Ten happy things – September 18

This month has been reeeeeaaaaally busy! Hence why I’ve not posted much on my blog at all… oops. Anyway, here are ten things that happened in September that made me happy and that I’m grateful for.

We finally sorted out our holiday

Last month I had a bit of a nightmare sorting out my South African passport which meant abandoning plans to visit this year. Well, we’ve finally planned our next holiday – we’re off to Mumbai and then the Seychelles! I am so excited to see India again! I’ve only been once and it was way back in 2005 so I’m long overdue a return. I like how we’re doing a city break followed by a beach one – it’s one of my favourite combinations.

Celebrating World Paella Day

It was World Paella Day on 20 September and I was invited along to a Paella masterclass by the Spanish Tourist Board to learn how to cook an authentic Valencian paella. The lovely Binny of Binny’s Food and Travel Diaries was there too. It was a fun evening! 

Dinner with friends

Our friend, Mariella, is moving to Amsterdam for work so we had dinner with her and her husband, Gareth, at the Oxo Tower Brasserie to say goodbye. Gorgeous views but found the brasserie a bit big and noisy… maybe the restaurant is better but unfortunately they didn’t have a table. We’re going to miss our friend but hopefully we’ll be visiting her in Amsterdam!

Bought a gorgeous coat

I adore leopard print so when I spotted a stunning leopard print coat whilst scrolling through Instagram, I just had to have it. It’s from a brand called Sosandar and it was pretty pricey but I love it! Leopard print is all over the place at the moment and that makes me so happy as it’s my favourite print. I’m going to snap up loads of pieces whilst it’s on trend! And then wear it when it’s out of fashion…

Oktoberfest in September

I was invited to Mercato Metropolitano to the first Kraft Beer Oktoberfest. The guys at German Kraft, one of London’s emerging craft beer brewers, hosted an Oktoberfest – complete with a modern Oompah band, bratwurst and beer, of course. I’m not really a beer drinker but I enjoyed the afternoon and even managed half a pint! 

Celebrity Masterchef was back!

I absolutely love Masterchef! I prefer the professionals series but the celebrity one isn’t bad either. I just love watching their journey and how they grow and develop whilst on the show. The dishes they present in the final are just amazing! If I could be a contestant on any show, it would be Masterchef.

Gifted some yummy pate

Who doesn’t love getting gifts? The lovely people at Wild and Game gifted me two of their pates to try and I honestly liked them both. They are very rich though as they are game, so you have to eat them in moderation. Or, better yet, have friends round and serve this with some pre-dinner drinks.

New job is going well

Last month I mentioned that I have a new job – well, it’s an interim role – at a charity. I am absolutely loving it! The work is really interesting and the people are so lovely. Plus, last week a cake trolley came round! 

Bermondsey Street Festival

This is the second year we’ve attended the Bermondsey Street Festival. It’s always packed and lots of fun. We started with lunch at Pizarro and then headed out to look at all the stalls and listen to some of the live music in the park.

This year they also had a petting zoo! The sheep were so adorable. They also had goats, guinea pigs, rabbits and a miniature pony! The weather wasn’t great but luckily the rain held off.

The bath of dreams

This was our bath at our stunning Airbnb when we were in Polignano a Mare. Isn’t it a beaut? This is honestly my dream bath and one day, I’ll have one in my own home! And why yes… that is a glass of wine perching on the bath. 

So that was my September! How did your month go?