Seasonal Delights

The clocks have gone back an hour, signalling the official end of summer and the start of the autumn season here in the UK, which put me in a nest building mood.

I harvested my hydrangea blooms to add some colour to our home during the long months ahead. (The ones above were white, but by this time of year have turned a wonderful lime green and feel like crisp tissue paper)

Some pink ones where tied up in bunches and hung in the laundry room to dry, ready for wreath making and decorations...

Plus I added a few with shorter stems to some seasonal displays.

Its a time for warming, hearty family meals....

served with wholesome veggies.

And a gift of Bramley apples from a friend have been put to good use to make a tasty crumble dessert; as well as apple and cinnamon muffins.

A little thrifting time was also found this morning, despite the rain. I brought home some glittering pretties to use on some festive gift ideas later.

And my daughter and I made our Christmas cake this afternoon.

We used our usual family recipe which can be found here.

It will be drizzled with brandy once a week until the big day.

Hope you have had a happy weekend,

Niki x

My website will close tomorrow, as I intend to take the half term week off to spend time with family and friends. Reservation requests may still be placed, but I won't be able to answer emails/dispatch goods until Monday 3rd November. Have a great week!

Update: My book has just entered Blurb's 'Best Sellers' list, so a BIG thank you to all who have placed an order for a copy. Niki xx