Five on Friday - February

I'm linking up with  Amy for this month's Five on Friday post so I thought I'd share some good moments of my February.

1. A trip to the Houses of Parliament - the Palace of Westminster organised by our local church. A fabulous day where we soaked up loads of history and learnt about all the ceremonial traditions of this amazing palace. We were able to walk around the House of Lords and visit their library/tea room/writing room but bcause it was a Wednesday and Prime Minister's Question Time was taking place we could not go into the Commons. However we went up into the viewing gallery later on and were able to witness a few political debates taking place. Fascinating!

2. When visiting friends in Berkshire recently we drove over to Hungerford a town well known for its abundance of antique centres and evidently featured occasionally on various TV antiques road shows. The walk down to the canal was pretty chilly - we'd already had some sleet and hail showers so didn't hang around for too long. A pot of steaming tea was most welcome in "The Rafters" in one antiques arcade.

3. A morning stroll the next morning saw us in the pretty village of Cookham where sunny skies greeted us. The River Thames always has a place in my heart - be it the narrow up river or wider down river where we live in Essex. Onwards to the village of Littlewick Green for lunch.

4. We belong to the Royal Horticultural Society and are lucky enough to live near RHS Hyde Hall, some 15 minutes away by car. We try to visit once a month and take in all that the changing seasons offer us. The colours are beautiful all year round and this is February's view.

5. Some quality fun time with two of our grandchildren on Saturday mornings occasionally.

I'll leave you with this little ditty I found via Pinterest

Now, if I've done this correctly you should be able to see others' 

posts by clicking on this link

Well I believe there should have been a little icon with four thumbnails. Oh well not to worry. I'll try and add it to my sidebar and lets hope the link from here works. You can't test it out until you've actually published the post.

Have a great weekend

PS - just checked and it doesn't  work so for now just press on Amy's link above. I'll get it sorted!!

Five on Friday - January

I'm joining in with Five on Friday organised by Amy at Love Made my Home where once a month we take five minutes from our day to enjoy five things. Do pop in to see what others in my group are up to at the bottom of the page.

This month I'm sharing a few of my recent makes.

1. I'm enjoying creating and making mini photo albums and journals. Here are a few that I've gifted or kept for myself.

2. I found this crocheted cowl on Pinterest and simply had to make it in advance of any colder weather. So cosy and warm too and only took about four hours to make.

Not very good at "Selfies" I'm afraid.

3. Nothing better than a bowl of homemade veggie soup - wouldn't be without my soup maker. I just threw in some veggies that were sitting in the fridge - carrots, onion, courgette, swede etc., plus a tin of tomatoes, stock cube, seasoning, herbs - basil, oregano and top up with about 500 mls water. Yummy.

4. Tomato Chutney - a must with cheeses, cold meats, pork pies etc. Not sure why I only make it in the winter though.

5. Back on the crafting note here are a couple of gift bags/envelopes I made and have put aside for upcoming birthdays

Amy at Love Made my Home
Kristie at North of 49
Katharine at Art-e-Facts
Selma at Eclectic home life
Marion at My two girls
Teresa at Knit, Bake, Cultivate

Have a good weekend dear friends.

Five on Friday

Hello my friends, I hope you're all enjoying the festive season. I wouldn't normally write a post on Boxing Day but I've pre written this in advance so it could go out today.  I'm joining in with fellow bloggers to join Five on Friday posts once a month organised by Amy at Love made my home, taking five minutes from our day to enjoy five things.

So, here is a selection of five themes during the run up to Christmas.

1.  A recent trip to Harrogate and afternoon tea at Bettys - Mmm delicious!

 2. A few crafty moments

3. A lovely trip to London with my sister Barbara and husbands to see a performance of my all time favourite Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

4. A random selection of my favourite books - including some recently bought vintage books, my best ever Christmas read and my new Paper Bliss book - which should keep me absorbed for hours!

5. Some lovely days out with friends and family

Do pop over to see what the other people who are also blogging about Five on Friday this week at the end of this post.

Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year and I'll see you all again in 2015.


Amy at Love made my home
Katharine at Art-e-facts
Kristie at North of 49
Selma at Eclectic home and life
Marion at My two girls