I used to not like Sundays, but I believe I'm starting to become a fan. This Sunday was quietly spent at home. Simon had a party to go to, but before he went we played a board game together. Despite some frustration and tears (from Simon) we had fun.
Amber had a lot of homework to do and needed some help.
Even though it was wet and freezing outside I was determined to turn our compost heap. Bravely, I went outside and got to work until I spotted a mouse running off... I needed manly protection after that ;)
The time passed pleasantly and it was nearly time to start cooking. However, there was a nagging thing still on the to do-list. We have a vintage antique old iPod nano, that has been recalled by Apple for some fault that it may have. All you have to do is send your old iPod to Apple and you'll get a new sparkly one in return. We have known about this for weeks, but no matter how hard we looked that silly iPod was nowhere to be found! Very frustrating. Anyway, in the spare half hour before I started dinner I had a look in my sewing room and after digging through a few boxes I found it! I must say that the relief and satisfaction of locating it was almost enough for me. For good measures we did register it :)
I made veggie burgers for dinner that were very nice. I may post a recipe tomorrow. Now I'll have a glass of red and then I'll be off to bed. I caught up on a lot of sleep this weekend and I must say that I like this (new to me) feeling of not being exhausted :)
This is such a strange winter. So autumn like... but with a few hints of spring already as well.
It's difficult to imagine that we may still have cold weather ahead of us. I'm ready for spring, but then again... aren't I always?
Happy weekend, everyone!
Two weeks ago the children and I went and explored a thrifstore in a new-ish part of the Netherlands. Supposedly, it is one of the biggest thrifstores in Europe. I wasn't really feeling the love though, there was lots of high street store stuff and not nearly enough old, faded and vintage treasures.
However, finding this lonesome Arcopal mug made it all worthwhile for me.
Then a few days ago a friend gave me these fabulous bowls. What a spot-on present! I love them. Just looking at them makes me happy.
That day was great anyway, as it included sewing, crochet, chatting and tea :)
Today was such a lovely day at home. We all worked in the garden (the weather is still unbelievably mild), which was so nice.
And I spent a lot of time in the kitchen.
This cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread was just so good. Recipe from here. Will definitely be making it again.
After that I made two normal loaves of bread... the best ones so far ;)
For dinner I made this broccoli (the kids didn't like it) and I improvised some couscous veggie burgers (success!).
Recharged, well fed and ready to tackle a new week...
I've started making my own bread. The plan was easy enough, but the reality is rather more complicated. I'm having fun though! Even if my loaves do not turn out quite perfect yet, I do really enjoy experimenting. There is so much to the art of bread making. I will just keep going until I know exactly what to do.
Making bread is such a pure and wholesome tradition. I know I've only just started, but already I will almost go as far as to say that it helps me restore my disturbed relationship with food. Kneading heals, folks ;)
And the great thing is, is that my bread is well received by the rest of the family... they like it! What more could I wish for?
Over Christmas I finished my crochet cowl.
Very straightforward, mindless crochet... wonderful work for all those hours spent on the sofa.
My mum gave me the yarn, which she bought at the market: 10 skeins for 3 euros. The label says that it comes from the Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei; it's some nice vintage DDR yarn. The funny thing is that I believe that this colour is perfectly on trend right now :)
Amber took this photo today... this cowl is so comfy!
I started off the new year by making my own liquid detergent. Yes, you read that right. Lately, I've really been into homemaking and making detergent was on my list.
I haven't tried washing with it yet, but I like it already.
Also, I put away everything Christmas-y today. What a great feeling. I would have a Christmas tree just to experience that relieved feeling after it's gone! The room instantly looks bigger and lighter.
We've been experiencing a really mild winter so far and it was a joyful moment when I spotted lots of snowdrops yesterday. There is life in the garden! Spring may still be far off, but it's on its way already.
And so we've come to the end of the year. At last.
Time for a little reflection before the curtains are drawn on 2011.
This year was hard. Some days were harder than ever before.
But this was also the year that I felt more me than ever before. I managed to put many pieces of myself together and some crucial parts finally fell into place. What a relief that is.
It definitely was a year of growth, even if some things were broken down before they could be rebuild.
All in all I'm happy to see 2011 go, although I'm leaving it behind with a positive feeling.
For the new year I have no resolutions except to continue the path that I'm on right now, which is a big resolution in itself :) I'm really looking forward to 2012, it will be a wonderful year.
Happy New Year, everyone!
In a few stolen moments I made a few crochet decorations. I improvised entirely and I think they turned out pretty cute.
I'm grateful for giving myself the gift of crochet this year. It's been a buoy to hold on to when everything seemed uncertain. It's such a comforting craft.
Grateful indeed.
