Catch-up!

Where is the time going - i can't believe we are mid way through February already! I have been busy though - got the sewing mojo going - I made this cushion for my dearest friend Trash's birthday - i just loved doing it and am thinking of doing it on a bigger scale as a wall hanging.

Em's puppy Indie seems to be settling in well as you can see! We still have the odd puddle or two but not too bad for 14 weeks! She's been to a few puppy classes and does not seem too phased!

My son has been asking me to make him a quilt for ages so finally got round to buying some fabrics and found this design from Jane Brocket's The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making although i have slightly modified it. I wasn't too sure about the fabric clash when i started but am quite liking it now and my son likes it so that's all that matters. I think i am going to do a border in a plainish purple to finish it off.

Finally a bit of news - although you may guess when you look at the pic below! I am going to be a granma!!! I can't tell you how excited i am. My eldest son Tom and his girlfriend Lin are having a boy and he's due the beginning of May! They got engaged on Christmas Day which was just lovely and a total surprise! This crib has been used by all mine when they were babies and we got it down from the loft the other day - i have to recover it so if any of you know of any good patterns or have any ideas how to start i would be most grateful!Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

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Making winter cosy!

Sorry my post is little late - I don't have a 'puter' at the moment and have to borrow Ems when its available!

One of the best things about winter is coming in from the cold and wet to a lovely roaring fire and something lovely to eat. One of the favourite quick meals in our house is pasta soup - its soo easy to make and very filling!

Ingredients -

Pasta, 1 small onion, 1 chopped finely carrot, 1 chopped stick of celery, 1 tin of chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp paprika, 1 vegetable stock cube in about 400ml of hot water (or can use 1 stockpot).

Firstly fry the onion in a little oil until soft then add the carrot and celery, stir for a few minutes and then add the paprika, tom puree, tin of toms and veg stock - bring to boil and simmer for about 20 mins. As my son is a vegetarian i quite often add some lentils or chickpeas as well. You can put whatever veg you like too.

Whilst this is all simmering, put some water on to boil and then cook the pasta. I have used all the different shapes of pasta but we like the shell pasta the best.

When pasta cooked, drain and just add into the other pan of ingredients. Serve with some crusty bread.

This receipe is easy to adjust - the above is for 4 people. Instead of paprika you can add cumin or even a little curry powder to spice it up a bit.

Another favourite is old fashioned bread pudding - this is brilliant as you can use up any stale bread you have - doesn't matter if its brown or white - you can chuck it all in together!

Ingredients - 8 oz bread, half pint milk, 2oz butter, 3oz soft brown sugar (or caster), 2 tsp mixed spice (or cinnamon) 1 egg (beaten) 6 oz sultanas. Firstly tear up bread into small pieces and place in a bowl - pour milk over and leave to soak for about 20 mins. Then add melted butter, sugar, spice and egg - mix in well then add fruit. Put in a baking dish and bake in oven for about 1hr (180C or 350F). After taking out sprinkle with a little sugar and serve with some lovely custard. It is also nice to eat when its cold but you may find there is not a lot left!

Sorry there are no pics this post but am having technical problems. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.


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a quick wish!

Just want to wish you all a very Happy New Year and hopefully the blogging will get going properly!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

p.s the above is the newest member of our family - you have no idea how someone soo little and cute can cause chaos amongst the entire household!!!!