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Scorching weekend ahead - June 2017 I was amazed when I realized that it has been nearly three months since I last sent a mailshot, but I seem to have been very busy one way or another. Our building project at home has finally finished and it is so great – I am loving the new kitchen, and my Aga  - I thought I'd share a pic! When I last wrote we were just heading off to Cuba, the land of music, salsa and mangoes.  Then in May we had Lizi’s 21st, and a surprise trip to Morocco.  So spoiling!  High points of...

Spring Sunshine and New Single Estate Olive Oil - March 2017 This weather is incredible - Spring has arrived, and it feels fantastic.  Leaves are emerging, the trees are heavy with blossom, and little primroses are nestled in the undergrowth.  It is such a heavenly time of year. With the warmer weather here it seems appropriate that I have just taken delivery of Jose Maria’s single estate olive oil - produced from the hojiblanca olives grown on his finca near Casarabonela, it is deliciously "green" in flavour with a peppery kick - perfect for drizzling on salads, or for dipping with bread and Fino balsamic. It comes in 1 ltr and 500 ml bottles, and...

LOVE FOOD - FEBRUARY 2017 With Valentine’s Day round the corner there has to be a ‘Love’ theme, and what better to love than good food. Eating has always been high on my list, but I haven't always loved cooking, but that’s probably because when life is pulling you in lots of different directions, putting a meal on the table becomes just another thing on the list of “to do’s”.  I really love it now - with a bit more time it’s so much more enjoyable, and sitting down to a delicious meal is unquestionably one of the best parts of the day.  I love...

VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! I like to think I generally lead a fairly healthy lifestyle but the beginning of a new year is always a good time for a boost! Most people over indulge at Christmas - for some reason this year we ended up with four Christmas puddings which Rupert and I love, but they do then need to be eaten, and then there's the brandy butter, and so it goes on. So my idea of a kick start is a “Mainly Dry January" – having never considered doing "Dry January" before I do feel this is a step in the right direction. There will be...

AUTUMN, CONKERS AND QUINCES -OCTOBER 2016 One of the joys of the manic fair season getting underway again is that I really enjoy seeing so many familiar faces.  Working on my own as I do, I always think of my fairs as “days in the office” – it’s just that the office is in a different place each day, and you never know who is going to be there.  I don’t have to stay away that often, but when I do I use it as a chance to catch up with some of my lovely friends around the country. This week...