Something Sweet

I'm more of a savoury fan then sweet, but it's always nice to have something sweet to nibble on, especially as school finished today for half term.

Yummy cup cakes... just needing a little extra something...

So sweet...

Lovely with a nice cup of tea,  beautifully light... and very sweet.

Have a lovely weekend

Take care
xxx

A Happy Birthday

It seems to have come around even quicker... another birthday, another year older and we never need an excuse to have another lovely family day together.

My birthday fell on a Saturday this year so we were able to all spend the day together. I was very spoilt with lots of presents, though the best part is all being able o spend quality time with each other. We had a lovely afternoon in Sigglesthorne, a spot of lunch and a wander around the garden centre. 

Beautiful flowers

I also had lots of other goodies I must take pictures of. 

We had a birthday party tea with party hats and followed by party games at the table.

Mitzi is doing well after her op. When she went back a couple of days after for her follow up she had a bit of a temperature so has been taking antibiotics, last day today though and everything seems to be healing well.

Every time I tried to take her photo, she has such a pretty face, she just turned away! I tried to bribe her with treats, but she ate them then just sniffed about for more!

Take care

xxx

A Cosy Day

We finally have some snow up here in East Yorkshire. I can appreciate it from the warmth and cosiness of indoors unlike my sweet Imogen who wasn't quite as impressed as she had to walk and slide to school in it, and Hubby said the roads weren't too good on his way into work, though fine (except for our little street) by the time he came home.

Our priority was keeping ourselves warm today, lots of snuggling up

Doesn't everyone look cosy...

Little Mitzi (above) is booked in to be spayed tomorrow, so lots of extra cuddles today!

A little cosy crochet too for a little one to keep her warm in this wintery weather. I love how quick it is to whip up baby items, I wish I'd been able to crochet when my children were babies.

Keep warm & take care
xxx

Warming Winter Food

We had such a mild winter last year and it was looking as though this year was going to be the same... then the snow arrived. Or so we've been told... it seems to have snowed over almost the whole country except us! We had a few flakes, but nothing that's really settled. The main problem has been the horrendous gale force winds, our poor greenhouse has taken a real bashing!

It is feeling chilly though and it's nice to come home to something warming after being out in the cold.

Last night we finished what was left from the stew from the night before. Lots of hearty vegetables and I made some dumplings to help make it go a bit further on a second day.

This is my beautiful new pot that I treated myself to before Christmas. I find myself just looking at it and feeling happy, can you tell how much I love it!

No dumplings for me as I'm not very keen, but hubby enjoyed them. The pictures aren't their best due to the steam coming from the pot!

Today was a leftovers day too, one of our favourites. I had some gammon left from earlier in the week and it needed using. Chopped it up and popped it in a dish with some leeks and potatoes.

Then I made a basic white sauce (flour, butter and milk) and added some ground black pepper and a little mature cheese. I'm trying to use pepper as often as I can, I do like it, but have heard it's good for high blood pressure... anything that helps!

After pouring the sauce over the dish making sure all the contents are covered, I brushed some beaten egg around the rim and covered the dish with pastry. Good covering of egg to help crisp up, over the top and a couple of slits to let the steam escape.

About 20 minutes in the oven.

It was delicious with some peas and mash.

Warm tummies to fight off the wintery cold outside.

Take care
xxx

I Think I'm Regressing!

I think it may be official, I'm slipping back into my childhood, but do you know what... I don't mind in the slightest if it means I get to play with my toys!

My latest find from our local hospice shop is a beautiful little pram with a doll. I have to say I was far more excited about the pram even though it had a horrible stale smoke odour to it.

As with anything 'new' coming into the house, it had to be checked out by other family members

My first job was to remove any fabric and wash it straight away. There was a sweet little 'silk' pillow and cover included too, but they were frayed beyond repair... and I'm looking forward to making some new ones.

After a good wipe down and with freshly laundered bedding, the smell had vanished and it was looking beautiful

I thought it was just the time to make a doll to sit in it, out with the crochet hook, and here's Mindy

I'm very pleased with her. She has a hat, dress, knickers and maryjane shoes all matching with sweet little bunny buttons

She didn't take long to make, though it took a bit of patience to hook each strand of hair in individually, but worth it.

My list of thing I want to make this year is already so long, what sre other people planning for this year?

Take care
xxx

Christmas Tree and a New Game

Christmas has arrived at our house. Perhaps a little early, but we couldn't wait any longer to see the twinkling lights, all the pretties and decor recor rations, Adam's name for them (his 26 now) when he was little and it seems to have stuck!

The weekend was spent bringing all the exciting trinkets from the loft, retelling of tales from Christmases past, remembering stories that go alongside some of the decorations.

 Imogen filled her traditional role, placing the fairy on top of the tree

The Christmas countdown calendar is up and counting down, Advent calendars have been opened... I catch myself humming... 'it's the most wonderful time of the year...' I do love the build up to Christmas!

In case any one is looking for a new game to play at Christmas, I can definitely recommend Pandemic. We bought it a couple of weeks ago... and haven't beaten it yet!

You play together as a team, which makes a nice change from games where you compete against each other. The world has been infected with 4 virus' and it's your job to cure them before time runs out.

It's for 2 to 4 players, the more players, the better chance you have of winning. The game says from age 8 upwards, Imogen's 12 and really enjoys it. There's quite a bit to it, but once you've worked out the rules, it's not difficult... well the playing isn't, but as I said, we've yet to beat it!

I shall end with a picture of our little Gary. He watched over all the Christmas decorating with his front paws crossed, looking very regal and handsome.

Take care
xxx

My Fair Daughter

What a wonderful evening I've had this evening. I've spent the time snuggled up on the sofa with my beautiful 12 year old daughter. The fire was glowing and there was a box of chocolates as we sat together (dearest husband too) singing along to and watching My Fair Lady.

Imogen hadn't seen it before, though already is rather fond of Audrey Hepburn. She recognised many of the songs and joined in with my warbling.

We've decided we might make it a regular night, a musical night... sounds good to me!

Take care
xxx

Huggy Crochet

Goodness me, I appear to have gone from one extreme to another... I think this is my fourth day of writing a post! It's a bit late in the day and I shall be toddling upstairs very shortly, but thought I'd just drop by quickly to say hello and wish you a happy and safe bonfire night.

We haven't celebrated this year, I've spent the evening on the sofa with the dogs. They aren't too fussed by the bangs, but it's nice for them to have the security of having us close by.

Another Christmas present ready to be put away (though only until next month... cripes).

It's a cheeky devil from a book my darling husband bought for me (from my amazon wish list) a while ago.

Nice simple patterns, many using the same basic arm, body and leg design. They don't take too long to make and are a nice size for a gift. I think I have my eye on the monkey next, aren't they cute!

I've had a quiet day today (except for the constant bang from the fireworks), I think I may go to our local knit and natter tomorrow as Imogen has after school commitments so I won't need to rush home.

Take care
xxx