The Apple Store Scorton....

This is a place that I've been going to since I was very young. My parents have taken my sisters and I to Scorton to both the Barn and the apple store since we were very small. They used to just do a menial menu of just jackets and sandwiches, however upon returning years later, I have found that the menu have been revamped and upgraded. My visit today was thoroughly enjoyable and 100% worthwhile.

 The place itself is still as beautiful as ever, and the staff were really helpful and to my surprise the place was rammed. I don't think I've seen as many cars in their car park ever.

Upon arrival I noticed a sign outlining the offer of glamping and I'm more than interested. I think it's a brilliant idea and I've been and walked around the lake countless times and they've done a fantastic job of it. I am hoping to try out their lodges soon enough.  

I stumbled across this beautiful array of cakes and sweets and I was drooling, however I remained healthy and just stuck to a just a main and a coffee. The quality of the food had improved vastly, as I had THE most beautiful salad.

I also noticed the selection of beers and wines which were also very tempting however I managed to resist and just adored from afar instead.
It's a really cute cafe, it's nothing fancy but It's a lovely environment to come and chill out with your family or friends for some good grub and somewhere warm to relax in. The place is also a great place to take your children and families as it's got outdoor play activities for the young ones. The menu is great, there's something for everyone and the prices are reasonable too.

I have to say the toilet facilities are a bit questionable as there is only one and it's multi sex. However the good food makes up for the toilet situation.

 There are a few nice walks around the area you can attempt before a lunch or an afternoon tea, so I would recommend if you try it out to do so as you work up a nice appetite. What caught my eye was the specials board as my salad was on there, and it lived up to every expectation in my mind. I was a bit concerned about the addition of the fruit but it all went together beautifully.

 I had a lovely americano coffee with hot milk and for the main I chose the chicken, bacon and avocado salad. The salad was also made up of peppers, olives, cucumber, melon, grapes, red onion with the homemade coleslaw as a side addition and it was all beautiful and incredibly tasty.

I also noticed that they offer boat rides for cheap prices on the lake next door which I will also be going back to try out as you can't not for that price. I was thoroughly surprised after re-visiting this cute little cafe, I will most definitely be back for more.
 

Here's a link to their website below, describing in detail the facilities they provide. If your around the Scorton area in the North West, I would highly recommend you give it a try as it's so popular these days you'd be missing out if you didn't.


http://wyresdalepark.co.uk/cafe-gardens/


X Blonde Journal X

Escape Coffee and Cocktails in Clitheroe...

I think I've quite possibly stumbled upon THE best coffee house in the whole of England. I must confess, I'm no coffee expert. However I cannot describe the taste of this coffee. It was three different blends, and it was absolute heaven.

as described on their website...

"Our Coffee is quite different from anything else you'll find around here. After a long hard search we discovered Dark Woods Coffee up in the Yorkshire Moors. They have a real passion for roasting and have created an espresso that when combined with milk, melts to give a smooth caramel flavour. Using high-grade single estate coffee from Brazil, India and Ethiopia, this espresso avoids the bitterness you find in most coffee. And is quite simply delightful."

It really was quite simply delightful!

The Coffee Brew my mind....

I'm usually more of a tea drinker, however with my job being demanding as it is, I've had to hit the caffeine. I don't usually enjoy the taste of coffee unless its full of something sweet but this particular coffee was just sublime. 

The place was rather twee and it was a very comfortable relaxing experience with a quiet ambiance. In most coffee shops these days, you walk in and it's pretty much an art show; fancy place, fancy people and fancy coffee. You don't usually find inviting places that actually sell good quality coffee. I think I have stumbled across a hidden gem. 

It's quite far away from Lancaster to make as my regular hang out spot, but I most certainly will be making a trip to Clitheroe for a decent coffee most months. 

If you do find yourself in the area, or even near by, you HAVE to check it out because the coffee is something to talk about. I have to say I'm really looking forward to my next visit!

 I've added their website below so check it out if you get a chance:

http://www.escapecoffeeandcocktails.co.uk/


Xx Blonde Journal Xx

Taking the leap from irresponsible to responsible....

Moving out of my little bubble that was central to university and education, has been an extremely difficult transition for me. I have had so many different expectations about what it means to live and work. Actually having that expectation diminish and becoming one of just living for work, it heart wrenching.  

The truth is, it's never what you expect.
As a student your life is well structured with things such as deadlines, coursework and exams and most importantly your free time.
The truth is I never really enjoyed my course and I'm finding full time work challenging too, but I believe it has something to do with not actually finding my true passion yet. The problem is I have no idea what I want to spent the rest of my life doing, and I don't think that many people do.  

I've come to realize that finding something you enjoy and working on doing that everyday is the key to a happy life.

Having received my Happiness Planner, I have come to understand this a bit more. Focusing on your attitude to life and becoming more positive is imperative for a happy & fulfilling life. It's so easy to become depressed with the trials and tribulations of the dull repetitiveness of everyday life, and the stresses, strains and drama that are a constant in life.

Having spent the last two weeks in full time work I have been surprised at how dull life (the real world) can really be. The repetition, the need for money, and the responsibility of having to make money to survive. It's exhausting....

As a young person in the current economy, I am at a loss as opportunities are minimal and because of this it takes years to land yourself in a decent financial position and to become fully independent.

So I would like to take the time to say to all young people in my position and also to myself, DON'T GIVE UP!!

Keep chasing your dreams, keep searching for what makes you happy, keep fighting for what you want to spend your days doing, and no matter what your circumstance find little things in life to keep you happy.

x Blonde Journal x

The Happiness Planner...

I have wanted to purchase a Happiness Planner for a while now, since I first discovered it online last year. I've internally debated with myself, whether or not I should make a purchase due to the extortionately high price of £40 per planner. Having recently graduated from University, I thought why the hell not. So after getting a new job, I was waiting for my first pay check to come through.

To my surprise my partner decided to treat me to a planner. After my first two weeks of starting my new job, I came straight back to his house after work; tired, grumpy and miserable. I was so shocked when he pulled out the pink box after making me some lovely tea. I couldn't believe it, I was over the moon.
What a meaningful present!

 I got the 52-week journal as it has no set dates on it so you can start at any point. It's a year long planner, which encourages a more positive outlook on life. It looks into analyzing the negatives in your life and looking into gradually changing these things over a duration of a year.
It's a book full of positive quotes and helpful suggestions and it couldn't be more fitting to my life at the moment.
As most students can probably relate to, coming out of university and having grand expectations of getting a great job are obliterated for Id say about 95% of students these days. This is because of many reasons but I'd like to think it's due to the economy. So having those expectations crushed, it's extremely disheartening period in most young people's lives. Having this journal as a guide to encourage positive thoughts and mindfulness is actually perfect for me right now, and would benefit a lot of young people experiences the same things.

I have started looking through the pages and filling in the sections to look into your strengths, weaknesses and looking into my character more. The planner helps you analyze in depth about where you want to see myself in 5-10 years and helps you set goals and start them in motion. It also looks into making new years resolutions and life goals and effective methods to kick a bad habit in 30 days.

I'm really looking forward to working weekly, at incorporating a more positive outlook in both my life and experiences. The planner is mainly about changing your attitude towards life.
Your attitude is the most important aspect in your own personal happiness. I would recommend you purchase one of these if you feel yourself living for the weekend, feeling down, pessimistic or just want to learn to be more positive in your own life.

It might seem ludicrous to spend £40 pounds on a planner, however
I guarantee it's a worthwhile investment people, if it means your enjoying life more and not just focusing on the negatives.

I have attached their website below:

https://thehappinessplanner.com/