August Adventures

Me and Zoe  had a free day and we really wanted to get out and do something. The weather has been so Jekyll & Hyde recently so it's difficult to choose what to do, where to go and what to wear. We checked the weather forecast today and with sun but strong wind we decided to head to the train station for an adventure!

We decided once we got the the train station our destination and opted for a train ticket to Hexham in Northumberland. The train had already arrived by the time we got to the station.... good timing us! We set off and on the train we discussed where we should hop off the train and opted for Corbridge. 

We really had no plan, and just let the day happen so we headed out of the station and headed for the town centre.... The houses are literally country side goals. Stunning country houses nestled in the Northumberland countryside with the sun breaking through the clouds. We spent alot of time swooning at the houses and the views....

We popped into some of the little shops for a mooch, and discovered a little independent bakery. The produce looked so good, that we couldn't not go in for a peak. The Lemon Curd French Meringues were calling our names, so needless to say we couldn't resist! Shortcake, quiche, beer bread.... Mmm. They are literally the size of my head and can't wait to tuck in to some with my family after lunch with whipped cream.

Tea & Tipple saved us from a little rain shower when we dove in for a coffee and a scone. This was so nice for a little sit down and to chill. The staff were lovely and the jam is delicious!

After the treats, we headed back to the train station and even though we had to wait about 30 minutes for our train, the wait in the sun (and wind) was so enjoyable. I really do think we could all do this more, living in a world where we our tied to our phones and technology - getting the chance to get out in the countryside and breathe in some country air really has been refreshing for me.

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

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Magical Moments

I've been a little MIA at the moment guys and I do apologise! Trying to get back on to this little headspace (blog) as much as I can. First things first. I hope you are all in good health and have had a wonderful Christmas.

 

 

I wanted to just pop by and say hello to everyone and just put emphasis on the fact that Christmas is made by love, not by gifts. (Yes, maybe I have watched the Grinch too many times.) But year after year I find myself feeling underwhelmed by how much I have spent VS how much I actually have in my shopping bag. Life is becoming expensive but that is not what its about!

 

 

I love buying gifts and of course giving them to the loved ones around me. Family and friends alike. And I love buying them something they would love, use and/or wouldn't treat themselves to. However, I find nothing more indulgent than laughing and being cosy with a cup of hot chocolate with the ones who make my heart beat. Christmas dinner, a glass of bubbles and beautiful company.

 

 

 

 

 

The John Lewis advert 2015 #ManOnTheMoon really resonated with me this year..... I find that all over social media, as humans in a technological age we all love to brag about the things we have. Then there are some people who are alone. Imagine that, alone on Christmas. No giggles, maybe no gifts and just the echo of the TV to keep you company.

 

 

If I can say one thing, it would be just to be present in the presence of your loved ones. And if you can give to those with less than yourself, I'm sure that would be greatly appreciated. Even if it is just your time to sit with someone this festive season. Sprinkle love and kindles around like glitter. Please.

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Cooking Up A Storm

So Easter weekend is almost over... To be honest we don't have any real Easter traditions in our family or things we usually do. I have been feeling a little under the weather/exhausted and been trying to catch up on a lot of work so when my mam asked me to help her with baking I was a little hesitant.

My mam used to bake a lot when I was younger (and she still does from time to time) of which I have lots of lovely fond memories of. And I think you'll all agree there is nothing like your Mamma's cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the kitchen. We laughed and got messy and baked some lovely foody bits.

 

They say the women in our family are brilliant pastry makers because of our bad circulation. Cold hands makes for great pastry apparently! So we started with pastry... this was to make a mince pie with. I got to roll the edge with a pretty pattern (which I love doing) and then my mam snipped the air holes in to ensure it could breathe.

 

 

 

 

 

The next thing we made was quiche. I guess you could say this is one of my mam's specialities. It is a cheese an onion quiche and one of my favourite things she bakes! In our house, the only quiche is a big quiche as you can see. (Only a few pieces left on this photo though.)

 

 

 

 

We had some spare pastry left which we always try to use. We usually make jam tarts but fancied something different this time. I suggested some bacon and cheese twists. We googled a few recipes but decided to just freestyle. This was our 1st time making these and I have to say everyone loved them! We rolled the pastry out, then cut the bacon into strips and laid them out equally on the pastry. Then sprinkled the grated cheese on top and folded the pastry over on itself & cut in to strips. We then lined a baking tray and twisted them on the tray and cooked until golden brown. Yummy!  

 

 

 

 

The last thing we made was chocolate shortcake. Mmmmm. I haven't made this in forever and my mam had a craving for it so we just had to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sorry to say that the bacon an cheese twists got snapped up to quick before I got a chance to get any photos! I hope I have inspired someone to bake something instead of buying from a big store. And plus it can be a bundle of fun! I'd love to hear in the comments what your favourite thing is to bake...