Callaloo Soup

A Weekend in Lyon

We just celebrated a super long weekend in France. Both Kieran and Lucas were off from Wednesday until Sunday! We spent Wednesday at home working in the garden and doing other household projects, then headed into Lyon on Thursday to spend the weekend visiting friends.

That's Lucy in her teaching kitchen!

There were lots of good things to eat and drink. Of course.

We went to see our old friends at Parc de la Tete D'or

While wandering around the city we came upon street art,

(That sign means "Post No Bills"!)

and marching bands

While I have no regrets about moving to wider open spaces, it is always fun to revisit our old stomping grounds. Cities are so vibrant and full of energy, you can't help but be affected by the spirit of things there!

The Wednesday Window | Bird Watching

We have quite a lot of birds around here, and we have been keeping them fed throughout the winter. They've figured out that Mozaique isn't a threat, so they have the run of the place. Kieran and I enjoy watching them through the glass doors. I wonder if I will think as kindly of them once we have precious fruits and vegetables in the garden?

 

Mid-March Monday Catch-up | Already?

How is it past the middle of March already? I'm starting to get that spinning out of control feeling before the year is even one quarter over. But it does look like Spring is really here now, in this part of France anyway. and the longer and brighter days are helping.

We've started working on our garden. We have a lot more space than last year, so we will be able to grow berries, vegetables and herbs, I will get my chill out spot on the terrace, and Kieran will still have lots of space to run and play. We do need for the rain to stop falling on the weekends so that we can move ahead some more though!

How are things with you? Please do let me know in the comments below.

 

The Wednesday Window | Baking Crackers

A few weeks ago Kieran and I made some copycat Ritz crackers.  Here he is in action!

He loves baking and cooking. As soon as one of us is in the kitchen he runs to get his apron and the stool so that he can "help". The crackers came out a bit wonky, but delicious!

 

Just Call Me The Fran With The Plan {30 Days of Lists & Photo a Day}

I have a plan for March and I am going to do my damndest to stick to it. I won't bore you with the details but I have a poor track record when it comes to daily projects. But I have been doing extremely well since I started doing the Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Challenge in October last year. The key to it was making it as simple as possible. And nothing is simpler than taking a photo with my phone and sharing it, especially since I love love love Instagram.

So I hatched this plan to combine my 30 Days of Lists with the Photo a Day Challenge for March. I think this is genius, because I know that I will take the photos, and that will be my reminder to do the lists. I'm going to combine the two in one notebook.

Once I decided this was my approach, I then needed to decide how to house it all. I was going to make a new notebook, but then I saw the pile that I already had and came to my senses. I finally decided on this polka dot one I have been hoarding for a good year.

I dug through my stash of general supplies as well as some Studio Calico kits to embellish the cover.

My plan will be to do simple double page spreads with the list on one page and the photo of the day on the other. I already completed the title page

It's the Photo a Day image with this quote by Umberto Eco from The Name of the Rose.

“The list could surely go on, and there is nothing more wonderful than a list, instrument of wondrous hypotyposis.”

I loved that quote, especially after I googled hypotyposis and found out that it meant:

A vivid, picturesque description of scenes or events.

Perfect right?

I am keeping my book in a basket along with some basic supplies like stamps, ink, stickers and journaling blocks.

So I'm ready! Are you signing up for 30 Days of Lists? It starts tomorrow! How about the photo challenge? Have you ever tried it?

 

The Wednesday Window | He's Growing Up

Last week Kieran dragged (yes dragged) me out into the cold for a walk. Along the way we passed these cool wooden doors so I persuaded him to stand still for a few shots.

Be still my heart. He really does look like an almost four year old.

 

The Wednesday Window | The Bridge

I think this is Kieran's absolute favourite place in our new town. We pass here when walking home from school and go back to throw stones in the river on our days off!

 

The Wednesday Window | Chopsticks

Lucas made makis recently. Yes, homemade sushi! He did a class last year, so every so often we treat ourselves. Kieran was very focused trying to use his chopsticks; it's the second time he's tried and he actually does very well. He ended up having deconstructed makis though, some rice, and shrimp (lots of shrimp) and veggies spread on his plate.

Happy Wednesday!

My Favourite Instagram Photo This Week | Tea Time

Week 2: 18 photos taken


Tea time with cookies baked by Vernell, and a tisane with mint, lemon verbena and lemon balm from our garden.

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The Wednesday Window | It's Still Fall

Lately, it has really felt (and looked!) like winter with chilly and gloomy days, but I have many reminders that it is still Fall in these parts.