Hawthorn Hill

Colds ahoy chez Thrift..booo...hissss

2011-05-28T12:19:00.004+01:00

Yup we are all under the weather a bit here this week, full of colds and sneezing. The glorious (not!) weather probably hasn't helped but I am feeling very sorry for myself today. Thankfully MR G.T has taken the kiddies to his parents for the morning so I have been able to get some things done (house looks so clean *sigh* shame it won't stay that way very long!) and will now eat a meal all the way through in peace (luxury!) and maybe read a bit of my book afterwards!

Jeddy has turned 6 months this last week, wow, he just doesn't seem a baby any more, quite sad if I dwell on it but hoping not to. To celebrate he has cut his 1st tooth, which I am pleased about as he has done it really without too much fuss, but problem now is he seems to have adjusted his latch or feeding style as I am sore again, like really sore! It's like starting all over with breastfeeding again! Hope that a few tips I have picked up online can help, but as he won't take a bottle or dummy I have no choice really but to grit my teeth and carry on, hoping it improves in a few days. I don't remember this problem last time with GS and he had his 1st tooth at 4 months, and I BF until 8 months. I suppose it just goes to show all babies are different, and when you get painless feeding you can get an unsettled baby with teething, and when you get a fairly fuss free teething you can still get nipple problems, all swings and roundabouts. If the pain continues I will get some advice at my breastfeeding support group on Friday, they are fantastic ladies and the lactation consultant there is also wonderful, anyone considering breastfeeding or wanting to get support, try and see if your local Surestart, hospital or Children's centre has one of these as their guidance and friendly approach has been such a boost for me.

I know...

2011-05-23T14:35:00.003+01:00

two posts in one day... big shocker!!

I am now determined to keep on the blogging wagon so will try and update as often as I can (read- as often as children allow)

Thank you so much for the handy thrift/fitness tips from my last post, really appreciate all advice as I can literally feel the squeeze on our finances now the summer is approaching. Even trying to keep costs down and buy the bare minimum my shopping bill this month is still about £30 more than it was this time last year (and buying similar stuff) and diesel is costing us an extra £20 per tank, these little additions all add up, and yet Hubby hasn't had a pay rise in 3 years and I now take home a lot less, so where is it supposed to come from? I had a financial advisor call me last week to review our life insurance that came with the mortgage and I actually laughed aloud when she asked me how much savings we had and whether we had seperate life insurance for illness/loss of earnings etc, how are average people with families supposed to afford all these insurances/savings. Yes we could probably save loads by not having a car, but we live in a rural village with one bus service that runs hourly to 2 towns, it would be impossible for hubby to get to work on time without a 3 bus/2 hour trip each way, and as far as bus/train fares go probably as expensive by the time we are all travelling to appointments/work/visits. There are however areas I know I can save us money on, clothes, toys, food (kind of), holidays/days out etc can all be done cheaply it's just getting in to the habit of thinking that way and finding the best offers at the best places.

The school half term looms ahead next week (didn't they literally just have Easter?!!) and I am dreading it. I love GS to bits, but he is at that stage where it's almost impossible to capture his attention for more than 10 minutes with any one activity, and as much as I try, Mary Poppins I am not, so that moves me to the question many parents ask... How do you keep a 3 year old entertained (possibly by themselves) for an hour? I have already purchased a few cheap colouring packs, activity books, new felt-tips (the old ones are worn out and don't work), I am armed with a few ideas (teddy bears picnic, board games, treasure hunt etc) but I am worried he'll exhaust all these before noon next Tuesday! It's pretty tough when he won't entertain himself for very long, if at all, without needing one of us there to supervise and play with, which we try too but sometimes stuff needs doing (like going to the lavatory!) and any time he is left alone he seems to start this bored/hyper/play up creation of whirling up in to a tantrum or path of destruction that inevtiably ends up with him sat on the naughty step screaming whilst I nurse a headache. I am hoping full time school might tame the beast within here and provide him with that much needed full-time attention, structure and a little self-discipline, but thats 4 months away, I may go completely bald before then tying myself up in knots of ways to entertain a pre-schooler... Are there any good blogs/links/lists of (cheap!) crafts/activites/games for this untameable age group you may have?

Having moaned about him, he did get a lovely report from school last week totally singing his praises, so I am one proud Mummy I'd like to add.

Yorkshire Shots

2011-05-23T14:12:00.006+01:00

A few pics from our Yorkshire trip! Enjoy!

Back once again...

2011-05-15T13:52:00.005+01:00

Hi there!
Well, our little one is now just shy of 6 months old, it's flown by in a haze of sleep deprivation, adjustment and fun all jumbled in to one big half a year! Phew, no wonder I am a little exhausted. Jenson is doing very well! There have been times of despair when he won't nap (still working on that one), won't take a bottle to give me a break (given up on that one so breastfeed 100% now, well as well as solids that is), or on a growth spurt so pretty unsettled & un-fill-able for weeks (learned to go with the flow there!), but I am a lucky mummy to a gorgeous smiley happy chap most of the time who seems easily pleased and full of fun, so long as his needs are met, I'll take that and rejoice as GS was much tougher to placate and keep happy (and still is, but thats for another post).

We've just returned from some time spent in West Yorkshire, it was fantastic and although the weather was typically British we managed to get plenty of fresh air and long walks in. GS loved walking and is now able to keep up our pace and was enjoying the hikes even when my legs were aching (I am so unfit, more on this later!) I will pop up some pics later of the gorgeous scenery & attractions around Haworth, Keighley and Skipton.

Maternity leave is beginning to take its toll financially, the reduced income plus recent government changes to child benefit, gas/elec bill increases and fuel costs have all hit hard; we seem to start saving in one area only to have that gain taken away from us by something else thats gone up; food, fuel, insurance, blah blah blah. Its hard juggling it all and i know we aren't alone and there are lots of people much worse off too. I only pray our jobs are both safe (I work for a council libary and we all know they've been heavily targetted for cuts- I wait and see). So, once again instead of burying my head in the sand I am on a thrift-drive to save our outgoings as best I can and make sure we have the money for the basic essentials, that will hopefully mean I can take the unpaid leave at the end of my paid maternity period to spend valuable extra weeks with my boys before GS starts school in September and Jed will hopefully be a bit more ready to be left with Granny Nanny while I return back part time. That's the plan anyway. It worries me as it was during such unpaid time in my last maternity leave that I was made redundant landing us in terrible debt and in a right mess, I hope history does not repeat itself but what can you do, just take it a month at a time.

I will be trawling all your blogs and forums for thirfty finds, ideas, recipes and projects from now on and PROMISE to update this blog more regularly so I hope you'll join me in discovering how it pans out, and I will in return try and add my own thrifty finds to share along the way!

My first thoughts are now about getting fitter, and more specifically, whether it's possible to get fit in a thrifty manner? Yes, starvation is definitely thrifty, as is lots of free outdoor exercise, but the actual logistics of eating a well balanced diet (as I am still breastfeeding) and combining exercise with looking after two young children in often less than sunny weather is not as easy as it seems, or at least I am not finding it so. I have a skipping rope I have yet to find half an hour to use without a little one within accidental whipping range, a free guide from a magazine to get fit in 10minute stretches which I am too exhausted at the end/start of each day to do, and a bike in the shed I similarly get no time to go on as I can't afford a baby seat. I suspect there are ways around these if I look closer, but I am lacking a real option to fit in any exercise other than the occasional kick about with GS & walks when the weather is fine, and several trips up and down the stairs every hour. Cooking more lower fat is slightly easier, although convenience foods are, well convenient, they are not healthy and I do actually enjoy cooking most days so I find homemade food is easy enough to do fairly healthily, I think my downfall is needing a bit of a social life every week I'll pop with friends or Granny Nanny to a cafe and then consume fatty & expensive drinks and cake no doubt, really need to bang this on the head but without going to these places I don't get out much and end up a bit cabin-crazy! Portion control is another naughty, I am so tired I feel the need to stodge up until I am full, and then seem ravanously hungry an hour or two later, I know breastfeeding means I need to eat regularly and when hungry but i think i need to train myself in to having smaller portions and of course better snacks instead of naughty biscuits and cake! I have a few friends that are doing Slimming World and blog about their experiences and recipes, so I am sneakily (thriftily?!) stealing their menu plans and recipes to try and semi-follow the principles in a light manner, particularly the portion/fat control side of things, so we will see where that gets me, if necessary I may need to buy a guide or two or even join up for access to the full plan to shift things if all else fails, but really hope to avoid that cost if possible. Does Nutracheck still do free trials, I found that a handy website before for keeping me on my toes? I shall have to google that and see. I need to state that this is NOT a need to lose weight for me, it's about toning up the parts that have gone extra wibbly after pregnancy and increasing my fitness so that I can keep up with my 3 year old's pace and not be out of breath walking up a relatively small hill, so I won't be doing weigh-ins etc, the proof will be in the (lack of) pudding of whether I can feel more healthier inside as well as out.
Wish me luck, and by all means offer tips you've found helpful if you have been/are on a similar mission!

Introducing...

2011-01-26T08:07:00.002Z

Jenson Edwin Levi, our beautiful new boy!

Born 25th November, 12 days overdue, 8lbs 7oz.
He is now nearly 9 weeks old and we are all doing well, needless to say I have been busy adjusting to having 2 little ones to care for but am loving being a Mummy 2nd time around. He is a pretty good lad and sleeps well at night, I tend to wake up once or twice to feed him but he does go for long stretches of sleep which is a blessing seeing as his big brother took months to get to that stage.Breastfeeding has had its ups and downs again, but I seem to have settled in to a happy state with it now and am certainly enjoying the convenience of how quickly J can be appeased when he is hungry and is gaining weight really well, he weighs 11lbs 13oz now.

Jenson is a name we love and being motorsport fans it was fitting. Edwin and Levi are the names of my great-grandfathers.

I was hoping for a home birth but it was looking likely I would need to be induced as I was so overdue but thankfully he came at the final hour the day I was due to go in hospital all by himself, lazy boy :) So, I got my homebirth again afterall and found it a magical experience being in my own surroundings with my home comforts and family.

Hello again!!

2010-10-07T07:39:00.003+01:00

Many thanks for the lovely messages on my photos!

I had uploaded them with every intention of following it up with a detailed update seeing as I have been very quiet on here of late, but GS had other ideas by coming down with a bad cold, so I had to abandon at the upload stage so in effect it was a post and run!

As you can see we had great fun doing the photoshoot, I really wanted to get a few nice bump ones with us as a momento, it just goes so fast, hard to believe baby will be here at some point by the end of next month, where has the time gone?! I still find myself smiling when I realise I will soon be a mum of two, I think for a long while this pregnancy has been very symbolic of everything we went through with GS and my miscarriage last year, so I am hoping and praying for a healthy bouncy baby this time, and will only truly feel like I can relax once baby is here (emotionally that is, not physically obviously lol!)

I get a lot of questions asked now when I am at work and in public about how far left, comments about how huge I am then in the next conversation someone will say how small I am, I have to say I feel well versed in all this from last time, people say the funniest things when they see a bump! I get a lot of obvious questions about whether its a boy or a girl, and then peoples predictions follow, but genuinely I am very keen to obviously finally meet and know the flavour of our little bundle, but not fussed at all one way or the other, I'd be very blessed to have 2 boys or a boy and a girl as my family, I do just actually want a healthy baby at the end, I just can't wait to meet them now, well maybe a few more weeks of sleep first!

My finish day for work is fast approaching, my last shift is October 18th, when I will be 36 + weeks, work have been amazing to me and very accomodating, but it is tiring to be on my feet and up and down a lot as you do, so it will be nice to be able to finish and put my feet up a bit more in the weeks approaching d-day.

I have been very organised for Christmas and have quite a few presents made and bought already, I may even admit to having my cards and giftwrap ready... it's still my intention to continue with the homemade theme of presents for family like I did last year with apple chutney ready for the making, and then shortbread, biscuits and flapjacks in the pipeline for nearer the time. I got the Lakeland xmas catalogue through the other day, oh so very tempting to go mad on cutters, craft tools and cellophane bags from there, might have to reign it in for something cheaper but still, it's always free to browse (and dream!)

34 weeks!!

2010-10-04T08:40:00.001+01:00

New hair, new chapter

2010-08-17T11:41:00.004+01:00

I've gone for the chop and had my hair cut, ready in preparation for having very little time to wash it let alone dry it (it was so long and thick it was taking over 5 hours to dry naturally or half an hour to blow dry it!) it's also put a lot more shine back in to it, so hopefully I can keep it healthier from now on. I go through stages with my hair, i've had it very long and very short, luckily my hair grows rather fast so can keep up the pace. I very often find that I chop and restyle my hair in response to changes in my life; new job, new baby, new outlook, etc, isn't it strange how something as simple as our hair can form such a part of our identity and our statement to the world about how we are and how we're feeling?

Big news this week in the Thrift household is our gorgeous son turned 3!!

The good news is he enjoyed his party and birthday very much, probably the 1st one he has really been old enough to understand and get excited about! The bad news- we have a house full of huge plastic toys that are taking over, and requiring a massive shop for batteries, aaaghhh!

Feeling a little low today, I am realising being nearly 7 months pregnant and getting a stinking cold is not a good combination, but then again I should count my blessings, compared to last year my health has been fantastic and this is the 1st cold for months, so I'll just take it easy today, eat jacket potato with cheese & beans (my newest craving!) and keep putting the roof back on the lego police car GS has been given for the hundredth time today!

We are off on Friday for a few nights in York; I love this city and haven't been before with hubby and GS so looking forward to exploring the old sights with them and showing GS the railway museum especially! The hotel we are staying at is actually converted railway carriages by the side of the main line, so should be very exciting for GS (and Hubby!!)

Hows my Garden growing?

2010-08-08T19:20:00.003+01:00

It's been lovely all day today in Derbyshire, for a change, so a chance to sit out and enjoy the garden! We have done well this year with the fruit and veg, hopefully this may continue as we've set some plants for winter now in the front veg patch; cabbage, cauliflower & brussels.

It's been another summer of not being able to do too much in the garden myself but hopefully plenty of time for that in years to come once the babymaking is done and dusted and the kids are older.

Off to scoff a chocolate & coconut brownie, snarf!!! Have a lovely evening!

Pictures from Anglesey

2010-08-02T08:39:00.003+01:00

I apologise, it has been a few weeks since our return from holiday and I'm very late sharing our pictures, but here they are, we had a fabulous time as you can see!

Back on the frugal thrifty wagon

2010-07-23T08:12:00.005+01:00

I hadn't really noticed it, but my bank balances are telling me otherwise, but we appear to have dropped off the wagon seriously and are deep in to our overdrafts again *sigh* noones fault but mine, our holiday inevitably cost a lot in fuel and wet-weather entertainment, and bills just seem to be endlessly going up. Our latest expense increase seems to be the car insurance; I wish we could survive without one but living in a rural village with one bus service to limited destinations every hour makes it impossible; despite us making no claims it's increasing by £15 a month! I'm livid, how do they justify increasing it so much above inflation, but going on price comparison sites it seems one of the cheaper options still, I'm considering lowering it by increasing the excess we'd pay but this terrifies me especially once my income is lowered on maternity leave, would I be able to just find £100-150 like that should something happen? Maybe i'd be better trying to do so and then put the extra money we'd save away in an emergency fund to pay for it should it happen (or any other emergency) I've been considering this for a while now, at least it's in my control still then to use if it's needed rather than paying extra for zero excess but never benefitting (not that a claim would be a benefit but you see what i mean). It also irks me that figures released recently that estimate how many uninsured drivers there are out there, very frustrating when us law-abiding citizens are clearly paying to make up the difference.

Anyway I digress. Living costs are certainly increasing, so I really need now more than ever to take control of our debt and spending. This includes sourcing cheaper alternatives for things we buy, not buying anything that we truly don't really need, stopping splurging on little items and treats for GS unless they are bargains/car boot finds and even then i need to encourage saving them for bday/xmas treats rather than showering him with treats which I know he doesn't really need (this will probably be my hardest challenge), not eating out much when theres an abundance of food at home, and shopping wisely according to a meal planner & making things go further. I also want to get back in to crafting again, so i can build up a couple of homemade gifts for birthdays and xmas.

Another challenge will be over the summer holidays. Whilst gs is not yet at school (he starts in September) my niece is and Granny Nanny & I look after her whilst her Mum is at work throughout the holidays. The challenges with this are both kids love to get out and about and are very hard to entertain at home, they are a little young yet to involve in many home-craft activities without getting bored after 5-10 mins, so it proves very exhausting to constantly put on a new craft hour after hour, day after day, so we end up going out, which usually ends up costing money be it in fuel, food or admission. I have been researching local events advertised in the library and out and about with low-cost/free activites, and think I have accrued a pretty good list so far!

The birthday plans are well underway! We have chosen a Toy Story 3/space theme seeing as GS loves this and also there is an abundance of stuff for this in the shops right now. My MIL bought some themed paper plates, cups and napkins, and i've roped in all my lovely family members to make cakes for a fab tea party spread. I'm hoping to go around the local B&M to get a few goodies for party bags (nothing major- i really disagree with expensive lavish party bags!) and thanks to your excellent suggestions I have quite a few good toddler party games up my sleeve.

3 year old birthday party ideas welcome!

2010-07-02T08:25:00.003+01:00

It is GS's 3rd birthday in August (my doesn't time fly!) so after a bit if umming and aahing about what to do we've decided on a tea party at home for close friends and family and their children, there will be about half a dozen or so toddlers so I want to put on a few party games, make some party bags etc but desperately need ideas please!!

Anyone got any links to blogs or websites with ideas for toddler parties, things I can perhaps make for the goody bags or games? Anything you've tried yourself that went down well? I'd be very grateful if you could share!

I already have in mind to put on a buffet of traditional party food; homemade biscuits & cupcakes, Angel delight & starwberries, sandwiches, sausage rolls, pineapple & cheese on sticks, homemade pink lemonade, etc. I'll be roping in family to help me prepare it, and then it can all be ready before guests around so I can mingle better without rushing around. Going to get a cool box and pop ice in it to keep adult drinks cool so people can help themselves. I remember last year we had a BBQ at August bank holiday and I seemed to spend most of it in the kitchen fetching drinks, cutlery and cloths as Mr G.T was busy guarding the BBQ, so want to avoid that this time around!

Reader, I married him!

2010-06-30T08:14:00.004+01:00

I have been reminiscing about our wedding day a lot lately so thought i'd indulge myself by posting up a few photos from the day. We went to Mr G.T's brother's wedding last weekend, which was beautiful and made me naturally remember my own fondly, then it was our own 4th wedding anniversary a few days later.

We were married on Midsummer's Day in 2006, the sun was shining and we had a fantastic celebration. It's quite crazy when you remember all the preparation and planning that goes in to one day, but it is all worth it when you have such special memories to treasure, plus I did make a lot of things myself such as the confetti cones, table decorations, place names, table plan etc so that takes a deal of planning and time but you get such a warm glow of achievement after, not to mention a lighter pocket!

The top photo is the view from our reception in Higham, I fell in love with the Derbyshire view!

Special Days

2010-06-24T08:52:00.004+01:00

The weather has been glorious here, I've been grateful for a little shade in the garden at times and my trusty fan at work, but apart from that I refuse to moan, it's so nice when the sun is shining, the best therapy there is!

Everything is growing so wonderfully in the garden, we are enjoying those fresh red strawberries I can tell you, well, when I get one, GS seems to find them all first!

The tractors have been so busy on the fields behind our house hay making. It always feels like summer is finally here when that happens, and GS adores watching them go round and round working busily each day/evening.

I will be 20 weeks pregnant on Saturday, half way through, I can hardly believe it! Next Tuesday is our scan, hoping all comes back fine. We aren't going to find out the sex as we've decided it would be a lovely surprise to find out at delivery, and especially for Mr G.T to let me know first at that special moment, so I'm sticking to my guns and resisting temptation to find out early! There have been plenty of kicks and my belly is definitely growing nicely now.

Potty training is in full swing here, and GS is doing fantastic. I have to say I am pleased we waited a little with him, he seems much happier now to be doing it than i think he would have been a few months ago. He has had a few accidents in his pants, to be expected I guess, but he is really getting the hang now of pulling them down and going in his potty, I'm so proud!! Last night after he had gone to bed with a nappy on he shouted over the monitor that he needed to do a wee so we trooped back up to help him out of his nightclothes on to his potty (he struggles to do this at night because he has to wear boots & bar because he was born with Talipes) and he did a wee!!!! Thats the first time he has actually told us he has needed to go, and so a big step! I have splashed out (is that an appropriate phrase lol?) on a travel potty too, not the cheapest but a good investment I think to help when he is out and about, he unfortunately had an accident in Thomas Cook yesterday whilst out with my Mum and seemed very sad about it poor dude, so hopefully this will help, thankfully the staff at Thomas Cook were very understanding.

May blossoms been and gone

2010-06-08T07:52:00.005+01:00

It's official, I am becoming a rubbish blogger!

In my defence as I became increasingly back to my old self and the nausea waned, poor GS has been poorly and quite a handful along with it. Since mid-April now he has been suffering with what we thought was a cold, runny nose, sneezing, off his food, coughing, and generally ben ill-tempered and very hard to please. Turned out it was hayfever. Now he is on the antihistamine syrup he is much better, back to his old self again, such a relief. I am slightly gutted he has an allergy, I grew up with Asthma and my Mum has hayfever so was hoping that he would avoid such things, but I guess not, but at least now we know and can manage it better to avoid weeks of misery for him again I hope.

Things in the garden have been fantastic. We've enjoyed a fabulous crop of rocket and mixed salad leaves, it's so satisfying to be able to freshly pick your own salad minutes before serving dinner! The raspberries & tomatoes are flowering, strawberries are ripening, the courgette has survived the rain so far, and we have garlic, beetroot, carrots, & onions growing underneath the surface. Even our olive tree is producing flowers so hopefully our 1st crop of olives this year!

Sadly the may blossom had just started to look amazing and then yesterday the rain came and washed it all away, such a shame, but at least the gardens getting a healthy soaking.

I've also rediscovered my baking mojo now the nausea has lessened, and with help from "Cookie Magic" by Kate Shirazi there are some delicious and simple recipes in there that are low cost and delicious! GS & I baked Anzac biscuits yesterday, might go for a blackberry jam version of the lemon biscuits today!

Thrifting has been non existent really, I must give myself a kick and get back in to it, lord knows I need to save money now more than ever, I did pick up a couple of great xmas presents in the charity shop that have gone away in my goody bag ready for the season to start but I'm afraid apart from that its been convenience all the way recently, bad bad thrifter, I may have to change my blog name to Betty Spendalot! Still, time to turn things around, wish me luck!

Things are growing!

2010-05-10T08:56:00.004+01:00

And it's not just my belly, look!

Raspberry canes!

Beetroot!

My rhodedendron

And of course GS!

Sorry I disappeared off the face of the planet through April, it seemed to go so fast, and I ahd my hands full with battling on through the morning sickness, getting GS to ditch the dummy (which he has done, such a big boy!) and off work whilst Granny Nanny had a holiday (she did very well to escape just before the ash cloud descended and returned once it was all over, lucky lady!)

Things are very well with bump, I am feeling movement already (either that or I have a very strangely overactive gut!) and can detect the heartbeat on my doppler, my official due date is now the 13th November!

Yawn

2010-04-15T08:28:00.003+01:00

Sorry I haven't been updating lately, I keep talking photos with all intentions of coming on and discussing my day but am so utterly exhausted and nauseous right now I very often end up just staying away from the PC altogether!

GS has been a little tricky lately, he had a virus over the weekend and now seems to have regressed back to being an argumentative toddler who cannot be pleased, which isn't exactly helping when Mummy has very little strength or willpower to battle with, and Granny Nanny has gone on her holidays to Portugal today so I'm home alone, think i might have to get messy crafts out later just to keep him happy, nevermind the mess and just let him get on with it!

My scan is booked for the 29th April, so a little under 2 weeks left, bit nervous again but with how utterly awful I am feeling the upside is it must mean hormones & growth is agogo and all is well surely?!

Hope you like the few pics above from the past couple of weeks

Reassurance

2010-03-28T10:25:00.003+01:00

Sorry to have gone quiet it's been busy and emotional this week.
Thankfully, little baby Snowdrop is tucked up safe and well so far so good, we know this as we ended up having a scan on Wednesday after I'd experienced abdominal and back pains Monday and Tuesday, I'd convinced myself something had happened (which only amplified things i think) so when we all trooped off to the EPU Wednesday lunchtime I was not expecting to see all was ok but there it was all tucked up, the size of a grain of rice, barely recognisable on the screen, but already with a fluttering strong heartbeat, I was choked! Still getting the back ache (may or may not be a kidney infection) but feeling much better now and able to face the next 5 weeks before our dating scan a little more positively.

What is going on with the weather, awful showers this week then yesterday when I had to work all day it was sunny and warm, not fair! Now apparently snow is forecast for this week, whaaaat?!! I am however feeling very Springlike now the clocks have gone forward and we have more daylight to make the most of (when the sun is out). We out the sunflower seedlings outside yesterday to try and harden them but bought them in for the night, will continue to do this for the next few days but if snow does come then i'm not sure it's the right time to plant them in to the ground/pots just yet, but i think they won't like it if I leave them too long all crowded up in the seed tray. Any advice?

We spent last night at Nottingham racecourse watching greyhound racing for a colleague of Mr G.T's leaving do. I was dubious at first about whether it would be my cup of tea, I have reservations about any form of racing and animal welfare, but I was really pleased to see they fully support the Retired Greyhound Trust with a percentage of all the takings for each race that provides housing and care for 6 retired greyhounds at the center. There were lots of posters around advertising how lovely retired greyhounds are as pets and it got us both thinking how much we'd love a dog, how lovely it would be to give a dog a loving family home and help us too to stay active and get out and about more with a dog to enjoy the walks even more with. Hmm, not sure that any will be compatible with 3 cats and a toddler though (and hopefully a newborn soon) probably not, but it's something I'd consider for the future. They are beautiful animals.

I love Spring!

2010-03-22T07:47:00.005Z

Thank you so much for your kind messages of congratulations on our bit of news, it's still sinking in, time seems to have frozen and is now dragging on very slowly, but trying to find ways of distracting myself from over analysing every last twinge and ache. I'm feeling extremely rough, exhausted and nauseous, so hoping that's a good sign all is growing nicely.

I am off from work today yet the sun isn't shining so am taking it is an ideal day to get cracking on with potty training, yes I must be mad!

As you can see the sunflowers are growing nicely, we have a couple on this plantpot which is GS's own little pot he is tending to with a little help, and we have tray also which is overflowing, it must have at least 20 seedlings in! I think i'll give them a bit longer yet before planting them out just in case the frosts keep coming.

The garden is gradually taking shape, we've bought a few more plants including a varigated Hebe, a honeysuckle for my trellis, some black grass and summer heathers. I also got several spring bulbs for the garden from GS (& Mr G.T) for Mothering Sunday including hyacinths, tulips and daffodils, so my pots are bountiful with Spring goodies! Sadly the money we were putting to one side to get the decking started had to be spent when the oven suddenly went pop, but hopefully if we knuckle down we can get the savings started up again.

It's been an interesting week...

2010-03-16T07:38:00.003Z

I am 5 weeks. Oh so excited but equally as terrified, it's been a real compost heap of emotions and I'm feeling like every day is slowly passing, still, patience is a key ingredient to motherhood so I'm just going to have to try and stay positive and take it a day at a time.

A ride to Buxton

2010-03-08T08:16:00.003Z

The road from Ashbourne to Buxton, beautiful Dale countrside!

Buxton country park

This old abandoned house reminded me of the beautifully haunting houses Jude meets on her walks in Crete so I felt inspired to take some pics!

Daddy giving GS a helping hand on the woodland walk

A rather large fallen tree root

The beautiful Buxton country park woodland we explored!

As you can see what a lovely relaxing Sunday! The sun was shining, it was cold (there was still snow in parts) but gloriously clear blue skies meant we decided to take the car and head out to the Dales to Buxton. We packed a picnic and ended up at the country park where GS amazed us by doing quite a steep walk in to the woodland, he loved it!

It's always so relaxing driving through the Dales and seeing such beautiful countryside; farms, stone walls, rivers, railways, and the 1st lambs of Spring!!

I am inspired to get cracking on the gardening today, GS & I are going to get the sunflower seeds planted and if it stays dry I'll get the garden weeded. As you can see from the title photo the bulbs are out and looking beautiful!

Spring?

2010-03-04T12:43:00.002Z

The title of my blogpost has a dubious question mark after it specifically because I can't quite believe yet that the snow is over, i just have this feeling there is going to be some towards the end of the month as Winter has one huge finale, we shall see! It has certainly been a wonderful break this week, the sun has shone, the bulbs are peeking through and GS has his sunglasses at the ready!

I think I have to say Spring is my favourite season, I love the warmer air, the bulbs flowering, the birds singing, Easter, and ofcourse the Hawthorn blossoming in to life! I am joining in the celebration of this over at Cathy's Nurturestore by taking part in the Sunflower Club after Cathy very kindly sent me some seeds; we are going to get our kids (little and big) to sew sunflower seeds then we'll get learning about all kinds of things as they grow, such a fab idea! Feel free to follow the link at the top right of my blog to join the club as well, there's still time to buy some sunflower seeds and join in!

Sorry I have been a bit absent, we are in the process of swapping PC's and therefore Mr G.T has been spending most of the evenings online while I have been lazing around, very naughty I know, I am really so desperate though for the warm light evenings to come so I can be pottering in the garden or have a stroll after tea, I am becoming increasingly demotivated by the cold weather and I'm becoming fat on all the baking we have been doing to occupy the time!

Our walk above was around a beautiful nature park in Nottinghamshire that has been set up on the site of an old coal pit. I know I am seeming to be obsessed about these, especially as our back garden is also part of a reformed pit yard, but I think that's more of the area I live in, so much of it was colliery land in the not too distant past, so it makes sense that most of the open spaces now are land that's been given back to nature from the industrial past. I think it makes it somehow more poetic and beautiful, that it has been through so much and yet now the land is tranquil, full of wildlife and best of all free to roam around! As you can also see, GS got a little bit muddy!!

A rose...

2010-02-15T13:56:00.005Z

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Valentine's weekend?

We always celebrate as Valentine's night was our first ever date 8 years ago, and despite the sentiment of Valentine's being a lovely one it does remind me every year that it can be an incredibly lonely time for many, i certainly was not a fan before Mr G.T & I found each other, and therefore we never go mad, we enjoy a meal at our favourite restaurant together every year and get a little something thats special and personal to each other. Homemade and thoughtful gifts are so much better than overpriced shop bought stuff in my humble opinion.

We spent an icy morning on Thursday having a walk around the fields at the back of our home. GS is getting very good now at walking all the way around on his own and enjoying crunching in the icy puddles!

I love this particular field as 20 years ago this used to be the site of the main pit shaft of the local colliery, a site of such misery, dirt, hardship and tragedy at times. Now all that remains is a little painted sign on the gate that this was the pit yard entrance not so long ago. Now it is a calm, serene and beautiful place that hides it scars so well.

We came across this frozen puddle with such fantastic frozen ripples, i refused to let GS crunch this one up, it was too pretty!

Dear Daisy joined us on our little walk...

...and then got very upset when she sniffed some dogs being walked in the distance, she tried her best to persuade her crazy human pride to turn back as she sensed danger but we just didn't listen and kept on going past the hounds whilst she eventually got sick of trying to warn us and ran off for cover before they arrived hehe, she must think we are very silly.

I thought of several things this morning to blog about but now my time to write has come (as GS has a nap) i can't for the life of me remember a single one, oh dear, well I have the urge to make pastry maybe they'll come back to me then. Ta-ra for now.

Friendships

2010-02-11T08:12:00.004Z

Seeing my beautiful niece and GS playing together and cuddling the other day made me reflect so much on my own friendships, particularly as there have been some emotional moments lately with some of them.

There is 9 months between A and GS and they both adore one another, GS is definitely the loud and crazy one and A is far more reserved and quiet but between them they have so much fun and share pretty well, a rare find in toddlers! I hope as they grow older together they will always be close, they will go to different schools because of where we live but I hope they'll have each other plus any other further siblings that come along to always rely on and be there for each other, those sorts of friendships are so important when you are growing up.

I have some very dear friends who I have known many years, some who I don't see as much as I would like to or don't have so much in common any more but we still have a great time when we get to catch up. Then there are friends who are like-minded & wonderful but live miles away or even in another country, some who I have never met in person but am so close to, thanks to the marvellous media of the internet we have found each other and share so much, but it sucks we can never really meet up and share a coffee or help one another out with babysitting, or give a proper hug when we need one! I also have friends that I would like to be closer with but I just struggle to meet them on the same page, either we have very different lives and perspectives so struggle to find middle ground any longer, or no matter what efforts are made we just seem to stay distant.

The latter has particularly been upsetting this week as it involves a family member, well someone who will be joining our family but still seems very reticent to become a part of it. I suppose I feel sad really that a potential close friendship is being pushed away, for whatever reason I am not entirely sure, the main ingredients seem there, we like similar things, we live close to one another, we have been through a lot of similar situations, but still despite many efforts we aren't close and can not really be termed friends. It's quite a shame really, but these things cannot be forced, who knows what the future may bring, but certainly for now I am making the decision to remain open in case that person needs me, but will stand back and give space from now on to let the dust settle and the distance remain.

Sunday has been about Monkeys...

2010-02-07T18:34:00.004Z

Firstly this little monkey...

...enjoying his craft session...

...and then this one...

I baked this after being inspired by Farmgirl Fare's recipe "Mexican Monkey Cake" mmmm utterly delicious and seeing as it contains bananas (amongst some other more naughty ingredients) I decreed it one of our 5 a day and therefore had 2 slices, i'm sure that's how it works!!

Totally un-Monkey related has been playing about with my camera as I slowly learn all the settings and get used to what it can do, I am getting quite pleased with my shots, especially the more abstract ones!

I have succumbed to a cold over the weekend so I haven't been up to much worth blogging about other than the above really, but hopefully I am on the mend and will be up to better things next weekend seeing as it's Valentine's weekend and therefore Mr G.T' & I's celebration of 8 years together (our first date was Valentine's day)!

Painting Plans

2010-02-01T08:45:00.003Z

Well the plans for sorting out the front garden are underway, Mr G.T has measured up how much decking he thinks he'll need and we hope to buy it in stages so we can get bits done at a time, realistically without taking a week off of work to do it is going to take some weekends to get it done. Mr G.T is never happier than when he has some sort of powertool in his hand so I'm sure he will enjoy every second of it! Meanwhile we (me, GN and GS) will be getting the garden sorted out and getting the fence painted on the back, it's going to be busy but worth it once it's all done. I've found it so easy in the past 2 years we have lived here to just sit back and take up the dutiful babysitting role, but this year I want to get things done, it isn't easy with a toddler but im sure he will help where he can and enjoy it, I am being more confident at getting stuck in and getting on with it now, I can't spend my whole life sitting back worrying about GS getting in the midst of things when we can have fun getting stuck in together.

There is also the inside to continue decorating, realistically we aren't going to get it all done this year but as GS is now out of the cot and in to his big boy toddler bed (fanfare please!!) we really want to get his room done for him! We were going with a seaside theme, but as he loves Buzz Lightyear so much we thought a space theme was much more him, I already have a star stamp and hope to get some more planets and stuff painted on to his walls once the blue paint is on, very exciting!

I am very hopeful that we may have another little family moving in sometime soon :) I spotted a Great Tit checking out our new bird box with great interest and being noticeably territorial around it (chasing off a poor sparrow trying to get to the seed feeder) so fingers crossed he and the Mrs liked what they saw!!

I've borrowed "Creative Play for 2-5's" by Dr Dorothy Einon from the library and love her style, lots of great ideas for creative play and also links to what it can help foster and develop in your toddler too, plus recipes for making your own play dough, paints and glue :) i love it! I have to admit to being a little bit too overcautious on the mess of "messy play" and feel bad now that this could hinder GS's enjoyment of crafts and creativity which after all i enjoy with them would be awful, so i'm going to relax a bit more, LET THE MESS COMMENCE!!

Keeping busy

2010-01-25T08:30:00.004Z

Baking chocolate muffins

Visiting the garden centre and buying a lemon tree for the conservatory

Attempting passport photo poses... we're still working on that!

I am pleased to report though that we have diverted some of the excess toddler energy in to doing things other than watching Toy Story *most* of the time, hurrah!

I have been tagged by Beki at The ramblings of an everyday Mummy in the "You're Welcome Meme!"

Rules:

1 visit the new blogs i've introduced you too and if you like them then subscribe/follow

2 Recommend three new blogs you've discovered and liked

3 Tag three other bloggers and ask them for three new blog reads

Here are my three fave new blogs that i've recently discovered:

1) Birdcages and Butterflies

2) While They Sleep

3) Dark Purple Moon

I would like to tag:

Lynn at http://wistfulgirl.blogspot.com/

Dubgirl at http://dubgirl-houseofdub.blogspot.com/

Jude at http://cariadincrete.blogspot.com/

Winter Woodland

2010-01-22T10:03:00.006Z

As promised here are some pictures from our little break away. The snow caused a few things to be tricky, mostly not all the foot and cycle paths could be gritted and the ice that came on Wednesday meant we couldn't use the bikes at all, plus the adventure playgrounds that GS loves so much were out of bounds and taped off for health and safety, understandable but still disapointing, but regardless of all that it was lovely, just the break we needed and we always relax away from it all in the woodland surrounded by nature and good food :)

Now i am ready for organising our next break away :)

I have been trying to find things to occupy GS (AKA The Mancub) lately, i think the bad weather plus his high energy levels mean he is utterly bored with the same old same old and being stuck mostly indoors and needs to run off his energy, I've tried having friends round, crafts, baking etc but he is so highly strung that he only has a 5 minute attention span with anything right now, is easily irritable and is basically hard work. It means I am spending most of my days trying not to shout at him (hard) and explain that he needs to play nicely/sit nicely/eat nicely/not throw things/not fly off the sofa in an impression of Buzz Lightyear/not attempt to saw my head off with his toolset/not keep getting DVDs out to watch/ not make a mini mountain of books and stand on them at the summit... aaah the joys of toddlerdom! I am beginning to find myself a) hankering after warmer weather so we can get out more b) yearning a more local cheap/free soft play centre and c) putting him infront of his much asked for DVDs and trying not to feel like a bad mother for letting him watch films rather than trying to keep him entertained doing other more educational things... bah! Anyway, Granny Nanny, Mr G.T. & I have come together and are going to try and put more wet weather action in to play, we have started to go swimming every Sunday morning, not a cheap pasttime but its worth it, and also we've researched a few more local "Messy Play" and toddler sessions at centres we can go to across the week. Failing that I am hoping that the rain clears soon and we can grab in a few more walks, kickabouts and gardening in to the equation, before we start being able to recite Toy Story verbatim, oops too late!

However, on a glorious break for escape yesterday we visited the local garden centre which i adore, even in Winter it has delights that I crave, bad news is it makes me spend money, good news is we now have a lovely new feeding station for our beloved garden birds, a lemon tree that was half price (Granny Nanny's new pride and joy for the conservatory) and 5 Raspberry plants to get caned up in a few more weeks, hurrah! We have big plans for the garden this year, last year we got some stuff done but what with my ill health it took a back burner understandably, now we are putting money away every month in the savings account so we can start getting the fence and decking painted, decking done for the front garden, gravel down on the lining and final touches made to the front such as a water feature etc hopefully. I hope to produce some before, during and after pictures in the following months!

We survived the snow!

2010-01-19T08:19:00.003Z

We haven't been buried under the snow I promise, Family Thrift have been on holiday!
I promise to write all about what we got up to and share photos very shortly but today is GS's swine flu jab which i'm a bit worked up about (he had a bad reaction after his MMR which was apparently unconnected according to the medical profession but i'm not so convinced) so I am just going to post a little bit before getting ready for that appointment.
The snow has totally disappeared (including the snowman which GS is a bit concerned over bless him- as we walked past the remaining stones and twigs yesterday he said "snowman has gone to the pub?" haha!) and we now have lovely grey miserable rain in it's place, hmm bring back the snow? maybe not but still, i hate drizzle, grey foggy English winters are not so picturesque as white snowy glistening ones. But compared to what Haiti is dealing with we have nothing to even remotely complain about so I will shut up, only speaking to ask everyone to donate anything they can to the DEC and related causes, even just a few pence can do something for someone over there and they really need it.

A suitable heroine

2010-01-07T18:51:00.004Z

I have just finished reading a book I really enjoyed, "Wedding Tiers" by Trisha Ashley.
It was well written with the usual complex love story of a good romance but rather than the usual Cosmo-heroine-in-the-city this one centres around Josie Gray, a rural country girl after my own heart who loves her hens, baking and being self-sufficient. Combining such terrific descriptions of country life and making your own cakes, wines and pickles this book also has a wedding aspect (Josie goes in to partnership with her best friend to provide bespoke weddings at a country house) and it therefore ticks so many boxes of delight for me! There are even real recipes that are mentioned in the plot printed at the back of the book, so you too can get "peapodded" on Peapod wine! I loved it! I hope other Trisha Ashley books are as endearing as I will be requesting more from the library.

The above book and old style recipes has inspired me to write down my family recipes finally, i have them in bits of books and bits of paper all over or in my recipe file, but a hardbacked book version would last much better and give me a chance to get everything in one place , i will be poaching ones from both Granny Nanny, my twin Aunties and my Mother-in-law, because they are the most tried and tested favourites! I'd love an old style hardbacked notebook, so will be keeping an eye out in the charity shops for something similar, a Cath Kidston style one would be lovely but i'm doubtful i'll get one of those!

The snow kept away today thankfully, just a few flakes flickered at tea time but hopefully thats all, it has thawed slightly in the sun so the roads and pavements are a bit less dangerous. I am back at work tomorrow for the late shift so I am hoping it stays so, but i hear this is forecast for a few weeks yet, but i imagine no forecast is going to be particularly accurate and therefore its probably more prudent to just look out of the window and take it from there rather than worrying about hours/days/weeks ahead. I managed to get in for my shift on Wednesday and we had a fully staffed library which was pretty good as many others in Derbyshire had to close because of staff shortages, but at the end of the day no matter how important the service is, staff safety comes first and if we can't get in or get home safely (especially in rural areas) then there has to be a sacrifice. I've been very proud of my local binmen/postman/gritter drivers and bus drivers who have been carrying on through it as best they can to keep everything running.

Wintery Whiteout

2010-01-05T19:33:00.008Z

As you can see the wintery weather has continued, with photos like these i really wouldn't mind were it not for how trecherous the roads are and the fact that Mr G.T was at work when the worst fell and I was due to go to the library for 1pm, that didn't happen! I hate letting down work especially as it's a public service and a lifeline to so many, but i just couldn't get out the end of my lane let alone down the hill, the library closed at 12 noon anyway so I would not have achieved anything even if I had've done something galliant and soldiered on. As it turned out hubby got to finish by 1pm and we spent the afternoon having a quick walk around the fields and making a snowman as requested by GS!

Granny Nanny and I were especially overcome by the gorgeous bullfinches that were drawn out of seclusion in search of food on to our garden, such beautiful colours, they were a very special treat! We have tried our best to keep our feathered friends fed, they were vigourously fighting over the seed bowl so we put a fresh one out, and a chicken carcass from the weekend, although some pesky fox has stolen both of our fat/seed/worm food trays (plastic trays and all) we put on the ground for the robins leaving some telltale footprints in the snow, although i guess they must have been desperate for the food just as equally so really i don't mind.

New Year New Start

2010-01-03T16:24:00.008Z

The last sunrise ...

...to the last sunset of 2009.

The title of this post conveys a lot for me, to you it probably seems a cliche of the new year bringing new opportunities, but to me it signifies a shift in not only the year but in our plans as a family.

We have decided to start trying again for a much wanted second child (or should that be third) after our miscarriage in May (that dragged on until July). I had spent a lot of 2009 actively avoiding the subject like it was something we couldn't talk about or even know where to begin with, but over the past month I have found an inner peace with myself about it all, I feel more confident now to give it another go and feel blessed to even have the chance to. I know it could happen again, and I know how that would feel, but we have been there before and we came through it stronger and closer than ever, and, as with a lot of things in life, you just have to take a leap of faith; put trust in yourself and with your beliefs and go for it. In some ways it feels not dissimilar to how ttcing for the 1st time felt when we eventually fell pregnant with GS, we were newly weds, we didn't own our own home back then and financially we were in a bit of a mess so trying for a baby seemed risky, maybe a bit too soon, maybe a bit too irresponsible, but it was the best decision we ever made looking back, and part of us wondered why we'd really left it so long, but ultimately the family we have now was worth the risk and worked out well, we listened to our inner voices and instincts and it worked out, as a lot of things do. I am hoping for similar success for 2010.

I am hoping also for this to be a new start of sorts with this blog, many times over the past few months I have felt like posting on here more regularly but have had other things to do or lacked the enthusiasm to turn on the PC again late in the evening, but I want to really give it a better go this year, even more so now I have a new camera to capture my days with and share with you all! So I hope you'll keep popping by a bit more regularly now I promise to feed your visits with more content?

n.b I have no clue what is going on with blogger today but i keep trying to edit the layout and photos on this post but it just will not behave, very frustrating!!

And relax...

2009-12-21T13:39:00.005Z

Biscuits (shortbread) and tarts (coconut) are baked, presents wrapped, cards written, shopping done.... hurrah!

I still have GS's stocking to complete but not much now to do, phew!

The baking was very therapeutic, although I did try to make some fruit pastilles that went very wrong (the mixture just never set *sniff* but nevermind making a jam sponge pudding with it instead lol)

I do hope my homemade gifts are enjoyed, I have heard from a friend this week whose beautifully crafted frosted cupcakes were not received well by her friend for her birthday, it's left me baffled really why anyone would not appreciate the effort and skill involved in what she made, i just don't get it. Maybe she is on a diet or something, still, I can't help but feel that her true colours have been revealed upon turning her nose up at my friends efforts, it seems to some it's only about how much you have spent or how fashionable the item is, not what thought and care has gone in to it, very sad really.

It has been beautifully snowy on the hill, everywhere looks very Christmassy and bright, much better than the usual rain/wind combination we usually have for Christmas week, it's so nice to have the white stuff come earlier than normal (lately it's been more February before snow falls). GS has been captivated by watching the giant flakes fall and then being able to dash around outside and go sledging! My garden birds seem to be struggling though, I have never seen so many in the garden fighting over the feeders and scraps i put out, i gave in and chopped them some cheese up yesterday, i just felt so sorry for them out there.

Made with love

2009-12-15T18:53:00.004Z

Thank you so much for your caring comments about our Charlie, we are coming to terms with it all now although still try and do a head count for 4 instead of 3, and miss his presence so much, poor little dude.

I am turning my attentions to all the handmade items I need to do for Christmas. Some are already done (jams, chutneys etc), some are half done (stockings for my son and niece- as what one has the other has to as well lol), and some i have to wait for so they stay fresh (biscuits, sweets and cheese straws). I am hoping that if i pace myself they will all get done in time, that's the hope anyway! I really need to stop procrastinating though (a nasty habit i have gotten in to over the years and really need to shake!) and get things done.

Another project I completed this week was for my friend who has now had her two twin boys (who are absolutely adorable by the way!) I finished the bibs for them;

I chose 100% cotton fabric for the fronts and a white towel for the back for extra absorbency. GS kindly modelled them although being 2 years old they were very small on him but look huge on the boys, it's so amazing how fast they grow!

Losing a pet

2009-12-08T18:44:00.001Z

Rest in peace Charlie boy

It has been a sad time on the hill this past week, our beloved cat Charlie was hit by a car and killed outside our house, it was awful and very upsetting to witness him gone like that, and so suddenly, he was such a cheekly little chap, always up to mischief, boisterous and fun but loved nothing better than a cuddle and to steal bread from the bird table when he thought we weren't looking! For all that to be ended so suddenly, and in a violent way, just wasn't fair for his young years, he was only 3. It's the danger we have always been aware of with a busy road outside our house, but the fact we have acres of open countryside and farm land behind our house we just thought they wouldn't venture off over the road, we were wrong, but he was too much of a free spirit and loves his outdoor wanderings for us to have done him any favours by keeping him couped up inside, he needed the wander and roam, it's just sad it meant this happened to him.

GN has been devasted, technically Charlie was her little baby as she adopted him and Daisy as kittens from the same litter before we moved in together, and on top of all other things this was hard, hard for her to see and lose. There have been too many tears shed in our house this year. I know to some people the fuss over pets seems weird and ridiculous, but to us he was a part of our family, loved and cared for, included in our every day activities like any other member of our family, and despite the fact we had 4 cats, to have now only 3 feels weird and strange, we miss him and his little character.

I am grateful we were able to find him, so we could bury him in the back field where he loved to roam so much. I am sure whoever hit him or at least saw him hit stopped and moved him and were probably very upset about what happened, they stopped a neighbour of ours to see if she knew where he had come from as Charlie could never keep a collar on (there must be a secret den somewhere with a hidden pile of them!) and had only lost his latest one a few days earlier so had no i.d as to where he came from, my neighbour remembered we had cats so knocked on our door to let us know what she had been told, we did a quick head count and realised Charlie was missing, i just knew then deep down it was him. It didn't take long before we found him, it was so awful to see him like that, it's haunted me, but we had a chance to say our goodbyes, give him a final stroke and know he hadn't suffered he just wouldn't have known what happened. To be able to say good bye, bury him and start the closure was comforting, better than not knowing where he had gone or what had happened to him, for him to be out somewhere alone or worst still in pain. It's helped a lot, and I am eternally grateful for everyone who stopped to take care of him and help him get back home to us, it was truly kind.

Feed the Birds

2009-11-22T19:22:00.003Z

Despite the awful weather conditions we have experienced on the Hill in the past week (severe gales, lashing rain...) the garden birds have been out in full force feeding from our various seed holders, peanut boxes, fat ball feeders & bird table. Granted the gales have blown a lot of them off and we've had to launch a reconnaissance mission to retrieve them, and the bounty has fallen on the floor from the constant swinging, but the Robins, Wrens and Tits seem to love that even more, foraging on the ground for extra bits and bobs!
I only wish I could capture them on camera enjoying my garden, I can't wait until Santa has been and hopefully Mr G.T & I will be able to afford a nice SLR camera, as sadly my little point and shoot fails miserably at things like this, sigh!
So far this Autumn on our feeders we have seen;
Great Tits
Blue Tits
Goldfinch
Blackbirds
Starlings
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Dunnocks
Wrens
Robins
Chaffinch
Collared Doves
Black Redstart
and even an occasional Sparrowhawk that tries it luck at grabbing an unsuspecting bird whilst they are munching away, cunningly evil but gorgeous creature!

I am hoping my passion for wildlife and feeding my garden birds will filter through naturally to GS, he loves being picked up to peek out of the window at whats on the feeders, he even points at our newly erected bird nestbox and says "Birdies make house have babies Mummy!" awww, well that's the hope anyway son!

There are 3 important things to remember when feeding garden birds, patience (it can take a while before the birds suss out the food and make sure the area is safe for feeding before they become regular visitors) and keep feeding throughout the year, it's bad news for birds if you stop feeding in the Spring or forget one year to put them things out, once they have sourced you out as a regular pit stop they will keep coming back looking for that lovely stuff you put out, so you have to take it on as a commitment, and finally water, the need this as much as food and it's vital to have a bird bath or just a tub of water for them to drink/bathe in. The RSPB have some terrific advice on feeding and encouraging birds to come in to your garden here http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/

Stay tuned for winter bird pics hopefully after Christmas, fingers crossed!

Is Winter here?

2009-11-17T19:19:00.003Z

I am not sure what day Winter officially arrives, but it's certainly got colder, wetter and darker here in the last few days. Although as you can see above, last week we had a beautiful sunny day, it was mild enough to be out without a coat on, November definitely seems to have been a milder than average month!

I am gobsmacked there is only 6 weeks left until Christmas, but thankfully I am organised this year after promising myself faithfully, and have done all of my Xmas shopping, just a few homemade items and baking left to do now, I am super chuffed with this, I am never usually this organised although in fairness the past 3 years have been very hectic around November/December so this probably is why. It seems more special this year also as it's GS' first real year of getting excited about Christmas and Santa as he is noticing all the fuss and trimmings this year already, I am hoping his meeting with Santa goes better than last year (he cried and refused to go anywhere near the grotto!) as we have a Christmas party with his toddler group planned as well as hopefully visiting here http://www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk/public/specialtrains.html#ttsx combining Santa and trains- I'm hoping thats going to win him over surely?!!

I've been a bit naughty really and bought quite a few non-eco/commercial plastic toys for GS' xmas presents, he has a new found love in Toy Story so a Buzz and Woody it is! Toddler boys are so tricky to actually craft things for, anyone have any ideas what I could possibly try, I'm struggling to think of anything durable and exciting enough to be suitable for him?!

Work has been quite busy lately, I have found that I have probably agreed to do too many extra hours as we have been short staffed and plenty were on offer, thankfully in the next 2 weeks it quietens off so I think I'll keep it to a few extra days a month from now on, otherwise i've found I just don't have enough time to get things done at home or my projects, not to mention spending quality time with GS, vital as we are currently potty training. I do love my job, it gives me the independent time I need to do my own thing, be a professional, help the community, but I also love being a Mummy and finding the balance isn't easy, even when you work part-time, I am incredibly lucky to have Granny Nanny here with us to take care of GS when I am at work, it does ease the guilt just a little bit.

Humbling...

2009-11-09T10:33:00.002Z

I haven't posted for a while again, naughty me, my head is full of a cold at the moment so not much sense is coming out so I'll refrain from trying really.

I want to link to my dear friend Neffy's blog, http://whatneffydidnext.blogspot.com/ who is volunteering in Uganda and not only doing amazing things for such a wonderful community, but experiencing the time of her life, definitely a gripping blog to read!

Autumn is here!

2009-10-20T19:50:00.006+01:00

Well, it certainly feels like Autumn this week, everywhere is beautifully decorated in red, orange and yellow and it's certainly dropped chilly, but I love those sunny frosty starts and cozy nights snuggled up under a blanket, I wonder if it's just really because I love wearing my winter boots, but whatever the reason behind it, I love Autumn in all it's glory!

I've been easily distracted this week making and baking, so firstly i will share some pictures of the fruits of my labour so you can see I really have been busy and not avoiding you all in the slightest!

These are the handmade baby burping cloths I made for my friend who is pregnant with twins, she loved them which made me very proud, I hope she will have a million and one uses for them and enjoy them! I've started on matching bibs and toys but I will send her these once the twins arrive i think.

This is actually an Apple Meringue, and tasted delicious, i followed a simple recipe out of the Somerfield magazine i picked up and it was great and not too sugary either, i even made the pastry myself instead of buying frozen like the recipe suggested, pah, i love pastry making why not do it yourself!!!

We've also started enjoying our country walks even more now, it just feels great to get wrapped up and stroll out somewhere, I guess it's easier now GS is walking and we don't have to drag the pushchair around everywhere we go, it makes fields, forests and felleys a lot more inviting, not that our 3-wheeler buggy wasn't pretty good at trails, it just feels like we have much more freedom without having to take it everywhere, as well as GS enjoying chasing alongside us and of course the obligatory jumping in puddles and kicking leaves... you just can't do that in a buggy! I'm finding myself drawn more and more to revisiting old haunts from my childhood, places i remember and enjoy from being a kid, wanting to pass on that experience and enjoyment to GS, we are blessed we live so near such beautiful countryside. I have some great photos from our recent walks to share, but alas I am tired tonight from a long day, so am off to snuggle with my hot mint chocolate and will post more tomorrow i hope.... so long x

Blog Action Day 09 -Climate Change!

2009-10-15T08:08:00.004+01:00

I was hoping to do a long post on here about this today but as GS has a cold (and consequently is being very trying this morning) I'll make it brief!

If you want to learn more about current findings on Climate Change then the WWF's research on the Arctic is very informative http://www.wwf.org.uk/?uNewsID=3386 this indicates even more than before that the world is getting warmer, and illustrates the importance of action now before it's too late. I personally feel the best way to tackle this is for a global deal that will cut emissions and commit every country and very individual within it to do something. It's hard to envisage what will happen in the future if we don't, and i think that explains some of the apathy people have towards being green, something thats hard to predict or forecast becomes mystified and almost mythological to people and they assume "it won't affect me", but there are small simple changes we can all make that can have an effect and it's easier than ever now to become educated and eco-aware, so we all have a duty to do our best.

Importantly for me I think is educating our children, bringing them up aware of the environment, recycling, minimising waste and eco-issues is so important in bringing about change.

Another point that often gets overlooked or glossed over is the effects every business has on climate change in this country. Although many have made attempts to be greener, I am sure we all know examples from where we work of where changes could easily be made to be greener; energy efficient bulbs/heating/lighting, simple recycling, less waste, less packaging etc. I have found shocking examples at every place I have worked where things are unnecessarily wasted or no recycling system is in place, it's very frustrating. I think if the examples I have seen are repeated throughout the country, and the world, then we still have a long way to go.

____________

Today is also Infant Loss Awareness Day. At 7pm tonight across the world people will be lighting candles to remember their lost children or friends/family that have suffered a loss, it's something I have taken part in for years as sadly I have a few friends who have suffered the loss of a child, but this year will be the most poignant yet as 6 months has passed since my own miscarriage at 9 weeks. It's very often something that people grieve about in private, and is very difficult for anyone who hasn't been through it to truly understand, but days like today highlight that you aren't alone, and it's ok to grieve, remember and live with your loss.

A busy bee...

2009-10-06T10:32:00.003+01:00

Sorry to have gone quiet, it has been a busy few days in the "Thrift" household, mostly because I have been at work (boo!) and GS has been teething (double boo!) but great news, his final molars are here and after 2 years of teething i think we are done, hurrah!! I am however questioning what joys will be coming next, potty training is my guess, eep!

My work colleague starts her maternity leave for her twins next week so I am busy working away on her gifts, so far I have 2 burping cloths made, and 2 more to go (i'll post pics when they are finished), then I am hoping to make them one each of these delightful toys http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/04/stuffed-animal-part-ii.html that Ashley has kindly shared over on Make it and Love It, I am however really struggling to get my hands on any batting, there seems to be a national shortage, so I might use some balls out of an old bean bag i have saved but concerned about the choking element of this incase any of the seams broke, so might have to take some stuffing from another teddy and replace it once I get some, unless anyone has any inspiring ideas?

Spiced Apple Chutney Recipe

2009-09-30T09:14:00.004+01:00

This recipe makes a most delicious apple chutney recipe, ideal for accompanying pork pie, crackers and cheese mmm made from a friend's windfall apples!

Ingredients;

8oz Onions, chopped (this was about 2 medium onions)

2lbs cooking apples (cored and chopped)

4oz raisins/sultanas

3 tsp ground coriander

3 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp salt

2 tsp ginger

11 oz sugar

1 1/4 pints of malt vinegar

Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan or preserving pan if you have one and stir to mix.

Bring to the boil slowly.

Simmer for around 2 hours, or until consistency is nice and thick and you can drag your spoon down the middle of the chutney and it leaves a channel for a while.

Divide in to sterilised jars, I got 4 jars but they are all quite large so obviously smaller jars would yield more.

Seal and cool, then store in a cupboard/dark pantry for 2 or 3 months before eating so the flavour can mature.

Another successful 100% homemade craft project

2009-09-28T09:09:00.004+01:00

Well, I am pleased with it anyway!
It's a scented lavender pouch for my future SIL's birthday, even the lavender is homegrown, quite chuffed about that.

To make it I measured two rectangular pieces of fabric and cut around the shape, mine was 6inches by 5 inches with a centimetre extra each side for sewing. I had a patterned fabric for once side and then a cream minkee-type fabric for the back.

Pin the two pieces of cloth together right sides facing, and then sew three edges leaving the top open.

Then fold over 1-2 cms of the top edge, pin and sew using a back-stitch to make a neat edge for the opening of the pouch.

Turn inside out, poke out corners and then iron.

Sew on two coordinating buttons on the front for decoration.

Secure a length of ribbon to the back of the bag about 2 inches down from the top opening, with a few small stitches (to stop it from sliding off)

Then fill pouch with lavender (or any other kind of pot pourri/petals/herbs you want) and tie the ribbon tightly to secure it all in.

I have also made some drinks coasters in the same material for her.

My next project is to make some things for a work colleague who is leaving on maternity leave in 2 weeks to have twin boys, I am thinking maybe some homemade bibs and burp cloths, but am open to ideas if you can think of anything/know of a good tutorial for baby gifts?

Then it's on to Christmas gifts...

Debt woes

2009-09-24T08:31:00.004+01:00

There is so much in the news currently about debt, and how much debt as a country we are in, it's quite a shocking figure. Debt can be such a crippling thing to live with, and I fear for even harder times ahead depending on a change in government and future plans to cut spending/recoup losses which may result in job losses, higher bills etc etc, it's a bit of a vicious circle as the fear of debt and redundancy makes more of us want to be frugal and thrifty, yet the government then becomes concerned saying consumer spending is the only way for the country to recover, how inconceivable it is to many of us to spend MORE even though times are harder.

Personally, Mr G.T & I have done a lot since we married to sort out our finances, debts so easily accrued when we were far too young plus a struggle to set up home together in a rising market that has now crashed... we made big steps to come out of using our overdrafts, consolidated our debts to get them paid off manageably, built up savings and live within our means, it was so easy for things to happen that threw us off course though and the past 2 years have been tough. We are by no means in as bad a state as some I know, thankfully my redundancy didn't mean we lost our home, or defaulted on payments, but it means credit cards had to be used, the overdraft is back, savings are depleted and we spend a lot of our monthly income paying back these debts. The best laid plans can very often get blown off course so easily, it's been a tough lesson to learn and I hope soon to get back on track again and rebuild our savings so we again have a cushion to fall back on, it just happens so instantaneously yet takes months/years to recover from.

I dread things going wrong because I know we struggle to afford the bills to fix them. Currently something seems wrong with the car and I always dread that as it can be something easily sorted (thankfully Mr G.T is handy and can do quite a few minor repairs himself, plus my brother-in-law is a mechanic so is on hand for advice) but if it's something that needs a new part or proper garage work, it can be so pricey, it's only just had it's service too so I am hoping so strongly that it can be put right as quickly and painlessly as possible. But these sorts of things just highlight to be even more how much money problems weigh on my mind and conscience, and how I hope one day soon to make it a better situation.

I'm carefully planning Christmas already, I am hoping to handmake a lot of projects as gifts for friends and family, and reduce spending on food to good quality ingredients but nothing extravagant, i think sometimes it is so easy to overspend and overeat at Christmas which is not what the festivities should be about really. The past couple of years we have managed to enjoy a basic simple but delicious Christmas, so am hoping for the same or better this year, i am hoping early organisation and planning will help, as the last 3 Christmases have been last minute rushes for a variety of reasons which often means I spend more than I need to also. So I am planning a thriftier and more environmentally friendly Christmas all round, I hope I can achieve it.

Wales: The pictures

2009-09-21T23:01:00.008+01:00

Easing back in gently

2009-09-21T10:42:00.004+01:00

We have been away for a glorious week's holiday in Caernarfon, Wales, wow what a lovely place!
Needless really to say that it's hard work being back to Monday morning and it's a struggle fitting back in to the usual routine when I enjoyed so much just walking, taking photos and enjoying free time, i suppose ideally every day should be like that, reality doesn't always make that possible though eh?! I have found myself completely shying away from the internet, even blogging (i hear you gasp!), it's just so easy once you have been away from it all for a week to dread getting sucked back in to the virtual vortex of emails, facebook updates, gossip and, worst of all, bills! I'm easing myself back in gently though, having caught up on some beautiful and gorgeous blog updates this morning it's reassured me that the internet isn't all evil, but maybe it's taught me i need to cut back on the social network sites and the hustle and bustle, and just concentrate on the places that bring me joy, like my blogs.

I seem to have gone in to overdrive since returning, wanting to get all the house cleaned, washing done, bills paid, schedule arranged, odd ends tied up... which is a bit silly really because then i'll need another break by the end of the week! So i've written a list of all the things popping in to my head so I don't forget anything (i love lists!) but will tackle it at a steady and more manageable pace I think moving forward.

Back to the holiday then. We stayed in a beautiful cottage that used to be the bathkeeper's home by the shore of the Menai Strait, looking over to Anglesey and with views of Caernarfon castle, Snowdonia, fields of little calves and of course the picturesque waters, it was a relaxing place, quiet and serene but close enough so we could walk to the attractions in Caernarfon itself. I found inspiration for so many photos, i think I took nearly 950 so I am going to have to be very strict on which ones I can post up, so many beautiful things there though, I am hoping to create some sort of photo scrap book from them, and some prints for the walls/for friends eventually. Some of the activities we did apart from enjoying the scenery were; visiting Caernarfon castle and the regimental museum there, going on a boat trip around the Menai Strait, Anglesey Sea Zoo (really very good with lots of attractions for all ages, but also greatly educational on the eco issues of both local and global seas, and your tickets last for 7 days so you can visit as many times as you want in the week!), Pilli Palace butterfly and nature park (GS was not so sure about the butterflies landing on him, of all the things to be frightened of he chooses Mummy's favourite creatures!), Dinas Dinlle beach (my Welsh is poor so if anyone knows how to pronounce that please help me!) and the Iron Age fort which GS climbed up with us and made me very proud (GS was born with clubfoot so every step he takes fills me with joy). I would have loved to have visited Snowdonia, and some of the Welsh railways, but we couldn't do everything and shall definitely be returning so it keeps some gems for our return.

It was also quite strange while I was away how many things irked me about the environment, I have always been passionate about nature and ecology but the annoyance i felt at seeing such a beautiful beach with litter on it surprised me. McDonalds stuff just thrown out of cars on the side of the beach, horrible tales of animals being killed/mamed by plastic bags dumped out at sea/on beaches etc. Obviously I am not saying Wales is anyway worse than anywhere else, but the stark contrast between such beauty and then seeing these things really highlighted it to me that humans have a long way to go to clean things up and we all have a duty. Thankfully the local people, shops and councils are taking great initiative in trying to stop such things, for instance they have stopped using plastic bags in most of the local stores and gift shops (although the supermarkets haven't yet). I was also peeved when most of the tomatoes on sale in the supermarket were from Poland...what???! it's tomato season in the UK there must be millions to buy why on earth would i want Polish tomatoes that have probably been in shipping for a week or more and have no taste, ludicrous!

The problem about being relaxed is that you can slow down enough to listen to your little inner voice and what's really going on, and so I had some down moments, despite really enjoying the holiday and being with my loved ones, it brought home also that I am still grieving over my miscarriage, i think despite not really saying anything to each other both Mr G.T and I felt it, your mind automatically drifts to what might have been, and that space that's been left in your heart aches, it's only natural I know, it's still very much fresh and tender and I know I need to just let it be and accept that recovery can be a long and individual journey, I don't have to be strong all of the time.

Stuffed Marrow Recipe

2009-09-07T21:49:00.005+01:00

I thought I'd share with you a recipe I've tried today and found delicious! Marrows are often a vegetable I see for sale but think "What on earth can i do with it?" so never bother, but this one was so cheap (50p) i couldn't resist and I am glad I didn't as Stuffed Marrow is wonderful!

I am pretty sure you could swap and change a lot of the ingredients to suit whatever is in season/in your fridge/in your garden, but here is what I did to feed 4;

Stuffed Marrow Recipe

Ingredients;
1 marrow (peeled, de seeded and quartered)
3 carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 onion (peeled & cubed)
1 clove of garlic
knob of butter
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp paprika
2 cups of rice
1 tin of chopped tomatoes (or ready chopped fresh tomatoes)
1/2 pint of stock (chicken or vegetable)
generous helping of grated parmegiano cheese
salt & pepper

Instructions;

Once the marrow has been prepared, rub salt in to the flesh and leave to stand while creating the stuffing, this helps remove the bitter taste from it.
Cook the rice by boiling a pan of hot water, then adding rice and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a skillet/frying pan melt the butter, add the garlic, then add the chopped vegetables to soften them over a gentle heat.
After they have gradually softened, add the stock, seasoning, rest of the herbs and the tomatoes and let it simmer to fuse the flavours and cook the vegetables.
After 15 or so minutes, add the cooked & drained rice & stir in thoroughly
Wash the salt from the marrow quarters then place on a baking tray on top of aluminium foil then spoon the stuffing in to the upturned marrow middles.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top
Cover loosely with another sheet of aluminium foil and place in a preheated oven at 180 degrees centigrade.
Bake for approximately half an hour, then remove the top layer of tin foil to allow the cheese to brown and bake for a further 10-15 minutes until cheese melted and tops turning golden.
Serve on own or with salad/veg/rice/pasta side dish (I actually used some of the stuffing that was leftover and stir-fried it with some soy sauce to make an accompaniment)
Enjoy!!

As you can see from the above photo, we even got to enjoy it al fresco tonight as the weather has taken a sudden shift in to reverse and it's been a glorious 21 degrees and sunshine all day today, it's forecast to last the week too, marvellous!

Thank you for the well wishes for Daisy too, she seems much improved today and even let me inspect her healing wound without hissing today, so seems we got there just in time with it, she seems more humbled in her usual safari antics across the fields and has only ventured out for a bit then returned home for cuddles & reassurance, but I am pleased she seems happier and in a lot less pain now.

I made this!

2009-09-06T19:33:00.005+01:00

After a slow and steady start I am really enjoying handmaking gifts now, and more importantly seeking out new projects i can sew/stitch/bake/create!

It was only when i uploaded my photos for the week today that I realised what a home-made week I have had;

tomato soup for dinner on Thursday

completed some hand-stitched drinks coasters for my friend's wedding present (plus a bottle of rose fizz- i didn't make that i may add)

A little hand bag for my 2 year old niece (am hoping to make some more items for her in the same fabric)

I also made thank you cards for my GS birthday presents, and a salad solely using items out of the garden.

The sewing projects have been the most rewarding for me seeing as it's the one i needed the most development on, having rarely been able to sew even a button on in the past. I have sewn the items totally by hand, and although not as neat & precise as a sewing machine, I find I am resisting the use of a sewing machine (despite my MIL offering me hers) as it feels more authentic, more hard work if I do it myself and I find comfort and pride in that. Sewing by hand is almost like the labour of giving birth to my final creation, whereas i am not sure i'd have the same satsifaction from using a sewing machine. Maybe once I have reeled off a few more project then common sense will prevail and i'll use a machine, but for now I am happy by hand.

It's rainy on the hill today, there is a real feel of Autumn in the air, although the weather forecasts to be finer for this week, the temperatures have certainly dropped and I felt frozen today when visiting the car boot sale in Tansley, in the harsh open Derbyshire countryside.

Poor Daisy has been in the wars also; our warrior princess seems to have been in a scuffle with some other creature (unsure what, maybe a dog, another cat or even a fox) and has a nice deep puncture wound on her right behind that she growled and hissed at us every time we got near, poor little thing was not happy at all, so off to the emergency vet we went, and thankfully we had caught it in time as it was forming an absess, so a hefty bill later she seems much better full of painkiller & antibiotic injections and sardines (GN spoils her!)

Look at her being brave!

The County Show

2009-08-30T20:11:00.010+01:00

Today we ventured forth to the local county show, celebrating it's 160th year, one can only imagine how it has changed since the very first one (it is certainly a lot more commercialised now, £2 for a coffee at some stands-what cheek!) but very pleased to see a lot of traditional arts and crafts being displayed, promoted and encouraged from willow weaving to wood-turning.

GS loved the Dancing Digger display, Punch & Judy, and the animals on show, whilst Mr G.T made the most of the sweetie stands & admired the tractors!

I became inspired by some of the beautiful craft stalls there to maybe build up some items of my own to show in the future, it would definitely be a giggle to have a stall somewhere for the day, I am sure my family would help, I'll have to look in to it.

Reminiscing and despair

2009-08-24T19:42:00.003+01:00

This is the beautiful view over Derbyshire from the platform of the hotel where Mr G.T & I had our wedding reception 3 and a bit years ago. It's the first time strangely we have returned to it since that day and it was to celebrate my Grandma's 80th birthday last weekend with a family meal. I loved returning, it was such a special day and it naturally has a place in my heart for that reason, but it is also just such a breathtaking view, and a beautiful place. Another happy couple were celebrating their special day that night, and it made me want to do it all over again in a silly way, one of those days you'd like to relive again given the chance.

We went to our first car boot Sunday and Mr G.T was suitably impressed, he bought more things than I did (I merely got a lb of delicious plums! but they are oh so amazing....look!)

Despite the fun moments of the weekend I am sat here now feeling quite exhausted; physically because it's been a hectic day at work and looks set to be as equally busy tomorrow, but also emotionally as certain family members are driving me to despair with their attitudes and behaviour. I love my family, but try as hard as I can they annoy me at times. If only I could try and change their ways a little, make them appreciate what they have instead of always complaining about things and seeing themselves as hard done by, try and get them to open up and be close to me a bit more rather than being brusque and rude, it isn't hard to try and see things from other people's point of view, yet some seem to really struggle and only have a 1-sided view that they refuse to shift from. It's tiring and I am at the point of despair really, not knowing what to do. I desperately want them to be happy, and to enjoy all we can together, but on each rejection and day of sniping & moaning from them I wonder what it is I can try to do to make things better. I think after all I have been through this year alone I'd have more than enough reason to be introvert and moody, but i am not, I try to reach out to them still. It hurts quite a bit.

I nearly forgot to mention my crafting, I haven't started the bunting yet as I thought i'd do a few mini-projects to perfect my sewing before i tackled something for GS's room, but I am pleased to say I have made a couple of fabric drink mats that suit our living room colours beautifully, i'm still in dire need of skills but am perfecting them slowly but surely, every project will be a lesson in how to improve and what I can try better next time.

Here's one of the mats

Delicious Blackberries on the Hill!

2009-08-18T08:56:00.008+01:00

The fields behind our house have been overflowing this year with luscious ripe purple blackberries, so we have spent many hours already up to our elbows in thorns collecting the rich harvest and yesterday it paid off as we made 12 jars of blackberry jam mmmm delicious!
It's my first ever jam, and under the supervision of GN it was touch and go for ages whether we were going to get to the setting point or not but hurrah we made it!
I think most of these we will give away to friends and family, but the next batch we are hoping to make a bit nearer xmas and put them in hampers & tea sets for presents (with a batch of homemade biscuits or scones, some clotted cream maybe and a pack of tea!)
Here is our bounty

I have to admit, so many bloggers make jams and pickles and make it look very easy but it always seemed so daunting to me, all that fruit, all that sugar, and a "setting point" gaaaah but I am pleased to say that despite my hesitation it is actually well worth giving a try!
Here is the recipe we followed for anyone out there who hasn't already and fancies giving jam-making a try;

ingredients;
4lb fruit (we used blackberries obviously but it could be strawberries, damsons, cranberries etc)
3 pints water
4lb sugar
a knob of butter
1 lemon
10-12 jam jars depending on size

recipe;
Wash the fruit and destalk/stone if necessary, you could also use frozen fruit you had prepared earlier.

Using a heavy based large saucepan pop in the fruit, add the water and bring to the boil, then turn down slightly if necessary to simmer for about 45 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat completely, add the sugar and juice of the lemon and stir until completely dissolved, then add the butter and allow to melt.

Turn up the heat again to boil rapidly for 15-20 minutes, although ours took a bit longer to reach setting point. Keep a close eye on the jam so it doesn't catch at the bottom of the pan and burn, an occasional stir should stop this happening.

Whilst the fruit is boiling, pop the jam jars and lids upside down in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 150 degrees c (300f/ gas mark 2) and then once they have had enough time keep them turned upside down on to a clean tea towel/cloth until ready to avoid contamination.

It may seem trivial but it is really important to sterilise the jars and keep them as air tight as possible at all times as the warm fruit and conditions are ripe for bacterial growth which can be quite a nasty unwanted side effect from such a delicious treat! Akternatively you could boil the jars or use sterilising tablets.

Once your jam has been boiling for 10-15 minutes start testing for the setting point. This is easier than it sounds, and involves putting a little teaspoon of the jam on to a plate and then popping it in to the fridge for a few minutes to cool, if when you check on it the jam has started to solidify (has a skin that wrinkles when you prod it rather than liquidy) if it isn't quite set yet keep boiling and try again in a minute or so.

Once you are happy setting point has been reached then remove from the heat and leave to stand for 15 minutes, then carefully spoon in to the jars carefully (i know, i'm a nag, but hot jam is very painful if it contacts skin and burns easily!) then once each jar is full to the neck then seal with the airtight lids immediately and leave to set.

The jam usually keeps for 5-6 months if stored correctly.

Happy jamming!!

Birthday Celebrations

2009-08-17T18:56:00.005+01:00

My GS turned 2 yesterday so the week has been busy to say the least. We decided to get him a wooden playhouse for the garden which he adores, and we celebrated yesterday with a trip to the Zoo and a picnic. His interest in animals and nature is growing, he loves to name animals, imitate them and watch with keen interest what they do, so the Zoo was a natural place for us to take him and it didn't disapoint.

I was especially impressed by the way the Zoo highlighted global issues surrounding each animal, particularly levels of extinction, habit destruction and illegal meat/product trades. It's far from their natural environment, but for some species preservation in zoos are their only chance for survival and, hopefully one day, a return to levels of population in their natural habitats. I still find myself on a steep learning curve about the level of destruction in this world, both local and global. It's hard to know where to start on making things better, small steps that have a big impact along the way I guess, if only there was something quicker and more effective we could all do to make a huge difference.

As my son turns only two I think back to the day I gave birth, how quickly those 2 years have passed, and also forward to what future lies ahead for him.

It's been awhile...

2009-08-08T20:45:00.005+01:00

I took a break from blogging this week as little GS came down with the Swine Flu (well "suspected", they don't confirm cases anymore in the UK) pleased to say after a week of quarantine and some anti-virals and he is now right as rain, just a tad grumpy at the whole affair and choosing to be particularly Toddler-ish, such is his prerogative!
To cheer him up we put our tent up on the garden Thursday and he's revelled in it, I remember my parents doing this in our back garden when I was growing up in the summer holidays and it provided hours of entertainment; somehow eating your dinner/playing board games/reading a book/telling stories is made so much more interesting when done in a tent. GS found particular delight in using the front porch section as a drive through garage for his ride-on Quad bike, and equally enjoyed it when it rained and we sheltered in it together drinking tea (me) & juice (him) listening to the rain pattering down. It has encouraged Mr GT and I that we should get a bigger, more family friendly tent and go off for a camping holiday next year, maybe trying it out just the 2 of us on a test run weekend first, I am hoping we get on well with it, I love the idea of being away from it all, enjoying the outdoors and surviving on just the basics while having the best fun ever, I feel it will bring out the best in us, well that's the hope anyway, stay tuned to see if that bright idea works!

Back on track "craft-wise" today though, I nipped in to my local habersdashery on my lunch hour from work (yes, i have to work some Saturday's, i know- it should be against the law, but it pays the bills) and had a half hour of total excitement fumbling through the off-cut bins, caressing the rolls of fabrics, checking out all the cute buttons and oohing at lovely threads, in the end I was quite reserved and bought half a metre of lovely soft cream fabric, a few off-cuts and some blue cotton tape I need to make GS some bunting for his bedroom. I'm too tired tonight though to start anything (i think tiredness would equal mistakes) so I'll tackle it with gusto tomorrow. The Library has been busy today, busy for most of the summer holidays so far in fact with the children coming in very keen to participate in our Summer Reading Scheme and parents overjoyed at the fact their children suddenly love the library and books (and are quiet when reading them through the miserable rainy August days we've had so far) even if it is after being seduced by incentives of stickers, puzzle boards and magic pens as prizes!

Wordless Weekend Snapshots #2

2009-08-03T20:24:00.005+01:00

Wordless Weekend Snapshots

2009-07-27T20:48:00.009+01:00

The wonder of the picnic

2009-07-25T13:05:00.013+01:00

Myself, Granny Nanny, my son, and my niece went for a trip to Rufford Abbey to make the most of a rare sunny day in July! I love it here, particularly on a dry day there is so much to see and do; lakes, ducks, swans, woodland, cafe, the historic 12th century abbey, butterflies, craft centre, art gallery, arboretum, adventure playground, an old mill, modern sculpture... it satisfies my senses and indulges my desires, as well as entertaining the kids, bonus!

I have a bit of an obsession with picnics, probably a result of my childhood spending many a day trip out in the Derbyshire Dales, Peak District, or Norfolk sitting in the car completely washed out by the usual "British summer" rain eating Waggon Wheels, salmon & cucumber rolls (cobs to us), pork pie and scotch eggs, mmmmm the best memories! From the first year Mr G.T & I started dating we have gone for daytrips and ride-outs armed with a little picnic basket packed full of goodies and delights! Somehow eating al-fresco, or even sat in the car looking out to the countryside beyond, makes the simplest of spreads taste divine. Of course the best picnics are ones where you can lay out in the sun on a giant rug, sipping wine, eating smoked salmon and various cheeses, the kids running around enjoying the freedom of the outdoors, all topped off with cake (a quintessential picnic item!) However, good weather isn't a necessary ingredient, you can even have a picnic sat indoors on a rug in your conservatory, or inside a play house as the rain patters down, as long as there are nibbles, a lack of cutlery and you are sat around in good company enjoying the occasion, it's a memorable picnic!

Baking Tea Loaf

2009-07-22T07:56:00.009+01:00

Low fat and delicious, my gorgeous son loved helping with the mixing, although actually i think it was more the juicy soaked raisins he was shuffling in to his mouth that swung it!

Recipe taken from BBC Good Food- Fruity Teacake except I used dried mixed fruit, peach juice instead of orange juice.

Learning something new...

2009-07-21T21:33:00.005+01:00

While at work today I took it upon myself to disapear in to the library for a few moments to search through the craft section, so many books so little time, I came out with 3 lovely books to try and help me develop my craft skills, more specifically to learn how to sew! I have a wish to create beautiful things, reconnect with my creativity, or at least learn to sew a hem up properly (currently Granny Nanny kindly does this for me, but really, I am 28, I should be standing on my own 2 feet now really eh?!) I used to be able to pick up a new skill really easily, especially crafts, but these days I feel scared to do so, how silly, time i faced that demon and went for it, hence the books!
The three I have chosen are:

Lost Crafts: Rediscovering Traditional Skills- Una McGovern (ISBN 978-0-550-10426-7)
The Complete Book of Sewing (ISBN 1-4053-1295-5)
Home-made Vintage - Christina Strutt (ISBN 1-904991-43-2)

I shall report my opinions on them at a later date, and hopefully the results of my tuition will be beautiful!

So as I finish my Guinness (for medicinal purposes of course!) I am off to snuggle up to Mr G.T on the sofa with my 1st book, wish me luck!

Monday Morning

2009-07-20T21:33:00.001+01:00

My first blog post, be gentle with me...

The Holmes-Rahe scale lists marriage, divorce, pregnancy, moving house, redundancy, illness and miscarriage among the top traumatic life events, for me these have all been part of the ups and downs of my life over the past 3 years, needless to say I am feeling a little bit shattered.

I am now happily married (to Mr G.T) with divorced parents, one gorgeous Son (GS) about to turn 2, living in my new house on Hawthorn Hill thick in Derbyshire countryside, with my Mum who is my fabulous Granny Nanny (GN), finally enjoying my job as a Librarian after being made redundant from the world of finance in 2008, recovering from a miscarriage that's left my health pitiful and my heart aching.

This blog is going to reflect my change of approach, inward instead of outward looking, thrift instead of splurge, trusting my inner voice instead of the cacophony of everyday.

Moving to make the most of what I have, who I am and all I hold.