april showers

Spring has sprung. Warm sunshine and blue skies on at least two days prove it. Today however was a washout. Cold, windy with endless pelting rain. The wood burner warmed us up from early morning and the little ones and I planned some April fun.

This month we're celebrating the birthdays of our eldest and littlest. We're hoping to see a carpet of blue in the bluebell woods. We're planning to answer the call of the sea. We're hoping to enjoy a picnic on the lough shore.

We've crossed our fingers that the sun will shine and that the rain will disappear, so we can enjoy these long days of spring. 

What about you, what are your April plans? 

brownies for my loves

Valentine's Day is celebrated quietly in our home. A card for my love, a bunch of tulips for me and some home baked treats for our little loves.

On Saturday, I baked brownies. The most indulgent, fudgiest brownies you can imagine. They are so delicious it would be a crime not to share the recipe with you.

Brownies (makes 16)

Ingredients

170g butter

200g caster sugar

100g soft dark brown sugar

100g cocoa powder

50g flour

1tsp vanilla extract

pinch of salt

3 large eggs

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease and line a 20x20cm deep baking tin. 

Melt the butter over a medium heat until it turns golden brown. Leave aside to cool slightly. Beat the two sugars and the eggs together. Add the vanilla extract and melted butter and beat until they form a smooth batter.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder and salt a little at a time and fold in gently. The ingredients will gradually come together into a thick mixture. 

Fill the prepared cake tin with the brownie mix. Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test with a skewer. There should be a few crumbs on the skewer when they are ready. Be careful not to overbake or they will lose their chewy texture. Allow to cool on a rack. When cool, cut into 16 squares and enjoy.

Joining in with the #abakefortheweekend and #createmakeshare hashtags.

late winter days

This morning we were awakened by sunshine streaming through our bedroom windows. An unusual occurrence this wet, grey and stormy winter. An opportunity to get outdoors. One we didn't want to miss. So we took off exploring, searching for signs of spring. We were perhaps a little eager, as this far north it seems everything is a little slow in stirring from the long sleep of winter.

But, we happily found signs that spring may well be on its way and that these precious late winter days deserve to be savoured too. It was cold and bright, and the sun shone warm on occasion. We listened to birdsong and marvelled at the tiny wonders of nature. Beautiful blue skies and wispy clouds were a pretty backdrop to the bare branches just beginning to bud. And we discovered a carpet of snowdrops in full bloom. 

Tomorrow we're hoping to go adventuring again. This time to the coast. Fingers crossed we wake up to sunshine streaming through the windows again.

simple pleasures

Just a few of the simple things making me smile lately. 

: :     Bright blue skies and birds singing.

: :     Her joie de vivre. Her feet never seem to touch the ground.

: :     Top knot. The current style of choice. So perfectly pretty.

Joy can be found everyday if we just take a moment to look around and find it. I know January can be a struggle sometimes, but just appreciating fleeting moments and simple pleasures might help shorten this long winter month.

So what's making you smile lately? I'd love to know.

beginnings

So 2016 is already under way. Like last year I have some good intentions to live by. Resolutions don't feature in my welcoming of the new year. I simply don't enjoy the pressure. 

Last year, I intended to live simply, take time to slow down and enjoy the everyday. To enjoy special moments and simple pleasures. And I'm pleased to say I had a lot of fun doing just that. 

This year, I want to continue exploring, learning and adventuring. Enjoying experiences and availing of opportunities as they arise. 

A lyric from a song by Kacey Musgraves has been playing around and around in my head recently. 'Follow your arrow, wherever it points.' This year I will be doing exactly that. I'm excited to see where it will lead me. 

Wishing you all a wonderful 2016 and thank you for stopping by to read my ramblings. I really appreciate your company. 

life lately and a christmas wish

Life lately has been all about festive making, foraging, woodland walks, decking the halls, celebrating solstice and enjoying the welcome glimpses of sunshine.

The little ones finished school last Friday for the holidays. We have been enjoying a slow build up to the big day. Tonight though, excitement levels are considerably higher. In fact, I think there is a real danger someone may spontaneously combust. Reindeer food has been liberally sprinkled on the lawn to guide Santa on his way and three stockings are hanging by the stairs. All that's left to do, is to get snuggled into bed for a Christmas bedtime story. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas full of love and laughter.

first snow

This Saturday morning, we were awakened by excited squeals of pure delight. "Mammy, Mammy, snow! Its snowed! Daddy, look its snowed." Our little ones were so excited. Noses pressed against the windows as they marvelled at the winter wonderland outside. They couldn't wait to get out into the snow to play. 

After wrapping up warm they raced out into their winter playground. Little snowmen were built, snowballs were thrown and snow angels were made. They stayed outside until they couldn't stand the cold any longer. 

Hot chocolate beside the stove, warmed tingling fingers and toes. The snow is now all but gone. Minus temperatures meant frost this morning, but milder temperatures are forecast for the week ahead. Hopefully the snow will return again and another fun day will be on the cards. 

goodbye november

Goodbye November, as you disappear for another year. You've been fun. Bringing many days to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Hours spent outside kicking through the fallen leaves, exploring, playing and making music in the woods.

For every calm day, there was a stormy one to balance it. Days for curling up by the fire, building dens, baking, and crafting the day away.

A month to savour. The calm before the storm. December arrives tomorrow. And with it, the excitement of Christmas. I'm looking forward to some festive fun. How about you?

dark days

This weekend, the dark and grey days have reflected my feelings. The horror of the events in Paris on Friday night, brought home all too clearly the cruel reality of the world we live in. It saddens me to imagine the world in which our little ones will grow up.

I only hope kindness, love and compassion prevail.

autumn weekending

Autumn week-ending here invariably means a visit to the woods. Saturday was a busy day, with the inevitable birthday party for a school friend. As an aside, I always seem to wind up exhausted after these parties. Though I'm not really sure why, as it mainly involves sitting around watching children run riot. Anyway, I digress.

Today we were more than happy to switch things down a level, get outside and commune with nature. We took advantage of the time change and set off early to Florence Court. We searched for horse chestnuts, collected leaves and played pooh sticks. We had a paddle in the stream and made it rain leaves. We had a pitstop for warm apple juice and biscuits and made friends with two springer spaniels.

Back home after our adventure, we cosied up, lit the stove and enjoyed roast chicken for dinner. These autumn days are my favourite. How about you? How do you like to spend autumn days?

simple pleasures

A record of the simple things bringing pleasure to my life lately. Life's little happenings that are making me smile.

: :    Our eldest's love of nature. It's infectious.

: :    Blue skies and feathery fronds.

: :    Soup season and warming bowls of goodness.

The small tortoiseshell butterfly was rescued from a spiders web by our biggest boy. Its wing was damaged, so he carefully carried it around the garden for over an hour until it recovered and flew off. He really respects all living things and seems to instinctively know how the natural world functions. I wonder sometimes where his interest will lead him. Good places, I expect.

These photos are taken from my Instagram account. IG is a great way to record moments from the everyday, so the pictures seem to suit my simple pleasures posts. Apologies for the repetition if you've seen them before. If not, you can find me there at thelinencloud, should you fancy a peep. 

So, for now, happy hump day, the weekend is in sight.

eight

Happy birthday to our little man. Eight years ago, he arrived into the world right on cue. He has bounced around since. Bringing fun and happiness to our everyday.

The mischeivous sparkle in his eye and his comic timing, have us in stitches. He is full of kindness. A really great friend. 

And in the quiet still moments, I can see the big boy he's becoming. And I'm so proud.

Tonight we are going out for pizza. And on the weekend, there will be a birthday party with cake and treats.

Happy birthday to our lovely boy. We love you very much.

apple butterscotch pudding

A little over a month ago, I baked Apple Butterscotch Pudding. Today, for the third time, the little ones requested it for dessert. It is definitely a winner. The kind of pudding childhood memories are made of.

I have no doubt it will become an autumn staple over the coming years. Warming, sticky and sweet. An easy favourite.

apple butterscotch pudding

ingredients

2 large cooking apples, peeled and chopped into cubes

125g self-raising flour

1/4 tsp salt

200g brown sugar

100g butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

200ml milk

2 tbsp golden syrup

150ml boiling water

method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
Spread the chopped apples in an even layer on the bottom of a medium sized oven proof dish.
Melt the butter gently and leave aside to cool.
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and stir in half of the sugar.
In a jug, mix the milk, egg, vanilla extract and melted butter.
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and whisk to bring together into a loose batter.
Pour the batter evenly over the apples.
Make a syrup by placing the remaining sugar, golden syrup and boiling water in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and dissolve the sugar.
Pour the syrup over the batter mixture in the dish. The syrup will gradually sink into the apples and batter, creating a butterscotch sauce beneath the sponge.
Bake for 40 minutes in the oven until the top is browned and slightly springy.

This pudding is best served warm with your preference of custard, fresh cream or ice cream. Although thinking about it now, there's no reason you couldn't have all three. I won't tell.

The recipe is adapted from Rachel Allen's Everyday Kitchen cookbook, a collection of delicious recipes for family mealtimes.

Wishing you all a lovely week. I hope you enjoy the pudding if you find time to give it a go.

hello october

October. Morning fog gave way to a beautiful, bright day. Washing dried on the line, billowing in the light breeze. I enjoyed my lunch on the patio, soaking up the sunshine. The little ones played in the golden evening light. We watched the sunset setting the sky alight. A precious day savoured.

My beloved autumn, in full swing. I'm relishing this change of season. The promise of falling leaves, cosy jumpers, happy hours curled up by the fire, cup of tea in hand, enjoying a good book. And those beautiful first frosts. Just perfect.

I'm delighted to be back here in my little corner of blogland after an impromptu break. Two months is a long time. Life has been busy and I felt like I lost my way for a bit. But I love this space, and so I will be rambling here for the foreseeable future. Hopefully you'll come along for the ride.

And to the lovely Annie at Fable & Folk, a big thank you for the kick up the proverbial I needed. Pay her a visit, if you haven't already. She's all kinds of wonderful.

simple pleasures

Wishing goodbye to July. A few snapshots of the simple things bringing happiness my way. A moment in time, to celebrate the joy in the everyday.

: :    Precious time spent outdoors with my wildlings. 

: :    Happy mail, full of gifts from new friends.

: :    Indulging my love of photography.

July has been a joy. We've had fun times, filing away memories to enjoy again. I'm hoping August brings its share of good times. Fingers crossed for a heatwave. 

bloom in the park

Late May, and my birthday sailed around again. My mum offered to look after the little ones for the day, so we made the most of it, deciding to visit Bloom in the Park in Dublin.

Bloom is a four day gardening festival, which showcases the best Irish garden design alongside innovative Irish food producers. We spent the day gaining inspiration from the impressive show gardens, admiring the beautiful blooms around every corner and savouring the delicious food on offer.

Unsurprisingly one of my favourite areas was the craft village. There were so many lovely products to covet. I couldn't resist a beautiful plant pot from KaroArt, a very talented ceramic artist based in Dublin. Her Etsy shop is a delight.

As the day drew to a close we decided to leave before the traffic jams inevitably swallowed us up. It was a good decision. We escaped the bedlam, stopping off for dinner on the way home.

A lovely day, well spent. I think we may already have a plan for my next birthday.