So last week I turned 30! How did that happen?!

It was such a happy day and my mum made me this fabulous fruit cake with all of my favourite things on top – Winona the cat, gardening, bluebells, exercise and AKR.

I’ve been enjoying some time in nature by going woodland walking at dusk. As the sun sets the forests are peaceful and magical places . They are not dark enough to be scary but are serene and calm. The frantic daytime chirping of the birds settles to a softer melody as the day winds down. On these walks I have managed to spot lots of toadstools and mushrooms 🍄

I have begun preseving my garden fruit. This year I am making the following…

1. elderberry syrup

2. Rowan berry jelly (absolutely love collecting and using these berries for jelly) 

3. Rhubarb gin

4. Bramble liqueur

5. Lemon balm honey

6. Plum jam

7. Wine

8. Essential oils – eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary

The plums are nearly ripe for picking and all the potatoes have been dug. I have been using loads of kale in dishes and also made these delicious kale crisps with olive oil, smoked paprika and a little flaked salt. Yuuuum