liquid soap making and painting.

We have had a lovely day today getting slowly back into the swing of  things.
I made a meat and potatoe pie for the boys tea and Jasmin did a drawing on canvas whilst I was busy, and started to use her acrylic paints.

After lunch we decided to make some liquid soap, something I haven't done for ages, it was great fun and hardly takes any time at all. It made me realise I must get back into my home making again.  (I can see lots of visits to my amazing craft and home maker queen Bek coming up)!!

Liquid Soap (adult supervision needed for this)

Jasmin grated the soap first, then added boiling water and stirred until all the grated soap had melted, she mixed in the honey and olive oil, blended until smooth and then choose which essential oil she wanted to use, add a few drops. We chose lemon and orange.  The house smells lovely.  We made 3 bottles of liquid soap for hardly any cost.  Once cooled, put on lids and shake.

Ingredients:  bar of soap (unscented), 500mls of boiling water, tablespoon of olive oil and honey

blender, and a jug or funnel for pouring the soap into the bottles.

grating soap, remembering it is not cheese!!!

mixing the soap with the boiling water

careful not to splash

blend until smooth

keep bottle lids off until cool

finished liquid soap, just waiting for it to cool.xx

new year poem

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2014 with love from the Daly'sxxx

Our memories we take, new dreams we make

On the dawn of this New Year we awake.

Hopes, aspirations, inspirations, we wish they will all come true!

As we banish our worries into the blue.

The stars watch over us, guiding from afar.

Lighting the way, the door ajar.

Go forth and follow your dreams, over mountains and streams

Make this your time, as the clock bells chime.

Happy New Year.xxx

Friends to play and exploring collage

In between all the festivities, it has been lovely watching Jasmin carry on crafting and playing with her friends.

We spent time looking at collage and the different materials you are able to use.   We will explore this more as part of an going project in January.

One of the presents Jasmin received, was a jewellery box to decorate using gems by numbers which so far is looking lovely.

its amazing what you do first thing in a morning.

This morning has been one of those lovely times you really appreciate being at home. Jasmin helped me tidy her room.  (Yeah!!)  She spent time colouring in her Christmas cards for her friends whilst listening to Paddington Bear on Audio CD.    I had forgotten how fab audio books are!  Of course she had her obligatory warm honey milk next to her.(I managed to get the washing and dishes done whilst she was busy).

She then picked up my crochet hook and started to try to crochet by herself.  She did really well.  I managed to help a bit but my crochet skills are not good.  Something I need to work on in the new year!!

We then got ready for athletics.  I wasn't sure Jasmin would be going as she is still not on full strength but she went off with her friend Isabelle, and was really happy.


Time for me to wrap presents whilst I have an empty house!!xx

Jasmin's athletics Certificate.xx

poorly day

Today we stayed at home, Jasmin and I woke with sore throats and temperatures.

We had a mixture of snuggling on the sofa, watching Annie the Movie and playing board games.  Luckily Jasmin's new game came "Fairyoply"  It is a shorter version of monopoly and very child friendly.  Jasmin loved learning the fairies names.  On the backs of the cards it gives an introduction to each of the fairies.

 One of our other favourites snakes and ladders.

Jasmin then crafted a button sculpture and is now snuggled under a blanket on the sofa watching winx club.

Music In The Round - Stan and Mabel

This morning, we went to Music In The Round at the Octagon Centre at the University.  It was just brilliant.  The children were taken on an interactive musical journey, where they got to sing, do lots of actions and one of the best bits - the morning's performance was being recorded to put on a CD!

Stan and Mabel are a music-loving dog and cat who set off on a journey to find their flute-playing neighbour who has disappeared – only to find she has gone to judge ‘The Best Orchestra in the World’ competition and that they’ll be forming an amazing animal orchestra of their own! A brilliant introduction to classical music, the concert also features companion pieces by Wagner, Mozart and Delibes.

Chatsworth just an amazing day out.

Today we went to Chatsworth with Beth, Autumn and Evan and had an amazing time.

First, we went into the small petting area where the children held guinea pigs and fed them hay. Evan really loved the guinea pigs.  It was really sweet.

Afterwards they had a race through the tunnel into the playground where they just had a great time.  Jasmin went down the big spiral slide after seeing Autumn zoom down it.  She also persevered on the ropes which was great to see.

 The gardens are just amazing, there is always something different to see every time you go.  Jasmin, Autumn and Evan had a fab time climbing and exploring.  In one area of trees, willow had been woven in between them and it was just stunning.

Evan just going so high

Jasmin and Autumn 

amazing willow structure

 The house was decorated on the theme of Narnia and wow, the children did have an enchanting time.  Looking out for Aslan, dressing up, dancing, making tea. what more can I say.  Just go and see it if you can.xx

Jasmin going through the wardrobe

The start of the journey

Time for tea

amazing fossils

The snow queen

Aslan

The banquet table

 Thank you Bethxx