Tea and Sympatico

We've bought a new tent. Last year we bought a cheap one from Aldi and it lasted us for the three festivals that Matt played at. The first two had glorious weather whilst the final one was a weekend of torrential downpours resulting in a leaking, ruined tent. So, this year we did some research and spent a bit more money on a tent that will hopefully last us many years. We enjoyed the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival so much last year that we chose it for new tents first outing. We were hoping for a weekend of sun, cider and socialism. What we got on the first night was the worst storm that Matt said he'd ever camped in, and bear in mind he's been an avid camper since a teenager. I've got some amazing earplugs and managed to sleep through most of it! Luckily by Saturday lunchtime the weather turned and the rest of the festival was really hot and sunny. Here we are, two very pale people roasting away depsite the factor 30! We knew from last year that there wasn'

We're starting to get settled into our new house. We've got a huge long list of things that need doing. Having to have to get the whole house rewired means there's loads of redecorating to do and the front and back yards need work. I think it's going to be an ongoing project for the next couple of years.  I've wanted a Vitamix ever since I first heard of them but felt I could never justify spending that much on a blender. I've been wanting to up my energy levels though so we decided to go halves on this investment on our future health! We've had it about a month though and have used it every single day. It's mainly used for smoothies in the morning. We've been making great protein packed smoothies which have kept us going until lunchtime. The texture is amazing. I had a pretty good Kitchen aid blender before this but the Vitamix does take it to another level. I like to have a base of a banana, then more fruit and either some nut butter

Tonight after work I popped along to the relaunch party for Manchester veggie restaurant Bistro 1847 . The restaurant has been established for a few years and also has a sister restaurant in Birmingham. I've eaten here before and blogged about it . The Manchester venue has had a refit and was launching it's summer menu. I was surprised by the refit which gives the restaurant more of a cafe bar feel with fresh Scandinavian style design and has a back section that can be hired out for large groups - perfect for celebrating birthdays or leaving do's. It was a really pleasant evening. The organic wine was free flowing and we got to sample some delicious canapes which give a flavour of what the restaurant is all about. The first picture is rye crackers topped with hummus, pomegranate and edible flowers. I could have eaten a whole plate of these. The rye crackers in particular were outstanding. These bites are a mini version of one of the restaurants signature dishes. I