Bank Holiday Weekend

The Mr and I have had a very nice weekend so far. Saturday we had friends round for a film night and dinner. I made a very tasty vegetarian lasagne, using roasted butternut squash instead of turkey mince which is what I usually use. I just fancied doing something different and of course the squash was only 85p so thrifty too. I added onions, garlic, courgette, carrot, celery, sweet red peppers, plum tomatoes, herbs and half a tin of baked beans that were calling me from the fridge as they didn't want to be left out. I roasted the butternut squash first in some herbed olive oil. I only used half of the squash in the lasagne sauce and kept the rest to add to a lentil soup for lunch today. It's amazing how you can use the same veg for different meals but by adding different extra things you have completely changed the texture and taste of your food. The folk who dined with us have asked for my lasagne recipe as they enjoyed it so much, so that was a rather nice compliment.

We have just harvested the Mr's onions (if you pardon the expression) and used them with our own courgettes too in the lasagne sauce. Our tomatoes however are being obstinate this year and don't seem to want to ripen. Our raspberries are just about coming through now, late as well. On Saturday we also attended our local horticultural show, it was great fun to see all the produce and some beautiful crafts as well.

This perfectly knitted blanket was the star of the show for me, unfortunately not for sale. I hope you are all enjoying the Bank Holiday and I'll probably pop back soon with the recipe for my lentil soup, the weather is feeling Autumnal at the moment and this soup is a definite warmer.

Enchanted Living

Ah dear hearts, I'm always sharing my best tips for saving the pennies without reducing a 'luxurious' lifestyle. Well I'm now showing you how easy it is to spend those saved pennies. Just reading one of my fav USA blogs, Not Forgotten Farm, when she mentioned this fabulous magazine, Enchanted Living. And here we are $69 dollars lighter. Ah me, temptation, temptation.

Today's Joyous Things

I have no idea who this rather clever lady is, but I salute her. She creates perfect Winter companions. A snuggle with a giant cat and a good book. Bliss.

Talking of books, I have been to the library this morning to collect three books that I have requested. I have been waiting some time for two of them and suddenly I now have a pile which I think I must read quick sticks as there will be folk awaiting on them. The only books I buy nowadays are keepers, you know , ones I will reread. I like to use the local libraries and the small amount I usually pay to order them in, is funding of a sorts. Plus we have to use things or lose them I'm afraid. I'm dipping into my own thrifty recipes tonight to make a vegetable crustless quiche. It will be served with some luscious looking (reduced in price) asparagus, followed by an equally mouth watering Bonne Mamann, blackberry mousse, (also reduced in price). It's been a very good thrifty day and I'm pleased with myself.

Morgana Not Catching A Butterfly

This is our girl enjoying her most favourite pastime, trying to murder something on our terrace. She thankfully never tries to catch birds. Mice are her absolute best victims and butterflies encourage her acrobatics. She enjoys herself and is wonderfully inept at her tasks in hand (paw).

Mumping Alone

Well worth watching to the end. Totally hilarious.

De-clutter & Re-clutter

The Mr and I have been spending time together the last couple of weekends having the most splended outings. Art exhibitions, auctions, book fairs, a brocante or two, farmers markets, which as you can see has resulted in some purchases and technically an element of re-cluttering and draining the coffers again. But dear hearts in my defence ALL were necessary to my well being. Especially the silver and London blue topaz bracelet, which brings prosperity, abundance and good luck and is my birthstone for December, none of which I knew when I bought it. We will be attending a boot fair in a couple of weeks to sell off items that we don't need anymore so that will all balance out nicely. Well that's the theory anyway.

Exciting News

Well lovely blogging chums there we have it. The Mr and I are hoping to be on the move. We're staying in the same county, Derbyshire, but really hoping to find the perfect spot near a town called Belper. It has a huge community with an amazing amount of arts events on throughout the year and is a beautifully old historic place. We want a smaller garden and a slightly smaller house, but one that the Mr can actually stand up in. We viewed a picture perfect house last Saturday but the Mr's head was pressed against the ceiling beams. I'm busily selling off and donating items I don't want us to move with, so the coffers are being increased slowly. In other news it is Dahlia time again, the garden beds are full of them.

Happy Lammas to you all. This sweet image from one of my favourite illustrators Wendy Andrew at Painting Dreams.