Sunday, January 17, 2016

A Homespun Holiday....

 We are not people who holiday in order to spend. 

As a wonderful consequence, we have, over the years, saved enough to buy our own house near the beach, allowing us to holiday for long periods of time when we are able. That's where I've been everyone! Thankyou for all of you who emailed me with concern for my absence. I was out of range and unable to respond, so please forgive me.

We spent long days at the beach from sunup (above) to late afternoon (below).


This is a well known and much loved beach in our region, lined with trendy cafes and lavish designer stores in it's shady streets. But we avoid those like the plague...lol!

Instead, we collect driftwood for vases in the house....


....make chutney from boxes of soft fruit to gift upon our return...similar chutneys in the trendy stores and outdoor markets would sell for up to $30 a jar...


We poach peaches with wrinkly skin (skinning them first!) in vanilla syrup, tinting them pink just for fun. I think they look like a sunset, don't you?



We thicken some of the peaches in syrup and turn them into a luscious dessert with a meringue topping...


We remember that Cauliflower au Gratin is a fab meal all by itself....


...love up our little whippet, who at nine human years old, is not getting any younger and feeling it...


... I teach my now 16 year old daughter how to make all kinds of things like Greek yoghurt, turning it into Labna by draining it in muslin...


....I love how it looks just like icecream...

 And we spend days crocheting long strands of single chain with chunky variegated yarn, turning them into lush scarves/necklaces to be embellished with rhinestone buttons on the tie holding the strands. I think they'll make beautiful gifts...


A simple, lovely, relaxing holiday.

I'm glad to be home, and back in action.


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21 comments:

  1. Oh how wonderful to holiday at the beach in your very own house, no less. Sounds divine!There is no doubt about you, you certainly know how to fill in your time with lovely activities. Love those scarves. Yes, they would make perfect gifts. Your whippet is very sweet. He looks right at home there.

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    1. Kim, it is lovely there, and so relaxing if you avoid the shopping...lol! My daughter and I always take projects to busy our hands. Last year it was crocheting flowers to use as hair clips. For many years before. it was sketching and painting, and those little canvasses are hung in the house. The paintings are fun to look back on, as they are a sort of record of my daughters growing years. Why on earth would anyone go on holiday to shop I do not know, but it does seem to be the way of things. Blessedly not for us though. We are happy to be homebodies on holidays. And yes, our little whippet is a darling. Thankyou. Mimi xxx

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  2. So pleased you had a relaxing holiday, Mimi. That looks like an interesting scarf. I haven't seen any like that before. I hope you have a wonderful 2016.

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    1. Nanna Chel, hello and Happy New Year to you! I found that scarf when Googling 'beginner crochet project' and it's surprisingly lovely for something so simple. I hope all is well for you. Love, Mimi xxx

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  3. Well done Mimi - you're enjoying the fruits of your labour!
    It's wonderful to have somewhere to escape from city life.
    Our mother/daughter relationships are so important - you're doing all the right things, teaching and building precious memories for you both.
    Happy January days
    love
    Shane xox

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    1. Thankyou Shane. You are right...the relationships are more important and part of our memories, and I suppose for many, the shopping is part of their relationship and memory creation. I'm pleased to have the skills to build other sorts of memories. An regular escape is a wonderful thing, and we are glad to have made the sacrifices to have our little beach getaway. It makes it all worthwhile. Happy 2016. Love, Mimi xxx

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  4. What a time to be alive, thanks for sharing and warm greetings!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comment. Mimi

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  5. How utterly refreshing, Mimi! So smart of you to have saved for your own slice of heaven and to be able to savor your own native treats. Welcome back, you were missed. Your whippet baby is adorable.

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    1. Hello Rita and happy 2016! I've missed all of you too. Yes, our little baby is very regal isn't he? Mimi xxx

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  6. Hi Mimi, Welcome back hon,
    So glad to hear you were having fun, and not sick or something........
    Sounds like a delightful time, and so wonderful you have your own place,
    that is awesome.

    A beach vacation is about the most relaxing vacation there is, as far, as we are concerned, and since we didn't get to go but once a year, we liked staying at the condo
    and walking on the beach and watching the sunrises and sunsets, and drinking
    coffee outside at night while listening to the sounds of the ocean.

    but our vacations are now in North Carolina in the mountains, but
    it is with our girl and her hubby, and it is even more relaxing, as my
    daughter takes such good care of us, and we have no responsibilities,
    only fun..............and we love going there.........

    Hope you are well rested............your doggie is so cute, and neat that
    you are teaching your daughter how to make things while you are there as
    well.......nice mother daughter times........

    Glad to see you post,
    Blessings, Nellie

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    1. Hello Nellie, and thankyou for your sweet concern in my absence. I would have replied but was out of range and unaware! Beach holidays are the best, but I do love a mountain getaway too. The best thing about having our own little place is being able to take our little doggie with us. He gets so sad when we have to leave him with someone else. Your daughter sounds like a sweetheart, just like you. Love, Mimi xxx

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  7. Hello Mimi and happy new year. That is wonderful that you are on a nice holiday with you family and enjoying yourselves. I love that scarf you and your daughter made!! I would love to be doing all of that too. It's so cold here but thankfully no snow yet! Take care and enjoy.
    Hugs Julie

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    1. Hi Julie and Happy New Year to you too! I just knew you'd like that scarf! In fact when I was looking for a project, I stumbled upon a blog where you had commented on a lacy crochet stitch. I had to smile! Sending you some sunbeams to warm you up. Love, Mimi xxx

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  8. What a special time. I am glad you had some great vacationing. I want to make chutney but haven't been brave. Your scarves look beautiful. Blessings.

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    1. Oh Chrissy, chutney is the easiest thing ever and add a special something to any meat, chicken or fish dish. Best of all, it's a way to use all that sad fruit other than in a dessert or cake. I'll post my recipe tomorrow. Mimi xxx

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  9. What a lovely holiday for you and your family! Growing up in Hawaii I have many fond memories of days spent at the beach.

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    1. Debbie, beach time is always restorative I find. Lucky you to have grown up in Hawaii. Love, Mimi xxx

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  10. What a wonderful and relaxing time you must have had on your holiday! It all looks so lovely and being together with those that we love most in the world.

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  11. Darling Mimi, your break sounds fantastic. Totally love the idea of cooking and crafting. So easy to spend money on nothing, I agree. You've made some wonderful things! You certainly were in a beautiful part of the world. Xx

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx