Not Your Average Fish fingers @ Hogarths

May 12, 2016September 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 3 Comments

Spontaneous lunches are always a fabulous idea in my book. After an hour in the gym, Hubby and I were suitably famished so set off in search of local food.

Hogarths is situated just outside Solihull, West Midlands and sits in 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and woodlands (it even has a secret private island for weddings!)

When you arrive, after following the long driveway to the entrance, you are greeted by Mr Gilroy. This steel sculpture by Ray Lonsdale is breathtakingly beautiful and placed as a stark reminder of how the horrors of war changed young people forever. I’m told it’s one of Hogarths most photographed features.

Mr Gilroy isn’t Hogarths only sculpture; in fact there are many contemporary pieces of art throughout the hotel and grounds. I noticed that apples are a common theme, with each piece as individual as the next.

The staff are welcoming and quietly attentive giving the whole place a relaxed, yet proficient atmosphere.

The hotel itself has a fresh, vibrant feel to it with a bright colour scheme incorporating purples, pinks and lime green. Trust me – it works.

The restaurant (Bar8 brasserie) and hotel have won a number of awards over the years including Good Hotel in 2015 and Midlands winner of hotel restaurant of the year.

We sat in the champagne bar, with fabulous lighting (which was needed as it was a grey and miserable wet day) and started with a coffee.

The restaurant has a full A la Carte menu whilst the bar boasts a great selection of sandwiches, hot things, light bites and afternoon teas. Hubby and I both settled for a fish finger with tartar sauce sandwich…

…and the most amazing triple cooked, not to mention enormous chips that were perfectly crispy on the outside whilst light and fluffy inside.

I can recommend Hogarths if you’re in the neighbourhood – we fully enjoyed our impromptu lunch and have even been back in the last week to partake of the fish fingers again!

Hogarths

Four Ashes Road
Dorridge, Solihull
West Midlands
B93 8QE

This meal was not complimentary and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.

5 quotes to get you through a difficult day

May 10, 2016July 2, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 10 Comments

We all have difficult days every now and then – you know the kind where you wished you had stayed in the sanctuary of your warm, cosy bed?

The trick is to see it for what it is – a bad day.

Not a bad life…nor a bad person. Just ‘one of those days’.

Here are 5 quotes to help you put things into perspective and show you that you can be the master of your thoughts.

When we are stressed we don’t always make the best decisions. Poor judgement, knee jerk reactions and a short temper are all signs of raised stress levels. One thing you can do to help yourself is to pause and just breathe. You cannot make clear judgements and good decisions when you are stressed. Take 5 minutes to pause and be calm. Not always easy I know, but if you can take just a couple of deep breaths, the calming effect on your nervous system is astonishing. We teach the kids at school to ‘smell the strawberry and blow out the candle’ – a deep breath in through your nose and a long exhale out through your mouth.

Look for the positives. Keep your spirit focused on the good things in your life. Be grateful for what you have and what you have achieved so far. Don’t get caught up in negative talk or thoughts. You need to talk kindly to yourself. And that includes what you think of yourself in this situation. Keep your thoughts in check. Tell yourself you can do this.

You’re probably wondering where this fits in – but I’m a firm believer in the power of a little fresh air and change of scenery. Give yourself a break. Literally. 10 minutes outside will help calm your thoughts and may give you the inspiration you were looking for.

Notice where you made a difference today. Focus not on what you didn’t do today but on what you did. I hear people say, “I haven’t done any work today!” When I know full well they have. You may have made a difference to someone’s day when you asked how they were, paid someone a compliment or tidied up the staff room. Cultivating a friendly workplace is just as important and meeting your deadline.

We are constantly striving for happiness. “I’ll be happy when…” is fast becoming our mantra. Every now and then we need to just be. Take time to relax and do something that makes your souls sing.

Choose one and let it sink deep into your soul and may your tomorrow be brighter.

Which quotes do you use in tough times to get you through?

The Kindness Challenge

May 9, 2016July 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 5 Comments

I’m always up for a challenge and this one seemed right up my sparkly, glitter sprinkled street!

I’m a firm believer that kindness is something we could all benefit from – both receiving and giving it. Too many people are only concerned with their lives and don’t see what’s going on around them.

Let’s be honest – we could all live in an egocentric world where it was all about us – that would be easy; do what we want, when we want every single day.

But real strength lies in putting others first sometimes, being kind without exception and doing things for no reward other than the smile it produces. I say strength, because not everyone has the skill.

A large part of my role is teaching children to have empathy. Some young people find it incredibly difficult to see things from another’s point of view, share or compromise. It’s a skill that has to be learned early on and some sadly, don’t get that chance. As a therapeutic worker, it’s my job to gently encourage and help them understand both their own, and other peoples’ feelings and strategies for getting along.

Doing things for others, increases our own happiness; it encourages gratitude and a positive outlook in life and helps us develop our values. These things all aid us in gaining a stronger sense of self – which in turn leads to confidence and great self esteem.

This challenge aims to focus on a different aspect of kindness each week.

Week 1: Start your day with kindness

Here are a few ways I will be slipping a little kindness into my early morning routine:

Setting my intention for the day – keeping my mind focused on the positives, including my thoughts
Affirmations – just saying the words, “I am kind” out loud can help to change your thoughts and perspectives
Notice acts of kindness – train your mind to look for these moments
Plan to do 1 kind thing today; for myself or someone else – when you have a goal, you are more likely to succeed

I’ll write a post at the end of week documenting how I got on.

For now – I’ll leave you with one of my thoughts…

Leave a shimmering trail of kindness wherever you go today.

I will.

It’s the little things 8/05/16

May 8, 2016May 8, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 2 Comments

It’s the little things that make me smile, brighten my day and make me want to chase rainbows.

Here’s a round up of all the little things from my week that have done just that!

First time at Digbeth Dining club – amazing food from Open Sesame

…and this amazing caramel & chocolate toastie from The Jabberwocky

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Messing about with effects on my new camera

Whatever the weather – however your week has been, keep holding on. I know the sun will shine eventually.

Hugs

Nicky xo

Not your average breakfast @The HighField

May 5, 2016July 2, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment

The minute you step through their door you are embraced by The High Field’s warm and friendly atmosphere.

This modern gastropub situated in Edgbaston is a mere 5 minutes away from Birmingham city centre and known for serving brasserie dishes and top quality pub food. I’ve eaten here a few times recently and always left feeling the same – relaxed and well looked after. On this occasion we decided to join them for Jazz and Breakfast. Self explanatory – eat breakfast whilst listening to jazz!

The bar is the first thing you see on entering and it’s the heart and soul of this establishment. Well stocked and ready for action; it has a great atmosphere, not too noisy but there’s definitely a good vibe about the place. With a choice of seating areas it’s also the perfect place to relax with a coffee or sample a cocktail or two.

The restaurant’s split into two parts – one has an area that’s bright, light and perfect for soaking up some Vitamin D whilst having a bite to eat. There’s also outside seating but I’ll save that ’til the warmer weather!

Just around the corner is the main restaurant – with a mixture of seating, tables and chairs and booths. It’s not too crowded but well spaced and can cater for large groups and children too.

We escaped the hustle and bustle of the previous week by leisurely sipping Bucks Fizz and listening to Keli and Jay who eased us slowly into the weekend with some jazz. It was a lovely way to relax whilst contemplating the breakfast menu.

There was plenty to choose from, but Hubby finally settled for the devilled beans and poached eggs on toasted sourdough – with added mushrooms and sausage. He said it was lovely – and he certainly ate every morsel!

I was slightly more awkward as I wanted something I had sampled on a previous occasion – BBQ brisket and sweet potato hash with a fried egg. Despite it not being on the menu, Head chef Ian went above and beyond and rustled one up for me.

It was magnificent.

In fact the whole morning was divine. It was that fabulous combination of good food, attentive staff and the right atmosphere that you wish you could bottle and take home. Some places just seem to get it so right – and The High Field has…and then some. It has you looking forward to your next visit before you’ve even said “Bye” to the pig!

So tell me, what’s your favourite way to start the weekend?

The High Field

22 Highfield Road

Edgbaston

B15 3DP

This was my first ever review – let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions of other places or events you think I should check out!

The Shimmer Within Her

Find yourself Be yourself