August: Lately I've Been Loving

So many August loves! We had a 4 night break this month which was lovely (though it rained most of the time!) Here's what I've been loving in August:

In my opinion, Tonic in Edinburgh make the best Porn Star Martini!

A two night stay at Northcote was simply amazing. The perfect start to our mini break. Our Junior Suite was lovely, very luxurious! Amazing food too!

We paid a visit to Holmes Mill in Clitheroe and enjoyed browsing the Food Hall. 

We also stayed two nights in the Scottish Borders and it was great to visit Main St Trading Co in St Boswells again! 

Hubby surprised me with a personalised Delicious Mag cookbook! It's stuffed full of wonderful recipes.

I was delighted to win Herbfarmacy's giveaway of their new Citrus Hand & Body Lotion. A review will come! It's lovey.

I couldn't resist Nudge Boutique's new product Saffron Glow Dry Body Oil. I picked the small size. You know the drill. Loved it and needed full size! It's a beautiful blend scented with Neroli, Orange & Vanilla. Simply sublime!

A new hairdo at Bau Hair - I absolutely love it!

Going to the 2nd Faldonside Farmers Market on Saturday - it was absolutely fantastic! The sun shone and squeals, I met Arabella & Charlotte from Raven Botanicals. It was So fab to meet them.

I picked up some gorgeous bits and pieces! I'm looking forward to lighting the tealights from Storm Coast, an East Lothian based candle maker who uses soy wax and essential oils - uhoh they all smell sensational on cold sniff!

What have you been loving in August?

July: Lately I've been Loving

One of the things I've been enjoying most in July has been the glorious sunshine and hot summer days.

We had a overnight stay in North Berwick, a seaside town 25 miles or so from Edinburgh. I just love visiting and enjoying the relaxed pace of life (it has also got some gorgeous shops) and we love stopping at Lobster Shack for some fish and chips and a glass of Thistly Cross cider.

While there I picked up this cute little sign from Susan at Ivy Cottage Designs at Why Not?. I simply love it!

Ever since I bought a second hand kindle I've been racing through books - I've actually read a complete series and a handful of other books this month! From me who said I'd never love a kindle...

We had a couple of super luxe days at Northcote and enjoyed drinks on the terrace in the sunshine.  See my post on our stay here.

A friend at work was in the states and brought me back (I gave her the money) Bite Beauty's super gorgeous Deconstructed Rose Lip Gloss Library. It's one of the nicest make up items I've ever owned, the colours are gorgeous and scented with rose. I use them everyday!

What have you been loving this month?

Northcote: Gourmet Break

I've been on holiday these last two weeks and we've got up to lots of nice things in the UK (mainly involving eating, drinking and shopping) At the start of our break we stayed for two nights at Northcote, a Michelin Star Restaurant with rooms run by Nigel Haworth, Craig Bancroft and Lisa Allen (if you love your food and a bit of luxury this is the place to go!) 

Our room was simply gorgeous! We were lucky enough to get upgraded and the room and bathroom was huge! We also met Lisa Allen, Executive Chef which was amazing having watched both her and Nigel on Great British Menu.

Northcote from the Vegetable garden

The bathroom had a lovely big bath with a separate walk in shower with lots of Temple Spa toiletries - I was in heaven!

Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk! As well as a supply of water and Belvoir Presse are included for your enjoyment.

We had the 5 course Gourmet Menu (link) on the first night (with the matching wines - which went so well with each course. Our Sommelier that evening was fantastic - she really gave us such an insight to all the wines and was really enthusiastic and friendly). On the second night we had the 7 course Tasting Menu. I've picked a few highlights from both nights - see below.

canapes with half bottle of champagne before dinner

amuse-bouche - cow's milk curd, sorrel granita, egg yolk, cheese straw - tasted delicious light and fresh and looks so pretty.

Onion Caramel Charred Hanger Steak, Pickled Artichokes, Yorkshire Blue Cheese - this was super yummy. Very tender and the flavours went so well together.

Ashcrofts Cauliflower, Black Pea Hummus, Smoked Onion Sauce, Garden Chives - this was simply one of the nicest vegetarian courses I've ever eaten. The baby cauliflower was cooked to perfection and simple accompaniments went so well. Delicious!

Organic Northcote Garden Blackcurrants, Malt Wafers, Bowland Cromwell Stout Ice Cream - I loved this light, fruity and malty dessert. Summer on a plate.

Ashcrofts Beetrood Rubble, Pickled Pullet Egg, Bronze Fennel, Pollen - another veggie course that we loved. Super fresh tasting beetroot. Simply delicious.

Beer Fed Dexter Beef Rump, Hand Cut Tartar, Duck Liver Crumb, Carmelised Shallot, Tarragon - melt in the mouth and delicious. The crumb also contained some pumpkin seeds for added crunch

hubby chose cheese for dessert one evening - I loved the separate board of bread, biscuits, chutney, celery and grapes

Petit Fours with coffee

After dinner the first night we came back to the room to a cute little Temple Spa gift on the bed - a very welcome and kind touch!

We also enjoyed drinks on the sunny terrace

And I enjoyed checking out the Vegetable Garden

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @NorthcoteUK