Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Beadnell Bay - Northumberland



On an impulse last week Sat Nav (Gloria) and I set off for Beadnell Bay...blame it on the sunshine :-) We've had so little of it this summer so thought we'd take the opportunity to go to the beach. We packed our bags but had nowhere to stay. No problem, we'll find somewhere, said I, always the optimist.

We arrived in Seahouses around 4pm for fish, chips and mushy peas...and believe it or not, we didn't have jet lag!

My trusty mobile phone found us a gem of a 5* palace in Beadnell Bay called Beadnell Beach Guesthouse and the beach WAS just a few steps from our door.


Ellen with (white) Beadnell Beach Guesthouse behind her.

I can't praise Bob and Kath (owners) enough. This is a little haven of tranquility and luxury. An absolute find for us and we will definitely be back. Comfortable, ultra clean, peaceful, brilliant breakfasts with a fab view of the bay while you eat. Add to that the warm and welcoming personalities of Kath and Bob and you have Utopia. 

Beadnell Bay Harbour at Sunset
Beadnell Bay Sunset
These are some of the other places we visited. We were lucky to have brilliant sunshine and there was warmth to it. Although Craster harbour was a tad windy.

Lindisfarne Castle
Budle Bay
Bamburgh Castle
 
Craster Harbour
I'm a sand artist ready for a cup of tea and Kit Kat
Me and my shadow













Beadnell Bay Beach



Ellen Dean Recommends Beadnell Beach Guesthouse


Friday, 28 September 2012

Rosemary Shrager's NEW Absolutely Foolproof Cookbook



Popped in to see Rosemary today and guess what?
 She has a new cookbook out. Yay!
'Absolutely Foolproof'... unless you are called Ellen Dean that is lol! 
I had a look through the book while we chatted and yes Rosemary was smiling
 when she said, 'There are even some recipes in my book you can tackle.' 
 'Yes,' said I, 'possibly. If I could just get over my fear of cookers - they do get so very hot!'

Seriously though, this is another excellent book from Rosemary and you will 
definitely impress your Family and Friends with her recipes.

 I feel a video coming on :-)




Rosemary Shrager’s Absolutely Foolproof Food for Family & Friends is the next best thing to having Rosemary by your side in the kitchen. Rosemary passionately believes that once a few basic techniques are mastered, anyone can cook ANY dish.

With crystal clear instructions for over 20 master recipes and techniques in fantastic photographic detail, plus hints, tips and ideas, and plenty of explanation to take the mystery out of cooking, Rosemary guides you through every stage of preparation, giving you the total confidence you need to achieve perfect results. And once you’ve mastered these – building your repertoire of techniques along the way, you can prepare the 200 classic recipes that follow with ease – and even create your own!

From poultry, meat, fish and game to curing, raised pies, pasta and gnocchi, your dishes will be faultless every time. And whether it’s a casual kitchen supper with the family or an occasion for celebration, Rosemary has a recipe that everyone will enjoy. This is the essential reference book for home cooks everywhere.

Ellen Dean Recommends 

Tuesday, 24 July 2012

Book Signing at Northern Pride - Newcastle-upon-Tyne Saturday 21st July 2012

Wet weather resulted in a change of venue to Exhibition Park for Newcastle's 5th Northern Pride event and no doubt lots of people turned into weather watchers beforehand but we were lucky to be blessed with a fine sunny day ... and the result was a fabulous and colourful event attended by over 20,000 people.

This year Sam Hawkins organised a Women's Tent - a first for this type of thing and not an easy task I can tell you. But you did a great job Sam :-)


Ellen and Sam Hawkins


I was delighted be invited to do a book signing in the Women's Tent where I signed and sold copies of my book Beautiful Strangers. Many thanks to the lovely people who came along to say 'hello' and who bought my book. It was a pleasure to meet you all.


Dani, Morgan and Kerrie


Ellen and Dani


It was great to see Sonia and the Cheeky Girls among the many artists performing at the event. And Dot Ellis sang her heart out in the Women's Tent - what a superb voice Dot :-)


Ellen and Dot Ellis

It was great to catch up with Wendy and the Outpost Team.


Proud to be Patron of Outpost Housing Project


And it was good to finally meet Roweena Russell (official photographer) and Aly Rhodes editor of out!  northeast magazine





All in all Sat Nav, Amy and I (above photos) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and look forward to next year.

Ellen Dean Recommends