The British Homemaker - One day at a time

It’s a common thought process to prepare for a better year than the one we leave behind and I think it’s safe to say that we can all move on and move up with each passing year. However, for me, I am mulling over this year for all the truly wonderful things that have happened to me and my family, the opportunities that have come along and the things that have finally clicked into place for life generally. I am genuinely and humbly thankful for all that 2010 has bought me. I have laughed, I have cried, I have worried, I have stressed and I have loved. In all I have have more than my fair share of good stuff and more than my fair share of challenges too. None of which I would change, not one of them. I don’t make new years resolutions, I make goals and throughout 2011 I have more goals to work towards. Most of which will be recorded over on my personal blog: Sp4rk1e . As for The British Homemaker well there has been a twist. I have now been invited to teach adult classes for a range...

I am pretty much house proud. I don’t often admit it because I don’t often see it. The kids get out their books, toys, games or whatever and it doesn’t bother me. I have my routine, my way of doing things and it works for us. The last few days my 21 yr old son and daughter in law have been here with my 3 month old granddaughter and I have loved every minute of it.   Jay and Tara taking a few minutes to open their gifts. Bailey just loves the play ring my mum bought her. I don’t need to ask them to do anything because they will chip in, though if I do ask them to do a chore they’ll do it no problem. It’s so easy.  It’s natural that there are going to be things around that normally wouldn’t be, the already limited kitchen sides hold more than usual and it’s ok. Before the big feed. For me, the testing time comes after I’ve woke up. I hate to wake up to plates in the sink, untidied cushions and the like but right now, after napping I sit here in the silence and see the ...

I forgot to share my before and after Christmas tree eh? Well here it is now, better late than never, as they say. Before: After: I sprayed it with snow spray (which I don’t recommend because it smells awful for a couple of days after) then only added homemade decorations. Between sewing, hot gluing and paper crafting we decided to not over do it this year. There are 4 sets of lights on there but erm, they seem to have gone shy! ;) Well, it’s now almost 6am and Santa has been. This is how I know: ended up as this: I also found a half eaten carrot in the hallway! ;) Charley will love the fact that all his chosen goodies were eaten, Santa remembered to bring the key back indoors and he even has  a letter and chocolate coins from the man himself! Steal! Jay, Tara and Bailey managed to get here as planned on Wednesday, I can even begin to describe how chilled and happy my gorgeous granddaughter is. She laughs, she giggles, she watches and she takes it all in. I love t...

Having Bailey in our family I began to wonder what she will learn from us at Christmas time over the coming years. My mind drifted back to all the traditions we’ve had over the years. Some change, some stay and just as I think we don’t really have many at all I realise that we are totally full of them. Christmas tree goes up on 1st December Homemade cookies, cakes, bread and biscuits adorn our table New homemade decorations added to the tree Christmas Eve - New pj’s, Christmas movie, buffet meal Chocolate coins are lead from the kids rooms to their gifts downstairs Charley puts out a choice of foods for Santa and the reindeer along with a glass of milk Santa’s magic door key is hung on the outside of the front door Each night from 1st December we talk about the birth of Christ For each gift the kids receive they have to give one to charity The kids are in no way allowed to go into the living room without me Before opening all the pr...

  Share this post : The kitchen table has been a lil over loaded this week. From food lists to meal planning, from Christmas present ordering to present making, from baking to Christmas decorations. Today, I have done most of what I wanted to do by now, though if I’m honest I’d prefer to have got a few more things ticked off. However, given that the world wont end if my idealisms aren’t achieved I am quietly feeling rather chuffed with myself. Instead of a list, here is what I can check off so far: Quick cake stand. 2 cake plates covered in cardstock, trimmed with gold ribbon. The centres are left over stuff I had from the baking. The top one is the cup from icing and the bottom one is a jar. Both of which have lids that come off so when I store it, it can be taken to pieces. Clever eh?   There was one small wall that was missing something. An old piece of canvas, cove...

Share this post : I hate lists! For as long as I can remember I’ve lived by them, defended them, worked them, scribbled out, added on and rigidly used them. When I sat at the table this morning for my usual 10 minute catch up with myself I decided to check back on my progress. While I am on target with tomorrow’s branch Christmas Party, I am behind with the house. While I have broke even with gifts/wrapping and posting, I am behind with the handmade presents. While I’m ahead with the planning and preparing, I’m actually way behind with the actual doing. On the upside though, Charley went to school with some cute hand made gifts for his teachers, headteacher and the lollipop lady (don’t ask!). Wanna see? To make 7 of these I decided to set a budget, throw a few idea’s round and then gave Charley the choice on what idea he wanted to settle on. Each one was different, thou...