Spring table decoration

Spring is just around the corner and we will soon be seeing daffodils Lining the roadsides.  I love daffodils (and tulips) and just thought I would share with you the table decoration I made last week.  

I am really looking forward to seeing it in full bloom.

It was so simple to make and cost absolutely nothing.  You could splash out a little with some posh stones or spray them with craft paint to make it prettier but I quite like the rustic feel of using stones out the garden. 

To make your own just dig up some daffodil bulbs, about 7 or 8 should be perfect, and place on a decorative bowl or plate.  Secure roots and bulbs in place using stones.  Don't over water.

Our Ultimate Saturday Brunch

I first came across this flavour combination 5 or 6 years ago when the BigD and I were still dating.  I used to travel by train to Edinburgh, a 5 hour journey, to spend the weekend with him.  There was a little bagel stand at the station (I have no idea if it is still there) and I used to look forward to my bagel whenever I was passing through.

Once we began living together we just didn't pass by that little bagel stand very often so we began to make them ourselves.  They have now become our staple Saturday or Sunday Brunch and the little Ds love them - I think one of the reasons they are so popular, apart from tasting great, is that we prepare all the ingredients and just throw them on the table and everyone just makes their own. Great family time too.

Ingredients:

Bagels

Cream Cheese - We skip this for a dairy free option for D1

Tomatoes (Sliced)

Avocado (Sliced)

Bacon, 1 rasher per bagel (We prefer smoked)

Method:

Slice the bagels in half and toast the bagels on the cut side only.

Layer all the ingredients up and enjoy!

Variations:

I like a smidgen of chilli sauce on mine.

D1 likes lashings of freshly ground black pepper on hers.

Homemade Car Seat Blanket

I am a seriously lucky girl.  A couple of weeks ago the BigD bought me a sewing machine.  I have been lusting after a sewing machine for so long but could never justify it as I had never really used one more than once or twice before.  We were browsing a department store in town to see what to look for in a 2nd hand model.  We came across a really good deal in the sales and it was too good to pass up when we took into consideration guarantees/warranties etc...

If you have read any of my previous posts you will know that we have been blessed with a gorgeous new addition to the D household.  Given that he was born in the middle of winter (D1 &D2 were spring/summer babies) I found we needed to invest in a coat or carseat blanket.  When it comes to driving I, personally, hate to be all tied up in a coat/seatbelt combination and I am really aware that the children are probably just as un comfortable all strapped in with their winter coats etc. especially on long journeys.  With this in mind I went for the carseat blanket option but couldn't find the product I had in my head anywhere in the shops.  I asked around and a friend suggested I made my own, so after a bit of googling I came across this tutorial.  

I purchased my fabric from eBay, I went for two coordinating fleece fabrics.  Initially, before I was gifted the sewing machine, I was going to try and create a non sew version.  

Armed with my fabric, this step by step guide and my shiny new toy here's what I came up with!

I really wasn't confident edging a whole blanket so I decided to machine stitch the whole thing together with the right sides facing inwards and left a small gap to turn it the right way round after.  Also as I already had my car seat I was able to adjust the spaces for the carseat straps rather than go for the generic option as shown in the tutorial but still allowing room for the straps to be adjusted.

I must say I am so proud of my efforts for a first sewing project and it totally eliminates the need for a winter coat, making the school run and other outings so much easier.  I can just pop a sleeping baby into his carseat without pulling him around and waking him up trying to get a coat on.  All that's needed is a hat.