My week started off in a different city. I love travelling, I love exploring and I love my friends. When this is all combined into one event it’s all the better.

After my ballet classes last Saturday I hopped on the train and headed to Bristol for a whirlwind visit. We were celebrating my gorgeous friend Alex’s 25th belated birthday. I hadn’t been able to visit the weekend before to celebrate the “real thing” due to extra dance rehearsals for the ballet exams that were held last week. So, we had to postpone a week. Ten of Alex’s lovely friends descended on her house for wine, cheese, games and all things fun. Meeting new people and catching up with old friends. Such a lovely way to spend a cold November Saturday night.

After a decent nights sleep (for me!), Alex and I breakfasted before walking into town for a mooch. On route we stopped off at a busy little cafe just off Gloucester Road called The Bristolian. In fact, it was so busy we had to sit outside and it was freezing! Thanks to my hot cuppa I managed to keep toasty for the next part of our walk into the city centre. Ooh.. plus I had a piece of sticky mango cake. When do I not have cake?

Back from Bristol and into the working week, I headed on another journey. This time over to North Tawton. North Tawton lies a short drive from Okehampton and sits on the edge of the moors. I was taking a day trip to visit my friend Amber. She is a fab colour technician and I had a date to get my hair done at her little salon, Moda. She opened up just for me which was amazing. Tuesday is normally her day off you see. After a little pre-Christmas titivation we got in the car and took a drive to the award-winning Lifton Strawberry Fields Farm Shop where we stopped off for lunch and a spot of Christmas food shopping.

I have been working hard on recipe development this week. These delicious Mincemeat Crumble Slices were a winner for all who tried them. For the recipe click here. They are well worth the bake!

I have also been working on recipes using Shaken Udder Milkshakes, The Chia Company chia seeds and Tiggs sauces. Look out for these recipes this week!

As you read this I will be heading into the last week of term. That’s when the Christmas countdown really begins and the planning and organising starts. I have a few ideas for my Christmas Day menu but need to finalise the details. It’s never a traditional Christmas roast at my house.

The upcoming week is predominantly centred around my friends and catching up for pre-Christmas drinks and food. I am excited about seeing my dear friend Becca and her new baby, Emile. I haven’t seen her since I found out she was pregnant so Saturday afternoon is dedicated to her. I also have a girls night with Chloe and Sarah plus a date with some fish and chips and a bottle of the Sharpham Vineyard New Release for 2017. I can’t wait for that as you can imagine.

On top of all that I am heading over to Rockfish in Exmouth to try out their menu. The restaurant sits right next to the sea so I hope to have a window seat with a view! Fingers crossed for that.

Have a fabulous week everybody. Enjoy the Christmas build up but try not to get sucked into the hype. Focus on the important things. Friends and family.

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