Wagga Wagga to Worcestershire & back again
One of the lovely things about being back in England is having the opportunity to visit the dozens of farm shops that surround Malvern.
Farm shops are usually independently run and generally sell locally grown produce and meat as well as baked goods, pantry staples like honey and preserves, as well as regional beers and ciders. They’re like tiny little farmer’s markets dotted all over the countryside and if you love your food, they’re an utter joy to nose around…
A few weeks ago Adam declared he was craving pasta for dinner. I love pasta, so it didn’t take much convincing to get me on board too! It was as the weather was starting to warm and neither one of us fancied a rich tomato or cream based dish. Searching for some inspiration before heading into town to do some food shopping, I started poking around online, looking for something that would meet our pasta craving, without the decadence of a ragù.
I stumbled across a recipe from BBC Food and it was a hit the first night I made it. I’ve since whipped up the same dish a few more times and I’ve got a feeling it’s going to become a firm favourite in our house…
For the second time in as many weeks, Adam and I have had house guests. This time it was Adam’s second cousin Joe, who’s recently relocated to Australia. Joe’s had one brief visit to Wagga Wagga before, but Adam and I were keen to show him what life was like here for a pair of young professionals.
So over the course of two days, we handpicked some of our favourite places and showed Joe what a typical weekend in Wagga might involve…
Ever since I got engaged, I’ve maintained I’m fairly clueless bride-to-be. I never really dreamed about my wedding day and although Adam and I are really enjoying putting together a day of celebration for family and friends, we’re trying to make it a low-key, intimate affair.
So when it came to discussing a ‘hens party’ I was completely stuck. I definitely wasn’t keen on a boozy night with a heap of friends. Thankfully my sole bridesmaid knows me very well and suggested a night away. So this past weekend we headed south to wine country…
A few weeks ago I received an email reminding me I had a voucher to spend an online retailer specialising in books, music and films. I’d totally forgotten I’d received the voucher, so it felt like a real windfall – a chance to treat myself to something new to devour.
Scrolling through the pages of items on offer, I came across a National Trust cookbook and was immediately sold. I ordered it and a few days later it arrived…
It’s no secret that I love a good cup of coffee. It’s how Adam and I start most mornings and I relish that first, warming sip – particularly if I’m able to enjoy it still snuggled down in bed.
Adam had a run of really sleepless nights the other week. He’d been super busy at work, pulling really long hours and had been having an extra one to cups of coffee a day to help keep him going. In a bid to to try and solicit a solid night’s rest, he decided he wanted to lay off the coffee for a few days, to see if that helped. It felt mean to still enjoy my coffee, while he went without, so I decided to join him…
Continue reading “I gave up coffee for a week, and this is what happened”
A couple of weekends ago Adam and I were gifted a big bag of oranges. They were freshly picked off a sturdy tree that lives in the backyard of our friends Sophie and Tim, and had a heady sweet, citrus scent.
As soon as we got the oranges home, Adam suggested we turn them into marmalade…
Wagga Wagga is home to a plethora of little, independent businesses which is one of the things I really love about the city.
A new bookshop/art studio/coffee shop/cocktail bar opened up in the CBD a few months back and although I’d stuck my head in for a quick peek, I’d never taken the time to have a proper visit. So over the weekend, Adam and I headed to Rabbit Books for a coffee date…
I found myself with an unexpected three day weekend last week on account on working some overtime. It couldn’t have come at a better time really. Both Adam and I were at the tail end of an exceptionally busy couple of weeks at work and we’d both just recovered from head-colds. Instead of hunkering down at home for a few days, we decided to make the most of the bonus day and treat ourselves to a long-weekend away.
I found a lovely bed and breakfast in Beechworth, Victoria – a charming, historic town about two hours drive from Wagga Wagga. We made a reservation, and on Friday we headed south…
The dreaded winter lurgy arrived in our household the other week, and while Adam has now got past the worst of his aches and sniffles, I’m still struggling.
There’s nothing worse than feeling less than 100 per cent, particularly when it feels like the world around you is currently operating at 120 per cent.
Although I often go off my food when I’m poorly, I know how important it is to keep on fuelling my body so it can fight off the nasties inside.
And that’s where my lentils come to the rescue…
Wattle and Ash 