Kaffe Fassett At The Garden Of The Rose

So guess what I did yesterday?

This was a thrilling trip and I was very honoured to recieve an invitation to pop along and meet Kaffe Fassett at The Gardens Of The Rose in Saint Albans, which is not too far from me.

I popped along to cover the event for Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine, with my personal knitting advisor - my mum.

The gardens were sprinkled with Kaffe Quits amidst stunning floral displays

It's always good to have a second opinion on knitting events which is why I always make sure she is with me. That way I make sure to get a balanced view of whatever the event might be. And it's fun for us to do these things together. I owe her the fact that I'm knitting at all.

I had no idea this pretty little gem had been hidden in such a local area - and on one of the hottest days of the year, it was possibly the most beautiful garden I'd ever had the pleasure of visiting.

The press area gathered at the Pavillion near the entrance

 Having worked for Rowan for a good many years before moving on to publishing, it was a lovely opportunity to catch up with some old friends. I was not expecting a glass of fizz and a goody bag with some yummy Rowan Cashmere popped in (this is earmarked for a hat for the fella - it's his colour).

All the excitement was in the tent, where the fashion show was held

The highlight of the trip was the fashion show - telling the story of 30 years of Rowan. The first magazine came out the year I was born, so it has a very special meaning for me. I remember reading the mags and looking at the glossy pictures before I could understant the words.

The fashion show most certainly did not dissapoint. We had great seats and a fabulous view of the stunning garments.

 

It was really sweet as well because the huge crowd (it had to be fully booked, it was rammed in there) all came together when the older garments started coming round - especially the iconic Kaffe designs. All of a sudden we were all reminiscing about where we were the first time we'd seen certain garments, right down to where we were when we bought the magazines.

It was an amazing day which ended with Kaffe planting a Rowan Tree to commemorate the 60th Rowan Magazine (they do a Spring/Summer and an Autumn/Winter each year). Although sadly we couldn't stay for that bit.

If it ever happens again, I wholeheartedly would recommend you attend. I've also since found out that The Society Of The Rose also host as a wedding venue and let me tell you, I can't think of a better backdrop on a nice day for your treasured wedding photographs.

 

The Best Gypsy Caravan To Stay At In The Lake District

This summer, we took a trip to Cartmel for a week of fun and frolics. Even with rainy weather, we were delighted to find that the cost-effective gypsy caravn at The Blue House Bed And Breakfast  we stayed instead in their gypsy caravan which is on-site and a few metres from the house.

I'd booked it as a surprise, secretly really worried that my other half would find it a bit too hipster and girly. There's no electric to the caravan so it's back to basics! I'd spent months keeping it a secret, which was intensely difficult for me. So it was a bit of a gamble when we turned up.

Nuzzled in picturesque countryside, The Blue House is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway

When we turned up, our friendly driver dropped us at the entrance which is at the back of the property, where the car park is. I was hoping to sneak him in without spotting the caravan, but alas, it was the first thing we saw. I was completely relieved when I turned my head - a big grin was on the mister's face. He was sold.

Owner Tina was wonderful - she let us in early where our previous accomodation had a fairly early check out. Luckily the caravan hadn't been occupied the night before.

He was totally game and we had a very romantic three days with no TV or phones, just each other.

Tina was extremely accomodating, as it happened - I don't drive so lugging a lot of things around on long journeys is not my strong point. She was able to hold on to a couple of parcels filled with goodies which I'd posted up in advance to keep the secret well and truly schtm. This included colouring books, mini novels, a chess set and marshmallows for toasting on the fire pit. Thank you, Tina!

Candles in all shapes and sizes will keep you lit and cosy

We were far from living like animals in there, with a lifetime supply of candles and a plethora of candle holders to keep the place lit, and warm! It was raining for our entire three day stay and far from warm outside, but our conversation, the candles and a glass or two of vino kept us plenty warm inside the caravan.

The bathroom is off inside the house, separate from the double rooms, next to tea and coffee making facilities. It's also where we could charge out electric cigarettes and squeeze a few nibbles into Tina's fridge.

There's just enough room for two chairs and a small table up inside. Which is perfect if you're up for some board games. Even with the candles, we did need our torches though - we packed and brought them with us.

The bed is very warm and comfortable, my fella is about 6 foot 1 and he managed to sleep fine in there. We packed knitted socks and kept ourselves very warm!

At the back of the caravan there is a little hidey hole which we put our beers in to keep them cool. You could keep a suitcase in there if you wanted but we just plonked ours under the bed - it's the perfect spot to tuck things out of the way.

Included in the tiny £60 a night bill, is a delicious home cooked breakfast. In the morning, we sauntered over to the main house where residents of the B and B were staying, there are two double rooms in there. The company was good and the food was delicious.

We were never short of a little canine company

Tina's two dogs made for very pleasant company and were extremely well behaved. We had a disposable barbecue on the go covered in posh sausages one night and they didn't bother us at all.

They did pop by to keep us company from time to time though, and we were very lucky to see their brand new puppies!

Although the location is very much secluded, there is a bus stop a few minutes walk away to get you into Grange-Over-Sands.

And next to the bus stop there's a lovely pub calle The Crown which has some great food in hearty portions. We proudly boast that our best steak ever eaten, was eaten there. And I'm not kidding.

Round the corner is the very exciting Predator Experience which is a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime treat, if you get the chance to go. We did the Walking With Wolves experience and it changed out outlook on these fascinating creatures!

In short, we loved our little trip in the best gypsy caravan. The rain was not aa problem - if anything the pitter patter on the roof made the atmosphere even more romantic, and as city-dwellers, we couldn't do much more to get away from it all.

So if you're agile enough to get up a few steps to hop into bed and you don't mind gettig cosy with you're roommate, I can't recommend this enough. At the price they're asking, you can't afford not to go.