The British Homemaker - One day at a time

I’ve always said to my kids, don’t just leave home, plan it and I can help you. Well that was changed on my oldest sons part, he went for a visit one day and didn’t come home! We laugh about it now but he’s settled with his girls and his fiancé and all has come exceptionally well for them. No matter how many times I look at Jay, I can’t help but feel proud of the person he’s become. When Scott left it was appropriate timing after my marriage ended, since then he’s completed college and university and about to move into his own place nearby, so I’m now on the look out for some good furniture for him even if I have to do it up first. He has it together impressively well. I totally love the man my Scott has become. Now I’m determined that at least one of my 4 kids will leave home with some input and planning from me! I just always wanted to share that experience with them and Kirsten is the one that is more like me, plan, plan and more plan. While she has her l...

One week to go till school starts. One week to go till Kirsten starts college. Life will not only return to a normal routine but it will require some serious planning and preparation for the latter part of the  year now.  There are 5 things I am actively working towards... Bailey turns 2 Having a rather large doll house off my sister means Bailey gets a rather large doll house for her birthday....only Kirsten and I are decorating in inside and out as well as furnishing it. Reminds me of when I was a kid, I loved my dolls house! Charley turns 8 a week later ...

Time flies eh? So many plans were scheduled for this 6 week period but with the loss of my little Billy-Norman life has taken a couple of twists and turns I didn’t expect. The alternative hasn’t all be bad though, just unplanned! Taking up bike riding to replace the car has been fun {so far} Charley loves our night time rides out where he can just chat, chat and chat some more. Having this time with him has been priceless, listening to him talk about his day, his friends and see how he’s developing his opinions and boundaries is refreshing. The dude is totally my kid! So using pictures and a few words, here’s a little how it all went.... Kirsten doesn’t do well in the heat but she does enjoy being in the garden so this little ‘tent’ was ideal for her and Jake to chill out....odd pieces of fabric, a few canes and plenty of cushions made for a happy teen! Of course, Charley had to follow suit but he wanted something a little less ‘made up’, if I could have made a cave...

I still think of the old Boomtown Rats song ‘I don’t like Mondays’ when I think too much on that Monday feeling. I never did like that song! However, after a few months of sitting on my laurels and pretty much licking wounds and letting the events of 2011 shape me I am kicking back. I’ve had enough of life dictating how my day will go or how a situation with pan out. I’m not a control freak but sheesh, I can take more control than I have done. And that is what I’m about to do! So as of today I am declaring all Mondays as Magic Mondays .....in doing that I invite you to join me. Each week will be something different to make the day better, brighter, happier till eventually we are spreading the Monday love around our little worlds. Feel free to add the button, if you want to join in the Magic Monday train please link your blog/site/ facebook page or whatever so I can come and comment and cheer you on. Share what you do, encourage your friends and family ...

I l ove egg custard so when my mom offered me yet another super recipe I knew I had to try it out.... The preparation time is simple, the eating is delish! I have to admit, I did cheat and buy the case for this...next time though I’m going to make my own. So here is the recipe: 3 eggs 2-3 dessert spoons of sugar 2-3 drops of vanilla essence/extract 1/2 pint of full fat milk 1 tub small double cream Being the adhoc cook/baker that I am I threw them all into the bowl together and whisked it all together. You can heat this up as you stir and then pour it into your pastry crust or you can do it all cold....the heated version gives a less intense flavouring but is still flavourful and tasty!

  The first week of the school summer holidays was fun. Friday: I ended the week cutting the grass, strimming, putting up new buntings and lights, getting plants repotted. This ^ is  how hard I worked! Saturday: The kids decided that poor Jake was going to get it again...this time as Baby Jake from a CBeebies programme! Why are these two even watching that channel??? Sunday: We went over to my sisters for dinner, hung out for the afternoon and most the evening and just chilled, ate and laughed. Monday: Kian {nephew} and Charley playing ‘fencing’. Kirsten and my heads were always in danger! Tuesday: We freeze our favourite drinks with a lemon or lime inside, ideal on hot days like today. Wednesday: Preparing for the online craft fair summer sale. Justo ne of the items I’m offering. Thursday was spent packing and travellin...