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 

Planning a vintage Christmas!

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been absent again, just so busy as usual. Things are calmer now though as I continue to create a simpler life. 

My thoughts are obviously on Christmas now and planning a wonderful time for the children. I've been squirrelling bits and bobs away since September so I'm pretty organised. So much better to plan ahead and be able to actually enjoy the run up to Christmas. The children are getting excited already! 

We had a vintage style Christmas last year and the children really enjoyed it. Here's a few memories...

Christmas cakes and Yule logs.

Trifle!

I loved soda stream back in the eighties!

Always a real tree...

With vintage baubles.

We bought the children vintage toys...

Boxing Day board games! Frustration, Buckaroo and Mouse Trap are favourites.

I'm hoping to blog throughout December with lots of festive treats!

Mandy x 

Thank you!

Thank you for your kind comments.

I've decided for now that I'll continue to write here but make a few changes. I hope you like it!

Busy day today, but I'll be back tomorrow.

Mandy x

Is it time to say goodbye?

As the title says, I'm thinking about ending my blog. I've tried to get back into  regular posting but my heart really isn't in it now. 

Life has changed so much since I first started and I have to be so careful what I write. I'm still thrifty and still enjoy a challenge, but I've changed too. My interest now is in vintage and I've been slowly transforming our home, replacing the modern tat. I'm constantly making changes for the better but I can't see my blog managing to evolve with my interests. I want to move in a new direction now and may have to start again. 

My blog has become boring and uninspiring. I miss the interaction I used to get with likeminded people and find that on Instagram now. 

Thinking things over...

Mandy x

Baking Day!

I love baking and collecting vintage cookbooks and recipe leaflets. I rarely use modern recipes now so really should pass on those I don't use. 

My latest find is this one for Trex...

This cooking fat is ideal for Daisy as its dairy free. I've been using it to improve my pastry as the sunflower marg I use for cakes makes the pastry too soft. 

Today I baked two recipes out of this little book...

Coconut muffins

A moist ginger cake

Sadly I had to open the oven as the muffins were catching so it did sink in the middle but the outside is lovely, really sticky! Since cooling I've sprinkled it with icing sugar...yummy!

We had this oven baked chicken at lunchtime. It was delicious. 

I'm going to try to remember to photograph my cooking and baking more.

It's been so busy here with my new venture and everyday life but soon I'll be ready to share this with you all.

Mandy x