SATURDAY JANUARY 5th

Time For A Little PIF

SATURDAY JANUARY 5th

I was so happy when I saw this on  a Blog. I love giving gifts as much as receiving them. So here are are the rules:

1. I will make a crafty gift for each of the first three people to comment on this post. This little gift is a surprise, and will arrive to you anytime within the next 365 days.

2. To sign up to pay it forward, you need to commit to the project yourself... so you can pay it forward too! Just post this, or something similar on your blog so others can get involved.

3. You need to have an active blog of your own...{or some other way to post up your PiF info like a flickr, pinterest, or facebook account. Basically you'll need a place to announce your own PiF and to post some pics of the process.}

4. After commenting on this post, post something similar on your blog...so you can spread the pay it forward love. I will email you asking for your mailing address {and the online address where you are posting} so I can get your little treat in the mail. {Please make sure that your email address is visible on your profile or leave it in the comment.}

A little give away

A little give away

I was given two diaries for Christmas. So i am giving one away. Just leave a comment telling me what your favorite month is and why.
Winners will be pulled out of a hat next Saturday 12th January.
Here is the Diary

New year new start

New year new start

I have decided to change my blog name. I never liked the old name and chose it quickly at someones suggestion. I have chosen the Tulip house because they are my favorite  flowers and when there in season I always have  a vase of them.
I was so excited on Christmas eve when I saw them in the supermarket and just had to have them for my Christmas table.
I finished work on Thursday night. And after a good nights sleep decided I had to take all the decorations down and give this house a good clean.

Fresh flowers really make me happy. What makes you happy?

So as you can see flowers and candles evertwhere.


I have also been doing my challenge. We have been eating out of the freezer and store cupboard, all I have had to buy is bread, milk and fresh vegetables. 

Holiday booked...

 Holiday booked...

Well just booked a little holiday for February. Mr SD is 50 so we are taking our children to Lanzarote  to celebrate in the sun.
39 days until I am sat here!

Blog review so far

Blog review so far

 2008 Makes and make overs.

2009 Makes finds and makeovers

2010

                                                        2012

 Although I have had this blog a couple of years, I got fed up with it. I am determined to post at least once a week so I can look back at what I achieve over a year.

Bargains!!

Bargains!!

Oh I love a bargain. I had a trip into Sainsburys  yesterday and all there Christmas gifts were on sale.

I wanted the tagine and the red and white jug before Christmas but refused to payfull price for them.

I got them yesterday for £5.70, Oh and the cute candle tin was £1.00. Any one who knows me knows I cat resist a candle.

We are staying in tonight. I am on the early shift in the morning, so I think I will make lamb Tagine and Mr SD and I can have a little dinner party at home!!

So I will say 

Happy New Year to all my Blogging friends

 Whatever you do this evening have a great time be merry and be safe HAPPY NEW YEAR to each and every one of you xxxxxxx

Rhubarb Wine Champagne

Rhubarb Wine  Champagne

I am going to try my hand at wine making this year. And apparently this is simple to make.

First wine of this year for me is rhubarb, as soon as there is  plentiful supply of the stuff and many people have a glut. I'll update this post as I proceed with my less than technical approach to frugal winemaking. I prefer the champagne-type sparkling fizz to the sweet or the dry, so mine doubles up as a refreshing drink for summer picnics and celebratory cheer for special occasions. Like Christmas or New Year.     SPARKLING RHUBARB WINE 1kg chopped rhubarb 1kg white sugar 1/2 cup vinegar (I used cider vinegar) 1 sliced lemon 5 litres boiling water Thoroughly clean and sterilise your bucket. Pour in the boiling water, lemons and sugar, stir to dissolve. Add the chopped rhubarb  top it, tail it and wash it, I don't peel it. Stir the contents of the bucket, cover and leave to stand in a cool, dark place.  Give the contents a stir every day for about 5 days, then strain off all the fruit through muslin or fine net before bottling in glass bottles with secure caps. This wine does get a champagne like fizz. Best to check the bottles and caps frequently. The wine is ready for drinking within a couple of weeks of bottling but if you  prefer leave it  a bit longer than that. If storing it for longer, don't forget to check the bottles & caps every so often. I wonder if you could use Frozen or tinned rhubarb?.