Fashion and Recipes to Celebrate Wimbledon

On the third day of Wimbledon we have been checking out spectator fashion and brought together some of our favourite key pieces for a smart and stylish outfit.

                       

We love the blue and white outfit in a Wimbledon photo from Vogue. We think the Joules Inaya Tunic and Elna Loafers would make a smart and elegant summer outfit.

        

This smart, nautical look would be at home almost anywhere. We recreate it with the Salisbury Jacket from Alan Paine and Joules Hepburn Trousers. You could choose between a casual Mimi Vest from Joules or a smart Anna Shirt from Jack Murphy (both below) to complete this look. (Wimbledon photo from Vogue). 

  

In celebration of this British institution we've found out some delicious recipes to make with strawberries and cream (apart from just eating them as they are - which is also an excellent use for them!).
(Courtesy of BBC Good Food)


This delicious Summer Pudding is easy to make and would make a lovely garden party centrepiece.

Summer Pudding

Try your hand at making this summery strawberry jam, gorgeous spread on warm croissants or in strawberry tarts

Soft Set Strawberry and Pimms Jam

This Polka Dot Strawberry Cake is certain to impress, if you're feeling ambitious enough to take it on!

Polka Dot Strawberry Cake

A quintessential summer classic Eton Mess is adapted into trifle form. 

Eton Mess Trifle

Ideal for picnics, these Strawberries and Cream Cheesecakes are quick and easy to make!

Strawberries and Cream Cheesecakes

    

Rewaxing Your Barbour Jacket

Our newest webpage and guide 'How to ReWax Your Barbour Jacket' is now up and running and ready to view, here. To create the page and its accompanying video we set about rewaxing an old, much loved Barbour, using the Thornproof Dressing. This comes in a fairly small tin and needs to be stood in hot water to soften the wax before proceeding.

We used a new sponge (an old one may crumble and leave bits behind) although with hindsight a cloth would have been a better option. The sponge was, naturally, very absorbent and we soon discovered that a little wax goes a long way! It is also advised that you re-wax in a warm place, likely because in cooler atmospheres the wax begins to solidify on the jacket much more quickly, making it much more difficult and time consuming to rub the wax into the fabric.

Despite the minor teething problems, we found the home re-waxing process straight-forward and easy, with great results and we would certainly recommend trying your hand at it!

Putting the jacket to some good use first!

Cleaning before re-waxing

Softening the Thornproof Dressing

Working the dressing into the fabric

Picnic Recipes

Our beautiful Joules Picnic Bags, Cool Bags and Picnic Rugs are proving exceptionally popular! So, we can only assume there'll be lots of al-fresco dining going on this summer. This got us thinking about our favourite picnic foods and, in this blog, we've scoured the web for some delicious and inspiring recipes for you to try!

It's just not a picnic without scotch eggs! Here's two recipes for a vegetarian, Falafel Scotch Egg and Heston's traditional Scotch Egg.

Great British Pork Pies with Piccalilli and Summer Sausage Rolls, from BBC Good Food. 

We love these light and tasty Ham and Asparagus Rolls with Lemon Dressing and Tortilla makes a great picnic addition. 

Healthy options include Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Brie on Rye Bread and Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Two delicious Scone recipes include Cheddar and Sage Scones and Mediterranean inspired Feta, Olive and Sunblushed Tomato Scones.

And, finally, who could forget the Pimms! The perfect summer refresher, nothing too complicated here > http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pimms

And if you've not seen them yet, here's a peek at the gorgeous Picnic Range from Joules...

                          Picnic Rucksack                          Cool Bag                                   Picnic Blanket

Glamorous Camping Holiday in the UK

Relaxing in the rural idyll of the British countryside is arguably one of the best ways to spend those long, hazy summer days. Whether you are heading to the coast, country or a festival, one thing is certain- the view will be much sunnier from a glam-camp (glamp) site!

Glamping is the long overdue solution to the problem of leaky, windswept tents, cramped living space and cold showers. Whatever your taste or requirement there is bound to be a glam option for you; from rustic farms to modern pods, made-over camper vans to Bedouin inspired bell tents, you are sure to find the perfect retreat for your family, group or romantic getaway.

For Couples

We love this beautiful glamping site in the Black Mountains of Wales (near Abergavenny); Gabriel's Yurt  is a beautifully designed and crafted Turkomen Yurt boasting a magical, secluded location with awe inspiring views across rolling meadows. Providing the comfort of a brass framed double bed, cosy sofa and wood burning stove alongside a separate yurt for cooking and dining and a modern shower and washroom facility, with plenty of beautiful outdoor space. With stunning natural beauty to discover and top restaurants and pubs nearby, this is a perfect romantic hideaway!

Visit > http://www.beneath-the-stars.co.uk/gabriels-yurt-black-mountains-herefordshire.shtml

For Families

Situated in the heart of the peaceful North Shropshire countryside, Lipley Farm is the ideal rural retreat for families. This working dairy farm gives children the chance to meet the farm animals and learn about how they are cared for. Private chicken coops give you the chance to collect your own eggs and the farm's larder is stocked for your convenience. The cosy tents offer a woodburning stove for heating and cooking, with pots, pans, cutlery and bed linen all provided. The surrounding area offers beautiful scenery and the campsite backs onto woodland. For the adventurous, a 40 metre zip wire has recently been added to keep the children entertained! A pleasant 40 minute walk over the fields will take you to the nearby village of Cheswardine where you can sample local ales and the beautiful scenery and towns of Shropshire are waiting to be discovered.

Visit > http://www.featherdown.co.uk/farm/lipley-farm.html

For Groups

Imagine taking a fun holiday with friends with the freedom of the open road! Taking a road trip to the coast, touring around points of interest or stopping off at a festival. The long-time favourite of the carefree traveller - the VW Campervan is the symbol of life on the road and summer is the perfect time to pack up and head out on exciting road trip with friends. The Vintage Wandering Company, based in Cambridge, offers you the chance to go exploring in one of their beautifully restored VW Campers. Fully equipped with all you need including fridge, cooker, beds, hammocks, radio and traditional games with many more optional extras!

Visit > http://ukglampingholidays.co.uk/vintage-vw-campervan-hire-cambridgeshire/

For Festivals

If you want to indulge this festival season ditch the tent and discover Suite Huts - www.suitehuts.com - the ultimate in event accommodation. Arriving flat packed at the event and assembled into custom built log cabins complete with ensuite bathroom, shower, loo, heating, hot water, fridge, kettle and TV/ DVD player with iPod docking station, they can sleep either two or four people. Who wants to be cold, wet and muddy when there are luxury little pods like this!

Visit > www.suitehuts.com