30.06

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Discovering a brilliant new food blog is a real treat. It’s more than just entertainment- it’s a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge to draw from and use in your own day to day life. I turn to food blogs every time I’m struggling when trying to put together the week’s meal plan, and when the cupboard are looking bare and I can’t for the life of me figure out how to turn two cans of tuna, some lentils and some box choi into an edible meal (turns out, you can’t.) A Dash of Ginger is one of the food blogs I’ve been most excited to add to my reading list over the past few months, and I find myself returning to Kirsty’s beautiful posts time and again. Her photography, her writing, her passion for cooking and sharing recipes- it’s infectious! I’m so excited to be introducing Kirsty and A Dash of Ginger to you here today, and just know you’re going to fall in love with them both. So, enough chitchat from me- let me hand the reins over to the lovely Kirsty!

1. What made you want to start writing A Dash of Ginger? And how did you come up with the name for your blog?

‘I love experimenting in the kitchen and always wanted to share what I’d been up to but I never felt like my phone snaps did it justice (seriously, it’s amazing how easy it is to make delicious food look horribly unappetising!). I’ve been reading food blogs for years but I started to study the photography a bit more in a bid to improve my own and as my photos got a bit better it felt like a natural step to start my own blog. In hindsight, my earliest photos aren’t nearly as good as I thought they were at the time but hey, we live and learn!

Also, I just really like an excuse to be in the kitchen and my family and friends were getting bored of me trying to initiate discussions on the merits of different types of cheeses ;)

I spent SO long thinking of a name for my blog! I wanted it to be fairly obvious that food is my main focus, but also to reflect my personality and leave a bit of wiggle room if I ever want to branch out a bit in terms of content. When ‘A Dash of Ginger’ finally came to me it felt like the perfect mix of those two things. Although, I’m not a natural redhead so if I ever decide to ditch the hair dye it may not make a whole lot of sense!’

2. What three words would you use to describe A Dash of Ginger?

‘Food with personality (I’m cringing a little – that’s a surprisingly tough question!)’

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3. Tell us a little about your blogging experience! Has blogging brought about any major changes in your life? Is there a particular part of the experience of putting together your posts- the photography, writing, coming up with recipe ideas- that you love the most?

‘I’m not sure blogging has contributed to any major changes but it’s certainly given me a push towards experimenting more, not just in the kitchen but also with writing, styling and photography. I work in a fairly mathematical/analytical career so blogging is a great creative outlet and allows me to be a little more artistic. It’s also led to me coming across SO many other talented bloggers who are constantly inspiring me to grow and improve.

My favourite part of the process is constantly changing but at the moment I’m totally in love with the photography aspect. I get so much enjoyment from actually cooking/baking, but it’s in the styling and photography that dishes really come to life and it’s so satisfying to be able to share my recipes in that way.

Having said that, I’m also enjoying writing far more than I initially thought I would. When I began blogging the writing was almost a secondary consideration but as I’ve started to find my voice it’s become something I look forward to. It also highlights to me which recipes I’m really excited about; if I truly love a dish the words just flow and I get super enthusiastic (so much so that I sometimes have to rein it in!)’

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4. Let’s talk successes and disasters! What’ve been some of the very best things you’ve ever made- your proudest moments in the kitchen, if you will! And, have you ever cooked up something for the blog that turned out to be not at all bloggable? (I know I have!)

‘Oh I’ve cooked up SO many disasters that never saw the light of day! One particular highlight (lowlight??) was when I tried to bake a very runny cake mixture in a loose based tin – it all dripped out and baked in a big puddle at the bottom of the oven! Needless to say, that did not make it to the blog!

As for successes, I quite like pretending I’m a fancy chef when we have guests round. I recently cooked venison with pancetta, fondant potatoes, pea puree and a red wine sauce for my parents and was pretty pleased that I managed to pull it all together! Blog-wise, I think it has to be the sweet potato gnocchi, simply because it’s such a labour of love (but totally worth the effort!)

5. Now, on to the ‘personal’ stuff! :) What might surprise people to learn about you? Any secret skills or unusual pastimes?

‘I used to swim competitively as a child (way back when I was much fitter than I am now!) and have completed a few triathlons. These days I’m more into running and completed my 2nd half marathon a couple of weeks ago (a very hilly 13.1 miles on the Isle of Skye!).

Career wise, I work as a trainee actuary – a job that 90% of people I meet have never heard of. It basically means that I work in pensions and still have to sit exams for another couple of years!’

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6. Let’s do some culinary ‘this or thats’! Okay- sweet, or savoury? Crunchy biscuits, or soft cookies? Pepper, or salt? Tomato sauce, or mayonnaise (on chips, that is…)? As a weekend treat- pizza, or fish and chips? Crunchy or smooth peanut butter? Post-meal- cheeseboard, or something sweet?

‘Savoury, although I’m pretty fond of both ;)
Soft cookies (unless the crunchy option is ginger nuts)
Salt – a little pinch of it can totally transform a recipe.
Tomato sauce. You can tell I’m not an Edinburgh native or my answer would likely be ‘chippy sauce’ (although I’ve still not figured out exactly what that is!)
Pizza – even bad pizza still tastes pretty good!
Crunchy peanut butter all the way.
Something sweet. I do love a cheeseboard but after a meal all I can think about is sugar!’

7. You live in beautiful Edinburgh, right? :) (I’m so very jealous!) Tell us some of the very best things about your fine city!

‘I do indeed :) I’ve lived here for about two years now so there’s lots I’ve still to explore! My absolute favourite thing about Edinburgh is that you can simultaneously be within walking distance of the centre (and all the amazing shops, bars and restaurants it offers) and yet feel like you’re a million miles away from a city.

I absolutely adore Stockbridge, which feels like a little village of its own with cute independent shops and some great restaurants that make the most of fresh, local produce. Walking along the Water of Leith you can almost pretend you’re in the countryside and a wander along the coast to Cramond makes me think of seaside holidays (if you ignore the fact it’s usually about 10 degrees and raining!)’

 

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8. And finally, it’s our old favourite Desert Island Discs! If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring along for the ride? You can bring two albums/CDs, two books, two films, ingredients to make a meal, and one luxury item!

‘Oh, this one is so hard – I’ll no doubt have changed my mind by the time this post goes live!

For CDs I’ll have to go for one by The National – it’ll have to be a compilation because my favourite tracks by them span just about every album! Then, for something a little more upbeat when I fancy a wee dance, Taylor Swift – 1989 (of course!).

To read, Not the End of the World by Christopher Brookmyre because he’s hilarious, and Atonement – Ian McEwan.

Ok, films: Moulin Rouge, for Ewan McGregor and the quirkiness and because I love any film that makes me cry (which is actually quite a lot of them!), and The House We Live In because I’m a weirdo who loves documentaries, and this is one of the most captivating I’ve ever seen!

I’d keep things simple for the meal and bring ingredients for a classic steak, chips and béarnaise sauce. And lastly, my luxury item would be a pretty notepad & pen. Then I could draw/write/make lists to my hearts content :)’

** How much did you love Kirsty’s answers? I found myself smiling the whole way through reading them! Do click through to A Dash of Ginger and have a read of Kirsty’s lovely posts, and don’t forget to follow along via Bloglovin‘ too! **

p.s. If you’d like to see your own blog featured here on Cider with Rosie, click through to the Sponsor page and book up an advert! In celebration of being on a wedding countdown, I’m offering 20% off all ad spots until the end of June! Enter ‘THECOUNTDOWN’ at checkout to take 20% off your advertising package! :)

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29.05

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I’ll be honest with you, it was pretty hard to whittle the amount of questions I had to ask Sarah, the blogger behind The Prosecco Diaries, down to just eight. She’s a fountain of knowledge- on everything from blogging and journalism, to the finest skincare and where’s best to get a great glass of fizz in London! I just wanted to pick her brains about everything, okay!? ;) I’ve followed Sarah online for a long while now, and can’t tell you what a treat it’s been to dedicate time this month to getting to know The Prosecco Diaries better. I just adore her authorial voice, and how each post on TPD seems so well researched and carefully put together. And I’m so excited to be introducing Sarah and her lovely blog here today! Enough from me- let’s get to this interview already!

1. Tell us a little about how you’ve come to be an events organiser and blogger in London! Has your background studying theatre influenced and enhanced your career? And what does an average day look like for you?

‘I always wanted to be a magazine journalist and did my school work experience at Mizz Magazine (remember that?), but I don’t know why I didn’t pursue it. I ended up studying theatre at uni, and training to be a drama teacher. There was a lot I loved about teaching, especially directing school plays, but there’s also a lot to be unhappy about when you’re not in your dream job. I started my blog because I just needed somewhere to write, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I started creating magazine-style content: interviews, reviews, recommendations, etc. As my blog started to take off I spent more and more time on it, and started working with brands to do blogger outreach and organise events. Teaching is not the kind of job you can switch off from in the evenings and weekends; there’s always some paperwork or marking to do. So, I had to make a decision – do less blogging or blog full time. It was a scary decision to make, but made easier by the fact I was working in a really horrible school at the time! The first thing I did when I left was write a column about quitting for Teaching Drama Magazine, and I rejoiced in finally being a published writer! I have since done lots of freelance work on the side of my blog: events, social media consultancy, writing, and blogger outreach. I also set up Bloggeration with a fellow blogger, and we run workshops and events for bloggers. This month I’m speaking at the Web We Want Festival at the Southbank Centre on monetising your blog, and I’m also chairing a panel of bloggers and YouTubers.’

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‘An average day for me starts with getting up between 7am and 8am and walking the ten steps from my bedroom to the lounge where I work from. When I went freelance I made the mistake of working very late hours and sleeping late, getting into student sleeping patterns! But this made being wide awake for morning meetings or events difficult, so now I make myself get up early, even if I’ve been out late at an event the night before. I start with checking emails and promoting my latest post on social media (they go live at 6am most mornings). I then go to the gym or do a workout DVD at home, do some housework or laundry, and then get ready to go out if I have meetings with brands or PRs, or if I’m meeting a fellow blogger for lunch. If I’m working from home all day I make sure I get an afternoon walk in, or take some time to have a break. I watch loads of YouTube vlogs and read blogs, and I might also watch a cheeky episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race…. I’m out several nights a week for blog events, or I might be reviewing a restaurant or going to a film premiere. Weekends are my quiet evenings to stay in and relax, or catch up with non-blogging friends, but I still work on weekends in the day time – when you’re freelance there’s always something that needs doing.’

2. What three words would you use to describe The Prosecco Diaries?

‘Informative, entertaining, prosecco-fuelled.’

3. Do you have a favourite subject to cover on TPD? I personally am hooked on your reviews of London restaurants and hotspots, they’re just so great!

‘When I started my blog it was mostly about things to do in London – hence my tagline “exploring London’s creative side”, and I interviewed several creative types. It’s evolved to include beauty reviews, and a health section to document my struggles with weight loss and acne scarring. I also have the “and another thing” section which is open for any kinds of opinions, tips, and rants. I enjoy all the sections, which probably goes back to my love of magazines – I like a bit of everything to read. It is pretty great to get invited to exciting places in London and be able to tell my readers about them.’

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4. What advice would you give to anyone juggling multiple projects- i.e.writing a blog alongside a full-time job? Any top tips for efficiency and productivity?

‘I’d say an editorial calendar is essential. Most bloggers like to be spontaneous with their posts, and write about what’s inspiring them that week. But if you plan a month ahead (or even three months) you can also have lots of general posts ready to go so you don’t have to scrabble about and get stressed when work or your social life are busy. There are loads of editorial calendar templates online, and one tip is to look for national days and holidays, such as national cat day, halloween, international women’s day, etc – put those in your editorial calendar and write something connected to them. This will give you some easy, shareable content ready to go on those dates. When I worked full time I would also try and cut corners by making one blogger event into two posts. For example, I’d blog about the actual event, and then do another post about the beauty products in the goody bag. Or if I went to review a museum, I’d take some street-style photos outside and write a second post.’

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5. What three things would you tell someone visiting London for the very first time to go and do? :)

‘If you’re brand new to London you’re going to need to see a view of this beautiful city! Forget the London Eye, it’s expensive and you’ll waste half a day queuing. Go to the Sky Garden on Fenchurch Street, it’s free but you need to book ahead online. There’s a 360 degree view of London, plus yummy pastries to eat! I also recommend the Ghost Bus Tour to people, it’s so silly but it’s also such a laugh! You travel round London at night on a black double decker bus, and hilarious actors perform whilst also showing you the sights. It’s the perfect way to combine theatre and a London tour – I’ve been on it twice! If you only have time for one West End show see War Horse, it will break your heart and amaze you with how powerful theatre can be.’

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6. You feature so many amazing beauty products on your blog! Best thing you’ve tried during the past month?

‘I’m loving the Sunday Riley range at the moment! It’s pricey, but the hype for these products is justified! It’s an American brand and all-natural, so everything smells a bit iffy. But stripped of perfumes and artificial nasties you get powerful oils and creams that nourish your skin and leave it glowing. The Artemis oil has given my skin a new lease of life!’

7. Okay, I can’t not ask- what’s your very favourite Prosecco? Any you’d recommend to a relative Prosecco-drinking newbie like myself?

‘I like my prosecco dry! I don’t know why some people think it’s a sweet drink. I’m no expert though, this was proved when I was recently asked to go on BBC radio and talk about the international prosecco shortage. Haaa! I had no idea what I was rambling about! I called my blog The Prosecco Diaries because it’s my favourite drink and it’s what everyone who knew me associated me with. One of the world’s biggest bloggers warned me against the name as she thought it sounded like a blog about wine, but I’ve mostly had people saying they love the name. I think it does confuse wine merchants a bit at first, but then they still offer me free prosecco anyway, which is a perk I never expected but have welcomed with open arms! The best one I’ve ever tried (so far) is by Italian chef, Enrica Rocca. It’s only available to buy online in cases of six at the moment, but it’s so amazing, I’d say push the boat out if you’re having a special occasion!’

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8. And finally, it’s our old favourite Desert Island Discs! If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring along for the ride? You can bring two albums/CDs, two books, two films, ingredients to make a meal, and one luxury item! 

‘This is tough as I’m a music and film fiend! Albums would have to be the greatest hits of Blondie and David Bowie. Though, if I could cheat I’d take two massive CDs of playlists I’d made heh heh. My music tastes are eclectic – I can never put my iPod on at parties because one minute it’s a cool song, next it’s a track from a musical or some embarrassing early nineties pop that kills the mood. I’d need to cheer myself up so I’d take Your Highness or This Is The End as a silly film to watch, and I’m also obsessed with Christmas films so I’d watch Home Alone to fit in with the vibe of being stranded and alone. A book I always recommend to people, and one I’d happily read again is Wedlock by Wendy Moore. It’s a biography of a young, rich heiress in the 1700s who is tricked into marrying a vicious brute of a man, who goes about trying to destroy her and keep her money. It’s a true story, and it will blow your mind at how she fought back at a time in history when women had practically zero rights. It’s so well written and researched, and Moore makes a lot of parallels with modern laws and rights for women. Again you’ll be shocked at how little things have changed: it was totally legal in the UK for a man to rape his wife up until 1990!! I love biographies, and another brilliantly written one is Peter Cook: A Biography by Harry Thompson. I’m such a fan of Peter Cook, and this book tells us about his fascinating life whilst also pretty much telling the story of television comedy in the UK.

My luxury item would be that Sunday Riley skincare range – though I should be sensible and take some SPF70 sun protection – I’m next-level pale. Food would be a dish I’ve made for most people in my life at one time or another, I got it from a 1980′s Jane Fonda healthy cook-book. You use a stock cube to make stock in a jug, add peanut butter and mix it into a creamy peanut sauce, then pour it over cooked pasta. Thanks, Jane – it’s delicious!’

 ** Thanks to the lovely Sarah for her incredible answers! You can find The Prosecco Diaries here, and don’t forget to follow along with all Sarah’s posts via Bloglovin‘! **

p.s. If you’d like to see your own blog featured here on Cider with Rosie, click through to the Sponsor page and book up an advert!

 

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29.04

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There are some bloggers who I feel shine beams of happiness out into the internet at large via their blogs, and Rhianna is certainly one of those types of people. Everything she shares online is so beautifully written, so honest, and so warm, it does my heart good just reading it! Robowecop is a happy mixture of beauty reviews, sweet recipes, lifestyle posts, and the most incredible series about mental health entitled Let’s Talk. I’ve got so much respect for Rhianna’s honesty, and the candid way in which she writes. And I’m so, so glad to get chance to introduce you to her and her beautiful blog today! Last week Rhianna answered a few questions for me, and I just love her answers. So, let me introduce you to…Robowecop!

1. What made you want to start writing Robowecop? And what’s been the very best change writing a blog has brought about in your life?

‘I’d been reading blogs and watching YouTube for YEARS and never even twigged that I could do it myself. I’ve always been a lover of (read: completely obsessed with) blogs, the internet and social media so it just made sense for me to start one myself. So, what started as a “let’s see what happens” hobby to keep me sane during University is now one of the most cherished things I have!’

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2. How would you describe your blog in three words?

‘Bright, chatty and friendly! (You have NO idea how long it took me to think of the answer to this question!)’

3. Do you have a favourite kind of post to write? I love how text-based your posts are, they read like a conversation with a friend!

‘Thanks Rosie! That’s exactly how I want my readers to see my blog! I’m an overly chatty person (my Dad always tells me I learned to talk at a young age and haven’t shut up since) and I think that definitely shows in my posts. Because of this my favourite posts to write are my more ‘personal’ ones. The ones where I can just get all my feelings down into one post and maybe someone, somewhere can relate to it! They’re my favourite to read on other blogs as well. I love knowing about the blogger behind the blog – so I think that’s where it stems from!’

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4. Do you have any dreams or goals for where you’d like blogging to take you?

‘Honestly when I started robowecop it was definitely just a hobby that I thought might be fun. But now I have fallen so deeply in love with blogging that (in an ideal world) I would love for it to evolve into some sort of career for me. Whether that be blogging full time or just something that involves me writing, that is now my ultimate dream. Which is crazy because only a couple of years ago I was dead set on being a Product Designer. Funny how things change! (I still wouldn’t mind being a Product Designer, it is after all my degree discipline and I do love it! Just FYI!)’

5. What’re the best things about your home city of Leeds? Any top tips for would-be visitors?

‘LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS! Best city in the world, although I am incredibly biased. Leeds is great because the city is evolving so fast and there are new things popping up left, right and centre. But equally, you’re only a very short train ride from some of the most beautiful countryside views in the whole country. If you’ve never been to Leeds before you need to hit up Trinity Leeds if you enjoy shopping (and also if you enjoy street food and cocktails!), The Royal Armouries if you enjoy history and want to have a go at jousting and my top secret place is the terrace bar at the Everyman Cinema! It’s outside, so lovely in the summer, but not many people know it’s there so it’s always lovely and quiet!’
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6. As a tea-aficionado- what’re your very favourite blends? Any gourmet ones you’d recommend seeking out? And, most importantly, how do you take your tea? :)

‘As far as ‘normal’ tea goes, I’m a Yorkshire-Tea-Or-GTFO type of person. I take it with no sugar and a small drop of milk, so quite strong! But as far as more ‘gourmet’ blends go, I’m a HUGE lover of a good old simple green tea. Taylors of Harrogate and Pukka are my two favourite herbal tea companies! (Taylors of Harrogate do a gorgeous Chamomile and Vanilla tea!)’ 

7. You’re a pretty big music-lover, right? :) Tell us about the best gig you’ve ever been to, and why it was so fantastic!

‘Music has been one of the biggest parts of my life since I was tiny. I’ve always sang, I used to play piano (but it’s been a while!) and I have two parents who brought me up to love live music. Choosing my favourite ever gig would be like choosing a favourite child! I can narrow it down to a few though: Paramore will always be up there because their live quality is absolutely amazing and I can’t remember a time I was so excited to see someone as the first time I saw Paramore; 30 Seconds To Mars win the Best Show award (I’ve never been so in awe of a show in my life! Think giant balloons and acrobats!); Blitz Kids win my Current Faves award, they always put on a great show and they are such great lads and Newton Faulkner wins the Nicest Person On Stage Ever award: such a talented guy and going to see him live is like watching a friend/comedian/musician all in one!’

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8. And lastly, let’s play a round of ‘desert island discs’! If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you? You can bring two albums/CDs, two books, ingredients to make two meals, and one luxury item!

‘YES! I LOVE THIS GAME! As far as CDs go I’d currently have to pick Deja Entendu by Brand New and Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. The two books I’d pick would be One Day by David Nicholls and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the best HP book!). Ingredients to make two meals would be Spaghetti Bolognase (I make a BANGING spag bol) and mug pancakes and the one luxury item I’d bring with me would be some super comfy PJs/loungewear – I literally live in loungewear when I’m not at Uni, so I feel this would be a necessity to stay comfy!’

** Thanks so much Rhianna for such a fun interview! I loved your answers! Do click through and have a read of Robowecop, and don’t forget to follow along with Rhianna’s lovely posts via Bloglovin‘ too.

p.s. If you’d like to see your own blog featured here on Cider with Rosie, click through to the Sponsor page and book up an advert! Plus take 15% off all ads for the next 48 hours only with the code ‘SPRING15′!

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01.04

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I’m so, so glad I’ve had chance to get to know Victoria and her lovely blog over the course of the past month. Landscapes and Cupcakes is just such a beautiful online space, full of the sort of stunning photography and sweet, from-the-heart posts that’ll draw you back in time and again. Victoria works as a garden designer, and her love for all things outdoors comes shining through her blog posts. We totally share the same dreams of owning a smallholding ;) I’m totally in love with everything she shares via her site- not least because that sweet pup above is often the subject of of Victoria’s photos! I mean, who on earth could resist that curly little face?! This week Victoria answered a few of my questions, and so without further ado, let me introduce you to Landscapes and Cupcakes!

1. What made you want to start writing your lovely blog? Has blogging brought about any positive changes in your life?

‘To be honest, I first started blogging as a way to keep my business website updated with my current projects and information about my work, but about 6 months ago I decided to have a bit more fun with it, and turn it into more of a lifestyle blog. Now I share not only my work as a garden designer, but what I get up to in my spare time too! I have always had a passion for photography, and having a blog to share my photos has given me the perfect excuse to really improve my skills (and invest in a few snazzy lenses!)!’

2. What do you want people to take away from Landscapes and Cupcakes, when they visit? :)

‘I want to share lots of fun ways to enjoy being outside, especially in the garden, such as growing fruit, veg and cut flowers, and cooking outdoors.’

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3. How does your work as a garden designer influence the content you create for Landscapes and Cupcakes? Does one form of creativity feed into the other, do you find?

‘Yes definitely, and even though I am new to blogging, I have found it has already allowed me to explore lots of different ideas and ways of working, and develop new skills. I have lots of plans for exciting new content and regular posts over the coming months, and I am looking forward to growing my blog in parallel to my business.’

4. Do you have a favourite kind of post to write for your blog?

‘I love sharing photos from weekends exploring the beautiful Welsh countryside.’

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5. What’re the very best things about living in Wales? Your photos make it look so beautiful!

‘I know I am biased, but it really is an incredible place! I think the beaches have to be my favourite thing about living here, but you also can’t beat the spine tingling atmosphere of the Millennium Stadium during a Welsh international rugby game!’

6. Will you tell us a little about how you came to be a garden designer? Have you had a love for horticulture your whole life? I’m fascinated to know more!

‘My undergrad degree was in Architecture, but my boyfriend Joe (now my husband) was studying Landscape Architecture at the same time, and I found that I was much more passionate about what he was learning. So, after our post uni gap year (9 months working in a mindless job to pay for an awesome 3 month travelling adventure), I decided to go back to uni to study for a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.

When I graduated just over 2 years ago, the job situation was not great, so I decided to have a go and set up my own Garden Design company as it had always been my dream to run my own business. I launched the business with a Show Garden at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show in 2013 (where we won a Gold Medal!) and I have never looked back. Joe has recently started working with me, after 5 years working in commercial Landscape Architecture, and I am really looking forward to growing the business together.’

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7. What might Cider with Rosie readers be surprised to learn about you? Any party tricks, or secret skills? :)

‘Not sure about party tricks, but it surprises most people that we have 12 pets! – 7 chickens, 3 tortoises, a house bunny and a cavapoo puppy! I am completely mad about animals, and it is my dream to live on a smallholding one day, but for now I am happy with my mini farmyard in our back garden! We still have plenty of room (Joe disagrees!) and I would love a couple of ducks and to keep bees here too… watch this space!’

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8. And lastly, let’s play a round of ‘desert island discs’! If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you? You can bring two albums/CDs, two books, ingredients to make two meals, and one luxury item!

‘For the music it’d have to be Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (my all-time favourite album) and Ben Howard’s Every Kingdom (the ultimate chilled summer soundtrack- perfect for a desert island!). Food wise, I would take the ingredients for an epic beach BBQ- juicy burgers, strong cheddar, and a few beers to wash it down. And then the ingredients for a lush fry up the next day. I much prefer reading practical books to novels (I read cookbooks in bed!) so maybe a couple of Bear Grylls-esq survival guides to help me stay alive on said desert island once I’ve had my BBQ and fry up! And I think the luxury item would have to be a hammock!’

** Thanks to Victoria for such lovely As to my Qs! :) Do go through and have a read of Landscapes and Cupcakes- it’s such a beautiful blog! And don’t forget to follow along with Victoria’s posts via Bloglovin‘ too! **

p.s. Head over to the Sponsor page to find out more about advertising on Cider with Rosie, and to take up an ad!

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