A Return to Simplicity.

Having found a great deal of old family photos after loved ones have passed on,  it is both sad and frustrating that you don't know what the stories behind the photos and the people in them are. So I endeavor to write the story of our photos for the following generations by way of albums and journaling. It might even help me later when even I can't remember! It usually takes me a few weeks to put together a new album from start to finish, and sometimes the finishing takes a little longer but I always become immersed in the process of designing, measuring, cutting, gluing, and sometimes then discarding and starting again. Beautiful paper and inspirational verses just catch the eye and make you want to create something that will give pleasure to yourself and others. I like to make lots of pockets or bands to hold extra cards for photos or journaling. These days with beautiful collections of corresponding papers and embel...

I recently found a couple of orphan photo frames in my pile of "to do" things and thought it was about time I made another chalk board sign. I would have liked a more ornate frame, but had to make do with what was in the stash! So after a sand, chalk paint and wax for the frame and a new backing chalk board I have something new! Don't you just love Pinterest for ideas!

It seems that cooler days have finally arrived and of course that turns the mind to simple wholesome food cooked long and slow, time in the garden without the burning heat of Summer and playing around with fabric.  I couldn't go past a slowed cooked oxtail stew with garlic chive mash potato and crusty bread. Comfort food to warm the heart. It's been a favorite of mine for a long time and I always make it the day before so I can take off the fat that solidifies when cold then reheat for the next day. I guess that makes it a little more healthy! I also made these thingies from the left over mash potato and I love them so much I always eat a couple while cooking! The grandchildren love these chocolate muffins and it doesn't take much to whip up a bunch! Only waiting for their peanut butter frosting! I also tried out some Pineapple and Ham muffins as they looked so yummy..........but they were missing flavour and were not as good as they looked. Wi...