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Mid-Wales Part 2: Aberdovey Beach & King Arthur’s Labyrinth

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Gay, Happiness & Joy, ShoppingNo Comments

While Simon and I were away (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage), on the Saturday morning the sun shone gloriously and the temperature was set to soar. So we went to Aberdovey Beach for the day. It felt like being abroad. The sand was golden and reflected the sun. The sea was calm with the faint scent of salt in the air. The smell of coconut sun lotion drifted by from the people that had come to the beach to make the most of the weather. I imagine that this is what heaven is like. Here are some photos (click on any image for full size photo):

Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Felt like being abroad.

Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach 2.

Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Sailing boats and glorious sandy beaches. It got busier as the day went on.

Aberdovey Beach

People watching.

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Simon and I spent the time people watching and sitting in a small gardens with coffee. We walked along the sea front and I had an ice cream. I think I spent too long in the sun, as my arms were a lobster red colour by the end of the day. More photos:

Aberdovey Beach compass

The compass of the circled bench seating area.

Aberdovey Beach sea front walk

Walk along the sea front.

ice cream wales Aberdovey Beach

Ice cream: Just want I needed.

sun tan lobster red too much sun

Lobster Red: Think I spent a bit too much time in the sun?

On the way back to the Cottage (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage) Simon and I had seen King Arthur’s Labyrinth on Google Maps, so decided to check it out. It turned out that King Arthur’s Labyrinth was a children’s attraction. But on the site was a collection of artists workshops in little huts. In a gorgeous little candle shop, I bought the most fabulous gay mirror:

gay mirror fabulous multi-coloured

My Fabulous Gay Mirror.

Our whole time in Wales was brilliant. Throughout the trip we ate out often. We drove home through Betws-y-Coed and Conway. On the way to Wales we had bought lotto tickets. While at the cottage Simon and I had talked about what we’d do if we won. Simon had said: “I’d be happy with just £50.” and guess what? We actually won £46 which was a pleasant ending to our awesome trip.

Write soon,

Antony



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Getting Into The Festive Spirit: Manchester Christmas Market

By Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, LifeNo Comments

Manchester Christmas Market Manchester Christmas Market Singing Tree

Manchester Christmas Market Bar It’s become a tradition that once a year, around this time, I go to the Manchester Christmas Market for a mooch around and a Bailey’s latte.

At the weekend, my friend and I completed this tradition together. Considering it was the end of November, it was relatively warm and the sun shone brightly – at times blinding our vision.

We arrived about midday and it wasn’t overly crowded (top left photo).

We started at the stalls straight outside of Manchester Victoria Train Station and began to make our way towards St. Ann’s Square and the City Hall Square. Along the way we saw a singing Christmas Tree (top right photo).

The stalls either sold food or gifts. The food choices were very varied from delicacies to more mainstream dishes. Generally most of the food stalls smelt devine.

The gift stalls had some lovely trinkets, some unique and original products (that would make perfect presents for Christmas), but also some over-priced tat.

Manchester Christmas Market Bailey's Coffee

Midway through the markets my friend and I managed to get seats at a coffee stall (above: left hand column), where we were able to enjoy our drinks. I had the Bailey’s latte as always (above: right hand column) while my friend had his Bailey’s white coffee. As we drank we talked, about many different things including: Christmas, our plans for 2014 and tablets (the Kindle & the iPad Air).

As the afternoon got later, going into early evening, the markets got busier and busier. I had expected that it would get quieter as it got later, but I was wrong. It felt like we were sardines (below: left & right). We had a great time, but maybe next year I’ll avoids the crowds by going midweek.

Manchester Christmas Market Giant Santa / Town Hall Manchester Christmas Market Crowds

Blog soon,

Antony

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Posh Coffee: The Flavour Collection from Douwe Egberts

By Happiness & Joy, ShoppingNo Comments

The Flavour Collection from Douwe Egberts

The Flavour Collection from Douwe Egberts (Image Credit: FMCGnews)

While shopping in my local supermarket recently, I discovered The Flavour Collection new from Douwe Egberts. The collection has three distinct flavours: Roasted Hazlenut, Smooth Caramel and Delicate Vanilla.

The Roasted Hazlenut was the first one I tried; being what I would normally order from a coffee shop of a well-known chain. I opened the jar and got a whiff of the subtle yet tantalising aroma. I put a teaspoon of the coffee into a cup, added boiling water and the scent intensified – smelling truly devine.

I might actually be addicted to this hazlenut coffee – was my startling revelation when taking out four or five empty jars for recycling at the end of the month. I’ve shared it with friends & family who’ve tried it and love it.

Smooth Caramel was all right, but not a sweet as you’d expect. It lacked any wow-factor and was a poor comparison to having a shot of caramel in your latte at the coffee shop.

Delicate Vanilla I’ve not tried. I like vanilla as a scent, but not keen on the taste.

The Flavour Collection is luxurious coffee without the ridiculous price tag. Douwe Egberts have got the blend spot on with Roasted Hazlenut; but needs to sweeten the Smooth Caramel and consider an alternative flavour to the Delicate Vanilla.

Douwe Egberts ought to make sure The Flavour Collection is on the shelfs at all supermarkets and make the coffee available in all sizes of jars (rather than just the small-sized ones).

If you’re looking for some instant posh coffee, why not try Roasted Hazlenut which will be available to buy in a supermarket nearby or on Amazon.

Take care,

Antony

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I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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February Photo Challenge

By Books & Authors, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, Life, PetsNo Comments

I’ve set myself a challenge each month aimed at giving me new experiences. February’s challenge was to take a photo everyday. Here’s the photos I snapped:

All of these photos were taken with my iPhone 5. I did miss four days, however other days I took more than one photo because of the day’s events.

I really enjoyed this month’s challenge. It helped me to notice the positives in a otherwise dark and gloomy month. I like that the photos also serve as a sort of visual diary. Something I’ll definitely be doing again in the future.

Blog soon,

Antony

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