Autumn Everywhere & Muddy Boots.

I actually don't mind being cold at all, it's so easy to whack on a few extra layers if needed, it's the darn rain I can't stand - and the misery it brings with it.

It had been so dark and dreary lately and it's all well and good celebrating autumn but the change in the weather isn't really something I'm willing to get on board with.

So when the sun finally shone last Sunday, it was time to take a walk to a much-neglected favourite place and unwind. I was getting the beginnings of feeling poorly so for me it was warm enough to walk around in just a cardigan (though I didn't quite realise that the time).



It's a wonderful time of year to see the sun, it makes everything golden no matter what the time of day and walking around Greenham Common again was so nice, even if my favourite boots ended up with a bit more mud on them than I would have liked.





Why is it always one shoe?



All the horse chesnuts we came across had already been harvested.

Meet my new favourite skirt, it was £1, >ONE POUND!

We were able to be quite the mycologists, there were mushrooms everywhere! ♥




We rescued this little guy from spending the rest of his life on his back :)


The cows seemed much more relaxed than usual, I think because there were only a few dogs around but it was really easy to get up close.




There were a few bulls in the small herd we came across, I hadn't seen any on the common before but they seemed as relaxed as the cows, which was nice to see.


Here's to my kind of autumn day! As it gets colder, the contrast of coming home to a warm flat will be the best, it's definitely a good idea to get out and do this more, we haven't been for any weekend walks in what feels like ages. It's probably best to keep on with it once Moon and I have completely shifted the last of this lurgy though.

Sunset by the Canal

Earlier evening light always makes me wish I'd made the most of those dusk moments during actual summer. A Sunday sunset walk by the canal was perfect for catching up and talking about life.

Hopefully commuting from Oxford will allow for an hour like this on a weekday evening.

:: Have you entered my giveaway to win tickets to the Royal Berkshire County Show on the 20th September? ::

Hey Joe, Whaddya Know?

After an early breakfast and a stroll into town a couple of weekends ago, Moon, our friends, Richard and Fran, and I decided sampling Gelato Joe's would make the perfect pre-lunch, post-12pm treat.

I've eaten at Gelato Joe's before in its previous form, The Bite Company. I believe they've now moved on to the bright lights of Reading and while the interiors remain the same in the Parkway Centre, the menu is now a simple one of ice cream, waffles, crepes and shakes.



One thing I've always agreed with when travelling around the rest of Europe is that we just don't do ice-cream as well as the rest of them, Gelato Joe's might be a good contender though. With my favourite, salted caramel, they can't really lose but there's such a great range of choice, from bubblegum to Nutella, that it's easy to see why in the height of summer the queue was out the door.










I adore the quirky, industrial-style décor and I think they've really made the most of the small space (an aspect of interior design that I love). I'll have to sample the rest of their menu, their waffles looked delicious, and it will certainly be a great place to take guests in the summertime. I'm so pleased that Newbury's ice cream parlour is so much more than just another coffee shop, which Newbury has by the bucketful.

Gelato Joe's will actually be opening their second store in Bristol soon so it looks like the future is very bright and I'm really glad about that.
I know summer is winding down and autumn is on its way, but there's always time for ice cream. ♥

Follow Gelato Joe's on Twitter or 'like' them on Facebook.

:: Have you entered my giveaway to win tickets to the Royal Berkshire County Show on the 20th September? ::

GIVEAWAY: Win Tickets to the Royal Berkshire County Show

Happy Monday! Let's kick the week off with my first ever giveaway shall we?

Last year I was lucky enough to receive complimentary tickets to the Royal Berkshire County Show. It was such a great day out and I can only recommend that you make the time to go this year if you can.

There are so many animals to meet (including baby chicks that are due to hatch live) and the food tent is spectacular, if you like your craft and food fairs then this is definitely one for you as it's the biggest in Berkshire and is definitely the biggest I've ever been to.

Unfortunately, I'll be heading over to the Isle of Wight during the same weekend this year but the organisers of the show have been kind enough to donate a pair of tickets for a give-away right here!
So, if you happen to live in Berkshire, are in the area that weekend or just fancy a break to the beating metropolis of Newbury then all entries are welcome and I really look forward to snooping at your pictures once you're there.

Throughout the day there are equestrian displays, classic car showcases, a motorbike stunt show and even a cattle championship. There are lots of places to eat and shop and you're sure to have a fun and action packed day

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Details ::

• The prize for this giveaway is one pair of tickets to the Royal Berkshire County Show valid for either 20th or 21st September 2014. Car parking at the event is free and the nearest train station is Newbury approximately 10 minutes from the event with regular bus services.
• To enter :: Pop your details in the Rafflecopter above and I will announce the winner on 15th September, the Monday before the event.
• The winner's name and email address will be passed on to Muddy Boots PR who will arrange the tickets to be issued by the show office

Good luck and fingers crossed!