January 2021
lockdown 3 and we are clutching at straws to find fun things to do. A very slow and chilled month with lots of walks and eating all the treats. We discovered Janes Patisserie NYC cookie recipe and my god you need to get on that. Tip bake as you fancy one, they store in your freezer so you don’t need to eat 8 at once. Warm cookies are best too. On the food subject we found doughnuts too.
February
We tried to get a little more creative at home and had themed dates. Pizza express and movie night and a spa day. Not quite the same but fun non the less. Work started on our house and we had a few weeks of chaos turn into some beautiful panelling. Mum turned 60 and although we couldn’t celebrate we set her up a few treats.
March
A month of lots of food, trying out god knows how many recipes as well as the Patty and Bun at home burger box. The most exciting part of the month was collecting our new addition Ralph, a mini lop. He’s the cutest, so friendly and he’s settled in perfectly.
April
Things were on the up. We finally could meet in groups outside and got to spend easter weekend with friends and family.
We enjoyed a few more outdoor adventures, chips on the beach, walks and a picnic at Groombridge railway.
I finally went back to work and it was so lovely to catch up with all my clients. I’m not gonna lie I’d enjoyed the time off but it was great to be back.
We headed to the garden tent at The Bull Ditchling. Had our Favourite Java and Jazz pizzas at Ashdown forest. More pizza and drinks at Good Things Brewing Co. Lots of Ralphy cuddles.
May
We continued with lockdown banana bread, because it’s yum and you don’t end up with too much cake, there are only two of us after all. We both have a sweet tooth.
Went for girls night, our first in god knows how long. Walks at Wakehurst, and snapping pics of all the animals. We checked in on our fave Sir Kieth Park, if you know you know.
A trip to London to visit Mrs Foggs, really disappointing visit, awful food not great drinks. Burger and Beyond made up for it though. Truffle tots are literally insane.
A second trip to London because a spare afternoon and wanted to check out a few things. The Anya Hindmarch pop up, cute cafe and cakes, shops and a hair salon. After god knows how long looking the Chanel purchase happened, I bounced out of there I was so pleased to have finally found the one. First ever Hermes purchase, another exciting one. I love fashion and it makes me so happy to be able to purchase a few pieces. Got my name on the list for a Birkin, by the time I’m allowed one I might be able to afford it.
The most exciting news, we have a new addition joining the clan.
Lots of catching up with friends. Our first produce from the garden and finally all Johns hard work over lockdown has been worth it.
June
Adventures to Isle of Wight started June off. I received a treat from Oskia for letting them use some of my photos.
Lots of eating out including fish and chips on the Bluebell railway, drinks and nibbles at Ridgeview. Sopranos to Celebrate my sisters birthday. Girls lunch at the Flint House.
Lots of exciting additions to my business, Rachieroo Shop went live and the first orders went out. Lash lift training was completed and took my first bookings at the salon. We found Loader Valley at Wakehurst.
A sad end to the month we lost our beloved Grandma, I hope she has been reunited with my Grandad. We miss them both dearly.
July
Ralph attempted to try beer (no beer was consumed)
Headed to London for the Harry Potter exhibition. Tried out Radio Roof Bar and enjoyed cinema and bubbles at One Aldwych.
Teddy Turned 5 and my sister put on a Mario themed party.
Finally took John to Petersham Nurseries, it was just as good as I remember and highly recommend.
August
Dorset to see my lovely friend and her little girl. Lots of catching up and chips at the beach.
Tried out roast at the Lock Heart Tavern, fairly good (could be tweaked) First trip back to the cinema post lock down to see The Courier. Not my first choice of film but it really was good, put on your to watch list. First Five Guys in forever accompanied.
Finished off the month with a family wedding, beautiful home made and so much fun. A visit to Party at the Mill whilst in the area and of course a little train pit stop.
September
Starting the month with my birthday and back to Scotland to our faves Ballintaggart.
My first ever home grown Dahlia bloomed and she was a beauty.
Lingfield races with Johns work. A fab day out and the horses were on our side. Evening finished with Rick Astley.
We found Gails Tunbridgewells and were not disappointed. Checked in on Sir Keith Park and rode the brake van ride.
First concert back since the start of COVID an acoustic set from Snow Patrol. They were incredible, we loved every minute of it. Also loved the support singer Isaac Stuart, beautiful voice and songs.
On to Johns birthday and a trip to Muse by Tom Aiken. Cocktails at the Library Bar at the Lanesborough and a trip to Johns fave Harry Potter Studio tour.
Checked out a new Brighton brunch spot Ouef, Frumpets are a definite winner. Finally a rep visit to put the feelers out for some exciting salon projects.
October
We ticked off Japes pizza pies, worth a visit but I’m not sure if they were too much, so good but insane levels of cheese. We also got to visit Iris bar at Searcys at the Gherkin. A lovely wedding gift.
More Brake Van riding at the Bluebell Railway. Festival of light, which had to include some insane hot chocolates.
The arrival of Bobby, the littlest member of the group and a few celebrations, with Halloween afternoon tea and cocktails out at the Gin Tub.
November
Bobby had his first visit to Rachieroo treatments, accompanying mummy but apparently relaxing too.
Checking out the Autumn trees at Sheffield park is a must, the colours are so beautiful.
Christmas Bow Beaus arrived and a very naughty cowshed treat from John. A few festive treats ready for December.
Our 2 year anniversary, gosh where has that time gone. we celebrated with dinner at Forke in Lewes. Delicious food but perhaps a little old school, service a little lacking. Drinks and nibbles at Ridgeview too.
The month finished with a visit from my cousin and his partner, a trip to winter wonderland and an insane cheese board.
December
Finishing the year off a little slower than we might have liked but with a few nice treats in there too. Biscuiteers school of icing, to ice our very own snow man biscuits. Ill stick to my day job.
A festive visit to the reindeers.
finishing off December with both our families, my favourite little people and Bryny dog. Ralph even sent me a Christmas card, he’s a cutie.
New Years Eve was just the two of us, a film, cheese and port and a little visit to 360degree brewing, one to keep an eye on in the new year.
2021 you’ve been great but strange. I always say it but I can never believe how much we manage to fit into a year. So many great, happy memories and I’m looking forward to making many more.
Happy New Year you lovely lot.
Rach xx
