Laughs, Loves & Little Things

Well it's time for the second installment of my laughs, loves and little things and I’ve plenty to share with you; the weathers picked up slightly and so have my adventures. The lighter nights make it easier to fit things in after work and the sunshine even paired with the cold breeze still seems to make everyone a lot happier; the realisation has finally hit that Spring has started!

1. First up is my super spag bol packed with tonnes of veg to fight of the first signs of a cold, and touch wood its worked so far! - Get yourself some good quality mince from the butchers, a large can of chopped tomatoes, two cloves of garlic and any veg of your choice the more the better, I went for courgette, aubergine, red pepper, chili and red onion. Season well with salt, pepper, basil, oregano and to finish some Henderson's Relish! This relish is local to Sheffield and tops most sauces and gravy based meals off perfectly.

2. I went for a spot of breakfast with Charlotte to Marmadukes in the city center I of course had the Full English and Charlotte went for the pancakes. I have to say the homemade baked beans were a real treat and if you're looking for a high quality breakfast I would really recommend this cafe!

We spent the majority of the day together blogging and chatting away about different ideas.

3. Had a little wander round the florists, I love a fresh bunch of beautifully coloured flowers in the house - I should buy flowers more often.

4. I made a really tasty Chicken and Cashew Nut Stir Fry in my cute little wok for one whilst Neil was away in Newcastle. Wow this really is turning into a food diary rather than a round up of my week, its probably due to working full time and then coming home to cook - this is my down time and I enjoy being in the kitchen. 

5. Sundays are definitely breakfast in bed days and last Sunday was no exception, I made myself some French Toast topped with fresh fruit, syrup and icing sugar! It was also market day check out my previous post on the Nether Edge Farmers Market if you haven't already.  

6. Enjoyed some of the sunshine sat in the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield, the flowers were out, as was the ice cream man, and for the first time this year I went out in shoes without socks on!!!

7. Neil headed back from Newcastle with his dad and we spent the evening together drinking some real ale in my favourite place on Ecclesall Road, The Beer House Micro Pub.

8. Meet Charlie! My Birthday present from Neil! I'd been promised this gift but had been told it needed to be collected from Newcastle, and once I opened it I understood why... a taxidermy fox head! Neil always buys me great gifts and he has really out done himself this time! I don't think there's many women who would like a fox head from their boyfriend but for me its the perfect present.
I'll be sure to let you all know how Charlie is settling in!

xx

Embroidered Valentines Card

I've had the past two days off work, so I had chance to get out the sewing machine and get creative. I love free hand machine embroidery and needed to make a Valentines card for Neil, this idea had been in my head for a while. At Christmas I made a few stags head cards for friends and family and using the same design I've added a romantic twist. 

The card turned out exactly as I'd imagined it and I love the facial expression of the stag he doesn't look too please about being decorated; I can't wait to give it to Neil later. I'm a typical girl when it comes to Valentines Day, I love flowers and romantic gestures however teddy bears holding love hearts are definitely off limits. 

I hope you all have a loved filled day, whatever you're up to and whoever you're spending it with! 

Happy Valentines Day!

xx

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year folks, I assume we're all over the celebrations now and its time to get stuck in to the year to come!

As I only started this blog last month I realise you did not share many of my 2014 moments with me. So I have decided to dedicate my first post of 2015 to the joys and highlights of last year, from little day trips to my graduation.

Thank you for watching!

I'm really looking forward to a full year of blogging, sharing the seasons with you!

xx

Welcome!

Hello and welcome everyone, I’m Alex! For my first post I thought I had better introduce myself, and what better way to do that than sharing with you a list of some of my most favourite things in life. I hope you share some of my interests and enjoy finding out a little bit about me.

• Crisp mornings – The ones that take your breath away, as the grass crunches beneath your boots.
• Downton Abbey – The clothes.. the elegance.. the countryside. It’s everything I love with added drama and suspense.
• Bunting- Come on everyone there is simply just not enough bunting in the world! Sadly the boys I live with won’t allow it out of my room.
• British Animals – I have always loved animals but just recently I noticed that I comment on anything with a British animal on; a bag featuring a rather quirky looking hare, an owl on a tea towel, a fox on some socks or a stag stood proudly on a cushion.
• Sheffield – The place I chose to spend three years of my life whilst studying for my degree. I couldn’t bear to say goodbye to this wonderful city and have continued living here with four friends.
• Sewing – Creating something with stitch is so satisfying, there’s nothing better than spending a day making.
• Tweed – So typically British everything about tweed fabric screams heritage and tradition.

These are just a few of the things I love, and on this blog I plan to share with you the little details in my life which make me happiest. I hope you enjoy what’s to come.