general stuff

rainbows

Well, I'm glad that half term is over and everyone is happily back in the term time routine. Toby has really struggled recently with any kind of change and so half term with it's major change of routine was a tough week for him resulting in lots of outbursts and stress. It wasn't helped by the departure of the sunny, golden side of autumn and the arrival of the wet and windy one as he's really not a happy boy outside in the rain. Still, it wasn't all bad and we did have something to brighten the end of our week thanks to the arrival of a beautiful package from Jenny as part of Trash's rainbow swap.

Goodies1

Amy and I were delighted with all of the wonderful goodies and really touched that Jenny had put so much thought into everything that she'd made and collected. There were even jelly snakes for Toby which definitely brightened his mood!

Goodies

Amy has staked a claim to a fair portion of the goodies and is having such fun filling all of the pockets on the gorgeous bunting with all of her treasures. Those pockets really are clever and Jenny's attention to detail is wonderful with the colours phasing in order from one to the next starting with the button and ending with the outside of the pocket – I love clever details like that!

Bunting 

Thanks for all of the goodies Jenny. I feel very guilty now as my own package isn't ready to be sent yet – I better go and get my act together!

crafts & knitting · general stuff

acorns

Earlier in the week the postman brought me a wonderful package from Lilfishstudios containing a little present to myself to celebrate autumn.

Acorns

It was so beautifully packaged in a vintage sewing pattern bound with twine, with a felted autumn leaf and owlish card as lovely little details.

Acorns2

Inside were pretty muslin bags topped with felt leaves and inside those a collection of gorgeous felted autumny acorns!

Acorns and hedgehogs

I've had my eye on these for a while and they are greatly admired by all here as you can see – I just hope the hodgers don't gobble them up!

food and Drink · general stuff

baking time

Here in the UK it's national baking week (19th – 25th October). So I thought I'd share a link to my current favourite cake recipe – Dorset Apple Cake.

It's the perfect autumn cake made with fresh-from-the-tree apples (I'm very lucky that our neighbours share their apple harvest with us).

Bramleyapples

I like to add 1 heaped tablespoon of mixed spice (cinnamon, coriander seed, caraway, nutmeg, ginger and cloves) to the recipe which gives it a wonderful smell.

Cake3

What's your favourite thing to bake?