YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!

With my Dad's 50th birthday fast approaching, I found myself asking the question 'What do I get the guy who has everything!?'  

The answer? A day of shooting... clay, nothing else!

So like proper country folk, we threw on our wellies and wax jackets and headed out into the country.

Welcomed by the fresh country air and the startling crack and bang of the shotguns in the distance we stood by and watched the professionals at work...

The guns were pretty too...

After listening to the ins and outs of stance, timing and technique, it was our turn and I have to be honest I started to feel a little nervous at the thought of having a fully loaded 7lb shotgun in my hands, and that all too familiar quote from my favourite childhood movie; 'You'll shoot your eye out' started to creep into mind! 

Dad on the other hand was a natural... which is pretty scary!

And although I was useless I think its safe to say I had a blast!

The guys at Crynant Shooting Grounds were fantastically welcoming... and patient and I really cant wait to return!

I'd even go as far to say as I've found myself a new hobby!

Happy 50th Dad, you sharp shooter you!! 

PHAZE STREET...

Does anyone ever really stop to notice fashion, not on the catwalk, not in the magazines, but on the streets, whilst people go about their everyday business, without editing and without photoshopping? The vast diversity, collaborations and collections of style fascinates me. Mixing old school flat caps and pheasant print ties with 90s trainers and baggy pants injects Cardiff with colour. 

Here I'm bringing Fashion Week to the streets...

Keep Cardiff looking stylish!

THE CLINK FOLLOWED BY A DRINK...

Always on the look out for new and exciting places to eat, it was suggested that I try The Clink, a restaurant run by prisoners from HMP Cardiff. 

The concept of the restaurant is to promote a rehabilitation and reintegration program for inmates and is committed to reducing reoffending rates in Wales.

Situated just outside the prison walls, and devised by Chef Alberto Crisci MBE, The Clink charity helps train inmates to the standard similar to that of a 5 star hotel or restaurant, with the aim to help graduates find employment within the Welsh catering industry. 

Jacket: Ebay (here)
Tunic: Zara (similar here)
Leather Jeans: River Island (similar here)
Clutch Bag: Yonks (here)
Boots: ASOS (sold out)

Everything from the interior to the food and service was first class, made all the more special by our waiter Lee.

The starter was a choice between Char-grilled Veg, with Basil Sorbet and Smoked Tomato Jelly or Peppered Strawberries and Goats Cheese Salad with a Ribbon of Cucumber.

The fish course was a choice between Sea Bass, Thai Green Risotto, Thai Asparagus and Tempura Langoustines or Seared Halibut, Confit of Chicken Wings with a Potato Puree.

The Entree was then either Crown of Wood Pigeon, Warm Salad of Fennel Spinach and Orange with a Peppercorn Sauce or Honey Roast Pork Belly, Scallops and Bourdin Noir with Caramalized Apples and  Celeriac Puree. 

Dessert was then a choice between Textures of Cherries; Jelly, Sorbet, Compressed and Puree or Chocolate Espresso Mousse, Panacotta and Coffee and Caramel Ice Cream. 

Which was a big hit...

A different yet truly special dining experience. All the guys worked particularly hard and the teamwork and solidarity was almost tangible. It was really heartwarming to see these guys working so hard to actively make a change and a difference in their lives.

ALL ALONG...

'I've committed a crime, now I must serve my time,
Six months inside should almost change my mind.
I'm sitting in my cell, watching the clock,
Waiting for the screw to unlock the lock.
My Father told me,
A true man is never ashamed to shed a tear,
So I cry myself to sleep at night,
Waiting for the next day of light,
But forever drifting in a state of fright,
I got this noose around my neck tight,
The bully's won.
For the rest of his life, he'll be ashamed of what he'd done.'

by Daniel Compton - HMP High Down


After such a beautiful meal it was then off to my favourite night spot for a few cocktails...Lab 22! 

Hidden amongst the eateries and pubs of Caroline Street, this chic little cocktail bar is fast becoming my home away from home!

A 'Mrs Einstein', my favourite of the evening...

All in all, a memorable evening!

Cheers for now...