The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, January 31st, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and very cold. No snow as of yet, but I heard that they got some down South yesterday. Our Camelia bush by the front door is filled with buds that have already turned pink. We've had quite a mild winter so far this year.

I am thinking...
I didn't do so well at the Dr's yesterday. I went for my knees again, hoping to be able to get another cortizone shot in each, but came away confused and more than a little miffed. The Doctors in our local surgery changed frequently for some reason. In any case yesterday the Dr I saw told me that I was only entitled to have two shots in each joint for my whole lifetime, and yet the time before I had been told I was entitled to 3 per year per joint. What is the truth? Also the previous Dr had given me a prescription to have filled for the shots and I ended up with a whole bag full to bring back to the surgery myself when I went for my shot. There had to be at least 20 vials in the bag if not more. He used one and kept the rest. This Dr yesterday gave me a prescription for ONE vial and the chemist themselves will be sending it to the surgery before Friday. Sounds a bit strange to me.

I am thankful for...
We were told yesterday that they won't have to turn off our gas again. THANK GOODNESS!!! It was pretty cold in here yesterday. The works are ongoing on the street and it will probably be about 8 weeks until we can park in the drive again, but at least our house is done! ☺

From the kitchen...
Not a heck of a lot. Sometimes that is a good thing.

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I have nothing on the table at the moment, which is unsual for me. I am busy getting my lesson organized for Sunday. There were some very good suggestions given by you all last week and I am inspired. I think I've got a handle on it now!! Thanks!

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons and then I have my Presidency Meeting on Wednesday Evening and then on Friday an appointment for one shot in one knee. ( I have only had one shot in my left knee so far so am allowed to have one more. *grumble *grumble)

I am reading...



Once Upon A Time There Was You, by Elizabeth Berg

Even on their wedding day, John and Irene sensed that they were about to make a mistake. Years later, divorced, dating other people, and living in different parts of the country, they seem to have nothing in common—nothing except the most important person in each of their lives: Sadie, their spirited eighteen-year-old daughter. Feeling smothered by Irene and distanced from John, Sadie is growing more and more attached to her new boyfriend, Ron. When tragedy strikes, Irene and John come together to support the daughter they love so dearly. What takes longer is to remember how they really feel about each other. Elizabeth Berg’s immense talent shines in this unforgettable novel about the power of love, the unshakeable bonds of family, and the beauty of second chances.

As you know I am a real fan of Elizabeth Berg. I just love all of her books and this one is no exception. I am loving this one too!! I only have about 2 more chapters left to read and guess what I have lined up next?? Yep, another one by Elizabeth Berg.

I am hoping...
That this shot works well on Friday and that my left knee improves at least. I am very disappointed by this all. (Can you tell??) It's not that I loooove having shots, but the last ones improved my situation so very much. I had about 6 great months in which I had a lot more mobility and now I am back to square one again . . .

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: petitemichellelouise.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Don't you just love this????? It's like shabby chic, French country. I love the colours and I adore the lettering. I think it is just beautiful.

I am looking forward to ...
Giving my lesson on Sunday. I sure hope that the ladies get a lot out of it.

If I could change one thing it would be ...
I am going to be selfish today and say that I would make my knees all better again. I hate being selfish, but there you have it.

One of my favourite things...
Is being able to share my feelings and thoughts with you. Daft as it sounds, you are all so very real to me and I value your opinions and thoughts too. We may never have met in person for the most part, but you all feel like very close and valued friends to me.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

You meet a friend, your face brightens . . . you have struck gold.
~Kassia

a bit of a cheeky picture I know, but these gals just look like the best of friends. There is an easy camaraderie there. They just "get" each other. I have the feeling that they end each others sentences and know everything there is to know about the other . . . that they share everything . . . all their thoughts, their hopes, their dreams, their sorrows, their joy. Such a friend is a treasure beyond measure. Truly.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

“You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart unless you have one burning in your own."
~Harold B. Lee

I just love this . . . it is so true. Enthusiasm is contageous.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

Here is an oldie but a goodie from an old Pillsbury booklet that I purchased back in 1991. There's a lot of water under the bridge since then, I can tell you! This booklet is worn and tattered and torn, but remains one of my favourites. I have stolen the picture from the booklet too, because in all truth . . . Todd hates chocolate and there is no way I want to ever eat 20 servings of this all by myself. It makes a great dessert to bring to a potluck meal though, or for when you are having a large gathering at home.



*Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Raspberry Cherry Sauce*
Serves 20
Printable Recipe

Rich chocolate soufflee like bread pudding. Delicious!

For the pudding:
1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup whipping cream
2/3 cup firmly packed soft light brown sugar
5 eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups soft bread cubes

For the Sauce:
2 TBS sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
1 (16-oz) tin of pitted dark sweet cherries, drained and syrup reserved
1 (10-oz) packet of frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed, drained, and syrup reserved

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/gas mark 4. Butter a 12 by 8 inch baking dish.

Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a large saucepan. Heat over low heat until the chips are melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/3 cup of the brown sugar. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Continue to cook until slightly thickened. Add the butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth. remove from the heat and stir in the bread.

Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining brown sugar, beating at the highest speed until stiff peaks form. Fold this mixture into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Set the baking dish into a pan of hot water which comes 1/2 way up the sides of the baking dish. (I put the pan in the oven and set the baking dish into it and then add the hot water, as it is difficult to move it once it is filled and the baking dish is in it.) Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the centre is set.

To make the sauce, combine the sugar and the cornstard. Gradually stir in the reserved liquids from the fruits. Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Cool slightly, then stir in the fruit. Serve over the warm bread pudding.

Store any leftover pudding and sauce in the refrigerator.


Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Oven Hash!

Sunday this and that . . .

Source: google.com via Marie on Pinterest

Hands up if you've climbed any mountains recently!! Hmmm . . . that many of you eh? I didn't think there would be very many of you who put your hands up . . . in fact I would have been quite surprised and amazed had any of you put them up! But what if I told you I wasn't talking about rocky peaks . . . but metaphorical mountains . . . the challenges we sometimes encounter which can seem very daunting and much like mountains in our lives??? Ahhh . . . thought so. Everyone's hand is up now!

We are all mountain climbers, are we not??? I am reminded immediately of a friend of mine who never lets anything stand in her way of accomplishing anything. When the children in her village recently were in need of a playground, she totally ignored all the scoffers and set about organizing fund raisers and the like . . . rallying friends and cajoling local businesses into supporting the scheme. Amazingly within a year she had raised enough and the playground went from being a dream into a reality.

Source: faithfulnessfarm.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

There is an old adage that says . . . "Those who say something can't be done, should not interrupt those who are doing it." I say . . . "Never say never." If you stand still in life . . . you will go nowhere, accomplish nothing, and mountains will never be moved, climbed or conquered. One foot in front of the other is the way to go. You can take baby steps or you can take giant steps, but the end result will be the same. Mission accomplished.

I like to think that I am a mountain climber. If you never climb . . . you never progress, or grow. It's all a part of the refinement process!

Can you believe it? I am getting another cold! This is so annoying! I have never totally shaken the one I got in the autumn . . . it's coming back again with the tickle in my throat and cough. It just doesn't seem to want to let go. Hopefully it won't be as bad this time around!



We took ourselves off to a film at the cinema last night with some friends. We saw "The Iron Lady", starring Meryl Streep. Wow! If she doesn't win an academy award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher I will be amazed. She did a fabulous job and was most believable as Margaret Thatcher. She had the accent/voice down pat and I felt was very convincing as the character. Not having lived over here when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, I found it all very interesting. I know the film has quite mixed reviews with some saying that it ignores things that it shouldn't have and glosses over others, but if you are looking to see some brilliant acting and be entertained for a few hours, I say go for it. The four of us all really enjoyed this film. There was no swearing (that I heard in any case), no gratuitous sex or violence, except for news footage of some of the rioting/bombings/ etc. which occured during her time as PM of this great country. I came away with the opinion that she was probably one of the greatest Prime Ministers the UK has ever had, putting her right up there with Churchill . . . but that is only my opinion, you must go see it and form your own! The next movie we want to see is War Horse. That looks fabulous as well.

I have a real treat for you here this morning. You know those boxes of After Eight Mints that you get every Christmas??? This is the perfect way to use them up, just so they don’t go stale-like, you know, sitting on the counter there all alone and not being eaten or anything . . .



*Chocolate Mint Snacking Cake*
Makes 1 8-inch square cake
Printable Recipe

Over in North America you can buy these lovely little cake mixes called Snacking Cakes. They come in all sorts of flavours and are just the right size for an after school snack or a drink and gab with your neighbours on a coffee morning. This is a little snacking cake of my own. Deliciously chocolately with wonderfully melting chocolate mints on top. This one is a keeper. It comes from my old blue binder, where the page is well spattered. You just know it is good coz it’s so well loved!

¾ cup caster sugar
½ cup flour
½ cup butter, softened
1/3 cup cocoa powder (not drinking cocoa)
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
16 squares of thin chocolate after dinner mints
Icing Sugar for dusting over the top after baking

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Lightly butter and flour an 8 inch square baking tin and set aside.

Put all the cake ingredients, except for the mints and icing sugar into a bowl and beat well together on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth over.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it tests done. (a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, or when the top springs back when lightly touched) Remove from the oven and immediately, while it is still hot, place the mints on the top in rows, overlapping the points. Set aside to cool

When cool dust the top lightly with icing sugar. Cut into squares to serve.



Baking over in The English Kitchen today some delicious Chocolate Filled Peanut Butter Cookies!

A few of my favourite things . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I’m not really a person that puts much value on things, preferring instead to place my value in things that are not of this world, things seen and touched with the heart. Nevertheless there are also some things that I have that I get a great deal of pleasure out of and enjoy having around . . . like raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens . . . these are a few of my favourite things . . .

The feel of the sunlight on my face on a warm summer’s day. I love to sit out in the garden for a short, mostly in the shade, but occasionally I do get great pleasure of sitting out at the picnic table, face upturned, eyes closed, while the warmth of the sun cloaks me face in it’s passion. Have you ever noticed that it has a smell . . . I have. It’s not easy to describe though, and I don’t think I’ll try . . . try it someday for yourself and you will see what I mean.

Source: etsy.com via Marie on Pinterest

Holding a baby up on my shoulder so that it is snuggled in under my chin and close to the small of my neck . . . that has to be heaven on earth. I could sit there for hours gently rubbing the contours of its tiny back and feeling it’s warmth tucked up into me . . . until it starts to cry that is . . . when that happens it goes back to it's mum.

The feel of our Mitzie's soft furry tummy as she rolls on to her back to let me have a scratch or a rub. Along with that goes the way she lovingly glances up at me while I do it . . . all trusting and so full of pleasure and gratitude it just oozes out of her liquid brown eyes and melts my heart . . . (She is feeling ever so much better. She wasn't sick at all yesterday. Crisis averted! She is on scrambled egg or rice and chicken for a couple of days though.)

Source: projectwedding.com via Marie on Pinterest

Stepping out of a shower on a cool winter’s morning and into a huge fluffy bath towel that I have popped onto the radiator just before stepping into the shower . . . warm and cosy and enveloping . . . it is just like a welcome hug . . . (We are getting ever closer to having our shower here at our home. We have gone through all the interviews now for the Council grant and are just waiting now for final approval. Construction companies have put in their proposals, and everything is a go thus far. It will be nice to have a shower and not have to struggle in and out of the tub with my arthritis.)

Crawling into bed with my socks on, and only after I am settled, taking the socks off . . . I just love the way my feet feel. It’s a pleasure that’s really hard to describe . . . you'll just have to take my word for it.

While I’m thinking about bed . . . crawling into a freshly made bed with crisp clean sheets that have been hung out to blow in the wind all day. I snuggle right into my pillow and breathe in the freshness of the outdoors and the smell of sunshine . . .

Source: bohemianwornest.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Walking into the house and smelling freshly baked cookies or bread. Actually I just like to smell food cooking period. It’s funny . . . when you are cooking it yourself…you rarely smell it in the same way, unless you go out of the room and come back into it. I always love the smell of other’s people’s dinners cooking as I walk down the street or sit out in the garden . . . somehow it always manages to smell delicious and inviting . . . and it almost always makes me hungry . . . just like the smell of frying onions does. Oh my . . .

My good morning hug from Todd . . . I am usually up several hours before him, but when he does wake up and come down stairs, that’s always the first thing we do, give each other a big hug and cuddle and kiss. On the rare occasion we have forgotten ie. because the telephone has rung or something else has interrupted our routine, the day just seems to get off on the wrong foot for some reason . . . but, here’s the good part . . . sooner or later one of us realizes what’s been missing and we always get the hug in then . . .

Sitting in my chair, quietly listening to my favourite music, with my eyes closed. I love gospel and Christian music and I could sit and listen to it for hours. When I do, I feel closer to God and in communion with him . . . kind of in a way similar to when I am praying, and yet different . . . it’s always a good feeling . . .



Watching kittens and puppies waddle around . . . indeed watching baby anything . I think God made baby animals and birds and people cute on purpose . . . that way he knew someone would take care of them and love them. I cannot for the life of me understand how anyone can be deliberately cruel or mean to any of them . . .

Cooking . . . just cooking. I love to cook and I get a great deal of pleasure from it. It’s not so much in the eating . . . (trust me I get plenty of pleasure out of that as well…) but I don’t really even have to be the one who’s going to eat it, I just really enjoy the cooking aspect of it. To me it’s like solving a puzzle or putting together a jigsaw . . . the more complicated the better. I get a real sense of satisfaction when I have accomplished what I have set out to do, and people are happily eating it and enjoying it . . . that’s where the satisfaction comes . . . the satisfaction of a job well done . . . a feeling that can’t be beat, well almost anyways . . .

Source: Uploaded by user via Marie on Pinterest

Listening to the laughter of a child. It always swells my heart and brings a smile to my own face. Is there anything on earth more contagious or infectious? I think not! I once found this laughing baby somewhere on the internet . . . it was attached to an elastic . . . as you twirled it around with your mouse the baby laughed and laughed. You just could not sit down and do it without coming away with a smile on your own face . . . children’s laughter . . . soul medicine . . .

Sitting down at my computer every morning and putting down my thoughts and fancies for you all to read . . . and then, later on, hearing that little ping when someone leaves their comments. That’s one of my guilty pleasures, and an intrinsic part of my day . . . it’s a selfish thing really . . . but a writer has to write and the words must be read . . . I like to think it’s a win/win situation . . .

I could go on and on . . . there’s just so much I get joy and pleasure from in this life. I guess I’m really lucky . . . I love the smell of the pavement after a heavy rain, and the smell of the soil after digging in the garden, warm soft freshly baked white bread with butter melting into it’s fragrantly yeasty goodness . . . I’m just a person that loves and enjoys the small things in life, and thankfully I’ve been really blessed . . . with tons of small and simple things. Life is good.



Here is my latest offering. I created her yesterday afternoon whilst Todd and our landlord were fixing an electrical plug downstairs. (I like to stay out of the way when that kind of stuff is going on.) At any rate I think she turned out quite cute. What do you think?

Here's something else which always brings a smile to my face, but isn't something I get to eat very often. Chocolate cake!! Todd hates chocolate cake (I know he's completely bonkers!) so I only ever bake one when I know I will have the opportunity to give most of it away. Enjoy! I know I did!




*Double Chocolate Layer Cake*
makes 12 servings
Printable Recipe

Can you say "To Die For"? Repeat after me.....to die for...to die for....to die for...deliciously moist chocolate cake with a gorgeously rich and delicious chocolate ganache coating....

FOR CAKE:
3 ounces fine quality semi sweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups hot brewed coffee
3 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (well shaken)
3/4 tsp vanilla
FOR GANACHE FROSTING:
16 ounces good quality semi sweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
2 TBS caster sugar
2 TBS golden syrup (or corn syrup)
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Pre-heat the oven to 150*C/300*F. Lightly grease two nine inch layer pans. Line bottomms with parchment paper and grease the paper. Set aside.

Finely chop the chocolate and put in a bowl along with the hot coffee. Let stand, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Sift together the dry ingredients, stir in the sugar and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are thick and lemon coloured, about 5 minutes with a hand held electric mixer. Slowly beat in the oil, buttermilk, vanilla and melted chocolate mixture. Mix well. Add dry ingredients, mixing only until they are combined. Divide batter between the two prepared baking pans and bake in the centre of the oven for one hour up to one hour and ten minutes or until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Cool layers completely in pans on racks. When cold, run a knife carefully around the edges of the pans and invert onto the racks. Carefully remove the paper.

For the frosting chop the chocolate finely. Bring the cream to a boil along with the syrup and sugar, whisking until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate pieces and whisk until melted. Cut the butter into pieces and whisk in a bit at a time, until melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is of spreading consistency.

Sandwich the layers together on a plate with some of the ganache and then spread the remaining frosting over the top and around the sides of the cake. This cake keeps well, covered and chilled for 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Wonderful!



Over in The English Kitchen today, I am baking My Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chunk, Raisin & Macadamia Nut cookies!

“God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.”
~ Dieter F Uchtdorf

Friday ponderings . . .

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
- Psalm 32:8

One doesn't have to go very far to be aware of how rampant evil is in the world today. Just turn on the television and watch the news . . . or read a newspaper. It can be somewhat discouraging at times, and more than a little frightening. One might wonder just how . . . in the midst of all the evil that exists in today's world . . . just . . . how it is possible to hear God's voice I can promise you that it is there. Our Heavenly Father looks for those who still have their heart's open to Him . . . and He gives them ears to hear His voice. It is a still small voice . . . and it is a gift that is given to all who love him and who live their lives in a way that is open to His teachings . . .

I am sure that there have been many times that you have heard His voice. It is iin the promptings to go and do something special for a friend, or to pick up the telephone and call someone you have not spoken to in a long while. It is that little niggling feeling that you get, imploring you to go someplace that you've never gone before . . . or to speak to that stranger at the bus stop. It is only in retrospect that you can see the hand of God. There might have been someone in that place or at that bus stop who just needed a word of encouragment . . . or that friend of yours might have had a day when they are particularly down and needed to hear a kind voice and have a sympathetic ear to speak to.




It might actually be quite surprising to you to realize how very often these types of things occur in your life . . . but it is no mystery, and it is not co-incidence. I believe in God-incidence. We have a Heavenly Father who loves to talk with His children. He puts His divine signature on things and incidents in our lives so that we will know He is there . . . and He speaks to us in that small still voice that we can hear anytime we are willing to listen . . . What a wonderful anchor and blessing this is in an ever increasingly maddening world!

I did another fashionista yesterday. I seem to be on a bit of a run with these . . . that's ok though. I do love painting them.



Having raised three sons, I can certainly identify with the sentiment on this one! Little boys are completely different than little girls, easier in some ways, harder in others . . . I do know that there was never a dull moment in my house, no matter what!

As usual this is available as a print or as a card and would make the perfect gift for that special lady in your life who is a mother to some special little (or big) boy! Just message me to find out how you can have one in either a comment or in an e-mail. Thanks for looking!

Oh, I do love chocolate. I am afraid it is my downfall. Not just any chocolate though . . . I have expensive chocolate taste. I used to like the cheap stuff . . . but I find that I'd rather have quality these days, if I am going to indulge . . . rather than quantity. I love Green and Black's chocolate the best of all. It has a high percentage of cocoa and truly tastes lovely. My favourite are the milk chocolate bars and I have stopped buying chocolate chips altogether now, instead choosing to use it's lovely milk chocolate chopped up for all my hedonistic chocolate chip creations. Chocolate chip muffins are on the menu today. Now who can resist one of those warm from the oven with oozing sweet bits of really good milk chocolate scattered throughout along with the odd toasted pecan meat . . .

I don't think you'll find a much better version than this one.




*Chocolate Chunk Muffins*Makes 12 medium size muffins.
Printable Recipe

These delicious muffins are moist and chock full of chocolate. You can use chocolate chips if you wish, but I prefer to use really good milk chocolate that I chop into small chunks. You can also add pecans or walnuts. I don’t always and you don’t really need to, but they are pretty good with them included. If I am adding nuts, I toast them first. (10 minutes in a medium-hot oven)

2 cups plain flour
1/3 cup packed soft light brown sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2/3 cup milk
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
12 ounces milk chocolate, chopped into bits
½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped




Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Lightly grease a muffin pan or line with paper cups. Set aside.

Sift together the flour, sugars, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. In another bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, butter and vanilla.

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients all at once, stirring just to combine. It's ok if the batter is lumpy, and in fact lumpy batter makes a better muffin and they rise much higher. Fold in the chocolate chips and the nuts.

Spoon into the prepared pan, dividing the mixture equally amongst the cups. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are well risen and test done when a skewer inserted in the centre of one comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

These taste good warm or cold, and they freeze very well.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Chicken Katsu Curry!

A trip to Betws-y-coed

Imagine you are taking an overland trip through some of the most beautiful scenery you could ever see . . . and then suddenly, just when you think it can't get any better, you round the bend and there you are . . . in one of the most gorgeous Welsh Villages , nestled in a beautiful valley in Snowdonia National Park. Betwys-a-coed (and I'm not even going to try to pronounce that folks) is known to be, not only the Principle village of the park, but also the most picturesque and a popular destination for the outdoor enthusiast!

We've been enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer this past week . . . long overdue, especially after the summer that never was! On Thursday we took ourselves off to Betws-y-coed. I had long wanted to go there, having been charmed by the name, which in English apparently means "Little Chapel in the Wood."

We spent a full day there and I was charmed at every turn. This village is where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno. Stunning doesn't begin to describe the setting.



Much of the village was built during Victorian times . . . and it shows very well, with the buildings all being built of local blue stone, sandstone, and having slate rooves . . . all surrounded by dense woodlands and magnificent mountain scenes. The beauty of the area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls, hill-top lakes, river pools and ancient bridges. Ever since the Victorian artists flocked to the area and formed the first artist colony it has been a mecca for those that appreciate its unique natural beauty.



Here are some pictures of the water views I took on the day. Stunning doesn't even begin to describe what we saw. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area. Pont-y-Pair (the bridge of the cauldron), built in 1468, is buffeted by foaming water after heavy rain. A number of sign-posted walks in the surrounding countryside start near this bridge. A mile or so away is the Miner's Bridge, on the road to Capel Curig, where the miners crossed the river on a steep ladder to their work.



Of course we had to visit the village's namesake . . . the beautiful St Michael's chapel, which is indeed in the middle of the woods!



Is it not beautifully picturesque? I thought it was. In fact next to the water views, it was my favourite place I saw that day . . .



It was quite obviously still in use to this day, having been built a very long time ago . . . surrounded by beautiful trees and many very old headstones, which I found quite fascinating . . . and beautiful too.



The old railway station stands out, having been turned into a beautiful selection of eateries, shops etc. We had lunch there and then realized we could have had our lunch in an actual converted rail car . . . an experience we will save now for another time.



We did treat ourselves to a visit through the Railway Museum, with it's extensive miniature railway displays, and also a shop that sold anything you could ever want to use in a miniature railway setting, etc. Todd was very fascinated with all of the railway memorabilia and I thought the small scenes were as fascinating to take in as would be a doll's house. The attention to detail was amazing . . . most scenes looked so very real to me. I really enjoyed it!

All in all we had a fabulous day there. There is so much to see in that area, we could not possibly do it in one day! We shall have to go back for more!



I shall leave you with a little video I took of the falls down by the Pont-y-Pair Bridge and the River Llugwy. This has now gone onto our list of places to take the Grandsons next summer. I just know they will enjoy a trip on the miniature railway through the woods!

Here's a tempting little treat you can make for yourself or a loved one for Saturday morning breakfast, always assuming you have Croissants in of course!!! This is truly indulgent! Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!


(This one has Ginger Conserve in it with the chocolate)

*Chocolate and Fruit Filled Croissants*
Serves 1
Printable Recipe

These are so easy to whip up you’ll be doing them all the time. You can multiply the amounts to make as many as you want. I hate to call it a recipe, because it is and it isn’t. What I can do though, is to tell you how scrumdiddlyumptious they are !!! I think the word is moreish!

1 fresh baked butter croissant (you can find these in any good in-store bakery or local Deli)
1 bar of good quality milk chocolate (I use Green and Black’s Organic)
2 TBS of good quality fruit preserves (the one above I used Ginger conserve because ginger goes so well with chocolate, and in the one below I used Black Cherry, because, well, as you know cherries go really well with chocolate too!)
Icing Sugar for dusting


(This one has black cherry conserve in it with the chocolate)

Pre-heat your oven to 200*C/400*F. Take your croissant and split it in half. Place it on an oven tray, opened out. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and scatter them over the open croissant. Place in the oven and heat until the croissant is nicely warmed and the chocolate is all gooey and melted in the centre.

In the meantime place your fruit preserves into a small microwave able dish and place it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to heat it up. Take it out and give it a stir.
Remove the warmed Croissant from the oven and place it on a plate. Spoon the warmed preserves over and close it all up. Dust with icing sugar and serve.



In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Gingered Raspberry & Pear Cobbler!

Wednesday ponderings . . .

There's not a lot in our lives that we can control really . . . things happen to good people all the time, and to bad people too. The rain falls on the just and the unjust in equal proportion, even though it sometimes feels like we are getting far more rain than we feel we deserve!! We do have the power to control how we feel about it though . . . and how we handle it.

Most of us deal with our problems in the same way . . . we go to that "happy place" that we have designated as the place to go when the storms hit, probably back when we were children . . . That's the place we went to as a child because we learned that it helped to get us what we wanted, or it helped to make us feel better. You can call it your "Favourite bad feeling," if you like. Now as adults we still go there . . . as soon a something shows up that is troubling on our mental radars . . .



We cry or pout and shout. We sleep. We eat chocolate or go shopping . . . withdraw or slam doors . . . some clean house, some sit and stare. Some stick their heads in the sands and pretend nothing is happening. We, each of us, have our own unique way of dealing with our problems.

Truth is we don't need to do any of those things. We can choose NOT to do any of those things. Circumstances will rarely if ever change, no matter how we feel, or what we do . . . but how we deal with them can. How we feel and deal with the problems in life can change dramatically. How you feel is completely up to you, and not to anybody else.



Peace is the result of choosing to focus our minds instead on what is true, honorable, right . . . crying, pouting, shouting, eating chocolate, spending money, slamming doors, choosing to ignore . . . these things never once solved any problems, and in many cases only serve to compound them. When you choose instead to dwell on the positivity of any situation . . . an amazing peace will overtake your mind and your heart. I know this to be true.

Just my thoughts this morning.

Here's something else that I am thinking about this morning!



Are these not the two cutest little pirates you have ever seen in your life??? I know! A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!! My daughter in law us such a fun person!!!! She dressed my two grandsons (Luke on the left, Gabe on the right) up as pirates for Talk like a Pirate Day! And not only that . . . look at this!



Now you know why I love her so. She is a special gal and I call her the "Daughter of my heart." I could not have chosen anyone lovelier to be my son's wife or the mother of Gabe and Luke. You're the bestest Anne!

Speaking of pirates, I have a lovely dessert I wanted to re-share with you here this morning. This is a pirate's treasure! This is sooooo easy even the kids can make it, with your supervision of course! It started off as squares, but I thought, why not bake them in a round pan and cut them into wedges like a pie to serve.



And then I thought, why not top them with some ice cream and chocolate sauce and turn them into Sundaes!!! This one's for all the families out there that are looking for something special to do this weekend, or for a special Family Home Evening treat!



*Chocolate Chunk Sundae Delight*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

A delicious chocolate chunk cookie wedge topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Moreishly delish!!

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 cups semisweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
For the topping:
Icing Sugar
a good quality vanilla ice cream
a jar of chocolate spread
(I used Waitrose brand, it's nice and dark and fudgy)



Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Grease and flour an 8 inch cake tin with a removable bottom. Set aside.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat the vegetable oil and eggs together in a measuring jug and add all at once to the flour mixture. Beat until throughly combined. (The mixture will be very thick) Stir in the nuts and chocolate. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with your fingertips.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Then remove the sides.

Warm the chocolate spread in the microwave until spoonable. Cut the chocolate chip cake mixture into wedges and place one wedge on each plate. Dust lightly with Icing Sugar if desired and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some chocolate sauce spooned over top.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen this morning, Chili with a Difference!