It's been a while...

Hello... it's me!
(Yes that was sung in a powerful Adele voice)
Well it's been a busy few months and I'm afraid the blog had to take a bit of a back seat, I've moved back into the countryside and not having the internet in my new flat has made it particularly difficult to get on here. Everything's been kind of hectic, so I apologise for being mute for so long! Do not fear I will be back up a running on here and will post as often as I can, I've felt like a little part of me hasn't been satisfied over these last few months!
Everything has changed in such a short space of time, unfortunately I had to leave the beautiful Steel City for now, but on the up side I have obtained a permanent job working at non other than Emma Bridgewater in Stoke-on-Trent.. exciting ey?
I have adored the brand for a long time and it's such a great company to work for, and I get my own personalised mug!

On the down side Neil has taken off and gone on an adventure to the winter wonderland of Whistler in Canada for the ski season; he's having an amazing time so far and has sent me some pretty cool photos which would be rude not to share with you.

So its a Skype relationship for the moment, but we are making the long distance thing work well, its just the time difference which is proving to be difficult for us as he's 8 hours behind. I'm hoping to get out there and join him at some point over the next few months for a little adventure - though I've never skied before!

Just before he left we spent some time together and decided to visit Chatsworth House during the Christmas Display, the theme this year being Wind in the Willow's, 'Mr Toad at Chatsworth' so I couldn't not share the photos I had taken.

Feeling rather small!

This is the perfect Christmas Tree, woodland themed covered in Toadstools, Mushrooms, Acorns and Apples!

Mr Badger

I made Neil take a photo of me walking up the stairs pretending I lived there!

And these are the stairs I want in my house! 

To finish off our time together I attended Neil's Graduation; we both dressed up rather smart and headed over to Sheffield for the day, and it was the perfect way to say our farewells.

I'm wearing the Lara Sparkle Dress in Damson from Boden. 

More to come soon.. I promise!

xx

Moreish Malt Loaf

Where are you spring? It's so cold at the moment, and living in a student house doesn't help even when the heating is on I still feel the need to wear gloves indoors; as soon as I get in from work the dressing gown is on. So it was a nice change to spend last weekend warm and well fed at my parents house. The weekend went quickly with a blanket of snow ruining my plans of horse riding and permitting me to a day of lounging around the warm house (what a shame).

Whilst at home I was given my Great-Grandmother's Malt Loaf recipe which has been passed down through the generations finally to me - I had a go at making it yesterday inspired by The Great Comic Relief Bake Off and it turned out perfect! 

It was so easy and quick to make, and will last ages in a tin. Sticky and sweet it goes perfect buttered with a cup of tea whilst you're snuggled up in your dressing gown; the only problem once you start you can't stop eating it, it's so moreish!

Buttered Malt Loaf and a Cup of Strong Yorkshire Tea

I hope you enjoyed reading this post, I've got a few more baking projects lined up so i'll be sure to keep you informed. 

xx

From the Countryside back to the Cobbles

Hey everyone, sorry I've been a bit rubbish these past two weeks and haven't got round to posting anything, just getting back to reality with work etc after a lovely Christmas period. I enjoyed being back at my parents house just spending my time dog walking and horse riding, making the most of being away from the city.

Out walking- Wax Jacket and Boots both Old from Barbour,
Scarf Old from Joules, Jeans Old, Hat hand knitted.  

He looks gorgeous in the snow doesn't he?

Bit quirky out in the country aren't they?

Meet Storm my mum's lovely horse going out into the field on a fresh winter morning!

Add this is LouLou a friends horse, she kindly let me ride her out with my mum.
And I don't know if you've noticed but she is missing something...an eye!
A couple of years ago she had to have one eye removed due to illness,
but here she is happier than ever pain free and in amazing shape.

Sure enough the time came for me to travel back to Sheffield and after a slow first week back at work I decided to head up to the North again, to Newcastle and my Geordie man. Neil's parents are so welcoming and its lovely staying with them; I get quite pampered up there! Friday night we spent catching up and we had a wonderful candle lit dinner prepared by Neil's Dad.
We headed into Durham on Saturday, I'd never been before but had heard it was nice and Neil had been wanting to take me there for a while. I really enjoyed wandering round the town the architecture is lovely, in particular the Cathedral.

Wax Jacket and Sock both Barbour, Shoes Bertie, Jeans Old,
Scarf Christmas present from Huw, Hat hand knitted

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

I was gutted you couldn't take photographs inside, the stained glass, tapestries and organs were just incredible. You can't get over the tiny little details and skilled craftsmanship inside, its definitely worth a visit!

Bit dark but as far as I believe this is where parts of Harry Potter was filmed
- I know you can't really see my face but I was super excited about this!

I quite liked this photo until I realised I had one leg!

After a rather religious day I thought we had better cancel it out by heading into Newcastle City Center for a few drinks and ended up finishing the night in a quirky cocktail bar called Alvino's. It's themed around comics, with superheroes and villains covering the walls and superman playing on the TV, but the thing I loved the most was the comic book cocktail menu!

Alvino's Cocktail Menu

The weekend was over before I knew it and there's still plenty more to explore up there. I don't have any adventures planned for this weekend but I'll be sure to let you know of any spontaneous ones!

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

Snow is Falling

Hope everyone’s had a lovely few days, it always seems to go too fast doesn't it? I've spent my Christmas eating plenty of cheese, drinking way too early in the day and lounging around with the dogs. I've had an assortment of gifts from socks and books to a new camera and even a wand (my brother recently visited the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour) but how gorgeous are these lovely pine cone earrings my parents got me from Hush.

It’s felt rather Christmassy today after a blanket of snow hit us last night, causing a major power cut so our Boxing Day evening was spent playing scrabble by candle light; it ruined my plans of watching the Christmas Downton Abbey Episode I've got recorded, but having no electricity did transport me back to that era I suppose.

Snow in the countryside is always prettier than the city

Not a footprint in sight

I love being out in the snow but after a while it does get rather cold so I spent the afternoon inside on my sewing machine. I got the ‘Gertie Sews Vintage Casual’ book for Christmas so have tested out the simple pencil skirt pattern. It’s a quick and easy sew, which suits me as I often get impatience when sewing garments; I like good results fast! 

I am really pleased with the finished skirt, and with the help of my mum I’m planning to make a matching jacket - finished pictures to follow as I am currently in my new pajamas snuggled up on the sofa.

My parents chose a very handsome tree this year

Merry Christmas to all of you, have you got your New Years Eve party plans sorted? I must confess mine looks like it’s going to be a quiet one, unless I make some quick last minute arrangements.

xx