Mountains, Bunnies & Babies

Take a sunny, warm day, a walk (half way) up a mountain, friends, family and some fluffy rabbits and it's guaranteed I'll be happy. Last weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying all of these things all in one day. It's true what they say y'know – you can't buy happiness.

 

So this is where I live(!) Abergavenny is surrounded by mountains, (or hills, if you're a mountain snob), and when summer comes around we take any chance we can to enjoy the views we are so blessed with. This photo was taken from the canal on the Blorenge – the biggest 'hill' in Abergavenny – and the mountain in the distance is the Skirrid, arguably the one with the best views.

After church on Sunday I went for a walk with my friends Kerry, Steve and Austin. We were going to climb the Blorenge, but I was just about dying after five minutes uphill, so we just went along the canal instead. Time to get back on the couch to 5k/30 day shred?

We went back to Austin's afterwards and got to see his fluffy bunnies! This one is called Simba (love) and he is the fluffiest bunny I have ever seen. He is so soft and tame and I love him and want to steal him.

So much love for Simba.

And Mabel! When I got home I was all set for an evening in the hammock with a book, but then my sister and brother-in-law were having a BBQ so I got in the car and drove to their house to cuddle Baby OH and my favourite lion head bunny, Mabel (and see Emily, James and my parents of course...)

Little muncher.

Look how much baby OH has grown. She is now four months old and changing so much every time I see her. She is so perfect and cuddly.

When I went to work on Monday I felt like I had had a week off, the weekend seemed to go on and on, which is rare when you find yourself having so much fun. I hope this weekend is just as good as it's my birthday tomorrow – I'm gonna be 22 and I can't wait! What did you do to make the most of the lush weather last weekend?

First Meetings: The Wild Cafe – Bath

Sometimes, the places you come across by chance are better than the those that you plan to visit. The Wild Cafe is one of those places. Situated on a cobbled little side street in the centre of the beautiful city of Bath, it catches the eye with its bright signs and bicycle marking its entrance.  and The Wild Cafe in Bath is one of those places I will forever remember as being that delightful little cafe, where the food – no matter what you order – is fantastic. Quoting the motto on their website, they're 'wild about simple food made with quality ingredients'.

I found The Wild Cafe a couple of years ago when I visited Bath with my then boyfriend. We were wandering the streets and when we saw this place, we knew we had to eat here. I'm so glad we did. I had eggs benedict – one of my favourite breakfast dishes, and the eggs were perfect. Always one to try something new on returning visits, last Saturday I opted for something different, but the fact that The Wild Cafe serve breakfast all day is brilliant – why don't all cafes do this?

It was an important lunch, too, because I was meeting my best friend's boyfriend for the first time, and I had lots of questions to ask. We went to The Wild Cafe on my recommendation, and I had high hopes that the food would impress both Bethan and Tim.

The layout of the cafe is all in one space – kitchen included, which I love. It was busy when we got there, but we were greeted as soon as we came in and given some menus to look at while we waited for a table to become available.

There is lots to choose from in The Wild Cafe which is always a good thing.

I was SO tempted by the bacon pancakes. So tempted.

We were seated after a few minutes' wait and ordered some drinks. Tim chose tea and Bethan and I chose apple and elderflower juice.

We were told there would be about a 25 minute wait for food, but that was fine – it's a lovely place to just sit and chat anyway. We talked about our jobs (yawn, I must be getting old) and what we like to do and all the stock questions you ask when you meet someone for the first time. I was also given a little bit of boy advice from Tim and which was most helpful ;)

The food was more than worth the wait. Bethan ordered the goats cheese and chicken sandwich, Tim the rabbit pie and I chose the bacon, brie and tomato chutney sandwich. We all ordered a side of chips too, which, according to the waitress, were super yummy, and she was right.

Perhaps the best bacon and brie sandwich I have had... ever? The bacon was thick, but crispy, and the brie was generously cut, too, although not quite as melted as I would have liked, but it didn't matter. The chutney was an interesting change to the usual cranberry sauce you get with the bacon and brie combination. I ate every last bit, and we left with very full tummies and happy hearts, to the pub where I grilled Tim some more about children, politics and the future...

Have you visited The Wild Cafe? I can't recommend this place enough, and I so wish I lived a little closer to Bath so I could go there more often. It's relaxed, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the food is fantastic. Find out more here.

Snuggle Sundays

Sometimes, all you need is a day off from life. It's hard being you - you know it's true. Life is too busy. Forget all your worries, forget your usual routine and have a snuggle day. Have it on Sunday and you'll be relaxed and ready for the coming week. I am posting this today so you can reschedule any plans you may have made for tomorrow and make time for a snuggle day instead ;)

Source

Sunday used to be my most hated day of the week - back when Monday mornings meant school, work and following a routine for the next five days. Thankfully, I am o-v-a-h education, and Sundays are now my favourite day of the week. I renamed them Snuggle Sundays when I started university and soon enough that justified staying in bed ALL DAY, staying in either your pyjamas, severely comfortable loungewear or a onesie ALL DAY, ordering pizza from your bed, and only getting up to go to the toilet or answer the door for the pizza guy.

Me & my friend Cloey enjoying pink milk in our onesies

Now that I have finished uni, my Snuggle Sundays are a bit more civilised; I actually get out of bed and set foot into the outside world, but afternoons and evenings are always reserved for a good ol' snuggle. 

Note: snuggling does not necessarily require two people. I have been spending my snuggle days pretty much alone for the past two months and they are just as excellent. Just be sure to stock up on the blankets, chocolate and trashy DVDs.

 The best snuggle buddy you could ever ask for.

The best Snuggle Sundays involve a nap, yummy food, and then a nice bath before bed. I'm not suggesting do this every Sunday. Actually, what am I saying. Of course I am. Yep. One day - or half day - a week reserved for snuggling. It's the best way to chill out. Try it and thank me later.

For the ultimate Snuggle Sunday, you will need:

• Snuggle buddy (optional)
• Onesie/pyjamas/loungewear
• Blanket
• Bed/Sofa
• Food of your choice - I recommend pizza or a roast
• Snacks of your choice - I usually go for chocolate, or milk and cookies. Mmm.

 What you won't need:

• Make up
• A shower
• Energy   

Sleep til three. Don't get dressed. Don't brush your teeth. Or do, if you want. Put on your favourite party dress. Go to church. Do whatever you want!

Fried Chicken - What's Not to Love?

Day 18: The taste of your favourite meal.

 

Don't worry. My favourite meal doesn't taste like an obese bunny rabbit sitting on a rock. I just thought this image was mildly amusing and conveys what I might look like if I ate chicken in oatmeal every day. It is so delicious though. I'll tell you why.

It's the sauce that holds the most flavour. It's made in the frying pan and it is creamy and mustardy and lemony. It goes with the fried chicken in oatmeal. The sauce is the best bit. It's always good to make too much.

Sarah describes chicken in oatmeal as a beige meal. In terms of colour, she is right - it isn't the most colourful dish, but in terms of taste, it goes far beyond the colour of a standard carpet. It is a myriad of varying flavours, textures and temperatures that delight both the tongue and tummy - isn't that what good food is all about?

I refuse to believe that this meal is unhealthy because the chicken is fried. As long as it's homemade and fresh, it's fine. I have never actually made this but my mum is the expert and she makes it to perfection every year for my Birthday. I LOVE IT.

Mum whisks up an egg wash to dip the raw chicken fillets into after they have been floured, and then coats them in oatmeal. Just regular oats - the ones you use to make porridge or flapjacks, I think. She fries them and then pours the sauce all over them on your plate with some boiled potatoes and veg. Really though, I could just eat the chicken. It is never undercooked, never too dry. Even when cold, it is delicious.

Unfortunately I don't have any photos of my favourite meal BUT trust me when I say it's a finger lickin' chicken lover's dream. Maybe I'll have a go at it myself soon and post the recipe... It's definitely worth sharing.