The leaves have started to change, the hedgerows are laden with berries and the trees heavy with fruit. Squirrels scuttle past, busily collecting for their hibernation and the sunlight has changed to a golden hue. Despite the Indian summer, there are definite signs of Autumn all around. For decades the Wye Valley and The Forest…
My Recipe for a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is so important, much more so than ever thought possible. A time to heal, process information, and deeply relax. A bedroom should be a calm, neutral and most importantly, a safe space. I have dedicated the last couple to years to really nailing down exactly what makes a good night’s sleep for me, and…
A Slow Autumn – rediscovering lost mindfulness.
Is there anything more cosy than settling down in front of a log fire, candles lit, glass of something delicious in your hand? I don’t think there is. If the past few months have taught me anything, it’s been to slow down and enjoy the life I have. During lockdown this process was enforced and…
Dealing with Diabetes: the beginning of a candid journey…week 1
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a little over 13 years ago and was told that after my son was born, things ‘should’ return to normal. They didn’t. This led to a long period in my life where I was in complete denial. I knew my sugars were high and made some concessions, however they…
A Virtual Monmouthshire Meander
Although the countryside is currently closed explore Monmouthshire with my gentle Monmouthshire Meander. We’re a small county with a lot to offer…and well worth waiting for. @visitmonmouthshire
A little British cheesiness – saving tradition
Help to save the British artisanal cheese industry in these challenging times – 8 of my favourites, all offering mail order options.
Lockdown Birthday Strawberry Shortcake (purists look away now)
Today is my birthday, and I admit, it’s a bit of a strange one. The weather has been amazing, the sky has barely seen a cloud. Normally it would be cocktails with the girls, a trip to one my favourite restaurants, maybe a spot of shopping…this year has been unusual but we must follow government…
Finding a new ‘normal’
I find myself writing my first post in extraordinary times on a fine spring day, which Winnie the Pooh would undoubtedly declare ‘blustery’, but look at the trees…they have begun to unfurl their tiny leaves, the blossom is out and all is fighting against the elements…and winning. Just as we, the world, is fighting against…
Historic Bites: Butterly Delicious
“With enough butter, anything is good.” Julia Child For decades, butter has been demonised, labelled an artery-clogger contributing to high cholesterol and obesity, and replaced with low fat spreads and margarines. An ingredient at the very heart of western cuisine for centuries, butter is one of the purest fats available, tastes ambrosial and now, rather…
Digging in the hope of victory!
This year has been a bit of a challenge for us, aside from current circumstances, as we were flooded in February and have had to move, temporarily into a new property. It’s very lovely with a large lawn but nowhere to grow vegetables….however, as luck would have it (although not considered so at the time)…
Seasoned with Slow from The Pheasant Philosopher 