November | 2014 | Cider with Rosie

10 things that’ve made me happy this week!

28.11

Last week in November! Last week in November! Are you excited? I most definitely am. Maybe irritatingly so (according so a certain fiancé of who quite clearly is lacking the Christmas spirit gene ;). But I mean what is it…three odd days now, and we’ll officially be in Advent! Sure, I am still dreadfully behind with Christmas shopping. Sure, we never managed to get round to taking that trip to Scotland we’d hoped to fit in during October or November. And sure, we’re not as ahead of ourselves, work-wise, as we’d like to be in the run up to taking time off. But hey! It’s almost time for daily doses of chocolate, and Christmas carols, and trees and lights and mince pies and festive jumpers! Aside from all this pre-Advent excitement, here’s what else has kept my spirits up during this rather grey and rainy week…

1. Spending an evening this week with Jason talking about our plans and dreams and goals for the few years ahead of us. Exciting and daunting and scary and exciting some more!

2. Ticking off all the boring house jobs that’ve been lingering on my to-do list. Jobs like ‘change up the bed linen’ and ‘phone the insurance people about the broken cooker hood.’ It’s all fun stuff, you know…

3. Taking flasks of coffee out with me on morning dog walks. Warms my hands, and makes doing four and a half miles that bit easier ;)

4. Homemade chips, cooked with garlic and tons of olive oil and salt.

5. Clearing down my inbox! I’d not done it in so long, and it really is the best feeling to have a slightly more manageable amount of emails sitting in my mailbox every day.

6. Hot chocolate with marshmallows on top.

7. Introducing my soon-to-be sister in law to Pinterest. She swore blind she wouldn’t enjoy it, and then we made her an account whilst we were having a girls’ night in, and I didn’t hear from her again for about three hours ;) It makes me happy to have passed on the Pinterest love!

8. Sticking to a daily routine of body moisturising each morning. My skin gets bone dry round this time of year, and always feels SO good for having been moisturised. {Currently using a gorgeous one from The White Company that’ll be new in their SS15 collection.}

9. Browsing honeymoon destinations online. Even just looking at pictures of tropical islands does my heart good!

10. Knowing that we’re only two-odd weeks away from decorating the house for Christmas! I’m currently campaigning for us to have coloured lights on our tree…

Three posts I’ve loved reading this week :: Sophie’s amazing post about how she quit her day job {& made running one of my all-time favourite jewellery shops her full-time business!} || Katy’s beautiful hot chocolate + kitten photos! The cutest! || + Caroline’s amazing Thanksgiving outfit.

p.s. We’re definitely going to play our dorky advent calendar game again this year. Care to join? ;)

12 Comments

Posted in 10 THINGS, HAPPINESS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The lake, the fog, and giving presence.

27.11

I was mindlessly browsing YouTube last weekend, when LuluLemon’s ’Give Presence’ Christmas campaign advert popped up on the video I’d just clicked through to. I got ready to hit ‘Skip Ad’, whilst sitting through those obligatory five seconds of viewing time. But when those five seconds were up, I watched five more, and five more after that, and before I knew it the whole advert was up. It was the idea of ‘giving presence’ that really got me. The idea that the most valuable thing we can give is our full attention to the moment we’re in, the people we’re with, the beauty we’re surrounded by. The mantra of ‘give presence, give presence’ has been going over and over in my head ever since I watched the video, and I already feel like it’s helping me to be less distracted and more concentrated on breathing deeply and living in the moment.

These photos were taken during a walk round the lake, when the air was thick with mist and we could barely see from one side to the other. Teddy fished a tennis ball out of the water and carried it like a trophy the whole way round, and we stopped lots of times to breathe and relax and enjoy the amazing crisp air. Turns out, presence is where it’s at…

What I wore :: Faux-fur headband {a gift from last Chrismas, similar here} || Jacket {past season Toast, similar here} || Jeans || Scarf || Boots

24 Comments

Posted in COUNTRY WALKS, DOG WALKS, WINTER

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Who’s been in my sidebar this month? || November advertisers!

26.11

I just love writing these ‘who’s in my sidebar’ posts each month. It always reminds me of how expansive the blogging community really is, and also of the amazing opportunity it provides for the expression of individuality. This month, there’ve been so many wonderful and unique blogs linked here, and I’ve so enjoyed getting to know each of them in turn. I know you’re going to love them! So have a little browse, add to your Bloglovin’ feed, leave a comment or two, and enjoy finding your new favourite blog…

Little Observationist
I’ve been getting to know Little Observationist well over the past few weeks, and it’s just such a lovely read! Steph is based in London but originally from the East Coast of America, and has been blogging about her life in some form or another since back in 2002! I love the variety of what she posts, from fascinating stories about London and travel posts, to gift guides and recipes. Steph’s writing is what draws me in time and again- her passion for documenting her life on Little Observationist just shines through! A gorgeous addition to my reading list in November!
Favourite post of the past month? Athens in a whirl of sights, sounds, smells & tastes.

A Simple Elegance
Arielle and her darling blog have both become firm favourites of mine over the past couple of months. I just absolutely adore her posts- they’re always so clean and bright and warm, and so very engaging! Arielle lives on a beautiful island in the Caribbean with her husband, and shares snippets of her life via A Simple Elegance. Her About page alone will steal your heart! If you, like me, are fond of blogs that centre around the little things, mindfulness, happiness, and love- you’re set to fall hard for A Simple Elegance! (p.s. Arielle’s a fellow tartan scarf-lover. Enough said…:)
Favourite post of the past month? Ten Simple Things || Having family around.

Mel Bakes Things
Mel’s blog is so, SO fantastic. As you’ll have guessed from the name, Mel’s blog is a food-focused one! Her recipes all are to die for- this week, for example, it’s been a pie-bonanza! There’ve been recipes for cranberry meringue pie, mincemeat pie, pumpkin caramel pie, and so many more besides. Mel’s photography and styling are absolutely gorgeous- clean and minimalist, and just so inspiring. I’m always so grateful to get introduced to so many amazing blogs via advertising, and getting to add Mel Bakes Things to my reading list has made me thankful yet again!
Favourite post of the past month? Bacon cheddar muffins!

The What Now Blog
It’s always so lovely having Lou’s blog linked in my sidebar. I like to read it late on Sunday nights or first thing on a weekday morning- a little pep-talk before the start of a busy day or week. The What Now Blog is full of thoughtful, inspiring posts that encourage thoughtful, inspired living! Reading Lou’s posts always leaves me feeling so much more ‘present’, and determined to put as effort into caring for my mental wellbeing as I do working out and taking care of my physical wellbeing. Such a fantastic read- I really can’t recommend it highly enough.
Favourite post of the past month? Are you part of the cult of busy?

Oh Hey Blog
Megan’s blog was a new one to me this month, and I absolutely adore it! Megan is an Aussie living in beautiful Paris, and she documents her foreign adventures on her blog! And I’m telling you, those are some gorgeous adventures being had! Megan’s photos of Paris are just perfect- she has a real gift for storytelling through her photography, and I’m totally addicted to reading her posts. They’re always so simple and beautifully put together, and seem so effortless. To all my fellow Francophiles, you’re about to fall in LOVE!
Favourite post of the past month? Doors of Paris.

Bumpkin Betty
It’s always a pleasure to read Jaclyn’s lovely blog, but this month was extra special. Why? Well, because Jaclyn got engaged! I couldn’t be happier for this lovely lady! Even aside from this most fun and happy of announcements, this month Bumpkin Betty’s been a joy to read! Jaclyn’s posts are lifestyle-focused, full of sweet travel posts and gorgeous outfits and inspiring homewares. It’s the sort of blog you find yourself getting lost in- and now I just can’t wait to follow along with Jaclyn’s wedding planning!
Favourite post of the past month? A Hampton Court Palace Proposal

Let Us Wanderlust
Oh, Carly’s blog is a beautiful one! I’m so glad to have had chance to get to know it throughout November- it’s gone right to the top of my ‘daily reads’ list! Carly lives in Australia with her husband, and shares posts about their lovely life together on her blog. Her writing is so warm and personable (something that never fails to make me fall for a blog!) and her sweet ‘real life catch up’ style posts are such a pleasure to read. Be prepared though, you’ll need to set aside a good hour or so for reading once you get started on Let Us Wanderlust!
Favourite post of the past month? Five favourites from the week that was!

Uncia + Tigris
I just love reading Claire’s blog. Uncia + Tigris is exactly the sort of lifestyle blog that captures my heart from the first post- full of sweet snippets and insights into Claire’s life (she’s a fellow Surrey girl!), round ups of her favourite reads from around the web, and beautiful photos from her travels and adventures. Her posts always read as so smart and concise, and feel like catching up with a friend. If you’re fond of the sort of charming lifestyle blog that draws you in from the very first post, Uncia + Tigris one for you!
Favourite post of the past month? A Day at the Sea : Milford-on-sea+ Lymington

The Fleeting Day
Malgo’s blog is truly stunning. I stumbled across it a good few months back now, and devoured post after post. So it’s really the greatest pleasure having it linked in my sidebar, for the easy click-through alone! :) The Fleeting Day focuses primarily on travel- Malgo’s photos of far flung places will inspire wanderlust in even the most homely of folk (myself included!). Her posts are escapism at its finest, and Malgo’s photos are really are a sight to be seen. I can’t recommend The Fleeting Day highly enough! Get ready to lose yourself (and have your ‘Pin It’ button at the ready, because pretty much every photo Malgo takes is Pinterest-able!) :)
Favourite post of the past month? Island life {photo essay}

Little Miss Katy
It’s been so fun getting to know Katy and her blog better and better over the past few weeks! I meant, she is a self-professed hater of olives, but it’s okay. We won’t hold it against her ;) Little Miss Katy is such a charming blog- full of lifestyle posts that feature restaurant reviews, sweet wish list posts, and even my favourite happy lists! Katy’s beautiful personality shines through her posts, and made me warm to her blog the very first time I read it. Start off by reading her review of Señor Ceviche, and don’t forget to add the wonderful Little Miss Katy to your reading list!
Favourite post of the past month? Restaurant | Señor Ceviche.

Rhyme & Ribbons
Oh, I love Amanda! Her blog is such a beautiful read- one that I check in on like a keen bean each day to see if there’s a new post! This month, Amanda’s been busy with such fun things! She’s been to the House of Fraser press day, made browned butter pumpkin cake (as delicious looking as you’d imagine!), worn the cutest Christmas jumper, AND been to Oxford! Amanda’s blog seems to be growing at a rate of knots, and I couldn’t be happier for her. It’s such a great read, and totally deserving of its success!
Favourite post of the past month? Oxford, England.

A Dash of Ginger
It’s been such a pleasure having A Dash of Ginger linked here on CwR again this month, because clicking through to Kirsty’s blog for my daily dose of food inspiration has become my favourite time of day! This month, Kirsty’s cooked such delicious looking things. There’s been a brown butter pumpkin loaf with maple cream cheese frosting! Venison pie with sweet potato mash! Baked apple oatmeal! And, my favourite of favourites, a warm apple Pimms cocktail! I mean, come ON! Kirsty’s just nailing it all round! Head over there right away to get ahold of that recipe…
Favourite post of the past month? (You guessed it!) Warm Apple Pimms Cocktail

More blogs to read + fall in love with! ::
Miranda’s Notebook || Favourite post? A Petersham Nursery Christmas
Living for the Now || Favourite post? Time to get cosy with My Little Box!
Aisybee || Favourite post? Gearing Up for Christmas in Brighton
Just Like Honey || Favourite post? those tiny moments // 7
Supernaturally Healthy || Favourite post? My Top 5 (Frugal) Superfoods
BWD Blogger Templates || Favourite design? Christy template

p.s. To see your own blog featured here on Cider with Rosie next month, click through to the Sponsor page and take up an advert today! I’m offering 10% off all advertising packages purchased in November, so only there’s only 4 days left to snap up a code! Enter ‘NOVEMBERBONUS’ at checkout to grab the discount :)

12 Comments

Posted in ADVERTISERS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to spend an hour in Guildford :: with coffee + doughnuts.

25.11

Continuing on in our little theme of lunchtime dates in Guildford, Jason and I headed out Friday in search of coffee (always) and doughnuts (a sometimes treat). Guildford’s looking pretty swish these days, all lit up for Christmas. My favourite lights are the ones strung up and down the lanes that connect North Street and the High Street, and the beautiful wreaths and garlands in Angel Gate.

We had a few errands to run first of all, and then went in search of sustenance. We’d never been to the little coffee shop on North Street called ‘Harris + Hoole’ but had heard good things, so decided to make that our spot for the lunch hour. It’s the cutest cafe- not least because there’s already a (real!) Christmas tree in the window! That tree made me very, very happy. And also excited to get our own in a couple of week’s time!

^^ Just my handsome man, in my most favourite jacket of his, walking through a picturesque little cobbled lane <3 ^^

The coffees at Harris + Hoole were good, and the place itself completely charming. Friendly baristas who take your name for the order but then continue to use it whilst serving you, rustic decor, leather sofas to stretch out on. We snagged a window seat, and spent a while talking and drinking and watching the crowds of harried-looking Christmas shoppers rushing past the windows. I also spent a lot of time stealing Jason’s raspberry lemonade whenever possible, because it was totally delicious and I regretted not getting one for myself ;)

Once our drinks had all been drunk, I decided it was time to fix the doughnut craving that’d been bothering at me all morning long. So, to Krispy Kreme! I realised whilst we were there that my favourite doughnut (the vanilla cruller) has been discontinued, and it’s kind of broken my heart. That doughnut was the BOMB. Understated and plain and kind of doughier than a regular doughnut, and basically just straight up delicious. We settled for a couple of original glazeds in the end, which did hit the spot but not quite in the way the good old cruller would’ve done.

Speaking of doughnuts, we’ve been talking over honeymoon destinations and possibilities a lot lately, and one of the ideas we keep coming back to is a trip to Canada (you’ll see where I’m going with this whole doughnut-honeymoon connection in a sec, just bear with me). We’re thinking a getaway in a lake cabin somewhere beautiful and tranquil, and then some road trippin’ and maybe a visit out East to the cities. It would be completely amazing! But also, what I keep secretly thinking to myself, is that I reckon we might be able to score a box or two of Tim Bits at Tim Hortons whilst we were there, if we mentioned we were on honeymoon ;) And I mean, doughnuts are never the reason to opt for one honeymoon destination over another…but there’s nothing wrong with at least adding them to the ‘pro’ side of a ‘pro vs. con’ list, right? ;)

^^ The cutest pink bike spotted on our walk back to the office! I wanted to take it home with me. But then I guess I’d have to try and relearn how to ride a bike. They say you never forget…but I definitely have. ^^

And that was it, lunch hour up! We moseyed back to the office in the rain, eating our doughnuts and talking about plans for Christmas and wedding things and what’s in the diary for the couple of weeks ahead. It was a happy way to while away an hour in my favourite little town, with my favourite man.

What I wore ::
Coat
Jumper
Scarf {past season Aubin + Wills, similar here}
Jeans {I’m obsessed, can’t stop wearing them!}
Shoes
Doughnut eye mask optional, but delicious.

30 Comments

Posted in COFFEE, DATE, GUILDFORD, JASON