Celebrating All Things Organic for #organicSeptember

I'm celebrating all things organic this September - and in Devon that means there is LOTS to celebrate!

But why organic? Well, there are many reasons but they can pretty much be summed up saying: I love bees.

I love that they like to dance. I love watching one bee who's found a really good patch of flowers go crazy getting all the goodness for himself. I love how fuzzy the bumbles are. I love that there is a queen bee named after Beyonce. I love watching them disappear into a foxglove and come back out. I love seeing them working away even when their pollen sacks are filled to bursting. They make me happy.

I mean just look at this guy?

When you see that little Soil Association organic mark in the UK, it means no herbicides or artificial fertilisers. It also means more sustainable land management and more respect for wildlife. And that means more respect for bees - and everyone else by default. And most importantly it means bigger flavours and even healthier foods.

Farming is at the root all things organic so I will be starting out the by looking at organic vegetable box schemes before moving onto farmers markets and some of my favourite organic food shops. And though food is the first thing that comes to mind, but the range of products that can be organically sourced is immense. Shoes, make-up, clothing, nappies and even holidays can be made organically, so I'll explore some of these too!

I'm really excited!

Reposted from RootnGreens blog

That Time I Ran Away to the Circus: Paulo Circus at Darts Farm, Exeter

There is something special about a circus. Big tent. Bright lights. Rocking up to a field near you. Literally bringing magic to the masses. The Paulos Circus is at Exeter's Darts Farm until 24 July. They come every year and this time, I was there for opening night!

Some serious hula hooping!

One of the oldest circus families in the UK, 2016 marks 200 years and six generations of The Paulo family in entertainment. Animal free and family friendly, the show lasts just over and an hour but will make a lasting impression. My little one absolutely loved it and didn't want to leave! There was magic, acrobatics, and some truly remarkable hula hooping! My boy was raving about a certain bit of percussive juggling, an act I had never seen before, all the way home. BUT my favourite by far was the high wire work - like, there's a reason why it's a classic.

Paulos Circus man on wire!

In the tradition of performers from the as far back as the Renaissance, stretching into the birth of 'circus' in the 18th century London and through the modern age, displays of extraordinary human skill are presented to amuse and inspire. During World War II, Paulo Circus shows boosted morale. And as recently as April 2016, The Paulos Circus presented a free show for more than 350 Yorkshire Boxing Day flood victims, earning them a nomination for the York & District Medal. Circus spokesman Kenny Darnell said: "We just wanted to give a little happiness to people who had suffered during the flooding."

Source

We enjoyed the adventure of it, the magic and heading to the source of a tradition that continues to captivate.

The Paulo's Circus on Tour Summer 2016 

Autumn is for Apples: Killerton Apple & Cider Festival Rings in the Season

Exeter's local National Trust property, Killerton House, is ringing in the harvest with their annual Apple and Cider Festival. On Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October, visitors to their Sparrow Park orchard will be treated to food, drink, song, and yarn bombing at their annual event.

Along with the cider festival, they're laying on a hog roast, morris dancers, live bands, a magician, wood crafts, archery, cycle tours, cider press demonstrations and more. Not to mention the fact that it's all going to look blooming magical with all the leaves changing colours.

This epically autumnal event is in honour of National Apple Day and Killerton's truly epic apple collection. With over 500 acres of traditionally managed orchards on the Killerton estate, they are growing 100 varieties of old English apple including the Killerton Sweet and Killerton Sharp which originate there. Killerton's wardens and volunteers produced an award-winning cider using a 200 year old farm press, as well as apple juice, apple chutney and orchard honey. And because they use traditional methods, the apples are grown without any chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides.

I was lucky enough to get a hold of a box full of some of their summer harvest and have been whipping up a few recipes to countdown to the event and celebrate this fabulous fruit. In the weeks to come, I will be sharing them here on the blog, so keep an eye out for tastiness.

Macmillan Coffee Morning Comes Harry's

Coffee at Harry's

The world's biggest coffee morning is popping up in lots of Exeter venues but Harry's is bound to be the best. The Longbrook Street eatery is best known as a casual yet classy place for an evening meal with a nice wine list and a very big pud to finish. But on 26 September they are celebrating their 5th year Macmillan Cancer Trust coffee morning with an event everyone can enjoy.

Doors open at 730am and there will be stalls, a raffle, cake, entertainment, and even breakfast. Things should wind down by about 11 and hopefully they will have made a few bob for the trust by then. 

 Harry's is wheelchair and push chair accessible and should be a lovely morning all around.

Restaurant Review: Byron Brings it Proper

Byron Proper Burgers

Don't let the sleek lines and clean design fool you, Princesshay's newest restaurant, Byron: Proper Hamburgers, is definitely about the food, and they're not messing around.  You see, the guys behind Byron are into American burgers - like really into them - and they've done their research. They've drawn from some of the States' finest establishments and most indulgent bun based cheekiness to inspire a menu with a few across-the-pond nods that you won't see at most other British burger joints. Delivered with style and ease, Byron is a welcome addition to the city centre dinnersphere.

Me and my meat eating wing man hubby popped in for an indulgent lunch, taking advantage of the best summer since 2004, for a little al fresco dining. Our friendly server greeted and seated us, and we got down to business.

Byron in the sunshine

We kind of went for it, starting out with the Tortilla Chips which came with a lovely fresh tomato salsa and a guacamole that might just be the best in the city - no really - both chunky and fresh. For the mains, I had the Veggie Burger of Portobello mushroom, goats cheese and Mediterranean veg with an order of courgette fries, and a glass of cloudy lemonade. And my carnivorous comrade had the Smokey burger with a portion of skin on chips and a side of macaroni cheese all washed down with a Brew Dog pale ale.

Lunch for two at Byron

For little old vegetarian me, my veggie burger was as good as any I've had, but the courgette fries(!) are something I only seen in the states and Byron were in fact BETTER than what I've had there. They were crispy, crunchy, perfectly seasoned and really worth the visit on their own.  My lemonade was just like mom used to make and, for research purposes, I sneaked a taste of the mac n' cheese and can attest to it being as rich as any of Uncle Sam's offerings. Vegetarians & vegans can also try the avocado salad or mix up the veggie burger with additional/alternative sides like sliced avocado, crispy fried onions and jalepenos as well as a selection of cheeses and sauces. 

The summer special: The Smokey

My partner also had high praise for his Smokey burger, saying that it fully lived up to its name with the taste of well...smokiness, coming through every bite.  All that smoked cheddar, smokey barbecue sauce, crispy bacon and crispy onions perfectly complimented his medium rare Scottish beef patty and made for some very happy dining. His beer was a light, deliciously malty, day time pale ale called Dead Pony Club by Brew Dog, part of a collection of quality craft beers available for on site.

And for puds, I had the brownie and he had the cheesecake. My brownie was hot and deliciously gooey and topped with a scrumptious drizzle of chocolate sauce. My husband's white chocolate cheesecake was an entirely different affair. This chilled cheesecake on a biscuit base, was decadently rich and well accompanied by the blueberry sauce.  A perfect end end to proper lunch.

And the kitchen were so quick as well.

Inside it's like a film noir set. Love the backlit factory windows.

Summer has Landed at the Exeter University Outdoor Swimming Pool

Exeter Outdoor Swimming Pool
Source: University of Exeter

With all of this lovely sunshine on the go I decided to take a little dip in the pool over the weekend. Just a quick stroll off Prince Charles Road and I arrived at Exeter University's outdoor pool. A delightful oasis on a lovely sunny day in the city, the 25m pool has a lane swimming section but most of its visitors are just in it to make a splash. Families in waders and students catching rays, it's relaxed friendly and an easy alternative it you haven't gotten up early enough to make it to Exmouth for the day.

If you're planning to go on your own, travel light as they have changing rooms but no lockers.  The cost of a single swim is just £3 for adults and free for under 5s if you're not a member -which is petty good, because you could easily stay all day. There are picnic tables and a shop next door if you fancy a bit of lunch.

All in all a good day out.

Cornwall House Swimming pool is open daily from 8am-8pm, from now until 21 September 2014. 

Exeter's Most Romantic Destination?

photo: © Helen Lisk 2013 -4

I asked Exeter based portrait and wedding photographer, Helen Lisk to name the most romantic spot in the city. Her answer was resoundingly clear: Exeter Quayside. Helen has been doing beautiful wedding photography all over Exeter and Devon for years, so she certainly knows a thing or two about romance.

So what makes the Exeter Quayside such a romantic place?

I started a love affair with Exeter when I moved here ten years ago. We’ve always lived near to the Quayside, and I absolutely adore this area. Whereas there are endless beautiful places to enjoy near Exeter, from beaches, to moors, to the beautiful river valley and countryside, Exeter itself is just so lovely that we often don’t choose to go anywhere else. I love the openness of the river, the way that you can walk from the quay, along the river bank and feel like you are outside of the city in minutes. We love to hire a bike from Saddles & Paddles and explore the paths around the river and canal, head up to the Turf Locks for a pint of beer in the sunshine, watch the estuary in the late afternoon light. I love browsing through all the quirky little shops at the quay, or wandering across to The Welcome Café for coffee and cake in its lovely rooms. So it should come as no surprise that my idea of a romantic evening in Exeter would be based in this area.

When I first moved to Exeter with my lovely other half, Ian, we’d often go for a wander around the Quayside in the evening. So my ideal romantic evening would start here, with a walk along the riverside, the sun setting over the city, watching the swans nestling down for the night. I love to be reminded of what a beautiful place that we live in, and every time I walk around this area, I do just think how lucky we are to be here in Exeter. We would then have to head up the hill to the utterly wonderful Hour Glass Inn. Our first home in Exeter was just around the corner from this fantastic pub, and we have spent countless happy hours there over the years, tucked away at one of its little tables and sampling delicious local beers. For a special evening, I’d want to eat here as well, as the food is utterly delicious. Probably finishing with one of the lovely single malts on offer behind the bar and a quick game of Bananagrams on the pub table.

Photo: © Helen Lisk Photography 2013 -2

On our first New Year’s Eve in Exeter, we walked from the Hour Glass and shared a bottle of champagne with friends at midnight, standing on Colleton Crescent and watching all the fireworks going off over across the city. This would be the perfect end to my evening – maybe without the champagne and probably no fireworks in the sky this time, but to stand there, snuggle up with my husband and look at all the lights twinkling across lovely Exeter… perfect!

© Helen Lisk Photography 2013 -11

See more of Helen's work on at www.helenliskphotography.co.uk, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter at @helenliskphoto.

Say hello to Jelly: City Centre Children's Shop Extraordinare

Introducing Jelly, quite possibly the most adorable children's shop in Exeter city centre and the only one with dedicated collection of great value, great quality, second hand, or 'preloved', goods. Run by a team of welcoming, committed, creative and inspired volunteers, this light and loved space is a must visit for tots in the city. Not just a clothes shop, this Exeter Community Initiatives project has got books, games, toys and is gearing up to take prams as well. Not to mention the lovely bits and bobs for kids up to 11 years old.

The thing that makes Jelly different is that even in this small space, the team behind it have thought of everything to make shopping with little ones more enjoyable. When you visit Jelly you will be greeted by a whimsical window display created by the volunteer staff. As you browse the racks and shelves, your little one can amuse himself in their play area. And should your family need a comfort break, they have a quiet space for changing and feeding.

Shop and play at Jelly

The shop is the brain child of the good people of the Exeter Community Initiatives and all profits go back into community projects throughout city. And the ECI does all kinds of amazing - childrens centres, projects for sustainability, urban farming, youth work, and even a city farm - so shopping here is better than getting cash back because it helps make Exeter a more awesome place for your awesome kid.

Visit Jelly at 9 Paris Street, Exeter City Centre.

Clothing for infants, tots and older children

Toys, games and gifts.

Books for children of all ages

Jelly at 9 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon

Film, Food, Fun & Frolics at The Globe's Blues Brothers Night

This Thursday, 30 Jan, Newtown will be abuzz with a night of Blues Brothers booze, food, music and a little bit of fancy dress when the Reel Collective kick off their brand new night at the Globe with a Blues Brothers party to make James & Elwood proud. I caught up with Andy at The Globe to get the scoop on what's in store.

So who are the Reel Collective? 

The Reel Collective is made up of Sal Hughes, Ali Pym, Ben Rothwell and Andy Miller. Sal works as a media lecturer at South Devon College and also co-hosts Ben and Sally's Film Show on Phonic FM. Ali is also a lecturer in media and film at Exeter College. Ben works at The Picturehouse in Exeter and as a projectionist, and is the other half of Ben and Sally's Film Show. Andy is co-owner at The Globe in Exeter. This collaboration came about through a shared passion for classic films, community engagement, coupled with having a bit of fun. 

What can we expect on the night? 

The first Reel Collective night is on Thursday the 30th of January with a screening of the cult classic, The Blues Brothers. This won't be your ordinary screening, the upstairs room will be lovingly decorated in a Blues Brother's style. A vegetarian friendly supper is included as part of the ticket price, as is post-movie dancing with soul, swing and Motown classics being lined up on the house record deck. If you're thinking of coming along, don your shades, pork pie hats, and anything else that gives a nod to the era and in particular the movie narrative itself. 

You guys have done a great job revitalizing the pub and giving it a welcoming & modern feel. This is should be a fun start to the new year, what else have you got in mind for 2014?

Thanks, that's really kind of you to say. 2014 is looking good already with lots of projects on the cards right from the word go. We aim to run the Reel Collective nights on a bi-monthly basis. We will be serving food for the first time within the next few weeks, which is very exciting, as the kitchen refit has taken much longer than we first anticipated. Live music will still be a major feature on the landscape at The Globe going forwards, with some exciting new nights in the offing. We plan on utilising the upstairs bar space a lot more going forwards, again we will be posting any new developments on our Facebook page - keep your eyes peeled for those in the next couple of months.

Source: black.zack00

10 Signs You Live in Exeter

When you live in Exeter there are a few things that you take for granted. That there will be traffic on Exe Bridges whenever you need to cross it - and you will get caught at all of the traffic lights. That you can't possibly leave Timepiece at the end of the night without getting a burger. And that you are surrounded by students, some how they're everywhere. But when you go for a sunny walk by the river, catch up with your friend on the High Street, or see that statue with a cone on its head, you know that you're home.

1. Looking for a parking space when the students are here...

2. Finding a parking space when the students are here...

3. When you hear singing from the street at 3 in the morning...

4. When you've been at the food festival all weekend...

5. At the Great West Run...

6. Before Exeter City play Plymouth, everyone says...

7. After Exeter City play Plymouth, everyone says...

8. When you finish shopping the High Street on a Saturday...

9. At the end of the night, when you're trying to get to the the front of the queue at Uncle Raj...

10. But when the sun is shining and you're sitting by the Waterfront with a pint in your hand...

Secrets of Exeter Beauty: Arbonne Product Review

Exeter Arbonne Independent Consultant Emma Tellesy

Exeter Arbonne beauty representative Emma Tellesy is confident, friendly, fabulous, intelligent and all round awesome. Not only is she a young mum and entrepreneur but she's also a pilot. That's right, 'ladies and gentlemen this is your captain speaking'....a pilot! And when a thoroughly modern woman invites you to try out something that she thinks the world of, you kind of have to give it a go.

So for the last week I've been moisturising like a boss with a beauty regime that has been truly lovely. Using the Arbonne RE9 Advanced Anit-Aging Set, I've been treating myself to a 5 step mini facial every morning and evening. There's a cleanser, toner, intensive renewal serum, eye cream, as well as a day and night cream. Now that might sound like a lot of steps - it did to me when I first got the pack - but by the end of the week I could do the whole routine in about 4 mins. And I found that because I knew I had to do it, I would get up just a little bit earlier and so actually had more rather than less time in the morning.

And how was it? Well to start with the bottles are all really pretty, which is a little thing but makes you feel glam even before you begin. The face wash is light and gentle, but effective. Even after a night of gigging with my band in heavy makeup, I got a clear wash without any irritation. Aiming the spray-on toner took a bit of getting used to but I've used toners before and the upshot of this was that I didn't have to worry about finding cotton buds to apply it. The intensive renewal serum was small but gave good even coverage.The eye cream was the bit I was most impressed with because even with just a week of use, I definitely noticed a reduction in dark areas that, I must admit, I normally have under my eyes. And both the night and day creams helped me to keep a supple exterior throughout the week. Truly a treat.

Add to this the fact the RE9 is part of a suite of products Arbonne products which are totally ethically sound - vegan approved for being free from animal testing and products, contain no petrolchemicals, use natural ingredients, and have a thorough environmental policy - and you've got a serious skin care contender.

After a only a week, I'm not sure if I'm flying as high as high as Emma, but I'm feeling well on my way!

Exeter Big Screen at the Park 2013 listings announced!

The good folks at the Exeter Phoenix have really outdone themselves this year with the lineup for the 2013 Big Screen in the Park at Northernhay Gardens. One absolute classic, one total legend, a masterpiece and a visual feast? There will be much popcorn eating methinks.

If you've never been before, the way that it works is for 4 days every summer, they put a...big screen...in the park....and everyone comes along with a picnic and enjoys the show. It's brilliant. It used to be free but they sell tickets now at a reasonable £3 per film so that they can afford to do it again next year.  Shows start at 9pm and it's just lovely to cozy up with your sweetheart and a film as the sunsets.

Envelope please. And the nominees for best Devon hillside picture show are....

The Goonies on Weds 14 Aug

Poster by Brickhut

Skyfall on Thurs 15 Aug

Poster by Jack Woodhams

Life of Pi on Fri 16 Aug

Poster by Chungkong

The Great Gatsby on Sat 17 Aug

Poster by Tiffany Chen

Meet me Halfway: My Year in Exeter So Far

It's hard to believe that Summer Solstice has come and gone. That the long dark, cold, wet winter which started back in March 2012 and only relented at the end of May 2013 will soon be making it's approach. Today, the longest day of the year and midpoint of our annual orbit of the sun, I reckon is a good time to take stock and look back on what I did with the whole first half of the year.

NYE 2013

I was lucky enough to spend NYE at The Grapevine in Exmouth with my band Lazy Lizard. Wearing a carnival head dress and a brand new frock from Exeter's best dress shop, Off The Hook, we had an amazing night and I was feeling pretty good.

Exeter CAMRA Festival of Winter Ales

This is one of my favourite annual Exeter events. More than 60 amazing real ales on tap at this fabulous beer festival run by our local chapter of CAMRA every January. If you're a fan of real ales in Exeter it is a must do. If you're a local you are certain to find someone that you know there toasting a pint so you can raise a raiding party or just bowl up on your own and you're guaranteed a good time. I've been twice now and it's always full of friendly people and of course, delicious ales, ciders and even a few ginger beers.

Artist Michael Buckland

I met London born, Exmouth based, artist Michael Buckland one evening whilst checking out Melosa that The Grapevine in Exmouth. Tucked away in a corner, I could see him taking in the surroundings and scribbling way in his note pad. As he got up to leave I got a sneak peak at the drawing he'd done of  our table of friends an was in awe of how much detail he'd captured such a short time. A few weeks later he popped up on my Facebook and somehow we arranged for me to sit for a portrait. I was honoured. Such a lovely experience.

Tony Law at Exeter Phoenix

Irreverent, surreal and joyful Canadian comedian Tony Law played his first show at the Exeter Phoenix back in February. It was brilliant. He's amazing. I'm not telling you anything more about he elephants though.

Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots at RAMM

As part of Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots, I have been researching the history of black American GIs who were based in Exeter during WWII. It has been a fascinating journey that has taught me so much about England, American, historic and current attitudes to race, my family, my culture, and my city. There are lots of different elements to the project. Interviews, research and storytelling will help us to present a website, school materials, and even a guided tour to the wider public, helping to spread the word about some of Exeter's multicultural histories. In March we did our first storytelling evening at RAMM to an audience of more than 100 people. Everyone in our volunteer group and from the Global Centre, worked so hard to make it happen.

Exeter Pride at Exeter Phoenix

Exeter Pride has been going for a few years now and there are so many brilliant people working to make it on of the best pride celebrations in the South West. My band, Lazy Lizard, played at the March 2013 post parade party and it was oh so much fun. There was a conga line during our set and more importantly I got to wear the shiniest dress I could find from Jane Norman.

History of Exeter's Black GIs

In April, the Global Centre hosted a book launch for Marika Sherwood's latest title 'World War II: Colonies & Colonials'.  I was honoured to be asked to speak alongside this marvelously inspiring woman. She is a prolific writer and historian who's explored all aspects of BME history in Great Britain and subverted histories around the world. Her latest title is one of more than 50 publications that she's penned and is a must read.

Exeter Respect Festival

Exeter Respect Festival 2013 was just brilliant. The weather was fabulous and they organisers really worked hard to use every possible resource to put on what is probably the city's largest annual event. Bringing together live music, community groups, faith groups, and local businesses, it was a great celebration of the diversity and energy of our city. I was lucky enough to participate as a performer with my hip hop group The Bitterati on the PhonicFM stage and event more randomly, we were on ITV Westcountry!

Photo by Clive Chilvers

Cheers to all my Exeter friends and neighbours for making this a great year so far!