Halloweeny theme cake. Meal and awards

Hello again everyone, another month has flown by and I am catching at the wind to keep up! Earlier this year I met up with an old friend from high school who I have not seen in about 12 year! We met again on the web and have become good friends, it was her birthday recently and I decided to make her a cake........


She loves halloween, same as I do and also loves this time of year Autumn, I decided on a humours magical/halloweeny theme for her cake and I thought I would share it with you...... A witchy washing line complete with hat, dress, bloomers and her actual black cat who I call 'Kitty' as her name is way to long! ha,ha

'Bippity Boppity Boo' is of course from Cinderellas fairy godmother,


The back of the cake- Jenny is growing a few herbs at her new house and lavender is a favourite so here is her black cat sitting in the flowers.... I really loved making this cake and all the decorations as a big fan of halloween I just loved getting creative with the colours and ideas for this cake!

We went for a meal for her birthday and a few drinks after, here are a few photos..

We went to a lovely Chinese restaurant, notice how i blend in with the table cloth! ha,ha
Quite a few people...

drinks after..... It was a good night and nice to be with old friends......

Hi Everyone, I am going to begin this post with a very overdue thank you to all my wonderful blogging friends who awarded me this thoughtful award whilst I was on a blogging break.....

I was lucky enough to be awarded this sparkly award by three friends, thank you again for sharing this with me.......if you get a chance do pay a visit to these wonderful ladies..

http://reflectionsintheafternoon.blogspot.com/
http://dreamingofwildroses.blogspot.com/
http://somewhereintyme.blogspot.com/

I really do not know who to pass this on too, as in my time most of the blogs I visit already own one!

I also want to say thank you to Linda over at 'Somewhere in Time for awarding me this....Super Commenter! Its really quite fun as i used to play the frog character on the amiga 600, hes called 'Super Frog'! ha,ha I think this award is a lovely one to receive....its always nice to receive comments, just a little note to let you know someone has found something you have written of interest, I also enjoy leaving comments.........so thank you again Linda!

I award these blogs with this award:http://www.bittersweetpunkin.blogspot.com/
http://ohiofarmgirl.blogspot.com/

http://vintagetea.blogspot.com/

I hope you all have a good week, see you again very soon!

Priscilla x

Its been a while.....Nice to be back!

Hi everyone, Goodness time has flown by and what a bad blogger I have been! I really didn't intend staying away this long! I hope you are all well......... This whole year has flown actually and now we are approaching my favourite time of year again, autumn. We didn't see much summer here in the uk, but I did manage to enjoy the garden......

I had some nice results from some seeds I planted a while back, forget-me-nots, Stocks and Indian pinks..... The others planted were blown all over the garden in a gale, so I lost most of them! There were not really enough salvaged to make a huge display, these are the ones that survived....This is at my parents house, where I potted them, they began to look nice among mums lillies and Egyptian figure! so I decided to keep there there.

Its hard to tell from the photo but these Lillies are Huge! We bought them from QVC uk and they were scented beautifully, as you stepped outside you were hit with the fragrance, thats my hand trying to compare size, ha,ha

Its good to be back, I will be visiting you all very soon! I've really missed blogging and visiting......

Take care see you soon

Priscilla x

Pendle Lancashire.....

On Wednesday the 30th July I visited Pendle in Lancashire England, I have wanted to visit for many a year and we finally took the 1 hour car trip up there whilst my dad had a week off work..... Pendle is well know for its 'Pendle Witches', the accused were walked a 45 mile to Lancaster Prison to await death, the others were hung on pendle hill!

It is a lovely part of the country, so many small villages, churches, and natural beauty....... It is quite a tourist attraction for travellers, you can follow the route by group tour, or just go by car.

I found a shop on the web called 'Witches Galore' so that's where we headed for, its in a really small village called Newchurch, we took some very narrow roads to get here! It is the only shop dedicated to pendle memorabilia....
This is the view of the shop as we parked the car behind the white one and I stepped out, I really like the black witch sign above the door!
What an entrance.... I only noticed what the sign read when I came home and looked at the photos........... 'Drop In For A Spell' ha,ha
Brooms......... I saw these first as I entered the shop and grabbed one straight away, there were only three! If you click on the photo you can read the sign it says 'Flight Tested: Full M.O.T' ha,ha
Me blending in with the locals.......... That broom is huge! It is a full broom, human size, perfect for flying!


A sneak peek inside the shop..... Lots of interesting things, I preferred the Pendle memorabilia such as the mugs (to add to my collection) lapel pins magnets etc, I also got a tea towel.They also sold flying witches, books on Pendle, incense and Celtic designs.and sweets!

As we were leaving the shop someone said 'Right Priscilla you can fly your way home'........

If you were feeling adventurous you could follow this footpath up Pendle hill, I decided to take the photo instead!
Follow the Witches.....

As we were heading out through the village we spotted Pendle Hill in the distance....... We stopped for a picnic not far from here, we are still laughing about the Very narrow roads we travelled to the shop, we realised after there was another route...... but it added to our experience!

As you can see we got a good stash of goodies between us! A bag, tea towel, mugs, pens, pins, rock, postcards and even a Pendle visitor guide, as we hope to return and visit the other quaint villages that are part of Pendle history............ I hope you enjoyed your visit to 'Pendle Witch Country'

It is a fascinating tale and a town full of history, I wonder what its like at Halloween..........

See you all again soon, I will be back with the second part of my 'Mug Collection' and also some lovely blogging awards........ until then bye for now

Tea.....'How do you drink yours'? Part 1

Tea, Coffee, cocoa........... We all enjoy our favourite drinks but how do you enjoy them? Do you have a favourite cup or use the same every day? Do you keep special ones for guests........
Or are you like me and collect them?

I was tagged recently by Linda over at Somewhere In Time to talk about the cup/mugs I use, I am so pleased to be tagged with this! I have been collecting cups since I was a child, I adore them, so I am doing this post in two parts, the first are the more recent bought and used cups, I also own some quite old and musical ones so i'll show them next time.........

A lot of my cup collection started from Easter Eggs as a child........ Every year I choose a egg with a mug

I bought this last year it came with an Easter egg and is the mug I am currently using the most, just the right size! Wallace and Gromit are great and this is their new movie 'Wallace and Gromit and the Curse Of The Were-Rabbit' which is a funny film, the scenes on protecting prize winning pumpkins from pesky rabbits is just a taste of the story line.......

Another film inspired set..........Harry Potter, I bought the straight sided cup when the first film came out, BHs had a sale and I couldn't believe my luck! Then a few year later I found the second movie mug, I have looked for ones on the new movies but cant find any, I am still looking.....
Over the years my family have bought me mugs, they know I collect them and I have some very special old ones from Christmases past, which Ill show on another post..... Mum and Dad bought me this design 3 year ago............... A Thomas Kinkade painting. It came as a three mug box set, so I chose one design my mum another and my grandma the other design.From QVCuk! I don't use this mug that often, mainly when I want a special treat..... Another Easter egg mug........ Now this one is kinda odd. Do you see the small gap in the bottom of the mug? Well apparently that is to place your small two finger kit kat in the slot?! To melt so its nice to eat, the thing is the image showed you an unwrapped kit kat! I just imagine a rather melted mess, so I have to say I havnt tried it out! ha,ha Maybe ill it try with the wrapper on..... Colour change mug......... I love the colour change mugs, you can just see the smarties, It becomes very colourful when a warm drink is added, although I don't use it a lot, I have quite a few colour change mugs, and I am always worried it will stop working, so use them rarely.......
And finally another Smarties mug, this is my most recent mug and the one I am using at the moment, I think it came from Morrison's.........a very happy mug, ha,ha. So colourful!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my cup collection, I will be back soon with my older ones...... a musical Tetley Tea mug, The Pink Panther' Alka Seltzer' mug and others.......... If you would like to join in you are very welcome to, I will tag a few people on my final post, but let me know if you do join Id love to see your collection!

Thanks again for your ideas and inspiration on the stitching projects, I have started the Mill Hill Kitties and think I might make a block with that and frame the Acorn Hill.......... I am really enjoy stitching so thank you again.

Have a great week everyone see you soon

Feeling Creative....and thoughts of Autumn

I am in a cross stitching mood....... The last few week I made a return to something I enjoy doing, which I havnt done in a while.

I have been stitching a sweet little design called 'Cottage Garden' from Country Cottage Needleworks ,the photo above is how it looked about a week ago..........

Here is the progress so far...... Its been lovely enjoying the wonderful weather and lazy evenings cross stitching. I am loving this sweet gift from my friend Linda over at Somewhere in Tyme.......I think when its finished Ill make it into a hanging pillow? any other ideas I'd love to hear from you all?

Thinking ahead to Autumn......
Shopping for cross stitch is the best kind of shopping there is in my opinion!
Since I have the stitching bug really good at the mo, I have treated myself to a little something. I love Autumn, Crisp leaves, Orange Pumpkins, Halloween, I look forward to it all year, really I do! So I thought I'd start early with these two cross stitch designs, in the hopes to finish around late September (click the pics to enlarge)

The first is from Little House Needleworks - 'Acorn Hill' I just Love, love it!

The second is a Button and Bead Kit from Mill Hill - Bountiful Kitties I cant wait to start this one also! Just look what came in the kit! All those beads, and a cute Pumpkin Button, those beads made me dizzy! An amazing little bag of goodies!

Sharing the fun........

Sharing in the cross stitch love is my mum who also stitches, she picked up her projects again too, so we have been having a good old chit chat over tea and stitches! Mum is stitching a design by Thomas Kinkade - Christmas Cottage, it will be a gift for my grandma when she finishes it! Mum is hoping this Christmas, so she is busy is stitching away.......It is a beautiful design, quite large, I look forward to seeing it completed

Thinking.........

I have been thinking of what to make the finished cross stitch pieces into, I seem to get stuck on pillows! ha,ha can you tell I am not a pro at finished items? I am sure there is more to do with cross stitches than pillows so I would really love to hear your thoughts and ideas, for future projects........what do you do with yours?

See you again soon and thank you for your lovely comments on the Midsummer post, I hope you all enjoyed the magic too......... Have a good week

Priscilla x

Midsummer.......June 21st Join me in a bit of magic

Midsummer............... the longest day of the year.

I have been spending much more time outdoors recently pottering about in the garden and keeping an eye on my 'planting calender' that goes by the phases of the moon, which I have to say I noticed great results! I became aware that the 21st of June is Midsummer, the longest day of the year..........

I don't know about you but this particular night/day feels just magical! Over the years there have been many films and stories set around this time......... I suddenly felt like I wanted to join in, find a bit of magic, sprinkle fairy dust, or spot those friendly little people at the bottom of the garden!

So today through to the 24 th I am pulling out all the magic and fantasy I can find and indulging in it! Why not join me? What films or fairy stories do you love? I am going to start with a true classic favourite.......

A Midsummer Night's Dream - by William Shakespeare

This is the movie version starring Michelle Pfeiffer and I just love it. It is visually beautiful!

Here's a little fairy tale of my own......... Fairies live at the bottom of my garden, honest they do! Or they did when I was a child and still lived in my parents home, every summer down at the bottom of the garden hanging on a small branch under our apple trees, was a small, envelope sprinkled in blue glitter addressed to me! My dad told me the fairies had left me a message and so I carefully opened it to find a delicate piece of tissue paper with a hand written note from the little people.......... How special I felt to believe the fairies had written to me, I am thankful fairies were made a precious part of my childhood!

A fairy (also fay, fey, fae, faerie; collectively, wee folk, good folk, people of peace
I don't actually collect fairies but have been given a few as a gift, this is one my grandma got me for Christmas, the wings are glittered, it looks very pretty by candle light...... Its one of my favourite figures
Peter Pan......Here is another film in my collection I Will be watching over the next few days, this film made me a fan of the story. The soundtrack is also amazing, It made me watch another peter pan inspired film 'Finding Neverland', which I also recommend. If you are interested in fairies, here is a link you may like. http://www.cottingley.net/cfconten.shtml
Cottingley Fairies..........The story of two children from Yorkshire England who were believed to have photographed fairies. I recommend the film 'Fairy Tale a true story' if you would like to learn more about them. Visit the link above to see more of their fairy photos!And the final film on my magical list is Ever After, a re telling of the Cinderella tale, and another fav of mine, I hope you join me in the magic, id love to hear how you dipped your toes in fairy dust!

Puck.
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I'm an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call:
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

See you all again soon and have a magical time

Priscilla x

'The Good Old Days' Shortbread......

' The Good Old Days'......... An Edwardian Music Hall. That is the name of the production I have just taken part in, a lively show full of old songs such as Daisy Daisy, Beside the seaside, Alice Blue Gown, and many many more!
Before a production everyone gets asked to contribute to the raffle prizes, since a lot of the money raised really adds up when there are 'good' prizes (wine,chocolate) I try to come up with some different ideas, I have been trying out some recipes for Shortbread, and found one I really like, I decided to make some 'Home made shortbread from the Good old Days' and that is what I printed on the tag!
The first batch I tried the week before the production....... well I had to make sure they were just right! My family decided they were and 'hadn't I better make another batch to make sure'? They were all gone before the evening was out!

This recipe makes the most delicate not too sweet, addictive shortbread! Here is the recipe

Shortbread
250g (9oz) Plain Flour
75g (3oz) Sugar
175g (6oz) Butter

Heat oven to 160 C - 325 F Gas 3, Line a baking tray
1. Beat sugar and butter until fluffy
2. Sift small amount of flour into the butter/sugar and mix slowly by mixer or by hand until incorporated (don't over beat).
3. Keep adding flour in sections and mixing on slow until all flour is incorporated and Dough is formed
4. Knead lightly onto a floured surface.

5. Roll out and cut using cutters or shape into squares, or just take small round of dough and flatten with hands! This dough is easy to shape and looks attractive many ways!

6. Bake for around 20 Min's or until light golden around the edges
Note: Do not use margarine for this recipe, it does not turn out at all like shortbread!

If you try it let me know, I do love the taste and texture of these biscuits........

The Music Hall was a joy to take part in,I have some photos which I'll post another time, and more about the show. I even got to sing again! Alice Blue Gown....... oh yes and a young girl got my biscuits I heard, so I hope she enjoyed them.

What a week, all that baking has me searching for more recipes, all the old baking books are out again and I just love reading them before bed, does anyone else read cook books like a novel? The only trouble is I want to eat something afterwards! ha,ha
See you again soon

Priscilla x