In the past I always prided myself on being really organised for Christmas. It helped that it was always a nice family day, and even though we never had a big family Christmas, it always had its traditions. But the older I get (and being married to a man who is a definite Bah Humbug about it, and has to work on it), I’ve slackened off. Christmas always seems to happen, but it would be nice to be a bit… Continue Reading “How to prepare for Christmas early”
We’re nearly into official summer season but with the weather in the UK last week, it’s felt like we’ve had a bit of summer already. Summer isn’t my favourite season, it’s hot and sweaty, too many layers need to come off, it’s hard to sleep when it’s too hot, and you don’t want to be in work when outside looks like beautiful weather. But there are some good points, and following on from my Autumn, Winter and Spring posts, I’ll… Continue Reading “Summer breeze – the best of summer”
N had numerous strange things that he’s taken ownership of over the years. This compact mirror from a cracker has been floating around the kitchen for a while, and the other day he was playing around with it. He spotted I had the camera out and wanted to see if I could get a photo of me reflected in the mirror. It was a bit blurry, but I was more excited to see outdoors through the window reflected in his eye.… Continue Reading “Living Arrows – reflective play”
It’s been a while since I’ve been to our nearby National Trust property, Upton House. And a few years since I took N for a Cadbury easter egg hunt there. The first time we took N’s youngest cousin with us, and this time we invited him along too. At 8 he’s still willing to look for Easter eggs, and he and N always love being out and about together. With my family membership I could get the nephew in too,… Continue Reading “Easter Egg hunt at Upton House”
I’ve shared previously what I love about autumn and winter, but spring seems to make everything hopeful. Instagram goes mad for it, people shake off their coats (we hope) and get thinking about summer. So here’s my take on the joys of spring, through the season: My signs of spring Lighter evenings Spotting the first newborn lambs in the field Blossom on the trees Leaves emerging to take away the bareness The first cut of the grass Gorgeous sunsets Daffodils… Continue Reading “Signs of spring – my joys of spring”
Whenever we go to dinner or lunch at friends’ houses, the women usually bring along a dessert. Yes, there’s always pressure not to have your pudding the one that’s hardly been touched. Meringue is always one of the first to go. This cherry and chocolate meringue wreath is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Or it can be made in a traditional circle like a pavlova, or in log shape to make it a lighter alternative to a yule log. I love… Continue Reading “Cherry and chocolate meringue wreath”
I love Christmas tree light photos, and working through Emma Davies’ A Year With my Camera for this week meant trying out different shaped bokeh photography. Of course, N refused to be in my photos – he wouldn’t sit still anyway which didn’t help. So one of his bears helped out. I tried hearts and stars, although my free form stars weren’t great. I still like this photo – and it’s something to work on next year…maybe try and work… Continue Reading “My Sunday Photo – Christmas tree bokeh”
Every year I make the family members homemade food gifts. Now we’ve all got children, we buy presents for the kids, and don’t bother with the adults (except the in laws). The rest I do family gifts, and that means Christmas treats in the way of food. In the past I’ve done fudge, biscuits, candied oranges and others, but this year I did a mix. I always do some fudge because everyone loves that, and added some chocolatey ‘kisses’ pretzels… Continue Reading “Homemade food gifts: 3 easy treats for food lovers…and kids”
Year 1 and the Christmas nativity performance is over for another year. This year it was an alternative nativity – Lights Camel Action. What made it more fun was it being a Strictly Come Dancing themed show. N had been quite existed ahead of it, and got into Strictly Come Dancing. He could relate to the different characters and could tell me everyone’s roles in their play. N’s school do a nativity for reception, year 1 and year 2s. He… Continue Reading “Strictly Come Dancing Christmas nativity and morris dancing costume”
I’ve never been to Coventry Cathedral but recently we combined our love of music with Christmas and headed off there for The Snowman Tour concert. I’d seen it advertised a while back, and as N loves the Snowman and quite enjoyed the Paddington concert last year, I booked for us to go. I’d planned for it to be a good festive treat with us spending the afternoon in Coventry. I’d hoped to check out the transport museum that I’d been… Continue Reading “The Snowman and Nutcracker concert at Coventry Cathedral”
