Owls, Chilli and Cheese, in Winchester

Last weekend was such a hit and miss weekend in terms of weather, but we still made the most of the outdoors. After visiting family, we popped over to the Chilli and Cheese Festival in Winchester. 

We went last year and really enjoyed it, and bought way too much cheese and chilli sauce.

Again this year the weekend was tailored for food lovers and families a like. We're so looking forward to this event when Henry is up and walking, so next year's should be a blast. 

We only managed an hour as Henry was getting restless towards the end, but we snagged a couple of great chilli sauces for our ever-growing collection, and of course stopped by the owl and falconry stand. I just can't pass up an opportunity to hold an owl, and Bertie the Eurasian Eagle Owl was too gorgeous to pass up on. He's one pretty heavy lad, but so soft and friendly - and those eyes!! He might look evil but he's a gentle giant. Also did you know that owls actually don't have that amazing eyesight?! They can see long distance amazingly well, but their close-up vision is terrible. 

Family visits

Living a little way from family means we have to make the most of our visits back home. Both Dann and I are from Buckinghamshire originally and moved to Southampton for University and work. We adore the city and county that we live in, and I honestly don't think we'll ever leave the area, but going back home does make me very homesick.

We recently did a couple of surprise trips home to visit family. 

Sunny Southampton

We spent a random Friday in Southampton just hanging out with a lot of walking around Old Town. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and made me really appreciate living in such a great city. We have the best mix of things in the city, with the historic parts of the city mixed with the new modern day.

We started our day in Mettricks for breakfast/brunch - probably my favourite meal of the day when I can have it! We love Mettricks (you can see my last post on them here), possibly a little too much, but you can't beat a great environment, even better coffee and excellent and locally sourced food.

We then took a little walk around Old Town, grabbed some photos - an actual "fashiony" post for once and I really love the photos too which make a change for me - and went Pokemon hunting.

We also stopped off in Guildhall Square for Henry's feed, and for Dann to get a large Cold Brew from Mettricks Guildhall. Dann's developed a new beverage love that cannot be contained!

Henry's two month update

Can you actually believe that Henry is now two months old. Well I certainly can't! 

The last month since my last update has been so good. Henry has really developed as a person and is starting to get a personality which is so rewarding. Don't get me wrong a small part of me misses when he was really tiny, but I feel much more comfortable as a mum right now, and Henry is a delight.

Essentials for first time parents

I kinda wish babies came with manuals or some kind of guide but they don't and for every new, first time parent it's a huge learning curve.

You've probably read the books and searched the Internet for everything you need to know, I know I have!! 

In my short time as a first time mum I feel like I've learnt a lot!! 

So I thought I'd share some of my first time essentials and things to do!