Wednesday 27 March 2013

Afternoon Tea Review: The Gliffaes, Powys


For those of you who like to take your afternoon tea in a rural setting, may I suggest The Gliffaes Country House Hotel just outside of Crickhowell in Powys, South Wales.

Afternoon tea here is buffet style, and a very reasonable £12.50 per person.
 

The rooms where tea is served are quite special.  There is a large, comfortable lounge with a roaring fire, leading into a smaller but no less beautiful sitting room that then opens up into a large conservatory with views across the valley.  On a sunny and warm day, sitting on the terrace must feel quite special.  Alas on the day I visited, it was a misty and cold day and we sat right by the fire in the main lounge to stay cosy.






The afternoon tea makes its appearance at 4 o'clock sharp, and is laid out on the tables along with plates and napkins.  A member of staff is on hand to pour tea or coffee.

Sandwiches: 4/5
The sandwiches were on a mix of white and brown bread, and included tomato (no cheese?!), cucumber, chicken and egg.  They were perfectly adequate, but nothing special.  Had obviously been freshly made.


Cake: 3/5
The cake was a mix of types and quality.  First of all, the flapjack was the best I have ever tasted - the perfect texture, not too heavy or sweet, with a hint of orange.  I was disappointed with the cherry shortbread, which was missing the crisp texture.  I also found the ginger cake to not quite reach the standard I expected - the icing was sweet and gingery, but the cake itself dry and yet more gingery and in need of a hint of lemon or something to cut through and lift it.  Also sampled, and that were good, but not excellent, were lemon drizzle cake, Victoria sponge, chocolate cake, rocky road and scones.  I take testing afternoon tea very seriously, and I didn't stop tasting until I couldn't physically fit any more in.




Service: 5/5
A team of staff were continually replenishing the cakes and sandwiches, and one member of staff was tirelessly dishing out the teas and coffees.  

Ambience: 5/5
I really enjoyed being in the cosy surroundings on such a misty Welsh day.  We attended on a Saturday so it was very busy - my sister has been on a week day and her and a few friends had the entire lounge to themselves.  There are lots of copies of Horse & Hound and other such country life magazines to read, and it's quite informal as people use the hotel as a base for walking and other outdoorsy activities.  Beautiful grounds.  Children are welcome and there were lots of them there when I was.  Whether you are a parent or not will decide whether you think this a plus or minus point.


Crockery: 3/5
Standard, rather uninteresting.

Tea: 3/5
No choice of tea!  My single-most, largest criticism.

Overall: 4/5
It was a particularly busy day and there was a large queue for the buffet but I'm not blaming the staff.  I think perhaps the procedure could be reassessed - maybe have teas and coffees on a separate table to stop it slowing people down?  Or have waitress service for teas and coffees so that people could just help themselves to the cake?  It really would be lovely to be able to order a specialty tea.  Also, some of the buffet is a bit tricky to manage - it's fine to get a plate with a few different cakes on, but once you start factoring in that you need to put some jam and cream on your plate to have with your scone, and that you also need to carry a cup and saucer, and a napkin, you realise you don't have enough arms and have to take another trip.  And join the back of the queue, again, by which time your tea is cold.  So, for a busy day, 3/5 is my score overall, but if you can time it right, 4/5.


Monday 25 March 2013

The Vintage Book Group

I'm sure some of you have noticed the book group logo in my sidebar by now.  This group is open to all on Goodreads, a really fantastic website where you can keep track of what you're reading, what you've read, and what you'd like to read.  It's free to sign up, and once a member you can browse the various 'groups' on offer.


The Vintage Book Group is the first book club I've ever joined.  Usually I'm put off by the thought of having to meet up in person (difficult, in a busy life) or by reading lists which don't quite suit me.  I do like a variety of reading - sometimes an easy to read romance is what I'm in the mood for, but that doesn't mean that's all I want to read, as I do want to work my way through some classics and more literary works too.

Here's a sample of what we've read and what's coming up on the Vintage Book Group reading list - please go along to Goodreads if you want to join!  There's no pressure to have a big debate over every book, you just share an opinion if you want to.








Thursday 21 March 2013

Pin Up Bootcamp

This time of year, I start saying 'yes' to things after the long hibernation mode of winter.  Yesterday was the Spring Equinox, and our days are now longer than our nights, hurrah!

Feeling more motivated, I often dive in to a Spring Clean in March - both literally and metaphorically.  I was therefore intrigued to hear about Pin Up Bootcamp, and signed myself up straight away.

It's marketed as a 6 week learning experience, and there are certain tasks to complete each week.  At this stage, I really don't know much more than that!  If you want to read more about it, the main bootcamp blog is here, and they have a Facebook page here also.

I've started up a separate blog to be my bootcamp diary, and if you're curious you can see it here.

Is anyone else doing a mini life overhaul for Spring?

P x

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Miss Porcelina's Social Calendar

I've been a bit of a hermit in recent months, but as my other half is currently away in Texas, a girl needs a few things to keep her entertained, and I've certainly been packing in the fun.  The other weekend I went up to Abergavenny, and had a splendid afternoon tea at The Gliffaes country hotel - a full and in depth report is to follow!  I'll leave you this photo as a teaser.


Whilst in Abergavenny I also had the opportunity to 'go thrifting' as the Americans say, or as I would say, have a good old rummage in the charity shops.  I also popped into Vintage Vision, which is by far one of the most reasonably priced vintage shops I've ever encountered, and as it's a social enterprise and not run for profit, you can feel almost holy whilst getting your vintage fix.

Anyway, aside from being particularly busy this week with coursework for my evening class, reports due in for work, and a job interview, I am off to London on Thursday to attend the Forty Winks Bedtime Stories night.  Long anticipated, I can't wait!

Then next Thursday is the St David's shopping centre Ladies Night here in Cardiff, free to attend but you must register.  Lots of discounts and free goodies as an incentive.

I also have many personal social engagements, most, if not all, involving cocktails or at least a good lunch.  A trip to London always entails a little shopping for me - this time I am targeting the Kiss Me Deadly boutique, Collectif, and a designer sample sale.

What am I going to wear to Forty Winks?!!  That's perhaps a topic for another post this week before I head off.

Monday 18 March 2013

For Sale: Stop Staring Dress, '50s Day Dress & More!

Yup, I'm at it again - clearing out the wardrobe of items I never wear.  This is good news for you, because all items are on Ebay here with starting prices of just 99p.  Items range from size 10 to 14 (UK sizing).



Do message me if you see something you're desperately in love with and wish to make me an offer.

Happy shopping!  It's all for the one-day-buy-a-house fund as usual, and also to clear some space because I accidentally keep buying dresses and one day I'll be like one of those secret hoarders on Channel 4, unable to get to my front door because of the rails and rails of clothes.

Friday 15 March 2013

Wear it or Spare it!

What's the point in having things you don't wear?  I don't think there's much point, is my conclusion.  Unless you have them mounted on the wall as art and can stare at their loveliness everyday.

So, I am ruthlessly employing that rule to my wardrobe.  Here's me wearing something I've had since I was a child, my black cat brooch!  Definitely want to wear it, not spare it.  I was prompted to look at my brooches after Charlotte's post on brooches, and her follow-up about wearing things differently - so here I am wearing a brooch I haven't worn since childhood, in a dress and jumper combination I've never worn before.  Quite refreshing really!

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Lizi's Granola Review

I did a post on the weekend about how to have a vintage breakfast, but I wanted to post today about having a healthy breakfast as it can be a tricky thing to get right.  I love all kinds of breakfast foods - toast, cereals, a full English, yoghurts and fruits, European meat and cheese selections, American bagels, bacon sandwiches, eggs of the coddled or scrambled varieties etc.  It's my favourite meal of the day and sometimes I have two breakfasts, if I have a particularly long day and need the extra energy.  Because it's the most important meal of the day, and my favourite, I always try and make a healthy choice to start the day - filling, and nutritionally balanced.

I therefore jumped at the chance to review Lizi's organic granola, especially when I found out that founder Lizi and her husband Mick have been organically farming in my homeland of Wales.  The one thing I tend to avoid is sugary cereals, and for that reason I have never really bought granola in the past.  The high sugar content makes it very moreish, and before you know it you've eaten a triple portion, have a massive sugar rush followed twenty minutes later by a crash.  This is where Lizi's granola is different - here comes the science bit:
"it has a low glycemic index which means that the natural sugars present in Lizi's are released slowly ensuring that your blood sugar levels do not increase too rapidly.  This means it keeps you going and feeling fuller for longer."



I received a 500g foil packet of their organic granola, and it looked so appetising I had to try it straight away.  They claim that just 50g will be enough to be a proper breakfast.  My usual breakfast is a big bowl (75g approx) of muesli, that keeps me going the three and a half hours until lunch.  I was dubious therefore that just 50g of Lizi's Granola could fulfill the same task.

Packaging - 5/5
Resealable bags are amazing.  Keeps stuff so much better and takes up less space than the traditional boxes.

Taste - 4/5
Not too sweet, really nice nutty flavour.  Missed the fruity bits you get with muesli, but suppose you could add berries if you liked.

Texture - 3/5
Quite dry, you definitely need a cup of tea for when bits get stuck in your throat!  Not a cereal to bolt down, you need to take your time and chew properly.

Filling up ability - 3/5
Alas, I am a girl with a hearty appetite and while 100g of Lizi's Granola did keep me going until lunch, the promised 50g resulted in a rumbling tummy just two hours after breakfast. 

Price - 3/5
At £4.99 for a 500g pack, I honestly couldn't afford to buy it regularly.  It will join Dorset Cereals on the wish-list of breakfast foods, if money was no object!

Overall - 3/5
I did really like the product but I think I wanted to like it more than I actually liked it because of the Welsh connection and it promising so much.  I think maybe one of the other flavours, Pink Apple and Cinnamon perhaps, would give me the fruity bits I craved.

If you are tempted to try Lizi's then visit the web shop here, where you can buy the aforementioned Organic one as well as a range of fruity and even chocolately flavours.

Tuesday 12 March 2013

I Bought Another Stop Staring Dress

After all of that deliberation of whether to buy the 20th Century Foxy pussybow blouse, or the Freddies of Pinewood t-shirt dress, I spotted a plaid Stop Staring dress on Ebay.  I bid.  I won!



It's not entirely practical, but I was thinking of making it work harder by layering with a cardigan/jumper and seeing if I could get away with the dress as an alternative to a pencil skirt for daywear or 'smart casual' events.

Alas, it arrived yesterday and on trying it on - it's a poor fit on me.  I think as the fabric is thinner and not as stretchy as other styles, they may have cut it a little more generously so while it fits me perfectly on the bust, the waist and derriere are a bit loose, there's no wiggle there!

Oh well, I'll just re-sell it on Ebay soon.  Anyone had any other mis-fitting clothing adventures recently?

Friday 8 March 2013

How To Keep On Blogging

After the other week, in which I raised a Gin & Tonic to myself for persevering with blogging, I thought I would turn to the topic of how to keep going.  I know that many blogs start keenly and then fade away after a while.  I was determined not to let that happen when I started this blog 3 years ago, and I was trying to think of some tips to pass on to people starting blogging on how to make it a long-term endeavour.  Here's what I've come up with:
  1. Be passionate about your subject matter.  Writing a blog about 'vintage' or any other subject just because it's currently a trend bandwagon doesn't bode well for longevity.  It has to be something that is woven into your everyday life.  
  2. Time it right.  If you've just had a baby, had a promotion at work, or are studying for final exams at university, it's probably not the right time to start blogging.  When I first started this blog I was working part-time and had a little spare time.  It takes a while to get used to how to use blogs and all of the functions, and you certainly need time to read other people's.  Once you've been up and running a while it will take much less time, but at the start be prepared to put the hours in!
  3. Keep striving to improve.  I've tried really hard to take better photos, to spend more time compiling lengthy posts and to keep up with topical things too.  The more satisfied you become with the quality of what you're blogging, the more you'll want to keep blogging.
  4. Keep in touch with your followers.  It's nice to work out how to comment back on the comments people leave you, and to comment on their blogs if they write on a similar topic.  Helps build that 'community' that will help give you the motivation to continue.
  5. Learn to use the 'schedule posts' function.  This is such a life-saver when I am having a busy time - it's been essential now I'm back to working full-time.  It means that I have posts that can magically post themselves, while I am doing real-life things.  If I didn't have this function, I could go for weeks on end without blogging, and that's when your motivation can start to dip, you get out of the habit of doing it.
  6. Stockpile posts.  Another essential - if you think 'ooo that would make a good post', do a draft straight away and save it.  You can finish it off another time, but the idea might disappear from your brain if you don't write it down.  It saves those writers-block moments when you realise that you would like to do a post, but don't know what to do one about.
There you go, those are my tips for keeping on blogging.  Notice that I am not telling you 'how to write a successful blog', 'how to make money from a blog' or any other grand ideas - you'll have to look elsewhere for those kind of tips.  It's not about making money, or reaching international acclaim.  Above all, this blog is something I do for me.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Which Treat Shall I Buy Myself?

I'm going to buy myself a present, with a budget of £50, but I can't decide between the black 1940s pussy bow blouse from 20th Century Foxy, and the dress length red t shirt from Freddies of Pinewood.




What do you think I should buy?  Any other suggestions within my budget?

Monday 4 March 2013

The Thrill of the Car Boot Sale

Good morning!  I thought I'd share some of my recent car boot sale treasure with you.  The car boot sale really is the place to pick up little vintage items for next to nothing.  I love the thrill of the hunt!  Generally speaking, there are always a lot of brooches from the 1950s, and occasionally I get something a little earlier - this week I got a 1940s scotty dog brooch.  There are also lots of homeware bargains too, if I didn't have to share a kitchen I would have bought about three dinner services by now!

I can't keep all of these items, I simply don't have the room, so please check my Ebay listings where prices always start at 99p so that I can shift things quickly and you can get a bargain.









I hope this Monday morning finds you in good spirits, Mondays can be hard sometimes.  I've been suffering from a particularly low mood for a month now, and I've decided enough is enough!  I'd stopped making an effort with my workwear, I'd stopped bothering to make fancy tea in a teapot, I felt really lethargic and oversensitive and generally terrible.  Yesterday I decided to put on lipstick and haul myself out of the house.  March will be a GOOD month.

Saturday 2 March 2013

Breakfast with Elvis


My favourite mug and a bowl of Lizi's granola on my Alfred Meakin cactus platter.  The kind people at Lizi's sent me a bag of granola to review, so I will be testing it thoroughly and will do a proper review in due course.
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