Breakfast at Bill's

On Sunday, Gina and I went on a little pre-work breakfast date to Bill's.

We were the first customers there (literally.. I tried to go in at half eight.. they open at nine. oops!), and had a lovely funny waiter. Gina got a tea, I ordered a latte, and we both went for the blueberry buttermilk pancakes with bacon and fresh fruit.

Can't think of a better way to start a Sunday morning than with delicious food and the best of friends.

Afternoon Walk in Stanmer Park

Yesterday afternoon my boss, Trevor, and I went for a walk at Stanmer Park with his dog, Seb. I hadn't been since living in Brighton, which is a shocker as it's literally just up the road from me!

It was a bit of a grey day but not too cold and surprisingly not raining, so it actually ended up being a really nice walk! Seb spent the entire time running ahead of us as Trev and I navigated our way through the muddy path. It reminded me of being a kid and heading to my cabin in my rain boots (wellies!), intentionally getting them stuck in mud puddles and having to be carried out.
We saw cows and horses and sheep and lots of other dogs along the path including a very cute Whippet which I'm now wanting to own.

We did a full loop around the park and walked through Stanmer, a cute little street with tiny stone houses all in rows. It was so very English, and made me realize how little time I have left to see things like that.

We made our way into Stanmer House, which is massive and beautiful. Several roaring fires were keeping the high-ceilinged rooms toasty warm, and we sat on plush couches in front of one of them to have a bit of lunch. Seb lay at our feet, and I'm sure all three of us could have gone for quite the nap had we not, you know, been in a public place having lunch. Although I'm sure Seb could have gotten away with it, but he was too busy hoping for a bit of bacon from Trev's sandwich.

When we got back to the car we realized we'd been walking for hours, and mud-covered Seb immediately lay down in the back seat which I'm sure will be a treat to clean.

If you live in Brighton (or are visiting for a few days!) I definitely suggest going to Stanmer Park. I wish I'd gone more while here, but I'm happy I got to go at least once and with good company as well.

Instagram Love

A few Instagram accounts I'm currently head-over-heels for..

@diazmantilla

@oliviabynature

@torycakes_

@deerandfoxpaperco

@emilybaettaglini 

  

What instagrams have you been loving lately? xx

Feeling Festive with TTDER

Tuesday afternoon I hopped on a train to head to the lovely Tea Drinking English Rose's house for a sleepover. Charlotte met me at the station and we practically blew back to hers, it was so so windy and rainy! Not exactly the nicest weather, but luckily inside Charlotte's it was toasty warm and oh-so-cozy. And, of course, we had a cup of tea straight away.





We sat on the couch and chatted away for a little while, and then Sebastian (her lovely beardy man!) and his sweet mum came in for more tea and chats. After Sebastian's mum left, Charlotte cooked us some dinner and we munched in the living room.. and then a bit of silliness ensued - for some reason Charlotte and I decided to braid our hair as beards and have a mini bearded photoshoot?? I don't know what got into us, but my suspicions lie in the Winter Berry and Prosecco crisps from M&S we snacked on (sidenote: if you haven't tried those, go get them immediately. Crisps covered in gold stars.. not sure there is a more festive treat).





After we'd calmed down a little we went into town to meet our friend Chris for a drink and board games at one of their local pubs. We attempted to play Cluedo but all that was in the box was the board, Mrs Peacock and the lead pipe so I feel the mystery wouldn't be all to hard to solve. Instead we played Connect Four (seriously, how long since you've played that game!?) and had quite a laugh doing speed rounds and blind rounds.





We ended the night having mince pies and mulled winter juice, all of us completely knackered and going to bed almost immediately afterwards.





Wednesday morning Charlotte and I woke up and made tea and porridge - bakewell porridge! Almond essence and cherry jam and creamy oats with a cup of tea and our pyjamas in the morning sun, couldn't have asked for a nicer, more calm morning.





We then watched Christmas films - Arthur Christmas and The Santa Clause - while eating all the festive treats; glitter macarons, more Prosecco crisps and Christmassy fruit buns filled with brandy cream. All the while snapping pictures and chatting and laughing loads and loads.





All too quickly it was time to leave my little elf buddy and return to Brighton. I packed up my floral bag, and Charlotte walked me to the station and we reluctantly said goodbye to one another. I'm unsure when I'll see her again as I'm moving home so soon.. it's never fun having to say goodbyes and harder when it's someone you've grown so close to.







But, next time we see each other there'll be a miniTTDER (!!!!) joining us on our elf adventures and I'm certain it will be just as lovely and fun and giggly as always. I love spending time chez TTDER & Sebastian, and I'm already looking forward to the next time :)

xxxxx