Ireland on Instagram

Today marks the beginning of something new and going back to working hard. Last week was just the opposite.

I'll try and fit in sharing a few more of my 'proper' photos from our Northern Ireland mini-break over the next few days but for now, here are some Instagram snaps in case you missed them. We had such a nice, relaxing time and it was extra precious given that we're set to be pretty busy over the next few weeks.


Spying the Super-Moon as we arrived in at Belfast // Seaview to The Skerries from our bedroom window.


Cliff-side selfie in Portstewart // Amazed by the blue sea and sky.


Dipping toes in the sea, in Ireland, in September // Walking along the beautiful Whiterocks beach.


I don't think the novelty of being at the beach when I could be in an office will ever wear off.


Dinner at the 'famous' Portrush Harbour Bistro.


Belfast Castle from their wonderful cat garden // Tapas at the amazing Barking Dog.


The viewing platform in Victoria Square looking out on the whole of Belfast. Pity it was such a foggy day.


Freshly rolled haybales // Visiting Game of Thrones' landmark, The Dark Hedges.


Chips and ice cream in Ballycastle.


Big ugly proper carrots // Sampling Coleraine's flagship brew bar.


Amazing food at Neptune and Prawn.


Making the most of our last day with more time by the sea.
In another update, I'll be contacting the winner of the two Berkshire County Show tickets later today. Unfortunately it's not looking to be as easy as I first thought as I've spotted a few cheaters in the last couple of weeks but keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. x

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? ::