goodbye march

March was a good month.  The weather has been changeable but there have been some beautiful skies and welcome sunshine. Spring may well have sprung.

Our garden is wakening up, beginning to unfurl in the warming temperatures.  We are planning our vegetable plot for the year ahead.  Growing things we will definitely eat seems to be the emerging strategy.  We had a bumper crop of Red Mustard last summer.  And absolutely no idea what to do with.  It did produce a lovely yellow flower though.  I am more enlightened now and tempted to grow a small amount this year.  Have you grown it before?

Today was especially mild and the sun shone.  I wandered around the garden after lunch enjoying the warmth.  Green buds are everywhere.  I am looking forward to perfect new green leaves covering the trees and shrubs.  A leaf covered tree. There is real beauty in nature.

Joining in with Annie's 'how does your garden grow?'

simple pleasures

My simple pleasures.  The little things that have made me happy recently.

::   Blue skies.  Not many, but they were beautiful.
::   A day by the sea.  The first of many this year, I hope.
::   A brilliant yellow dandelion.  One of my favourite colours.
::   Echeveria.  The pink tips and how it lifts its leaves to the light.
::   Kitchenella.  From the library.  A good read.

So what's making you smile?

beach combing

St Patrick's Day, our way. A trip to the beach with a picnic. Many happy hours spent running on the beach, an endless playground. Our eldest, his daddy's shadow. Everywhere his father goes, E is sure to follow.  

Kicking and splashing through low tide. Exploring rock pools, investigating under the carpet of seaweed discovering countless cockles, mussels, sea snails and barnacle covered rocks.  

Eventually grey clouds rolled in and with them, rain so we raced back to the car and devoured our picnic. We drove on to Killybegs, Ireland's largest fishing port. The boys loved seeing the huge fishing trawlers up close. We watched the local St Patrick's Day parade before heading for home.  

The little ones are all tucked up fast asleep and I'm exhausted. Must be all the lovely sea air.

the enormous beetroot

The sun came out to play today.  After hanging the washing on the line, I wandered around the garden.  It felt really lovely, if a little alien to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin.  

The sunlight, bright and stark illuminated the garden.  Spring is definitely in the air and signs of new growth are appearing all around.  The ivy weaving its way up the ash tree has sprouted delicate new leaves, small but perfectly formed.  The viburnum continues to bud and flower and the thyme has beautiful coloured new growth, like tiny red flowers.  

The last picture is of an enormous beetroot.  It reminded me of the story of The Enormous Turnip.  I hope this beetroot doesn't need to be pulled and pulled and pulled like the enormous turnip.  

So are you enjoying the new season and the welcome sunshine?

Joining in with Annie's 'how does your garden grow?'

the years in books: march

Oh how I love #theyearinbooks. Laura's project has motivated me to get on with reading again. The pleasure gained from allowing myself to become lost in a book is a delight. 

For my February read I had chosen Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple. I wasn't disappointed. Persephone books are beautiful. And I loved this title. I hadn't read any other books by Dorothy Whipple so had no preconceptions about the story or writing style.

Dorothy Whipple is a very accomplished author. Someone at a Distance is an exceptionally well written tale of the disintegration of a family in the 1950s. The characters are well drawn and I found myself becoming rather attached to them. The author uses sharp observations of men and women of the time and while the novel begins slowly, it quickly becomes so gripping I found it difficult to put down. 

Someone at a Distance is a beautifully written and absorbing novel about adultery, love and sacrifice and how hope shines through in the end. I look forward to reading more books by this wonderful author.

I also started a second book, The Night Rainbow in February which I will finish very soon. I have chosen The Book Thief for my March read. It seems to be everywhere at the moment with the recent release of the film version. I hope its a good one.

As an aside, I'm not sure I am providing you with very useful reviews. I am conscious of not giving away too much of the story, so maybe I am not supplying enough information. This is a result of personal preference. I really dislike knowing too much about a book before beginning reading and so apologies if I seem to be holding back on the details.

Joining in with Laura.

simple pleasures

I've missed recording the simple happy things which have given me pleasure in the everyday.  52 weeks of happy was a great project however when I had completed the year I decided not to continue. Instead I intend to occasionally record my simple pleasures, the little things that make me happy. Enjoying taking a moment to appreciate the simple things.  There has got to be good in that.

::   Tulips.  I love them.

::   Hama bead fun for me as well as the little ones.

::   Lunchtime at the library.

Simple pleasures.  Making me smile.  

signs of spring

Today the sun shone bright. I wandered around the garden hoping to spot signs that spring is on the way.  I'm tired of winter. So it was with much delight, that I found nature awakening from its long winter sleep.

Daffodil buds poked out of the soil surrounding our silver birches. The soil, in part was covered in a carpet of tender stemmed clover.  Catkins danced wildly in the sudden sharp gusts of bitterly cold wind.  And there were clusters of tiny white blooms on the viburnum.  

In the vegetable beds, curly kale, the vegetable that keeps on giving.  It is the sole survivor from last years planting and still provides leafy greens for dinner.  It seemed luminous in the cool sunlight.

Spring is coming.  Of that I am sure.  Are there signs of the changing seasons with you?

Joining in with Annie's 'how does your garden grow?'

oat cookies

So quick, so simple and so delicious.  Oat cookies.  I make these oat biscuits or cookies regularly for the little ones. They are a firm favourite. Great for lunchboxes and after school treats.  And especially good with a cup of tea and your feet up.

oat cookies (makes 16)

ingredients

75g plain flour
75g porridge oats
75g golden caster sugar
75g butter
1 tbsp golden syrup
1/2 tsp baking soda

method

Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius.  Mix the flour, porridge oats, sugar and baking soda in a bowl using a wooden spoon.  Stir well to combine.
Melt the butter and golden syrup together over a gentle heat.  Pour over the dry ingredients and mix again.
The resulting mixture is glossy and quite crumbly.  Take small amounts of the mix and roll into golf ball sized balls and place on a greased baking tray.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and enjoy.

Note: I made these cookies last night and omitted 25g of the sugar.  I consciously try when baking to cut the sugar content a little bit, just to see if we miss it.  The cookies were equally moreish so I will use 50g sugar next time.

Are you a fan of homemade biscuits?

the year in books: february

Joining in with Laura for #theyearinbooks, my choice for February is Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple.

I perused the Persephone catalogue happily for a few hours, eventually settling for this novel. It arrived by post a little while ago and I have loved delving into it.  

For my January read I chose This Perfect World by Suzanne Bugler.  A book from my bookshelf which had gone unread until now.  The novel is well written, tackling the difficult subject of bullying head on.  

The story focuses on Laura, as she enjoys her seemingly blissful existence, that is, until her less than perfect past comes back to haunt her. It is a quick read which is dark and uncomfortable at times.  The story vividly illustrates how perfect existences can collapse like a tower of cards. Whilst I couldn't say that I really liked this book it made interesting, if unsettling reading.  

I am looking forward to my next book and will be having a look through Goodreads to help me choose.

If you fancy joining in or finding inspiration for reading more you can find Laura and lots of lovely bibliophiles here. 

hello february

January wasn't unbearable but I am happy to bid it adieu. I quite enjoy January's calm, after the storm that is Christmas but it has been a long, long month.  I am delighted to welcome February.

We have spent this weekend like most since Christmas, indoors cosied up by the fire.  We venture outside for short bursts of fresh air between rain showers and otherwise only when we really, really have to. Hopefully February will bring longed for bright days with a little sunshine.  I am wishing for a day by the sea. 

In the meantime my winter survival plan involves crafting, reading, baking and stitching. And the certainty that spring will soon be here.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

little wonders of nature

A few photographs of tiny little wonders of nature.  Taken today on a short outing between the showers. I love the colours in these pictures.  Greys, greens and yellows.  Another perfect palette, a gift from nature.

We have planned a home day for tomorrow.  The weather is to be spectacularly bad according to the forecast so we will be content by the fire.  Wishing you all a good day whatever the weather.

weekending

January is a slow month. Mellow after the festive season. No real agendas. Not feeling like you should really be doing something. The long, dark days can seem endless but I quite enjoy the opportunity to cosy up and take it easy.

This weekend I spent Saturday at The Linen Green with a lovely friend.  We set off early in the midst of a dreary fog.  The fog was replaced by rain a little later. Not the most pleasant day but a lot of fun none the less. Browsing the last of the sales and enjoying a long chat over lunch.  Good for the soul.

And today was a lovely day.  We enjoyed a late breakfast, much Lego building, a walk in the woods and a roast chicken dinner. The little ones are now tucked up and I am happily ensconced on the sofa with my feet up, stove lit and content to spend the evening flitting between reading and watching television with Mr F.

Hygge. The Danish word which roughly translates into English as cosiness and perfectly describes my weekend.  Maybe hygge explains why the Danes are often described as the happiest people in the world.

the year in books: january

I have always loved to read. Ever since I was little. Any reading material would do. When I ran out of books, my granny's People's Friend and Ireland's Owns provided me with words to fuel my desire to read.  

My mum who isn't an avid reader, could never understand my love for the written word.  I think it infuriated her that I constantly had my head in a book.  But reading transported me to new and exciting places. Reading provided me with a great escape.

As life took over and time constraints infringed, I have not made time to read my beloved books.  I still read lots of magazines, blogs, craft and cookery books, short bursts to satisfy my love of words.   But not nearly enough books.  

I love the experience of reading.  The smell when you first open a new book. Turning the pages as you become engrossed in the story.  Marking your place with a bookmark until the next opportunity to cosy up and enjoy another few chapters.

I have been perusing the lovely Persephone Catalogue over the weekend, deliberating over which book to choose.  I will make my decision tonight and place an order.  A little gift for me.

I have already started to read This Perfect World, a novel unread on my bookshelf.  Number one of many more books, I hope. 

Linking up with the lovely Laura for #theyearinbooks.  If you love to read you too should visit Laura at the circle of pine trees.  Her blog is beautiful.

I have also opened an account at Goodreads.  You can find me here.

beginnings

A new year.  A new beginning.  I am looking forward to it.  I have no resolutions for the coming year, just good intentions.  Lots of them but mainly to encourage creativity at home, for all of us.

We have begun 2014 indoors.  The weather has been awful.  Cold, wet, stormy days abound.  Days best spent cosied up by the fire.  Crafting, reading, baking and Lego building have kept us busy.

But we have managed to brave the weather for a few bracing walks when there has been brief respite from the storms.  Even just an hour outside blows away the cobwebs and pinks the cheeks.  

We will be packing Christmas away tomorrow.  I always feel a little sad taking down the decorations and boxing them up.  But I also love clearing the way for newness.  I am looking forward to making a few changes to brighten our home in the coming days.  

Wishing you all a wonderful 2014.

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I also wanted to say thank you for your get well wishes.  I am feeling much better.

goodbye december

And so year end.  Twelve garden moodboards.  Our garden has taken a battering from the almost relentless wind and rain.  The playhouse took flight in spectacular fashion on one particularly gusty morning, but has been rescued.  

The trees are skeletal, bare branches stripped of their leaves and bending obediently to the winds strength. The evergreen holly and ivy are virtually the only greenery in the garden.  Some of the bare tree branches are covered in beautiful mint and mustard coloured lichen.  Like little jackets providing warmth against the bitter cold.

December has been a month of two halves for me.  So busy in the run up to Christmas with fun filled festive activities, nativity plays, visiting Father Christmas, Christmas markets and visiting family and friends.  And now a time for rest.  I got a special festive treat this year.  Shingles. Not exactly what I wanted, as you might imagine.  But we had a great Christmas despite it.  

We spent Christmas Day at home, the five of us, taking things at our own pace, our own rhythm.  It was lovely.  My in laws spent Boxing Day with us and tomorrow we are going to my parents for dinner.  

I am feeling a lot better and hope to be well mended very soon. 

Linking up as always with Karin and Asa

merry christmas

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.  I'm off to bed.  I'm sure I just heard sleigh bells.

nature in the home: garlands

Linking up with Lou for her nature in the home series.  I am really late for this weeks theme of garlands but I think I might just have made it.

My garland couldn't be simpler, a string of popcorn.  Golden kernels popped in oil and strung on strong thread.  I used a large sharp needle but I intend to make more garlands with the little ones and will use blunt tapestry needles so they can have a go too.

I imagine it will be a lovely way to spend an afternoon, happily threading and chatting with a ready made snack within easy reach.  Providing we can avoid any puncture wounds.

The garland I made has been draped on our tree and is looking pretty against the red and green.  They make a lovely decoration for the mantel too.

As you probably know by now, I love birds.  I grew up watching my granny ensure that there was always food left out for them in winter.  Continuing this tradition, we will make more popcorn garlands for our feathered friends to hang from the branches of the birch trees in the garden.  A treat for hungry birds in the cold.

Seed cakes are another seasonal make and are a great way to help the birds through the cold frosty days.

Do you feed the birds?

lately

source

Just a quick hello after an impromptu blogging break.  There is no real reason for my lack of posts.  I have been busy with festive commitments and planning. Sometimes life takes over a little.

So this year I have opted for a very gentle Christmas.  I cheated a little and got ahead by sorting Father Christmas last month so have largely ignored the mad rush which seems to have taken hold lately.

We are keeping it simple this year.  Family, friends and good food, the things that have brought us much pleasure throughout the year.

We put our tree up last weekend and the little ones decorated it.  Amazingly I haven't rearranged a single bauble.

I am really looking forward to the school nativities next week.  The little fairy will be Mary in her playschool performance.  She is very excited.

I'm off now to find suitable attire for two shepherds.  Now where did I stash those new tea towels?

goodbye november

Late.  But better late than never.  Eleven months of garden moodboards.  Only one more to complete a year.

November has been busy.  Time has raced by.  The lack of daylight has meant more cosy days by the fire. We have spent many happy hours outdoors but are thankful to get back indoors to the warm.

The garden is slowing down, preparing for its long sleep over winter.  The lawn is littered with thousands of leaves.  Brown, yellow, orange and red.  A beautiful carpet on dry days.  Green features on the evergreens around the garden, a welcome reminder that spring and all its glorious colour is not too far away.

So for now, my moodboard for November.  A collection of leaves gathered in the garden.  A display of vibrant colour.  Sometimes decay can be quite beautiful.

Linking up as always with Karin and Asa.