Being England, it alternated between cold, lashing rain and somewhere that resembled the French Riviera. However, we found plenty of really awesome things to do, apart from eating and drinking, whatever the weather was doing, so I am putting this destination on my "great places to go out of season" along with Rye, Hastings and, of course, Brighton where I live!  

Have you noticed that when there's a a major change of season, we often feel the urge to de-clutter our wardrobes, offices & homes? A good many of us also like to de-clutter our bodies at the same time. I'm one of them. Every Spring and Autumn Equinox I try and do a longer fast than normal. it's a naturopathic thing I have done since training as a Nutritionist, oh so long ago. 

I haven't been to Ibiza since the late 70's, because my parents lived in Majorca, right next door.  So, in need of sun, sea, and siestas, I booked myself in for a 5-day mini-break in September, to see if I still liked The White Island, thinking it would be off-season.  It wasn't.  It was still busy and pricey BUT I have never eaten such healthy & delicious food, the weather was perfect, and, frankly, the Island ticked nearly every box for this fussy traveler. I had one of my best solo mini-breaks ever!  

If you're a regular reader, you'll know how much I love trying out new recipes.  Especially Jamie Oliver's recipes. I love him!  He's so enthusiastic and cares so much about the health of the nation that I always check his site online if I have something to cook and am not sure how to do it.  And this one's healthy, quick & oh so tasty.

We were unlucky, for my first Goodwood Revival, torrential rain showers, wind & mud on the first day of this famous 3 day Festival!  Everyone dresses in vintage for this important date in the calendar - some wisely put carrier bags around their vintage shoes!  So glad I took my 50s coat and wore little pink socks to keep my footsies warm.  As for my hair, the gorgeous housewife curls I had done especially for the day, drooped within a couple of hours!

This summer I, plus one, was invited by the Bournemouth Tourist Office to spend a couple of days in the jewel of Britain's South Coast.  My parents used to holiday in Bournemouth, in the 50s, so I have wonderful memories of playing on the lovely sandy beach there. And hot summers|!  Despite living in pebbly Brighton, down the road, I still go back whenever I can. The last time was a couple of years ago, on my own, to see Noel Gallagher in concert. More on that trip here.