Lovely Lavender

Lavender is one of my favourite plants. It evokes happy childhood memories of, what seemed like, a huge bush in our garden as my sister and I played, but it also seems to be the one scent that helps me to unwind.  Needless to say, I have rather a lot of Lavender dotted around my garden, including a mass of purple flowers scenting the air outside the shed.  Perfect for inspiring you on a Monday morning!

This is Your Kingdom - Back Britain!

If you're looking for fabulous things to do close to home or indeed around the UK, I recommend taking a look at www.thisisyourkingdom.co.uk

TiYK is an insider's guide to lovely local things to see and do in the UK and as if that's not enough their 'Back Britain' campaign is set to herald all of those things we love about our country!

So why not take a look and don't forget to tell them why you love your kingdom!

The smell of Christmas...

...has filled my kitchen as I've just made my mincemeat!  It's filled with apples, cranberries and lots of other fruits, and it smells (and tastes) delicious.  It's a shame that the majority of it will be given away as gifts - what lucky people they are!

Pear picking!

I've just picked my first basket full of pears.  I think I'll try making some Pear & Ginger Cordial this year! Wish me luck!

Luna Lighting

I first discovered Luna Lighting at the Country Living Spring Fair a few months ago.  Designer, Anna Perring creates a wide range of beautiful tea light holders each with their own intricate, yet so simple design.

My little 'Tug Boat' candle holder sits perfectly on my mantle piece and just looks magical.  The 'Little House' version is a favourite of mine too.

Anyone for tea & cake?

I've just bought this very convincing set of hand-knitted cakes to sit happily on my cake stand (for display purposes only in my dresser!).  I just couldn't resist them on eBay.

Simply delicious to look at - if only they were real!

Down at the farm

Last Sunday, we decided to take a trip to Church Farm in Ardeley to see where our weekly box delivery of meat, fruit, veg, cheese and butter comes from!

The farm not only has lots of sheep and pigs to look at (and feed!) but there's a cafe, shop and play area for children too.

I couldn't resist the farm's All Day Breakfast before heading home.