this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama

DIY Bug house

Thought we'd share how to make a great bug house on the cheap.

One wooden wine box, one piece of perspex (cut to the same size as the wine box lid) a drill and someone to collect bugs! 

So easy! And so loved by my boy who just loves a good bug! 

Manuka and Honey Infused Vodka

There are things in life you'll try along the way that are simply out of this world. You know the ones you try and automatically think 'how did I survive without this'! 

Well my friends this in one of those things! It's just too good not to share!

Manuka and Honey Infused Vodka, where have you been all my life (well adult life at least!)

You'll need to make this at least one week ahead, however it will keep for months (or not if you invite ME over!)

Place 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, 2 sprigs manuka, 10 dried cherries or 15 dried cranberries (I used cranberries in the thought that it would be doing me a 'little' good!) and peel from 1 lemon cut with a vegetable peeler (no pith) into a clean bottle.

Add 2 cups of vodka, cover and give a gentle shake. Leave to infuse to at least a week. 

Then it said to serve sparingly over ice......but, you know! I mixed mine with soda water and it was perfect.

Makes just over 750ml

Be sure to try this one in the sunny days ahead, just be sure your not planning on heading out once you've done so. 

Enjoy x

Struggle....

I struggle sometimes to get up in the morning

I struggle sometimes to forget the past

I struggle sometimes with the daily grind

I struggle sometimes to consciously breathe everyday

I struggle sometimes to keep up with the washing

I struggle sometimes so say 'I love you' to those I love 

I struggle sometimes to share my dreams with friends

I struggle sometimes to be the authentic me

I struggle sometimes to remember lost faces of those who've passed

I struggle sometimes to show patience to my children

I struggle sometimes to provide balanced meals every night

I struggle sometimes to remember my passions

I struggle sometimes to fall asleep at night

I struggle sometimes to pause and smile

I struggle sometimes to not be judgemental

I struggle sometimes.....do you? 

Winter was,

 

 

this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama

 

 

in the lunch box - lemon cookies

Well hello here, sorry it's been a while since the lunch box got a new addition but I've been just cooking up a few of the old favs as requested by the tribe here!

This week though, I have a new one for you to try. They are super yum and make use of the abundant stash of lemons I know you have in the fruit bowl!

Lemon Cookies -

1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vinegar
125g butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
grated lemon rind of 1 lemon (less if you want yours not too strong)
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix your milk and vinegar in a cup and set aside to turn sour.
Beat butter, sugar, egg and lemon rind until smooth
Sift in flour, baking powder and salt
Add sour milk and mix it all together well
Place teaspoon lots onto your lined tray roughly 5 cm apart and bake until golden (15min)

Glaze
Mix 1/2 cup icing sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth
Spread on hot cookie and leave until cold

Enjoy x

this boy

This boy is 6!
This boy will never be 5 again
This boy is full of fun and energy
This boy is full of love and warmth
This boy lights up my life
This boy knows how to test me
This boy has the best smile in the world
This boy is learning so much so fast
This boy will break some hearts someday
This boy is my darling William
We love this boy xx

Lemon Honey Syrup

 

 





Still on the topic of lemons.........this little jar of 2 ingredients has all the ability to make you feel good!

It fights sore throats, it soothes upset tummies, it warms, it comforts and it has been known to settle kids on a restless night (yes it's true!) 

Best thing is its so easy to make and makes use of all those lovely lemons in season right now. Plus it's happy to sit on the shelf all year round till you need it.

Here's what you'll need:

1 clean and sterilised jar and lid

As many lemons (small ones are best) as you think can squeeze into that jar

1 pot of Honey (I use manuka simply for its healing properties, but all are good) 

Here's what you do:

Top and tail your lemons then score the skin all the way around. This helps the lemon release its juice and infuses the honey.

Pack them into your jar and pour your honey over the top filling the jar. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the jar and that all the lemons are completely surrounded by honey. Then seal and store in a dark place. 

The honey will turn quite runny as the juice begins to infuse it. 

To use simply place a spoonful of the syrup into a mug of warm/hot water and enjoy. 

You can also use the syrup in marinades, cooking, cakes etc. Be sure to use the lemons themselves  in your drinks or cooking too. They are delicious.

Only important thing is to always ensure your lemons are covered, so as you use the syrup either take out the lemons that are now exposed (and use them) or top up again with honey! 

Hopefully the winter chills are now behind you.....sadly it is still here in full force in NZ .......but while those lemons are abundant, why not make up your own syrup ready for next winter.