Category: on our radar

On our radar: Copper spoons

Copper spoons

We’ve recently installed copper pipes in the kitchen and throughout the house – so the introduction of other items made from this metal can work really well in the spaces where they’re visible. We don’t want to overdo it and have the house look like ‘Ye Olde Pub’, but a few select pieces of this lovely, warm metal will find a good home in our little cottage.

We found these cute copper spoons online the other day. They’re available in different sizes; perfect as salt spoons, teaspoons, coffee scoops or serving spoons – or simply decorative items. The rustic, hand beaten look of the copper spoons is perfect for us too.

BUY THEM HERE

On our radar: Halen Môn Oak Smoked Water

Halen Môn Oak Smoked Water

We discovered this brilliant food additive recently – oak smoked water. It’s completely natural, but sounds like pure alchemy!

Add a few drops to home-made hummus, baba ganoush or barbecue sauce. I think it would be a great addition to my vegan seitan burger recipe. Get the great taste of outdoor grilled food – without the time, effort and (something which I lack!) skill of getting a fire started.

BUY IT HERE

On our radar: Melin Tregwynt dog collars and leads

Melin Tregwynt Welsh wool dog collar, lead and bandanaBUY THEM HERE

We really miss our beloved Fudge who passed away a couple of years ago now. It’s been a struggle to face the loss or think about another dog. He brought us so much happiness though, so despite the pain of losing him, we know that when the time is right, we’ll make space for a new canine companion.

And we’ll, of course, spoil them rotten! In addition to good food, long walks and comfy beds – they’ll have all the right kit – including smart coats, collars and leads. This Melin Tregwynt range caught our eye the other day.

Melin Tregwynt woollen mill dates back to the 18th century, but they’re always looking to innovate and develop their products. Their dog collars and leads and matching bandanas are something new that’s appeared recently. With our H is for Home colour scheme, we were always going to be drawn to the two-tone green version!

On our radar: Grow your own mistletoe kit

Grow your own mistletoe kit | H is for HomeBUY IT HERE

Every year, we look out for alternatives to the usual flowers and chocolates Valentine’s Day gift options. Did you know you can buy a grow your own mistletoe kit? Yes, the plant is usually associated with Christmas, but February-April is mistletoe sowing season. And, besides, what is it that you’re meant to do under the mistletoe?

Each mistletoe kit contains 50 freshly-picked berries (enough for about 10 plantings) with detailed instructions, labelling material and a recording form to keep track of planting.

The seeds need to be sown on the bark of trees – mistletoe loves to grow on apple trees the most; however, it’s also happy on hawthorn, lime, poplar and many others.

**Since writing, the English Mistletoe Shop are now only despatching in March 2020. Nonetheless, they can take pre-orders from autumn 2020 onwards for early 2021 delivery… so that’s next Valentine’s Day sorted!**