THE BOOK & THE BLOG

I’m writing a book about wonderful ways of living and doing that have been passed down through the generations. Traditional ideas which fit into modern life by creating experiences to share and do with family and friends. Crafts, cooking, gardening and the home – they’re all included as the skills and know-how that manage to make life a little bit better. This website follows me as I research and write ‘Things Your Mother Would Have Told You’. On here you’ll find extracts from it and be able to see how the book is evolving. Hopefully you’ll find some helpful tips. And as the heart of it lies in knowledge being passed on, I hope you will go ahead and share your own stories here too.

Featured / Leave a comment

THE BOOK & THE BLOG

I’m writing a book about wonderful ways of living and doing that have been passed down through the generations. Traditional ideas which fit into modern life by creating experiences to share and do with family and friends. Crafts, cooking, gardening and the home – they’re all included as the skills and know-how that manage to make life a little bit better. This website follows me as I research and write ‘Things Your Mother Would Have Told You’. On here you’ll find extracts from it and be able to see how the book is evolving. Hopefully you’ll find some helpful tips. And as the heart of it lies in knowledge being passed on, I hope you will go ahead and share your own stories here too.

Featured / Leave a comment
potlid7

Cop an eyeful

As I have been going around the country talking to groups of older people about things they remembered from their childhood, home remedies is usually a popular topic. One story in particular has summed up for me the spirit of ‘make do’ and of nurturing that I’ve found.

potlid7

Cop an eyeful

As I have been going around the country talking to groups of older people about things they remembered from their childhood, home remedies is usually a popular topic. One story in particular has summed up for me the spirit of ‘make do’ and of nurturing that I’ve found.

drinks-with-a-kick

COCKTAILS AND HIGHBALLS

This is where it all begins. Also sometimes where it all ends if you misjudge the kick of your cocktail. So with that in mind, do go steady and encourage your guests to sip their cocktail, as opposed to swigging it.

drinks-with-a-kick

COCKTAILS AND HIGHBALLS

This is where it all begins. Also sometimes where it all ends if you misjudge the kick of your cocktail. So with that in mind, do go steady and encourage your guests to sip their cocktail, as opposed to swigging it.

paska_braids

Paska in 10 hours flat

The paska recipe I used was made up from several different versions which I came across. I tweaked and twisted just to steer it towards what seemed like it might suit me and how I cook. A condensed attempt at the kind of process which happens over the course of years as families tailor recipes to how they prefer to cook and eat.

paska_braids

Paska in 10 hours flat

The paska recipe I used was made up from several different versions which I came across. I tweaked and twisted just to steer it towards what seemed like it might suit me and how I cook. A condensed attempt at the kind of process which happens over the course of years as families tailor recipes to how they prefer to cook and eat.

paska-cooling

Easter Paska

There’s certainly nothing wrong with Easter traditions being centred around the familiar chocolatey, eggy, chicky, bunny-y territory that we all know, love and grew up with. But when I set about researching Easter for this book I really wanted to find something to include that I hadn’t known before. Something with a history and that taps into everything that I feel about families sharing experiences and celebrating together. Discovering paska was like getting a full house at bingo.

paska-cooling

Easter Paska

There’s certainly nothing wrong with Easter traditions being centred around the familiar chocolatey, eggy, chicky, bunny-y territory that we all know, love and grew up with. But when I set about researching Easter for this book I really wanted to find something to include that I hadn’t known before. Something with a history and that taps into everything that I feel about families sharing experiences and celebrating together. Discovering paska was like getting a full house at bingo.

easter_egg_hunt

Easter Egg Traditions

All the family – as it turns out, really all – can have some fun with Easter Egg hunts and rolling.

easter_egg_hunt

Easter Egg Traditions

All the family – as it turns out, really all – can have some fun with Easter Egg hunts and rolling.

pressed_flowers

Pressing flowers

This is the ‘how’. The ‘what to do with them’ to follow.

pressed_flowers

Pressing flowers

This is the ‘how’. The ‘what to do with them’ to follow.

choc_egg

Chocolate Easter Eggs

To trump the hollow eggs you get in the shops – and have some messy fun while you are at it.

choc_egg

Chocolate Easter Eggs

To trump the hollow eggs you get in the shops – and have some messy fun while you are at it.