Hope everyone’s had a lovely bank holiday weekend…I’ve had busy one with lots of fun and foodie things accomplished, but perhaps the biggest bit of news is the new addition to our family…

Yes that little bird on my shoulder is Iago, our very first pet. He’s a beautiful Pineapple Conure – pretty much the perfect pet so far. He’s low maintenance, but loves human company and is all together adorable!
So he’s been keeping me busy recently, but there was time this weekend for a visit to Hungerford Arcade (antique heaven!), which was of course followed by a trip to Cobbs the farm shop.

I picked up some lovely bread, smoked salmon pate and juice – there was just enough time to enjoy a cup of earl grey and goats cheese panini in the coffee shop with my sister and mother.
Later that day we headed out to the Queen Inn, Winchester for a beer festival. I tried a few halves of the many different ales on offer – but not being a natural real ale drinker I soon switched on to the wine (of which there was a great selection).

The evening was a great success, busy but not over-crowded, with great live music and an all-important barbecue for the post beer munchies!
Perhaps the best bit of this weekend was a trip to Hotel Du Vin in Winchester for a fabulous three course meal with lots of sparkling rose.

I had a delicious dressed crab starter with walnut toast, followed by some absolutely beautiful lemon sole and finished off with a great selection cheeses (of course!). I’m not a very good food blogger as I forgot to take any photos of the food as it came out, I just dived right on in and ate! Who are these supposed foodies that take a pause to photograph their food anyway?! Just eat it and enjoy it I say!
Today I had fun transforming a cheap old CD shelf into a very cute shabby-chic storage shelf…

My sister found some wonderful old floral wallpaper in her new home and very kindly donated some to me – enabling me to create this shabby chic beauty (if I do say so myself!). Now, does it go in the kitchen or my dressing room? Dressing room I think!
Well that’s my weekend in pictures…time to go to and face the week ahead…