Country Walks and Zatchels!!

I’m about to be exceedingly British and talk about the weather, but it has been truly glorious the last few days.

I’m always conscious of living in a temperamental climate and any minute Spring/Summer might disappear for another year and we’ll have snow in August (I really hope that is an exaggeration!) So as soon as Mr Sun makes an appearance we try and get out into the countryside if we can.

I love to visit Canal paths, they’re usually flush with wildlife and yet developed enough to be an easy track to plod along.We visited one near Cromford in Derbyshire yesterday and had a wonderful day. Mr Dog enjoyed nearly getting into the water (I think he’s secretly a bit scared of getting wet).

It was also an excuse to show off my latest purchase, a gorgeous Purple Satchel Bag by Zatchels. I’ve lusted after this beauty for quite sometime and finally ordered one last month. Due to their birthday sale it did take quite a few weeks to arrive (all Zatchels are made to order to your specification). It was well worth the wait 🙂 the quality is second to none and I’m thoroughly pleased. The only problem is that now I’m drooling over all their other designs. This is the 11.5″ version which I think makes it the perfect size for a handbag. You can’t fit a huge amount in but I still managed a phone, wallet, keys and a camera with a little tetris style organisation 🙂

 

Summer Fun in Derbyshire!

We’ve been fortunate enough to have some lovely weather recently, good for the Olympics, great for the garden and even better if you like to venture out and about into the countryside!

Today I’m just sharing a few summer photos taken over the last few days.

First I’ll introduce you to this little chap (or chapette, I’m not sure how you tell the difference??). I first heard a few stones moving, instantly fearing some nefarious plot was afoot I ventured to find out the source. When I saw two green legs I was somewhat alarmed, although further investigation proved it was infact quite a sizeable frog. At this point my husband stepped in and scooped froggy up to show the kids. Froggy was then placed back in the garden where he (or she) spent a few minutes sitting by the dogs ball before leaping off to pastures new.

These next few photos were taken at Middleton Top, where the Spotty Crocodile watched over the children as they searched rocks for signs of fossils. We also encountered many bees, moths and bugs, who for the most part were happy to stay still while their portrait was taken.

The spotty crocodile also discovered an extreme fondness for long grass!

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and managing to get out and about when the sunshine allows.

 

Urban Gardens Events with Nature Valley!

Just a quick post to let you all know about some fabulous events coming up. Nature Valley are planning on bringing a little bit of the countryside to the city with their Urban Gardens Events.

They will be hosting fete games, giving out prizes and much more. I personally fancy having a go at ‘Splat the rat’ to enjoy a free Nature Valley bar! So if you’re nearby do check them out as they look like a lot of fun.