A return.

I've been absent. Since December. Gosh that is a long time to be away from this space. I love having a space to reflect and share - it is a shame when I become too busy to enjoy it. It has certainly been a busy time in our lives since I last posted.

I haven't shared yet but we are expecting our first babe this April. The task of growing a child has been such a fascinating journey. I often still feel bewildered that we as a species are able to create life in such a way. It isn't always easy, or the loveliest - but it is an amazing experience. One I am so very greatful for. I cannot wait to meet our sweet babe.

I am off work now on Maternity leave. I am so thankful for the time to reflect and rest before the babe comes. I spent today washing and folding newborn clothes. The feeling was inebriating to say the least.

Soaping has also filled my thoughts lately. Awhile ago I had written about selling my soaps on Etsy. I really hope I can return to doing this - perhaps late summer or fall. I've been practicing my cold process techniques as often as possible. I'm trying to refine a perfect base recipe that will be my signature. I've really grown to love a combination of coconut oil, palm oil and olive oil. My latest creation is this lovely soft bar with added finely ground oats and bitter almond essential oil. I made a few special bars for the babe without the ground almonds. Gentle and luxurious.





It feels lovely to be back.

Have a wonderful day!

Quiet and Cozy

 Enjoying the quiet and simplicity of this Sunday.

Must Make

 
Happy Tuesday! Quick post today! I must make this cozy looking recipe.
I adore fruit baked any way - pies, crumbles, tarts... oh I could go on.

Here is the delicious looking recipe - Plum Crumble.

Have a lovely winter week!

Live & Eat

Sunday. Delicious Sundays.

Today was filled with good food and good living. 

I woke up early this morning to the sound of pouring rain. Rain, rain, rain. It rained solid and heavy here for at least a day. I spent the quiet of the morning baking a pie - using leftover phyllo pastry that I had needed in a recipe a few days ago. Barry woke to the smell of cinnamon and apples snuggled in warm pastry. We both enjoyed a slice early morning. I used this recipe.

In the afternoon we took to the yard to do some raking and organizing. The garden beds are now ready for the cold and the last of the winter crop seeds have been planted.

We roasted a lovely chicken for dinner with some potatoes and carrots. I currently have stock simmering on the stove (leftover chicken, the carcass, carrots, celery and spices).  I'm already dreaming of the wonderful soups it will yield.

Here is a sweet photograph of the pug. She lasted a few minutes outside before I scooped her up and brought her in. The cold of winter here is too rough for this pug.

We are now snuggled down for the night with a movie on and a warm blanket to keep us cozy.

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Loves!



 

P.S. I'm linking up to the Homestead Barn Hop here. 

Take it Slow

Take it slow, take it easy on me.

Feist - My Moon, My Man

Have a wonderful Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving American friends!

Happy Fall!

Welcome to my long awaited post - a return to inspiration. I decided it was finally time to make a new fall banner - after all winter is almost upon us!

I love to be inspired by the changing seasons - and with a little bit of snow left from our first snow fall, I set out with camera in hand to capture some of the beauty. While crunching atop the leaves and snow I pulled the last of my fall beets from the frozen earth. They are all cleaned up now and will be roasted with tonight's dinner. If you want to see the sprouting of the lovely beets in a blog post click here. We planted a winter crop in our garden beds of barley and wheat to restore nutrients to our soil a few weeks ago and already the seeds are sprouting.

Join me on my journey this afternoon. Pull on some boots and a scarf (it is -3* after all!).

 

  

 

And of course I have to share the photograph that inspired the new banner. 

A perfectly placed leaf atop our first snow fall.  

Have a wonderful Sunday! 

Loves!

 

 p.s. I'm linking up to the Homestead Barn Hop - here. 

Sunday

 

 source

Sunday evening,

fold laundry, drink tea, put away clean dishes, bake these oatmeal cookies.

I love days where we stay at home - they are fondly referred to as don't start the car days.

PS

Don't you just want to crawl into one of those bunk beds? Mmm, yes please.

Loves!