As long as sheep have grass to graze on, their wool will grow and provide a cosy fleece. Each spring, the sheep need this fleece removing to keep them cool and comfortable and the shorn fibres provide us with a valuable resource. The sheep then happily munch away, growing new fleece to keep them warm and dry in winter, and the cycle continues, meaning wool is the ultimate natural resource.
Wool is entirely biodegradable, which means at the end of its usable life it will simply break down and decompose back into the earth, meaning it does not leave a negative impact on our planet.
Small pockets of air within the wool fibres allow heat to circulate, meaning the heat can be drawn towards your body when you are cold, or away from your body when you are cool.
As wool can absorb moisture from the air, it also rarely creates static energy as synthetic fibres do, keeping you cosy without any static cling.
Because wool is originally there to protect the body of the sheep from the elements, it contains a naturally protective outer layer. This means spills and marks are not easily absorbed and the best way to remove these is to spot clean with a damp cloth. One of the biggest concerns our customers have is whether their blanket will shrink when washed. All of our blankets are machine washable - to read our tips on the best way to care for your blankets read our blog post here
The proteins in wool are flexible meaning that wool can be folded and crinkled but will automatically spring back into it's natural shape. Unlike other fibres, during the manufacturing process, the wool fibres will soak up dye until they are completely saturated, meaning the colours will stay bright and vibrant for longer.
We're making the most of those dyes and have selected lots of gorgeous colours for this season too shop wool blankets
So now we know that wool is sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, easy to clean and keeps you warm and cosy, seriously what is not to love!
]]>To maximise the burn time of your candle, you should allow it to burn for 3-4 hours on the first use. This creates a good burn pool (the melted bit) which means that next time you burn the candle, it should melt right to the edges of the jar and you shouldn't have any excess wax left on the side of the jar.
Always trim your wick to 0.5cm each time you light it. This prevents the wick getting over-long, curling over, burning unevenly and too hot, and generally ruining your lovely candle. You can buy special wick trimming tools but to be honest I just pinch it off with my fingers, or to keep your hands clean, use scissors!
Make sure you remove any debris from the wick or matches from the melt pool. This will keep it burning cleanly and prevent the wick from getting over heated and too large
Natural wax is susceptible to changes in temperature, with excessive changes causing the wax to expand or shrink over time. We advise you to keep your candles out of direct sunlight, away from humidity and at a stable room temperature.
After the first burn, light your candle for shorter periods of time, always allowing it to set fully between burns. This ensures you get the most burn time out of the wax, and remember you get the best scent throw from a candle after it has been blown out! So enjoy for an hour or two, then blow it out and enjoy even longer!
Now this tip is a bit deceptive as it doesn't actually make your candle last longer, but it does help you enjoy the scent for longer. Our noses are clever things and when they smell the same scent over and over again, they stop sending the scent signals to your brain to prevent overload. (Ever wondered why someone who wears the same perfume day in day out can't smell it anymore, resulting in them adding more and more each time until its totally overpowering?) So the best tip we have is to trick your clever nose by moving your candle to a different room, enjoy it in the office today, or perhaps the kitchen the next day, with a trip to the entrance hall livening it up for a while. You will experience the scent in a new way and get even more bang for your buck.
I hope these 6 clever hints and tips will help you enjoy your Rebecca Pitcher candle even more. Whilst we are on the subject, i just wanted to give you a little bit of a background as to why we use soy wax for our candles and how we are making sure they are sustainably produced.
Compared to traditional paraffin candles, natural wax is considered to be much better for humans, pets, and also the environment. Paraffin wax is petroleum based, whereas our candles are made from soy wax so you do not get the associated petro-carbon soot when it burns. It also has a fantastic scent throw and the wax has a cooler burn pool, meaning that your candle will burn longer.
It's sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, washable (just use soap and water to remove) and generally just brilliant, what's not to love?
We are very concious of the non-responsible production of soy bean products in some parts of the globe, which is why we have ensured that the wax we use is produced with the utmost respect for the environment. Crafted from responsibily sourced soybean oil, farmed in Europe, our wax is both GMO-free and vegan-friendly.
So now you know how to get the best from your candles, why not have a little look at the the fragrances we have on offer here
]]>Here are 7 ways you do good when you shop with us either online or in our Northallerton high street store:
Did you know that when you spend £1 with a small business 63p stays in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business? Everytime you shop with a small business you are voting with your money to support a community.
All Rebecca Pitcher products are made right here in the UK, reducing their carbon footprint hugely compared to products shipped across the world. We send our online orders with Royal Mail, who collect from our door and deliver to yours on their usual delivery route, reducing the need for more couriers and vehicles on the roads.
We work with several factories, mills and family businesses across the UK, who all employ local, skilled workers. Some of whom are amongst the last few people in the country who have the skills to create our products. By buying Rebecca Pitcher you are helping to keep these loyal employers and heritage craft industries thriving.
Our card manufacturer is enrolled in the The Woodland Trust project which means they only use carbon captured papers for the production of all our greetings cards. For every card they manufacture, a donation is made to The Woodland Trust which goes towards protecting and creating native woodlands here in the UK.
by supporting our small business, whether that is online or in our shops, it means we can keep a presence on the high street, preventing an empty shop and helping to keep our little market town independent and thriving.
wouldn't it be boring if we all shopped in the same shops and bought the same things? By shopping small you help to support creativity, meaning more artists and designers can make a living bringing new and interesting products to market. Whatever your tastes, there will be a small business out there creating something perfect just for you.
Your purchases do not fund my lavish lifestyle or heat my home swimming pool (I wish!) instead they help to send my little girl to swimming lessons and gymnastics club. By shopping small you support ordinary people, and help to keep our creative and entrepreneurial dreams alive.
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Great interior design is not just about the way something looks, but the way it makes you feel, and this is illustrated in the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi a mindful way of living which practices slowing down and appreciating the beauty in imperfections. Natural materials, handcrafted details and a timeworn aesthetic.
So how do you bring this concept into your home? One way to start is by mixing old with new. The juxtaposition of an old piece of furniture or art against more contemporary interiors, adds character, warmth, texture and most importantly individuality to your home. Also, it is the ultimate in recycling, there is no carbon footprint attached to giving an old piece of furniture a new lease of life.
Personal items with history make your interior feel distinctively yours. They may be inherited heirlooms or something retro that caught your eye at a salvage fair, these are the items that will tell your story and that of your family members.
Some of the pieces we have picked up at salvage fairs and antiques shops include old glass bottles, tins, a chest of drawers, observer books and an old wooden cattle lick box! We use the cattle lick box to store kindling next to the fire and the rustic wood, typography and general sense of oddity never fail to make me smile.
Materials should be textured and soft, nothing shiny or metallic, and colours should be muted and natural. Think of the colours of nature on a lazy summer's day. Not the vibrant bright greens of spring shoots or sunny yellow daffodils, but the softer more relaxed colours of summer roses, herbs or a pebble beach.
These colours invite you to slow down, relax and rest a while.
Finishing touches are the things that add signs of life to an interior. A pile of books, a favourite pair of slippers or a cup of coffee by an armchair. They create a lived-in feel and a sense that you can make yourself at home.
You can also add another natural dimension with pot plants, indoor trees and cut flowers. Just remember that whilst faux look great from a distance, it's the natural element you want to add, and nothing compares to the beauty of the real thing.
]]>"Create a home to be comfortable in - unique, tactile, textured, and imperfect.
The art of relaxed living."
Rebecca Pitcher
Harrogate Spring Flower Show is always such a joy to attend, both as an exhibitor and as a visitor. From a business point of view it's the first really big show in our annual calendar and we look forward to coming fully out of hibernation. We see some of the same lovely customers year after year and its always a delight to chat with them. It's also the first time we will have seen many of the other exhibitors for several months and we enjoy a good catch up. On top of this there is the sheer vibrancy and varied interest of the show itself. I've posted some of my snaps taken at the show this year to share some of that inspiration with you.
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Looking for a housewarming gift? I've put together a selection of great gifts for new home owners, suitable for every budget. Each item is designed and made here in the UK by our heritage manufacturers so you know you are gifting something really special.
Gardeners will love this Fine Bone China mug, decorated with a delicate olive tree and lavender illustration, and what better way to relax into your new home than with a freshly brewed cup of tea? This leaf print linen cushion is also sure to delight as the simple motif and natural linen fabric will work well in both contemporary and more traditional homes.
These gorgeous doggy designer kitchen items make a perfect new home gift for dog parents everywhere. There is a great selection of the most popular dog breeds, which Rebecca has painted in her signature style, and then the fabulous craftspeople at Duchess China in Stoke on Trent have turned into English fine bone china mugs. There is also a range of kitchen textiles including oven gloves, tea towels, aprons and Aga pads to bring a dash of personality to any new home.
Embrace the Cottage Core trend with pretty linen cushions and cosy wool throws. Anyone moving to a quaint country cottage will love these pretty home accessories for their new home. And let's face it, lots of cottages can be a little draughty, so a thick woollen throw will be just the new home gift they need!
Looking for a gift for a budding Bake Off champion, W.I. queen or school cake sale celebrity? Make them feel special in their new home with an apron, tea towel and oven mitt to adorn their new kitchen. Perfectly on trend in a deep navy blue, these gorgeous dragonfly print fabrics will be a gift that is used for years to come.
Looking for something for a cool modern scandi interior? Look no further than our fresh grey and white home accessories. A plump feather filled cushion in Grey Ticking Stripe makes a lovely addition to a scandi styled bedroom. This pretty scandi heart motif tea towel will make a lovely new home gift too, why not pair it with our 'All you need is love' heart mug?
Whether you are looking for a gift for a couple of newly wed sofa snugglers or a lone sofa ranger, make sure they feel comfy and cosy in their new home with the gift of a wool blanket. Practical and inviting, this gift will last for years to come and will add that finishing touch to a new home and make it feel their own. And of course everyone looking for a cosy night in on the sofa needs a special mug to enjoy their brew of choice in. Hot chocolate, coffee or herbal tea, they all taste amazing out of a fine bone china mug, and this cute black cocker spaniel is just asking to curl up on the sofa with you.
Bring that fresh coastal breeze inside their new home with a gift styled for life by the sea. I've selected a pretty cotton tea towel in nautical blue and white stripes, a gorgeous soft woollen throw in ocean blue green tones and a traditional ticking stripe cushion, perfect for a new coastal bedroom.
Help them keep in touch with their old neighbours and new friends alike, with a pack of notecards in one of our pretty nature-inspired designs. Perfect for leaving notes for the milkman, or sending out a cheque to local tradespeople, there is always a need to write a note when you move to a new house. Why not make their life a little easier with a handy pack of pretty notecards, ready and waiting for them to use in their new home.
Whether you are looking for a first home gift, a housewarming gift for newlyweds, or a little special present for someone downsizing in retirement, I hope you will find a unique gift in my hand-picked selection that will make them feel really special and at home in their new house.
Turn off those lights. Move your body. Yes even put on that second jumper (or snuggle up under a cosy wool blanket!) We need to retrain our bodies to consume less energy, both for the environment and for our pockets!
We are often told to eat less meat, or in fact stop eating it all together, but consider the carbon footprint of some so called environmentally friendly alternatives. Why not make it your mission to buy the best quality local meat that you can afford. The carbon footprint will be much lower and locally produced British organic meat has a neglible impact on the environment when compared to the massive cattle stations of other countries.
Keep a reusable cup in the car, or even a foldaway one in your handbag, the same applies to shopping bags. Always fill a water bottle and take it with you. Little routines soon become habits.
Not only will it help you eat more seasonally, but growing your own will reduce the footprint of food that is transported across the country, or even the world, to the supermarket. In addition to this you can grow organically, reducing the amount of pesticides going back into our earth.
It's too easy to throw a much loved item of clothing away when it gets damaged - take a look at Nearly New Cashmere's YouTube series of how to repair clothes and you will give them with a whole new lease of life.
Eco stores are becoming more and more prevalent on local high streets and they are a fantastic way to both buy groceries in bulk and reduce the use of plastic packaging. Take along your own containers to fill at the store and remove the need for packaging altogether.
I've rounded up the latest kitchen trends for 2022 to give you a starting point when finding your own style.
In 2021 we saw a huge increase in the use of navy blues in kitchen design and with many colour consultancies naming blues and greens as their colour of the year in 2022, this is a trend that is here to stay. What we will see this year, is a desire for deeper richer hues such as teal blue and forest green.
Warm metallics look great with these deeper colours and there is a growing trend for brass and copper taps and handles. To offset the moodier hues, try adding white marble worktops and brass accessories and lighting to bounce light around the room. Finally, make sure if opting for dark cabinetry, you request a matt anti fingerprint finish.
(This image and title image credit: The Main Company and Chris Nook)
Whilst contemporary handleless kitchens are gaining in popularity, Shaker style cupboards are still the most popular choice for country kitchens and never go out of style. For the ultimate in country kitchen styling, opt for in-frame cabinetry. With an in-frame kitchen, the cupboard door is hung within a frame on the front of the cabinet, providing extra durability, strength and a sense of craftsmanship.
(Image credit: The Main Company and Sean Knott)
If you haven’t come across the term biophilic design before, it is essentially the act of designing our homes to bring nature inside, with a view to improving our mental and physical wellbeing. So how do we do this in practice? The easiest way to bring the outside in is through the use of plants. Fill a windowsill full of potted herbs, hang indoor plants from hooks in the ceiling or place a pot on the worktop. Taking the time to nurture these plants in a break between meetings or daily chores will bring great mental health benefits as well as the improvement to your physical health through air purification.
Next think about incorporating natural materials and texture into your design for a tactile and multi sensory feel.
(Image credit deVOL)
Natural stone countertops such as marble have been popular for a while now, and this trend is not going anywhere. In 2022 we are taking this a step further and continuing the material up the walls as splashbacks and over the edges of islands creating a waterfall effect. Quartz is an excellent alternative if you are looking for something more hardwearing and affordable.
Add personality and individuality to your kitchen with hand finished textured tiles, raw wood and leather door pulls.
When using our kitchens as open plan living, socialising and work places, its vital that they are free from visual clutter and storage has never been more important. Opt for practical solutions such as pan drawers in island units and tall larder cupboards which give you plenty of opportunity to stock up on essentials - you don't want to be the person searching for that last packet of pasta once again!
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Hiding functional appliances such as the dishwasher from view in integrated cabinetry is nothing new, but this year we will be taking this concept even further. Boiling water taps not only give us instant access to hot water, but negate the need for a kettle taking up visual and physical space on the worktop. Similarly, the use of down draft extractors mean hobs can sit seamlessly in an island unit without a large overhead extractor hood blocking the sightline. Concealed until needed they sit within the worktop and pop up when required at a touch of a button.
(Image credit: Chapel Kitchens)
Following on from our need to keep the kitchen as clear as possible from visual and physical clutter, the desire to create a separate utility room and pantry within our homes is ever more important. Think of them as the functional engine rooms of the home, whilst keeping the kitchen a clear, light and bright space to enjoy relaxing and entertaining. If you have the space to create a pantry, a cool dark room is perfect with shelves to the ceiling to keep groceries easily accessible but also a place to store those serving dishes and worktop appliances that are used infrequently. The same is true for a utility room, whether it’s a space to store coats and muddy boots, or a laundry with overhead drying rack, it means we can invite someone in for a coffee, without worrying about the smalls drying in full view of our guests.
(Image credit: Gabriel Holland)
Well planned lighting is essential in a kitchen and its important to have a combination of natural light, recessed work lighting and statement pendants for visual effect. Hanging large copper or wooden pendants over the island or dining table will be popular in 2022.
(Image credit: Chapel Kitchens)
Finally, the layout and flow of your kitchen is increasingly important as it becomes the room in the house that is used more than ever. In 2022 we will see more walls dedicated to a single run of tall practical storage units, coupled with an island in front to allow families to gather, socialise and move freely around the room.
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A fresh cut makes sure the stem is open and able to take on water. Cutting at an angle helps to prevent damage to the stem and also maximises water intake, giving the flowers more opportunity for a good drink.
Bacteria is the enemy of happy flowers, so make sure you wash your jug with warm soapy water and rinse well before using it. Your flowers hate drinking dirty water and will thank you for it!
Cold water? Not room tempertaure? Whilst it's true that many flowers prefer room temperature water, flowers grown from bulbs such as tulips prefer cold water, so taking it straight from the tap is perfect. Bulb grown flowers are also generally very thirsty so make sure you refresh the water every couple of days.
Did you know that tulips keep on growing even after they have been cut? When the stems get too long for the jug they start to bend over and wilt. Simply chop a couple of inches of the stems and put in fresh water and you will extend their life by a few more days.
Yes that's right, fruit. As it ripens, fruit releases very small amounts of ethylene gas which will cause your flowers to mature more quickly. They also dislike being too warm, so keep them out of direct sunlight or near appliances which give off a lot of heat.
There is some debate about this one, but some people say the copper in a 1 or 2 pence piece helps to acidify the water, reducing bacterial growth and providing optimal conditions for your cut spring flowers. Whilst the copper helps to open the blooms, you may find that they open too quickly, resulting in quicker wilting. The jury's out on this one.
There's a reason why florists store their bouquets in a refridgerated space, cut flowers tend to thrive in cooler temperatures as it is thought the cold helps to slow down the process of aging. Ok, I admit putting them in your actual fridge may nor be the most practical option, but if you can move them to a cold bootroom or entranceway you are half way there!
So, to recap, cut the stems, use a clean jug, keep the water fresh and clean, cut again, and keep away from those bananas!
]]>The first thing to remember is that wool is naturally antibacterial so our throws are great at looking after themselves. We recommend airing them outside on a breezy day where possible to keep them fresh and light. Give them a good shake first and this will loosen any dirt or dust from the fibres, then hang somewhere with good air flow and let the breeze work it's magic.
Spot Cleaning
Wool is great at repelling liquids, but if something is left to soak in, it may leave a stain. The best way to clean this is to sponge it with warm water and a mild detergent. Soak a clean cloth and use it to squeeze the cleaning solution onto the stain area, then blot it. Don't scrub as this will damage the fibres.
Washing
If you do need a more intensive clean, there is no need to panic, our wool throws wash brilliantly in the machine. Simply pop them in on a cold wool cycle, I recommend turning the temperature down as low as possible (30 degrees max but colder is better) and then hang them outside on the line or over a banister to dry. Don't tumble dry or put on the radiator as the heat will cause the wool to dry too quickly and may result in shrinkage, felting and a coarse feel to the blanket.
Bobbling
If you regularly sit on your throw you may find that it starts to pill (sometimes known as bobbling). Pilling is completely normal with wool products and you may find that machine washing helps to remove the excess fibres that can turn into pills. The easiest way to remove pills is with your hands, but you may also find an fabric shaver useful.
Top Tip - Brushing
The best way to keep your wool blanket in tip top condition is to brush it. Using a soft bristled brush (such as a clothes brush) lie the blanket on a flat surface, then gently brush in the direction of the grain. This helps remove loose fibres and keeps the blanket soft, fluffy and looking its best.
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What are the benefits?
I can fully see the attraction of swimming in a cool lake on a warm summer's evening, but this was a freezing January afternoon, with a cold wind and a water temperature of just 3 degrees centigrade. Beautiful though the scenery was, the water was not tempting me in even a little bit. So I asked my friends, why?!
They described it as a total reset of mind and body. The water is so cold, you cannot think of anything else, so all those annoying thoughts that have been flooding your brain disappear, as you focus one hundred percent on the present. It is an act of total mindfulness.
There are physical benefits too - after regular wild swimming a process known as cold adaptation occurs. Essentially you become less sensitive to the cold. Where hands might once have turned blue in winter, now they are comfortable and flesh coloured. Of course any form of swimming has great health benefits as it is a low impact way of raising your heart rate and building muscle strength and endurance. But the addition of outdoor and cold water swimming boosts your endorphin levels and improves circulation as well as raising your white blood cell count, which in time improves the immune system.
A social activity
Although you may choose to swim alone and go for total peace and solitude, in the majority of cases it seems to be a very sociable activity. There are official wild swimming groups all over the country, in addition to more casual groups of friends getting together once a week at the local lake or coastline. And of course, it gives you the perfect excuse for a hot cup of coffee and a slice of cake to warm up afterwards!
Black Labrador China Mugs | 100% Wool Blankets
It goes without saying, that swimming in January in the North of England is not for the inexperienced, or the faint hearted! It's important to aclimatise and build up your tolerance to the cold. So whilst I was very relieved this time to be stood on the shoreline in my winter coat and woolies, perhaps in the summer months I will join them again and experience that total mindfulness for myself.
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Our story is really one of the accidental business. I never really set out with a master plan. It wasn’t my mission to change the world or do something really innovative or exciting. It is a business born out of a love of creating, painting and designing. And luckily our customers seem to love my designs too!
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In my mid twenties, whilst working as a visitor services manager in the heritage and tourism industry, one of my responsibilities was managing the gift shop, and it was here that my love of retail began! In 2010, at the height of the financial crash I opened an independent home and gift shop in the market town of Bedale with my Mum and business partner Jill. We loved that shop and loved our loyal customers who popped in every week to see what we had that was new. During this time I got married and fell pregnant with my daughter and my priorities shifted. It was important to me to be home with her in those early days and with huge regret we decided to close the shop. I was really torn at the time as I wanted to give all my time and attention to being a new mum, but felt like I was losing my own identity by closing something we had worked so hard on for the past few years.
It was absolutely the right decision, it was amazing to be able to give her all my time and attention in those early weeks, but I soon found I needed something to channel my creative energy into and started looking into candle making as a hobby / side hustle. The first few candles I made were really not very good! But I kept experimenting, researching different waxes, wicks, methods and eventually got some saleable products which I took to craft fairs. I was amazed by how popular they were, and over the next couple of years the business grew until I was working in it full time and even attending trade fairs and selling the candles to other retailers too.
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Not one to sit still, in my quieter months of January/February 2017 I started doing a bit of painting. I loved art at school but hadn’t done much since sitting my A levels back in 2002. I bought myself a basic tin of watercolours (which I still use to this day!) and started playing around with a few ideas. I just wanted to paint things that I love, so I worked on quick illustrations of dogs, rural life, retro cars and flowers. Soon I had a range of greetings cards to add to our product line!
Greetings Cards
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Ever since we had the gift shop, Jill and I have attended shopping fairs and country events to sell our wares and this is something we still love doing now. We have sold at charity events, country shows, magazine shopping fairs and trade shows, and have taught ourselves how to build the stand and put up shelves all by ourselves – even using a spirit level now which is the height of perfectionism!
However, in 2020 this all came to an abrupt stop! Stuck at home with the pressures of home schooling and a new baby, getting creative again gave me a little bit of ‘me’ time and I started designing our home and kitchenware ranges. It has always been important to me to manufacture in the UK – not only from an environmental point of view, but I believe that if we have the skills here, we should use them and prevent our traditional industries from dying out.
I try to design products that I would like to have in my own house. I love New England design, but bring to it my own English country twist, with lots of florals and animals taking centre stage. Everything is produced with great attention to detail and quality, meaning our products can be collected, loved, used and ultimately stand the test of time.
In the future you can expect to see more gorgeous, country inspired homewares, sustainably produced with our excellent manufacturing partners as I continue to grow the business organically and with love.
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With COP26 dominating headlines over the last few weeks, consumers are also re-assessing their buying habits and choosing to shop more intentionally. Considering where their purchase has been made, has it been manufactured in an ethical and sustainable way? Is it something that can be re-used for years to come? And how is it packaged?
As a business this is something that it very important to us. Our products are made right here in the UK, which instantly reduces their carbon footprint. They are also designed to last and be used for many years to come. However, our manufacturers are going even further than that. From reducing the amount of water in their production methods, and re-using excess clay or fabric offcuts during the manufacturing process, to packaging using recycled and recyclable materials, each part of our supply chain is doing their bit to help us live in a more balanced and sustainable world.
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We love pancakes all year round and they are our go-to breakfast for birthdays and special celebrations. With Shrove Tuesday coming up next week we wanted to share our foolproof recipe and some of our favourite savoury and sweet fillings to help you up your pancake game this year!
Ingredients:
Method:
Put the flour in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and whisk them into the flour, starting in the middle and working out to the edges to incorporate all the flour. Gradually add in the milk until you have a smooth batter.
Melt the butter in a medium frying pan, swirl it around to get an even coating then pour the excess into a small bowl to use for the next pancake.
Once the pan is nice and hot, add a ladle of batter into the middle of the frying pan and lifting the pan off the heat, swirl it around to spread it evenly. Turn the heat down to medium and allow the pancake to cook for about a minute.
TOP TIP Don't be tempted to flip it too soon. Give the pan a little shake and once the pancake moves without sticking its ready to flip.
If you are adding chocolate or cheese, we like to add this now, whilst the second side is cooking and it melts into a lovely gooey mix. If you are staying traditional and sticking to lemon and sugar, keep it plain and tip onto a plate ready to add those toppings.
Savoury fillings
Cheddar cheese, spinach
and crispy bacon
Smoked salmon,
cream cheese and dill
Sweet toppings
Chocolate and fresh red berries
Lemon and sugar
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Here are some of my favourite Yorkshire gardens to visit. I hope they inspire you in lots of new ways too!
Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
An open air gallery, the planting and landscaping at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture park has all been designed to showcase a series of over 80 unique sculptures. Breathtaking to walk around, the garden features a Himalayan shelter, pagoda, decorative bridges and a contemplation circle as well as being home to the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. Take some time out to contemplate and reflect as you soak up the beauty and tranquility of nature.
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Photo by RHS | Lee Beel
Situated on the ancient Royal hunting ground of Knaresborough Forest and at one time site of a spa hotel and bath house, the gardens at Harlow Carr were originally developed by the Northern Horticultural Society with a particular interest in growing plants for the northern climate. After merging with the RHS, the site has been further developed to include a teaching garden, woodland regeneration, an alpine house and stunning willow sculptures in the annuals meadow. Beautiful to visit in any season, the icing on the cake is finishing your day with a visit to the Betty's cafe on site.
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This pictured herbaceous border at Newby Hall is a delight to walk along. Satisfying my need for symmetry, the 172m long double border features the beautiful Hall at one end and the river Ure at the bottom. A haven for butterflies, bees and dragonflies, it is the perfect spot for artistic inspiration too. Another favourite area of mine is the water garden, where a manmade stream follows the natural contours of a downward slope into a large pool. Here you might spot irises, ornamental rhubarb and an abundant display of primulas in springtime. There are so many different areas of the garden to choose from, as well as adventure play areas, lakes and a miniature railway for the family, I would recommend several visits to really enjoy the extent of what is on offer.
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Set in the North Yorkshire Moors this beautiful garden is not only inspiring, but rewarding too. Helmsley Walled Garden supports vulnerable adults through horticultural therapy, so just by visiting you are doing your bit to help. Originally designed to provide vegetables, fruit and flowers to the Feversham family at Duncombe Park, local lady Alison Ticehurst decided to restore the garden with the ethos that it should be somewhere where people can tap into the healing power of horticulture. The perfect spot to sit awhile and enjoy the peace, whilst viewing a beautiful display of flowers.
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I have always loved fabrics, from studying textiles at the age of 15, through to developing my previous business Patchwork Rose, where I made bespoke textile products and sold fabrics from a high street shop in Bedale. It was always a dream of mine to one day design my own fabric, although not something that I ever thought would happen.
Then earlier this year I though, why not?! As with everything I have done in business, I started learning from scratch, doing lots of research, watching you tube tutorials on the design process, participating in webcasts from other designers. Google, google, and more google!
I understood I would need to create a pattern or swatch, which would then be repeated across the fabric, but wasn't sure of the best way to go about translating what was in my head into digital format. I knew I wanted something quite simple and relevant to my brand identity - something that was a blend between country cottage and scandi minimalism. Initially I started designing straight on the computer, creating vector motifs in Adobe Illustrator which I could then change into different colours, layouts and repeat patterns. However the finished result just looked a bit too smooth and modern, it didn't feel like me. So I went back to the drawing board, very literally, and started sketching out motifs with a pencil.
I was careful not to over draw the motifs, I wasn't looking for perfect edges or entirely symetrical shapes, the whole point was that the end result would look hand drawn. Once I had the basics down, I overlaid them with a fine liner pen and scanned them into my photo editing software. From here I could covert them into vector graphics, but with nice hand drawn edges and natural shapes.
Rather than dive straight into the world of fabric by the metre, I decided to have my fabrics made up into cushions, which I could then sell as finished products at events this year. This way I would be able to gauge my customer's reaction to the designs, colours and fabric type, before having rolls and rolls of fabric printed.
I launched the new range at Living North LIVE in York and was overwhelmed by the lovely comments - and even better, sales of my designs! It is such a wonderful feeling when people like something that you have created enough to purchase it for their own home. That must sound silly as its obviously why I am in business, but it is still humbling, and the phrase you have seen online about independent businesses doing a little happy dance everytime you make a purchase is 100% true!
So fabric by the metre is definitely something I am interested in doing next - what do you think? Please do comment below if its something you might like to see.
]]>I’ve put together a list of my 5 favourite interiors bloggers and why I would recommend checking them out:
Laid Back Farmhouse
Instagram: @laid_back_farmhouse
Blog: laidbackfarmhouse.com
Nat has such a beautiful home, but what I really love about it, is that its actually a new build to which she has added so much character, A follower of the ‘pale and interesting’ school of design, her home is a delightful mix of modern scandi and vintage pieces and includes lots of flea market finds from France. She’s also got some great advice about how to buy at French brocantes and more importantly how to transport your treasures home!
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📸 Jeremy Philips for Period Living Magazine
The Yorkshire Homestead
Instagram: @the_yorkshire_homestead
Wendy lives in the most stunning home in East Yorkshire which she has renovated whilst also raising 3 beautiful kids. I wish I could move into her home tomorrow but for now I content myself with following her little squares on Instagram and creasing up at her hilarious captions!
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The Hoppy Home
Instagram: @thehoppyhome
Blog: thehoppyhome.co.uk
I actually first met Jess when she visited my stand at the Home & Gift trade show in Harrogate. A gorgeous, friendly and bubbly character, I have loved following her blog ever since. Jess’s beautiful home is also home to her two house bunnies Scarlett and Sonny. Jess and her husband to be Mat are renovating their Yorkshire home and share some fab how-to tips as well as lots of stunning pictures, usually with a cheeky bunny featuring in there somewhere!
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Edinburgh Apartment Renovation
Instagram: @edinburghapartmentrenovation
Lara shares the most beautiful images of her family home in Northern England as well as her apartment renovation project in Edinburgh. I first came across Lara through one of my stockists, Cloud Cuckoo in Yarm, where Lara does lots of her shopping and she has been a joy to follow ever since. Very witty and down to earth comments sit alongside her stunning photography; every post makes me smile.
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SimoneOaks
Instagram: @simoneoaks
Wife to Craig and mummy to Leo & Elodie, Simone shares images of her life at The Oaks in rural North Yorkshire. Another hilarious commentator on life, Simone's car stories are always worth a watch, but its her gorgeous home which keeps me going back for more. A real thrifty shopper and supporter of small businesses, she has curated some beautiful pieces to create a proper country family home.
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I have always been creative and loved painting. During my A levels I developed a love of painting large scale canvases in bold bright colours. I like to look for colour where others don't necessarily see it and blue tones are very predominant in my paintings as a way of depicting shadow. A huge fan of modern impressionists, I have always loved work by artists such as Sheree Valentine Daines and wish I had her skill in capturing the beauty of English country life.
After a busy Christmas season in 2017, at the start on 2018 I felt the urge to get out my paints and capture some scenes of the rural North East. This started with fairly simplistic paintings of Tan Hill pub in the Yorkshire Dales, and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. I went on to work more on illustrations of fish, anchors and flowers, before deciding to try my hand at watercolours.
I had never used watercolours before and it was a totally new skill I had to learn, completely different to my usual technique of layering up bold colours. I had to restrain myself, paint delicately and constantly remember that less is more! One of the hardest things to get my head around was creating the highlights. With acrylic paints that would always be my final touch, adding bright white to eyes, or the edges of a hair to 'lift' the painting and bring it alive. With watercolour I had to completely change my way of thinking, and leave the white space there at the beginning and layer up the darker tones to add depth.
As with everything I do, I was very much led creatively by things I personally love, so I started painting nature; bumblebees, flowers and then dogs. I love dogs! They have the happiest and most loyal of souls and as someone who spends a lot of time working from home, I love the company of my four legged friend. She's always there, quietly close to me, providing company without making a fuss (except when a delivery driver arrives, then all hell breaks loose!).
Ruby my loyal Sprollie
And so, a series of dog paintings began. Now initially I painted these as simple dogs, but as my commercial brain kicked in, I realised that these could work well as greetings cards and I went back and added in balloons and party hats, giving them a quirky nature and an appeal for lots of different celebratory occasions.
Once I had created a series of illustrations, this is where the learning curve really began. I had to learn how to digitise them, edit them and lay them out in a print ready format. I also began researching card printers, trying to find someone who could print for me on a small scale but that had the eco credentials that remain very important to me.
All of my cards are printed on sustainably produced FSC accredited card. But it wasn't as simple as finding a printer who could do this, I had to research different card stocks and textures to get the right feel for the cards. They had to be of a good thick quality, but also show off the watercolour illustration at it's best. After a bit of trial and error, I found the right card stock and a fabulous UK based printer who could print them for me. Sixprint in Cornwall have been so helpful from the very beginning, by providing templates and for having such a simple process for uploading designs and ordering, with a quick turn around time and excellent customer service. Even better, they are part of the The Woodland Trust project which means that every card they print results in a donation to the Woodland Trust to go towards caring for and planting more UK woodlands.
Cards are now very much a part of my business plan in 2019 and I will keep adding to the designs throughout the year. They are available to buy online and at country events. We will also be adding a list of stockists to the website soon so if you are a retailer looking for something new - please do get in touch!
]]>It was a wonderful day, and lovely to attend the show as a visitor for once, as this is one I would usually be exhibiting at. However, with a baby on the way and due in just a few weeks time, I have hung up my show boots for a few months over the summer.
I'll be back again at Stokesley Show in September, but for now, here's a round-up of 5 of my favourite Country Shows which I think you'll love:
Tue 9 - Thur 11 July
One of the biggest agricutural shows in the country, the Great Yorkshire Show is a huge celebration of British farming, countryside, rural business, food and fashion. Whether you follow the show jumping, like to visit the pigs and cattle, or simply plan to head to the shops for some retail therapy, there is something here to suit you.
My own personal favourite bits are a visit to the Morrisons stand where there are always great activities for kids including dress up, baking and role play. Followed by the Visit Yorkshire stand which in the past has had its own beach for children to play on. My husband is always partial to a pint of Black Sheep whilst watching the gun dog display in the Country Pursuits Arena, and for me the highlight of the show is watching the fiercely competitive Cock o' the North show jumping competition.
For years my mum and I have made this a tradition and will enjoy an icecream or glass of Pimms whilst sitting in the late afternoon sunshine and experience the thrill of watching these first class riders compete.
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Countryfile Live, Castle Howard
Thur 15 - Sun 18th August
This show is a new one to the Yorkshire show calendar, and I will certainly be checking it out. Held in the grounds of the beautiful Castle Howard it promises to be a great family day out. We will be heading to the Dog Lovers Arena to see the agility, sheep dog trials and other performers, and with the opportunity to paddle, or go kayaking on the great lake, the Waterside area will be beckoning us over too.
It sounds like the Village Green is the perfect spot to spread out your picnic blanket and I can't wait to see what the kids think of the Morris Dancers and May Poling. Along with its own croquet green this area promises to be a real celebration of rural pastimes and traditions.
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Sat 24 August
A traditional Dales Show, this takes place on the tops just on the outskirts of Leyburn. One of the blusteriest shows I have ever been to, it is also one of the best attended local shows and I love seeing the same regular customers when I exhibit here.
With classes for cattle, sheep, heavy horses and carriage driving, the show has all the elements of a traditional agricultural event, but also features some fantastic entertainment in the main ring - the Drakes of Hazzard in 2018 being one of my favourites!
My family will no doubt lead me towards the kids fun fair and bouncy castles but I also can't wait to see this year's Gun Dog scurries. Open to any breed of dog and any shape or age of handler, dogs will race to be the fastest at retrieving dummies in the main ring. Ruby our family Sprollie may be in her tenth year, but I have a feeling this may be right up her street and we just have to have a go!
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Mon 26 August
Home to the Great Fremington Edge Fell Running Race, the Reeth show takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday and is a celebration of life in the beautiful Swaledale countryside. One of my favourite areas of Yorkshire, Swaledale has stunning rolling hills, crossed by a network of dry stone walls and some of the most beautiful walks, cycling and fell running routes in the country.
As well as the traditional craft, photography and livestock classes, there is also a rabbit show and vintage cars, tractors and bikes on display. Make sure you check out the mounted fancy dress, before repairing to the beer tent and sampling some fresh Dales produce.
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Photo: Harrogate Flower Show
Fri 13 - Sun 15 September
My first port of call at the Flower Show is always the floral art pavillion. The arrangements these talented groups come up with are absolutely breathtaking. There are usually four or five huge displays by each of the regions flower clubs around a central theme that are simply amazing to look at, as well as hundreds of other small entries in lots of different classes. If growing vegetables is more your thing, check out the Shed Talk stage for top tips and you must have a look at the annual giant vegetable competition to see some real monsters!
If you have little ones in tow then seek out Pod in his creative play patch. My daughter has made some lovely creations here over the years.
]]>I spent some time looking back at our past event displays to work out the best set up for this year.
Jill at Harrogate Flower Show in 2016
Trade stand at Harrogate Home and Gift 2017
Sharing a stand with our friends Plewsy at Kirkby Fleetham Feast
Living North LIVE 2017
Back in 2016 before the rebrand
One of our first events at Stokesley Show in 2014
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