My Nostalgic Thing

Bude is a beach in North Cornwall we used to visit in the summer when we were little. Taking trips to places from your childhood ignites memories and moments you thought you'd forgotten. It was the first time since Christmas that we'd spent the day together which was nice. We took our dog for a walk along the canal and up over the cliffs, then back down for Mums favourite ice-cream and a couple rounds of crazy golf. I will share with you some snaps from the day!

Here are the fishing boats and nets owned by the locals. 

I couldn't resist buying a 'Malt Madness' flavoured ice-cream. 

The textures and formations of the rocks inspire me to get back into art. 

We came across a 'book-barrow' outside one of the cliff-top cottages. The books were free to a good home. 

The view from the top of the cliff (bit of a dreary and windy day but good to get some cool, salty air)

Have you taken any trips to places from your childhood recently?

Butterfly Effect

I'm loving loving butterflies at the moment. Recently, I've bought shirts, art and prints all favouring the delicate creatures. Above is my favourite piece of butterly-inspired clothing: a sheer shirt from ASOS.

These fluttering winged wanderers are not to be dismissed in the fashion world as Valentino, Viktor & Rolf and Jean Paul Gaultier boasted the insect in their couture s/s collections.  

Jean Paul Gaultier, though, was the best fashion lepidopterist. His concept was based around butterflies with interpretations dark and edgy and featuring on dresses, headpieces and laser-cut lace. 

Although their lifespan is short, I think their appearance in my wardrobe and home won't be disappearing any time soon. Do you like butterflies?

Gift Jar

It is my Mums birthday tomorrow. As she is always running around after everyone I thought I'd treat her to a relaxing gift jar which might encourage her to take time-out. I bought the Kilner jar in our local bazaar shop for around £3 and filled it with little goodies. 

Here is what I put in it:

The first item I bought was Nivea Lip balm - a classic, and something I always have in my handbag. Next, are some olive scented candles, as Mum often lights candles and enjoys putting pretty things like that around the house. I loved the green colour of them. Who doesn't like adding to their jewellery box after their birthday? The gold heart-shaped earrings are simple and not too big; Mum doesn't like huge earrings. I bought the Korres soap in Waitrose after hearing good reviews about it, so I will be interested to see what Mum thinks. They had a holiday section with mini products to buy, so I bought the soap and Nivea Cream there.  

Next up: Cath Kidston Hand Cream is a winner (in my opinion) and Mum is always slathering cream on her hands so it seemed like the perfect addition. The Elle Macpherson body soak should help her unwind after being on her feet all day at work! A little while ago I gave a friend the square fridge magnet in a different design and Mum liked it then therefore, I found some more in my local gift shop saying 'Home Sweet Home' on them. Last but not least, a viennese chocolate bar to finish off the selection. 

You could add anything you wanted to the gift jar really, a lipstick, face mask or perhaps some nail files would be nice. Each person has a different taste so you could make a foodie jar with mini cheeses, truffles etc. I would like to receive something like this but what do you think of this gift idea?

The Green Rocket Cafe

Bath is awash with cafes and restaurants to delight shoppers with hamburgers and bacon butties. However, if it’s veggie options you’re after, you might struggle. But not all hope is lost, as perched on Pierrepont Street is one-year-old vegetarian and vegan paradise: The Green Rocket Café, where you can tourist-gaze whilst munching on a healthy dish. Celebrating success after winning the Bath Good Food Awards for Best Café Food, its brightly painted walls and central location seemed too tempting not to try. 

The menu changes to offer something new and exciting, using seasonal and local produce, including Honeys Cider. I opted for one of their new freshly squeezed veggie juices which was a popular carrot, orange and ginger concoction. Almost all of the meals on the menu are vegetarian and vegan so pop in for a homemade yummy falafel sandwich, a mushroom burger with cashew cheese or tuck-in to healthy courgette spaghetti for mains. The fantastic selection of veggie options with a twist is unbeatable; you won’t be eating another mushroom risotto here.

For starters there is tasty homemade soup, (often an exciting blend like beetroot, ginger and carrot) or the flavoursome pumpkin and celeriac samosa. The newly-added gluten-free vegan sausages are now part of their full-English breakfast too – now that is enticing. 

What should you expect? ‘Interesting, approachable food in a relaxed environment,’ says the chef and owner, Phil. That’s exactly what you get.