It doesn’t seem all that long ago that the leaves were starting to change colour for Autumn and I distinctly remember making a resolution to get all my Christmas presents sorted out early for once. Suddenly however the Coca Cola truck is back on the TV, everyone’s posting pictures of their tree and there’s even been some snow. I’ve managed to buy one present so far and Christmas is in less than two weeks… here we go again!
It’s been a busy few months though so it’s hardly surprising that Christmas has crept up on me. Here’s a few of the things happening in my life lately:
Last month I attended a ‘meet the chef’ event organised by Gravitas Magazine in partnership with The Chubby Castor, a new restaurant opening next year which has already got foodies in the Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire area excited! Adebola Adeshina is the man behind it all, a talented and experienced chef from London who is looking to bring the capital city’s dining experience to our countryside doorstep.
The main event was a cooking demonstration from Ade who told us all about the new restaurant as he set to work producing beautifully fresh platefuls for us to enjoy. He’s passionate about using freshly sourced produce and if the standard of food at The Chubby Castor is in keeping with what he served up on the taster night then we’re in for a real treat!
A few weeks later I offered to treat Oliver to a nice meal somewhere and he told me to surprise him with where I picked! I didn’t want to disappoint so set about looking for somewhere a bit special but affordable and came across The Wicked Witch at Ryhall which had glowing reviews.
Oliver seemed really excited by the surprise and so on the day I started to get anxious as we followed the sat nav further and further off the beaten track, wondering whether it would be worth the journey or a bit of a let down! To my relief Ryhall turned out to be an idyllic village full of thatched roof cottages – the kind of place perfect for a relaxed country drive or stroll.
The Wicked Witch did not disappoint either. It was cosy and welcoming with a lunch for less 3 course fine dining menu for less than £20 each. I was one happy little bunny when Oliver said that he said he loved the place and that it was the perfect choice. Maybe I should surprise him more often… then again the pressure to get it right a second time puts me right off that idea!
My mum and I love a good shopping trip for home bits and bobs so we took a drive to my local Dunelm. I was on the lookout for a new throw and after falling in love with their teddy ones (super soft and snuggly) we found something even better, their checked reversible sherpa fleece throw. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the softest, warmest, snuggliest throw I’ve ever found and a complete and utter bargain at £15.
Adorably the cats have also decided that it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Sookie has actually taken to burrowing in beside me at night when I’m wrapped up in it on the sofa and if I leave the room I return to find that it’s been claimed!
Jolly Christmas Jumper* (who specialise in quirky organic sweatshirts, hoodies and tshirts) kindly offered to send me one of their pun-tastic festive tops. They have designs such as ‘Rain Deer’ and ‘Cycling Home For Christmas’ but as soon as I laid eyes upon ‘Dragon Sleigher’ I knew it was the one for me!
Game Of Thrones plus Santa? It’s a no brainer!
I am now happy in the knowledge that I have appropriate festive attire for the office Christmas Jumper Day, although I’m still expecting to lose the best dressed title to someone wearing fairy lights and tinsel (it happens every year!).
I caught the most beautiful sunset the other day and it was just so peaceful. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from a life online every now and again to look up and appreciate the real world in all it’s natural beauty, it’s wonderfully calming.
*Disclaimer: The Tshirt featured in this Life Lately post was kindly gifted to me. As always I’ve chosen to feature it because I love it and all thoughts are unbiased and my own!
