On The Move Again

Well, as some of you are aware, we have been looking for a new home for quite a while.  Our search is over and the packing has begun.  We are moving at the end of April, so hoping that the snow will be gone by then (the snow is still a third of the way up the back door!)  If we don't get a thaw soon, we may have to pay someone to dig us out.  

Longing For Fresh Air

It has been such cold, snowy weather since the end of January, that the opportunities to throw the windows open and fill the house with fresh air have been non-existent.  I'm not a fan of synthetic air fresheners, so I decided to search the internet for an alternative.

What I found was this great idea from Smashed Peas and Carrots.  Using mason jars with the metal lids replaced with decorative paper (I didn't have any to hand, so I recycled a recycled bag) and this is the result.

I used peppermint for the main living areas and then went girly for the master and ensuite with geranium.  Now my home is a haven of sorts, though not quite as you might expect for reasons which I will explain in my next post.

Easter Baking

 

I've been busy in the kitchen this morning.  There are certain recipes that I will always associate with Easter, such as these delightful Easter cupcakes, decorated with mini eggs.  What better combination than 70% organic chocolate ganache and chocolate cake?

 

Other recipes may not be traditional Easter bakes, but more of a twist on the theme.  I have made a Simnel cake in the past, but it was not my favourite recipe.  Instead, I've taken the theme of fruit cake with marzipan, but used Nigella's recipe for Marzipan Fruit Cake from How To Be A Domestic Goddess.

 

 

This is a moist and delicious fruit cake and I'm looking forward to enjoying it with a cup of tea.  Care to join me?  I'll put the kettle on.

Vintage Knits

In amongst the chaos of continual snow clearance, I have maintained my sanity through knitting.  I took a break from Snowflake and started a new project from Vintage Gifts to Knit.  I'm making this sweet little jacket.

I am a little concerned that it seems to be knitting up on the small side, but the tension seems to be correct. I'm hoping that it will stretch out once completed, as it looks like a piece of corrugated cardboard at present.  I just love this rose pink yarn.