So… Something I’ve been wanting to do is my monthly favourites. I’m talking why fave foods, places, TV shows, films, books and just all that I’ve loved that month. So this post is all about things I’ve been loving in September.
Food & drink
So, the all important food and drink! The most popular of my favourites of course. Since I’m vegan, I love finding new options to eat from different brands and since the vegan community is still growing, there are tonnes of new brands and options. It’s an exciting time to be vegan!
My first few are of course, seasonal treats from Costa. Honestly Costa may as well be my second home. The aromas are heavenly, the coffee is good and the food is delicious, plus now for Autumn, they have these spooky vegan biscuits. A spooky shortbread ghost and a creepy gingerbread cat!
Moving onto the savoury options. I have really enjoyed making some hearty salads. It’s bizarre because we are reaching the cold weather seasons and yet I’m enjoying salads. I guess I like adding a warm element though, so we’re on the right track! I’ve been loving adding some plant based coleslaw and potato salad in to just add extra flavour and give it a bit more heart and soul.
To add some oomph, I’ve been using vegan mock meat like ‘squeaky bean’ chargrilled steak and cajun chicken to my salads. They are super tasty but are an acquired taste.
These three below are some tasty finds in Aldi and Tesco. Of course my shopping per month is full of bits but these are some of the newer and most faves of mine. We have the ‘Plant Menu’ range including the ‘No chicken Katsu’ bakes from Aldi; Delicious, slightly spiced bakes. We then have the Tesco ‘Plant Chef’ no duck spring rolls which were so tasty. Playing it safe but keeping a golden oldie, I’ve loved these hearty ‘Pukka’ vegan pies with a good dollop of mash and veg! (Mouth watering)
Places I've been
So, for a friends birthday I booked a surprise escape room and the one I found was Houdini’s Escape room in Star City. We decided to do the Temple Raider game which would so cool. We worked together to make our way through the rooms and it was so intriguing and fun!
Independent Birmingham Food Festival –
One of my absolute favourite things that I have done during September is going to the Independent Birmingham Food festival with good friends! It was held at Aston Hall which is a gorgeous location and had so many amazing stalls, small businesses and incredible food from around Birmingham.
Bella Italia –
For a work meal during September, we went to Bella Italia. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been and I must say, the vegan options are great and the experience is unforgettable with the robots that take food and drink to tables! I had the vegan spaghetti bolognese and a cookie dough dessert and both were very tasty and delicious.
Costa –
Although this is more of an every month favourite, I adored Costa coffee trips after the school run. An oat chai latte, vegan sausage bap and a biscoff loaf slice did me well for many mornings during September. What a way to start the day?!
Flower and garden centres –
During September I did my first flower arrangement for my best friends nan’s funeral so we had to go around looking for flowers and decorations for the flowers. We came across a lovely little garden centre and it was transitioning into the Autumn stock which was just beautiful!
TV & film
Devil in Ohio –
This series was one we were excited to start whilst we were looking for a horror or something creepy to sit and enjoy. We were looking for a film but came across the ‘Devil in Ohio’ series and were interested by the topic and concept of the show. We did finish watching it in October but we started in September and it quickly became a favourite of ours. I personally connect to the main character played by Emily Deschanel. She is a psychiatrist and foster carer who takes on a patient who has escaped a cult. It’s interesting, creepy and does make you feel on edge at times. I wouldn’t call it scary as such but it’s definitely a great watch during a dark Autumn evening when you want something to make you feel some occasional goosebumps!
Books
Hannibal by Thomas Harris
During September I have been reading ‘Hannibal’ by Thomas Harris. Hannibal is one of my favourite book and general series and universes. I started by reading ‘The Silence of the lambs’ and then watching the modern ‘Hannibal’ series, followed by reading ‘Red Dragon’. I then immediately started reading the ‘Hannibal’ book. I haven’t got all too far into it at the moment due to having limited time, but it’s one I’ve been enjoying during September.
Games
Slime Rancher 2 –
I don’t usually play many new games as I’m not confident with controls and my abilities but Slime Rancher is one of my favourite games. It’s simple, easy to control and genuinely looks beautiful, so when Slime Rancher 2 came out I was soooooo excited! We instantly got it and started playing it. It’s so nostalgic, cosy and calming but you do have to really graft in it too which keeps it interesting. It’s still in Beta at the moment so it’s not the finished piece and will be having updates, ones of which I can’t wait to see.
I hope you have enjoyed my monthly faves. Let me know what you loved in September.
Stay wonderful!
