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Joanna Payne

Based in Somerset, Joanna runs Adventures and Tea Parties, a handmade brand and creative lifestyle blog. She has an addiction to cheese, music, and tea and is particularly fond of bird watching. She is always up for trying out new things. In the past she has done a course in dj-ing (vinyl, not cds!), sock knitting and contemporary dancing. One of her proudest moments was when her contemporary dance teacher hugged her after she completed, what Joanna likes to call, the “scissor routine” with such gusto that she nearly crashed into the wall. When she’s not crashing into walls, she also does a mean impression of both Mick Jagger and Silvio (Sopranos).

A few questions about nice things...

Who do you most admire?

My Mum has inspired me ever since I was little. I love how her glass is always half full, whatever life throws at her. She is adventurous, artistic, sociable, generous, loving, determined and is the funniest mimic I know! She is also an amazing friend, as well as an amazing Mum. If I could make this mix of qualities into fairy dust, I’d sprinkle it over everyone!

What are your favourite possessions?

One of my favourites is Harry the Hare, who is a hare teddy bear that my brother gave me when I was born. He wears dungarees and a waist coat and he’s lived with me ever since.

Tell us about your perfect day or weekend...

My perfect weekend would start with having some freshly brewed coffee and scrambled eggs on toast, whilst listening to Radio 6. On this sunny but not too hot day, I’d jump on my bike, with a picnic in the basket, my trusty camera and the need for adventure! The cycle route would be carefree but would include finding a beautiful tree to sit under and eat my picnic. After day dreaming a few hours away, I would cycle off to find a scrumptious looking fruit and veg market, where I’d stock up on loads of gorgeous, fresh produce. This would be followed by some tea and cake (carrot or coffee) at a vintage inspired coffee shop. Feeling happy and content, I’d go home to put on my glad rags and head out to meet friends for tapas and cava. With feet itching to dance, we would all head off to a Northern Soul club and dance until the sun rose. And to top it all off, I wouldn’t be tired the next day. Instead I would spend the day feeding my creative urges; designing, sewing, writing and photographing. I would then cook up a lovely recipe for family and friends with all the fresh market food and have the prospect of no work on Monday. That would be the perfect weekend!

What makes you happiest?

Lots of things but the four things that spring to mind are:

Being in a creative zone and the buzz that follows from it.

Laughing hysterically with my best friends.

Chatting for hours with my Mum.

Music – both listening and dancing to it.

What would you like to do in the future?

I would love to write a book and grow enough fruit and veg to feed myself all year round.

MY FAVOURITE PLACES TO SEE & DO, EAT & DRINK, GO & STAY...