Blogger date at Canteen and Cocktails, Norton

One of the things that I love about blogging is that you get the chance to meet lovely people who share your interests and likes and eventually become your friends. One such person is Kloe from Skulls and Kisses. We've known each other for at least a year now and I love organising a time to meet and have a catch-up. Most of the time we like to do this over food. Our last 'blogger date' was no different.

We'd both heard of a local burger joint that had opened up called Canteen and Cocktails and like the bloggers we are, we knew we had to try it out. You know, for blog purposes...

When we eventually tracked down the restaurant on Norton High Street, we went in and were quickly seated. The decor of this place is very much my style. Lots of wood and rustic metal furniture, exposed beams and eccentric industrial lighting. We were quickly given a menu and asked if we'd like a drink. Let me tell you, their cocktail menu is extensive! I wish I wasn't driving or I would have definitely had one. Although I'd probably have been there all day choosing which one to have. On the bar, they even had their own infused vodka brewing in big glass jars with flavours like melon and chilli. I chose a coke... whilst Kloe got a frozen strawberry daiquiri...my favourite.

We quickly decided on food, I chose my usual, a cheeseburger with chips, whilst Kloe decided to get two sides, mac and cheese and a portion of chips. When my burger arrived, as you can see on the pictures, it had a Canteen and Cocktails brand burned into the bun which I thought was a great touch. The burger itself was amazing. I was really dubious that it wouldn't be nice but once I'd taken out the red onion (ew) I got right into it and it was delicious. I wasn't a fan of the chilli slaw but I did really enjoy the chips. They weren't very crispy but they were lovely and squidgy.

Kloe had a different experience with her food as she was bemused as to what was in her mac and cheese. On the menu, it hadn't stated that it was anything special but when it arrived it looked like it had all-sorts in including meat and vegetables. She powered through it and said she enjoyed it although it was confusing.

As Kloe had decided she would be having a dessert I knew that I had to join her. They don't have an extensive dessert menu but it was big enough for me to find something that I liked. I chose the chocolate brownie with ice cream whilst Kloe picked the caramel sundae. My brownie was so nice but so rich. It was squishy in the middle with a crisp top, perfect with the vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and Dairy Milk buttons (I'm sure they were Dairy Milk!). I could only manage half as it was so rich but it was soo good!

Going into Canteen and Cocktails I was very worried that we wouldn't like it as other people had told us they'd had bad experiences. From trying this myself I would definitely go back. I can't believe that a place that sells such good burgers has opened so close to me. I would recommend it to anyone in the area.

Creating an alternative Christmas wreath

As you well know by now, I've recently been getting very crafty creating homemade gifts, keepsakes and giveaways. Whilst getting in the Christmas spirit I was contacted by Turtle Mats who asked if I'd like to create my own Christmas wreath. It sounded challenging but I was willing to give it a go. I've never had a Christmas wreath before so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to add one to our Christmas decorations.

Rather than make a common Christmas wreath using greenery, berries, dried orange and other bits and pieces I decided to go a totally different direction and use wool. I thought that this would create a more long-lasting wreath but also it would be something that no one else has. I was sent the wreath frame and a voucher to buy some other items to create the finished article. I ordered four balls of wool, two green, one white and one red. I did have an initial plan as to what I wanted my wreath to look like, but as I was making it, the design developed and changed but I'm happy with my final piece.

I started my wreath by wrapping the green wool around the frame. This was extremely time consuming and monotonous but it created a great base for my other decorations. It probably took around 4 hours to complete whilst watching TV. It was slightly relaxing but quite painful for my hands wrapping the wood around for so long!

When I'd completed the green, I took a break, then got back to it and decided to wrap the red and white around sparingly with bells threaded on to give it a festive feel. This by itself looks great but I wanted to add a little extra to it.

I made some white and red pom poms by hand using this Youtube tutorial and it was very easy. It took a bit of time as I had to wrap it around my hand, tie it up and then give them a haircut. This is the part that took the most time and made the most mess. With each pom pom I ensured the knot around the middle left enough wool to tie it to the wreath.

I was going to try to make some salt dough gingerbread men for this (hence the cookie cutters in the first picture) but after putting the pom poms on, I thought it would look good without them.

So what do you think of my homemade alternative Christmas wreath? Worth the effort?

*Collaboration with Turtle Mats - they provided the wreath frame and voucher to purchase other items but the content is my own.

Why I'm bringing wax seals back...

Picture the scene, you've just written an important (read: incredibly unimportant) letter that must be sent straight away by your most trustworthy crow or owl (read: postal service). You lick and stick the envelope flap down but it needs something else. Sellotape just won't cut it this time. It has to be sturdy and elegant. Enter the wax seal.

Yes, you may have seen the wax seal on Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and other similar TV/films but I've decided I'm bringing them into the modern age. I picked up my first wax seal stamp from Hema in Holland and since then every letter/card I've sent has been finished with a seal. I've since added to my collection with different icons from Hobbycraft including a butterfly and a birthday cake. 

Whenever I send or give something that is sealed with wax people I think people really appreciate the special touch. They think it's very cool. It just adds something extra, even if it will be thrown away as soon as the card is opened. It shows that you've put effort into your card writing and are really taking an interest in what you're giving.

I don't know, you all might find it a little daft and a waste of time and money but I enjoy the decoration the wax seal brings and can't wait to add to keep adding to my collection!

This year's Christmas cards have all been sealed with a wax stamp and a little bit of glitter. If you didn't know you can add glitter and also feathers to wax seals to make them look even better!

When I'm old and grey my pen pals will be loving my letters!

Have you tried wax sealing? What do you think of it?