Yesterday I found an old batch of hazlenuts in a kitchen cupboard that I had totally forgotten about. I was craving something sweet so I used them to make Nutella.  So yummy. I also have been brewing and bottling my essential oils. The house smells really good during the 6 hours that I had them … Continue reading Homemade Nutella and essential oils

So last week I turned 30! How did that happen?! It was such a happy day and my mum made me this fabulous fruit cake with all of my favourite things on top - Winona the cat, gardening, bluebells, exercise and AKR. I've been enjoying some time in nature by going woodland walking at dusk. … Continue reading Turning 30, woodland walks and lots of preserves

I've been picking and eating loads of produce from the garden over the last few weeks. The courgettes at the moment are my favourites. They just suddenly appeared and are super tasty and filling. They are so versatile and can be added to loads of different dishes. The pumpkins are getting there. I am quite … Continue reading Courgettes, pumpkins, sunflowers and a painting found in a junk yard

Some recent photos of my garden.

I am reading a book called 'Life in the Garden' by Penelope Lively that I picked up in the library. Can't resist sharing this section of the introduction... 'We garden for tomorrow, and thereafter. We garden in expectation, and that is why it is so invigorating. Gardening, you are no longer stuck in the here … Continue reading Life in the Garden

I'm just having a little break inside from the sun as my skin is scorched and thats with sun tan lotion! It's so great to have the sunshine and warmth though. It makes everyone so much happier. Lets face it, nothing beats light nights and bbqs. The garden has been producing so much rhubarb. I … Continue reading Eucalyptus, felting, rhubarb and a long cycle

There has been so much rain the past few days but also a lot of warm intermittent sun. Such a combination has made for a massive growth spurt in the garden. Lots of flowers emerging, beautiful blossom on the plum trees but also a heck of a lot of weeds. They seem to appear in … Continue reading April showers, flower crowns and a new project

March and now the beginning of April has been very focused on my practice of mindfulness. I have been attending amazing mindfulness sessions at the Credo centre under the guidance of a Nepalese born Buddhist monk, Venerable Sujan. I have found it a really worthwhile discipline and am now regularly practicing meditation on a daily … Continue reading Mindfulness, flower power, an apron and a tiny trapped bird

It has been soooooo long since I last wrote a blog post but hey, I'm back now! Last week was a busy week of trying new things which was great. The freedom my prosthetic leg gives me is just fantastic. Last week I was at the gym most days, I have joined a yoga class,  … Continue reading A cat, a teapot and natural remedies

Today I am loving just watching the snow from inside. I love this time of year. It is extremely rare that I have a day when I am just inside but today has been such and it's been a cosy and content kind of a day.  I've been hopping between reading, knitting, wreath hanging, tree … Continue reading Snow, decorations and reading

'Sharing stories is what makes us human.' (Zeus)  Do you remember as a child feeling the joyous comfort and escapism of being told a bedtime story? I always remember sitting on my dad's knee as a little girl while he read story after story from the old worn copy of Brother Grimm Fairy Tales. My … Continue reading Story time and letter writing

On Saturday I was in the garden pruning and planting. Before I was able to start planting any of my spring bulbs though, I had the mammoth task of clearing piles and piles of wet muddy leaves away. In the end my garden bin was overflowing and the composter was jam packed. During this process … Continue reading Leaves and Snowberries

So as promised here are some photos of the finished dumbbell crate turned winter planter. It was enjoyable and relaxing painting it last weekend and most importantly it helped distract me from thinking about some not so great news I received on Friday.

I saw this little Robin the other day and was reminded of this quote, 'I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.' - Charlotte Bronte. A friend gave me a necklace with this quote on it years ago and I still treasure it. Freedom, … Continue reading A robin,the cottage and little Sparkles

    This week I was up at Ballater for the day and there were hundreds upon hundreds of pine cones strewn all over the ground. I have always thought there is something really special about pine cones, they are just beautiful and evoke so many lovely memories for me. Whilst I was in Ballater, … Continue reading Pine cones, open windows and upcycling

I'm day dreaming of Paris all the time at the moment. I miss it. ❤

I can't believe that it's nearly my seven months ampuversary! Its crazy that it has been so long since the day I said farewell to my dodgy ankle. What a journey its been so far. I have had absolutely no regrets about getting rid of my leg, and my new leg (Lola) has been amazing. … Continue reading 7 month ampuversary

I read a beautiful paragraph in a magazine the other day that really struck me. I don't know about you, but some of my favourite moments in life are when I am uncontrollably crying with laughter at something. For me personally, laughter is by far the best medicine and stress relief. The writer of the … Continue reading Reconnecting

This week I gave gel candle making a shot. It was so much simpler than I had anticipated and so much quicker as well. I now have lots of little gift candles to give to people to light up their homes in winter. My next creation is going to be knitting socks. For all who … Continue reading Gel candles, slipper socks and photos

Blueberries, elderberries, my frozen blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries and of course blackberries have all needed my attention recently. I have been making so many berry based thing,  jams, preserves, liquers, cakes etc, the list goes on. It is greatly satisfying using/producing from 'natures larder.' I was in Waterstones on Friday and came across a great little … Continue reading Berry bonanza, foraging and nettle soup