Now this is a sight for sore eyes, a much longed for weekend treat. Sitting down on the sofa with a steaming mug of coffee, a scented candle burning and my latest assortment of books. The prospect of curling up under a blanket and having a good read is sheer bliss. Chris consults the Allotment Month by Month book as his bible for all things allotment based, it's a really good resource. The two others are recommendations I have procured for myself and intend to work my way through in the fullness of time.

This fabulous mug features artwork from local Norfolk artist Amelia Bowman who I have recently discovered and fallen in love with her style! Amelia creates collagraphs (which take their name from 'collages') which are beautiful designs created on a rigid surface and rolled through a print press, of course it is far more technical than that but you get the idea.

What I adore about Amelia's designs is that she has captured scenes from Norfolk which are familiar as well as further afield which she then produces in limited editions in her different patterns. If you notice the titles have the prevailing pattern in brackets. I'm pleased to share with you a small selection of pieces with you

Beach Huts (Ixia)

Cley Windmill (Clover)

London Skyline (Floribunda)

Wells Harbour (Anemone)

Norwich

Norfolk

Low Tide

Wymondham

I spent ages admiring the amazing range of patterns, oh my gosh, they are so pretty! I can't help thinking they would make for fabulous wallpaper or curtains, what do you think? My favourites are 50's Hydrangea, Daisy Daisy, Bobble Tree, Morris leaves and Folk Flower but they are all unique, what is your favourite? I'd love to know.

Amelia Bowman has an etsy shop selling a selection of prints, posters, mugs and tote bags and a range of stockists but for any enquiries you can contact Amelia direct.

I don't know about you but I'm looking to add to my collection!

Sophie

Thank you to Amelia Bowman for sending me the mug (and a tote bag, not pictured). All opinions my own.

On Saturday we took a leisurely drive to Upton Broad & Marshes, a Norfolk Wildlife Trust property. It was a real haven for dragonflies and had a lovely if a little short trail through the marshes and fen. No time to talk so I'll leave you with the pictures, all photos my own as always!

Sophie

At the weekend we ventured along to Strumpshaw Fen Nature Reserve in the Yare valley in the Norfolk Broads. The fen is an RSPB run reserve with hides overlooking the water, giving bird watchers a good seat for spying a diverse array of wildlife. Personally, I'd prefer to walk miles and miles seeing gorgeous views and little insects and pretty plants over sitting on my behind for an hour waiting to see something any day of the week. The best thing about Strumpshaw Fen was that there are three way marked trails to keep people with itchy feet busy. The Fen, Meadow & Woodland trails offer the chance to see a variety of different wildlife. In order to make the longest circular walk we took the Woodland trail then joined the Fen trail at the furthest point, the map they give you is a help although the paths were easy to follow anyway. I'd guess the total distance was around 5k taking us a couple of hours to complete (we stopped a lot!). There is an entry fee of £3.50 per adult which I feel is a touch high, maybe £2 would be more in line with what is offered but then I'm not an eager bird watcher so wasn't making the most of the facilities.

We did see a good lot of lovely things; the swallowtail caterpillars were striking, the woodland trail was quite literally buzzing with life. I wasn't fast enough to capture most of the magical dragonflies and have to say I did get a little shrieky when butterflies fluttered too close. The paths were in excellent order, good underfoot.

Strumpshaw Fen was a delightful place to visit and I'd definitely recommend for fellow wildlife enthusiasts.

Sophie