Wednesday 30 November 2016

Keeping Cosy

Brrrr! The weather has turned  very chilly all of a sudden and with the temperatures dropping we have been experiencing some very cold but extremely beautiful frosty days.
The daily morning walk to pre-school soon gets us warmed through, and we arrive with cheeks and noses all aglow.
Outdoors we've been wrapping up in hats and gloves, while indoors we have been cosying under my now (finally) completed sofa throw. I'm really pleased with how it has turned out, and by using just a single colour of yarn the texture of the stitches really stands out which I love.
My hand knitted woolly socks are currently my favourite thing to wear. They really make such a difference and never fail to keep my toes toasty warm. Such a comforting feeling.
Hot chocolate and a jar of marshmallows are now a permanent fixture in our kitchen for whenever we need a boost. I'm not entirely sure it's my best idea. A little bit too convenient.  Just how many marshmallows is it acceptable to eat while I'm cooking dinner? 
During the week we took a walk out to see the snow on the surrounding fells. The Wintery light we are having is spectacular and makes the views all the more impressive. Although very beautiful, the late afternoon sun was dropping and it was so cold up there, we couldn't stand still for very long. To return home to a warm house with dinner ready in the slow cooker was very pleasing.
Also this week, I finally gave in to temptation and ate my first mince pie of the season, closely followed by several more!
I'm now really looking forward to the month ahead, to relax and enjoy all the festivities.
I'm really excited now.  25 Sleeps!
J. X


38 comments:

  1. Goodness only 25 more sleeps...really?? I have a lot to do then. x

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    1. Less than that now! It's such a busy time of year. X

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  2. Coming home into the warmth of the house knowing the evening meal has been taking care of itself is a great winter feeling.

    Your blanket is beautiful, you're so right the texture really stands out. I love colour, but sometimes being more understated is just the right thing.

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    1. It's a good feeling to know it's ready and not to have to rush around preparing dinner. I just had to add dumplings. :-) X

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  3. Your sofa throw is lovely! I see that it is being put to good use, too! Nothing better than cuddling under a handmade throw, with a mug of hot cocoa!

    Your pictures of the country-side around you are beautiful. Cold, but beautiful.

    Yum! Mince pies! Have one for me, too. They are not too common in this part of the world. Here's to looking forward to the month ahead!

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    1. Thank you Bless. I'll have more than one mince pie on your behalf if you like. It really wouldn't be any trouble. X

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  4. Your throw is beautiful and I love the colour you chose. You're right, the stitches show up much better in a single colour which I like when there's a beautiful pattern to see. It's finished just in time for the cold weather. I love my hand knitted socks too, they really do keep your feet toasty warm. Beautiful photos, we've been getting some gorgeous sunsets just lately.

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    1. Thanks Jo. The stitches show up nicely and I don't have to sew in all those pesky ends. X

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  5. Your sofa throw is a real delight, like you I was impressed by the single colour showing the stitches so clearly it looks amazing. I was also impressed by your strength not eating mince pies until December I have been eating them for weeks. Hot chocolates a must for this time of the year, I love to make chocolate stirrers for them. Take care.

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    1. The trouble with mince pies is once I start they become a regular habit. It's the same with hot chocolate. Delicious though. X

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  6. What a beautiful blanket - it looks huge and snuggly. Just the job for cooler days.
    xx

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    1. Thank you Mum. It is very snuggly. I've tested it loads. :-) X

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  7. The blanket is gorgeous, both the colour and the pattern. It doesn't seem that long ago since you started it either, mind you I lose track of days very quickly so it could have been months ago!

    Had to laugh at you eating marshmallows while you cook dinner - I do exactly the same thing. Start with 'just one' and before I know if I've scoffed loads of them. Not the little ones either, the great big ones. Once I start I just can't seem to stop.

    Lovely photos of your walk. And Lily's little hand! I wish I had a tiny hand holding mine again. This month will be lovely for Lily with all the fun that goes on at pre-school. xx

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    1. Thank you Suzanne. I can't quite remember when I started the blanket but the colder weather spurred me on.
      Oh, the marshmallows. In the kitchen, in an easily opened jar! Far too easy to help myself. I believe they are so full of air they can only be good for me.
      The little hands are wonderful most of the time, up to mischief at others. Lovely to hold when out on a walk, however.
      It will be a fun time at pre-school. There's a party, a trip to see Santa and Carol singing. I just hope it's not too overwhelming for her. X

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  8. Beautiful blanket, it does look very snuggly. Marshmallows sounds good, we need to get some xx

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    1. Thanks Cheryl. Yes, you must get some. X

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  9. Your blanket looks really nice Jules, I have a bit of a problem with the marshmallows as well , I have the giant ones :-)xx

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    1. Thanks Marlene. Oh, the giant ones! we sometimes go to a café where they serve hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. Delicious! X

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  10. Many congrats on the blanket - it is absolutely beautiful and looks very warm and snuggly.

    Lovely snowy photos, I am guessing the final picture was taken at the Kirkstone Pass? Cannot place the first one (with water) - please put me out of my self-imposed-quiz-misery :)

    Please have a mincepie for me. I used to adore the little Ecklefecan pies from S'bugs but I cannot eat them anymore.

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    1. Thanks Jayne. Finally finished!
      As I said to Bless, I am more than happy to eat mince pies for anybody who is unable to eat them themselves for whatever reason. I consider it a public service. :-)
      The photograph is Ullswater from the Glenridding side. X

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  11. Your blanket is beautiful, I love that shade of blue, the stitches are very pretty indeed, I would love to be able to crochet. I love Lily's mug too, very stylish. Cumbria is so beautiful at this time of the year. My friend has been giving me weekly updates on the snow on top of Hellvelyn. Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the hot chocolate xx

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    1. Thanks Lisa. It is very beautiful at the moment. Much different to this time last year! X

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  12. I really love your new throw, it's gorgeous, and thanks for sharing the lovely frosty photos too x

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    1. Thank you. I do love a frosty photograph. X

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  13. Fortunately as a veggie-whimp marshmallows are a no-no(please don't tell me you can get vegetarian versions ...I don't need to eat them .. I REALLY don't!!) One tends to follow another and the next thing you know ... they've all been eaten up!

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    1. Oh, yes you do! Vegetarian marshmallows are widely available. X

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  14. your throw is beautiful. I love the colour.
    This is such a gorgeous time of year, with or without Christmas. It's just all that sparkle and fairy lights seem to make it a million times better! x

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    1. Thanks Sadie. It is, but so much better with some sparkle and fairy lights. X

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  15. It is blinking cold isn't it, your blanket looks divine. The perfect thing to snuggle under x

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    1. It is cold and I'm snuggling under it right now! X

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  16. Loving the look of your throw...just wish I could crochet something other than a granny square. Hand knitted socks...pure bliss...just be careful washing or you'll end up with booties like I did. x

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    1. Thanks Jackie. If you can crochet a granny square then you can easily do this. It's the same, just rows. X

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  17. Loving the blanket, such a lot of work and it shows it is perfect. Adore the last picture. Stunning

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    1. Thanks Sol. The photograph was more by luck than good planning. X

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