Happy New Year

Why did the year
up and run
when I hardly got
anything done?

What happened?
It is a riddle,
I hope the coming year
is a bit more civil.

There is much I want
to learn and create -
the year barely started
and I'm already late.

One advice to myself
I am giving -
a little less planning
a little more living.

♡

Featured: We are celebrating our New Year.
I made these new year cards
from recycled bits and pieces
and put a little card and
a little treat in each.
The idea came from here.

Something Sweet

The bear had a day,
was run off his feet,
and felt he needed
something sweet.

He looked around
and was very sad -
the pantry was empty,
no treats to be had.

He went next door
to borrow some jam,
but they had none
and offered him yam.

He stopped by the hive
and asked for some honey.
The bees were so sorry -
the batch was still runny.

He decided to settle
for cookie or cake.
The bakery was closed,
it was time for their break.

He looked to the moon
and said pretty please -
can I at least have
a small wedge of cheese?

The man in the moon
thought him a nutter -
who has cheese
without a cracker?

The bear was so tired
thought he might cry,
should he go home
or continue to try?

He was heading back
when he met a bear
with a big bag of candy
he was happy to share!

The day turned out well
because in the end
our bear got his treat
and made a new friend.

♡

Featured: a knitted basket for wool.

Didn't do much crafting this summer.

It is nice to be back!

The Isle of Disgruntled Toys

The toys are upset

and they're muttering a lot,

summer is here

and it's really quite hot.

Everyone else has

a lot of time off,

but when they want a break

these children just scoff.

They do work hard

and they do work cheap,

they mind the children

so the grown-ups can sleep.

But if they don't get a vacation

whatever the cost,

they're off on a strike

and the kids can get lost.

♡

I'm taking a summer break.
I'll see you all soon!

France Revisited

The majestic, snow covered Alps,

the views so green and bright,

the people, the peace, the pastries - 

France, you've been a delight!

♡

Would you believe that first photo

was taken from the veranda of 

our chalet? The first thing I saw

each morning. An Enchanted April

sort of moment.

An Apple A Day...

 

A few days ago I posted a photo of my mother's 

apple strudel on my Instagram

and quite a few people wrote to ask for the recipe.

I don't usually post recipes and this one

involves a bit of work. But it is heavenly

and I hope you enjoy it.

MATERIALS:

5 big green apples (my mom uses granny smith)

3/4 cup suger

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup slivered almond + a bit more

a little lemon juice

a teaspoon of cinnamon

very little nutmeg (optional)

a sheet of puff pastry

a teaspoon of butter + a bit more

breadcrumbs

HOW TO:

Peel the apples and slice them. Add lemon juice.

Cook the apples for about 15 min. (until soft but not mushy)

with the teaspoon of butter, the cinnamon, 

the nutmeg (if using, I like!) and the sugar.

Let the apples cool and add raisins and almonds.

This can be done a day ahead, if you like.

My mom's top tip:
It is important that the mixture doesn't have too
many liquids or it will tear the dough.
Cooling overnight helps or just leave some
of the liquid in the pan if you have too much.

Preheat oven to 180 Celsius (350 Fahrenheit).

Defrost the puff pastry and roll into a rectangle

of about 25*35 cm (10*14 inch).

My mom's top tip:

spread a bit of melted butter and breadcrumbs on

the pastry to absorb the liquid from the apples.

Now, put the apple filling on one side of 

the pastry and roll into a strudel. 

Spread a bit of egg or milk on top.

Sprinkle the remaining slivered almonds.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until nice and brown.

My mom dusts with powdered sugar
just before serving.
Enjoy!

♡

I'm leaving for France today,
the alps this time,
I'll miss you all.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

A cup of tea

when you're taking a break,

a favorite magazine

when you want to escape,

that happy feeling

that crafting brings - 

these are a few

of my favorite things.

♡

Time Flies

You don't have to be
especially wise
to recognize that
time simply flies.

Have you lost a day,
a week, a term?
I think there's a time thief
but I've yet to confirm.

♡

Featured: Summer is here already
and I've yet to show you
my new-ish winter blanket.
Time flies.