So here's my second review - rapeseed oil from Flower of Gold.
After winning a competition on Twitter (I was the only person that entered, so I'm not fully sure it counts as 'winning') Flower of Gold sent me a bottle of their Rapeseed Oil. I'd never tried rapeseed oil before, and was intrigued.
The bottle arrived, and was really well packaged which was great. The oil is a lovely dark amber colour, and smells lovely. The first time I used it was on potato wedges, along with some parsnips and carrots that were roasted at the same time. They were delicious. Fairly sure that was due to the rapeseed oil rather than my peeling and cutting skills!
The next thing I tried it with was a stirfry - and again, it came out tasting wonderful. The rapeseed oil gave everything a lovely nutty and buttery flavour.
The best thing about Flower of Gold in my opinion? It's local. Grown in Cheshire. If you know me, you'll know I get involved with a local beer festival, where we only have Cheshire ales. (This year we will also have a Cheshire cider, which is pretty exciting, courtesy of http://www.nooksyard.com/ )
How can you get some of this lovely rapeseed oil? It's out in some shops, and you can contact @FlowerOfGold on twitter if you want more information. https://twitter.com/FlowerOfGold
Monday, 20 May 2013
Book review - Poison by Sarah Pinborough
Occassionally, I'm lucky enough to get free stuff. And when I do, I'm going to write a small review about it. The first one is a book,
Poison by Sarah Pinborough
I received this from Gollancz Geeks, who asked me to review
it. I have to say, I’d heard some really good things about the book, but was
slightly disappointed when I’d read it. I think it was because I was expecting
something amazing, wonderful, out of this world fantastic, and while it is a
good read, for me, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
The book is a retelling of Snow White, and it’s a decent
story. I just wish there had been a little bit more character development, and
interaction between characters. Poison is not a long book, and quite a lot of
the book seems to be descriptions, with lots of similes and metaphors. While I
enjoyed the attention to detail, I felt that it would have been nice to spend a
bit more time getting to know the characters. For me, the characters seemed a
little flat, and uninteresting.
The ending has a nice twist – pretty dark and original, and I thought it
worked really well. I liked how it wasn’t set up to have a sequel, but there is
the potential to have a sequel if Sarah Pinborough desires.
One thing I really loved about the book was the
illustrations. Wonderfully done, and matching the story really well.
All in all, I wasn’t bowled over by Poison, but it was a
nice easy read with great attention to detail and lovely illustrations.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
April SAL and spur of the moment
As I mentioned last time, I took part in the Sprite Stitch Stitch-a-Long. Sadly, I didn't have nearly as much time as I had hoped, and below is my efforts as of the end of April, missing the 4th band, and without any borders!
As May is the month of finishing off, I'm hoping to complete this. It just needs a 4th band (either Lemmings or Sonic, not sure which to go for...) and a border, along with a couple of words and the SS logo somewhere...
Speaking of finishing off, I said I'd try to photo all my projects at the start of the month, and at the end of the month as well. I haven't done this yet, but hopefully will over the weekend!
Ah, the weekend. I saw a tweet from the lovely Black Sheep Wools yesterday, saying there were still spaces available on a professional finishing touches course this Saturday. I mulled it over for a couple of hours, and decided to go ahead and sign up, which I did last night. I'm hoping that if I learn to sew up garments properly, I'll have more motivation to sew it together and make it look half decent, rather than bodging a project at the end after spending ages knitting up the pieces. What I didn't realise, was that I need to take 3 squares of knitting with me, each 10-15cm. This means I've had to alter my evening plans to get started on it, and will probably spend a lot of tomorrow afternoon knitting as well! (which is fine, as I have tomorrow off, but I was going to tidy up a bit and perhaps bake some cakes as I have friends coming over!) Still, if I can get the squares done, the course should be good - and I'll try not to spend too much at the Black Sheep barn... They don't make it easy though, with all the lovely wools!
As May is the month of finishing off, I'm hoping to complete this. It just needs a 4th band (either Lemmings or Sonic, not sure which to go for...) and a border, along with a couple of words and the SS logo somewhere...
Speaking of finishing off, I said I'd try to photo all my projects at the start of the month, and at the end of the month as well. I haven't done this yet, but hopefully will over the weekend!
Ah, the weekend. I saw a tweet from the lovely Black Sheep Wools yesterday, saying there were still spaces available on a professional finishing touches course this Saturday. I mulled it over for a couple of hours, and decided to go ahead and sign up, which I did last night. I'm hoping that if I learn to sew up garments properly, I'll have more motivation to sew it together and make it look half decent, rather than bodging a project at the end after spending ages knitting up the pieces. What I didn't realise, was that I need to take 3 squares of knitting with me, each 10-15cm. This means I've had to alter my evening plans to get started on it, and will probably spend a lot of tomorrow afternoon knitting as well! (which is fine, as I have tomorrow off, but I was going to tidy up a bit and perhaps bake some cakes as I have friends coming over!) Still, if I can get the squares done, the course should be good - and I'll try not to spend too much at the Black Sheep barn... They don't make it easy though, with all the lovely wools!
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
WIPS and Pics
Last time I said I'd have some more pics... so here we go!
Starting off with a WIP pic of M'aiq - who was going really well untill I started the Sprite Stitch April Stitch-a-Long, and has now been hidden under that.
Still lots to do, working 1 strand on some 20ct fabric, which has shiny bits running through it. Lighting isn't great in this pic, will try to get a better pic soon, hopefully after I've done some more on him.
Speaking of the Sprite Stitch SAL - here are my first two bands, as of the 17th April. Since then, I've managed to get some more done, but have struggled to get any photos. Am still waiting for a couple of thread colours, hopefully they'll arrive in the next couple of days.
I managed to take a pic of a poncho I made last year, in Sirdar Reflection. First adult sized non-scarf/glove garment, and the yarn feels lovely (although it does shed quite a bit) Again, apologies for the poor photo quality.
I've decided that May is to be the month of finishing things off. Here's a quick list of what I have on the go at the moment:
Knitting: Bolero (just needs sewing up)
Cross stitch: SS April SAL (hopefully I'll get this done in April), M'aiq the Liar, Pokemon gen 1 (no chance of getting this finished in May, but it would be nice to get some of it done!), lion cub, and wizard (where I've accidently done 3/4 stitches instead of 1/2 - not sure how I'm best fixing it, but I'm fed up of seeing it in my cross stitch box unfinished!)
Sewing: VW camper van cushion (should be nice and simple, just needs a zip, very basic cushion cover) and Resident Evil cushion (Slightly more difficult, need to applique some things on before making into a cushion cover)
Crochet: 1 'square' blanket (planning to make a continuous granny rectangle, but have run out of the yarn I was using and can't get hold of it again - may have to improvise a bit!) and a 120 granny square blanket (I've made roughly a third of the squares I need for the blanket I have planned - providing I don't change my mind and decide to increase the blanket size!)
Plenty to keep me busy in May I think. And possibly June... I'm going to try not to start any more new projects except for perhaps knitting some baby bootees for a friend that's fallen in love with a pattern and has asked me to knit them... If I'm organised (unlikely) I'll get some pics up of all of the WIPs at the start of the month, and take a photo of all of them at the end of the month, for comparison. Doubt that I'll be that organised though!
Starting off with a WIP pic of M'aiq - who was going really well untill I started the Sprite Stitch April Stitch-a-Long, and has now been hidden under that.
Still lots to do, working 1 strand on some 20ct fabric, which has shiny bits running through it. Lighting isn't great in this pic, will try to get a better pic soon, hopefully after I've done some more on him.
Speaking of the Sprite Stitch SAL - here are my first two bands, as of the 17th April. Since then, I've managed to get some more done, but have struggled to get any photos. Am still waiting for a couple of thread colours, hopefully they'll arrive in the next couple of days.
I managed to take a pic of a poncho I made last year, in Sirdar Reflection. First adult sized non-scarf/glove garment, and the yarn feels lovely (although it does shed quite a bit) Again, apologies for the poor photo quality.
I've decided that May is to be the month of finishing things off. Here's a quick list of what I have on the go at the moment:
Knitting: Bolero (just needs sewing up)
Cross stitch: SS April SAL (hopefully I'll get this done in April), M'aiq the Liar, Pokemon gen 1 (no chance of getting this finished in May, but it would be nice to get some of it done!), lion cub, and wizard (where I've accidently done 3/4 stitches instead of 1/2 - not sure how I'm best fixing it, but I'm fed up of seeing it in my cross stitch box unfinished!)
Sewing: VW camper van cushion (should be nice and simple, just needs a zip, very basic cushion cover) and Resident Evil cushion (Slightly more difficult, need to applique some things on before making into a cushion cover)
Crochet: 1 'square' blanket (planning to make a continuous granny rectangle, but have run out of the yarn I was using and can't get hold of it again - may have to improvise a bit!) and a 120 granny square blanket (I've made roughly a third of the squares I need for the blanket I have planned - providing I don't change my mind and decide to increase the blanket size!)
Plenty to keep me busy in May I think. And possibly June... I'm going to try not to start any more new projects except for perhaps knitting some baby bootees for a friend that's fallen in love with a pattern and has asked me to knit them... If I'm organised (unlikely) I'll get some pics up of all of the WIPs at the start of the month, and take a photo of all of them at the end of the month, for comparison. Doubt that I'll be that organised though!
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Springtime begins - possibly?
So, the weather has been a little bit rubbish the past few weeks, with snow and cold winds, but it looks as though it's finally getting better! The days feel warmer, and the sun is out.
I've been busy the last couple of weeks. I was recently taught how to make crocheted granny squares, and have been making quite a few (I think I'm up to 28 squares now, and learnt how to make them 2 weeks ago) Hoping that I can make a blanket with them, that's a little different to the "traditional" granny square blanket. Saying that, I'm also working on a more traditional rectangular crocheted blanket using the same technique, using varigated yarn. Pics to follow soon.
M'aiq the Liar has been out, and is looking a little more filled in, but there's still lots to do.
Bolero - just needs sewing together, as all of the pieces have been knitted! I hate sewing up, but it needs doing, and I may be able to sew together a few granny squares to break it up a bit.
Stitch-a-long - There's a Sprite Stitch Sampler Stitch-a-long that's started this week which I hoping to be part of. The first band on the sample is Mario Kart, and 2 other game samplers will be announced in the next two weeks - should be exciting!
Running - I was ill the other week, and have fallen behind with the running. I've decided not to sign up for the 10k race in May, as I don't feel I have the fitness required. I'm planning to keep running, for my own enjoyment and fitness.
A long, wordy post - I promise to have pictures next time!
I've been busy the last couple of weeks. I was recently taught how to make crocheted granny squares, and have been making quite a few (I think I'm up to 28 squares now, and learnt how to make them 2 weeks ago) Hoping that I can make a blanket with them, that's a little different to the "traditional" granny square blanket. Saying that, I'm also working on a more traditional rectangular crocheted blanket using the same technique, using varigated yarn. Pics to follow soon.
M'aiq the Liar has been out, and is looking a little more filled in, but there's still lots to do.
Bolero - just needs sewing together, as all of the pieces have been knitted! I hate sewing up, but it needs doing, and I may be able to sew together a few granny squares to break it up a bit.
Stitch-a-long - There's a Sprite Stitch Sampler Stitch-a-long that's started this week which I hoping to be part of. The first band on the sample is Mario Kart, and 2 other game samplers will be announced in the next two weeks - should be exciting!
Running - I was ill the other week, and have fallen behind with the running. I've decided not to sign up for the 10k race in May, as I don't feel I have the fitness required. I'm planning to keep running, for my own enjoyment and fitness.
A long, wordy post - I promise to have pictures next time!
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Trying to get an appointment
It's been a busy couple of weeks. I've had a chance to play with the sewing machine, and tried my hand at some English Paper Piecing - pics to follow soon hopefully! I've also been working on M'aiq the Liar, and here he is so far:
I'll update this soon, when I've had chance to get a bit more done.
Running - not going so well. I've been unable to go out running due to work/personal commitments, but went out on Saturday and did the c25k week4 run 2, although I had to slow down at the end. I did the same run on Monday, or attempted to - my legs were protesting after a couple of minutes, so I only did half of the run, and have had a couple of days to recover. I'll be attempting the same run again this evening, wish me luck!
Not crafting related at all, but I'd like to share my attempt at getting a doctor's appointment this week, because it has baffled me! I rang up on Tuesday, trying to see a doctor for a quick check up (nothing serious)
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please.
Receptionist: No problem. I'm afraid the only appointments we have this week are on Friday.
Me: That's fine, what times do you have?
Receptionist: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't book you in on Friday. You'll have to ring up tomorrow at 8am to book in.
Me: Ummm, ok. So I can't book an appointment now?
Receptionist: No, you'll have to ring up at 8am tomorrow.
So the next day, I rang up at 8am. The line was busy. So I tried again a few minutes later. Still busy. I finally got through at 8.30, only to be told I was 9th in the queue, so I hung up and went to work, where I tried again. When I finally got through, this is the conversation I had, with a different receptionist.
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please.
Receptionist: Ok. Is it urgent?
Me: No, it's not urgent.
Receptionist: Right. Well, the only appointment we have free is in an hour. Is that ok?
Me: Ummm, yes, I guess so. (Very confused at this point)
Receptionist: Right, you're booked in, see you in an hour.
So I've learnt that the quickest way to get an appointment to see a doctor is to tell them it isn't urgent. Crazy.
I'll update this soon, when I've had chance to get a bit more done.
Running - not going so well. I've been unable to go out running due to work/personal commitments, but went out on Saturday and did the c25k week4 run 2, although I had to slow down at the end. I did the same run on Monday, or attempted to - my legs were protesting after a couple of minutes, so I only did half of the run, and have had a couple of days to recover. I'll be attempting the same run again this evening, wish me luck!
Not crafting related at all, but I'd like to share my attempt at getting a doctor's appointment this week, because it has baffled me! I rang up on Tuesday, trying to see a doctor for a quick check up (nothing serious)
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please.
Receptionist: No problem. I'm afraid the only appointments we have this week are on Friday.
Me: That's fine, what times do you have?
Receptionist: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't book you in on Friday. You'll have to ring up tomorrow at 8am to book in.
Me: Ummm, ok. So I can't book an appointment now?
Receptionist: No, you'll have to ring up at 8am tomorrow.
So the next day, I rang up at 8am. The line was busy. So I tried again a few minutes later. Still busy. I finally got through at 8.30, only to be told I was 9th in the queue, so I hung up and went to work, where I tried again. When I finally got through, this is the conversation I had, with a different receptionist.
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please.
Receptionist: Ok. Is it urgent?
Me: No, it's not urgent.
Receptionist: Right. Well, the only appointment we have free is in an hour. Is that ok?
Me: Ummm, yes, I guess so. (Very confused at this point)
Receptionist: Right, you're booked in, see you in an hour.
So I've learnt that the quickest way to get an appointment to see a doctor is to tell them it isn't urgent. Crazy.
Friday, 8 March 2013
New toy
Well, this week I bought a sewing machine. I currently don't have much use for one, but now I have one, I'm sure I will. That's how it works, right? Planning to make a couple of cushions this weekend, and see how that goes. I was thinking of getting a good one for quilting, but rather than shell out on something expensive, I thought I'd be better off giving a smaller, cheaper one a go, and make sure I'm able to use a sewing machine.
It's pretty basic, and was fairly cheap (especially if you look at sewing machine prices - yikes!) I should have some free time to myself this weekend, so hopefully will have some pics of new creations next week. I have Sonic the Hedgehog fabric, and camper van fabric, and I was considering making a Resident Evil Umbrella Corp logo cushion, so have materials for that. Wish me luck!
It's pretty basic, and was fairly cheap (especially if you look at sewing machine prices - yikes!) I should have some free time to myself this weekend, so hopefully will have some pics of new creations next week. I have Sonic the Hedgehog fabric, and camper van fabric, and I was considering making a Resident Evil Umbrella Corp logo cushion, so have materials for that. Wish me luck!
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