Monday 18 March 2013

Another Birthday


 
 You were beautiful inside and out

Its been 9 years since you were taken from us

I miss you every day

but I know we will see each other again

until then

Happy Birthday Mum

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

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Wednesday 13 March 2013

Butternut Squash Soup


1 large butternut squash
1 medium onion
500g potatoes
1 litre vegetable stock
Knob of butter
Olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Coriander leaves to garnish (optional)

  • Chop the stalk and flower off the squash and peel. Cut in half, scoop out the seeds and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • Peel and chop the onion and potatoes
  • Place the butter and a little oil in a saucepan and melt on a low heat
  • Add the onion and stir until softened, but not brown
  • Add potatoes and stir well
  • Add squash, stir well and then cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
  • When potatoes have softened, add stock and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft
  • Blend to a puree and serve

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

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Friday 8 March 2013

What a Good Idea - Dried Pineapple Flowers


Photo: Use 'Oven Baked Pineapple Pieces' to make a delicate flower!  (you can also soak the pineapple pieces overnight before baking in colouring to achieve different colours).. a simple explanation and instruction to DIY over at Annie's Eats...

 http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/02/28/how-to-make-dried-pineapple-flowers/

I just love this idea from Annies Eats. Dried Pineapple Flowers look so pretty and make your cupcakes even more scrumptious. 

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x
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Thursday 7 March 2013

Motivation....Really??

If you, like me, are trying to lose a bit of weight, but need a bit more motivation, try this for fun. Model My Diet gives you a before and after image. Just type in your current weight and your goal weight to see the difference.

Well..it made me smile

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

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Wednesday 6 March 2013

My Inspiration

As part of her questions in Chats on the Farmhouse Porch, Patrice over at Everyday Ruralty asked 'Who has the most outgoing personality in your family?
I only had to think a moment, and for me there could only be one answer, my niece, Miss A. She is beautiful, clever, talented, funny and extremely brave. At 15, I dont think she has a shy bone in her body. Nothing stops her.
Im staying with her family at the moment, though I must admit I dont see much of her. After school her time is taken up with studies, swimming and her latest passion, her horse Robbie. She even leaves the house early some mornings to see him before school starts
On Sunday, I visited the stables with her. I was so proud watching her, and it dawned on me how inspiring this girl is

Miss A has had many operations where her legs have had to be broken, and straightened. In fact she has another due in June. She will be in plaster for a long time, and it will be extremely painful..but she hardly complains. It really puts my little aches and pains into perspective.

Photo: Me and robbie after having a jump :)

I love you Miss A. You are my inspiration

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x
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Tuesday 5 March 2013

Warm Welcome

At the moment I am staying with my brother and his family in Lincolnshire. They live in a very pretty village, full of the old stone cottages. Its so peaceful, with hardly any traffic. You can hear the birds singing. The villagers are so friendly, always ready with a warm hello. I'm feeling more rested than I have in a long while.




It looks so lovely with all the spring flowers appearing... Crocus, Daffodils and carpets of Snowdrops. 



 The flower sellers cart is full of beautiful colours. I just love flowers
It seems to be much warmer here than my house in the Welsh hills. Since I have been here, the sun hasn't stopped shining. I sat by the stream for a while, just drinking in the sunshine.

 I think Spring has finally arrived

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

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Monday 4 March 2013

New Beginnings

Sorting out my house, packing and downsizing was one of the hardest jobs I have ever had. I never knew I had so much 'stuff'. Choosing what to keep and what to get rid of was so time consuming, and at times, very emotional. 

Before I left, I took one last look around the rooms, and remembered all the good times spent there. I swear I could still here the voices of my children echoing in the emptiness. It was sad saying goodbye to my home, but the memories I made there, I will carry with me always.

With my belongings in storage, and my suitcase packed, my adventures have started. There is no looking back. Here's to a happy future


Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

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