A first visit to Alexandra Palace (aka Ally Pally) for me today. Its quite a trek but a fantastic venue once there! I took the free shuttle bus up the hill and was greeted by the brass band playing, a beautiful Spring morning!
Day 1 of the County Living Spring Fair and it was pretty busy, I did my usual wonder around and always enjoy chatting to producers, artists and stall holders. This year I loved the ‘pop up market’ area. I met Woodham Blooms with gorgeous faux flower bouquets. A natural skincare company which I enjoyed trying and would like to look at their products further were B Skincare based in Cornwall. So many talented artists with pottery, tea towels and linen, artwork and cards. I have admired Jackie Gale’s Textile Art before her website is www.jackiegaletextileart.com and for unique, fun, bright, cotton products take a look at Emilia Hunt designs. As always I couldn’t resist a little shopping and bought some beautiful cards from Hogben Pottery. The atmosphere and layout was much more relaxed than I have found previous fairs. I loved the chickens roaming and the jazz band singing while you ate your lunch.
Talking about food … there were some wonderful food and drink products. I really enjoyed chatting to Sussex based Linseed Farm and it was useful as I was talking seeds and their nutritional benefit a little later on the cookery theatre stage. I cannot wait to use my Linseed oil drizzled on my salad over the weekend, it should never be heated and lots of information and recipes on the website.
I tasted and purchased some lovely cheeses too. Montadito is a company specialising in Spanish delicacies and their Montechego cheese was just delicious, I had to have a piece.
Gin Trailer guys Gary and Simon, unfortunately it was only coffee time at this point!
I demonstrated how to make the ‘superfood cookie’ on the Stoves Cookery Theatre organised by Marie-Clare James.
A few nutritional tips:
Pumpkin Seeds – rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals including magnesium and zinc – supporting the immune system.
Flaxseeds or Linseeds – more commonly known as linseeds in this country. Small, brown, tan or golden coloured seeds. Benefits of linseed are endless but include helping improve digestion, giving you clearer skin, lowering cholesterol, reducing sugar cravings, balancing hormones and even help fight cancer!
Chia Seeds – Small in size but full of important nutrients. Excellent source of omega 3, rich in antioxidants, providing excellent levels of fibre, iron and calcium. As I mentioned in my demo, mixed with water they can replace egg in vegan cooking!
For breakfast this morning I have enjoyed my Natural Farmhouse Yoghurt from Glenilen Farm, Ireland love the fact it is naturally simple with no additives, no preservatives, 20% fruit, low fat, only three ingredients and most important made on their farm.
So its only Friday the Country Living fair is running all weekend and I would highly recommend a visit. Just such a variety of talent, workshops, gorgeous fashion home and garden products.
Have a great Spring weekend…
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