Tiffin!

Hi everyone!

Our Christmas holidays have begun! We've been busy decorating the trees in the children's bedrooms this morning and watched the film 'Happy Feet' 

We had a little treat at lunchtime...homemade tiffin. It's so naughty but nice! 

I've got cottage pie to make for tea and a tidy up in the children's rooms ready for their new toys to find homes. The excitement is building!

Mandy x 

Feeling festive

Hi everyone 

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I received a surprise gift in the post from an Instagram friend...

This collection of 1930s recipes, handwritten with newspaper clippings too.

I can't wait to try out the cakes!

Another surprise as I flicked through.

In the afternoon we went to the children's school nativity and Christingle service at the church. Such a special time.

So much excitement for children as we get closer to Christmas and being at school is a lot of fun! Next week is jammed pack full of fun. When they break up we have loads of crafty activities to do and much baking to get ready. Creating memories...

Mandy x 

Homemade but simple!

Hi everyone!

At this busy time of year it would be so easy to bung some freezer food in the oven for tea, but instead I make little shortcuts when I'm short on time. Yesterday was one of those days so I made quiche for tea...

It doesn't look perfect but it was delicious! I used bought shortcrust (although not ready rolled) and baked it for 15 minutes. I then whisked up six eggs with a good slosh of cream that needed using up. I put thinly sliced onion on the pastry base and a couple of handfuls of grated cheese. The egg mixture was poured over next and a sprinkle of parsley. I then baked it until set and golden brown. 

A little cheat not making my own pastry, but that gave me a little longer to wrap presents. The children break up for Christmas holidays next week so I need to be all organised! 

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well,

Mandy x 

Christmas is creeping in...

Hi everyone,

This year I decided to do Christmas gradually instead of the usual rush. I've been squirrelling away since September and feel so much better for it. I've even wrapped some presents! 

The vintage decorations are up and the real tree will follow soon. This year I have garlands and tinsel and baubles from the 60s/70s. The grandchildren have simple card advent calendars which I found sealed (old 80s shop stock) with pictures and no chocolate. Auntie Charlotte bought them chocolate (dairy free) ones too. 

I love these Christmas tins I found in tesco...

I will reuse them each year and fill them with home baked Christmas treats. Speaking of baking, I had a big fail yesterday! I had a spare loaf going a bit dry so we made bread pudding for tea. Henry loves baking as much as Daisy now and had great fun squishing all the soggy bread! It was a simple recipe which meant he was really involved in every step, although he was more interested in picking out the dried peel and eating it! The end result looked good...

Sadly it was not enjoyed though. I think the texture was unfamiliar to them so we won't be making that again!

This however was a result...

Spotted by Charlotte on Facebook. I now have a sideboard and somewhere to store the board games and photographs. A bargain at £15. I also picked up two dressing tables and a chest of drawers. Furniture was built to last back then! 

A busy weekend is ahead with Christmas baking and letters to Father Christmas to be written. 

Such a special time of year.

Mandy x