Blogs

Everyone is learning to adapt after lockdown. Today, in our shop in Nailsworth, on a dull and wet day we witnessed several groups of happy ladies adapting to their new way of spending time together. The ladies who lunch, albeit now it's a takeaway coffee and a slice of cake to take back home and eat later, and, of course, socially distancing but they still make the most of their time together. Oh how we so missed our best friend shopping trips during lockdown. Shopping with a girlfriend is always fun - you know instinctively your friends' style and can...

Getting your health and fitness level up can be very difficult. Some people can find the motivation on their own and be able to push themselves at home. Many find it easier to cycle, fresh and air and exercise for the whole body.  But some like myself find it difficult to find that motivation to even get started. During lockdown, I saw many people take up cycling or at-home exercise and was almost envious that they could do this, but after a couple of weeks of arduous research, I found two fantastic Personal Trainers who work together. Having someone there...

Sarah- Focaccia Bread 4 cups Flour 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon yeast Rosemary/thyme 1 teaspoon fleur de sel Optional black olives ( 1/2 Cup is equal to 64 g) Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Put the bowl in a warm, not hot or cool, place until the yeast is bubbling and aromatic, at least 15 minutes. In mixer bowl, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 cup olive oil and the yeast mixture on low speed. Once the dough has come together, continue to knead for 5...

Good Afternoon all!  Sat here just looking out of the window, with the doors wide open enjoying the sunshine and breeze, realising, that I know a lot of people don't take time for themselves. Perhaps because they just don't have the time, or perhaps they can't shut their brain off! I for one am the latter, so many times I've sat down and tried my hardest to clear my mind and just take some time for myself.  After many attempts, I finally come up with a routine. Sometime after dinner when it gets a little cooler and darker (i love...

Sarah  River Cottage Handbook Number 9 "Fruits" Absolutely love these books, wonderful inspiration. I have a garden full of fruit trees and bushes, he takes you through the whole process from pruning to to the table!   Jay  The Beano Annual What can I say, great pictures, a great laugh, iconic!   Charlie Marcel Proust, In Search of Lost Time part One A provocative and thought inducing volume about our habits and sleeping altering the perception of our surroundings.   Fiona   Shogun by James Clavell  Epic on every level, fantastic read xxxx