'Land Love'

I thought I might share with you a new magazine that I purchased recently. It is not exactly new new as it is on it's third issue, and it comes out every other month, but it is new to me. The cover just sold it to me, with the lovely Robin, berries, ribbon candles etc. I mean, how Christmassey can you get!
                                                                                     Seriously though, it is a beautifully presented magazine with really interesting articles. If you are into countryside issues, nature, cooking, crafts, interiors...it has it all.

I love the fact that it is so festive, but in a non-blingy way. I do apologise I seem to be making up my own words today. You know what I mean though.

And a little sneak peek at what to expect in the next issue..................................................................

Wishing you all a fun-filled and not too chilly week, with love, Linda x

Alfresco Lunch

Come and join me for lunch in the garden. I have been doing too much worrying lately, and need to unwind. Find yourselves somewhere comfortable to sit, grab a drink and let the party begin.............

This is what we will be eating....................................................................................................................

Feeling hungry? Perhaps you are a little thirsty too?..........................

Oh I am really starting to relax now, perhaps some flowers and a little candlelight to create a lovely ambience?

A little something for you to take home with you, thanks for coming! All these gorgeous images are courtesy of Pinterest.

Breakfast in Blue

Do you eat like a King at breakfast time? What do you like? I think breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, probably because it is an excuse for me to have 'pudding' and get away with it. I love all the bread based lovelies, toast, scones, croissants, pancakes (oh happy pancake tuesday),waffles, brioche,etcetera, etcetera, etcetera! I do apologise to anyone planning to give up these things for Lent, I did think about it, for a brief second, but no, no, no self control, sorry.

My daughter isn't very keen on breakfast at all, and if I do manage to get her to eat, she likes very peculiar things (in my eyes), like tuna and mayonnaise, olives, or chocolate spread on toast.

My husband loves a fry-up, an Irish fry, with a big long list of ingredients, such as, sausages, bacon, black and white pudding,tomatoes, mushrooms,fried egg, potato bread,pancakes, soda bread. (Have I missed anything?) Needless to say he doesn't get this very often (heart attacks and all that!)

We normally have pancakes on a Sunday morning, but recently I bought a waffle maker and we are very partial to these, with maple syrup and a few blueberries.

 Croissants always go down rather well too with a little butter and jam. I never warmed to the French way of dipping them in your coffee. For Valentine's Day, my husband and I bought each other a pear tree, to add to our growing but tiny orchard. I must confess to being more excited about the fact that the trees came in little burlap (as our American friend's call it) sacks.(How sad am I?) See the above photo. I will have to think of  a creative project for these.



I have scones occasionally for breakfast, but generally prefer to keep some freshly baked scones in the freezer, in case someone should unexpectedly call. I really do not understand anyone buying these, unless you really are a hazard at baking, or you have a particularly good supplier. They are so easy to make yourself, and can be done from start to finish in 20 minutes. Because I am bad, I like mine filled with fresh raspberries and chocolate and all kinds of yummy stuff, but Mr. OK prefers his plain.

Porridge is very popular too in our household, again I like to add fresh raspberries, honey and almonds, or apple puree with cinnamon (pudding...I told you), but Mr. OK is plain again. Coffee is a must, or occasionally I like hot water with a slice of lemon and a shaving of fresh ginger. I would love to know, what sets you up for the day, do pop in and tell us what float's your boat! Love Linda x

Oh yes I nearly forgot, my daughter Lois asked if she could borrow my camera for a 'project', and look what I found......

Poor Sparky!!

Doing stuff!

My work has gone unusually quiet these last couple of months. I put it down to the economic climate. Although I am slightly worried, I have decided to focus on other things and make the most of the free time I have. Money is tight so it forces me to re-use, recycle and restore, which is good! I have loved this image above which I found in Tumblr, so I have been making some of these little paper hearts to decorate the place for Valentine's day. I made some from tissue paper and they feel like little packets of sugar, which gave me the idea to make larger ones for place settings, and to fill them with an individual love message and sweets. I will let you see the pics in a day or two.

I have also been knitting dishcloths in the shape of houses, they are really cute. I will let you see the pics of those in a day or two! You will think I am spoofing, and haven't done anything at all...honest I have. Remember my biscuit disaster, well I couldn't let a batch of biscuits get the better of me, so I tried again! This time success..................................................................................................................................

I am useless at piping, so I just used some ready made fondant icing and painted on the little bunny features with a fine paintbrush and food colouring. The square ones, you can't see very well, but I stamped them with a rubber stamp that has a little girl and a dog on, and says 'I love my dog'.So these have gone down pretty well.

This is my terribly messy larder cupboard which has been moved to a different spot in the kitchen and is getting a bit of a facelift. (In a couple of days, I hear you mutter.) Yes! So I will love you and leave you, and see you soon. Wishing you all a merry midweek, love Linda x

Would you like to swing on a star?

Carry moonbeams home in a jar, and be better off than what you are?
You guessed it, I've been daydreaming again, it is such fun......do join me. I have left the fancy Paris apartment and have moved here.....

Gorgeous isn't it? Don't worry I have plenty of room for you to stay, in the Guest Cottage.

The gardens are looking particularly lovely at the moment, perhaps we can have lunch out there?

 Drinks anyone? The local baker delivers bread daily, so it's always so fresh.

If it is a bit chilly we can come inside for something to eat, or a nice hot cup of tea.

If you are tired after your travelling perhaps you would like to take a little nap or have a long hot soak in the bath?

Now that's better isn't it. The fire is lit and I have lots of good books. So why don't you stay a while?

So whether you believe in magic or not, thankyou for taking the time to read my fairytale nonsense, and I hope you have enjoyed my little story?

Love Linda x

pictures taken from here and here.