat mint in the garden. What a perfectly timed shot!</div>
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If you have a cat, get yourself some cat mint seeds, they absolutely love it. Be careful when the plants are seedlings though because cheeky Rupert kept eating them off the windowsill! That'll teach me for growing things in the 'dining' room!<br />
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xxxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-369378956495452982013-08-18T13:59:00.000+01:002013-08-18T13:59:09.949+01:00Goodbye Great GrannieThis time last week I went to Thornton Le Dale in North Yorkshire to say a fond farewell to my Great Grannie, Peggy Ashton.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Great Grannie enjoying the sunshine</td></tr>
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We went to Thornton Le Dale to a beautiful thatched cottage by a stream that my Great Granddad had painted years ago. We gathered round the cottage (hoping no one was in) had a cheeky glass of bubbly and my Aunty Wendy read a poem before we sent Grannies ashes off into the stream.<br />
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It was such a beautiful place, I would love to live somewhere like this especially with the gorgeous gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1DhXRWjv-k/UhDB7TwgFNI/AAAAAAAAAp8/xiWryRBxcVw/s1600/IMG_5839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1DhXRWjv-k/UhDB7TwgFNI/AAAAAAAAAp8/xiWryRBxcVw/s640/IMG_5839.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Lovely View</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my Sister Ellie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mum, Aunty Wendy and Nanna</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Cottage Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stream</td></tr>
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I don't know who lives in this cottage now, but if they saw us saying goodbye to Grannie I hope it made them smile, because it means a lot to our family now.<br />
I will definitely be visiting again, maybe i'll dip my feet in the stream and think of grannie asking 'Are you winning?'<br />
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xxxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-36035790475723968782013-07-22T18:30:00.000+01:002013-07-22T18:30:00.480+01:00By The Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are so lucky this year to have an extended period of solid summer, me and Mr Ward have been able to enjoy a proper UK holiday, which included a trip to the beach. What a luxury!<br />
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I don't think there's a more relaxing place than the beach, I really enjoy combing the beach for bits and pieces and I have to take a souvenir shell home with me every time.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E8GoQdzV0g/UevrCKyf9tI/AAAAAAAAAoI/9zTKmVwQ5Dc/s1600/At+the+beach+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E8GoQdzV0g/UevrCKyf9tI/AAAAAAAAAoI/9zTKmVwQ5Dc/s640/At+the+beach+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The perfect beach trip should include a picnic and blanket to rest on, listening to the waves (dipping your toes in if you're brave enough), watching boats sailing by and just generally taking a pause from the day to day. Big deep breaths, catch as much 'sea air' as possible and a cup of tea and ice cream too!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8HvvYLgpsM/UevsGs1KtSI/AAAAAAAAAog/FLNAKIJgBt8/s1600/Crabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8HvvYLgpsM/UevsGs1KtSI/AAAAAAAAAog/FLNAKIJgBt8/s400/Crabs.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VLz9DTy7hk/Uevr7mxaS6I/AAAAAAAAAoY/bu9ItZugrSw/s1600/At+the+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VLz9DTy7hk/Uevr7mxaS6I/AAAAAAAAAoY/bu9ItZugrSw/s400/At+the+Beach.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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We went to Fleetwood beach in Lancashire where I collected shells and crabs and dipped my feet in the sea, even in 30 degree heat it was still too cold to swim. I love this vintage poster from the 50's and think people must have been crazy to dive right in, or are we just a bit soft these days?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-82336140809858286062013-07-19T22:39:00.000+01:002013-07-21T13:38:40.522+01:00Flower FridayThis week after a take over of our front garden my cornflowers have sprung to life with gorgeous hues of pink, purple and blue.<br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHn1kHOno0A/UehZ-4mR4tI/AAAAAAAAAls/_DXmH2viIps/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHn1kHOno0A/UehZ-4mR4tI/AAAAAAAAAls/_DXmH2viIps/s640/IMG_5780.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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I think they look so gorgeous and for the first time ever I have enough of something to use as cut flowers, so there is a little jar of these beauties on my bedside cabinet. Love!<br>
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Another thing that's fantastic about cornflowers is that bees adore them, i spent far too long trying to catch a snapshot of a bumble bee the other day, but got a few. I really like this one as you can see his furry bum!<br>
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I know lots of people are scared of bees, but i find them quite interesting to watch and actively strive to get them in my garden. Looks like my garden has the buff-tailed bee, keep a look out and let me know what types you see in your gardens?<br>
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Albert Einstein said the human race would last about 4 years without bees which is scary, they pollinate a massive amount of our food supply, so it's important that we look after them.<a href="http://homes.rspb.org.uk/" target="_blank"> RSPB </a>have a great campaign at the moment full of ideas of how to get wildlife such as bees in you your garden and I would definitely recommend it.<br>
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Better BUZZ off now xx<br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-80134595909735698962013-07-12T21:11:00.000+01:002013-07-12T21:33:02.704+01:00Fabric Flowers<span style="text-align: center;">Its been a red hot week here and i've loved it! More chance to sit in the garden than ever before. Today it was too hot to do anything, so i was pottering around and ended up making these lovely fabric flowers. I don't know what i'll do with them, but it passed a few hours in the heat.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These flowers were so easy to make and you just need a couple of things;</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85GCet-HQ5Y/UeBZxImzyHI/AAAAAAAAAko/ZMi_cdGyEKo/s1600/fabric+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85GCet-HQ5Y/UeBZxImzyHI/AAAAAAAAAko/ZMi_cdGyEKo/s400/fabric+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div><ul><li>Scraps of fabric</li>
<li>Scissors </li>
<li>Needle</li>
<li>Thread</li>
<li>Buttons & Beads</li>
<li>Craft Glue (optional)</li>
</ul><div>First of all you need to cut your fabrics into circles of different sizes. </div><div>To add interest you could use pinking shears or do stars or flower shapes rather than just all circles, this will make the end result look more like petals.</div><div>You could also cut flowers from fabric patterns</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Once cut you then layer them up with the biggest circle on the bottom.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Pop a few stitches through the layers and finish off with a button or bead (you might need to glue this depending on the bead you choose).</div><div><br />
</div><div>You can leave it here and have a flat layered flower or do some puckering to add depth, like mine. To do this you just need to do some long stitches through the fabric and pull it tight before finishing off, this will make the fabric pull together and create a wave through your flower.</div><div><br />
</div><div>They look so pretty and will look lovely even when this heatwave has long gone. I think I will use them instead of bows on gifts, but they could easily be used for hair accessories (would look great on a hairband for festival chic), or on ballet pumps if I could make a matching pair! </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmRIbCIuyAU/UeBZ812Qz3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/C8HrH4J9BqI/s1600/IMG_5763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmRIbCIuyAU/UeBZ812Qz3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/C8HrH4J9BqI/s400/IMG_5763.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div></div><div><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-89354612181566990122013-07-05T22:34:00.001+01:002013-07-05T22:34:36.408+01:00Friday Flower<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's so nice to get home from work and have a little wander around my garden. Now I am not just getting flowers but food too. I am growing salad leaves, kale, courgettes, chilli's, peas and runner beans plus loads of herbs in my kitchen garden!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">here's a little snapshot of my herb tray with parsley, lemon balm, Thai basil and sage. It's great to know I can just step out of the door and pinch some leaves for a flavour burst. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8mXg3zs3iGE/Udc76VTIN_I/AAAAAAAAAkY/7TqDmFZinG8/s640/blogger-image-1675434927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8mXg3zs3iGE/Udc76VTIN_I/AAAAAAAAAkY/7TqDmFZinG8/s640/blogger-image-1675434927.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also in there is some chamomile (actually loads as its grown really well), but I'm not really sure what to do with it. If anyone has any tips for making tea or soap I would love to know them. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-14627650591702393802013-06-07T17:30:00.000+01:002013-06-07T17:30:01.004+01:00Friday FlowerThis year i have absolutely fallen in love with gardening! I actually cannot believe how much i am enjoying myself pottering around in our mostly gravel covered garden.<br />
I think the best part is the sense of achievement that i've actually grown something from a seed or a bulb and its either gorgeous to look at or delicious to eat.<br />
So i've decided to do a weekly flower post, where if possible i will show you some different flowers from my garden.<br />
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This week the shining star of my back yard is the allium. Lovely purple pompoms standing tall in the back. Beautiful!<br />
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Happy New Year I hope you are enjoying 2013 so far?</div>
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To bring in the New Year I celebrated with Mr Ward and a few friends, we really indulged with tonnes of food and wine and it was fantastic.</div>
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To make the evening special we made a number of dishes with ingredients bought from the market in leeds including Jose Pizarro's salt and fennel baked prawns which stole the show. </div>
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It looked to our guests like such an extravagant dish with the salt crust being cracked open to serve, but it is really simple to make; </div>
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2.5k of rock salt is mixed with whisked egg whites and fennel seeds and then layer a third of the mix in a roasting tin. Throw in some shell on prawns, cover and bake for 8-9 minutes. </div>
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It tasted so delicious and we have saved the salt because we will be making this one again.</div>
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We also made some lovely pear and parma ham bites; </div>
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Peel and core a pear into 1cm thick chips, add a bite size piece of mozzarella and wrap in parma ham, bake them in the over for about 6-8mins. Another delicious but simple treat. I aren't normally a fan of pears because of the texture but this makes them soft, sweet and scrumptious! </div>
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I wanted our dining table to look special, but not too Christmassy and as we have a country style old pine table I didn't want it to look too modern.</div>
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I bought a bouquet of cool water roses and some sprigs that had been sprayed gold for that extra New Year sparkle.</div>
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I love the idea of using kilner or mason jars for decor and found an old one in the cupboard, but using this alone I was stuck with too many roses. I had a root around and found some old jam jars that had been through the dishwasher with the labels faded so used these too, along with some candlesticks they added a difference in height which made the arrangement more interesting and I think the labels just look so cute.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses</td></tr>
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Its great to make something that looks so pretty on such a small budget (about ÂŁ6) and you can do this easily with any sort of flower and old jars you have.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Centrepiece with Candlesticks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Home Made' Jam Jars</td></tr>
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This has definitely inspired me to do more floral arrangements, especially for dinner parties, so that's something to add to my New Years Resolutions, along with eating more healthily, doing more exercise and the usual.</div>
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I hope you have had a great festive period, enjoyed your NYE celebrations and are going all guns blazing at your resolutions.</div>
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Bye for now (off to do some Pilates!)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-56276671319988691262012-10-24T21:19:00.004+01:002012-10-26T21:45:05.063+01:00Light Refreshment in Bruges!Mr Ward and i had a lovely trip to Bruges at the start of the month and i have to share a little bit about my favourite places to enjoy a Belgian beer.<br />
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The first is <a href="http://www.cambrinus.eu/english.htm" target="_blank">Bierbrasserie Cambrinus</a>, known as the King of Beer in Belgium, stocks 409 different beers! Upon arrival you are given a massive folder full of beers to choose from which if you're bad at decision making like me can be a time consuming affair!<br />
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From the outside the bar blends in to the side street with just a couple of barrels on the pathway, it's only a short walk from the main square and doesn't scream out as a tourist venue, the prices are reasonable too. The bar takes up the whole left side and is full with gold taps and glasses of all shapes and sizes and on the right are gorgeous stained glass windows that flood in light and make everything glint. I think it's one of the few places we visited without a fire, but the windows and lighting make it really warm and welcoming, along with the smell of beer and mussels!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78NiykOs2SE/UIhDhwvkWbI/AAAAAAAAAg4/B-KzAKRK1xI/s1600/cambrius+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78NiykOs2SE/UIhDhwvkWbI/AAAAAAAAAg4/B-KzAKRK1xI/s640/cambrius+inside.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Bierbrasserie Cambrinus</td></tr>
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The beer menu is extensive and separated by beer types, wheat, fruit, blonde, dark etc. we found that the best way to go was close your eyes and point your finger, this method dramatically reduced decision making time and made sure we got to try different things!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KvJOLl-8tk/UIhDOIQKBEI/AAAAAAAAAgo/Zjw6mazZgm4/s1600/beer!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KvJOLl-8tk/UIhDOIQKBEI/AAAAAAAAAgo/Zjw6mazZgm4/s640/beer!.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer</td></tr>
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The photos show some of the different beer we tried, a new one for us (well Mr Ward) was 'La Corne', we have had the novelty of Kwak before - a 12% beer that is served in a conical - and decided to mix it up with a beer served in a horn instead!<br />
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Another something new was coconut beer, which was actually really nice! I think it would work great with a curry, especially thai curry, but you couldn't do a whole evening drinking it. It was very refreshing and fragrant, but a bit too sweet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jt_h2sNXrUg/UIhDq5oGF-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/ycxcxh2GNvc/s1600/daytime+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jt_h2sNXrUg/UIhDq5oGF-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/ycxcxh2GNvc/s640/daytime+beer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Grapefruit & Coconut Beers</td></tr>
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If you get peckish at Cambrinus, they do have a good food menu too, we stopped off for some 'nibbles'<br />
which ended up as a mid afternoon feast, but was well received after the beer!<br />
Traditional Belgian Frites & Mayonaise - my idea of heaven, I'd even say I enjoyed them more than our good british chippy! Farm Ham and an intriguing nibble called Biercheese, which ended up being a rather large bowl of butter-like cheese served with packets of Heinz Mustard. <br />
We also ate a main meal there, I had bouillabaisse (with chips) and Mr Ward had a half roast chicken. They of course also serve up the traditional Moules & Frites, but we gave it a miss this time round.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5z5mJFgzs/UIhDWfCsj-I/AAAAAAAAAgw/G3VmlNmOYb4/s1600/cambrius+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5z5mJFgzs/UIhDWfCsj-I/AAAAAAAAAgw/G3VmlNmOYb4/s640/cambrius+food.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nibbles</td></tr>
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I would definitely recommend Cambrinus to anyone visiting Bruges and it's somewhere that me and Mr Ward would return to every time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQf78303SPM/UIhD45Qu9xI/AAAAAAAAAhI/CpzwA0E5KOw/s1600/drinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQf78303SPM/UIhD45Qu9xI/AAAAAAAAAhI/CpzwA0E5KOw/s640/drinking.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Refreshments!</td></tr>
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The second is <a href="http://www.2-be.biz/en/2BeBar.php" target="_blank">2be</a> a bar and a shop which has a beautiful canal side view and a wall of beer!<br />
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The bar itself if off a main street and most of the seating is outside on a terrace the is on the edge of a canal. There isn't a better place to drink beer on a sunny day. The bar has 7 beers on tap and these change weekly and lots of bottles to try, Mr Ward and I indulged in a beer which was naturally sugar free and only 47 calories per 100ml (and felt great afterwards!) by a brewer called <a href="http://www.caulier.be/caulier" target="_blank">Caulier </a> amongst other 'heavier' beers we tried it was much appreciated!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1mmPTvR-c/UIg_OoYEVPI/AAAAAAAAAfw/LEzDuWXtfjU/s1600/canal+side+views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1mmPTvR-c/UIg_OoYEVPI/AAAAAAAAAfw/LEzDuWXtfjU/s640/canal+side+views.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal Views</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu7v0hLxPI4/UIg_W2MQp5I/AAAAAAAAAf4/3u-_uZD_DRQ/s1600/pouring+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu7v0hLxPI4/UIg_W2MQp5I/AAAAAAAAAf4/3u-_uZD_DRQ/s640/pouring+beer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Beer</td></tr>
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On the walk down to the bar the outside wall is filled with 100's of beers and glasses that are brewed in Belgium, even if you aren't a beer lover it's something not to be missed! 2Be also has a shop in which you can buy choccies and other tourist fodder, but most of all beer!!! It's a funky place and the basement is where the beer is hidden, it's a really old building and the basement is a black canvas full of beer on water level so the view outside is great too!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnDHWHklWx8/UIg_ECcVvKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/x__9Pj7f-yg/s1600/3+beers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnDHWHklWx8/UIg_ECcVvKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/x__9Pj7f-yg/s640/3+beers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the 2be shop</td></tr>
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If you wanted to take a present home for a beer lover (or yourself) the 2be shop is great as it sells so many different bottles, all shapes, sizes and colours and glasses to match. You can even get your hands on 'La Corne'!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx-f1FOfASo/UIg_ftmh19I/AAAAAAAAAgA/xp6uAkgJAa0/s1600/red+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx-f1FOfASo/UIg_ftmh19I/AAAAAAAAAgA/xp6uAkgJAa0/s640/red+beer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colour Coordinated Beer! </td></tr>
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My favourite was a wheat beer called Blanche de Namur, really tasty, almost herbal but definitely one for after your dinner as it was really filling! Any beer fans in Leeds, let me know what to try next!<br />
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By the way, I haven't forgot about all of the chocolate... they'll be my next blog post!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-46781873866242850612012-09-26T21:31:00.002+01:002012-09-26T21:31:31.052+01:00Bathroom InspirationMy main bathroom is currently a bit lacklustre, when really it should be the go to place for peace, quiet and relaxation, especially on an evening like tonight when i am a football widow.<br />
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So i am looking for inspiration...<br />
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A tiled black and white floor has been holding me back, i wasn't quite sure how to style it. That was until i had a moment of genius upon sight of this beautiful vintage mirror in my local charity shop. There's nothing better than building a room around such a beautiful bargain!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XctfJn4c9UE/UGNYjMUEU6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/XXz5AspORmg/s1600/bathroom+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XctfJn4c9UE/UGNYjMUEU6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/XXz5AspORmg/s640/bathroom+mirror.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So Black, White & Gold it is!<br />
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Something like <a href="http://vintage-house.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/varat-badrum-ar-med-i-tove-hem-och.html" target="_blank">this</a>? <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxihX8oPvsc/UGNeX3O_WJI/AAAAAAAAAew/_LWSrY-BanI/s1600/sandras_badrum_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxihX8oPvsc/UGNeX3O_WJI/AAAAAAAAAew/_LWSrY-BanI/s400/sandras_badrum_18.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2SMazb-LC0/UGNbVGk1MSI/AAAAAAAAAeY/KLBMF6Gpy7g/s1600/bathroom-moving-0909-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2SMazb-LC0/UGNbVGk1MSI/AAAAAAAAAeY/KLBMF6Gpy7g/s400/bathroom-moving-0909-de.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIyAq6kH2Ws/UGNgBAPi58I/AAAAAAAAAe4/vvPWX5bhq9I/s1600/1210348152_RdWfY-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIyAq6kH2Ws/UGNgBAPi58I/AAAAAAAAAe4/vvPWX5bhq9I/s400/1210348152_RdWfY-O.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I would love to find some large gold frames (in the same style as the mirror) to go above the tub, laid out like above featured in <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/makeover-antiques-0909#slide-9" target="_blank">Country Living</a></div>
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I also think (space permitting) the coat stand is a brilliant idea, especially for people like me who are yet to get on the property ladder and live in fear of leaving holes in rented walls.<br />
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What to put in the frames is always a tough one for the bathroom, because pictures of beach huts and beautiful shorelines have a tendency to make me which i was somewhere else and how ever gorgeous my bathroom is unfortunately it's not in the Seychelles!<br />
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Keeping with the vintagey, black and white feel i love the idea botanical prints featured in <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2011/03/whidbey-island-beach-house.html" target="_blank">House Of Turquoise</a>.<br />
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Another idea i've had whilst trawling the internet for inspiration is a great penny saver, but what about using wall paper samples? There are loads of great black and white designs around...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2q2OctO8P4/UGNlVB8gAkI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/fKVxjjBC638/s640/wallpapers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All from <a href="http://www.diy.com/" target="_blank">B&Q</a></td></tr>
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Hopefully these ideas will help to make the bathroom a real haven, my favourite room perhaps...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-73820633567494455592012-09-26T20:10:00.000+01:002012-09-26T20:10:02.074+01:00Support the BadgersI have a personal affiliation with Badgers as being a child of the 1990's and enjoying mash potato, i fondly remember the comedy antics provided by the BBC's Bodger & Badger.<br />
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I have decided to write this blog to show my support for badgers and ask anyone that hasn't to <a href="http://www.badger.org.uk/Content/Home.asp" target="_blank">sign the petition</a> to help stop the cull.<br />
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Here are some other ways you can love badgers...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcgwDewk4dI/UGNRCG6VghI/AAAAAAAAAdo/H55c2hGgrpk/s1600/badgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcgwDewk4dI/UGNRCG6VghI/AAAAAAAAAdo/H55c2hGgrpk/s640/badgers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theo-theo.com/product/184/badger-cushion/?bc=sells&category_id=5" target="_blank">1. Red Badger Cushion</a> - Theo Theo<br />
<a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/graduatecollection/product/badger-cushion-in-repeat" target="_blank">2. Patterned Badger Cushion</a> - Not On The High Street<br />
<a href="http://society6.com/product/Country-Badger_Print" target="_blank">3. Framed Badger Art</a> - Society6<br />
<a href="http://www.jimbobart.com/product/miss-badger-espresso-cup-set" target="_blank">4. Badger Espresso Stack</a> - Jimbobart<br />
<a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Badger-Money-Box-Quail/62867" target="_blank">5. Badger Money Box</a> - Liberty<br />
<a href="http://www.whinberryantler.com/product/fabric/hand-printed-badger-fabric/" target="_blank">6. Badger Fabric</a> - Whinberry Antler<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-18256969019315451872012-09-17T22:21:00.000+01:002012-09-17T22:21:01.563+01:00The Great Outdoors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXLyiwRD0qk/UFeTkLh9pVI/AAAAAAAAAc4/QjDujDqalMA/s1600/INgleton+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXLyiwRD0qk/UFeTkLh9pVI/AAAAAAAAAc4/QjDujDqalMA/s1600/INgleton+Falls.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingleton Falls on a Rainy September Day</td></tr>
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Autumns here, but don't let that stop you going outside... it's still beautiful!<br />
Just wear a scarf and waterproofs<br />
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xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-42981197884631852512012-06-05T21:00:00.000+01:002012-06-05T21:00:13.921+01:00Red, White & Blue...To get in to the swing of the Jubilee weekend I decided to celebrate with a cake!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQPU1VBCf10/T85k_rjquaI/AAAAAAAAAbg/vF11Pk8jFmk/s1600/jubilee+cake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQPU1VBCf10/T85k_rjquaI/AAAAAAAAAbg/vF11Pk8jFmk/s640/jubilee+cake+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Elizabeth Sponge!</td></tr>
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I used Fiona Cairns Victoria Sponge Recipe and decorated with a raspberry and blueberry Union Jack.<br />
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Here's a round up of some other great Jubilee cakes...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvR3aKlJd5c/T85gfholtbI/AAAAAAAAAa8/IDKkRWjNvPU/s1600/cake+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvR3aKlJd5c/T85gfholtbI/AAAAAAAAAa8/IDKkRWjNvPU/s400/cake+collage+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.butcherbakerblog.com/2012/05/14/jubilee-cakes/" target="_blank">Jubilee Cupcakes by Butcher Baker</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.thelittlevelvetcakeco.co.uk/page3.htm" target="_blank">60 Years a Queen by The Little Velvet Cake Co</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/bunting_cake_35577" target="_blank">Bunting Cake by the BBC</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.alittlecake.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Diamond-Jubilee-cake.png" target="_blank">Jubilee 3 Tiers by A Little Cake</a><br />
5. <a href="http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/news-events/news/title_207816_en.html" target="_blank">Jubilee Cake by University of Exeter </a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/368239/The-Queen-Elizabeth-birthday-cake" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth Cake by Mitch Turner</a><br />
7. <a href="http://pint-sizeperfection.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/bunting-love.html" target="_blank">Bunting Cake by Pint Sized Perfection</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-72708547769050472242012-05-30T21:37:00.000+01:002012-05-30T21:37:24.609+01:00A Good Looking Cuppa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a sucker for design when it comes to picking the perfect tea. </div>
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Here are a few I wouldn't be able to resist...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-QFzjCcL4/T8aDmTJl3RI/AAAAAAAAAUI/zOsWWYNTTPg/s1600/hanger_tea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-QFzjCcL4/T8aDmTJl3RI/AAAAAAAAAUI/zOsWWYNTTPg/s640/hanger_tea3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNn90tR-dxk/T8aDlBcQ1dI/AAAAAAAAAUA/brDGWZzjxVI/s1600/stuartkolakovic-tea-packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNn90tR-dxk/T8aDlBcQ1dI/AAAAAAAAAUA/brDGWZzjxVI/s640/stuartkolakovic-tea-packaging.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">1. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/01/07/hang-me-some-tea/" target="_blank">Hang Me Some Tea</a></span><br />
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2. <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/storage/stuartkolakovic-tea-packaging.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294687591344" target="_blank">M&S Tea by Stuart Kolakovic</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2011/10/21/teatul.html" target="_blank">Teatul by Khadia</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2012/5/17/zodiac-tea.html" target="_blank">Zodiac Tea</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.teabar.nl/webshop/ladies-collection-p-668.html" target="_blank">The Tea Bar </a><br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-81425061289449001232012-05-23T20:29:00.000+01:002012-05-23T20:29:32.170+01:00Builders Tea, Fit For A Queen!I am quite new to tea drinking, never being a fancier of a 'hot drink', I realised when entering the office environment that this was not an acceptable form of behaviour in British Culture. So I have succumbed to peer pressure and hit the hard stuff!<div>
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I started with fruit and herbal teas and have since moved on to good old builders tea, mainly to stop the funny looks in the office tea round when I whip out my own 'special' tea bags. </div>
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A nice cup of Earl Grey is my favourite, without milk most of the time. You can guarantee it will be available in most places and it compliments even the sweetest of cake. </div>
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Tea drinking at home is a much nicer experience than the office, I can chose one of many varieties of tea and brew it for the correct amount of time. Our regular tea is Clipper, purchased by Sir Scoffalot, I now know why as even an inexperience tea drinker like me can notice a difference in taste. I would definitely recommend it for someone who wants to get a taste for tea! </div>
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We recently bought some Clipper Gold Tea, mainly because it comes in a lovely pink and gold box which compliments my kitchen ever so well. I am happy to say it was delicious! Clipper call it the King of Teas and in this the year of the Golden Jubilee I would say it is fit for the Queen! </div>
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Tea is a British institution like the Queen and I would love to know what tea is served to the Queen herself? Do you think she would ever 'brew up'? </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At a typical Buckingham Palace Garden Party<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #102b3b;"> around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are served.</span> Now that's got the be the best tea you've ever drunk?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What's your favourite tea? I don't want to miss out now I've got the taste for it! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-39364656156542659722012-04-09T18:26:00.003+01:002012-04-09T18:26:57.511+01:00Bank Holiday Break... Bonny ScotlandA couple of days away can make the world of difference. Me and Mr Ward took a trip to Scotland this week and we will definitely be returning, it was beautiful.<br />
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Night one was sent at <a href="http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/locations/barony-castle.html" target="_blank">Barony Castle</a> near Peebles.<br />
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It is a lovely countryside retreat, well off the beaten track, i would recommend a Sat Nav to get there and some walking shoes for when you do arrive.<br />
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The scenery is fantastic and there's plenty to do if the weather's nice. Plenty of walks and some nice gift shops and eateries in Peebles. </div>
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<a href="http://www.coltmans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Coltman's Deli</a> is worth a visit we had a spot of lunch after our drive and I ate the nicest meal of our break (if not my life) at <a href="http://www.ossorestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Osso</a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">Osso is a small restaurant on the main street in Peebles and serves tapas over lunch then offers award winning food in the evening. It was the only Scottish restaurant to be added to the 2011 Michelin guide and after eating </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">there it wasn't hard to see why they were awarded a Bib Gourmand.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I didn't take photograph of my meal as i was far too busy enjoying it! I had a warm onion tart with parmesan ice cream to start and a gorgeous pork, ham and black pudding dish for main. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For our second night we moved to Leith and stayed at the absolutely gorgeous Malmaison. We ventured into Edinburgh for the day (got to visit my favourite shop <a href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/" target="_blank">Anthro</a>!) and then spent our evening around the Leith harbour which was lovely even on a dull day. There are a number of bars and restaurants around and we will definitely return for a second stay.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The harbour was gorgeous with lots of wrought iron sculpture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-88840796921420971652012-03-27T23:35:00.000+01:002012-03-27T23:35:03.455+01:00Spring Sponge CakeI'm all about the joys of Spring (especially this heatwave at the moment!) and for me it's not only lambs being born this year, there are babies and yummy mummy's all around me.<br />
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Last Friday was Miss Frazer's Baby Shower and my challenge... to make a cake in celebration of the bump, the gender of said bump we do not know yet!<br />
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So it's a Friday which means making a cake mid week and transporting it down the M62 to Hull, what do i make??? Something simple yet cute and being this time of year something for Spring!<br />
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My creation...<br />
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A bunting clad, four layered sponge with scrumptious butter cream fillings!</div>
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So the simplest way to party up a sponge cake is with a colour and flavour pop!<br />
To make these delicious fillings i used a simple buttercream mix (300g butter + 400g icing sugar to make the four batches for this cake) then added my flavourings in the form of jams, fruit purees, zest and juices (about 80g should do it).<br />
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My favourite flavour buttercream has to be lime, zingy yet sweet! What about yours?<br />
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A final note to my friends who are with child (either in belly or in the world). You are all yummy mummys and i hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfc9OUefv8I/T3I8QdRSXnI/AAAAAAAAARo/nc2KR7Sg_68/s1600/Baby+Shower+Balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfc9OUefv8I/T3I8QdRSXnI/AAAAAAAAARo/nc2KR7Sg_68/s640/Baby+Shower+Balloons.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Although i made the cake here, the lovely baby shower cupcakes came from Hull. To find out more log on to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.urbanhull.co.uk/static/urbanflowers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Urban Flowers</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> and follow them on Facebook</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925659167410030506.post-77621952044703140422012-03-11T19:17:00.000+00:002012-03-11T19:17:09.556+00:00Flower of the Week...A sunny day in March, beautiful purpley-blue crocus stand out from the grass. I even have a bulb flowering in my garden.<br />
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<a href="http://www.botanicalartists.com/PeggyTurchette/index.htm" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Crocus Drawing</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01666233018722012098noreply@blogger.com0