Greetings! Welcome to the monthly 'My Favourite Things'. September is back to more of a normal routine after the summer, which I miss so much already. I'm writing this looking out of the window - it's pouring with rain and I have a hot water bottle under my jumper. I refuse to put the heating on just yet though! Here's to cosy nights in and beautiful autumnal scenes.
Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk.
IN SEPTEMBER I HAVE BEEN...
VISITING
Sometimes we tend not to visit places that are 'on our doorstep', but I saw a course on how to make your own Kimchi at the Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight and had to take part. Kimchi is basically fermented shredded/cut up veg and is packed with probiotics and heathy organisms that your gut loves - it's soooo good for you!
Whilst I was there, I indulged in black garlic chocolate ice cream made by Minghella (also made on the Isle of Wight!). It was fantastic. The Garlic Farm have a fabulous array of delicious dips and sauces, which you can try before you buy. I tried them all! The garlic mayo with black garlic and lemon was my favourite (my breath was precious). They have an online shop here if you don't want to miss out.
There is a charity that started in 2015 on the Island called The Wight Brainy Bunch. It was set up by Mark Grimes and his wife, Kathryn, when Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Realising that very little funding and support was available on the Island, they set up the charity to support families going through a similar journey.
Their big yearly fundraiser is Warrior Festival, and this year it was held at the recently closed venue, Robin Hill (the Bestival used to be here a few years ago too!). Robin Hill now has new owners, so this was the first event held here in some time.
Warrior Festival is a music event with tribute bands featuring Queen, Muse, Tom Jones, Nirvana, Artic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters - it was absolutely brilliant!! Mark and Kat worked so hard to make this festival happen, and I will definitely be back next year! Here is their website if you'd like to read more about the charity.
WEARING
I have two (new) favourites this month, one is lion themed, and the other is spooky mushroom themed! My youngest daughter helped me to create a video for it below; a very 'off the cuff' production, but that's the beauty of it. Designed by me, made on the Isle of Wight from sustainable organic cotton!
WATCHING
Stranger Things - I know season 5 isn't out yet, but I wanted to introduce my eldest to one of the best series' I've ever seen. We're literally at the end of season 4, and I can not WAIT to see the next chapter (2025 I think). There's literally not one bad/boring episode in the whole thing. I give ST 9/10! Watch it on Netflix.
DESIGNING
This month is a 'work in progress' month. As I was fortunate enough to take some time out in August for the holidays, I am attending to my wonderful clients who were in contact with me during that time and working through their briefs.
I'm currently building a website for a lovely lady who is quite well-known in the 'natural skincare and well-being' industry, and working on a re-brand for an Island-based company who are well known for being 'fun guys'... more will be revealed when the projects are signed off!
In the meantime, here are a couple of brand visual identities I have worked on recently.
FOLLOWING
Most people have heard of the wonderful Liz Earle Skincare, but I recently found Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram here, where the fabulous Liz talks about all things heath and wellness.
The account is aimed at all ages, but has lots of helpful tips and tricks for the women who are around the 'fabulous and forty+' age, which is me next year! The older I become... no, the wiser I become, the more I realise that exercise and movement is paramount for a better mental flow, and when I stuff my face (I love food, so much!) I am more considerate with what I consume, and how it will effect my health.
Don't get me wrong, I do love to indulge and am rather partial to a cocktail or two on the weekends, but this body needs to be nourished and looked after. But not so much on the weekends...
MAKING
JOYS OF BANANA SKINS!
This may sound random, but banana skins are fantastic for two things (many things actually, but two for now):
- Get the inside of the banana skin and rub it on your face in the morning. Leave it for 10-odd minutes, then wash off with water. @mymategingerkate (Tiktok or Insta) introduced me to this magic. It's good for moisturising the skin, and the enzymes act as a 'nature's botox', which helps reduce fine lines. Who knew! To be really savvy, add a couple of thiny sliced cucumber halves under your eyes to help with puffiness. You're welcome. 
- Once you've finished with your banana skins, pop them in a large pot and fill it with boiling water (top up with cold if you need to). Leave it a day or two to infuse. The water will turn brown-ish and look gross, but trust the process. Take your banana liquid and water your plants with it. I have always struggled to keep plants thriving, however this is a game changer!
Can't believe it's nearly October... my birthday month yippee! Presents are welcome, I like cheese, red wine and adventures. See you when I'm older. Lovelove x
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