And just like that

A field of ice turns into a river

  

A winter cabin lightens up

Cross country skis makes way for a new toy

 

Branches bare shows new life

It reminds me of a one of my favourite quotes

“The only thing constant in life is change”

 François de la Rochefoucauld quotes

Thank goodness for that

how to bake a bread that doesn't stick

My husband - also known as our family chef- has fond memories of his mom baking fresh homemade bread. 

So when it comes to his time hanging out with the kids, he often resorts to baking bread with them. They have the official role as "dough tasters" 

Yesterday he discoverd two new tricks and made the best fluffiest bread to date - and for the first time -It didn't Stick!

Trick 1 : Punch down the bread and let it rize

          twice

Trick 2 : Use parchment paper to line the pans

Trick 3 : Butter the parchment paper

The pans are left squeeky clean

Mexican Art

Mexico is such a gem. 

Every time we visit I fall deeper in love with this place. The ocean turqouise, sand so soft. The people friendly. But what really struck me this time is how much they value art and the hand made. 

We were constantly surrounded by beautiful creations - carved wood, blown glass and bright colourful hand painted plates. 

Renting a car we visited Todos Santos - a tiny artist village and found these treasures to bring home

Now even oatmeal feels fancy ;)

Home day : Wooden spoon butter

  
We had a string of Home days and it felt so good. Slowing down, breathing deep, staying in our pj's till late afternoon, watching the chickadees pick at our homemade bird feeders,  making and baking the days away.

A perfect home day for me is filled with tiny doable projects - such as this one. Treating wooden spoons and boards that are cracked and dry. I followed this recipe.

It's also great for dry hands and feet. We keep it on the kitchen cupboard all winter long.
 
On Saturday we were greeted with a spring surprise - my first crocus to bloom, a little hope that a new season is just around the corner.

Black lace

The days are short,

the sun a spark

hung thin between

the dark and dark

Fat snowy footsteps

Track the floor

And parkas pile up

Near the door

The river is

a frozen place

Held still beneath

The trees' black lace

The sky is low

the wind is gray

the radiator

Purrs all day

                                                Poems by John Updike, A Child's Calender

I recently discovered this beautiful book with a poem for every month of the year

The part that struck me is how he described the trees as being black lace

Isn't it beautiful

I've always eyed these twiggy trees during winter, right before they sprout green, but could never quite describe their simple beauty. - Black Lace is definitely fitting

A while back I discovered a beautiful piece of black lace in my attic... and made these

For another neat option using a frame check out Amy's creative blog Polkadotpear  

full of great ideas!

Fresh corners - teal and yellow

With the rest of the house a mess, this little corner makes me smile

Vintage finds

Had the best time visiting garage sales yesterday. 

Those suitcases were only $4 and the best toy money could buy. My kids have been playing with them all morning, opening and closing, climbing in and climbing out. 

Taking a break to steal a few of mom's props to nibble on, then back to the suitcases they go. 

trailer

Meet our new trailer (well not exactly new, she was born in 1974) But she is new to us and cost us very little

                      

Sure she left us stranded on the highway 10 minutes after purchasing her with a blown tire and a sorry excuse for a spare tire

And yes, much has broken since (this bed is currently on the floor)

But we are happy and very hopeful, because after all with a handy husband like mine - look at what she can become

SOURCE

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For more cute ideas check out this blog bargainhoot

I can't wait to transform her, our new home away from home