New Year.

I would like to wish everyone Happy New Year.

 

Christmas Dinner.

We usually have Christmas Eve supper but this year my husband was working so we moved it to the Christmas Day. I made most of the traditional dishes like: fish with veggies, sauerkraut with dry mushrooms and split peas with potatoes, perogies with sauerkraut and another one with prunes, red borscht with home made mushroom dumplings and for drink I made stewed fruits. There also was lots of baked goods. And this year I managed to take some pictures before we started. 

 

Tree.

Its beginning to look like Christmas, our tree is here and its bigger then ever. Ornaments are hanged, lights are twinkling, decorations are up throughout the house, cookie dough is ready in the freezer and most of the Christmas food is cooked and frozen. Gifts are almost done - Christmas can come. 

 

Reading.

This time of a year we are pulling out Christmas books, but not for everyone.

My older daughter is more focused on school reading and I got my hands on the newest book from the  Harry Potter world.

 

Cookies.

This weekend I made some sugar cookies, when I asked my kids what shape they want to make them in, the answer was anything Christmas. The holidays are coming soon, you can feel it in the air. We are right now cleaning the whole house in preparation for Christmas tree and decorations, so far it looks like tornado went thru our home but I have hope that soon it will look better.

Pie.

This summer I tried new pie, this one doesn't need any baking but it takes about 3-5 hours to make it. That sounds like a lot, for just a pie but believe me its not that bad. All you need is some cookie crumbs, butter and vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Just make cookie crumbs crust and spread ice cream on top, leave it in a freezer for about 3-5 hours. You can use any ice cream you have, top it with whipped cream or any other toppings that you like on your ice cream. 

 

Life gets busy.

Since I started part time job, life has been really busy. It took a while to adjust to the new schedule but now after two months I think I have most of it under control. I work only four days a week and the free days I spend on catching up with laundry, cleaning, cooking, baking and sewing. Sometimes there is not enough  time in a day to do everything so some things get overlooked like posting on this blog. I still work on simplifying our lives but little bit slower then before. Right now I'm focusing on Christmas, this year I decided to give home made gifts only and since I started this process in summer, now its less crazy. 
My garden is all cleaned the only plant that is still growing is my tomato( indoor). Here is my last basil harvest.    

 

Cake.

This chocolate cake is so easy, quick and delicious that I make it all the time. It's the same recipe like the chocolate muffins that I posted before, but now its a chocolate cake with strawberries and jello.

 

Halloween.

Every Halloween I try to make costumes for my kids as much as I can or get things from a thrift store and make them into a one of a kind costume. This year my teen was a hyppie with second hand pants and some accessories and my younger girl decided on being a fox so I made her the tail and ears and got orange sweater and gloves.

Party.

Today my little one is 9 and not so little anymore. Her party was on Sunday and this year she decided on Halloween theme. Pictures done before everyone arrived.

 

Fall.

Fall decorations found on a nature walk plus a basket and few small pumpkins make a great display for your table.

 

Last canning.

This is probably my last canning this season, I was finally able to spend some time in the kitchen and made some mustard, canned beets and red cabbage.   

 

In My Garden.

October 20th and in my garden I have lettuce, kale, tomatoes and herbs. Last few day it was really warm but starting today nights will be cold so today is the day when I cut down all my basil, dig out sweet potatoes and bring my tomato indoors.