Countryside Antics

There aren't many things that I love more than spending time outdoors in the countryside.

I am lucky that my parents live on an old apple farm so we have loads of space surrounding us when we head back there.

Last weekend we spend the majority of the weekend outside; clearing it the barn, burning a bonfire, lazing in the sun.

Now that the evenings are longer and the days are warmer being able to get back to the country for the weekend is a real treat.

Are you a country or city person?  What's your favourite thing about the country?

Recipe: Warming Sausage and Bean Casserole

I may have mentioned before that I don't really do recipes.  I tend to just pop stuff all in the pan and see what happens (unless I'm baking when it needs to be precise).

I fancied doing something a bit different for dinner last night and searched online for sausage casserole.  I found this brilliant 'Great Sausage Casserole' from the Hairy Bikers and popped to the shop to grab bacon and worcestershire sauce so that I made it exactly as the recipe suggested (although I didn't use the Bay leaves as not keen on the flavour).

Ooooooh it was good - those Hairy Bikers sure know what they are talking about!  Served with green beans and new potatoes this was definitely a fantastic home cooked autumn warmer.  Beats packaged food any day!

Perfect supper with Country Living and a big glass of Heritage Road Shriaz Merlot 2011.  Yumtastic!

60 Minute Hall Make Over

I felt totally inspired on Friday to do something a bit different with the house.

I think that the entrance hall is important and for the last 4 years that I've been in my house it's totally been missed.

The walls are covered in gross artex, but this would be a huge job to get rid of so I realised that there were a few little touches that would make the hall look more inviting without having to do a major re haul!

I replaced the light bulb (it's been out for over a year!), made a photo montage of wedding pics, painted the end wall pink to add a bit of warmth, added some fab pink and white paper pompoms (Martha Stewart website has a good description of how to make these), and stacked my Country Living, The Simple Things and wedding magazines in the alcove.

To finish it off my 'Christmas Cookie' Yankee Candle has been lit every day and is making the house smell glorious.