The World of Twiggypeasticks

Top fun and a bloggy break

2012-01-30T17:32:00.000Z

Well we finally saw some snow up on Holme Moss and headed for the hills on Saturday.

Top fun was had by all, I did not keep my dignity :)

I'm going to take a little bloggy break for a while now as our real life sh*t has hit the fan, so I will be rather distracted.

I'll still be dropping by to see you all though.

Catch you later.

Twiggy x

And the winner is.........

2012-01-23T17:49:00.001Z

You'll have to take my word for it as my camera batteries are flat !!!

My beautiful assistant Master Twiglet placed his hand in the lurid orange Ikea bowl and the name he pulled out was................. drum roll please.........

the results have been counted and verified.....................................................................................................

JENNYFLOWER

Would you email your address to me please Mrs and I'll send your prize off to you sometime this week.

Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Twiggy x

David Tennant told me it was your birthday today..............

2012-01-21T13:56:00.000Z

So here I am Twiggy

Ok Mr A, I'll get my coat

Twiggy xxx

Giveaway prize !!!!

2012-01-19T16:56:00.000Z

Thanks for your kind messages on my last post, my tooth still hurts but it's a bit better - back in work tomorrow too, yikes!!

Anyhoo here are the details of Twiggy's January Birthday Giveaway.

I thought about things that would be nice in January, here goes.

Pretty Sarah Smith cloths to clean away those post Christmas cobwebs.

2 pretty vintage style coat hangers to use after you've decluttered your wardrobe.

A Twiggy handmade pincushion for your cosy evening stitching.

Set of cute cupcake cases with matching flags for your hmmmm it's raining I better make some cakes type Sunday afternoons.

A Twiggy handstitched denim napkin complete with retro coffee pot to use when eating aforementioned cupcakes.

Some lovely smellies, soaps and shower creams.

Finally a bar of chocolate, because, well why not??

If you want to be included in my little giveaway just add a comment to my giveaway post further down the page.

My beautiful assistant will draw a name out of our lurid Ikea bowl on Monday evening.

love

Twiggy x

Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

2012-01-18T15:37:00.000Z

I had root canal work this morning on a tooth with twisted roots - urgh!!!

I'm currently laying on sofa reading and slurping Heinz tomato soup - poorly food!!

Lovely Mr Twigs is taking care of me and will collect Twiglet from his after school club at 4.30pm.

Anyhoo just to let you know I will close the giveaway next Monday 23rd January, so if you want to join in please leave a messge on my previous post.

Note to self - sort out prize !!

Twiggy x

Getting cosy and a birthday giveaway

2012-01-16T19:27:00.000Z

Cor isn't it chilly?

We've had fog and frost up here for the last few days.

The scenery was beautiful up here yesterday when we went for a character building walk - however, we didn't take the camera, so you will have to believe me!!

We then came home got cosy under the crochet blankets, ate home made bread and butter pud - see above and drank hot choccy with lots of whipped cream !!

Did you see Sherlock last night? I will miss it, top tv.

Anyhoo, it's my birthday on Saturday - 21 again, so I will have a little giveaway.

When I've decided what the prize will be I'll post a pic :)

Let me know what is your comfort food/drink/both when it's chilly and that's it.

No link to my blog, put it on Facebook, be a follower malarkey - simples.

Take care and keep warm.

Twiggy x

Out with the old and in with the new

2012-01-09T20:17:00.002Z

Well we're both back at school now, Twiglet was actually off with the lurgy today, it's sweeping the school and they've only been back for 4 days !!

We have our lovely car, who has been christened Winnie - I will post a pic when I can get a dry day.

We still have to sell our other one, so the front of our house is a bit of a parking lot at the moment.

We had a VERY quiet weekend as Twiglet has been poorly, played on the Wii, baked a bit and check out our cupboards!!

Mr Twigs and I got stuck in and I have even made a list on the cupboard door of what we have - wow !

I am determined to declutter this year, we are drowning in stuff, with that in mind I am getting rid of the majority of my card making gear as I simply don't make them anymore.

I will begin listing stuff on ebay this evening, so do take a look at my top bargains.

Twiggy's Ebay Shop

It's coming up to my birthday soon and as usual for this time of year, I feel a little restless, does anyone feel like this too???

Anyhoo think I'll have my annual January giveaway soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Righto, better get listing.

Have a good week.

Twiggy xx

It's oh so quiet.....(Bad news/nice photos).............

2012-01-04T15:17:00.000Z

My boys have left the Twiggy Towers Christmas bubble today - it's very quiet.

(Do you like my new birdy mug my pal bought me for Christmas?)

Pretty handmade decoration from lovely Jewel my partner in the Christmas Swap.
I was also lucky enough to receive some other goodies, smellies, a Jamie DVD, a great crafting book, and the lovely advent calendar further down the page, thank you so much !!!

My friend made this cute cushion for me for Chrimbo, isn't it jolly?

Twiglet was a star this morning and got ready for school no problem.

Mr Twigs is out and about looking at cars.

A few of my Christmas pressies, can't wait to watch/read them !!

I didn't want to do a misbo post before Christmas but we are having a roll of bad luck at the moment - well poor old Mr Twigs really.

(Lovely advent calendar from Jewel).

Mr Twigs had his scooter stolen 2 weeks before Christmas we then had to pay £170 to collect it from a compound!!

(How ace are these cards from Twiglet and Mr Twigs - tee hee:)

Then on Christmas Eve the blardy car engine packed in so we brought Grandma Twigs home in a tow truck, Twiglet thought it was tres exciting :)

On top of this we have some other real life cack going on, hey ho.

I do hope 2012 will be a better year for us all.

(Oooo a bit of Christmas crafting loveliness in gift form)

(Hooray my lovely Mum bought me my much longed for satchel).

Meanwhile cos I'm home alone I've been busying around, I've cleaned the kitchen cupboards and the manky oven - gross!!

Inspected the manky fruit in the fruit bowl and made an apple crumble and some clementine buns for Twiglet's return.

I have Santa Claus the movie, fleecy ducky blanket, pyjamas and cuddles at the ready for him and I can't wait to see him :)

Take care

Twiggy x

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T20:35:00.000Z

Well Christmas went by in a blur and we are about to welcome in 2012.

Hope you had a lovely time, we did visiting, going out for lunch with family, visiting, eating with family, playing with family, trips to the Royal Armouries, character building walks, parties etc etc.

I hope 2012 brings all you wish for dear readers.

2011 is one we will be glad to see the back of to be honest.

Enjoy some festive pics and see you next year.

Twiglet in the Christingle AKA the 3rd shepherd !!

Lights off, oranges lit - how pretty !!!

Blimey Santa has most certainly been.

Mr Twigs does his stuff in the kitchen.

Oooo Grandma is having a Wii on the sofa :)

Dinner is served.

Little cousins have played together ALL week.

And finally, Twiggy's fantasticgreen tights, I dressed as a sprout on Christmas Day !!

love

Twiggy x

Merry Christmas makes

2011-12-23T21:54:00.002Z

Well we seem to be ready for the big day after a mammoth wrapping session last night.

(Do you like the gingerbread house Twiglet and I made ? )

Twiglet went to his Christingle rehearsal this morning - he is a shepherd this year and the house is relatively tidy (as tidy as our house can be :)

Weeping Angel from Dr Who on top of the tree - boys !!!!

Our house might not be pristine, but I'm so pleased with the homemade cosy nature of it !

Homemade cushion.

I bought another one of these lovely crocheted blankets.

As previously discussed here are my Christmas makes.

Christmas decorations, I've been stitching these forever.

Tea cup candles, they smell just like Christmas, I used some china cups I picked up ages ago in the Salvation Army shop.

Have a wonderful Christmas from the Twiggys and see you next year.

love

The Twiggys
xxxxxx

Twiglet's Makes and Twiggy's Frocks..............

2011-12-19T18:10:00.000Z

We finished for the Christmas holidays last Friday - hooray!!!!

We're all hoping to catch up on some much needed sleep and family time.

Anyhoo, hope your Christmas preparations whatever they may be, are going well?

We seem to be chasing our tails somewhat, I've still got several gifts to make - talk about cutting it fine Twiggy and we still have to make our family Christmas cards - hey ho!!

Bit of a thrifty, snifty here, take one slightly knackered wreath, remove berries that perished in snow last year and replace with baubles that you were going to throw away cos the tops had disappeared !!

We went on the Santa Express last night with friends and had a lovely time, much warmer this year at 2 degrees compared to -17 degrees last year !!

My lovely in laws are joining us for dinner tomorrow evening and I'm making a bread and butter pud - yum - it's so nice to have time to chillax and cook something from scratch.

Anyhoo onto Twiglet's fantastic makes.

The school had a colour theme of blue and silver this year - oooohhh fancy.

Fantastic calendar.

Ace Christmas tree card.

I absolutely, totally LOVE this, what a clever little chap.

It will look ace on our Chrimbo table.

Are you sitting down? we had our works do at a rather posh restaurant a couple of weeks ago and old Twigs wore a frock - albeit with v.thick black tights and flat silver shoes - so a posh version of my usual long t.shirt and leggings combo.

It is a lovely shade of teal and I'll wear it again.

(Top bargain from Asda, fact fans).

Also, look at this bargainous frock I've bought to wear at Chrimbo, top bargain from th'Ebay.

It's shocking isn't it, me getting my legs out, whatever next??

Right off to scoff my chilli made by lovely Mr Twigs.

Oooo but I must show you these slipper boots I've bought for my Mum, aren't they lovely?

I'll check in again before the big day with my makes and Seasons Greetings.

Tell me though, what makes have you made/are making for Christmas?

Twiggy xx

Christmas countdown

2011-12-12T20:27:00.000Z

Flippin heck 4 more days to go and then we break up for Christmas, school is crazy at the moment but in a very small children, busy parents, jolly way, so that's ok.

Fab deco made by Twiglet a few years ago.

We've all had a very horrible lurgy at Twiggy Towers for the last week or so, I went on our Chrimbo do on Friday and managed not to disgrace myself - I even wore a frock!!!

Anyhoo, we had a lovely Sunday lunch at our very cosy local yesterday with Nana and Grandad and then came home to put up the tree.

I always hang Twiglet's baby mittens on the tree because they are sooooooooooo cute !!!

Check out Annie's new fish tank, can you see her on the left, she is one excited young lady!!!

Nana has triumphed in the Christmas cake making department again !!!

Here are Dom and Cedric who have come in from the porch for the Winter, it is lovely having them close to hand for cuddles - although they might not agree :)

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without this, what a pretty cover it is this year.

Twiglet is enjoying his Christmas countdown with his Star Wars Lego calendar - can't wait to see the Santa Yoda on Christmas Day.

It's Twiglet's Christmas play tomorrow, the Xmas Factor - he's playing 3rd carpenter.

I'm working in school tomorrow afternoon, so Mr Twigs and Nana are going in the afternoon, I'll be there in the evening.

Righto off to watch University Challenge and do some Christmas stitching now.

The rain is lashing down outside, I love to be cosy indoors in my jimjams.

By the way the snow did arrive last week and the children in school went wild - it was only an inch or so but enough to cause very rosy cheeks and mass hysteria!!

Have a good week.

Twiggy x

What to do on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon............

2011-12-04T22:25:00.001Z

Mr Twigs was in bed with a grotty cold, the rain was lashing against the windows, so this is what Twiglet and I got up to today.

We wrote our Chrimbo cards, listened to our very jolly Christmas Childrens favourite songs CD, drank shandy, scoffed mince pies and made these jolly little chaps.

Here's the tutorial.

All in all a lovely cosy, toesy Mummy and Twiglet day.

We have a forecast for snow overnight and tomorrow - woohoo !!

Keep safe and warm.

Twiggy x

Oh fa la la la la la la la la and charity shop gold !!!

2011-11-30T21:31:00.000Z

Hello neglected blog readers.

I think I might be creeping out of the eye of the storm of real life crap going on in Twiggy Towers.

It's going to drag on into next year but at least some of it is sorted, so on to the good stuff.

I often read back over my previous December blogs and love the build up to the big day at this time of the year, so get your Santa hats on and fa la la along with me.

Firstly the charity shop gold.

I've been after a crocheted blanket for ages, look at this beauty.

It's from my Mum's local Sally Army shop and was a real steal, they save all donated wool and a lovely local lady crochets the blankets for the shop to sell.

I've subsequently gone on their waiting list for another for my sofa and one for my friend, I'll show you later.

This is Twiglet's fab retro, nice cold, ice cold milk glass from a local church charity shop for 30p!!!!

Pretty, bargainous biscuit tin !! not second hand but still lovely.

Bit of Chrimbo stitching, the half stitches were a b*gger to do, I really need some varifocals (what an old gimmer).

Some crafting loveliness that arrived today, I'm getting into the pre Christmas build up groove now and I'm stitching away.

I'm going to have a go at making candles this weekend for the first time.

Finally, we went to the huge Sally Army shop a few miles away from us today to find some old pans to melt candle wax in, look what Twiglet found.

A brand spanking new Battleships game, for the princely sum of £1, he then found 30p in the car park, that's my boy :)

So we have much Christmas jollity to look forward to, family visits, meals out, school plays,visits to see Santa, school carol concerts, Christingles - I LOVE this time of year.

Catch you later.

Twiggy x

Christmas Doings

2011-11-06T17:22:00.001Z

Did you have a nice Bonfire Night?

It was good fun at the Beaver's Bonfire at the Scout Hut on Wednesday and we raised £140.

We had fireworks and hot dogs at Nana and Grandad's last night.

Twiglet and I have been busy in the kitchen today and made the Christmas cake we intended to make during half term (we ran out of time:)

The house smells lovely, I love little rituals.

There is still a fair amount of real life crap going on at Twiggy Towers so, to take our minds of it we are keeping busy.

We had a smashing walk along another local public footpath this afternoon.

We also saw our first Robin of the year - yay !! (and lots of sunbathing bunnies).

The weather has been glorious, so sunny and bright.

We're ending the day with a bit of stargazing using Mr Twig's fab new birthday pressie, isn't it ace?

Twiglet and I have also started making a few Christmas pressies but more on that story later.

Take care.

Twiggy x

Very busy half term hols !!!

2011-11-01T17:54:00.001Z

Well I've just finished my first day back at work and lovely Mr Twigs has made some scrummy allotment soup (home grown, parsnips, and potatoes) in the slow cooker, which we're about to eat with some warm crusty bread - yum!!

Anyhoo we had a really, really lovely half term break, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Here is bestest baker making scones - see above with home made blackberry jam, they were scrumptious - if you want the recipe shout !!!

Tolson Museum.

and playground..........

The very beautifully refurbished Greenhead Park - I love parks !!!

The glass house was derelict for years and is now a snazzy cafe.

The fountain was also derelict for years.

Excited face, must mean we're at the train museum in York.

The very beautiful Duchess of Hamilton.

The Mallard - gorgeous.

Called in at Twiglet's favourite garage on the way home, we're being invaded!!

We also found time for a local walk along a nearby bridleway - the hedgerows are laden with berries.

We bumped into a local hunt - what a surprise !!!

Must not forget Mr Twigs birthday on Sunday - cake made by me and Twiglet, again scrummy, first time we've made it, it was lush.

We rounded off a fantastic week with a trip to lovely Filey for Mr Twig's birthday.
Had a great time rock pooling.

The sun shone so..............

a very cute and very crazy boy went for a dip in the sea on the 30th October !!!!!

Halloween squash

Halloween cutie !!!

Hope you enjoyed the photos of our whistle stop half term.

I blimmin love this time of year, once we're all home there is nothing nicer to me, than getting my pjs on, drawing the curtains and doing a spot of Christmas stitching.

Too cosy !!

Keep cosy and stay safe on Bonfire Night - we're going to the Beavers Bonfire tomorrow night at the Scout Hut :)

Twiggy x

Just checking in.............

2011-10-29T14:50:00.000+01:00

to let you know we are still here but VERY busy, having a tip top half term.

I will be back with photographic evidence soon.

love

Twiggy x

Lovely things when life gets tough.

2011-10-17T21:41:00.000+01:00

Blimey we have a right pile of real life crappola to deal with at the moment, talk about one thing after another.

So in a bid to forget all that stuff, we'll concentrate on the good stuff.

We've had a very busy but lovely weekend.

Twiglet and his Daddy went sledging at SnoZone with Auntie and little cousin, top fun was had by all.

He then had a swimming lesson with his new swimming teacher who is fantastic.

We later went out for dinner with Mr Twig's family here, to celebrate my lovely, lovely Father in Law's 80th birthday !!!

What a top geezer he is and what a fab time we had.

Here's Twiglet on the slide !!

Our little social butterfly then had a birthday party to go to on Sunday, he did all this with a grotty cold and cough and never complained once.

In fact he lost his voice at one point yesterday :(

I offered to let him have the day off school today as he looked so whacked out, but he bravely went into school and I topped him up with medicine at lunchtime, what a star!!

Our little school (76 pupils) had an Autumn Fair last Thursday and raised a staggering £730 !!!

It's our Harvest Festival on Thursday, the children were practising their singing while I was working this morning and it sounded beautiful, I can't wait.

Here is a pic of my contribution of home made marmalade.

I've also had some lovely and interesting stuff in the post that I thought I'd share with you.

I bought this from the super talented Sparklehen, for my friend C's birthday it's called Knitwear For Birds :)

I liked it so much I had to buy Is That You? for me ...............

Lovely Heather threw this gorgeous print in as a free gift, how fab is that ??? a very talented and generous lady.

She is running a buy 2, get one free offer at the moment, so get on over there !!!

Twiglet made this fabtastic pine cone hedgehog at school isn't it ace?

More birthday gifts for my pal, a cute set of magnets from the uber fab Asking for Trouble.

Finally after weeks of searching found myself a Winter coat - I searched high and low and I'm so,so,so happy with my lush coat from Joe Browns.

It's even fabber cos I love their stuff but can't usually afford it but this had been reduced by £40 so I snapped it up !!!

I also found some perfect Winter boots after much searching but I'll save those for next time.

My cross stitch masterpiece that I began in February is finally finished and waiting to be framed so..... looky here, a bit of Christmas crafting !!!

Ta ta for now, keep warm.

Twiggy x

Well would you believe it...........

2011-10-07T20:46:00.000+01:00

It has taken me a week to get around to doing this post as we are all SO busy !!!

Working, swimming classes, Beavers, meeting up with friends at soft play areas for tea - lots of fun but blimey I'm cream crackered.

Even Twiglet said Mummy can we not do anything this weekend please :)

We are going to a kitchen sink science workshop tomorrow though which sounds top fun.

Anyhoo, what a difference a week makes, here are the photos of what we got up to in sunny Filey last Saturday, after our torrential downpours, hail and wind yesterday it's hard to believe we were swimming in the sea last weekend - hey ho!!

After playing in the sea for a couple of hours we had a cliff top stroll.

We saw LOTS of ladybirds !!

A gorgeous coble collecting lobster pots - looks like a model from the cliff tops.

We had a terrific time, we usually get a last hurrah of glorious sunny seaside in September but to get one on the 1st of October was just magic.

Enjoy your weekend.

love

Twiggy x

Tiger spotted at local steam rally !!!!

2011-09-25T20:54:00.000+01:00

Who would have thought it?

A very cute little tiger was seen prowling around at the Vintage Steam Rally at Nostell Priory last weekend.

Despite the vile weather last weekend, Sunday afternoon wasn't too bad so off we popped for a bit of vintage steam at lovely Nostell Priory (have I mentioned the fact I used to work there - yes Twiggy a thousand times at least :)

This week has gone by in a blur, I've had my first cold of the school year - urgh!! Been busy, busy at work and trying desperately to declutter the house, I've even signed up to the flylady website !!

Spent a little time at the lottie this weekend pulled up the old pea and bean plants and picked lots of lovely apples that are now in the freezer.

This is the apron that my lovely Mum made for me, isn't it pretty? It's a proper crossover back Grandma style one too !!!

Have any of you started - (whispering here) - Christmas crafting yet?

I'm dying to get started on some cross stitch but I'm trying to finish off my mammoth project before I start any more.

Righto, time to make a cuppa, get the stitching out and settle down for Downton Abbey.

Another busy week ahead.

Take care
Twiggy x

Our Twiglet's all grown up and a craft fair !!!!

2011-09-13T18:35:00.001+01:00

Twiglet is currently at Beavers on his own for THE FIRST TIME EVER !!!

Bless.

I took some pics but haven't uploaded them yet.

Our baby is growing up very fast.

In other news our school is holding an Autumn Fayre in October, I think it is going to be Thursday 13th October, 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Tables are to be priced at £10 - so far, this might change!!

If anyone is interested in having a table, email me and I'll give you further info.

Right off to read my emails now - cor the house is quiet.

Twiggy x

Sunny September Weekend

2011-09-11T22:59:00.000+01:00

Well we are back in the swing of things, Twiglet and I are back in school and he has settled in beautifully.

Mr Twigs is back at work and so we thought we would chillax this weekend.

I really love to start nesting in September and since I was tiny we always went blackberry picking the weekend after we returned to school.

Firstly with my lovely Granny, then my lovely Mum and now with my lovely boys.

We had a walk around one of our local woods in the gorgeous September sunshine - I LOVE September.

Climbed a few trees.

Admired the vegetation.

Made a swing.

And of course, visited the duck pond.

Today we got the old jam pan out and made lots of jars of scrummy blackberry jam using some of the blackberries we picked on Saturday - we have loads left in the freezer !!

Fantastico.

Hope you had a great weekend whatever you got up to.

We are battening down the hatches now for the predicted high winds tomorrow !!

My ears are still hurting a bit but they are on the mend and quite frankly on today of all days I think I should count my many blessings and think about our friends over the pond.

Take care.

Twiggy x

Feeling warm and fuzzy

2011-09-06T18:47:00.000+01:00

Well little Twiglet returned to school today and went into big boy class 2 and so far so good, he enjoyed it and it was fun !!

I, on the other hand was supposed to return to school yesterday but the blimmin infection I had in my right ear has gone over to the left - must be the gap between my ears!!

It's been flippin painful but even so, I feel warm and fuzzy.

Here's why, my lovely boy likes his new class - he came home with a special teachers award for, good work :)

My lovely FIL collected Twiglet from school today.

Daddy took him in this morning.

My lovely Mum is making me an apron because I'm poorly - Mum's are ace!!

I LOVE this time of year and I'm already planning the jam sessions and sewing and perhaps even a bit of basic knitting for the cosy, dark evenings.

I want to nest and make our little house, nice and snug.

I'm even thinking a bit about Christmas makes (I whispered that bit).

We have had wild winds up here, the big and little boy are currently ouside fixing the fence panel that blew out last night.

We were in bed and heard a banging noise around 3.30am, Mr Twigs went outside in his dressing gown and the gazebo had fallen over and was banging on the window - perhaps a hint that it's the end of Summer :)

Righto, that's me for now.

The holidays have whizzed by and although somewhat incapacitated, it's been lovely to be together for such a long time.

I'm hoping to be back at work tomorrow.

So a bit of stitching this evening and The Great British Bake Off and then off to bed.

Ta ta

Twiggy x

Sketchbook challenge and blanket time .........

2011-08-31T20:37:00.001+01:00

Here's some of our lottie booty!

Well Mr Twigs and I have swopped roles.

I've had a very horrid ear infection for the last few days so have taken to laying on the sofa under a blanket and watching films whilst swallowing nuclear strength antibiotics.

I watched The boy in the Striped Pyjamas yesterday - that will live with me for a long time.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button today.

In between taking tablets and watching films we managed to tidy up Twiglet's room and I did some chores.

The boys had a trip to Ikea for some storage and an ice cream yesterday.

Today Mr Twigs took Twiglet to the car booty and of course Twiglet came home with some top booty, Mr Twigs bought nothing :)

We'll take some pics and show you later.

Anyhoo latest Sketch Book Challenge pics - we did the work about 3 weeks ago.

Apologies for rubbish pics.

Here is a section of my original painting - supersized.

Here's the mono printing.

Here is Twiglet's , his cute little hand !!!

Righto, time for painkillers - see you later.

Twiggy x

Missing, presumed having a good time................

2011-08-27T19:30:00.000+01:00

And so we have.

Mr Twigs is still off work and slowly but surely improving every day.

We have had a lot of time to fill close to home and have really enjoyed it.

Days at Grandma's, days at Nana's.

Visits to my good friend C and her lovely boys - the children played together for hours.

Circus Stars work shops at the library, walks, visits to the park, trips to the lottie (Twiglet took his paddling pool and sprinkler up with us and cavorted around in his pants and wellies and a sun hat :)

Lots of crafting, Lego, reading, drawing, baking.................

Garden experiments.

and lots of swimming.

The days are just fun packed.

I for one, would be quite happy not to go back to school - but needs must.

We have one more week to enjoy, then back to it, I love spending time with my boys and hope you have all enjoyed the holidays too, whatever you've been up to.

I'm sure you've noticed, we've been having a lot of jollification and I forget to take any photos - what a bad blogger !!!

Twiggy x

Step back in time.

2011-08-20T20:36:00.000+01:00

You didn't really think we'd let the school holidays pass without riding on a Steam Train did you ??

Last week, before Mr Twigs was poorly we had a lovely day out on the East Lancashire Railway - one we haven't been on before.

We bought a family ticket which entitled us to sail up and down the line all day, having a few visits to the very reasonably priced buffet car, that was staffed by a bunch of lovely old lady and gentleman volunteers.

All the staff were volunteers and were absolutely lovely, very friendly and quite taken with Twiglet.

Twiglet dressed up in the museum - how cute?

The stations are gorgeous.

Lovely steam train

Comfy carriages, lovely cuddles.

Nice pub, we popped in for a shandy and a bag of Seabrooks.

Look at the fab station in Bury, inside is all wood and they have a 1950s style kiosk.

Hope you enjoyed the trip.

Catch you later.

Twiggy x

Unexpected loveliness !!!

2011-08-18T17:20:00.000+01:00

Thanks for the get well wishes for Mr Twigs - he's still sore and tired, but shouting at the TV so perhaps is on the mend :P

Anyhoo, after he had told me 100 times that yes he'd be fine if Twiglet and I went out for a bit, we had a little jaunt which turned out to be unexpectedly lovely.

We popped to the supermarket for some bits and bobs and on the way home called in at the park for an hour.

The best bit for me had to be sailing round the park on the miniature steam train, eating ice lollies while dappled sunshine shone through the trees on us - magic moment!!

So for the price of two cheapo ice lollies, a 99p football and a couple of 50p train rides, we had a tiptop time.

My other intention was to wear Twiglet out, so he's not doing his Daddy's head in (he is the little boy in the Specsavers advert!!) - the jury is still out on whether or not it worked, but after all the football playing I could do with a nap:)

No relevant photos, I'm afraid as sometimes, fun is impromptu!!

Catch you later

Twiggy x

Poor Mr Twigs :(

2011-08-17T18:17:00.000+01:00

Poor old Mr Twigs set off for work on Monday and came home after going to a NHS walk in centre who referred him to his doctor.

Who in turn sent him straight off to hospital with suspected appendicitis.

He stayed in for two days and it wasn't his appendix but something equally painful which he has had operated on to rectify the probem.

He is now off work for a few weeks and currenty laying in the sofa watching Top Gear.

The last two nights were the first time we've slept apart apart from when I had Twiglet, and it felt very weird (and a tiny bit scarey, especially when the gazebo fell over and started banging on the door in the early hours of the morning !!)

It was very odd being the grown up for once.

I won't be around for a bit cos I'm making lots of lovely food for him and keeping Twiglet entertained while playing nursey.

Send heaing vibes to the very brave Mr Twig please.

Twiggy x

Sketchbook Challenge : Post 2

2011-08-09T23:45:00.000+01:00

So this is the potato printing one, or is it?

( I just HAD to treat myself to some new watercolours, aren't they pretty?)

I started out with good intentions, however, we had a little jaunt out to a very sunny and lovely park today and collected various leaves and conkers.

I tried to do a potato print based on an oak leaf and it all went a bit Pete Tong.

Instead I decided to use some of our leaves as stencils, this was a very messy but enjoyable process!!

I painted the leaves in acrylics in varying shades of blue.

When they had mostly dried, I used blue and orange watercolours to fill in some of the background - I did read your post about complementary colours Gina :)

Once I started I couldn't stop and ended up with 4 pages full !!

This is just a plain blue one I tried.

So not what it was supposed to be but still good fun !!

Twiggy x

Filey lifeboat day and a tour around our lottie !!!

2011-08-09T23:25:00.000+01:00

Well we had a lovely couple of days in Filey, despite the showers.

We stayed here, and would heartily recommend it.

We ate here for the first time ever, and it was quite lovely.

We even managed to fit in a bit of body boarding, firstly at 7.30pm on Saturday - dirty stop outs.

Then at 9.30am Sunday morning - barm pots !!!

A good time was had by all !!

Right, now we paid a visit to the lottie this afternoon, and I remembered my camera - yay!!

Here goes, remember it's a work in progress!!

Twiggy's red cabbages.

Twiglet's parsnips.

Twiglet's pumpkins.

Twiglet's sweetcorn.

Twiggy's beans and peas - with Mr Twigs hand build fantastic and HUGE composter in the background.

Digging up the first of this years spuds, we had some for dinner, they were delish.

Hooray - the shed is up !!!

So there we are.

Catch you later.

Twiggy x

Sketchbook : Post 1.

2011-08-06T21:34:00.000+01:00

My crafting mojo seems to have run away so when I saw the Sketchbook Challenge created by Gina over at Fan My Flame, I fancied giving it a whirl.

I will warn you now this is a photo heavy post.

Thank goodness Twiggy, less chat, more pics !!

Firstly, I had to rummage in the garage for my paints and brushes, I haven't touched them since before Twiglet was born - 6 years ago !!!!

I decided that my colour theme would be blue, I love all shades of blue, particularly, aqua, teal and turquoise.

I think this is down to my BIG love for the sea and water.

So we started on Friday afternoon.

Anyhoo, here's my page all covered in cling film and left to dry.

Twiglet decided he wanted to join in too, so here is Twiglet's page.

I think this image is lovely, so had to take a pic !!

This is the background on my first page.

It took me ages to decide what image I wanted to use.

I had a look around my garden and I loved the idea of cow parsley, I love it's outline, like little fireworks, but it proved too fiddly to cut out.

I decided on Ox Eye Daises instead, we have a lot of these and they are so pretty.

I don't have any oil pastels, so turned the house upside down looking for wax crayons, we have loads but not white unfortunately, so I used some of Twiglet's Thomas the Tank Engine ones in purple, pale blue and dark blue to outline my daisy.

I then painted it in a mix of cerulean blue acrylic and ultramarine watercolour.

I also found an image of a teasel (another favourite) increased the size on my laptop and used this as a template too.

However, after we returned from the Emley Show today I had another look and thought I want to use a more aqua shade of blue, so did another two pages, with the watercolour and cling film technique.

I used my daisy image again, once the background was dry I got to work.

After painting the flower in a darker shade, I used one of my black ink pens and did a bit of colouring in and line drawing.

I was on a roll by now, so had another rummage and found my letter stamps and did a bit of stamping using a black ink pad.

On the other page, I left my background quite light and again painted the daisy quite lightly and this time used my silver ink pad too !!

I decided to leave my top daisy as it is and just show the outline as I think it looks quite pretty.

Here's the full page.

I'm really enjoying this and can't wait to get back to it after the weekend.

If you want to join in and check on everyone's progress, pop on over to Gina's lovely blog.

Twiggy x

Getting Arty at Twiggy Towers.

2011-08-06T20:59:00.000+01:00

Well, that's another week that's zoomed by.

(Photo above of various flowers from our garden).

We've been buzzing around, staying at my Mum's again, Twiglet going to birthday parties and we went to the lovely Emley Show today.

I was planning on showing you lots of lovely country show goodness but Mr Twigs forgot his camera - doh!!

However, my SIL and Twiglet's little cuz came with us and sent us this photo of Twiglet the New Orleans jazz man :)

I had a good look around the craft tent and decided I really need to up my game if I want to enter, blimey the stuff was perfect!!

In between all the gadding about, Twiglet and I managed our first at home day on Thursday and even managed to use the I'm Bored jar!!

First task, draw your family.

Second task, make dinner - fish pie - yum !!

Third task - Make a Yoda puppet using the Star Wars Craft Book :)

We have also started Gina's Sketchbook challenge, but I'm going to do a different post about that in a minute.

Don't tell Twiglet but he thinks we are going to Filey for the day tomorrow, I've actually booked us into a B & B , so two days of fun - hooray !!

Mr Twigs is off next week so hoping to get some stuff done at the lottie and get out and about.

Take care

Twiggy x

I absolutely LOVE this song.....................

2011-08-04T14:23:00.000+01:00

A Second Post From Twiglet - New Computer Game

2011-08-04T14:09:00.000+01:00

On Monday I got a new computer game.

It was Lego Star Wars - The Video Game.

It is hard I completed a level on my own, it was quite easy that level.

Then I completed one with Daddy's help and it was quite hard that one.

Daddy helped me complete the pod racing one.

Twiglet.

A post from Twiglet - Car Booty.

2011-07-31T19:46:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday I went to a car boot sale for the first time.

I bought 3 Star Wars toys, R2D2, Yoda and a Super Battle Droid for £1 each.

I bought loads and loads of Lego, including a Lego carry case, a huge box to keep it in and a posh Harrods bag for £10.

At first the man asked for £15 but we finally got them for £10.

I got Dr Who Top Trumps card and Ace Trumps - Tanks for 50p for them both.

I then bought a Dr Who jigsaw from the Prince of Wales Hospice shop for 50p !!

The car boot sale was good.

I will go again.

Twiglet.

Zoom - where did week one go ???

2011-07-31T19:34:00.001+01:00

Isn't this pretty? my lovely colleague bought it for me at the end of term.

I also received a little gift and some lovely cards from the Head Teacher - bless!!

I said thanks and he said well thank you for your dedication and hard work - how nice is that?

I told him I love my job and to be honest getting paid as well, is the icing on the cake :)

The good news is, my 6 month trial period is up and I'm now a permanent member of staff - yay !!

Anyhoo, what have we been up to?

Well we made an I'm Bored jar - idea nicked from lovely Taz.

However, we haven't been at home most of the week and time is zooming by.

I'm loving spending lots of time with my lovely boy.

We are certainly cramming a lot in.

We've been up at the lottie painting our new (to us, donated by our kind neighbours)shed.

We went to our very first car boot sale - Twiglet will do a post about this later.

We had a budget of £5 each to spend, I spent nothing, Twiglet spent £14 !!!

We had a couple of days over at my lovely Mums - we will be spending a lot of time over there during the hols!!

Played in the garden, played in the paddling pool, had a trip to Whitley Locks, went to Selby for lunch!!

Visited Cannon Hall yesterday and watched the sheep racing :) phew it was hot.

We've been swimming today as Twiglet started swimming lessons on Monday and we need to practice.

We've also fitted in some more lottie and a Yoda puppet - I will show you our fab Star Wars craft book next time.

The boys are going to have a Lego fest this evening while I wash up.

Twiglet and I are meeting up with my old schoolfriend tomorrow for breakfast and a bit of shopping and sightseeing.

Phew - We need to go back to school for a rest.

Righto the oven has just binged, so I'm off to dish up the apple crumble I chucked together !!

Catch you later.

Twiggy x

And breathe...........

2011-07-25T21:58:00.000+01:00

Ooooo it's the holidays - have I mentioned that ???

Unfortunately my camera charger has disappeared so I am having to rely on Mr Twigs for photos.

Of course we went away for the weekend to Filey and didn't take a single pic so you will have to take my word for it that it was good fun.

Lots of messing about in the dinghy and body boarding !!

Today we've been shopping, painted half of the lottie shed, done some weeding and Twiglet has started swimming lessons, as well as cleaning and playing games - no wonder I'm tired!!

Thought I'd have a little catch up post really.

First mention is to Mr Twigs and to wish him a Happy Anniversary - our 15th!! for 6th July.

Also a Happy birthday to my lovely Mum for the 7th July.

Check out her cake - it was scrummy !!

My crazy boy had his paddling pool out recently and decided he could just fit his dinghy in it - barmy!!

Here are the teachers pressies for this year, shop bought I'm afraid due to time constraints, Body Shop goodies, we did go to town with the wrapping !!

Twiglet's lovely handwritten cards - bless!!

I promise to search for my camera charger as I have much to share.

Bye for now.

Twiggy x

School's out !!!!

2011-07-21T22:36:00.002+01:00

Woohoo - more on this story later !!!

Twiggy x

It's the final countdown........

2011-07-13T11:02:00.000+01:00

No not the dodgy Europe song from the 80s but the last week and a bit at school before the BIG HOLIDAYS - yay !!

We are VERY busy at the moment, the amount of blardy paperwork and stuff that has to be done before the end of the school year is mind boggling - it's been a real eye opener for old Twiggy. I'm doing a lot of overtime at the moment and can't wait for the hols.

Thanks for the get well wishes, I'm better now but I am having a few problems with a very sore tum, so I'm having to lay off the usual suspects, coffee, alcohol, dairy - (I had IBS for many years and it always flares up when I've been ill) so it's peppermint tablets for me at the moment.

We are looking forward to the weekend, Mr Twigs and Twiglet are picking me up after school and we are taking off up to Filey for the weekend as my SIL has rented a cottage for a couple of weeks - thankfully it has an indoor swimming pool as the forecast looks a bit pants.

However, Twiglet wil love being with his little cousin.

Righto, must get on with the ironing as today is my only day off this week!!

Twiggy x

Urgh/Yum !!!

2011-07-09T20:56:00.002+01:00

Urgh I'm lurgified. I was sitting on the sofa at around 10.30 pm on Thursday and said to Mr Twigs, I really feel like I'm going to............ ran hastily upstairs and proceeded to be sick on and off for the next 6 hours - yuck!!

Had to have the day off school yesterday and arrange for Mr Twigs to take Twiglet to school and Nana and Grandad went to his green assembly and collected him from school - hooray for inlaws!!

I've stopped being sick now but still feel VERY tired, so have spent the afternoon on the sofa with Damian Lewis - yum !!

Twiggy x

Twiglet's patented cool swing and a giveaway winner...............

2011-07-03T10:13:00.000+01:00

Feeling hot?

too sunny for you?

then get your wetsuit on, jump on your swing and ask Daddy to set up the sprinkler under your seat - magic !!!

Now for the winner of my little giveaway.

And my lovely assistant dips into the lurid Ikea bowl, drumroll please........................................................

Our winner is Jackie at Jackiescrafts - hooray and well done.

Would you send me your address please Jackie and I'll send your parcel off to you this week.

Twiggy x

Mad dogs and Englishmen (and Twiggy) go out in the midday sun !!!

2011-07-02T14:51:00.001+01:00

Crikey it's up on't hill today.

I've just been outside sowing salad seeds and messing about in my greenhouse, too hot for me.

I should be doing some ironing ,so instead I'm blogging and eating my ice lolly of choice (it's a Nobbly Bobbly - fact fans!).

While the boys play Lego Star Wars games.

So hope you've had a good week, they are flying by at the moment.

We've had the paddling pool topped up for several days. Twiget decided it was missing a little something..............

A tractor of course !!!

We had a short week at work as our school was closed due to the teachers strike on Thursday and we took our Royal Wedding Day on Friday.

Twiglet and I spent a lovely Thursday over at my Mums, cake and garden centres - yay!!

Friday Mr Twigs had booked the day off work so we went off to lovely Filey and had a LOT of fun in our dinghy and had a splash about in the sea.

Twas superb, though I'm a bit delicate today as I sun creamed Twiglet up and forgot to do my arms so I'm a bit lobster!!!

I treated myself to some lovely Rose and Violent creams (I actually asked for violent creams too - oops!)from my fave choccy shop while Twiglet went for a fish on a stick!!

We then had fish and chips from Inghams for tea along with bitter shandy and wine - sophisticates.

I'm afraid I have no photos as we were cavorting in the sea so didn't take the camera, you'll have to imagine it.

Would you imagine me as a size 10 please :)

I do have some photos of the garden though (scattered throughout this post) and promise to take some of the lottie as we are going up later when it's cooled down a bit, it's coming on nicely now.

Our nice neighbours gave us their old shed so our next job will be to put that up.

Proud Mummy alert - Twiglet went to Beavers for the first time ever on Tuesday and loved it (so far, so good) I was proud of him as he didn't know anyone and just joined in and said Hello, I'm Twiglet who are you? that's my boy.

Righto, that's all for now, the giveaway will be drawn tomorrow evening, so if you haven't put a comment on my giveaway post, feel free to do so.

Bye for now.

Twiggy x

Damp cloths at the ready !!!!!

2011-06-23T22:32:00.000+01:00

Two Treats Thursday - Treat Number 2 - A Giveaway !!!!

2011-06-23T21:52:00.003+01:00

Hello campers, cor we've had loads of rain here this week, the water butts are full and the allotment is loving it - yipee!!

(More pretty sweetpeas from the garden, don't they look lovely on the gorgeous little quilt I received from the very talented Heather?)

The rain is inevitable really with it being Glastonbury this weekend - we will enjoy watching from the sofa and chatting about the muddy time we had there.

So did my avoiding the laptop work?

I could have avoided it a whole lot more but did manage to do more making than I have recently.

I spent a back breaking 3 hours weeding at the allotment on Saturday and then came home and made this scrummy Irish sea food chowder accompanied by my very favourite soda bread.

Twiglet made this very excellent Fathers Day card for his Daddy !!!

I have done a lot of work on my cross stitch which is beginning to look most lovely.

I also made these little earrings.

Considering I've done a lot of overtime and attended a Governors meeting on my day off today, not bad time management really.

Right here's the treats.

Treat number one, a little giveaway of handmade goodies.

A litte felt flower brooch, pretty pincushion, handstitched card and handmade tags.

I'll probably throw in some choccy and buttons and stuff too.

What do you need to do?

Well I've recently caught up with the rest of the world and saw Donnie Darko a few weeks ago and thought it was fantastic, so tell me about a film you've seen and that I really should watch.

Doesn't matter how old it is, why is it good?

I also saw Citizen Kane for the first time a couple of weeks ago, which was terrific - I'm so out of the loop!!

If you want to enter twice, let me know if you're a follower if not, become a follower.

If you want three entries pop a link on your blog back to this post and let me know you've done it.

I'll ask my beautiful assistant to draw a name from the lurid Ikea bowl the weekend after next.

I really do spoil you.

Prepare to get rubbing your trousers in a Vic Reeves Stylee.

See above post.

Mr Rickman - ooer - I'm off for a lie down.

love

Twiggy xxx

Holiday post

2011-06-19T00:08:00.000+01:00

At last, as promised holiday photos !!!

Here we have our cute little cottage.

Fantastic view from the cottage.

Twiglet takes to the sea !!

Beautiful Inch beach - yes I realise it's sideways :)

We spent a lot of time on Inch Beach as it was 5 minutes away from where we stayed, so we had many an evening walk after dinner, as it didn't get dark until just before 10pm.

A fantastic and thrilling boat trip out to the beautiful Blasket Isles.

We had to go out to the boat in a little dinghy with a motor !!!

Little cottage on the island, a lady comes over every Summer to do a little weaving and crafting out here during June - September.

We spent a lovely few hours on the wonderful beach, can you see the black and grey dots in the sea? They are seals, they watched us, watching them and at one point we counted 13 !!

Twiglet thought they were so funny as they were surfing the waves right up onto the sand next to us:)

The very steep walk down to the jetty for the boat trip!

The beach where the boys did some body boarding.

Twiglet has taken to this like a duck to water, he is fearless and can't actually swim yet, he his soooo brave.

And finally, here's the lovely view from our little cottage again, I would never tire of looking at this.

We took many photos, but as all three of us spent most of the week cavorting around in the sea there is not photographic evidence of our seaside japes.

We spent SO much time in the sea and on the beach.

It was heavenly and we all want to go and live at the coast now.

Roll on next year :)

Twiggy xxx

Lucky Me & News of a Giveaway

2011-06-16T20:57:00.001+01:00

Aren't these sweet peas lovely?

My first from the garden this year, I love the smell and pretty colours.

How's your week going, I've been very busy and it was lovely to finally have a day off work today, I got my chores done and we've been to the Metrodome in Barnsley this evening for a good splash around.

Anyhoo, on to the pretties!! I recently took part in Lucey's Button Swap and was lucky enough to be paired up with the lovely and talented Heather over at The Patchwork Heart.

Here's what I received, Twiglet kindly helped me unwrap my goodies:)

All beautifully wrapped in my favourite colours.

Goodness me what a load of loveliness, a cute tin full of buttons, pretty buttons and ribbons, a gorgeus soft hanging heart that Twiglet has claimed to hang on his bed. Look at the totally lovely little wall hanging, isn't it gorgeous?

A beautiful lavender heart in my very favourite colours and a divine little quilt.

Not only all that fabbyness but a bag of giant choccy buttons too!!!

Blimey

Thank you so much Heather, you are a very talented and generous swap partner.

I hope you like my offerings when you receive them:)

Twiglet told me today that he hadn't put his hand in a bowl and picked a winner for ages.

Good point young man, so I think I'll have a little giveaway this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled.

Take care.

Twiggy x

Lazing on a Sunday afternoon

2011-06-12T21:05:00.001+01:00

Well I was going to show you some hols pics but Mr Twigs hasn't uploaded them yet, so they will have to keep for now.

We had a potter around day yesterday and went to the local farmers market and bought two huge carrier bags of fruit and veg for a fiver!!

We also bought some terrific bread and cakes from the lovely folks at Ackworth Breads.

I buy my shopping online from Tesco as we live in the sticks and have to share a car so I wouldn't have time to shop unless I did it in the evening or at the weekend - erm no thanks. I hate supermarket shopping. To be honest I really want to get my costs down and I'm BORED with supermarkets, so intend to TRY to shop around more.

However, the next two weeks are going to be very busy for me, a lot of extra hours at work, meetings, courses, other commitments, I feel like I've returned from my hols and hit the ground at 100 miles an hour.

Although, I like the work/life balance I have these days, I am a bit of a stress bunny and feel a bit erm... restless at the moment.

I've decided that I need to MAKE more time to craft and do something that I want to do.

I like having a potter up at the lottie - and I'll post some pics soon - but I feel a bit like I need to make time for my crafting Mojo to return.

I want to make preserves, bake, read, sew, paint, paint my bathroom, sort out my cupboards, make stuff.

With a view to doing this, I've looked at how I spend my time and although I don't watch much TV, I spend far too much time online. Reading forums and generally wasting time.

I've decided to spend 10 minutes max on the internet each day for a week and in the words of Why Don't You - go and do something less boring instead.

Care to join me? I'm going to keep a record of what I do instead, over the period of a week and what it does for my head.

I'll keep you posted.

Today was a very soggy day so we had a lovely cosy Sunday.

I did a big part of my ironing mountain while watching Come Dine With Me (guilty TV pleasure:)

We then got in the kitchen and made some scrummy hob nobs and a multi coloured choccy cake.

Can you tell Twiglet decorated it?

Mr Twigs cooked this lush Sunday dinner using the veggies we bought from the market yesterday. He oven baked beetroot in tin foil, it was heaven.

Righto, off to watch Case Histories now and do a spot of stitching.

I've just read the Kate Atkinson book that tonights episode is based on and really enjoyed it.

Meanwhile tell me what you do to unwind?

Twiggy x

PS Send healing vibes, poor old Dom the guinea pig has a very nasty scabby back at the moment and is currently visitng the vets on a weekly basis, good job we love him as it's costing us a fortune :)

We're back

2011-06-06T11:25:00.000+01:00

After a truly lovely holiday, we have loads and loads of photos to upload and I have loads and loads of ironing to do, so I will return later.

Twiglet has an Inset day today so we are going up to the lottie this afternoon, all the jobs we've put off until after the holidays must now be faced :)

See above a photo of the beautiful Blasket Islands, we took a very exciting boat trip out there and did lots of seal watching, just lovely.

Back soon

Twiggy x

Signing off

2011-05-22T19:59:00.000+01:00

Thanks for Twiglet's birthday wishes folks, I read them to him and he said thank you very much - what a polite young man.

We had a lovely day at Drayton Manor yesterday courtesty of my Tesco vouchers.

Tiptop fun.

Fearless Twiglet went on Stormforce with his Daddy - and sat right at the front - I waved from the sidelines what a wuss!!!

I did go on the big wheel though which is a major feat for me as I hate heights.
See us above on Cranky in Thomasland - I'm sooooo brave :)

We've had a very busy week, what with work stuff and birthday celebrations.

Had a lovely visit to a local school last Wednesday that is doing a Twinning Project with Twiglet's school.

The children did a joint assembly and sang some lovely songs about friendship and Noah's Ark.

It's a great idea as Twiglet's school is predominantly white, Christian and the other school is 100% Muslim, the children have really enjoyed the project and we're hoping to do it every year now.

Our house is now a sea of Star Wars Lego and Top Trumps cards!!

We're going on our jolly hols next weekend to lovely Ireland and I have a lot of home and work stuff to get through in the next 5 days, so I'm signing off for now.

Have a great half term everyone.

Twiggy x

Happy 6th Birthday Our Beautiful Boy

2011-05-19T12:50:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday our lovely, lovely boy.

We love you millions.

Mummy & Daddy

xxxxxx

Goodness me.

2011-05-09T18:47:00.000+01:00

I blinked and the Easter holidays were over and we're back at work and school.

My Twigs had a bit of time off so we got out and about.

On the day of the Royal Wedding we visited lovely Filey - ooooo it was quiet!

I watched the wedding when I got home, wasn't it lovely?

We spent a fair bit of time up at the lottie and went for lots of walks and went swimming too.

Had a lovely Bank Holiday Monday on the fantastic Keighley and Worth Valley Railway where they had a Railway Children Day. (Lots of children dressed in Victorian dress and special celebratory beers, but I didn't see anyone waving their red knickers!)

The weather was perfect we drank real ale on a gorgeous steam train - just perfect.

This is a very short term at school for us, just 3 and a half weeks, so we have a lot to cram in.

Take care

Twiggy x

Belated Easter Greetings

2011-04-25T21:14:00.000+01:00

Ooooo hasn't the weather been smashing?

(Twiglet surveying the new lottie - above).

We've had a lovely Easter and I hope you have too.

We've spent a lot of time with family and friends which was lovely, eating, playing, drinking, eating chocolate, gardening, eating chocolate, visiting, eating chocolate, you get the picture.

Twiglet's little cuz was up for the weekend so they had a fabby time, we went out for a lovely lunch on Friday, thanks Grandad Twigs. Spent Sunday round at Nana and Grandad's while the children played very nicely together for 9, I repeat 9 hours, occasionally coming in for drinks, ice creams or to round up the grown ups to play tig or jump through the lawn sprinkler - and we did :)

We had a nice restful day at my Mums today after visiting friends this morning, so although we are tired, we are happy.

Mr Twigs is off for a week and a half now, so we're hoping to get out and about and do some more work up on the new lottie.

Have a super week.

love

Twiggy x

Buttons !!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-25T20:36:00.000+01:00

That got your attention didn't it?

If you'd like to join Lucey's lovely button swap, go take a look!!

Just click on the image on the right hand side.

Twiggy x

The slacker returns.................

2011-04-18T22:44:00.000+01:00

Thank you for your get well wishes after 2 and a half long weeks I'm finally bug free and it's the Easter hols hooray!!!

We are sooooooooo looking forward to some time off, Friday was manic in school, we had a big Easter Service/fundraiser, so along with my month end stuff, I had to count a LOT of money!!

We managed to raise nearly £400 - pretty good for such a tiny school.

Twiglet and I have been quite productive considering the lurgy and being busy.

I'll have to show you next time as Mr Twigs has my photos on his PC and it's a bit poorly at the moment.

Great news, we finally got our new allotment on Saturday and spent most of Saturday and Sunday up there, here's a few pics from my camera.

I have the nettle stings, backache and sunburn to prove it, but it is SO good to be back in the saddle again.

Hopefully I'll have a bit more time to blog now we have a couple of weeks off school, that's the intention anyway.

Have a great week.

Twiggy x

Bleurgh........

2011-04-08T18:41:00.000+01:00

Sickness stops blogging.

I've not had any time off work but have felt very dodgy for the last 2 weeks.

Had a yucky, sicky, tired, poorly tum type bug.

Will be back later.

Twiggy x

Old haunts.............

2011-04-01T22:06:00.000+01:00

Do you have special places that bring back happy memories?

I bet you do.

This is one of ours, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in North Yorkshire, so beautiful.

We used to spend loads of time up here many moons ago as Mr Twigs uncle used to live very nearby in a lovely little cottage.

He was a very talented artist and did a lot of design work for Athena (remember them?), Marks and Sparks and many other companies.

We spent such a lot of time in his little house, laughing, drinking and being silly.

Sadly he died the year before Twiglet was born, but we have a lot of happy memories.

Twiglet has never been here before and he loved it, so come and take a little walk with us.

Hope you enjoy it, it really was a beautiful, sunny, warm day.

We saw lots of little new born lambs and daffodils.

A perfect day to enjoy the perfect place.

Fab playground !!

Amazing vaulted ceilings.

My very favourite spot, the beautiful Moon Pond.

We call this Zen Valley :)

You can't beat a good tree trunk !!

If you are ever up in North Yorkshire, do visit.

Here's a link

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

You won't be disappointed and did I mention that it has a fantastic cafe, with tiptop cakes!!!

Love

Twiggy x

Come outside it feels like Spring

2011-03-20T17:55:00.001Z

Well we have been busy bees here at Twiggy Towers.

I've attended a lot of meetings and I'm settling into the routine of work now.

Twiglet's school celebrated Red Nose Day on Friday by having a wear something for money day and a Glee for a fee talent show!!

Twiglet wore one of the fab Vivienne Westwood skull t.shirts and I dressed as a schoolgirl :)

Mr Twigs wants me to wear the outfit again - cheeky boy!!

It was a fun day for a good cause and our little school raised £200 which was great.

I was very proud of Twiglet as he was one of only 3 littlies in his class that took part in the talent show and delivered his robot jokes beautifully - what a little star - much braver than I was at 5 !!

Did you see the live Frankenstein from Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds last night? it was fab.

Me and Mr Twigs actually intended to go along but for one reason and another couldn't get there.

Must admit though it was much warmer watching it on the sofa in my PJs.

Here's a link if you missed it.

Frankensteins's Wedding

Well yesterday the sunshine put us in the mood for garden clearance so good old Mr Twigs took 5 sacks of garden rubbish and weeds to the tip and I repotted all our Sweet Pea seedlings. Doesn't the greenhouse look tidy now? the little plants are cabbages.

We are a bit stuck until we get our new allotment so are having to grow everything in trays and buckets for the time being!!

We've had a lovely day out here today.

MOSI

MOSI (Manchester Museum of Science and Industry)

I'd highly recommend it, we looked at EVERYTHING, had a little steam train ride and the cakes in the coffee shop are lush.

Remember a while ago I said I'd treated myself to some birthday goodies well here they are. What an ecletic mix.

Top DVD viewing to make the ironing mountain more fun.........

and one of my favourite books that I haven't read for ages.

I haven't had time for much crafting recently but I am doing some cross stitch every evening, so it's coming on slowly but surely but I'll save that for next time.

Righto, I have a joint of pork in the oven and have to go and do the roasties now.

Have a great week.

love

Twiggy xxx

Is that the sun ???

2011-03-06T21:15:00.000Z

Blimey it's actually been a lovely sunny day today, in fact I was looking out of our bedroom window this evening and spotting two hares boxing in the field across the road - amazing.

Spring must have arrived.

So another busy week.

Our cheeky pigs are settling in nicely, see above, they like a good wrestle and it makes Twiglet giggle.

My friend C came round on Thursday and we had a little stitch and natter session, we are such a pair of old biddies.

Yesterday we visited here.

South Yorkshire Air Museum

Well worth a visit, very interesting and run by volunteers, very reasonable entrance charges and a visit to my Mums afterwards !!!

The beautiful weather today encouraged us to go for a Mr Twigs character building walk and to clean out the greenhouse and plant some seeds - forgot to take photos (I'll try and get some snaps this week).

We now have some pretty little pots of primulas around the back door and a greenhouse with onions, sweet peas, sunflower, leeks and red cabbage seedlings.

I treated myself this week to a few late birthday goodies, which I'll tell you about later as it's now time for Vic Reeves style trouser rubbing.

Hooray David Morrissey in South Riding - DING DONG !!!!

Love

Twiggy x

Out and about over half term.

2011-02-27T22:23:00.000Z

Blimey, I blinked and half term was over, back to school for both of us tomorrow.

Hope everyone has had a good week.

We've spent most of it out and about, partly cos we wanted to and partly to get away from the blardy noise.

Honestly, our neighbours are having an extension built and we were told 3 months ago it would take 6 weeks!! to say I've fecked off would be an understatement.

According to Mr Twigs I'm being very grumpy about it, but blardy hell fire, anyhoo,

I'm sure you're not interested in my moans - however, you might need to get used to it, for the next few weeks, probably years at this rate!!!

So what have we been up to?

We started a week ago last Friday with a trip out so Twiglet could ride his bike at Pugneys Water Park and Twiglets little girly friend came round for tea - they are so sweet :)

Saturday we had one of Mr Twigs character building walks and got very muddy.

Sunday another character building walk, Jeez it was cold and we ended up looking around the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Twiglet was a real trooper.

Monday and Tuesday my lovely mum came over to stay - hooray!!

Wednesday - bit of shoppping.

Thursday - Visited Cannon Hall with my pal C and her two boys who we haven't seen since Christmas - the piglets and lambs were very cute!!

Friday - escaped the f*****g hammering and banging and had a lovely day over at my Mums.

Saturday went up to view our new allotment and get rid of junk on our current one.

Today - went for a walk in the woods and built a den.

Phew!!

Are you watching South Riding? I'm really enjoying it. David Morrissey - phwoar!!

Right that's me for now, if you wish to send me calming vibes, so I don't slot the builders or my dear neighbours tomorrow, please feel free.

Have a great week.

Twiggy x

The patter of tiny feet and a snow dalek......................

2011-02-20T13:42:00.000Z

Have you had snow?

Twglet was v.excited to see we had when he opened the curtains yesterday, we had to battle out in it to go on a special mission but more on that later.

Of course we had to build a snow dalek, do you like him? (see above).

While playing in the garden we also noticed my pathetic looking holly bush had some more berries on it - yay !!

But the most EXCITING bit yesterday had to be the two new additions to Twiggy Towers.

Meet Dom and Cedric, aren't they cute? they are 16 week old brothers and we can't really tell them apart yet. (I realise I appear to be asleep in this photo).

Meany Mr Twigs won't let me make them different coloured sailor suits to identify them - pah!!

They are very cuddly and Twiglet is enjoying them immensely.

He was too little to appreciate Miss Queenie and Miss Peaches when we had them.

Although the weather is miserable and grey - urgh to February.

My Mum is coming over for the day tomorrow and Twiglet and I have the whole of half term week to play.

Yippee.

Have a great week whatever you do.

We're going for a character building walk this afternoon, followed by a Sunday roast and a cuddle session with Dom and Cedric.

Perfect.

Twiggy x

Things that are making me smile this week.

2011-02-11T22:42:00.000Z

Hello campers.

Did you think I'd forgotten you?

I'm in that whirlwind of a new job and routine.

New tasks, new colleagues, training courses.

I've just had to indulge in some wine and choccy a sure sign I'm back at work.

Mr Twigs said welcome back to the real world - oy cheeky !!!

Although I'm tired, all is so far, so good.

So anyhoo, here are some things that have made me smile in the last couple of weeks.

Lots of Twiglet hugs.

A visit to Cannon Hall Farm to see the gorgeous new born lambs and piglets and watching our little onion and sweetpea seedlings coming through - yay !!!

Here are some pretty pictures of some other smile inducing things.

Marmalade made by me and the little fella !!!

I bought some lovely packs of Christmas fabric and didn't have time to do anything with it before Christmas.

I've now made a cushion and some table mats for next Christmas.

I love this Orla Kiely bag that I bought from Tesco, it's now become my work bag - I need a big one - so to speak !!

Here's some of my lovely birthday pressies.

How cute is this cross stitch kit, which I'll hopefully have the energy to start soon :)

Cute little set of drawers from my pal.

Gorgeous neckalce from my sister, the photo doesn't do the colours justice.

Righto, that's me for now. Have a great weekend.

Love

Twiggy xxx

Exciting News !!!!

2011-01-28T11:57:00.000Z

I'll keep this quick as poor Twiglet is off school poorly :(

I have wisdom tooth pain and earache.

I tell you it's Friday, every blardy Friday I get toothache - Anyway onto the exciting news!!!

You know the interview I had on my birthday, well I got the job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hooray!!!

Want to know the REALLY exciting bit ? it's at Twiglet's school - yay !! so I will be Assistant Business Support Officer (school secretary to us old folks).

Working a full day and two half days a week.

Mr Twigs and I are juggling drop off and collection times between us, so it should work out nicely.

I'm really pleased as we can walk to school together, same hols etc, the lady I will be working with is lovely.

It is a really lovely little village school.

I must admit after the interview, I didn't think I'd get it as firstly, my abcess was killing me, so I didn't feel I'd performed too well.

Also, I met the other candidates and thought they are much more professional than old stay at home Twiggy, the Headteacher told me I gave the best interview, which perked me up and made me feel like less of an old Mummy brain, if you see what I mean.

So small changes have turned into BIG changes !!

Right off to cuddle up to small boy now.

love

Twiggy x

PS I start next Tuesday, so wish me luck, yikes!!!

Birthdays 2 and erm..... 3 and singing ice !!!

2011-01-24T21:11:00.002Z

Well I did milk my birthday a bit and had one on Sunday and another today !!! firstly, thank you for my lovely birthday wishes and my lovely gift from Vicky!!

Yesterday we had a jolly day at a very chilly but smashing Filey.

Today Mr Twigs and I sneaked off down the road to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

I haven't been here without children in tow since before Twiglet was born.

In fact when Twiglet and his little mate J were 7 months old me and my pal took them for a good old roll around on a tartan rug one Summer - start them young !!

Anyhoo, I used to volunteer here before I was a Mum and really wanted to have a good look round without little people.

We were walking over the bridge and saw that the ice was breaking up on the lake and it looked so beautiful.

We then heard a wonderful noise, apparently this is called singing ice. Wow we can still learn new things at our age, it truly was a magical moment. (Here's a much better explanation of it than I can give you).

http://www.moplants.com/blog/?p=800

We had a stiff walk up to the long Gallery for the first time and saw the David Nash exhibition which was fantastico !!!

http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/david-nash-exhibition

Then had a good look around, we were very taken with this, I fancy one for the garden.

It was a lovely crisp, bracing January day (it usually is around my birthday, I love January).

I came home feeling quite inspired, it is so easy to forget who you are and what you enjoy when you have children, isn't it?

I think I might be revisting soon, I have an idea for a little family project.

I also have an idea about arranging a little Spring bloggy meet up here, so watch this space!!

love
Twiggy x

Ahh that's better !!

2011-01-24T20:21:00.000Z

Well I managed to sleep through on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, so thanks to my dentist - yay !! tooth still a bit tender but at least I'm getting some kip now. But get this, Twiggy Towers is a home of weird teething problems, Mr Twigs it seems also needs root canal work but this is the truly weird bit. He's been having various tests recently due to a few problems he's having and it turns out he has a wisdom tooth growing in his SINUSES !! urgh !!! Honestly, he will do anything to top me won't he :)

Righto, enough of this dental chat, follow me onto my next post...............

Twiggy x

Crappy Birthday to me !!!

2011-01-21T16:20:00.000Z

Well, what a birthday I've had today.

It started at an unearthly hour with a job interview.

Continued with an emergency dental appointment and the previouly mentioned root canal work.

This afternoon was spent laying on the sofa watching a DVD my boys bought me for my birthday under a blanket.

My face hurts!!

We are having my unofficial birthday on Monday as Mr Twigs has booked today and Monday off.

So Crappy Birthday to me - I'm sure it's one I'll never forget!!

Only hope the detal treatment has worked.

Twiggy x

Oooooooooo the glamour !!

2011-01-19T23:36:00.000Z

Can I just say that my Friend C and I were very restrained last night.

We went to see Strictly Come Dancing Live at Sheffield Arena and managed not to throw our pants at Matt Baker.

He certainly knows how to work a crowd, I could hear the collective sighs of 5000 women when he did his tango and he won the competition too - hooray !!

It's my birthday on Friday and this was my birthday treat from Mr Twigs, for which I thank him greatly.

Here's a clip from the TV show as we weren't allowed to film last night, get your damp face cloths at the ready.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXXsIsXII_E

love
Twiggy x

Da da da da da da da da da da dadaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!

2011-01-14T23:28:00.001Z

Thanks for all the get well wishes.

I returned to the dentist today for more antibiotics, the first weeks worth hasn't got rid of my abcess and it still flippin hurts. Crikey Moses we were discussing how much it's going to cost when I have my treatment done a week on Monday and how much it would cost to have a tooth implanted if I have to have it pulled. Let me put it this way, yes I will have a gap in my smile but until Twiglet is older and we are more flush I will not be spending 2k on a freaking tooth, if ever - wish I 'd trained to be a dentist !!!!!

Anyhoo onto other things, the title of my post is a little clue about where Mr Twigs is taking me and my friend C for my birthday.......

Lucky chap going out with two lovely ladies :)

How exciting !!!

I always feel quite hyper in January, perhaps I'm giddy about my birthday, so I've been on a making and doing roll, here are some pics.

Apologies for my reflection in the next one - doh !!

Twiglet made a gorgeous party hat for his Christmas party at school. I loved this picture that he did of himself and copied it using greaseproof paper then stitched it onto some sparkly aida and popped it in a frame, isn't it ace??

Clever little chap.

Some earrings I made for my pals birthday.

Little fella using my lovely Mason Cash bowl my SIL bought me for Christmas. I have wanted one ever since I saw the lady on Farmhouse Kitchen on Yorkshire telly using one in the 1970s!!

My SIL also bought me a DVD box set of Brideshead Revisited, so I've been watching that for the zillionth time this week, still fabulouso

This was our joint effort a really scrummy clementine cake.

Twas yummy.

Now I haven't forgotten the small changes.

Here we go so far.

We are now having lovely new dinner night once a month, where I do a pud and Mr Twigs does the main or the other way round. Last weekend he did a lovely Jamie Oliver salmon recipe and I made the clementine cake with Twiglets help.

I have bought and worn a very jolly pink hat - I NEVER usually wear hats.

I bought a new skirt today and wait for it, it's shocking, some red tights - wahey !!

I will shock Mr Twigs by wearing them tomorrow - haha.

Have a great weekend.

love

Twiggy x

Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

2011-01-07T13:29:00.000Z

For the last week and a half the left side of my face, my ear, throat and teeth have REALLY hurt.

Went to the doctors on Wednesday who told me he couldn't see anything wrong - yeah right.

Went for an emergency appointment with my fab dentist this morning, who gave me an Xray.

The problem is threefold my wisdom teeth are growing yet again (this has been ongoing for 15 years and they are still not through!). I have an abcess and lots of manky bits under a tooth that my dentist tells me can only be cured by having it pulled (we both agree this would not be a good idea as it's near the front of my mouth) so instead, I will have 3 appointments for root canal work - urgh!!!

Finally the Xray showed that my sinuses are VERY BADLY infected, so I have a weeks worth of double strength antibiotics.

My doctor told me 2 days ago I DID not have a sinus infection - arghhhhhhh.

I haven't slept properly for a week.

Anyhoo at least I know now what the problem is.

We've had a ton of snow this morning, so I've been to collect Twiglet from school early, he is in his PJs already :)

Righto, will be back later, after the tablets have kicked in.

Send healing vibes folks.

Keep warm and safe

Twiggy x

Small Changes

2011-01-01T15:03:00.001Z

So here we are in 2011.

I don't make resolutions as I always feel they have the opposite effect on me. It is the same with diets, if I say I'm on a diet I think about food all the time and eat more. Instead I have a list of small changes that I aim to make for my own benefit really.

Small things that others might not notice but I know the difference they will make to me.

You may have noticed that I'm currently tinkering with the look of my blog!

I started today, since having Twiglet I seem to have turned into someone who wears black and denim constantly. Today I am wearing a pretty green button top and a lovely dark red skirt with intricate cream embroidered flowers- I feel more bold!!

When I came downstairs I got a round of applause and a hug for wearing a skirt. Twiglet did ask where my trousers were, ahem.

So my 2011 will be a year of small changes, anyone care to join me? and what small changes will you be making? Remember, big things start with small changes.

Righto, I'm being summoned to watch Wall-E and fancy doing a bit of stitching, so bye for now.

love

Twiggy x

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T20:54:00.000Z

Well here we are all cosy in our PJs. We've seen the family this evening and released a chinese lantern,made a wish and are ready for 2011.

Wishing all you lovely bloggers a Very Happy and healthy New Year and I hope you will join us in 2011.

love Twiggy x

Merry Christmas Everybody !!!

2010-12-24T19:19:00.000Z

Well we've been to see Master Twiglet in his Christingle and it was truly lovely. The children were all great and when we sang carols by the candlelight of our Christingle oranges it was just magic.

Have a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic 2011.

love

Twiggy xx

PS Don't forget to track Santa on Norad !!

Flippin Freezing Winter Solstice

2010-12-22T21:10:00.000Z

Flippin heck we had a fab time last night but blimey it was cold.

We took young Master Twigs on his surprise Christmas treat to our local light railway (how on earth we kept it quiet until an hour before I have no idea).

We went on the Twilight Santa Express at 6pm, there was a beautiful full moon, we caught the train to go and see Santa and the snow glittered under the lights on top of the train.

The icicles were amazing and the hot choccy and mulled wine just the thing.

We saw the big man and Twiglet was delighted.

I love our little Christmas rituals, seeing things through the eyes of a five year old makes everything just magic!!

We had a bit of a delay as the water tower had frozen up so the next train got stuck on the lines, but eventually got home at 8.45pm for hot baths and hot buttered toast, so a late night indeed for Master Twigs.

Mr Twigs checked the temperature when we got in and apparently it had been wait for it........ minus 10 degrees, blimey, no wonder we were so cold !!!!!!

(I apologise for mad hat and manic expression, I have a cold and was VERY cold - have I mentioned that?)

Had a nice day today visiting my lovely old mate S and dropped in on my sister who was very surprised to see us, so lovely to catch up.

We have Twiglet's Christingle at our village church on Christmas Eve, it's his first time ever as a star turn, he's playing JOSEPH !!! yay !! (Hope the camera works this time).

The loveliest thing about this is that his little cuz is coming up for Christmas so will be there. Even better my Mum is coming to stay for Christmas - we haven't seen her for a few weeks as she has been ill, so we're all geared up for a lovely, relaxing time. My Mum is going home on Boxing Day and Mr Twigs parents, Sister and family are coming round for a Chinese takeaway the day after - top family fun!!!

Righto, Hope you have a wonderful Christmas however you choose to spend it my friends. Take care, keep warm and be happy.

love

Twiggy x

It's Christmas Holidays come on Everybody !!!!

2010-12-18T14:07:00.000Z

Woohoo, the Christmas hols are finally here, thank goodness Mr Twigs has the next week off work too, so we are all cosy toesy round at Twiggy Towers.

I had to collect poor old Twiglet from school on Tuesday lunchtime as he was wiped out and poorly and had fallen asleep in the reading corner at school - bless !! so he missed the school play and his opportunity to be a dancing snowflake:(

Anyhoo being a super trooper he was back at school the next day and managed to finish the week, he now has a stinking cold - bleurgh!!!

We've had some more snow last night and everything looks sooooooooo beautiful - I can say this as I don't have to go out in it :)

Right, mucho catching up to do.

First of all look at all my lovely goodies that I won in lovely Lynsey at Swirlyart's giveaway.

Master Twiglet was a very lucky boy and that smashing Lee over at Solsticedreamer sent him this wonderful Worm World - I, I mean WE can't wait to play with it !!!

We had a terrific time at Thomasland last weekend and went on every single ride - top fun !!!

I was sooooooooo scared on this little rollercoster, what a wuss !!!

Little cousins, awww they really love each other.

Here are Twiglet's lovely Christmas school makes.

This cake was so scrummy someone had a bite before I got my camera out !!!!

I love this snowman and it was handsewn by the boy himself !!!

How cute is this???

A lovely tree to hang on our lovely and overloaded tree !!!

Here is our new slimmer tree in all it's overloaded glory, less is definitely not more in this house.

Check out this fab cake Nana Twigs has made for Twiglet, so cute.

Righto off to do a bit of pre Christmas stitching now and look forward to the Strictly Come Dancing final tonight!!

Keep cosy and safe.

Twiggy x

Pencils at the ready ???

2010-12-12T20:54:00.000Z

Ooooo we had a smashing time at Thomasland yesterday and we're all still wiped out - 6 hours and every ride done, phew!! I'll pop some pics on here once they are uploaded.

Anyhoo, as promised a couple of recipes, I'll warn you though they are very scrummy, so make two lots one lot to keep and one to give away!!

Nana Twigs Lemon Curd

4 large eggs

4 large lemons - use juice and zest

350g caster sugar

225 butter cubes

Whisk eggs in a bowl.

Zest and juice the lemons, put whisked eggs, zest and juice of lemons, caster sugar and cubed butter into saucepan.

Put on a medium heat.

Stir or whisk constantly until it starts to thicken - takes approx 7 - 8 minutes.

It thickens suddenly, lower heat and let it simmer for 1 minute, still stirring gently.

Put in sterilised jars and try not to scoff it all at once.

Store in fridge.

Onion Marmalade

1.25kg onions
3 tbsp salt
1kg sugar
500mls red wine vinegar
2tsp caraway seeds

Chop onions cover wih salt leave for an hour

Rinse & dry

Add sugar, vinegar & seeds into saucepan, boil for 5mins then add onions.

Cook for a couple of hours on a low heat until the mix becomes thick, onion translucent & brown.

Put in sterilized jars.

Enjoy

Twiggy x

Snow stopped play !!!

2010-12-08T13:01:00.001Z

Flippin heck it's chilly up here, -17 degrees the night before last, a mile or so from us - brrrr. (Above pic is high up on Royd Moor )

Anyhoo, hope you're all keeping safe and toasty.

After Twiglet's 3 snow days off last week, we're really into the exciting pre Christmas build up at his school now.

We went on a lovely trip to a local marina where the children had a visit from Santa, who came up the canal by boat - their faces were a picture. (apparently the lovely chaps who work there - The Safe Anchor Trust) had to get up early to break the ice so the boat could sail). We all had a jolly sing song, the children visited Santa's grotto, had lunch, made badges, did some colouring, received a goody bag and had a terrific time. (The Mums enjoyed it too - magical). Twiglet is most taken with his flashing lights fire engine he received !!!

We have the Christmas Carol concert in our village church tomorrow, I'm going with my lovely in laws as my Mum has hurt her ankle and Mr Twigs has to work :(

Saturday we are visiting Thomasland again, with Twiglet's little cuz. He's excited cos they have a snow machine and guaranteed snow 3 times a day - hmmmmm !!!

Well we finally set off to go sledging last Saturday and went up to our favourite spot.

I thought we'd had more snow than this time last year, but crikey, look at this.

We had to make do with having a good play instead, check out

Twiglet walking on top of the snow drifts. This is the road we usually drive up !!

Made a few snow angels and then home for hot chocolate.

Ace fun.

Sunday saw us keeping cosy and putting up the Christmas tree which I'll show you next time, very pretty and overloaded it is too :)

Righto, off to do my grocery shopping and ironing now.

I LOVE this photo!!

Take care on those slippery pavements and keep safe.

Twiggy x

PS I was lucky enough to win lovely Lynsey at Swirlyarts competition recently, I will blog my lovely goodies soon.

TGI Friday

2010-12-03T16:47:00.009Z

Well after 3 snow days, Twiglet finally returned to school today, although they didn't start until 10am. We're sat here in our PJs all cosy and there is a strong smell of wax as I switched the light on, the bulb blew and the house went completely dark. Twiglet said thank goodness the TV is ok, can we have candles, so that's what we're doing.
Very cosy.Honestly, he went to school armed with spare socks, wellies you name it, got sent out of school to walk home in school shoes and NO socks and one glove. I had to go back in school with him, apparently no one had noticed or found his socks. His wellies were the only pair left next to the door next to a plastic bag with his spare socks and glove !!! I don't expect his teachers to dress him, but a bit of observation would be nice.

Anyhoo, we've had a lovely cosy toesy time this week. I managed to go to my first ever meeting for my new job on Monday evening BEFORE the snow started, it was nice to use my brain again!!

We found time to make Postman Pat buns.Christmas trees.And a bit of Christmas stitching.Righto, off to dish up the cottage pie I made for tea.

We're hoping to go sledging this weekend.

Have a great weekend and keep safe and cosy.

Twiggy x

Twiglet is pleased to announce..............

2010-11-30T12:15:00.009Z

That the snow finally arrived last night.He has a snow day off school, so wrap up warm and come with us on our little walk if you wish.Hope you enjoyed it.

His Daddy doesn't know yet, but when he gets home from work they are going sledging in the dark.

Twiggy x

PS The young man has just had a warm bath and is now in his fluffy Pyjamas - apparently he will wear them for sledging later :)

Making and doing

2010-11-28T20:59:00.011Z

Well Twiglet thoroughly enjoyed his school disco on Friday. He went as a fireman in the end as he'd ougtrown his Superman outfit!! He was very pleased as he won a prize for his breakdancing skills and was kissed by B a very forward young lady in his class:)

Here is a bit of the young man's school art work, Elmer the elephant, isn't it fab???He also got his wish on Friday night as we finally got some snow, however it was just a dusting really, so he's still got his fingers crossed for enough to build a snowman this week!!We had a very invigorating walk on Saturday, just lovely.

When it's chilly and icy outside, I like to nest. I watched Little Women for the umpteenth time last night and made these.

A couple more hearts, I think the second one looks very retro.

And a little owl!!!Today my thoughts turned to Christmas gifts and food. The old jam pan came out, we started with a batch of chilli jam. Then moved onto a first for me onion marmalade. It all smelt delicious and unblocked our sinuses again, so medicinal too.I'd just finished popping it into jars, looked out of the window and it had started snowing and a little robin appeared on the garden table. Of course he'd disappeared by the time we found the camera but it was a lovely pre- Christmas moment.

Righto, off to prepare for tomorrow and to do a spot of stitching.

Take care, keep warm and safe.

Twiggy x