Budget bags!

Me & my sister were on a mission to collect some pieces of furniture that she had spotted. When we got to the shop typically is was closed, but the shop next door was open and lucky for us that its was. The 1st thing both of us spotted were these, one for me & one for little dear!

Both for the bargain price of £15.

Cannot put it off!

It had to be done, I needed some workable work tops. My mum get complaining about the clutter (I told her that's what you get for a small kitchen). I have had a right sort through, there was some herbs that expired in 2004, 5 lots of cereal that were out of date or gone soft.

It feels all inspiring to me now, I may bake tomorrow to celebrate!

Charity Shopping at it's best!

Not sure if there old or new, but a visit to the charity shop paid off yesterday £1.49 for each piece and they are large too. Any ideas what to do with them?

Spring time!

Last June we became the proud owners of an allotment in our next town. The plot had not been in use properly for 3 years so you can imagine what state it was in. Knowing that me & hubbo would not be able to manage it ourself or have the know how, my Ma & Pa are pitching in.

We missed the main growing season last year but luckily we managed to turn over a small plot and get in some winter vegetables. Most were free from fellow plot holders who had some spare plug plants.

Me and my Ma paid a visit yesterday for a few hours to turn over a section. Whilst there we dug up some swede, kale, cabbages, celeriac and leeks. There was even enough to give out some freebies to friends and families. It felt good to be out in the fresh air it almost felt like Spring!

New beginnings!

The picture has no significance other than I love this picture of my Mum at Betty's in York back in September, very Calender Girls but with clothes on!

Well we are now 8 days into 2012, I've had a cold, not done any baking and been out once on my bike since before Christmas, so resolutions/goals are up the swanney all ready.

Hopefully I will be here a lot more than 2011 as I love the way you can look back on it.

Lemon Curd!

Today has turned out to be a very productive day in terms of Jams & Preserves. 1st in the pan was Blackberries & raspberries to make some lovely jam. Next to be started was homemade Lemon Curd, we seem to have a glut of eggs at the minute, so time to use a few. I used the Mrs Beetons recipe and it has not let me down yet.

Lemon Curd

4 Eggs
1lb Caster sugar
4oz butter
rind & juice of 4 lemons

Break the eggs and separate white & yolk. Whisk the yolks, add the other ingredients and stir oer a gentle heat in a bowl over pan of hot water for about 20 - 30 minutes or until thick. Pour in to sterilised jam jars.

It normally makes 3 jars and keeps for about 2/3 weeks.

Just Original Animals!

On the last post about our ever growing animals I showed you just 2 original chickens, Beatrix & Mabel. But after a visit to an agricultural show back in May I could not resist little MAY our Rhode Island Red Bantum. We thought she might get bullied by the other 2 bigger chcikens, how wrong were we. She has a British Bulldog instinct!

If I had known what great pets they make, I would of got Chickens years ago!

Here's Boo my daughter Beautiful Bunny, very loving and loves getting out in the garden with the Chickens.