I'm back ...!

Sorry it has been a bit quiet here recently. We went away for a quick bit of last minute sun - which was lovely and then it has been full swing back into the chaos of a new term. Things have settled down a bit. We are into our new routine - which everyone was craving after the unstructuredness (not sure if this is a word!) of the summer holiday. So that combined with the fact that Little Roo is getting into something resembling a sleep routine and actually having proper naps - yea! - means that I've started on the mountain of projects I have been accumulating.

So first off, trousers. Strangely, I've been humming "Donald where's your troosers", while making these lovelies for Little Roo - I have been far too influenced by my DH I fear! So inspired by Oxford Kitchen Yarns, what gorgeous trousers ... I set about making a pattern for Little Roo. They are a bit wide at the bottom so the next pair might be more tapered. Also a bit summery - I had intended making them in the summer! - but they have done the trick as the change in season and a growth spurt means he hasn't many clothes that fit him at the moment. The fabric is Daisy Chain by Amy Butler.

Now that the sewing machine is out and the dining room table cleared the next project is on it's way!!!

Wonderful Herbs

I've been having a bit of a herby day today. We've had a bit of a glut of herbs recently courtesy of our veggie box. So for lunch I made my favourite soup - parsley soup - which is really leek and potato soup but just before it is ready to whizz up in the liquidizer you blanch a good bunch of parsley in some boiling water for a minute and then plunge it into cold water to stop it cooking. Then add to the soup and whizz! Fantastic parsley flavour and fabulous green colour - a total hit in our house.

We've also been inundated with basil too - so I've been making some basil ice cubes. Chop up some basil and put a teaspoon of chopped basil into each cube of an ice cube tray, fill up with water and then freeze. Hey presto you've got freshly chopped basil ready and waiting whenever you need it- just add a cube or two to whatever you are cooking!