NICHS Craft Fair - March

I don't usually do craft fairs at this time of the year,  but I booked today's back in December. Clearly my judgement was clouded as I was still on the Christmas high.

 

It was awful. There is no nice way to put this. The blame unfortunately lies fair and squarely with the organisers. They happily took our money and then crowbarred as many people into a room as was possible. They did no advertising, locally or otherwise, and then charged people money to get in. 

It was for charity and that took the edge off slightly until one of the organisers from NICHS  stood up and spoke. During her introduction she told the stall holders to save the complaints until the end and then proceeded to remind us that the money we had paid was for charity. It was scheduled to run until 6pm and at about 4pm they told us to pack up. A few hardy characters did a sit in, after all if we stayed they had to stay.

Here's my grip. The event was for charity, however we as businesses had paid the money for a service. It may have ultimately went to charity but it wasn't a donation, it was a charge. At no stage did they do anything to manage this nightmare on the day.

Bad craft fairs are part of the deal from time to time, but when the organisers don't do their job that's unforgivable.

Getting Back on the Horse

Yesterday was a big day, as I got back in the saddle. Three and a half weeks ago I fell of a horse (not my own little baby) and broke a rib. I was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced but it also meant that I couldn't ride buddy. Yesterday I decided to give it a go.

It was fine, he was a gent and looked after me well. I won't say it was pain free but it was ok.My husband has been a star throughout this whole thing, and the photographer. He's not really a horse person, but he has picked up the slack and done all the heavy lifting. I am far from better, still a few painful weeks ahead, but at least I feel better inside my head. I was just happy to be back up in the saddle, three weeks ahead of schedule. Now I just need to take it slowly and not over do it :0)

French Village Bakery

Yesterday morning we popped into Belfast for a few messages and food. We parked on Stranmillis Road, so OH could get his hair cut and imagine my utter delight to find The French Village Bakery was back. My husband looked bemused as I babbled about it having the best pastry in Belfast.

It all started many years ago when I was a student at Queen's University. Stanmillis was my stomping ground and I discovered a little bakery that did takeaway sandwiches before they were trendy and the most amazing pastry. Lunch was often a large latte and a caramel choux. A few years after I left uni, it disappeared.

So on Saturday imagine my delight it was back. Same road but a different location. I wondered if it could still be as good..... it was as good as I remembered, better even.

Two caramel pastries and real coffee was enjoyed when we got home. Yum.

How do you eat yours?

We had ours with Kettle bacon and cheese.

On Pancake Tuesday it has to be Scotch Pancakes.

There was much debate today about types and recipes, most people were getting crepes, but I find this so odd, as here in Northern Ireland, we are brought up on these thick fluffy pancakes. Don't get me wrong I love a freshly made crepe with chocolate spread, but not on Pancake Tuesday.

This year we opted to go savoury and it was delicious.  I have used the same recipe since I was 9years old, my brother made them in school and came home with a recipe. Feel free to try it out.

Ingredients
8 oz plain flour
2 oz caster sugar
2tsp cream of tartar
1 heaped tsp of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
a pinch of salt
1 egg
1/4 pt milk

Method
Mix dry ingredients
Add the egg
Slowly add the milk and mix. It should be a thick consistency but not sticky. (You may need more milk depending on your flour)
Cook on a hot griddle rubbed with butter.
Eat warm and enjoy

Sherbet Pips

Sherbet pips is available as pre-cuts. I've been waiting for this fabric line since I first saw it about 6 months ago, so I treated my self to a little charm pack.

Sherbet Pips is designed by Aneela Hoey, from the UK, for Moda. Pop over to her blog to read about her inspiration for the range.

Hugo the Hippo

I'm all about the cute and this little boy is just about as cute as they come.

 

Check some of the other fabulous characters available from LeatherPrince. Another great place for present ideas.

Jewelled Eye Candy

 

I am totally loving these gorgeous little spoons from Cox & Cox. I have images of delicately digging into a little chocolate delight or some ice cream with thick sauce. 

There are many lovely things to look at on this website and it's well worth a visit for a little screen shopping. It gave me some fab ideas for presents.