'tis the season

So December is finally here and the festivities are getting into full swing, my iPod is treating me to Christmas songs, the postman is delivering things for me to wrap, Costa has black forest hot chocolates back in and the decorations are glittering at me from the cupboard ready to be put up. The only thing that isn't being particularly wintery is the weather, it's 21 days until the big day and the temperature is still in double digits! Just worth taking a short interlude here to point out that this is a clear indication of a climate change, shun the non-believers. That being said I'm not begrudging the warmth entirely as this weekend kicks off my party season.
Tomorrow (Saturday 5th) is Mill Road Winter Fair, http://www.millroadwinterfair.org the whole length of the road is shut off from cars and the pavements are lined with stalls and traders, dance groups, musicians and mulled wine or cider if you prefer. There's even a parade! Last year I successfully got into the middle of the parade kind of by accident, luckily I was wearing a pink glittery mask and a light up skirt so I looked like I was supposed to be there.
After the fair it's time to get beautified for the Full Circle Fitness Christmas party, the one day that I don't have to feel guilty about not following the nutrition plan because the head coach chose the restaurant! We are starting at the Bath House, eating at Zizzi and then drinking in the Hidden Rooms. Italian might not be a traditional Christmas dinner choice but damn Zizzi food is tasty, I used to work for Zizzi, I lived off Zizzi for a while, I still drool just thinking about their cheese and onion garlic bread.
So aside from a headache what will Sunday hold? Glad you asked. The boys are hosting their annual fakemas dinner, christmas jumpers will be worn, turkey will be carved with swords, and faces will be slapped with the leftovers. Unfortunately I won't be there for the actual meal as it clashes perfectly with the Cambridge Style Week casting call back for the 2016 shows.

I will be posting photos throughout the weekend of course, but given the amount of prosecco that is bound to be available I doubt I'll have anything intelligent to write along with it. Follow me on instagram to see what happens! https://www.instagram.com/154w/

Artisan food hamper

I was invited to an event today at Cambridge Wine Merchants on Bridge Street to celebrate the launch of Cambridge Artisan, a business started by a teenager in Royston.

"Year 10 school pupil Amelise Burr, has created a new online gift box and hamper company called Cambridge Artisan... each thoughtfully curated hamper presents the very best of Cambridge's artisan food and drink (£59-£135). Gift boxes start from £20."



I had a chance to sample some of the food included; meats, cheeses, fudges and sauces all sourced from local growers, producers and markets. I also had a chance to chat to Amelise's dad who owns his own food business selling churros.

The website is up and running www.cambridgeartisan.co.uk (you won't find it on Google yet I tried) to order the different hampers, each of the individual products are available in the shop as well and currently you will find festive themed ones as it is the season for eating too much.

The samples I tried were delicious, I definitely recommend the red velvet and white chocolate fudge. So if you have been stuck for a Christmas present for someone, or just want to get yourself a treat they are definitely worth checking out.