Well M's been up the ladder again, trying to pick as many apples and figs as possible before they all get blown to the ground by the wind. This grey weather is really beginning to dampen our spirits and it feels more like an Autumn half term than a summer holiday. Have we bypassed summer completely I wonder, I heard that the sun is on its way, but when? Our summer fortnight break with M got off to a good start and we were able to visit lots of places but now we're just plain old bored with this weather! To top it all my oldest now seems to be suffering from some kind of virus that's affecting her ears and throat - as I said it feels just like half-term!
As a result we've spent a few days at home and my thoughts have turned to odd jobs around the house, little painting jobs etc, moving things around, playing with objects and admiring. I applied a fresh coat of blue paint to some kitchen shelves and put a new Laura Ashley jug on them. I fell in love with this little jug, the colours are so bright and vibrant and sitting in front of the blue, it brings another one of those smiles to my face!
Back to the apples and what to do with them? I spent a few hours the other day making a lovely fig and apple jam - which turned out to be delicious, sweet and the prettiest jewel-like colour - a rosy pinkish red! Then quite by accident a couple of days later I found this book in a shop - "Apples for Jam" by Tessa Kiros.
It was meant to be and it was half-price! A book that sings colour, vitality and a love for food, Filled with wonderful recipes, gorgeous photos and memories of childhood. It is a collection of recipes passed from generation to generation, from friend to friend to be shared by everyone. Looking at this book reminds me so much of what goes on here in Blogland - the way we share our thoughts, memories, photos and recipes. The way we can dip and delve into each other's lives and, above all, enjoy what we all offer and make us forget momentarily that the sun isn't shining.
23 comments:
wooo i like your red jug! Happy reading. x
This is a very pretty, lovely visual post! The red jug is candy for the eyes--looks so good on your shelf. Your apple-fig jam looks at treat, that rosy color is splendid. It must smell good too--yum. Great book, I hope to find that one as I've heard good things about it. Sorry the sunshine is hiding again...We're having a bit of warm sun today, shall I send you some before the day's over?! ((HUGS))
I love the shade of blue you painted the back of your cupboard, and it really does make your treasures pop! So glad I found your blog. It's a very enjoyable read.
Yeay! another good book to find, your so good at hunting them out. I just have to thankyou for inspiring me to get on and have a go at making the jam and chutney. Just seeing yours gave me the right frame of mind to just have ago. Thanks sweetie.
Did you also get the new Laura Ashley cat in the post? I think I could buy it all lol best not Ben would have a fit lol
oh yes come on sun where have you gone?
Best wishes
Catherine x
I bought the book in Smiths a few months ago and it was half price, I grabbed it off the shelf quickly as it was the only one left!
Lovely photos as always.
I am so jealous that you have all those lovely homegrown apples! What are you going to do with them? Is that a Laura Ashley jug? I have not been in a Laura Ashley shop in ages. That is so pretty.
I am sorry to hear one of your children is sick. I hope things will be well soon!
I saw that book at the bookstore and it was the little red shoes that caught me eye! I did not buy it or look at the contents because I thought ~naw...you can't buy just because you like the red shoes...~ I think I'll go back now and buy it on your recommendation! Lovely images!
hugs NG
That is a really wonderful book, isn't it? I haven't cooked much from it yet, but the pictures and writing are just ace.
And I'm sorry, I feel like a muppet for not letting you know about the awards - doh! I did mean to leave a comment and tell you but somehow with the excitement of posting again I just ... didn't :-(
Fab pictures, I've got one of the cooks measures and a blue and white jug too, they're very nostalgic pieces and remind me of my Great Aunt's pantry when I was growing up.
The book is in my shopping basket at Amazon, I've got so many in there now I might have to put them on my Christmas list!
That blue is gorgeous, just the shade to brighten this dreary summer (although for once it was beautiful up here today so we had a lovely trip to the farm - thank you!)
Hope it perks up soon and that virus doesn't hang around too long.
Stephx
Just spent a glorious few minutes catching up on all your posts. Love the jug against the shelf, what colour paint have you used?
The sun came out here today, what a welcome sight, everybody seemed to cheer up, we even managed a trip to the open air lido. Hopefully it'll reach you tomorrow.
Julia x
Gorgeous jug and it looks great with the blue background,I would love a copy of that book,you give great tips,I hope your daughter soon feels better,I miss the sun but I love the Autumn,pumpkins and crisp mornings and snuggling up in front of the fire.......
Lovely inspiring post,
Kat x
Can't believe I had a whole week's-worth of posts to catch up on. I usually check to see how you are every couple of days. It's obviously been a busy week for me!!!!
Love all your photos, the apples, the chutney, the chair and bag and your train journey. It's so nice at the end of a stay-at-home holiday to tot up all the things you've done as a family, isn't it, and to appreciate the time to enjoy your home.
Sue x
I love your cooks measure! And the paint on your cupboard looks even better!
Hi Kim,
We should be having Summer this weekend - or so I understand!
Love the retro jug in front of the blue - I have just finished reorganising some blue shelves in my kitchen - they were filled with a blue 50s pottery and I've done some much-needed weeding and added in a pretty 30s tea service - think it will be an upcoming blog post!
Hope the virus clears up soon - and that you all have a lovely BH weekend!
Clare x
The jug is beautiful!!! I'm supposed to be on a budget but I may find myself wandering down to Laura Ashley in Richmond tomorrow! I deserve a treat!!!
I love the blue shelves, I love the red jug, and I love what you wrote. Lovely pictures and words. The cookbook cover is so appealing.
If it is like blogland it has to be good! I will certainly share some sunshine with you...I'd give anything for some rain and cooler temps!
Another lovely post!
Our skys have been gray as well here in the US. Odd that there's been so much rain. BUT I think I'll put a swatch of fabric on my own jam cap tonight so that in the a.m. there'll be something pretty to greet me. =) Blessings... Polly
Lots of pretty pictures, the book looks good, I must see if I can find a copy. Hope your weather has improved, it's been lovely up here while you've had rain. My DH was down for the cricket earlier this week and spent two days at the Oval and then Colchester without seeing a single ball bowled. I think he was pretty ticked off when he rang and I trilled on about how great the weather was:)
The red and white pitcher looks pretty with the blue backdrop. I love the blue and white little pouring pitcher and the blue and white plate. The jam looks delicious and what a wonderful book you have now!
Love all the pretty pictures on your blog! My first visit, I will be back :)
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