2013


Found these things growing in my garden yesterday...seems like I haven't been out there in ages.
Where did 2012 go?


This is one of my favourite images that I took this past year.
It didn't make the final cookbook cut, so I wanted to share it.


This one didn't make it either, but I'm not sure I even sent it to them.
I think it may have been the crazy outfit...but that is what makes 
my heart so happy about this image.  It's just real.
The garlic we grew is as tall as she is. 


A version of this bunny did make the book, but I didn't send them this version of the shot.
Persnickity judgemental bunny will always be mine.
When I see these shots, I remember the fun we had and I love my life.
Have a wonderful and safe New Year.

On The Farm Today...



Today was lovely.
The sun came out, and we went Christmas crazy with decorations outside.
Yes, I even decorated the chicken coop.


I also bought them stockings that I am calling
Christmas bock bockings.


Tell me they don't look happy about the decorations!
Or maybe it was that sun that was shining..


It was beautiful today, and I found these tiny little frosty mushrooms.


I also found the last of the kale...


...and some forgotten tomatillos.
they look like pumpkins made of lace.


I am leaving tomorrow to Toronto for a few days, so I made my girl some snacks.
Thought I would share a quick and easy recipe that isn't made of delicious chocolate this season.
Peel and slice up as many apple as you like. 
I did 8 organic gala apples.


Pour over a 1/4 cup of real maple syrup.
You can leave them plain, but 1/4 cup is not much to fret about and adds a nice flavour.
Sprinkle (or cover) with cinnamon.
We love cinnamon, so we go heavy, but it's up to you.


If you have a dehydrator, pop them in for about 5- 6 hours.
You can also bake them in an oven at 175 F for about 5-6 hours.
They are an awesome snack that curbs the sweet tooth.
I also brought in that kale and made kale chips.
Those are all gone already.


I've been slightly obsessed about what to wear to this party in Toronto.
Anthropology came to my rescue, along with some Fly London Shoes.
All this fuss seems to have worn off on my wee girl.
(these are NOT the shoes I'm wearing)

Creepy Christmas Contest...


My husband came with lots of baggage.
And by baggage, I mean boxes and boxes of home made Christmas ornaments.
His mother made all three kids ornaments every year, and to this day, still makes them for the whole family.


It's actually really sweet and I love it.


So much, that even I tried to get in on the creativity one year with this little lamb.
That was it, just the one year.


Some are over 40 years old.  


Some are new.


Some are deranged...


and...well....yeah!?!!  
Some are just plain creepy.
I didn't even see my girl hang this one, but spotted it when I was taking pictures.
Funny how if you put a festive red hat on something, it just becomes an ornament.
Do you have creepy ornaments?  

Christmas Traditions...


Happy first of December!

This is the day we bring out all the decorations, and our family traditions begin.
Tradition 1:
Spending way to much time playing with the mini deer and trees.


How can we not create dreamy little villages and snowy meadows.


Tradition 2:
Yes, our shelf elf comes out.
This elf is the next best thing to having Santa in my house doing daycare.


Tradition 3:
We go to a local tree farm and cut down our own tree.
This year we went to the red door farm in Langley.


It was like stepping into those little village we made this morning.
But without the snow.
Life imitating art, or art imitating life...


This is officially our new favourite place for a tree.
All trees, no matter what size, are 25.00.


Cheryl, the owner, has a tiny cottage that I swear was made by Santa`s elves.


Though I wasn`t allowed to shop, as the purpose today was a tree.


The extra holiday bonus, and a new tradition we started today...
grab a dozen eggs from her beautiful organically fed, free ranging chickens.
Our four girls are just wrapping up their annual molt so we are lucky to get one egg a day.
This is the next best thing!
Red Door Barn is open Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm this whole month
(but not the 23rd)
22025  26th Avenue
Langley
(no website sorry)