Sunday, October 26, 2008

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

25 comments:

  1. Oh Niki...this is not fair....a souffle...a christmas cake....and gorgeous bunches of hydrangeas all in one post....Huh!!! now I am green... I must apologise for the lack of a photo please be patient with me.....it will come.....Have a divine week off. I think we all need time to reset and this is just nice.
    I hope you have a fab week, I won't be going to the spring fair, but I believe lots of very talented people are.
    Hugs for a smashing week.
    Lynn xx

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  2. Oh, I'm so jealous of your hydrangeas! They are SO pretty! The food looks delicious! Can I come eat with you?
    Blessings,
    Lorilee

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  3. Oh my! Everything looks wonderful, from the flowers to the muffins. Actually, muffins and tea sound lovely right about now. I just might make some this week myself.

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  4. The christmas cake recipe looks great, thank you, I am going to give it a go this year.. I hope I can find all the ingredients here..

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  5. Hi Niki

    What a busy day you've had! And congratulations on your Blurb success. Brilliant!

    Sue x

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  6. Oh wow...i have so enjoyed your blog....pretty pretty pretty!
    so is Debbies...amazing!

    I'm so going to be popping back!
    :>))x

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  7. Anonymous10:06 pm

    This is such a beautiful blog. It fills me with a sense of calm and creativity. I will definitely be visiting often! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  8. I just found your blog and I have to say, its one of the warmest , prettiest, ive ever seen! I stayed for a long visit just looking around! what beautiful work you do and everything just oozes oozes charm! stop by when you get a minute, ive added you so I can check back often!! Thanks for sharing such lovelies!!

    ~ Cynthia ~

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  9. All I can say is YUM. What sort of pie was it?

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  10. i love it all.. so very wonderful. your book looks divine.
    xoxo nita

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  11. I've just had an email from Blurb to say my copy of your book is on its' way....ooooh the anticipation!!

    Have a good break.

    Sue xx

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  12. Ooooh is that a souffle? I haven't made one of those for ages. I think I might make one tonight.

    Congratulations on your book sales Niki but I have to say I am not one bit surprised. I had an email from Blurb to say mine has now been despatched and I can't wait to see it properly.

    Enjoy the rest of half term with your girls x

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  13. Anonymous9:29 am

    Many congratulations Niki - on the bestsellers list already - well done indeed.

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  14. Anonymous12:36 am

    Niki, sorry haven't sent my best wishes sooner, but have had trouble with the ol' girl i.e. the laptop. Congratulations on your beautiful book, I am so thrilled for you, and have given the nod to Mr F for an essential xmas present! Glad to see (but not surprised) you've hit the best sellers list. Wonderful. Have a great weekend xx

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  15. Your hydrangeas are gorgeous, I love the way they look hanging to dry. Your food looks scrumptious too, what a beautiful post. Karen

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  16. Anonymous12:24 pm

    Niki
    Got my copy of your book yesterday.
    Delicious. When you get back to the computer, please stop by my blog to see my little review.
    Congrats again on a beautiful job.
    Wendyx

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  17. I've just spent five mins drooling over your blog too. Oh no my husband has just spotted your Christmas Cake and I haven't even thought of ours yet.

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  18. Anonymous3:16 pm

    I'm fairly new to your blog but I enjoy your wonderful colors and photos AND remarks. What's the name of your new book and when can I look for it (I'm in the States). Blessings, Diane

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  19. Hi Niki, congrats on hitting the best sellers list! That is fabulous!!! I just got my copies and it is beyond wonderful. I could look at that book a hundred times and see something new each time. I am looking forward to sitting down and actually reading it soon. Right now I just browse through and drool over all the gorgeous pictures. I can't wait to surprise Beth with her copy at xmas time. xo, suzy

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  20. I have just discovered your blog/website through your daughters, wedding forum !! I am a young collector of all things vintage, romantic, nostalgic, shabby chic, country lovliness 34 years old. Your blog spot is a HUGE inspiration...THANKYOU so much for sharing your wonderfullness. I cannot wait for my daughters to come home so i can share with them. I'm now off to my sewing machine!! sending you a big red lipstick vintage loving kiss xxx

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  21. Anonymous5:05 pm

    I just love hydrangeas, beautiful.
    Mmmmmm and apple crumble too, yummy!
    love Alison x

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  22. Anonymous2:07 am

    I really enjoy your blog. Looking forward to seeing where I can get your book. Diane

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  23. What a lovely post! Everything looks so yummy - the edibles and the sparkly things too! I wish our thrift stores had the kind of jewelry you find where you live.

    Have a wonderful day.

    Holly

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  24. I've added your book to my wish list for christmas......my hubbie reads my blog at work.....huge hint there for him!

    Just lloked at the preview....fab book! lovely pictures!xx

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  25. What is that puffy thing? It looks good enough to eat ...

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx