Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn Boots Review

Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn Boot

Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn Boot

Canterbury Sheepskin have been making New Zealand Sheepskin boots since 1974. Luxurious genuine sheepskin of a premium quality, handmade and crafted to last! I was sent a pair of Robyn Sheepskin boots to review a few weeks ago.

I’m going to admit something of a fashion faux pas, I’ve never really liked ugg style boots! I say ugg in the New Zealand sense of categorisation rather than any particular brand name. It isn’t that I can’t see a practicality in them, especially during the long bitter winters we’ve been experiencing in recent years. It’s more that I feel the standard design lacks any sense of style, thin soles that don’t look fit to support a foots natural arch and perhaps an even worse crime, they make my feet look huge!!

However when Canterbury Sheepskin approached me I was pleasantly surprised, while they do produce more traditional boot designs they also have many with a real fashion edge. In my opinion the Robyn boot is one of those. After several weeks I’ve broken down my thoughts into the following categories.

Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn BootStyle

I adored the Robyn boot instantly, a wide cuff decorated with delicate lacing at the back, this adds an element lacking in simpler designs but without being overstated. The wide cuff and sole also serve to narrow down the ankle meaning that your own foot doesn’t appear larger than it actually is.

The sole of the boot is also a revelation, a proper tread with heel and arch support.

Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn BootComfort

Imagine a luxurious pair of cushions snuggled against your feet and you can just about imagine the sensation of wearing these boots. They are so comfortable that it almost feels wrong to wear them outside. The insides are very cosy, but they keep your foot moderated. We’ve experienced a remarkably warm September but I could still wear these comfortably.

Driving

As a parent driving is a necessary part of my everyday life, if I can’t drive in a shoe/boot safely then it will never see daily use. Despite the incredible cushioning of the sheepskin I found that I could more than adequately feel my foot and the pedals of the car.

Canterbury Sheepskin Robyn BootWalking

These boots do not need breaking in! I feel tempted to write that again it’s such a rare quality in footwear. The Robyn boots were comfortable to wear as soon as they came out of the box. Over the last few weeks they’ve moulded slightly to my own foot shape but the comfort was there instantly.

Quality

I’ve worn the Robyn boots for several weeks now to give them adequate testing but only time will tell on their true longevity. Right now they still look as good as new and I’m very impressed with the quality of the sheepskin and stitching. They feel truly crafted.

Final Thoughts

I am complete and utter sheepskin convert! Finally I understand the devotion attached to all variations of these wonderful boots, they are so warm and comfortable that once you’ve owned a pair you’re unlikely to turn back. I have received many compliments on them even from non sheepskin boot fans.

Would I recommend the boots?

At first it may seem daunting that they’re shipped all the way from New Zealand but they arrived so swiftly that I’d have no hesitation in recommending the store. The quality and service is second to none and the Robyn boots themselves reached so far beyond my expectations that I couldn’t do anything other than recommend them.

Details

To view Canterbury Sheepskin’s full range of sheepskin products click here.

To purchase click here.

My Christmas Wish List!

Christmas CountdownI hate to say it but it’s that time of year folks, Christmas is on the horizon! My kids are already telling me their marvellously long present lists while I secretly hope they’ll forget most of it. Christmas visit negotiations are in full swing, who is going where and at what time, it’s like a jolly festive puzzle where everyone feels it must be…. Perfect!

Present choices aside Christmas always causes major furniture reorganisation in our house, the chair in the corner has to go so the tree can stand there, then the table has to move for the chair etc etc. Plus I have a dog who possesses an uncanny knack of shedding fur all over the place just when visitors come to call! Obviously Christmas shouldn’t be this stressful, it should be a time of peace spent with your loved ones. But unless you’re some kind of zen master (if you are I salute you and can I have some tips?) then the festive season is going to cause a few emotional ripples. So this year I’ve decided to change the format, I’m going to write a Christmas Wish List, all those little pieces that might make my life a little simpler if I could but fit them in the loft.

Abi’s Christmas Wish List

  • Some kind of house expansion tool so that I can expand all the rooms just a little to accommodate extra festive paraphernalia (this is a wish list after all!)
  • A new sofa. Something comfortable, easy to clean and capable of seating several people at once. I’m a bit in love with these striped ones (Trafalgar) from Duresta. Rodgers of York
  • In fact I want that whole room complete with a self cleaning chandelier and robot hoover!
  • A butler, he’d have to be called Jeeves and solve all my last minute emergencies like fictional butlers of the past always do.
  • A chef to cook the meal while I eat gourmet chocolates and macaroons.
  • Crackers that actually contain something worth having (I think this is almost as far fetched as the room expanding device!)
  • Some kind of machine to gather up the wrapping paper and check that no one has put their brand new toy car under the pile.
  • A temporary car park for guests.
  • Taps containing mulled wine, eggnog and spiced berry punch.

Just these small and easily achievable details 😛 would make my Christmas perfect!

 

Gluten Free Apple Streusel Cupcakes!

Gluten Free Apple Streusel

Gluten Free Apple Streusel Cupcakes

Adopting a Gluten Free lifestyle whether by choice or necessity can create many obvious challenges, you may well find yourself wondering if you’ll ever eat cake again! Thankfully the range of gluten free ingredients is constantly expanding and most supermarkets now stock gluten free flours etc.

Today I am going to share my favourite gluten free adaption of a classic recipe for Apple Streusel Cake.

Ingredients

2 X 280g/10 oz Jar Bramley Apple Sauce

1 Tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

2 Large Eggs

110g/4 oz Butter

170g/6 oz Soft Brown Sugar

350g/12 oz Plain Gluten Free Flour (I use Dove Farms)

4 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Cinnamon

1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

Crumbly Topping

100g/3 1/2 oz Plain Gluten Free Flour (I use Dove Farms)

100g/3 1/2 oz Soft Brown Sugar

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

70g/2 1/2oz Butter

 

Step 1

This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes depending on how large your cases are, the recipe can be halved. First pour the jars of Apple sauce into a large bowl and then add the bicarbonate of soda, mix in thoroughly (it will fizz up!)IMG_2745

Step 2

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the eggs. Then sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Start folding the flour into the butter mixture, adding in a spoonful of your fizzy apple sauce periodically until everything is combined. Spoon the mixture into paper cases.

Step 3IMG_2637

In a new bowl make the crumbly topping. Place all the topping ingredients into the bowl and rub the mixture together using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then scatter over your cake mixture evenly and lightly press down with your fingers.IMG_2741

Step 4

Bake in the oven at 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 for approx. 15 mins or until they bounce back when pressed lightly. Cool on a wire rack. They are particularly yummy eaten warm, although I like them cold as well.

Gluten Free Apple Streusel

Gluten Free Apple Streusel Cupcakes