Tuesday 5 January 2010

Just A Few Snowy Pics!

Just had a bit of a play outside today with the camera - its so unusual for us to get any snow here, I thought I should capture the moment!
So here's a few pic's for you.
I don't really like the cold wet stuff, I had plenty of it as a child, but even I have to admit that when it first lays - it is quite sparkly and magical!


Front of our little cottage, even the lane looks white - not much traffic today!


Remember the little fir tree I replanted - it looks as though its been dusted with icing sugar!


And the magical 'Fairy Princess' chair in the garden!


No need to water today!



Just look at the fresh green underneath all that chilly snow!




The last of summer!





I liked the colours of the bark against the white, white backdrop of the world.



Uncas - a happy dog usually, he's part Husky (but I don't think anyone has ever told him!) - not too keen to go out in the cold stuff!


And the chickens! doing sterling work - still laying, only two eggs today, but a wonderful treat. I thought the cold and dark would have knocked them off laying. Mind you they are snug and warm in their little hut. What with hot mash for lunch, grain, layers pellets, fresh veggies and the odd bit of Chinese food to tempt them they have a cushy life! They looked at me in disgust yesterday - their drinking water had frozen over, so they had to have fresh, slightly warmed water to refresh them!
They are all tucked up in their little hut now, I can see them through their window looking out at the white world - I wonder what they are thinking!
Thrifty Snippets!
Washing Soda - wonderful cleaning power!
I have been using Washing Soda in my washing machine for a few months now, it works just as well a all the fancy laundry detergents, at a fraction of the price - 48p a bag I think I paid for the last bag.


I keep it in this old tin (so it doesn't go damp) - I put 3-4 tablespoons in the powder section of the washer, I use cheapo laundry conditioner, just to give the clothes that extra nice smell really. Just a drop - half a cap full of the conditioner, and wash at a lowish temperature for colours - 40 degrees, and it works just fine.
Whites I do wash at a higher temp, but colours - we we don't really get clothes that 'dirty' do we - its not like we work down the pit! Its more just freshening them and getting the odd baked bean juice out of the t shirt!
Well if it was good enough for our Grandmothers - an all that!
And the washing soda is is inexpensive - give it a go, you've nothing to lose, just buy the odd bag. I think even Tesco sell it, not that I use tecsco much, Wilkinsons sell it too, and most hardwear-y kinds of shops - Stermat is our local.
It can be used for all kinds of cleaning, I use it for just about everything - there will be loads of advice on the net - just Google it!
xx That's it for now -stay safe in this icy wet stuff! xx








9 comments:

  1. It's beautiful!

    I read one of the UK newspapers online this morning, and it was forecasting up to 16" of snow over the next few days - bundle up and stay warm, my friend :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loving your trifty ideas! I am definately going to try this one as I think washing powder is really expensive!

    Vanessa x

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your photos!
    And I will definitely try your thrifty idea !
    Keep warm!
    ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are right, the snow does look lovely when fresh but I don't like it when it goes slushy!
    Love
    Lyn
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just stumbled across your blog, its great! :) your cottage looks so pretty in the snow.
    Loving the thrifty tip too, will have to give that a go, want to be more thrifty this year!

    Squirmy x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello, found you via Vanessa. Love your thrifty ideas, I going to try out the washing powder. I think washing powder is really over priced & use the economy one anyway but this is even cheaper...yippee!!
    I'll be popping back for more ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The thrifty tip is a great idea. Love the photo's. We are thinking of getting some chickens - do you have any useful tips?
    x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful photos. Your cottage looks very apealing on this very cold snowy day.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your snowy pictures - must be getting all of ours too. Just a bit here. And I'm with you on the washing soda thing.

    ReplyDelete

I do so like to read your thoughts and my blogg-y doings ... Thankyou for leaving a comment.