Cheese and Alfies Christchurch : breakfast of kings

As mum's leaving for India in a few days time we decided it was high time we started the christmas shopping, yep in September, so to prepare my body for the shock I decided we needed a giant breakfast. Breakfast is easily my favourite meal of the day, however due to work it's one that's normally rushed and quite boring (think a bowl of cornflakes / toast and honey as I run out the door), so the thought of a breakfast of whatever I fancy, with as long as I want to eat it is heavenly. 

We headed for Christchurch and parked up down a gorgeous sunny side street and headed for my favourite breakfast joint in Dorset, Cheese&Alfies. Nestled on the edge of the cobbles leading up to the priory Cheese&Alfies grabs you the second you see it. Its one of those places that look so friendly you just have to pop in.

 ''Real honest food, using great ingredients, cooked and served by people who not only enjoy what they do, but have a natural passion for it.''

 Inside is an eclectic mix of posters and wall stickers and the chairs have books in the backs. They have a standard menu and a blackboard full of mouthwatering specials, there's even a burger that'd make Adam from man vs food quiver in his little boots. I headed straight for the smoothies and boy oh boy I wasn't disappointed, bananas and berries with yoghurt all blended up perfectly and served perfectly chilled. It definitely got my tummy excited for breakfast. Mum opted for a rather lovely looking granola number, with a coffee. Apparently it was lovely, but that's just not Saturday morning pre-christmas shopping food in my opinion.I went for pancakes, I'd have been silly not too. Just look at them, gorgeous thick fluffy canadian pancakes with a pot of maple syrup. I'm getting excited just looking at them again.

It certainly was the breakfast of kings and came to a very reasonable £15. It's one of the only places I've ever thought ''yep that deserves a tip'' and on the way to the tip pot, I fell for some giant meringues which I wish I'd photographed. 

They're also so lovely that they pop recipes on their website here, I will definitely be giving the Orange and Almond cake a shot- especially as it's dairy AND gluten free! 

Where's your favourite place to go for breakfast? 

Are you a granola girl or a fry-up fan?

xox

a happy post

I'm a busy bee at the moment juggling work, uni prep, my social life, moving house and blogging (which sadly does come last in my list of priorities right now, oops) so I thought I'd write a little list of things that're making me super happy right now.

001. Benefit - they're real mascara I am not makeup savvy. In fact I try to avoid wearing the stuff at all costs but I cannot be seen in public without my eyes looking lovely. I'd always sworn by Diorshow - Blackout until I was treated to a makeover at a benefit counter and tried this stuff, I'd seen reviews on 100s of beauty blogs but I like to stick to what I know, not anymore. Serious miracle mascara.

002. Nemesis Sub Terra at Alton Towers. Think ride mixed with a halloween horror maze, think stern looking men in government uniform, think absolutely hilarious. You'll either cry or laugh until you cry, either way it's awesome, in fact its so awesome I'm not going to tell you what happens as it'll ruin the surprise.

003. Hot chocolate made with hazelnut milk. I'm in a real anti-milk phase at the moment ( they come and go) and this time round I'm drinking hazelnut milk. I'm also loving hot chocolate, hot chocolate means autumn is here and I love autumn.

004. Our first home. It's a grand total 3 weeks until me and boy move into our very first home together, this is super exciting to both of us. It also means loads of pre-moving IKEA shopping, sorting and carbootsales. I cant wait to blog about our little house.

005. Jon Ronson - The psychopath test This is one of those books I can read over and over. I love my line of work and I love hearing and reading stories about people who've been in acute wards and forensic units ( there's loads online if you're interested). In fact I love anything a little big psychological.


And here's my current lust list, it's only short I promise:

001. Jack Wills -Oxenford dress I love jack wills, yep I admit it. I also love sweetheart necklines ,dresses that nip in at the waist and ditsy floral prints...perfect dress for any season (bare legged in summer, with tights in winter)? I think so.

002. Claud Butler -Cambridge I cycle 8 miles to and from work and reckon this bike would totally improve the commute purely because she is so so pretty.

003. Ikea - Aborg rug Nothing would be nicer than hopping out of bed bare foot onto this rug. I've fancied it for years and now it's only £35, I think I might just have to splash out.

I hope you're all having a fabulous week, have you got anything nice planned?
I'm spending my evening sat in front of the fire watching Derren Brown - Svengali

xoxoxo  

Our little slice of haven

''There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.'' - Wind in the willows

I could never, ever move away from the sea. In fact since I was 9 I've been surgically attached to the water, be it kayaking, sailing, speeding about in a rib or just a nice little booze cruise to a private beach to put the world to rights. I've dreamt of joining the Navy and marrying a sailor, but for now I'll settle for messing about in boats. 

Something that's very nearly as nice as being on the water (or in it) is being next to it with a nice mug/glass of something or rather. Several weeks ago one of my friends took me to her new favourite place and its quickly becoming one of mine too, world meet haven.  The haven, in Lymington, is a gorgeous little cafe/bar/bistro which serves fabulous food and drink, with a super mouthwatering specials board, teamed with friendly service and a view to die for. The tables have binoculars for a spot of cheeky sailor spotting and if you're lucky you might even bump in to one of the Haven's little celebrity following including the likes of Chris Evans and Ben Ainslie (who is definitely a Lymington boy). 

Are you a fan of the water? Have you discovered anywhere totally heavenly lately?

 If you're local make sure you give me all the details! 

xoxoxox