Autumn Checklist: Get ready for the change of season

Autumn Checklist: Get ready for the change of season

This week I thought I’d share my checklist to get us (and our homes) ready for the onslaught of winter.  That sounds a bit dramatic but this is the time to get things organised before the REALLY bad weather sets in. You can then feel safe in the knowledge that everything you need to make you and your home feel cosy and warm this winter is ready.
BRAND NEW at Andrassy Living

BRAND NEW at Andrassy Living

Hello and welcome to a fabulous new brand at Andrassy Living! Pink City Prints can now be found right here in Ilminster as it is now adorning the rails of my beloved shop and I'm sure it's going to be very popular. 
August 23, 2024 — Sophie Martin
Horrell & Horrell: A truly wonderful dining experience in Somerset

Horrell & Horrell: A truly wonderful dining experience in Somerset

I visited the most wonderful ‘restaurant’ recently.  I say ‘restaurant’ in inverted commas because that’s not technically what it is.  It serves amazing food but there is no menu.
A Weekend in Woodstock: Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village & Oxford

A Weekend in Woodstock: Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village & Oxford

I thought I'd tell you a bit about my recent trip to Woodstock in Oxfordshire because it was so lovely, I had to share.  If you haven't ever been to Woodstock, I highly recommend a visit.  It's such a pretty town with Blenheim Palace right on its doorstep (we could walk to one of the gates from our lovely little pub with rooms). 
My Somerset LIfe Debut: I'm Famous!

My Somerset LIfe Debut: I'm Famous!

OK, bit of an exaggeration but I’m thrilled to have been included in Somerset Life Magazine (February Edition) as it’s a fabulous publication and to feature in their piece about Ilminster is really rather fantastic. 
Happy Christmas! FUN Family Games that Don’t Cost a Thing

Happy Christmas! FUN Family Games that Don’t Cost a Thing

Many of you have asked me about the Empire game and how to play it because you’ve forgotten so I’m including the rules again plus an added extra -The Blanket Game (don’t judge me) as it’s hilarious (if you like that sort of thing).  Enjoy!
December 21, 2023 — Sophie Martin
World Kindness Day: A Beautiful and poignant piece of writing by a much-missed friend

World Kindness Day: A Beautiful and poignant piece of writing by a much-missed friend

It was World Kindness Day on Monday and in the spirit of this rather fabulous annual festival and given that my beloved friend Pauline would have turned 50 last week, I am including a wonderful and inspiring article she wrote for Trawler newspaper back in 2018.  I’m extremely sad to say that she passed away a year later but she left a wonderful legacy behind her not to mention the hundreds of people whose lives she impacted in such a positive way.  
My Top Three Favourite Walks

My Top Three Favourite Walks

There are so many to choose from and there are obviously millions more that I don’t know about (please do let me know if I’m missing an obvious one though as I’m always looking for new places to explore with the dog) but these are my absolute three favourites (spot the common theme!)
Ile de Re, France - My Travel Blog

Ile de Re, France - My Travel Blog

As you know, I was on holiday last week, sunning myself in France with my family.  We visited the beautiful island of Ile de Re and I thought I’d give you a very small insight into our stay as I highly recommend visiting this stunning island that is a very short hop over the bridge from La Rochelle airport (we flew from Bristol so very easy indeed).
July 22, 2023 — Sophie Martin
My Favourite Somerset Restaurants  (& Drinking Establishments!)

My Favourite Somerset Restaurants (& Drinking Establishments!)

As I am making an effort to frequent as many pubs and restaurants as possible in Somerset (just to familiarise myself with the area and to support the amazing hospitality that we have on offer in the county you understand), I thought I would give you an update on my latest findings as it’s always good to share.  
Rhubarb Rhubarb Rhubarb!

Rhubarb Rhubarb Rhubarb!

I already have a glut of rhubarb in the garden - what the devil shall I do with it?  Well on researching, I have discovered that I can just chop it all up and stick it straight into the freezer as it is.  Then when I come to make a crumble or a chutney, I can use a handful straight from frozen which makes life much easier.
April 27, 2023 — Sophie Martin
The Storage Bag (with handles). How do you use yours?!

The Storage Bag (with handles). How do you use yours?!

Just a little post on the fabulously versatile and gloriously simple Storage Bag.  It squashes down completely flat when not in use and has a handy handle so you can hang it on the back of a bathroom door or in a cloakroom to corral hats and gloves.