Happy Halloween!

My first unsupervised pumpkin carving was satisfying 

and not as difficult as I'd thought.

Ready to leave on our porch.

xoxo

Doc Martens.

Hurray!

With Autumn weather looming and a 2 mile walk to work and back every day, I began to look into some decent boots. I've lusted after a good pair of Dr. Martens for years, they're iconic and strong. I'd heard patent ones were water proof and once they're broken in they're durable and last for years.

I was warned about how much they hurt your feet when you break them in and the stories were true. I've got the nastiest blisters on the back of my heels. Apparently it'll be worth it and I think they're beautiful. 

Bitter-sweet!

xoxo

Glenside Honey.

After years of laughing at stories of bee mishaps, my colleague has become a keen bee-keeper earning himself the role of Official Call Out Guy if you ever have a bee problem in the South Wales area. 

He's been selling his personally harvested honey in the local area and I've finally got my hands on a pot! I've opted for the plain one but they have other infused flavours, such as apple blossom.

Honey was always a staple in my parents kitchen as I grew up and I always include it on my winter shopping trips to soothe sore throats, my favourite medicine is hot honey and lemon juice. 

I'd fully recommend this gorgeous stuff, I was surprised to learn that the first dab of it that I tried on a teaspoon was the entire life's work of one bee. 

You can email the Glenside Honey Team @ dsmorgan81@hotmail.com for enquiries or pop over to their Facebook (/Glensidehoneyfarm) and Twitter (@GlensideHoney) pages for news and updates.

xoxo

Conscience on my shoulder.

When I am proud of something, I can't help but imagine you smiling. Shine on!

I will carry your memory for as long as I can, rest in peace.

xoxo

Restrung guitar.

I never think I can accomplish much on my own but I was driven to restring my acoustic guitar as I could tell a string was about to give and I wasn't risking it snapping in my face or slashing my fingers. I found this Youtube video really helpful - link!

I visited Gamlin's Music Centre on Saint Mary's Street, a lovely cavern of instruments. I needed a tool to de-wedge the pins in the body of the guitar that fix the strings down. The guys who served me were relaxed, well informed and helped me get straight to the point. This key winder/pin tool cost £2.

I'd previously purchased some bronze strings from G&M Music store for £8. I recognised the Martin brand as I know a few musicians. The staff recommended these as a beginner. They're more flexible and easier to play on. 

I got into it quite easily, the pins were easier to pop out than I thought. 

To a skilled musician this may seem like a routine, uneventful moment but I was so pleased with myself!
I really, really need to trim the excess string off though. 

xoxo

SustainBox #2

My new GrazeBox was a nice treat yesterday. I nearly caved and opted for it to come a week early but it's been more enjoyable as a treat to look forward to. 

Little Figgy Went To Market: apple, cranberry and diced figs dusted with rice flour.

Jaffa Cake: belgian dark chocolate, orange raisins and roasted hazelnuts.

Soy Roasted Seeds: pumpkin and sunflower seeds. 

Texan Corn Salsa: salsa almonds, corn chips, roasted corn and jumbo chilli corn.

Mam used to fry pumpkin seeds in soy sauce back when I was little so I was looking forward to those. I also used to have a dried corn mix at school, so they were alright but the seasoned almonds were the main event. I'm meeting my friend in town today so I'll take my other two for pit-stop snacks while we're pottering around the city centre. I love this subscription, I'd recommend it to everyone. If you'd like to try a box for free visit Graze. 

xoxo

Graze.

I've always liked whole food snacks but I'm so stuck on processed sugar that I've never even wanted to try and give up cake and chocolate. Graze deliver a box of four portions of yummy, nutritious snacks as frequently as once a week, I've gone for one every fortnight. You can tailor your menu to your taste and request certain snacks that you want sent as soon as possible. Each box is £3.99 but I received a voucher for my first order so it was free. The contents were great so I'm keeping my subscription, I'm sure I spend more than £8 a month on crisps. 

Here's my first box.

There were nice message cards with details about the team, nutrition and their company manifesto with a strong focus on recycling, environment and sustainability (all packaging included). 

I opted for a SustainBox, intended to provide essential fats, natural sugars and fibre. 

Track & Field: caramel chocolate buttons, fudge pieces, raisins and blanched peanuts. 

Bonnie Wee Oatcakes: whole grain cheese & chive oatcakes with onion marmalade.

Summer Berry Flapjack: berry infused cherrys and rolled oats.

Morning Energizer: dried pear, dried cherries and walnuts. 

I can rate my opinions online of each one online which will update my menu choices in future deliveries. I can't wait for my next one to arrive next Saturday!

I loved my GrazeBox, so if you fancy trying a box feel free to use a code they sent to me for friends to use, it's JILLS4RWP and you get your 1st, 5th and 10th box for free.
Here's a link to their website.

xoxo

Birthday Havaianas.

As a birthday treat I purchased some Havaiana flip flops from Very.co.uk for £22, a modest action but I bloody love them and my trusty old Vans are dying a noble death, I've had them for years! I need wide soles, so like my old vans ones these are actually menswear, perfect for my, err, sturdy feet. Okay, I admit I have man feet, the result of working on my feet full time! I've spotted these and always thought they look comfy and I like the stripes around the soles. 

Hello everyday summer 'shoes'. 

xoxo

At least I'm free.

I think the best of your abilities are exposed at times of struggle.

Sometimes strife is necessary for you to see the wonder of life around you. 

There is so much love and joy in my world.

At least I am free.

xoxo

Rik Mayall.

Sad to hear that he passed away.
I grew up with Drop Dead Fred, Lord Flashheart and Rick (with a silent P).
Rest in peace, you remarkable genius.

Pie Minister.

After seeing the Pie Minister stalls at festivals in the UK, I was eager to visit a more permanent location. 

I wasn't disappointed.

The furnishings are modern, simplistic and inviting. 

Their wall art is cute.

Two thirds of our party were vegetarian, so it was nice to find so many vegetarian options on the menu. Leaving out the usual condescending 'V' next to said options in writing was a nice touch (I'm an adult, I can read the contents of a dish and decide of my own accord - I don't need any help).

Asparagus and white wine pies!

Get down to Saint Mary Street, Cardiff and fill your face!

Hurray for pie!

xoxo

Mammy visit.

My annual catch up with Mam was lovely.

Brunch binge at the M&S cafe.

We only had a couple of days so in full holiday mode we were out and about,
shopping with plenty of wine.

We visited the Ganesha boutique in the Morgan Arcade, this is an early present from Mam.
Sterling silver and green agate.

Amongst other Mam-treats, I was surprised with a tray of Hotel Chocolat 'Egglets'. Nom.

Then time ran out and she had to go home. See you soon, Mam!

xoxo